Core Viewpoint - The equity market experienced a positive period in Q4 2025, with the S&P 500 Index returning 2.7% in the quarter and finishing the year up 17.9%, driven by strong AI investment and favorable policy clarity [1] Group 1: Market Performance - The S&P 500 Index returned 2.7% in Q4 2025 and ended the year with a total return of 17.9% [1] - The market's performance was significantly influenced by the communication services and technology sectors, with earnings growth being a key driver of market expansion [1] Group 2: Fund Overview - Carillon Eagle Growth & Income Fund holds net assets of $493.06 million across 48 holdings [1] - The firm expresses optimism for 2026, anticipating another year of strong equity returns [1] Group 3: Eaton Corporation plc (NYSE:ETN) - Eaton Corporation plc is highlighted as a leading power management company with a market capitalization of $154.198 billion [2] - The stock closed at $396.09 per share on February 11, 2026, with a one-month return of 18.78% and a twelve-month increase of 28.68% [2] - Eaton's shares experienced a pullback in August after strong performance in July, with expectations for accelerated growth in 2026 linked to trends in data center, aerospace, and defense markets [3] Group 4: Hedge Fund Interest - Eaton Corporation plc is not among the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds, with 72 hedge fund portfolios holding the stock at the end of Q3 2025, down from 74 in the previous quarter [4] - While acknowledging Eaton's potential, the company believes certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and less downside risk [4]

MicroStrategy Incorporated (NASDAQ:MSTR) is one of the most oversold NASDAQ stocks to invest in. MicroStrategy Incorporated (NASDAQ:MSTR) provided an update on its Bitcoin holdings in a regulatory filing on February 9, reporting that it acquired 1,142 bitcoin for approximately $90 million at an average purchase price of $78,815 between February 2 and February 8. The company now holds 714,644 bitcoin as of February 8, acquired for an aggregate purchase price of approximately $54.35 billion. Strategy Incorp ...

Company Overview - Manulife Financial Corporation (NYSE:MFC) is a global financial services provider operating in the Insurance and Annuity Products, Wealth & Asset Management, and Corporate & Other segments, with a presence in the United States, Asia, Canada, and internationally [4]. Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Jefferies analyst John Aiken raised the price target on Manulife Financial Corporation from $39.64 to $42.58, maintaining a Buy rating, indicating a potential upside of 13.5% from current levels [1]. - Barclays analyst Alex Scott increased the price target from C$49 to C$52 while keeping a Hold rating, reflecting a slight downside of approximately 1% from current levels [2]. Industry Outlook - The life insurance sector is viewed with cautious optimism for 2026, supported by steady cash flow generation, solid capital levels, and ongoing industry consolidation, which help mitigate pressures from spread compression and higher technology investments [3].

Core Insights - Occidental Petroleum Corporation (NYSE:OXY) is recognized as one of the top oil and gas stocks to buy currently, with price targets being adjusted by analysts [1][3]. Price Target Adjustments - Piper Sandler raised its price target for Occidental from $46 to $47 while maintaining a Neutral rating [1]. - BofA increased its price target from $44 to $45, also keeping a Neutral rating on the stock [3]. Market Conditions - Piper Sandler anticipates strong Q4 results for gas companies but highlights challenges due to weaker oil and natural gas liquids prices, particularly with WAHA pricing [2]. - BofA noted that geopolitical events, such as the removal of Maduro in Venezuela and unrest in Iran, have contributed to rising crude prices, which could serve as catalysts for the stock [4]. Company Overview - Occidental Petroleum is a major American multinational energy company with significant assets in the United States, the Middle East, and North Africa, making it one of the largest oil and gas producers in the U.S. [4].

