Core Insights - The article focuses on industry metrics in the utilities sector, providing a top-down analysis based on value, quality, and momentum [1] Group 1: Industry Analysis - The analysis aims to assist in evaluating sector ETFs, specifically the Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF [1] - The article emphasizes the importance of quantitative analysis in understanding market dynamics within the utilities sector [1] Group 2: Author Background - The author, Fred Piard, has over 30 years of experience in technology and has been investing in data-driven systematic strategies since 2010 [1] - Fred Piard runs the investing group Quantitative Risk & Value, focusing on quality dividend stocks and tech innovation [1]

Core Insights - Bristol Gate Capital Partners' Q3 2025 investor letter indicates that the US Equity Strategy underperformed the S&P 500® Total Return Index this quarter, primarily due to limited exposure to the AI/TMT and Value sectors, which benefited from the Federal Reserve's rate cut [1] - Despite the underperformance, the portfolio achieved a 15% dividend growth over the trailing 12 months, supported by strong underlying fundamentals [1] Company Highlights - Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE:TMO) is highlighted as a key stock, with a one-month return of 0.53% and a 12.15% increase in share value over the last 52 weeks, closing at $583.45 per share on December 30, 2025, with a market capitalization of $219.207 billion [2] - The company reported Q2 2025 revenue of $10.85 billion, exceeding the consensus estimate of $10.68 billion, and earnings per share of $5.36, surpassing the estimate of $5.22 [3] - Thermo Fisher's stock price increased by 9% following the positive earnings release on July 23, driven by 2% organic growth and the maintenance of long-term guidance [3] Investment Sentiment - Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. ranks 26th among the 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds, with 121 hedge fund portfolios holding the stock at the end of Q3, an increase from 117 in the previous quarter [4] - While acknowledging Thermo Fisher's potential, there is a belief that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential and lower downside risk [4]

Core Insights - Bristol Gate Capital Partners' Q3 2025 investor letter indicates that the US Equity Strategy underperformed the S&P 500® Total Return Index this quarter, primarily due to limited exposure to the AI/TMT and Value sectors, which benefited from the Federal Reserve's rate cut [1] - Despite the underperformance, the portfolio achieved a 15% dividend growth over the past 12 months, supported by strong underlying fundamentals [1] Company Highlights: Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) - Intuit Inc. reported a one-month return of 5.39% and a 52-week gain of 6.58%, with its stock closing at $669.88 on December 30, 2025, and a market capitalization of $186.495 billion [2] - The company faced challenges as its outlook and guidance for FY26 fell short of investor expectations, particularly due to ongoing weakness in MailChimp and a decline in TurboTax units [3] - For FY26, Intuit's management projected EPS between $22.98-23.18, representing a 14.5% year-over-year growth at the midpoint, and revenue forecasted at $20.997-21.186 billion, indicating a 12% increase at the midpoint [3] Hedge Fund Interest - Intuit Inc. was held by 96 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q3 2025, a decrease from 105 in the previous quarter [4] - The company reported Q1 FY26 revenue of $3.9 billion, reflecting an 18% year-over-year increase [4]

Core Viewpoint - The market experienced a rally on Monday, with most sectors showing positive performance except for consumer staples, which declined slightly [1] Sector Performance - Small-caps, momentum, and risk strategies led the rally, indicating a preference for higher-risk investments [1] - Growth and value stocks also saw an increase, reflecting a broad-based market optimism [1] - Among the S&P 500 sectors, consumer staples was the only sector to close lower, with a decline of 0.4% [1] - Utilities experienced a minimal increase of 0.1%, while communications services and technology sectors both rose by 0.3% [1]

Retail App Downloads & Trends - App downloads data is meaningful for assessing retailer convenience and shopper behavior [1] - Last-minute shoppers are increasingly using apps for in-store pickup, highlighting the importance of convenience [2][3] - Target has seen a resurgence in app downloads, reaching the number three spot, indicating improved customer consideration [3] Target Analysis - Roth Capital Partners maintains a neutral rating on Target, viewing any positive holiday performance as tactical [4] - Toys were up about 10% in 3Q [4] - Concerns remain about Target's long-term structural issues, including underinvestment and pricing [5][6] - Increased spending needs in calendar year 2026 pose an earnings risk for Target [6] Costco Analysis - Costco's app download numbers are not as strong [7] - Several metrics are trending negatively for Costco, including renewal rates, new member additions, and traffic [8] - Costco excels in offering value, but consumers are increasingly prioritizing convenience, where Costco is weaker [9][10][11] - Increased assortment overlap between Walmart.com and Costco is emerging [13]

