Group 1 - TQP Research is led by a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) with experience in structured finance and banking [1] - The firm adopts a value-oriented investment approach, focusing on businesses that align with long-term success criteria established by notable investors like Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger [1] - Investment topics include market analysis, macroeconomic trends, large-cap blue chip companies, and undervalued micro-cap and small-cap stocks [1] Group 2 - TQP Research actively engages with the community and encourages questions and ideas from members [1]

Core Insights - The article highlights the investment strategies of Paul Franke, a seasoned investor with 39 years of trading experience, emphasizing his contrarian stock selection style and the development of a system called "Victory Formation" for identifying stocks based on supply/demand imbalances [1] Group 1: Investment Strategies - Paul Franke suggests using 10% or 20% stop-loss levels on individual stock choices and recommends a diversified approach by owning at least 50 well-positioned stocks to achieve regular outperformance in the stock market [1] - The "Bottom Fishing Club" articles focus on deep value candidates or stocks that are experiencing significant upward technical momentum reversals [1] - The "Volume Breakout Report" articles discuss positive trend changes supported by strong price and volume trading actions [1] Group 2: Performance Recognition - Paul Franke was consistently ranked among the top investment advisors nationally during the 1990s and achieved the 1 position in the Motley Fool® CAPS stock picking contest during parts of 2008 and 2009, out of over 60,000 portfolios [1] - As of June 2025, he was ranked in the Top 4% of bloggers by TipRanks® for 12-month stock picking performance based on suggestions made over the last decade [1]

Core Insights - Invesco's preliminary assets under management (AUM) for July 2025 reached $2.02 trillion, reflecting a 1.2% increase from the previous month, driven by market gains and long-term net inflows, despite some losses from unfavorable foreign exchange [1][10] Group 1: AUM Performance - The rise in AUM was attributed to a $22 billion increase from market performance and $5.8 billion in long-term net inflows, offset by an $8.5 billion decline due to unfavorable FX [1] - AUM under ETFs & Index Strategies was $559 billion, up 2.2% from the previous month, while Global Liquidity AUM increased by 2.1% to $200.5 billion [2] - The Fundamental Fixed Income AUM decreased by 1% to $298.5 billion, and Fundamental Equities AUM saw a slight decline to $287 billion [3] Group 2: Growth Trends - Over the past five years, Invesco's AUM has experienced a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5%, with continued growth in the first half of fiscal 2025 [4] - The company has been focusing on diversifying into asset classes with growing client demand, which is expected to further enhance AUM growth [5] Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Competitors such as Franklin Resources and T. Rowe Price are also experiencing AUM growth, with Franklin's AUM at $1.62 trillion and T. Rowe Price benefiting from a diversified AUM across various asset classes [6][8] Group 4: Valuation and Earnings Estimates - Invesco's shares have increased by 17% in 2025, outperforming the industry, and the company trades at a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 9.89, below the industry average [9][11] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate indicates a 4.7% year-over-year rise in Invesco's 2025 earnings, with a projected growth of 25.5% for 2026 [12]

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights a divergence in market behavior, where hedge funds are rapidly withdrawing from the U.S. stock market despite record corporate earnings and stock prices reaching new highs, indicating a potential structural change in the market [1][4]. Group 1: Hedge Fund Activity - Hedge funds have net sold U.S. stocks at the fastest pace in four months, with a sell-to-buy ratio of 3.5:1, totaling a net sell of $1 billion, primarily in macro products like indices and ETFs [2][5]. - The short positions in U.S. listed ETFs increased by 4%, with a monthly growth of 5.7%, reflecting a cautious outlook on the stock market [5]. - The technology sector has become a primary target for hedge fund shorting, with a sell-to-buy ratio of 3.9:1, marking the fastest net selling in over four months across all technology sub-sectors [7]. Group 2: Retail Investor Behavior - Retail investor participation has decreased, with net purchases of $4.9 billion last week, below the year-to-date average of $6.6 billion and the past 12-month average of $5.6 billion [3][14]. - Retail investors continue to favor ETFs, with $4.7 billion in net purchases compared to $276 million in individual stocks, indicating a preference for broader market exposure [15]. - Specific ETFs like QQQ, SPY, and VOO saw significant net inflows, with QQQ leading at $724 million [16]. Group 3: Earnings Season Volatility - The current earnings season has exhibited unusually high volatility, with the average stock price movement for S&P 500 constituents reaching ±5.3%, the highest in 15 years [18][19]. - Approximately 60% of companies exceeded earnings per share (EPS) expectations by more than one standard deviation, yet this strong performance has not translated into sustained stock price increases, highlighting market sensitivity to valuations [19]. - Sector performance has been mixed, with technology stocks experiencing gains while consumer sectors showed weak price reactions regardless of earnings performance [20][21]. Group 4: Market Outlook - Upcoming macroeconomic data releases, including CPI, PPI, and retail sales, are expected to be focal points for market participants [22]. - The earnings season is nearing its end, with only 1% of S&P market cap companies yet to report, and implied volatility suggests a modest expected movement of ±1.25% for the S&P 500 this week [23].