Core Viewpoint - TransDigm Group Incorporated (NYSE:TDG) is recognized as one of the top American defense stocks to consider, despite recent adjustments in price targets and concerns over growth in aftermarket sales [1][8]. Financial Performance - For the first quarter of fiscal 2026, TransDigm reported net sales of $2.29 billion, reflecting a 14% increase year-over-year [4]. - Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) rose to $8.23 from $7.83 in the previous year [4]. - However, reported net income decreased by 9.7% to $445 million, attributed to rising interest expenses [4]. Analyst Insights - UBS has lowered its price target for TransDigm to $1,800 from $1,804 while maintaining a Buy rating, indicating confidence in the stock despite the price adjustment [1][8]. - The firm projects high single-digit growth driven by pricing power, increased flight activity, and content gains, with anticipated profit per share growth in the high teens [2]. Strategic Moves - TransDigm's strategy includes 'bolt-on' mergers and acquisitions, with recent acquisitions totaling approximately $3.2 billion, including Jet Parts Engineering and Victor Sierra Aviation Holdings [3]. Market Outlook - The company's projected profit for fiscal 2026 fell short of Wall Street estimates, leading to a 5% decline in shares during premarket trading [5]. - Rising raw material costs and increased interest expenses from acquisitions are pressuring the company's profit margins [5].

Core Insights - Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE: AJG) is recognized as one of the 13 Best Long Term Low Risk Stocks to Buy Now [1] Group 1: Analyst Ratings and Price Targets - Citigroup raised its price objective for AJG to $280 from $277 while maintaining a Neutral rating [2] - UBS slightly reduced its price target for AJG to $283 from $285, also keeping a Neutral view on the shares [3] - UBS anticipates that insurance brokers will be well-positioned heading into 2026, with expected organic revenue growth averaging about 4.4% and improving EBITDA margins year over year [3] Group 2: Recent Acquisitions - On February 3, AJG announced the acquisition of 3D Advisors, a brokerage general agency based in Shelby Township, Michigan, with financial terms undisclosed [4] - 3D Advisors specializes in life insurance, annuity, and long-term care solutions for financial advisors, and its leadership will continue operating under AJG's management [5] Group 3: Company Overview - Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. is a global insurance brokerage, risk management, and consulting firm headquartered in Rolling Meadows, Illinois, operating in approximately 130 countries [6]

Group 1 - Goldman Sachs raised its price target on Uranium Energy Corp. (UEC) to $18 from $16 and maintained a Buy rating, citing updates from the February Global Reactor Tracker and a strong rally in uranium spot prices [1] - UEC's fiscal first-quarter 2026 results indicated an inventory of 1.36 million pounds of U3O8, all unhedged, providing direct exposure to spot uranium prices and potential upside if prices remain firm [2] - UEC is recognized as a U.S.-focused uranium producer with operations primarily in in-situ recovery projects located in Wyoming and Texas, positioning it as one of the newer uranium suppliers globally [3]

Core Viewpoint - MPLX LP (NYSE:MPLX) is recognized as one of the best pipeline and MLP stocks to buy in 2026, indicating strong potential for investment in the midstream energy sector [1]. Analyst Ratings - RBC Capital maintains a Buy rating on MPLX LP with a price target of $60 as of January 28, 2026 [2]. - Morgan Stanley's Robert Kad holds a Hold rating with a price target of $62 on the same date [2]. - Barclays analyst Theresa Chen also maintains a Buy rating with a price target of $55 as of January 23, 2026 [2]. - Raymond James downgraded MPLX LP from Outperform to Market Perform on January 5, 2026, reflecting a recalibration of ratings for the midstream supplier group [3]. Company Overview - MPLX LP, founded in 2012, is a diversified master limited partnership formed by Marathon Petroleum Corporation, focusing on midstream energy infrastructure and logistics assets across the United States [4].

Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE:KMI) is one of the 11 Best Pipeline and MLP Stocks to Buy in 2026. Freedom Capital Upgraded Kinder Morgan to Hold On January 28, 2026, Freedom Capital released a report upgrading Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE:KMI)’s rating from Sell to Hold, with a price target of $32. The firm noted that the company’s stock was trading near fair value, with limited upside potential. However, the firm also confirms anticipating the rising seasonal gas demand to contribute to a strong Q1 2026 for Kin ...

Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (NASDAQ:PAA) is one of the 11 Best Pipeline and MLP Stocks to Buy in 2026. RBC Capital and Morgan Stanley Maintains Hold Rating on Plains All American (PAA) On January 28, 2026, RBC Capital and Morgan Stanley maintained their Hold ratings on Plains All American Pipeline, L.P. (NASDAQ:PAA). While RBC Capital maintained a $20 price target, Morgan Stanley kept its at $21. On the same day, BofA released a contrasting update, downgrading the stock’s rating from Neutral to Un ...