Core Insights - The Conservative Income Portfolio focuses on value stocks with high margins of safety and utilizes well-priced options to reduce volatility [1] - The Enhanced Equity Income Solutions Portfolio aims to generate yields of 7-9% while minimizing volatility [1] Investment Strategies - The Conservative Income Portfolio is managed by a team with over 40 years of combined experience, emphasizing capital preservation and income generation [2] - The portfolio includes two income-generating strategies and a bond ladder, with a focus on lower volatility through Covered Calls and high-income potential securities [2] Performance Metrics - Performance is benchmarked against a 60:40 portfolio, indicating a structured approach to measuring investment success [1]

Core Company Insights - CoreWeave (CRWV) is currently trading at approximately $70, which indicates that the share price has nearly halved since its peak levels in Autumn 2025 [1] - The company has been under bullish coverage, suggesting a positive outlook despite the recent decline in share price [1] Analyst Background - The analyst has a decade of experience at a Big 4 audit firm, focusing on banking, mining, and energy sectors, providing a strong foundation in finance and strategy [1] - Currently, the analyst serves as the Head of Finance for a leading retail real estate owner and operator, overseeing complex financial operations and strategy [1] - The analyst has been an active investor in the U.S. stock market for 13 years, with a portfolio that reflects a balanced approach, emphasizing value stocks while maintaining exposure to growth opportunities [1] Investment Philosophy - The investment philosophy is based on thorough research and a long-term perspective, which has been effective in navigating various market cycles [1] - The aim is to uncover promising under-the-radar stocks that may not yet be recognized by the broader market [1]

Core Viewpoint - Vanguard identifies value stocks and non-US developed market stocks as the top equity investments for the next five to ten years, moving away from the high-flying tech sector that has dominated recent market performance [1][2]. Investment Outlook - Vanguard's 2026 outlook report predicts US value stocks will yield an annual return of 7% over the next decade, while non-US developed market stocks are expected to return 6% per year [2]. - Non-US developed market stocks, which include countries like the UK, Japan, and Germany, have significantly outperformed US stocks, with a 30.3% increase in the Vanguard Tax Managed Fund FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) compared to a 15% gain in the S&P 500 [6]. Sector Analysis - The report suggests that value-oriented sectors such as industrials, financials, and select consumer segments are better positioned to benefit from AI adoption, potentially leading to efficiency gains and earnings growth [4]. - Vanguard notes that both value stocks and non-US developed market stocks have not fully priced in the long-term benefits of AI, making them attractive investments [4]. Market Trends - A rotation towards value and non-US stocks is currently observed, with the Vanguard S&P 500 Value ETF (VOOV) and VEA increasing by 2.7% and 1.6% respectively, while the Vanguard Information Technology Index Fund ETF (VGT) has decreased by 1.4% [5]. - Vanguard acknowledges the ongoing AI investment cycle is only 30%-40% towards its peak, indicating potential risks for tech stocks amid growing competition and capital expenditure pressures [6][7]. Investment Vehicles - For investors interested in US value stocks and non-US developed market stocks, recommended funds include the iShares Core S&P US Value ETF (IUSV) and the Schwab International Equity ETF (SCHF), in addition to Vanguard's offerings [8].

Core Insights - Two stocks with strong value characteristics and buy rankings are highlighted for investors: Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. and F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. [1][2] Company Summaries - **Bread Financial Holdings, Inc. (BFH)**: - A tech-forward financial services company providing payment and lending solutions - Carries a Zacks Rank 1 - Current year earnings estimate has increased by 22.2% over the last 60 days - Price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) is 7.30, significantly lower than the industry average of 12.30 - Possesses a Value Score of A [1][2] - **F&G Annuities & Life, Inc. (FG)**: - Focuses on fixed annuities and life insurance products - Also carries a Zacks Rank 1 - Current year earnings estimate has increased by 15% over the last 60 days - Price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) is 8.40, compared to the industry average of 11.10 - Possesses a Value Score of A [2]

Core Viewpoint - Investors are encouraged to consider Coca-Cola and Campbell's as dividend-paying value stocks, each offering unique advantages for passive income generation [1][2]. Group 1: Coca-Cola (KO) - Coca-Cola is recognized for its consistent performance and reliable dividend, yielding 2.9% [2][8]. - The company anticipates a 3% increase in non-GAAP earnings per share (EPS) and 5% to 6% organic revenue growth for the current fiscal year, with an 8% forecast for non-GAAP currency-neutral EPS growth [7][8]. - Coca-Cola's market capitalization stands at $305 billion, with a current stock price of $70.97 and a reasonable valuation at 23.7 times its projected $2.97 in non-GAAP fiscal 2025 EPS [9][10]. Group 2: Campbell's (CPB) - Campbell's stock is currently undervalued, with a dividend yield of 5.4%, despite facing challenges from inflation and consumer resistance to price increases [11][14]. - The company is focusing on health and wellness trends, with successful brands like Rao's Italian sauces demonstrating growth potential even at premium prices [12][14]. - Campbell's market capitalization is $8.4 billion, with a current stock price of $28.27, trading at just 11.5 times the midpoint of its full-year fiscal 2026 EPS guidance [13][15]. Group 3: Investment Strategy - A balanced investment strategy involving a 50/50 split between Coca-Cola and Campbell's could yield a combined dividend rate of 4.2%, appealing for passive income [16][17]. - Coca-Cola is characterized by its strong supply chain and marketing, while Campbell's offers a higher yield and potential for recovery due to its diverse brand portfolio [16][18].

