Core Insights - The Vanguard Value ETF (VTV) focuses on large-cap value stocks, while the iShares Core S&P Total US Stock Market ETF (ITOT) aims to provide diversified access to the entire U.S. stock market, including both growth and value stocks [2][9] Cost & Size Comparison - VTV has an expense ratio of 0.04% and assets under management (AUM) of $215.5 billion, while ITOT has a slightly lower expense ratio of 0.03% and an AUM of $80.39 billion [3] - The 1-year return for VTV is 12.66%, compared to ITOT's 11.67%, and VTV offers a higher dividend yield of 2% versus ITOT's 1.09% [3] Performance & Risk Metrics - Over a 5-year period, VTV experienced a maximum drawdown of 53.7%, while ITOT had a lower maximum drawdown of 27.57% [4] - An investment of $1,000 would have grown to $1,606 in VTV and $1,707 in ITOT over the same 5-year period [4] Portfolio Composition - ITOT holds 2,498 stocks, with technology companies making up 34% of its assets, followed by financial services and consumer cyclicals [5] - VTV is concentrated in established value stocks, with significant weightings in financial services (22%), industrials (16%), and healthcare (15%) [7] Investment Implications - ITOT's broader exposure provides instant portfolio diversification and increased concentration in the technology sector, appealing to investors looking for long-term growth [9] - VTV's focus on established value stocks may offer a stronger hedge against market volatility and a higher dividend yield, attracting income-focused investors [10]

Core Viewpoint - The market has been heavily influenced by tech and growth stocks, particularly the "Magnificent Seven," but a potential rotation towards value stocks is becoming more likely as economic conditions evolve [1][2][8]. Economic Conditions - The U.S. economy experienced a 4.3% annualized growth rate in Q3 2025, with unemployment rates between 4% and 5% and inflation around 3%, indicating a healthy economic environment [4]. - However, the year-over-year earnings growth rate for the S&P 500 in Q4 2025 is estimated at 8.3%, which is below the five-year average of 14.9% and the ten-year average of 9.5%, suggesting a potential slowdown in growth [5]. - The unemployment rate has increased from 4% at the start of the year to 4.6% in November 2025, and inflation remains above the Federal Reserve's target of 2%, indicating challenges for growth stocks [6]. Value Stocks Outlook - Value stocks have struggled to maintain outperformance since 2022, but as the economic landscape shifts and the AI trade loses momentum, there is potential for a resurgence in value stocks [2]. - The Vanguard Mega Cap Value ETF (MGV) is highlighted as an attractive investment opportunity, focusing on sectors such as financials, healthcare, and industrials, which differ significantly from the tech-heavy allocations of growth stocks [7][9].

Core Insights - The article highlights three stocks with strong growth characteristics and buy rankings for investors to consider as of December 31st Group 1: Great Lakes Dredge & Dock (GLDD) - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock is the largest provider of dredging services in the US, focusing on maintaining and deepening shipping channels, land reclamation, and coastline renourishment [1] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) and has seen a 6.9% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [1] - Great Lakes Dredge & Dock has a PEG ratio of 1, significantly lower than the industry average of 3.08, and possesses a Growth Score of A [2] Group 2: Ciena (CIEN) - Ciena is a leading provider of optical networking equipment, software, and services [2] - The company also carries a Zacks Rank of 1 and has experienced an 18.1% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [2] - Ciena has a PEG ratio of 1.11 compared to the industry average of 5.12, and it holds a Growth Score of A [2] Group 3: Insulet (PODD) - Insulet is a leading developer, manufacturer, and marketer of the Omnipod Insulin Management System [3] - The company has a Zacks Rank of 1 and has seen a 6.3% increase in the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings over the last 60 days [3] - Insulet has a PEG ratio of 2.02, which is lower than the industry average of 2.43, and it also possesses a Growth Score of A [3]

