Core Insights - The U.S. stock market starts the new year with confidence, supported by easing inflation, a steady economy, and expectations of lower interest rates over time, alongside the influence of artificial intelligence [1] Economic Environment - Recent data shows mixed but encouraging signs, with factory activity performing better than expected while housing shows signs of cooling; earnings season is ramping up, focusing on company-level performance [2] - Trade headlines and tariff threats have introduced short-term pressures, but markets typically overlook near-term volatility to focus on future prospects [2] Investment Strategy - Relative price strength is crucial; stocks that are already outperforming the broader market tend to continue leading, making them attractive for investors [3] - Companies such as Micron Technology (MU), Hilltop Holdings (HTH), Casey's General Stores (CASY), Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM), and Dollar General (DG) are recommended for consideration due to their strong performance [3] Stock Selection Criteria - Investors should evaluate stocks based on earnings growth and valuation multiples, while also considering their performance relative to industry peers or benchmarks [4] - Underperforming stocks should be avoided, while those showing strong relative price performance are more likely to yield significant returns [5] Performance Metrics - Stocks that have outperformed the S&P 500 over the past 1, 4, and 12 weeks, along with positive earnings estimate revisions for the current quarter, indicate potential for growth [6][9] - The screening parameters include relative price changes over different time frames and positive earnings estimate revisions, focusing on stocks with a Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) [8][10] Company Highlights - **Micron Technology (MU)**: Expected earnings growth of 297.5% for fiscal 2026, with shares gaining 243% in a year and a market cap over $400 billion [11][12] - **Hilltop Holdings (HTH)**: Projected EPS growth of 11.3% year-over-year for 2026, with shares up 24% in a year [12][13] - **Casey's General Stores (CASY)**: Anticipated EPS growth of 18.8% for fiscal 2026, with shares increasing by 64% in a year [14][15] - **Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM)**: Market cap nearly $100 billion, with shares more than doubling in a year and a projected earnings growth of 9.1% for 2026 [16][17] - **Dollar General (DG)**: Market cap nearly $33 billion, with shares gaining 117% in a year and a projected earnings growth of 5.4% for 2026 [17][18]

Core Viewpoint - ARKO Corp. has filed a registration statement for the proposed initial public offering of Class A common stock of its subsidiary, ARKO Petroleum Corp., as part of its strategic plan [1] Group 1: Company Overview - ARKO Corp. is a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest convenience store operators, fuel wholesalers, and cardlock operators in the United States [1] - The company operates in four reportable segments: retail, wholesale, fleet fueling, and GPM Petroleum [5] - The retail segment includes convenience stores selling merchandise and fuel products, while the wholesale segment supplies fuel to independent dealers [5] Group 2: IPO Details - The proposed IPO will be managed by UBS Investment Bank, Raymond James, and Stifel as lead book-running managers, with Mizuho and Capital One Securities as joint book-running managers [2] - The registration statement has been filed but is not yet effective, meaning securities cannot be sold or offers accepted until it becomes effective [3] - The offering will be made only by means of a prospectus, which will be available from the managing underwriters [4]

Core Viewpoint - ARKO Corp. has appointed Jordan Mann as Interim Chief Financial Officer, effective October 10, 2025, succeeding Robb Giammatteo [1][3] Company Overview - ARKO Corp. is a Fortune 500 company and one of the largest convenience store operators in the United States, owning 100% of GPM Investments, LLC [5] - The company operates in four reportable segments: retail, wholesale, fleet fueling, and GPM Petroleum [5] Leadership Transition - Jordan Mann has over a decade of experience in finance and capital markets, previously holding senior positions at Morgan Stanley and Credit Suisse [2] - Mann has been a key part of ARKO's leadership team, contributing to strategic initiatives and investor engagement [3] - Mann expressed commitment to supporting the company's strategic vision and long-term growth during this transition [3] Educational Background - Jordan Mann holds a Bachelor of Science in Economics from Duke University and a Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School [4]