ETF vs Mutual Funds - ETFs trade all day, offering liquidity, while mutual funds trade only once daily after the close [2][3] - ETFs often have lower management fees due to passive index tracking, but actively managed ETFs can have higher fees [5] - Mutual funds may have minimum buy-ins around $1,000, while ETFs require only the price of one share [6] - Mutual funds can offer automatic savings plans, while ETFs provide flexibility with options trading and short selling [6][8] ETF Market Growth and Evolution - The number of mutual funds has plateaued since the beginning of the century, currently at over 6,500, down from a pre-pandemic peak [9] - ETF growth has accelerated, nearing 4,000, with assets under management at approximately $11 trillion, half of mutual funds' $22 trillion [10] - SPY (S&P 500 ETF) was launched in 1993, enabling trading of the entire S&P 500 like a stock [14][15] - QQQ (NASDAQ 100 ETF) launched in 1999, allowing trading of the NASDAQ 100 [18] - The ETF rule streamlined the launch process, leading to an explosion in ETF volume and new launches [23] - Invesco seeks to convert its QQQ fund from a fixed unit investment trust to an open-end ETF, potentially increasing its management fee income by over $600 million annually [26][29] SPY vs QQQ Performance - Since 1993, SPY's total price return is over 1,300%, while QQQ's is over 1,007% since 1999 [27] - SPY experienced a worst sell-off of -56% during the global financial crisis, while QQQ had -83% during the dot-com bust [27][28] - SPY's management fee is 00945%, approximately half that of QQQ [28] - SPY's daily trading volume is 67 million shares, equivalent to $42 billion, compared to QQQ's 40 million shares, or $23 billion [28][29]

Invesco’s move to convert its famed tech fund QQQ into an open-ended structure could translate into a $150 million yearly windfall for the asset manager https://t.co/PTlFPNdyzZ ...

