Core Insights - The annual letter aims to discuss the performance of portfolio companies and explain the long-term investment philosophy behind the selection process [7] - The Rochon Global Portfolio underperformed in 2025, returning 2.7% compared to a benchmark return of 13.7%, resulting in a relative underperformance of 11.0% [9] - Since its inception in 1993, the Rochon Global Portfolio has achieved a compounded annual return of 14.7%, outperforming its benchmark by 4.8% [10] Portfolio Performance - The Rochon US Portfolio returned 7.6% in 2025, underperforming the S&P 500 by 10.3% [20] - The Rochon Canada Portfolio returned 4.9% in 2025, significantly underperforming the S&P/TSX, which returned 31.7% [23] - The performance of Canadian stocks has outperformed the S&P/TSX since 2007, despite significant fluctuations in individual stock performance [25] Market Analysis - The S&P/TSX's strong performance in 2025 was driven by Canadian banks, Shopify, and gold stocks, with banks experiencing a 36% increase in their average price-to-earnings ratio [26][27] - The Canadian economy saw modest GDP growth of 1.7% in 2025, lower than the 2.2% growth in the United States [28] AI Impact - The rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly influenced market dynamics, with AI-related stocks contributing to a large portion of the S&P 500's returns [29] - Companies like Nvidia and Oracle are heavily investing in AI infrastructure, raising concerns about the sustainability of such valuations [34][35] - The market is reacting negatively to companies perceived to be at risk from AI disruption, affecting stocks like Constellation Software and Fiserv [37] Company-Specific Insights - Constellation Software's stock fell by 26% in 2025 despite a 15% revenue increase, attributed to market fears regarding AI's impact on the software industry [50] - Fiserv's stock declined due to management changes and overly optimistic growth projections, leading to a decision to sell shares [47] - Carmax faced increased competition and market challenges, resulting in a significant decline in stock price, prompting a sale of shares after years of ownership [45] Currency Impact - The appreciation of the Canadian dollar by approximately 5% negatively impacted returns expressed in Canadian dollars, as 85% of the portfolio is invested outside Canada [54] - Historical fluctuations in the Canadian dollar have had a minimal long-term effect on overall returns, with a total positive impact of 7% since 1993 [19]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a revenue of $12 billion, operating in four countries: the U.S., Canada, UK, and Ireland [2] - The total addressable market (TAM) for home goods in these countries exceeds $500 billion, indicating significant growth potential [2][7] - The company aims to achieve a 10% adjusted EBITDA margin, having reached 6% in the last quarter [50] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company operates multiple brands, including Wayfair as the mass platform, and specialty brands like AllModern, Birch Lane, and Joss & Main, which cater to different market segments [6][28] - The logistics network has been a significant investment, with a focus on heavy and bulky items, differentiating the company from general e-commerce players [12][11] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The home goods category is described as cyclical, with current market conditions being relatively flat after a decline [9][10] - The company believes it can gain market share even in a down market due to its unique business model and extensive logistics capabilities [10] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on becoming the go-to destination for all home goods, leveraging technology, logistics, and a deep supplier network [5][7] - Plans for physical retail expansion include opening stores in Chicago, Atlanta, and New York, capitalizing on existing logistics and brand recognition [41][45] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management acknowledges the challenges in the current consumer discretionary market but remains optimistic about gaining market share [9][10] - The company is excited about growth opportunities in Canada and the UK, while not planning to expand further into Europe [48] Other Important Information - The company has shifted its capital expenditures towards maintenance of existing facilities rather than expanding the logistics network [15] - Supplier advertising is growing, contributing approximately 1.5% of revenue, with expectations to reach 3-4% in the long term [21][22] Q&A Session Summary Question: How does the company view the current category and its market share? - The company sees the home goods category as cyclical but believes it can gain share in both up and down markets due to its unique model and execution [9][10] Question: What investments have been made in the logistics network? - The company has built an expansive logistics capability tailored to heavy and bulky items, which is a competitive differentiator [12][11] Question: How does the company balance pricing and promotions? - Promotions are primarily funded by suppliers, and the company focuses on optimizing gross profit dollars while managing pricing strategies [18][19] Question: What is the strategy for physical retail expansion? - The company has learned from its Chicago store and plans to open additional locations in Atlanta and New York, leveraging existing infrastructure [41][45] Question: What is the current international strategy? - After closing the German operation, the company is focusing on growth in Canada and the UK, with no plans for further European expansion [46][48]