Core Insights - Ave Maria Growth Focused Fund reported a return of 6.22% in Q3 2025, underperforming the S&P 500 Index's return of 8.12% and the S&P MidCap 400® Growth Index's return of 5.59% [1] Company Overview - TIC Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:TIC), formerly known as Acuren Corporation, is a provider of asset integrity services and rebranded in October 2025 [2] - As of January 6, 2026, TIC Solutions, Inc. stock closed at $10.51 per share, with a one-month return of 5.00% and a 52-week loss of 12.32% [2] - TIC Solutions, Inc. has a market capitalization of $2.325 billion [2] Investment Position - The Fund initiated a position in TIC Solutions, Inc., which is governed by the same team overseeing the Fund's largest holding, APi Group Corporation [3] - TIC Solutions recently acquired NV5 Global, enhancing its capabilities in non-destructive testing and engineering [3] - The company is expected to experience stable revenue growth, benefiting from industry trends related to aging infrastructure and generating ample free cash flow for further acquisitions [3] Hedge Fund Interest - TIC Solutions, Inc. was held by 40 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q3 2025, a significant increase from 15 in the previous quarter [4] - The company reported revenue of $473.9 million in Q3 2025, indicating substantial year-over-year growth [4]

Group 1: Fund Performance - Ave Maria Growth Fund returned 0.84% in Q3 2025, underperforming the S&P 500 Index which returned 8.12% and the S&P 500® Equal Weight Index which gained 4.84% [1] - The fund's investor letter provides insights into its top 5 holdings for 2025 [1] Group 2: Entegris, Inc. Overview - Entegris, Inc. (NASDAQ:ENTG) is a specialty chemical company that provides consumables for semiconductor manufacturing, making it difficult for customers to switch to competitors [3] - The company reported sales of $807 million for Q3 2025, which was flat year-over-year and up 2% sequentially [4] - Entegris's stock closed at $99.56 per share on January 6, 2026, with a market capitalization of $15.093 billion [2] Group 3: Investment Insights - Ave Maria Growth Fund initiated new positions in Entegris, Shift4 Payments, and Tower Semiconductor, highlighting the growing demand for advanced chips and the potential rebound in demand for less advanced chips as drivers for Entegris's growth [3] - Despite the potential of Entegris as an investment, some analysts believe that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk [4]

Group 1 - Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) is recognized as one of the "Dividend Kings," having increased its dividends for 63 consecutive years, which provides stability in an uncertain economy [3] - The company is focusing on everyday essentials, aiming to protect its market position through increased investment in research and innovation, enhanced marketing for core brands, and quicker responses to changing consumer preferences [3] - JPMorgan has raised its price target for Colgate-Palmolive to $88 from $87, maintaining an Overweight rating, with expectations of improved results as headwinds from 2025 are expected to ease [2] Group 2 - Colgate-Palmolive is managing higher raw material costs by implementing price increases, tighter revenue management, and improving operational efficiency [4] - The company has potential upside from its pet nutrition business, Hill's, which could benefit from the sustained demand for pet products following a surge in pet adoption during the pandemic [4] - The outlook for beverages, household, and personal care sectors remains challenging, but there is optimism for consumption and margins due to lower tariffs and favorable currency movements for multinational companies [2]

Core Viewpoint - American Century Investments Small Cap Value Fund reported a strong performance in the third quarter of 2025, with equities rising and the US Federal Reserve reducing interest rates for the first time this year [1] Fund Performance - The investor class of the fund returned 4.69% in the third quarter, while the Russell 2000 Value Index returned 12.60% [1] Company Focus: Bath & Body Works, Inc. - Bath & Body Works, Inc. (NYSE:BBWI) was highlighted as a key investment, with a one-month return of 5.55% but a significant decline of 43.26% over the last 52 weeks [2] - As of January 2, 2026, Bath & Body Works, Inc. shares closed at $20.74, with a market capitalization of $4.276 billion [2] Investment Rationale - The fund initiated a position in Bath & Body Works, Inc. due to its high margins and potential for rapid growth, believing that the company's low valuation is temporary [3] - Strong free cash flows are expected to mitigate risks while waiting for strategic initiatives to take effect [3] Hedge Fund Interest - Bath & Body Works, Inc. was held by 49 hedge fund portfolios at the end of the third quarter, a decrease from 56 in the previous quarter [4] - While the company shows potential, the fund suggests that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential with less downside risk [4]