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record total assets under management (AUM) of slightly over $2,000 billion, which is $157 billion or 8% higher than the end of the first quarter and $286 billion or 17% higher than the end of the second quarter of 2024 [29] - Average long-term AUM increased by 1% over the last quarter and 12% over the second quarter of last year, reaching $1,340 billion [29] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share for the second quarter were $0.36, with net revenues of $1,100 million, which is $19 million higher than the same quarter last year [31][39] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated $15.6 billion in net long-term asset inflows, representing a 4.7% annualized growth rate [11] - The global ETFs and index platform reported 10% annualized organic growth, with $12.6 billion of long-term net inflows in the quarter [12] - Fundamental fixed income garnered nearly $3 billion of net long-term inflows, while private markets experienced net outflows of $2 billion [30][24] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Asia Pacific and EMEA regions accounted for 40% of overall long-term client AUM, generating $31 billion of net flows in the first half of 2025 [12] - The China joint venture and India capabilities delivered $5.6 billion of net long-term inflows, with a record high AUM of $105 billion in the China JV [23] - The company saw net outflows of $3.6 billion in fundamental equities, particularly from U.S. clients, while EMEA and Asia Pacific clients showed positive flows [24][25] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing client outcomes, improving operating leverage, and strengthening its balance sheet [5] - A significant partnership with MassMutual and Barings aims to leverage private credit strengths and expand product offerings [6][8] - The company is pursuing a hybrid solution for its platforms, optimizing outcomes for clients and enhancing operational capabilities [42] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the second quarter experienced pronounced market volatility, but strong momentum carried into July, leading to a global rebound for equities [11] - The company remains committed to driving profitable growth and enhancing capital returns to shareholders, with a focus on both organic and inorganic growth opportunities [61][99] - Management expressed optimism about the potential for private markets in defined contribution plans, contingent on regulatory changes [86] Other Important Information - The company repurchased $1 billion of preferred stock held by MassMutual, funded by bank term loans, which is expected to strengthen the balance sheet [31][45] - The net revenue yield for the second quarter was 23.2 basis points, indicating a smaller decline than in prior quarters, suggesting potential stabilization [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why is the company proposing changes to the QQQ structure now? - Management indicated that the proposal aims to modernize the structure to enhance outcomes for clients and shareholders, as the current unit trust structure has been in place since 1999 [53] Question: How will the changes impact marketing expenses and incremental margin? - The anticipated marketing budget for the trust is $60 million to $100 million, translating to 2 to 3 basis points of annual assets, with an expected addition of approximately four basis points to net revenue and operating income if approved [55] Question: How does the company balance deleveraging with growth? - Management emphasized that both growth and deleveraging are priorities, with a focus on improving operating cash flow to provide flexibility for both objectives [60] Question: What is the company's strategy for private markets? - The company is focused on partnerships and acquisitions to enhance its private markets capabilities, with a strong emphasis on organic growth as well [78] Question: What are the expectations for private markets in defined contribution plans? - Management believes there is potential for private markets in defined contribution plans, contingent on regulatory changes, and is prepared to meet market demand with existing capabilities [86]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company reported a record total assets under management (AUM) of slightly over $2,000 billion, which is $157 billion or 8% higher than the end of the first quarter and $286 billion or 17% higher than the end of the second quarter of 2024 [28] - Average long-term AUM increased by 1% over the last quarter and 12% over the second quarter of last year, reaching $1,340 billion [28] - Adjusted diluted earnings per share were $0.36 for the second quarter, with net revenues of $1,100 million, which is $19 million higher than the same quarter last year [30][38] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company generated $15.6 billion in net long-term asset inflows, representing a 4.7% annualized growth rate [10] - The global ETFs and index platform reported 10% annualized organic growth, with $12.6 billion of long-term net inflows in the quarter [11] - Fundamental fixed income garnered nearly $3 billion of net long-term inflows, while private markets experienced net outflows of $2 billion [29][22] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The Asia Pacific and EMEA regions accounted for 40% of overall long-term client AUM, generating $31 billion of net flows in the first half of 2025 [11] - The China joint venture and India capabilities delivered $5.6 billion of net long-term inflows, with a record high AUM of $105 billion in the China JV [21] - The company saw net outflows of $3.6 billion in fundamental equities, although there were positive flows from EMEA and Asia Pacific [22][23] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company is focused on enhancing client outcomes, improving operating leverage, and strengthening its balance sheet [4] - A partnership with MassMutual and Barings aims to leverage private credit strengths and expand product offerings in the U.S. Wealth channel [6] - The company is pursuing a hybrid approach to investment management, utilizing platforms from both State Street and BlackRock to optimize outcomes for clients [40] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management noted that the second quarter experienced pronounced market volatility, but strong momentum carried into July, leading to a global rebound for equities [10] - The company is optimistic about its ability to navigate market cycles due to a diversified asset mix and strong geographic presence [25][32] - Management emphasized the importance of improving operating cash flow to balance growth and deleveraging efforts [59][62] Other Important Information - The company completed the repurchase of $1 billion of preferred stock held by MassMutual, funded by bank term loans, which is expected to reduce preferred dividends significantly [30][44] - The company intends to continue common share repurchases and aims for a total payout ratio of near 60% from 2025 [45] - The filing of a preliminary proxy statement seeks approval to change the operational structure of the QQQ from a unit investment trust to an open-end fund ETF [35] Q&A Session Summary Question: Why is the company proposing changes to the QQQ structure now? - Management indicated that the proposal aims to modernize the structure to enhance outcomes for clients and shareholders, reflecting changes in market conditions since the QQQ was launched in 1999 [52][53] Question: How will the changes impact marketing spend and incremental margin? - The anticipated marketing budget for the trust is between $60 million to $100 million, translating to 2 to 3 basis points of annual assets, with an expected addition of four basis points to net revenue and operating income if approved [55] Question: How does the company balance deleveraging with growth? - Management stated that both growth and deleveraging are priorities, with a focus on improving operating cash flow to provide flexibility for growth initiatives [59][62] Question: What is the company's strategy for private markets? - The company is focused on partnerships and acquisitions to enhance its private markets capabilities, with a strong emphasis on organic growth as well [76] Question: How does the company view the potential for private markets in the 401(k) space? - Management believes there is promise for private markets in defined contribution plans, contingent on regulatory changes and market demand [84]

Financial Performance - Ending AUM reached a record $2 trillion[9], with long-term AUM growing by 16% year-over-year[22] - Net long-term inflows were $156 billion, representing an annualized organic growth of 47%[9, 22] - Net revenues increased by 17% year-over-year, while expenses increased by 13%[22] - Adjusted operating margin improved by 30 basis points compared to the second quarter of 2024[22] - Share buybacks of $25 million, representing 17 million shares, were executed[22] Asset Flows and AUM Composition - ETFs and Index strategies saw net inflows of $126 billion[9] - Fundamental Fixed Income experienced net inflows of $28 billion, including over $4 billion from The Peoples Pension fund in the UK[9] - Fundamental Equities had net outflows of $36 billion, with positive flows from Global/Regional equities offset by outflows in emerging markets ($23 billion) and global equities ($22 billion)[9] - Private Markets experienced net outflows of $23 billion, offset by positive flows in real estate and CLOs[9] Geographic and Channel Performance - Americas accounted for 70% of total firm AUM[11] - Asia Pacific accounted for 15% of total firm AUM[11] - EMEA accounted for 15% of total firm AUM[11] - Retail channel represented 68% of total firm AUM, while the Institutional channel represented 32%[11]

Famed tech fund QQQ is the most profitable product in the $11.7 trillion industry, yet Invesco earns next to nothing for running it. Now, the firm is asking shareholders to change that https://t.co/kAUMOFJFB2 ...