Key Takeaways Shares of Costco Wholesale have been getting cheaper for nearly a year, dropping from early 2025 highs. They got a little less cheap today. The warehouse retailer's shares were up some 5% Thursday afternoon to levels last seen in about a month. The driver: a measure of optimism about the direction of Costco's (COST) business following the company's announcement of December sales that rose 8.5% year-over year and same-store sales that were 7% higher. Bakery, meat and candy sales powered the foo ...

Core Insights - Costco's digital ecosystem is a primary growth driver, with a 20.5% increase in digitally enabled comparable sales for Q1 FY26, significantly outpacing the overall comparable sales growth of 6.4% [1][9] - Key contributors to online sales growth include a 24% rise in e-commerce site traffic and a 13% increase in average order value [1][9] Digital Engagement and Personalization - The company is enhancing shopping experiences through improved product display pages and personalization capabilities, leading to higher conversion rates [2] - Same-day delivery services via Instacart, Uber Eats, and DoorDash have seen strong member adoption, contributing to sales growth [3] Integration of Digital Tools - Costco is integrating digital tools in warehouses, such as the Costco Digital Wallet and pre-scanning technology, which have increased checkout speeds by up to 20% [4] - AI is being utilized to optimize pharmacy inventory and gas station management, improving in-stock levels to over 98% and supporting mid-teen growth in pharmacy scripts filled [4] Competitive Landscape - Walmart reported a 27% global e-commerce growth in Q3 FY26, with 35% of digital orders delivered in under three hours, indicating a strong focus on convenience and digital innovation [6] - BJ's Wholesale Club reported a 30% growth in digitally enabled comparable sales in Q3 FY25, emphasizing the value of digitally engaged members [7] Financial Metrics - Costco's stock has declined 7.4% over the past year, while the industry has grown by 4% [8] - The forward 12-month price-to-earnings ratio for Costco is 41.21, higher than the industry average of 29.45 [10] - Zacks Consensus Estimates indicate year-over-year growth of 7.5% in sales and 11.7% in earnings per share for the current financial year [11]

Group 1 - The company, Compagnie Générale des Établissements Michelin, has experienced a share price decline of approximately 11% since the last update [1] - Michelin is recognized as one of the largest tire manufacturers globally, indicating its significant position in the industry [1] Group 2 - The analysis is aimed at buy-side hedge professionals who focus on fundamental, income-oriented, long-term investment strategies across various sectors in developed markets [1]

Core Viewpoint - The motorcycle industry is experiencing growth, with significant increases in sales for various displacement categories, indicating a positive trend in consumer demand and market dynamics [1][2][3]. Sales Data Summary - For motorcycles with displacement above 250cc, November sales reached 61,000 units, a year-on-year increase of 11.3% and a month-on-month increase of 0.2%. Cumulative sales from January to November totaled 883,000 units, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 28.3% [1]. - In the 250ml to 400ml displacement category, November sales were 35,000 units, up 12.6% year-on-year but down 2.5% month-on-month. Cumulative sales for the year reached 480,000 units, a year-on-year increase of 25.6% [2]. - For the 400ml to 500ml category, November sales were 12,000 units, down 16.8% year-on-year but up 13.8% month-on-month. Cumulative sales were 208,000 units, showing a year-on-year decline of 3.1% [2]. - In the 500ml to 800ml category, November sales were 13,000 units, a significant year-on-year increase of 55.7% and a month-on-month increase of 1.5%. Cumulative sales reached 174,000 units, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 121.1% [2]. - For motorcycles over 800cc, November sales were 1,000 units, a year-on-year increase of 6.5% but a month-on-month decrease of 37.1%. Cumulative sales for the year were 21,000 units, up 65.4% year-on-year [2]. Market Share Insights - Chuanfeng Power achieved November sales of 12,000 units in the 250cc+ category, with a market share of 20.3%, reflecting a 1.5 percentage point increase month-on-month. The cumulative market share for the year was 20.2%, up 0.4 percentage points compared to the full year of 2024 [3]. - Longxin General also reported November sales of 12,000 units in the 250cc+ category, with a market share of 19.6%, increasing by 1.4 percentage points month-on-month. The cumulative market share for the year was 14.8%, up 0.6 percentage points compared to 2024 [3]. - Qianjiang Motorcycle's November sales in the 250cc+ category were 4,000 units, down 39.7% year-on-year, with a market share of 6.8%, increasing by 0.1 percentage points month-on-month. The cumulative market share for the year was 12.4%, down 4.4 percentage points compared to 2024 [3]. Industry Outlook - The current industry perspective suggests a focus on key companies such as Geely Automobile, Xpeng Motors, BYD, Chuanfeng Power, and others, indicating a strategic interest in firms that are positioned for growth and innovation in the automotive sector [3].