Company Overview - Vertex Pharmaceuticals' shares have increased by 13% year to date, which is slightly below the S&P 500, despite facing several setbacks and disappointing financial results [4] - The company has abandoned the development of certain pipeline candidates, including VX-264 for Type 1 diabetes [4] Future Prospects - Several factors could positively impact Vertex's financial results in the coming year, including meaningful pipeline progress and the potential launch of at least one new product [5] - Vertex launched Journavx, the first approved oral, non-opioid pain inhibitor, earlier this year, with expectations for significant progress in its top-line growth next year due to increased third-party coverage [6] - The company's Casgevy, approved two years ago for treating rare blood disorders, is also expected to make commercial strides in 2026 [6] Core Products - Vertex's core cystic fibrosis (CF) franchise remains robust, as its products are the only ones capable of addressing the underlying causes of the disease, with a significant number of patients still untreated [7] - The company has another medicine for Type 1 diabetes, zimislecel, which has shown promising results in clinical studies by reducing insulin dependence and severe hypoglycemic events [8] Market Expansion - DexCom is actively expanding its addressable market to address current challenges, indicating a strategic move to enhance its market position [8]

Core Insights - The focus is on businesses with strong cash generation, ideally with a wide moat and significant durability, which can yield high rewards when bought at the right time [1] Group 1: Market Outlook - The broad market outlook for 2026 suggests a good chance of solid, though not outstanding, returns [1] Group 2: Analyst Background - Jonathan Weber, an engineer by training, has been active in the stock market and as a freelance analyst since 2014, primarily focusing on value and income stocks while occasionally covering growth [1] - He is a contributing author for Cash Flow Club, which emphasizes company cash flows and access to capital [1] Group 3: Cash Flow Club Features - Core features of Cash Flow Club include access to a leader's personal income portfolio targeting yields of 6% or more, community chat, a "Best Opportunities" List, and coverage of sectors such as energy midstream, commercial mREITs, BDCs, and shipping [1]

Core Viewpoint - The State Street SPDR Russell 1000 Yield Focus ETF (ONEY) is a passively managed ETF aimed at providing broad exposure to the Large Cap Value segment of the US equity market, with assets exceeding $841.87 million, positioning it as an average-sized ETF in this category [1]. Group 1: Large Cap Value Characteristics - Large cap companies generally have a market capitalization above $10 billion, characterized by stability and predictable cash flows, making them less volatile compared to mid and small cap companies [2]. - Value stocks, while having lower price-to-earnings and price-to-book ratios, have historically outperformed growth stocks in most markets, although they may underperform during strong bull markets [3]. Group 2: Costs and Performance - The ETF has an annual operating expense ratio of 0.2%, categorizing it as one of the cheaper options in the market, and it offers a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 3.12% [4]. - As of December 29, 2025, the ETF has gained approximately 8.66% year-to-date and 7.51% over the past year, with a trading range between $95.52 and $116.46 in the last 52 weeks [8]. Group 3: Sector Exposure and Holdings - The ETF's largest allocation is to the Industrials sector, comprising about 13.7% of the portfolio, followed by Consumer Staples and Financials [5]. - United Parcel Service Cl B (UPS) represents about 2.23% of total assets, with the top 10 holdings accounting for approximately 13.67% of total assets under management [6]. Group 4: Investment Strategy and Alternatives - The ETF aims to match the performance of the Russell 1000 Yield Focused Factor Index, which includes large-cap U.S. equity securities with high value, high quality, and low size characteristics, focusing on high yield [7]. - Alternatives to this ETF include the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) and the Vanguard Value ETF (VTV), which track similar indices but have significantly larger asset bases and lower expense ratios [11]. Group 5: Overall Market Position - The ETF holds a Zacks ETF Rank of 3 (Hold), indicating it is a reasonable option for investors seeking exposure to the Large Cap Value segment of the market [10]. - Passively managed ETFs like ONEY are increasingly popular due to their low costs, transparency, flexibility, and tax efficiency, making them suitable for long-term investors [12].

