Core Insights - The article discusses the top 9 undervalued asset management stocks to buy, highlighting the resilience of wealth management and brokerage stocks amid economic uncertainties [1] - The asset management sector has seen a rebound, with global assets under management reaching a record high of $147 trillion by the end of June [2] - Private credit is emerging as a significant trend in asset management, with non-bank institutions reshaping capital investment [3][4] Industry Overview - The asset management sector is characterized by a robust US economy and accommodative monetary policies, which have supported its resilience despite uncertainties [1] - Global private credit markets are projected to grow rapidly, potentially reaching $3 trillion by 2028, driven by lower interest rates and economic strength in the US and Europe [4] Investment Opportunities - Analysts at Goldman Sachs suggest that the current challenges faced by alternative asset manager stocks present opportunities for investment in undervalued names [5] - A methodology was employed to identify undervalued asset management stocks, focusing on companies with a price-to-earnings ratio of less than 20 and an upside potential of over 20% [7] Company Highlights - HA Sustainable Infrastructure Capital (NYSE:HASI) shows a stock upside potential of 42.42% with a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 10.74, supported by strong third-quarter results and a significant investment pipeline [9][10][12] - Burford Capital (NYSE:BUR) has a stock upside potential of 121.94% despite disappointing third-quarter results, with a focus on growing its platform and securing new firm commitments [13][14][15][17]

Core Insights - Investor concerns about high valuations are leading to market restraint but not alarm [1] - High valuations are associated with lower expected returns and higher risks, prompting a shift away from expensive stocks [2] - The GMO Dynamic Allocation ETF (GMOD) aims to navigate these valuation concerns by reallocating into asset classes with higher expected returns [2][3] Investment Strategy - The fund, co-founded by Jeremy Grantham, is based on the principle that asset classes revert to historical means, with a seven-year return forecast [3] - As of the end of September, U.S. large- and small-cap stocks are projected to deliver negative returns, influencing the fund's underweighting in U.S. stocks [4] - The fund currently holds approximately 60% in stocks and 40% in bonds, focusing on quality and value stocks, particularly in Japan and emerging markets [6][9] Market Outlook - The current market is not as overvalued as in 2007 or 2008, allowing for full investment while avoiding the most expensive segments [8] - Growth stocks, especially in AI, are seen as overvalued, while value stocks in the U.S. are trading at significant discounts [9] - Japan is highlighted as an attractive market due to improving returns on capital and favorable exchange rates for U.S. investors [15][16] Fixed Income Perspective - The role of fixed income is to provide income and protection during economic downturns, with current yields on 10-year Treasuries between 1.5% and 2% being acceptable [12][13] - If equity markets decline significantly, it is expected that fixed-income yields would also fall, making equities appear cheaper relative to fixed income [18]

Core Viewpoint - Abacus Global Management has reported its tenth consecutive quarter of earnings, showcasing consistent performance and growth in funding and origination capabilities, with a strong outlook into 2026 [1][2]. Financial Performance - Gross revenue increased by 124% year-over-year, while adjusted net income grew by 60% [2]. - The company has achieved earnings beats greater than 30% in six of the last ten quarters, indicating sustained performance [2]. Business Model and Strategy - Abacus operates as an active management company, monetizing contracts and policies on its balance sheet with strong margins of around 37% [3]. - The company has raised nearly $500 million in new capital this year, driven by strong institutional interest in uncorrelated yield [3]. Revenue Composition - 15% of Abacus's revenue is now recurring, and the recently launched dividend represents just over 20% of adjusted net income, allowing for capital return to shareholders while maintaining a return on equity (ROE) over 20% [4]. Recent Acquisitions - The acquisition of AccuQuote enhances client lifecycle coverage, enabling the company to offer better-suited policies and convert previously unmonetized leads into product sales [5][6]. - AccuQuote brings 30 years of experience and $150 million in issued premium, providing both new policy sales and potential legacy contract value [6]. Securitization and Balance Sheet Strength - A recent $50 million securitized asset transaction strengthens the balance sheet and supports future growth through scalable and competitive rates [7][8]. - The participation of insurance companies and banks in this transaction validates the valuations and underlying assets, while the company earns servicing fees for five years [8]. Market Position and Investor Appeal - Being added to the Russell 2000 and 3000 indexes enhances Abacus's visibility, attracting more capital from ETFs and investors seeking strong companies [9]. - The company is now a dividend-paying stock with a yield between 3.5% and 4.5%, placing it in a selective group among Russell 2000 companies [10].