Core Viewpoint - The company, Michelin, has engaged in a securities repurchasing program, acquiring a total of 1,607,859 ordinary shares at an average price of €27.9875 per share on December 11, 2025 [1]. Summary by Categories Company Actions - Michelin repurchased 893,255 shares through NATIXIS and 714,604 shares through BNP PARIBAS on the same date [1]. Financial Details - The average price for the shares acquired was €27.9875, indicating a significant investment in its own equity [1]. Transaction Platforms - The repurchases were conducted over-the-counter, reflecting a strategic approach to managing its share capital [1].

Core Insights - The MICHELIN Guide has released its 2026 edition for Doha, highlighting the city's evolving culinary scene with 12 new restaurant entries, including 9 in the selected category, 8 earning Bib Gourmand distinctions, and 3 receiving One MICHELIN Star awards [2][3][6]. Restaurant Highlights - Alba, located in Katara Towers at Raffles Doha, has been promoted to One MICHELIN Star, showcasing dishes like Barolo-braised veal cheek and shrimp ragù spaghetti, emphasizing high-quality ingredients [5][6]. - Two restaurants, Jamavar and IDAM by Alain Ducasse, have retained their One MICHELIN Star status, reaffirming their excellence in dining [8]. Bib Gourmand Awards - The 2026 edition introduces 4 new Bib Gourmand distinctions, bringing the total to 8 in Doha. Notable new entries include: - Fenyal, a café offering Middle Eastern flavors at affordable prices - Mila, serving Mediterranean and Levantine sharing plates - Berenjak, featuring Persian cuisine - Baron, a Mediterranean fusion restaurant [9][10]. New Restaurant Entries - A total of 44 restaurants are included in the MICHELIN Guide Doha 2026 selection, with 9 new restaurants added. Highlights include: - Em Sherif, a Lebanese restaurant with stunning city views - Carbone Doha, a lively branch of a New York icon - Koo Madame, offering dim sum and hand-pulled noodles - Shanghai Me Doha, blending Chinese and Japanese flavors [11][12][13]. Special Awards - The MICHELIN Guide has recognized outstanding contributions in the culinary industry through its Special Awards: - Young Chef Award to Alba's Chef Cristhian Serraino for his creative and balanced dishes [14]. - Opening of the Year Award to Koo Madame for its distinctive dining experience [15]. - Service Award to Shanghai Me Doha for exceptional and attentive service [16]. - Exceptional Cocktail/Mocktail Award to yūn for its creative tea-based mocktails [17].

Core Thesis - The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company is transitioning from a cyclical business model to a disciplined self-help and deleveraging strategy, with significant divestitures and a focus on improving its balance sheet [2][5]. Financial Performance - As of December 2nd, Goodyear's share price was $8.72, with trailing and forward P/E ratios of 5.12 and 10.98 respectively [1]. - The company executed divestitures in 2025, generating approximately $2.2 billion, which has been directed towards debt reduction [2]. - On a pro-forma basis, debt has decreased by approximately $1.5 billion year-over-year, with strong free cash flow anticipated in Q4 [5]. Operational Improvements - Goodyear's Forward program is on track to achieve $1.5 billion in annualized run-rate savings by the end of 2025 [3]. - Despite weak Q3 headline numbers due to non-cash charges, underlying operations showed sequential improvement in Segment Operating Income [3]. - The company is prioritizing the shedding of low-multiple, non-core assets while focusing on high-margin core operations, with around 1,000 new SKUs being introduced [4]. Market Positioning - Goodyear's global footprint is increasingly oriented towards the higher-margin replacement market, supported by strong price/mix dynamics and OEM partnerships [4]. - The company's retail and service network, consisting of 800 sites, presents potential upside through sale-leasebacks or carve-outs [4]. Future Outlook - The turnaround is progressing effectively, with visible execution in receipts and savings, setting the stage for a potential re-rating as leverage normalizes and cash generation accelerates [5]. - Previous bullish theses on Goodyear highlighted the need for stronger execution, and while the stock has depreciated approximately 10.92% since then, the fundamentals remain stable [6].

