Core Insights - The article discusses an update on small and mid-cap stock ideas that are being actively purchased by insiders, indicating potential investment opportunities [1][2] - The Insiders Forum, led by Bret Jensen, focuses on a portfolio of 12-25 stocks that are attractively valued and have seen significant insider buying, aiming to outperform the Russell 2000 benchmark [2] Group 1 - The Insiders Forum has achieved more than double the return of the Russell 2000 since its launch, showcasing the effectiveness of its investment strategy [1][2] - The portfolio consists of stocks from various sectors, emphasizing diversification while targeting companies with recent insider purchases [2] Group 2 - The article does not provide specific stock recommendations or investment advice, maintaining a neutral stance on the suitability of investments for individual investors [3][4] - The analysts involved in the article do not hold any positions in the mentioned companies, ensuring an unbiased perspective [3]

Core Viewpoint - The article discusses the bullish outlook for small- and mid-cap stocks, highlighting their potential for earnings growth as the market approaches the end of the year, with expectations for a catch-up in performance compared to large-cap stocks driven by favorable market conditions and improved earnings guidance [2][3][4]. Small and Mid-Cap Stocks Outlook - Scott Chronert, Citi's U.S. equity strategist, emphasizes that small and mid-cap stocks are expected to transition from low single-digit earnings growth in 2025 to low double-digit growth in 2026 [3]. - The recent Q3 earnings reports from small-cap companies have shown raised guidance for Q4 and 2026, indicating a positive trend for these stocks [3]. - The small-cap sector is coming off a two-year period of low earnings, which sets a favorable comparison for future growth [3]. Methodology for Stock Selection - The list of the 10 hottest small-cap stocks was compiled using the Finviz Stock Screener, WSJ, Yahoo Finance, and Insider Monkey's Q2 2025 database, focusing on stocks with market capitalizations between $300 million and $2 billion that gained over 50% in the past six months [7]. - Stocks were ranked based on the number of hedge fund holders, indicating interest from institutional investors [7][8]. Featured Small-Cap Stocks - **Aveanna Healthcare Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:AVAH)**: - Market Capitalization: $1.88 billion - 6-Month Performance: 55.36% - Revenue grew by 22.2% year-over-year to $621.9 million, exceeding analyst expectations [10][12]. - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 67.5% year-over-year to $80.1 million, with management raising full-year revenue guidance to over $2.375 billion [13][14]. - **Spyre Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:SYRE)**: - Market Capitalization: $1.81 billion - 6-Month Performance: 56.40% - Positive interim Phase 1 results for SPY003, a novel treatment for inflammatory bowel disease, were announced, showing a favorable safety profile [15][16]. - The company is well-positioned financially with a substantial cash runway to support operations until the second half of 2028 [18].

Core Insights - The article discusses an update on small- and mid-cap stock ideas that are being actively purchased by insiders, indicating potential investment opportunities [1][2]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - The investment group, The Insiders Forum, focuses on small and mid-cap stocks that have seen significant insider buying, aiming to outperform the Russell 2000 benchmark over time [2]. - The portfolio managed by Bret Jensen consists of 12-25 top stocks across various sectors that are attractively valued [2]. Group 2: Performance Metrics - The model portfolio of The Insiders Forum has approximately doubled the return of its benchmark, the Russell 2000, since its inception [1].

Group 1 - The article discusses the recent performance of Arrow Financial Corporation, noting a rebound of over 15% since April 2025 due to concerns regarding tariffs and the bank's loan portfolio [2] - Arrow Financial Corporation has a loan book with 17.8% exposure to commercial loans, indicating potential risk factors in its lending practices [2] - The Insiders Forum, which focuses on small and mid-cap stocks, has a model portfolio that has significantly outperformed the Russell 2000 benchmark since its launch [2] Group 2 - The Insiders Forum portfolio consists of 12-25 top stocks across various sectors that are attractively valued and have seen significant insider purchases [2] - The goal of the Insiders Forum is to consistently outperform the Russell 2000 benchmark over time [2]

Group 1 - The Insiders Forum specializes in small and mid-cap stocks that have seen significant insider buying, aiming to outperform the Russell 2000 benchmark over time [2][3] - The portfolio managed by Bret Jensen consists of 12-25 top stocks across various sectors that are attractively valued and have had recent insider purchases [2] - The model portfolio has doubled the return of its benchmark, indicating strong performance since its launch [1]

Group 1 - Investors are losing interest and patience in small and mid-cap stocks despite some delivering strong results in a shaky macroeconomy [1] - The Q2 earnings season is highlighting this trend among investors [1] - The article references the author's extensive experience in technology and startup sectors, indicating a knowledgeable perspective on current industry themes [1]

Group 1 - The article discusses Great Lakes Dredge & Dock Corporation (NASDAQ: GLDD) and its recent performance, highlighting that it is being analyzed for the first time since mid-2024 [2] - The company is part of a portfolio managed by The Insiders Forum, which focuses on small and mid-cap stocks with significant insider purchases [2] - The goal of The Insiders Forum is to outperform the Russell 2000 benchmark over time, with the current portfolio consisting of 12-25 top stocks across various sectors [2]

Group 1 - Sturm, Ruger & Company, Inc. (NYSE: RGR) reported quarterly results that exceeded analyst expectations for both top and bottom lines [2] - The stock has experienced a decline of approximately 25% since its recent highs [2] - The Insiders Forum focuses on small and mid-cap stocks with significant insider purchases, aiming to outperform the Russell 2000 benchmark [2]

Group 1 - The investment approach during the Q1 earnings season focuses on careful single-stock selection, particularly in small and mid-cap stocks that are insulated from macroeconomic shocks [1] Group 2 - Gary Alexander has extensive experience in covering technology companies and advising seed-round startups, contributing to themes shaping the industry [2]