Core Insights - A significant percentage of retirees are concerned about the impact of rising prices on their financial security, with 84% wishing to better protect their savings from inflation [2][4] - The Schroders survey indicates that 62% of retired Americans are uncertain about the longevity of their savings, while 45% report higher-than-expected expenses in retirement [4] Group 1: Retirement Concerns - 71% of retirees are unsure about optimal spending and income-generating strategies [3] - 86% express concern over healthcare costs in retirement, with an average of 15% of monthly income spent on these expenses [14][15] - Nearly 20% of older Americans have returned to the labor force for personal or economic reasons [4] Group 2: Investment Strategies - Treasury Inflation Protected Securities (TIPS) are suggested as a way to add inflation-resistant assets to portfolios [1] - Dividend-growing equities and annuities are also recommended to bolster fixed income sources against rising prices [5] - First National Realty Partners (FNRP) offers accredited investors access to grocery-anchored commercial properties, allowing diversification without landlord responsibilities [7][8] Group 3: Financial Planning and Support - The 4% rule is a traditional retirement withdrawal strategy, but alternative flexible approaches are available [10] - Financial advisors can provide valuable guidance for creating sustainable income strategies in retirement [11][17] - Long-term care insurance options are available to help manage healthcare costs and protect retirement funds [15][16]

Core Insights - The article evaluates the PCM Fund as a potential investment option at its current market price, highlighting its closed-end fund structure and investment objectives [1]. Group 1: Investment Strategy - The PCM Fund is positioned as a macro-focused investment vehicle, appealing to investors looking for thematic ideas in sectors such as metals, gold, and cryptocurrency [1]. - The fund aims to target safe and reliable yields, with a focus on high-yield opportunities within the closed-end fund (CEF) and exchange-traded fund (ETF) space [1]. Group 2: Market Context - The article emphasizes the importance of keeping investment portfolios up-to-date, suggesting that diligent saving and investing can lead to significant financial growth over time [1]. - It mentions various market indices and sectors, indicating a broad market approach that includes both domestic and international investments [1].

Core Insights - Franklin Resources reported Q3 CY2025 revenue of $2.34 billion, exceeding analyst expectations by 36.5% year-on-year and beating estimates by 35.4% [6] - Non-GAAP profit per share was $0.67, which is 14% above analysts' consensus estimates of $0.59 [6] Financial Performance - Adjusted operating income reached $472.4 million, with a margin of 20.2%, surpassing analyst estimates of $449.5 million [6] - Operating margin improved to 3.6%, a significant increase from -8.8% in the same quarter last year [6] - Market capitalization stands at $11.54 billion [6] Business Highlights - Strong momentum in alternative assets, with $22.9 billion raised in private markets this year, contributing to a five-year goal of $100 billion [7] - The ETF business has grown at a 75% compound annual rate since 2023, with 16 consecutive quarters of net inflows [7] - Digital asset AUM reached $1.7 billion, reflecting a 75% year-on-year increase, with unique offerings in mutual fund tokenization [7] Strategic Focus - Management is prioritizing private markets fundraising, digital asset initiatives, and wealth and retirement channel penetration [4] - The company is investing in AI and expanding partnerships to support growth [4] - Leadership changes, including the appointment of Daniel Gamba as Chief Commercial Officer, aim to enhance expertise in private wealth and global distribution [8] Operational Challenges - Despite strong performance, management acknowledged ongoing challenges in legacy business lines and higher expenses related to new initiatives [3] - Cost management remains a focus, with higher incentive compensation and integration expenses offsetting some efficiencies [7][8]