With the stock markets reeling somewhat as the AI trade shows signs of weakness, it's a great time for investors to focus on rotating our portfolios to value stocks. Tech and high multiples don't always have to coincide. InWith combined experience of covering technology companies on Wall Street and working in Silicon Valley, and serving as an outside adviser to several seed-round startups, Gary Alexander has exposure to many of the themes shaping the industry today. He has been a regular contributor on Seek ...

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Federal Reserve Actions - The Federal Reserve has cut interest rates and restarted quantitative easing, with the Atlanta Fed GDP at 3.5%, indicating good growth [2] - The fiscal deficit is projected at $1.8 trillion, approximately 6% of GDP, complicating fiscal policy decisions for the current administration [3] Investment Opportunities - There is a significant capital expenditure forecast for AI, estimated at $1.2 trillion for 2025 and 2026, which is expected to inject substantial liquidity into the economy [2] - Hard assets such as gold, silver, and commodities are anticipated to benefit from the current economic setup [4] Stock Market Dynamics - A large amount of cash, approximately $8 trillion, is currently held in money market accounts, which may shift into stocks as interest rates decline [5] - Value stocks are expected to perform well in a regime of higher rates and sticky inflation [6] Market Concentration Risks - The top two stocks in the S&P 500, Nvidia and Microsoft, now account for nearly 15% of the index, raising concerns about market concentration and fiduciary responsibilities [6][7] - Nvidia and Microsoft are trading at high valuations, with Nvidia at 23 times sales and Microsoft at close to 14 times sales, indicating potential overvaluation risks [8] Infrastructure and Energy Sector - There is a call to focus on the underlying infrastructure supporting AI, such as natural gas, copper, coal, and power grid stocks, rather than just the high-profile tech names [9] - Concerns about the aging power grid and infrastructure could lead to significant challenges for companies like Nvidia, with predictions of a potential 50% decline in its stock price due to these issues [10][11]

Group 1 - Broadcom's stock fell 8.4% after the company warned of reduced future margins on AI system sales, despite projecting strong quarterly revenue, raising concerns about the profitability of AI investments [1][10] - Other chip stocks, including Advanced Micro Devices, experienced a decline of 1%, while a broader chips index fell by 1.5% following Oracle's weak forecast [2][10] - Nvidia's stock increased by 0.3% as the company is considering raising H200 chip production to meet strong demand from China [11] Group 2 - The S&P 500, Dow, and Russell 2000 closed at record highs, supported by a less hawkish outlook from the Federal Reserve and a reduction in borrowing costs [5][11] - A shift towards value stocks is evident, with the Russell 2000 outperforming the S&P 500 as investors move away from AI-driven growth stocks to sectors like healthcare [6][11] - Lululemon Athletica's stock surged by 12% after the company raised its annual profit forecast and announced the departure of CEO Calvin McDonald [11] Group 3 - Cannabis companies saw significant stock increases, with Canopy Growth rising by 23% and Tilray Brands climbing by 30% following reports of potential easing of marijuana restrictions by President Trump [9][11] - Advancing issues outnumbered decliners on both the NYSE and Nasdaq, indicating a positive market sentiment [9][11] - The S&P 500 recorded 24 new 52-week highs and one new low, while the Nasdaq Composite noted 66 new highs and 37 new lows, reflecting a mixed performance in the market [9][11]

Core Viewpoint - The State Street SPDR S&P Dividend ETF (SDY) is a significant player in the Large Cap Value segment of the US equity market, with over $20.21 billion in assets, making it one of the largest ETFs in this category [1]. Group 1: Large Cap Value Overview - Large cap companies are defined as those with a market capitalization above $10 billion, offering more stability and predictable cash flows compared to mid and small cap companies [2]. - Value stocks, characterized by lower price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, have historically outperformed growth stocks in most markets, although they may lag in strong bull markets [3]. Group 2: Costs and Performance - The annual operating expenses for SDY are 0.35%, which is competitive within its peer group, and it has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 2.58% [4]. - SDY aims to replicate the performance of the S&P High Yield Dividend Aristocrats Index, which includes companies that have consistently increased dividends for at least 20 consecutive years [7]. - The ETF has achieved a gain of approximately 9.01% year-to-date and 4.3% over the past year, with a trading range between $121.58 and $142.97 in the last 52 weeks [8]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF has a significant allocation to the Industrials sector, comprising about 19.6% of the portfolio, followed by Consumer Staples and Utilities [5]. - Verizon Communications Inc (VZ) is the largest individual holding at approximately 2.51% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for about 18.84% of total assets under management [6]. Group 4: Alternatives and Market Position - SDY holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating a sufficient option for investors seeking exposure to the Large Cap Value segment [10]. - Alternatives such as the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and the Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) are also available, with SCHD having $71.54 billion in assets and VTV at $157.75 billion, both offering lower expense ratios [11]. Group 5: Investor Trends - There is a growing trend among retail and institutional investors towards passively managed ETFs due to their low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making them suitable for long-term investment strategies [12].