Core Insights - Growth stocks are essential for long-term investors, emphasizing the importance of a long-term mindset to mitigate short-term market fluctuations [1][2] Group 1: Shopify - Shopify is the largest e-commerce software platform in the U.S., offering a comprehensive platform for businesses to sell online and in physical stores [4] - The company has shown consistent revenue growth, with a 32% year-over-year increase in revenue to $2.84 billion and GMV to $92 billion in Q3 2025 [6] - Shopify's operating income grew by 53%, and it achieved an 18% free cash flow margin for nine consecutive quarters [6] - The company is expanding internationally, with a 41% year-over-year increase in international GMV in Q3 2025 [7] - Shopify's stock has increased nearly 60% since the beginning of the year, reflecting positive investor sentiment towards its financial performance [8] Group 2: SoFi Technologies - SoFi Technologies operates a digital-first ecosystem that promotes high product cross-selling, aiming for significant growth in the next decade [9] - The company reported a 35% year-over-year growth in total members to over 12.6 million and a 36% increase in total products to nearly 18.6 million in Q3 2025 [10] - SoFi's fee-based revenue grew by 50% to $409 million, making up over 40% of overall revenue in Q3 2025 [10] - The company achieved a 38% year-over-year revenue growth, reaching $950 million, with net income up 129% year-over-year to $139 million in Q3 [13] - SoFi's stock has risen over 90% since the start of 2025, driven by growth in its member base and product offerings [13]

Core Insights - Investing in growth stocks allows participation in innovative industries driving economic change, particularly in healthcare and technology [1][2] - Quality growth stocks can provide high returns over time, although they are more volatile compared to value-oriented businesses [1][2] Company Analysis: Intuitive Surgical - Intuitive Surgical dominates the multi-billion dollar surgical robotics market with its da Vinci systems, generating about 85% of its revenue from high-margin recurring instruments and services [5][6] - The company has a strong balance sheet with $8.4 billion in cash and low leverage, enabling significant investment in growth and resilience during economic downturns [6] - In Q3 2025, procedure volumes increased by 20% and revenue grew by 23%, with the global robotic surgery market expected to grow at a CAGR of over 14% through 2030 [7][10] - The launch of the next-generation da Vinci 5 system, featuring advanced AI capabilities, is a key growth driver, with 240 systems installed in Q3 2025, up from 110 the previous year [9][10] Company Analysis: TransMedics Group - TransMedics Group is known for its Organ Care System (OCS), the only FDA-approved portable platform for warm perfusion and assessment of donor organs, improving donor pool utilization and surgical outcomes [11][12] - The company reported Q3 2025 revenue of $143.8 million, a 32% year-over-year increase, and earnings of $24.3 million, a 478% increase from the previous year [12] - TransMedics is advancing its OCS pipeline and international presence, with FDA approvals for clinical trials of its next-generation OCS Heart and OCS Lung systems [14][15] - A collaboration with Mercedes-Benz Group AG aims to enhance organ transportation logistics in Italy, utilizing specialized vehicles for organ transplantation [16]

Group 1 - Retirement is an opportunity for personal fulfillment and exploration, allowing individuals to spend time with loved ones and discover new experiences [1] - Financial planning is essential for a successful retirement, as income needs vary for each retiree [2] Group 2 - Delaying Social Security benefits can significantly increase monthly checks, with an 8% boost for each year past full retirement age, potentially leading to a 24% increase by age 70 [4][5] - Maintaining some risk in investment portfolios is advisable, as overly conservative strategies may limit retirement income; growth stocks can provide returns while dividend stocks offer stability [6][7] - Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) can be a valuable addition to a retirement portfolio, providing predictable income through required dividend payouts [9]

Group 1: RenaissanceRe Holdings Ltd. (RNR) - RenaissanceRe Holdings is an insurance and reinsurance company with a Zacks Rank 1 [1] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 27.4% over the last 60 days [1] - The company has a PEG ratio of 1.66, which is lower than the industry average of 1.82, and possesses a Growth Score of B [1] Group 2: Phibro Animal Health Corporation (PAHC) - Phibro Animal Health Corporation operates in the animal health and mineral nutrition sector and holds a Zacks Rank 1 [2] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has risen by 9.1% over the last 60 days [2] - The company has a PEG ratio of 1.07, significantly lower than the industry average of 2.68, and has a Growth Score of B [2] Group 3: Commercial Metals Company (CMC) - Commercial Metals Company is involved in steel and metals manufacturing and also carries a Zacks Rank 1 [3] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings has increased by 21.3% over the last 60 days [3] - The company has a PEG ratio of 0.39, which is much lower than the industry average of 1.52, and possesses a Growth Score of B [3]