Group 1 - Zhejiang Zhecai Social Security Equity Management Co., Ltd. has been established with a registered capital of 500 million yuan [1] - The legal representative of the company is Zhang Rongzhong [1] - The company is fully owned by Zhejiang Financial Investment Group Co., Ltd. [1] Group 2 - The business scope includes enterprise management, equity investment, investment activities with self-owned funds, and asset management services with self-owned funds [1]

Core Viewpoint - Companies with a strong history of dividend payments and consistent increases are attractive to income-focused investors, with Virtus Investment, Fifth Third Bancorp, and VICI Properties recently announcing dividend hikes and offering yields up to nearly 6% [1] Group 1: Virtus Investment Partners - Virtus Investment Partners Inc. is an asset management company providing investment products and services to individual and institutional clients [2] - The company has raised its dividends every year for the last eight years, with a recent increase of 7% to $2.40 per share, resulting in an annual figure of $9.60 per share, leading to a current dividend yield of 5.99% [3] - As of June 30, the annual revenue stood at $884.72 million, with Q3 2025 revenues of $216.38 million reported on Oct. 24, surpassing the consensus estimate of $197.11 million, while EPS of $6.69 was slightly below the consensus of $6.75 [4] Group 2: Fifth Third Bancorp - Fifth Third Bancorp operates as the bank holding company for Fifth Third Bank in the U.S. [4] - The company has consecutively raised its dividends for the last 10 years, with an 8% increase in the most recent announcement to $0.40 per share, equating to an annual figure of $1.60 per share, resulting in a current dividend yield of 3.85% [5] - As of June 30, the annual revenue was $8.45 billion, with Q3 2025 revenues of $2.31 billion and EPS of $0.93, both exceeding market expectations [5] Group 3: VICI Properties - VICI Properties Inc. is a real estate investment trust specializing in casino and entertainment properties [6] - The company has increased its dividends every year for the last eight years, with a recent hike from $0.4325 to $0.45 per share, leading to an annual figure of $1.80 per share and a current dividend yield of 5.98% [7]

Core Insights - Carlyle Group reported a revenue of $782.5 million for the quarter ended September 2025, reflecting a 12.6% decrease year-over-year and a surprise of -7.78% compared to the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $848.51 million [1] - The earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter was $0.98, slightly up from $0.95 in the same quarter last year, aligning with the consensus EPS estimate [1] Financial Performance Metrics - Total Assets Under Management (AUM) for Global Private Equity at the end of the period was $163.45 billion, below the estimated $165.82 billion [4] - Total AUM at the end of the period was $474.06 billion, compared to the estimated $478.66 billion [4] - Fee-earning AUM for Global Private Equity was reported at $101.15 billion, slightly above the average estimate of $100.83 billion [4] - Revenues from Global Private Equity totaled $346.5 million, significantly lower than the estimated $455.09 million, marking a year-over-year decline of 36.7% [4] - Fee-related performance revenues were $47.5 million, exceeding the average estimate of $42.33 million, with a year-over-year increase of 30.9% [4] - Fund management fees generated segment revenues of $573.9 million, slightly above the estimated $569.26 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 9% [4] - Realized performance revenues were reported at $61.7 million, well below the average estimate of $170.13 million, indicating a year-over-year decline of 77.6% [4] - Realized principal investment income was $49.5 million, surpassing the average estimate of $37.99 million, with a substantial year-over-year increase of 444% [4] - Total segment fee revenues were $653.7 million, closely matching the estimated $653.72 million, with a year-over-year increase of 10.8% [4] - Global Private Equity fund management fees were $295 million, slightly below the average estimate of $293.65 million, reflecting a year-over-year decrease of 1.2% [4] - Total fee revenues for Global Private Equity were $301.5 million, marginally above the average estimate of $301.17 million, with a year-over-year decline of 1% [4] Stock Performance - Carlyle's shares have returned -11.2% over the past month, contrasting with the Zacks S&P 500 composite's -0.2% change [3] - The stock currently holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), suggesting it may perform in line with the broader market in the near term [3]

Core Insights - BlackRock, the world's largest asset manager, is shutting down a social impact fund that had invested in the now-collapsed subprime car lender Tricolor [1] Company Summary - The decision to wind down the fund is reported by the Financial Times, citing sources familiar with the situation [1]