Group 1 - The Carillon Scout Mid Cap Fund's second quarter 2025 investor letter indicates that the Russell Midcap Index experienced positive returns despite a sell-off in early April due to tariff announcements, with delays in tariff collection allowing for better negotiations among trading partners [1] - Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. (NASDAQ:COKE) was highlighted as a key stock, showing a one-month return of 6.71% but a 52-week loss of 4.78%, with a market capitalization of $10.65 billion as of September 09, 2025 [2] - The fund noted that Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. is one of the largest bottlers in the U.S., facing challenges from higher costs but expecting earnings improvement due to strong brand performance [3] Group 2 - Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. was held by 37 hedge fund portfolios at the end of the second quarter, an increase from 22 in the previous quarter, indicating growing interest among institutional investors [4] - The analysis suggests that while Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. has investment potential, certain AI stocks may offer greater upside with less risk, reflecting a shift in investment focus [4]

Group 1 - International Flavors & Fragrances Inc. (NYSE:IFF) is considered an undervalued stock with a wide economic moat, attracting significant investment interest, as evidenced by FORA Capital LLC increasing its stake by 526.4% in Q1, acquiring 18,445 shares for a total of 21,949 shares valued at $1,703,000 [1] - Despite facing balance sheet challenges, the core business of IFF is strong, with management anticipating 2025 as a transition year and expecting meaningful results by 2026, which could be pivotal for the company [2] - The company is focused on enhancing its commercial and R&D pipelines while expanding profit margins, with CEO Jon Erik Fyrwald emphasizing a clear strategy and commitment to innovation and productivity to strengthen the company for 2026 and beyond [3] Group 2 - International Flavors & Fragrances operates in four segments: Nourish, Health & Biosciences, Scent, and Pharma Solutions, and has been in operation since 1909, headquartered in New York [3]

American Public Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:APEI) is among the best education stocks to buy right now. According to the latest Form 13F filing with the SEC, 4D Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in American Public Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:APEI), making the stock its 20th largest holding. With the addition of 135,000 shares, the investment firm now owns about 0.75% of the company. If we look at the company’s performance, it has been nothing short of stellar. American Public Education, Inc. (NASDAQ:APEI) delivered ...

Group 1 - Stride, Inc. (NYSE:LRN) is currently considered one of the best education stocks to buy, with Magnetar Financial LLC acquiring a new stake valued at $266,000 after purchasing 2,101 shares [1] - The company is expected to achieve its FY2028 targets as early as FY2026, indicating strong momentum and significant benefits from scale, including earnings surge and robust operating leverage [2] - Stride, Inc. has seen strong initial enrollment for the fall season, contributing to a solid outlook for 2026, while management reports record demand for its products and services [3] Group 2 - Stride, Inc. offers proprietary and third-party online curriculum, software systems, and educational services, serving a diverse clientele including public and private schools, school districts, consumers, and government agencies [3]

Core Insights - Avidity Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:RNA) is highlighted as a top stock to buy for the next three months according to hedge funds, with a reiterated Buy rating and a price target of $96 from Cantor Fitzgerald [1][2] Business Updates - The company reported significant progress in three late-stage neuromuscular programs targeting Duchenne muscular dystrophy, myotonic dystrophy type 1, and facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy [2][3] - The FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation for Delpacibart Zotadirsen, with plans to submit a Biologics License Application for del-zota by the end of 2025 [3] Financial Performance - Avidity Biosciences, Inc. achieved an 88.12% increase in collaboration revenue, reaching $3.85 billion, surpassing consensus estimates by $2.24 million [4]

Core Viewpoint - Victoria's Secret & Co. is experiencing a positive turnaround, with analysts raising price targets following strong Q2 FY2025 earnings that exceeded expectations [2][3]. Financial Performance - Victoria's Secret reported Q2 revenue of $1.46 billion, surpassing analyst consensus by $52.92 million [2]. - Net sales increased by 3% year-over-year, with comparable sales growing by 4% [2]. - The company raised its FY2025 net sales outlook to between $6.33 billion and $6.41 billion, up from previous guidance of $6.20 billion to $6.30 billion [3]. International Sales and Brand Performance - International sales grew by 22% year-over-year, highlighting the strength of global partnerships and brand relevance [3]. - The launch of the Body by Victoria Collection resulted in double-digit new customer growth and increased engagement [3]. Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - UBS raised the price target on Victoria's Secret from $21 to $25 while maintaining a Neutral rating [1][3]. - Barclays also increased its price target from $23 to $27, keeping a Buy rating due to strong growth in Q2 [3]. - The average price target among analysts is $23, indicating a potential downside of approximately 12.38% from current levels [4].

Core Viewpoint - QuidelOrtho Corporation (NASDAQ:QDEL) is recognized as one of the best small-cap stocks to buy, with RBC Capital raising its price target from $60 to $62 while maintaining a Buy rating [1][3]. Financial Performance and Strategy - QuidelOrtho has successfully completed a series of transactions to refinance its debt structure, extending debt maturities and reducing required amortization payments, which enhances financial flexibility [2][3]. - The company prioritizes reducing total debt and net debt leverage, improving debt covenant terms, and enhancing cash flow to support future growth [3]. Market Growth and Opportunities - The company has experienced significant growth in international markets during Q2 FY2025, particularly in Latin America, Japan, Asia Pacific, and EMEA regions [4]. - QuidelOrtho is focusing on its molecular strategy, including the acquisition of LEX Diagnostics, which is expected to enhance its growth potential [4]. Analyst Insights - As of September 5, the average price target for QuidelOrtho is $37.50, indicating an upside potential of approximately 30.75% from current levels [5]. - QuidelOrtho operates in various segments, including Labs, Transfusion Medicine, Point of Care, and Molecular Diagnostics [5].

Group 1 - Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET) is recognized as a premier natural gas play with strong underlying value, despite its stock price remaining stagnant around $17 [1] - The company operates extensive energy infrastructure, including nearly 107,000 miles of pipeline, 235 billion cubic feet of storage capacity, and over 70 natural gas processing and treatment facilities [1] - Energy Transfer LP provides a range of services including natural gas gathering, compression, treating, storage, transportation, and marketing [1] Group 2 - The potential of Energy Transfer LP as an investment is acknowledged, but certain AI stocks are believed to offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk [2]

Company Overview - Lululemon Athletica Inc. (NASDAQ:LULU) designs and sells athletic apparel, footwear, and accessories for both men and women, focusing on yoga, running, training, and lifestyle wear [2]. Recent Developments - The stock price of Lululemon dropped over 18% recently, primarily due to a lawsuit the company filed against Costco last June for allegedly selling nearly identical knockoff products [1]. Market Perception - Despite Lululemon being recognized as a special company with unique products, there is a common perception that its products are very expensive, which may affect consumer sentiment and sales [1]. Investment Considerations - While Lululemon shows potential as an investment, there are opinions suggesting that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk [3].

Company Overview - Casey's General Stores, Inc. operates 2,900 convenience stores across 20 states, offering prepared foods, beverages, snacks, household goods, motor fuel, lottery, prepaid cards, and car wash services [1][2] - The company supports its retail network through company-run distribution centers [2] Financial Performance - For Q1 2026, Casey's reported an EPS of $5.77, exceeding estimates by $0.74 [2] - Revenue increased by 11.5% year-over-year, reaching $4.57 billion, which surpassed forecasts by $100 million [2] Market Position - The company is recognized for its strong presence in smaller towns, which contributes to its competitive advantage in the retail sector [1]