Group 1 - American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP) is recognized as one of the 8 most profitable utility stocks to buy currently [1] - Siebert Williams initiated coverage on AEP with a price target of $137 and a buy rating, forecasting an 8.8% compound annual EPS growth rate through 2030, driven by a nearly 9% increase in retail power load and almost 10% rate base growth over the next five years [2] - UBS maintained a Sell rating on AEP, lowering its price target from $114 to $107, while Morgan Stanley reduced its price target from $128 to $120 but kept an Overweight rating, highlighting data centers and growth potential as key drivers for utility performance in 2026 [3] Group 2 - AEP operates multiple utilities, providing a diversified investment strategy that mitigates risks from adverse regulatory decisions, with regulated investments being the largest part of its capital investment strategy [4] - Morningstar analysts believe AEP's management can achieve a 7% to 9% earnings growth plan from 2026 to 2030, supported by its investment strategy, with the stock up 25.42% year-to-date as of December 31, 2025 [4]

Fractyl Health, Inc. (NASDAQ:GUTS) is one of the 10 Best New Penny Stocks to Invest In. On December 19, Canaccord Genuity reiterated its Buy rating on Fractyl Health, Inc. (NASDAQ:GUTS) with a price target of $8. This comes after a series of virtual meetings with the company’s leadership, including Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Harith Rajagopalan, along with Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Development, Brian Luque. During the meetings, many key areas of the business were discussed, ...

Core Viewpoint - Baytex Energy Corp. (NYSE:BTE) is receiving positive ratings from analysts, indicating strong fundamentals and growth potential, particularly in light of its recent strategic decisions and financial outlook for 2026 [1][2][4]. Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Menno Hulshof from TD Cowen reiterated a Buy rating on Baytex Energy Corp. and raised the price target from C$4.75 to C$5 [1] - Jeremy McCrea from BMO Capital also reiterated a Buy rating with a price target of C$6, noting improving fundamentals and upside potential [1][2] Group 2: Financial Outlook and Strategic Plans - Baytex Energy's 2026 capital budget is set between $550 million and $625 million, with a target of 3% to 5% production growth [4] - The company plans to prioritize meaningful shareholder returns, with a significant portion of the $2.305 billion proceeds from the Eagle Ford sale allocated for this purpose [4] Group 3: Growth Drivers and Asset Management - BMO Capital highlighted a strong multi-year growth outlook driven by Baytex's Canadian assets [3] - The recent asset sales are seen as a strategic move to refocus the company on higher-return operations [3]

Core Insights - Dollar General Corporation (NYSE:DG) is recognized as one of the 20 Best Performing Dividend Stocks for 2025 [1] Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Wells Fargo raised its price target on Dollar General to $125 from $115 while maintaining an Equal Weight rating, indicating a mixed outlook for 2026 but recognizing opportunities in broadlines and food service [2] - JPMorgan upgraded Dollar General to Overweight from Neutral and increased its price target to $166 from $128, citing a positive shift in management's tone and a solid earnings update [3] Group 2: Financial Performance and Strategy - Dollar General raised its full-year profit outlook after exceeding third-quarter estimates, driven by steady traffic from value-focused shoppers and effective cost controls [3] - The company maintains pricing discipline, with approximately 25% of its product assortment priced at or below $1, appealing to its core customer base of households earning under $35,000 annually [4] Group 3: Market Position and Consumer Trends - Dollar General operates as a discount retailer, offering a diverse range of consumables, seasonal merchandise, home products, and apparel, positioning itself as a reliable destination for everyday needs [4]

Core Viewpoint - Truist has raised its price target for The Home Depot, Inc. to $390, indicating long-term optimism despite near-term caution regarding consumer spending and housing market conditions [2][3]. Group 1: Market Outlook - Truist's analysis suggests that there is a significant untapped demand in the home improvement sector, with over $35 trillion in home equity available for homeowners to invest back into their properties [2]. - The company is expected to face challenges in fiscal 2026, with projected comparable sales growth and profit below analysts' expectations due to a cooling demand for DIY projects and large purchases [3][5]. Group 2: Consumer Behavior - Consumers are becoming more selective in their spending, focusing on value as they pull back on expensive renovations and large projects due to high borrowing costs [4][5]. - The management of The Home Depot has acknowledged the uncertainty in housing demand, which has been uneven and pressured by rising unemployment and elevated home prices [4]. Group 3: Financial Projections - The company forecasts fiscal 2026 same-store sales growth to range from flat to 2%, which is below the average analyst estimate of 2.34% [5]. - Adjusted EPS growth is expected to be flat to 4%, compared to a higher expectation of 5.6% from analysts [5].

Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) is included among the 12 Best Income Stocks to Buy Now. Regulatory Delays and Weakening Margins Weigh on Morgan Stanley’s ADM Outlook On December 16, Morgan Stanley analyst Steven Haynes downgraded Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) to Underweight from Equal Weight and cut the price target to $50 from $57. The firm said expectations tied to the Environmental Protection Agency’s renewable volume obligation now stretch into 2026, masking additional downside ...