LRT Capital Management, an investment management company, released its “LRT Global Opportunities Strategy” third-quarter 2025 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The strategy leverages a systematic long/short approach to generate positive returns while effectively controlling downside risks and maintaining low net exposure to the equity markets. In September, the strategy returned -8.00% (net), and the YTD return was -0.17%. It was a challenging month for the strategy, as the marke ...

Investment Strategy Overview - LRT Global Opportunities strategy returned -8.00% in September and -0.17% year-to-date as of October 1, 2025 [4][5] - The strategy focuses on long positions in high-quality companies and short positions in broad market indexes, viewing September's performance as a temporary setback [6] - Current market valuations are at extreme levels, with a trailing P/E ratio over 30x, P/B ratio over 5.6x, and cyclical P/E over 40x, indicating potential future return challenges [7] Company Highlights StoneX Group Inc. (SNEX) - StoneX operates as a diversified financial services network, providing execution, clearing, payment, and advisory services across various asset classes [12][13] - The company focuses on underserved client segments, leveraging deep institutional knowledge and a robust global infrastructure [13][14] - StoneX's growth strategy combines organic expansion with strategic acquisitions, enhancing capabilities and geographic reach [14][15] Simpson Manufacturing Co., Inc. (SSD) - Simpson is a leader in engineered structural connectors, with products specified in building codes, creating high switching costs for customers [16][17] - The company benefits from a strong distribution network and technical support, reinforcing its market position [18][19] - Demand for Simpson's products is driven by housing construction and stricter building codes due to extreme weather events [19][20] Asbury Automotive Group, Inc. (ABG) - Asbury operates a diverse portfolio of dealerships, focusing on high-margin parts and service operations for revenue stability [21][22] - The company has a proven track record in strategic acquisitions, enhancing its operational footprint and earnings power [23][24] - Asbury's digital retailing platform, Clicklane, integrates online and in-store experiences, providing a competitive advantage [24][25] Chemed Corp. (CHE) - Chemed operates VITAS Healthcare and Roto-Rooter, benefiting from strong demand in hospice care and plumbing services [26][27] - VITAS is positioned to capitalize on the aging U.S. population, while Roto-Rooter offers recession-resistant services [28][29] - The company has a disciplined capital allocation strategy, returning significant capital to shareholders [29] The Toronto-Dominion Bank (TD) - TD is a major player in North America's banking sector, with a focus on retail and commercial banking [30][31] - The bank's U.S. retail segment has been a primary growth engine, supported by strategic acquisitions [32] - TD's conservative risk culture and strong capital management contribute to its competitive advantage [34] RLI Corp. (RLI) - RLI is a specialty insurance company known for its underwriting discipline and focus on niche markets [35][36] - The company prioritizes profitability over growth, maintaining a strong alignment of interests through employee ownership [37][38] - RLI has a history of returning excess capital to shareholders, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder value [38] The Toro Company (TTC) - Toro is a leader in turf and landscape solutions, known for its quality and innovation [39][40] - The company has a strong distribution network and a disciplined growth strategy, including strategic acquisitions [41][42] - Toro consistently generates strong free cash flow, which is reinvested in product development and shareholder returns [42] Crown Castle International Corp. (CCI) - Crown Castle owns the largest portfolio of shared communications infrastructure in the U.S., primarily macro cell towers [43][44] - The company benefits from long-term lease agreements, providing predictable revenue streams [44][45] - Crown Castle is divesting non-core businesses to focus on its tower portfolio, enhancing shareholder value [46] Corporación América Airports S.A. (CAAP) - CAAP operates 53 airports across six countries, generating revenue from aeronautical and commercial activities [48][49] - The company invests in airport infrastructure to enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience [51] - CAAP is well-positioned to benefit from the recovery in global air travel [52] Colliers International Group Inc. (CIGI) - Colliers is a global leader in commercial real estate services, distinguished by its decentralized structure and entrepreneurial culture [53][54] - The company pursues a balanced growth strategy, focusing on high-margin business lines [56] - Colliers' ownership culture aligns interests with long-term shareholders, enhancing its competitive advantage [54] The Travelers Companies, Inc. (TRV) - Travelers is a leading provider of property and casualty insurance, organized into three primary segments [57][58] - The company benefits from a vast distribution network and strong relationships with independent agents [58][62] - Travelers leverages its scale and data advantages to maintain profitability and manage risks effectively [62] Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. - Petrobras (PBR-A) - Petrobras is a major integrated energy producer, controlling significant pre-salt oil reserves [63][64] - The company focuses on maximizing value from its most profitable exploration and production activities [65][66] - Petrobras' performance is closely tied to its operational execution in the pre-salt basins [66] Fabrinet (FN) - Fabrinet specializes in advanced optical packaging and precision manufacturing, serving leading OEMs [67][68] - The company's engineering expertise and focus on complex manufacturing create high switching costs [68][69] - Fabrinet benefits from secular tailwinds in the optical communications market, driven by data traffic growth [69][70] UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) - UnitedHealth is a leading healthcare enterprise, combining health benefits with diversified health services [71][72] - The company's scale provides cost advantages and superior negotiating power in the healthcare market [73][74] - UnitedHealth's integrated model enhances efficiency and patient outcomes, positioning it for continued growth [74] Charter Communications, Inc. (CHTR) - Charter is a major connectivity provider in the U.S., focusing on high-speed broadband services [76][77] - The company is upgrading its network to meet increasing bandwidth demands and expanding into underserved areas [79] - Charter's convergence of services, including mobile offerings, enhances customer loyalty and reduces churn [78][79] Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (GPI) - Group 1 operates a diversified automotive retail business, focusing on luxury and import brands [80][81] - The company's disciplined acquisition strategy enhances performance and profitability [82] - Group 1's digital retailing platform improves customer experience and operational efficiency [82][83] Exxon Mobil Corp (XOM) - Exxon Mobil is a leading integrated energy and chemical manufacturer with a vertically integrated business model [85]