Core Insights - The focus is on app downloads as a significant indicator of consumer behavior, particularly for last-minute shoppers who prefer in-store pickup options [2][3] - Walmart continues to perform strongly, while Target has seen a recent surge in app downloads, reaching the third position in total downloads, a notable improvement from earlier in the year [3][4] - Target's recent performance may indicate a positive holiday season, but structural issues related to investment spending and pricing strategies could pose risks in the long term [5][6] Target - Target has experienced a rough couple of years but has shown signs of improvement with a 10% increase in toy sales as of Q3, contributing to strong app download numbers [4][5] - Despite a potentially strong holiday season, Target faces increased spending needs in 2026, which could impact earnings [6] Costco - Costco's app download performance has been weak, and the company is facing challenges with declining renewal rates, slower member growth, and reduced traffic [8][10] - While Costco excels in providing value, it struggles with convenience compared to competitors like Walmart, which is becoming increasingly important as consumer preferences shift [9][10] - The rise of Walmart.com and its extensive assortment poses a competitive threat to Costco, as it overlaps with Costco's offerings [12][13]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of understanding that past performance does not guarantee future results, highlighting the need for careful analysis before making investment decisions [2][3] Group 1 - The article discusses the lack of any current stock or derivative positions held by the author in the companies mentioned, indicating a neutral stance [1] - It clarifies that the information provided is not a specific offer for products or services, nor does it constitute financial advice [2] - The content is presented as factual and up-to-date, but it does not guarantee accuracy or completeness in the analysis of the subjects discussed [2][3]

I'll be honest. Fairness is an illusion. I'll explain.Let's assume two employees that work at the same company. They both have the same age, the same degrees, and the same roles. It's fair that they have the same salary, right.Let's have a closer look, though. One of those employees does an okay job. It's not perfect, but not bad either.And they stop developing their skills a while back. On the other hand, the second employee pours their heart and soul into the company and reinvents themselves and their ski ...

I started a very intense healing journey back in 2020 and along the way I discovered a pivotal step that I had to make in order for me to keep moving forward. I had to stop going inside the store. Say me if you go in a store for one thing and you actually come out of the store with that one thing.Nobody spoke. Clearly I'm amongst friends. See, what would happen was I would go in a store, maybe for some paper towels, tortilla chips, a sports bra, just to get in and out.But in-n-out was more like in and over. ...

Core Concept: "Aim Anyway" Formula - The "Aim Anyway" formula, based on the Girl Scouts' problem-solving approach, is presented as a method for positive change, comprising "DECAR" (Discover, Connect, Action, Repeat) plus Courage plus Character [8] - The formula emphasizes that while simple, it requires courage and good character to overcome challenges and achieve lasting progress [9][21] DECAR Framework - **Discover:** Identify a worthy purpose or problem to address [7][16] - **Connect:** Engage with others and build relationships to gather insights and support [7][17][20] - **Action:** Take concrete steps to implement solutions and address the identified problem [7][17][20] - **Repeat:** Continuously learn from each cycle, adapt strategies, and improve outcomes [8][17][20] Key Elements for Progress - **Courage:** Essential for forging new paths and overcoming obstacles in the pursuit of positive change [8][14][18] - **Character:** Good character, encompassing dignity, accountability, and curiosity, guides ethical leadership and sustainable progress [8][21][22][23] Application and Impact - The "Aim Anyway" formula can be applied at local, national, and global levels, fostering positive change in various contexts [9][15][20] - Examples include community volunteering, nonprofit initiatives, and global enterprise solutions, demonstrating the formula's versatility [11][15][20] The Role of Neighborliness - Neighborliness, characterized by kindness, connection, and a "get stuff done" mindset, is crucial for building communities that drive positive change [1][3][4][19] - Volunteering and collaboration with like-minded individuals are effective ways to foster neighborliness and achieve shared goals [10][19] Technology's Influence - Technology can either divide or unite people; therefore, it should be used to foster neighborliness and connection [3][25] - The challenge lies in harnessing technology's potential for good, promoting healing, and strengthening community bonds [26]