Group 1: Community Banks - Community banks remain a strong investment opportunity due to their local focus and lower exposure to large commercial real estate loans compared to big banks [4][17] - Key metrics for evaluating community banks include capital levels, non-performing assets (NPAs), and book value, with a specific focus on maintaining NPAs below 2% [10][12] - The current environment shows that community banks have low commercial real estate loan losses, indicating their resilience during economic downturns [18][20] Group 2: Regulatory Environment and M&A - The regulatory landscape for banks has shifted, with the current administration being more favorable towards bank mergers and acquisitions, leading to an acceleration in consolidation [26][28] - The previous administration's regulatory stance created a hostile environment for bank M&A, which is now changing, allowing for easier consolidation in the community banking sector [26][28] Group 3: Investment Opportunities - Specific community banks are highlighted as attractive investments, such as NSTS Bancorp, which has a high equity-to-asset ratio and trades at 70% of tangible book value [38][39] - RBB Bancorp is noted for its strong ties to the Korean-American community and is considered a potential acquisition target due to its low trading value and solid fundamentals [43][46] Group 4: Global Value Opportunities - Investment opportunities are also identified in international markets, particularly in Japan and Hong Kong, where companies are trading below book value despite strong fundamentals [70][78] - The focus on intangible assets is increasing, with U.S. corporates deploying significant capital towards R&D and other intangible-heavy investments, indicating a shift in capital allocation strategies [53][55]

Group 1 - JPMorgan has lowered the price target on Cabot (CBT) to $54 from $75, maintaining an Underweight rating on the shares [1] - Carbon black volumes in the Americas have decreased by 6% for three consecutive years [1] - Margins are being pressured as consumers shift from higher quality tires to lower quality and less expensive options [1] Group 2 - JPMorgan anticipates further downside for Cabot shares due to the weak carbon black price and volume environment [1]

Core Insights - Recent volatility in equity markets persists, with concerns about an AI bubble despite NVIDIA's strong quarterly performance and uncertainty regarding potential Federal Reserve rate cuts [1][2] Group 1: Market Conditions - The September jobs report, which was delayed due to a government shutdown, has reduced expectations for a rate cut in December, contributing to erratic market movements [2] - Individual investors face challenges in designing portfolios for healthy returns amid current market conditions [2] Group 2: Investment Recommendations - Brokers provide valuable insights through direct engagement with company management, public disclosures, and earnings calls, leading to well-informed stock recommendations [2] - Stocks recommended for monitoring include Par Pacific Holdings (PARR), BrightSpring Health Services (BTSG), The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (GT), American Airlines (AAL), and Allegiant Travel Company (ALGT) [2][6] Group 3: Stock Screening Methodology - A screening process has been established to identify stocks with improving broker recommendations and upward revisions in earnings estimates over the past four weeks, incorporating price/sales ratios as a valuation metric [3][4] - The screening parameters include net upgrades, earnings estimate revisions, and favorable price-to-sales metrics [4][6] Group 4: Company Profiles - **Par Pacific Holdings (PARR)**: Operates an integrated energy platform with a refining capacity of 219,000 barrels per day, serving key western U.S. markets [5][6] - **BrightSpring Health Services (BTSG)**: Focuses on home and community-based healthcare services, with a projected earnings growth rate of 100% for 2025 and a revenue increase of 12.8% over 2024 [7][8] - **The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company (GT)**: A major tire manufacturer with a Zacks Rank of 3, has seen mixed earnings performance but benefits from strategic acquisitions and product launches [8][9] - **American Airlines (AAL)**: Benefits from increasing air travel demand and low fuel costs, with a projected revenue increase of 4.3% in 2025 [10] - **Allegiant Travel Company (ALGT)**: Experiences strong air travel demand and fleet upgrades, with earnings surpassing estimates in three of the last four quarters [11]