Core Insights - The Baron Asset Fund underperformed for the second consecutive quarter, declining 4.23% in Q3 2025, while the Index gained 2.78% [3] - The underperformance was primarily due to the Fund's underexposure to Momentum, Beta, and Residual Volatility factors, which led the market higher [3] - The Fund's overexposure to Earnings Quality negatively impacted performance as lower quality stocks rallied during the quarter [3] Sector Performance - Stock selection in IT and Communication Services accounted for about three-quarters of the underperformance, with significant declines from Gartner, Inc. and StubHub Holdings, Inc. [4] - Weakness in Consumer Discretionary was broad-based, with notable declines from Choice Hotels International, Inc. and On Holding AG [5] - Financials were hindered by FactSet Research Systems Inc. and Morningstar, Inc., affected by industry-wide concerns regarding AI and a shift in investor focus [7] - Health Care showed solid stock selection, driven by strong performance from IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. [8] Key Contributors - IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. contributed 1.13% to returns, benefiting from improved foot traffic and revenue growth in its Companion Animal segment [9] - Amphenol Corporation gained 1.01% as expectations for data center spending rose, bolstered by a significant acquisition [10] - SpaceX reported substantial growth in its Starlink service and continued advancements in rocket technology [11][12] Key Detractors - Gartner, Inc. detracted 2.31% from performance due to disappointing earnings and decelerating contract value growth [13] - StubHub Holdings, Inc. faced challenges post-IPO, with investments impacting near-term results [16] - Verisk Analytics, Inc. was affected by a conservative outlook and concerns about the property and casualty insurance market [17]

Core Insights - FactSet Research Systems Inc. (NYSE:FDS) is considered undervalued with a price-to-earnings multiple of 15, indicating potential for growth [1] - The company provides financial data, analytics, and digital solutions that support investment research, portfolio management, and risk analysis [1] - Despite strong fiscal Q3 earnings and positive management commentary, FactSet's stock performance was negatively impacted by the announcement of CEO Phil Snow's retirement [1] Financial Performance - FactSet's shares detracted from performance in the second quarter of 2025, overshadowed by strong results from competitors like Interactive Brokers Group, Inc. [1] - The company has a large addressable market and demonstrates strong execution in new product development and financial results [1] - FactSet generates robust free cash flow, which supports its long-term investment potential [1] Market Position - The company is viewed favorably for its long-term prospects, despite some volatility due to leadership changes [1] - There is a belief that certain AI stocks may offer greater upside potential compared to FactSet, indicating a competitive landscape in the financial analytics sector [1]

Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the resilience of Philip Morris International, S&P Global, and Walmart as investment options amidst market volatility and tariff concerns, suggesting that investors should focus on dividend growth stocks that are insulated from economic downturns [1][2]. Philip Morris International - Philip Morris International (PMI) was spun off from Altria in 2008, allowing it to focus on its overseas business while Altria dealt with domestic challenges [3]. - From 2008 to 2024, PMI's adjusted earnings per share (EPS) grew at a compound annual rate of 4.4%, driven by price increases and cost-cutting measures, alongside a shift towards smoke-free products [4]. - PMI has consistently raised its dividend since the split, currently offering a forward yield of 3.6% with a trailing payout ratio of 88%, indicating potential for future increases [5]. - Analysts project adjusted EPS growth of 9% in 2025 and 10% in 2026, with a reasonable valuation at 21 times forward earnings [5]. S&P Global - S&P Global provides essential financial data and analytics services to approximately 80% of Fortune 500 companies, utilizing AI-driven tools to enhance its offerings [6]. - The company is insulated from tariffs as it offers services rather than physical goods, making its services more valuable in turbulent markets [7]. - Despite a temporary slowdown in its credit ratings business due to high interest rates, S&P Global is expected to recover as rates decline [7]. - The company has a forward yield of 0.9% and has raised its dividend for 52 consecutive years, with a low trailing payout ratio of 29% [8]. - Analysts anticipate EPS growth of 9% in 2025 and 12% in 2026, with a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 26, indicating it is not overly expensive [8]. Walmart - Walmart serves 270 million customers weekly across 10,750 stores and online marketplaces in 19 countries, providing it with significant scale to mitigate tariff impacts [9]. - Many of Walmart's suppliers pre-shipped products to the U.S. before tariffs were implemented, and the company can negotiate lower prices or adjust retail prices to manage costs [10]. - Walmart has a forward yield of 1.1% and has raised its dividend for 52 consecutive years, maintaining a low payout ratio of 34% [11]. - Analysts expect adjusted EPS growth of 5% in fiscal 2026 and 12% in fiscal 2027, with a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 31, suggesting that its core strengths may justify the higher valuation [11].