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Fiserv, Inc. (NYSE:FI) is one of the Best Low Cost Stocks to Buy According to Analysts. On September 4, Fiserv, Inc. (NYSE:FI) announced the acquisition of CardFree, a platform offering order, payment, and loyalty solutions for merchants. Management noted that this acquisition is aimed at enhancing Clover’s point-of-sale system, which is widely regarded as one of the smartest in the market. CardFree’s technology will be fully integrated into both Clover and Commerce Hub ecosystems. This integration is exp ...

Core Insights - BAWAG Group reported a strong financial performance for Q2 2025, with a net profit of €210 million and earnings per share (EPS) of €2.65, reflecting a return on tangible common equity (RoTCE) of 27.6% [1][4] - The first half of 2025 showed a net profit of €411 million and EPS of €5.19, maintaining a RoTCE of 26.7% [1][6] - The CET1 ratio stood at 13.5% after accounting for a share buyback of €175 million and a dividend accrual of €226 million [2][4] Financial Performance - Core revenues for Q2 2025 reached €547.9 million, a 40% increase year-over-year, while H1 2025 core revenues totaled €1,082.7 million, up 38% [6] - Net interest income for Q2 2025 was €457.6 million, a 45% increase, and for H1 2025 it was €903.4 million, up 43% [6] - Operating income for Q2 2025 was €551.9 million, a 41% increase, and for H1 2025 it was €1,085.7 million, up 40% [6] Cost and Efficiency Metrics - Operating expenses for Q2 2025 were €206.7 million, a 62% increase, while H1 2025 operating expenses totaled €404.3 million, up 59% [6] - The cost-income ratio (CIR) improved to 37.5% in Q2 2025, a 4.9 percentage point increase, and was 37.2% for H1 2025, up 4.4 percentage points [6] Risk and Asset Quality - The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio remained low at 0.7% at the end of Q2 2025, indicating strong asset quality [2] - Risk costs for Q2 2025 were €52.0 million, an 86% increase, and for H1 2025 they were €111.2 million, up 92% [6] Market Environment and Outlook - The average 3-month Euribor decreased by 50 basis points in Q2 2025 compared to the previous quarter, reflecting a favorable interest rate environment [3] - The company reaffirmed its outlook across profit and loss lines as well as its full-year and mid-term targets [3]

Core Viewpoint - Moody's has affirmed the ratings of BAWAG P.S.K. and changed the outlook on long-term deposit, senior unsecured, and long-term issuer ratings from stable to positive, reflecting the impact of recent acquisitions and improved business performance [1][2]. Group 1: Company Strategy and Performance - The positive outlook indicates the effectiveness of BAWAG Group's strategy focused on sustainable growth, efficiency, and maintaining a secure balance sheet, which has remained unchanged since 2012 [2]. - Recent acquisitions have enhanced the company's business profile, particularly in the DACH/NL region and Retail & SME sectors, contributing to increased profitability [2]. Group 2: Company Overview - BAWAG Group AG is a publicly listed holding company based in Vienna, Austria, serving over 4 million customers across various regions including Austria, Germany, Switzerland, Netherlands, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States [3]. - The company operates under multiple brands and offers a wide range of financial products and services, including savings, payment, lending, leasing, investment, and insurance [3].

Core Insights - BAWAG Group reported a net profit of €201 million for Q1 2025, with earnings per share of €2.54 and a return on tangible common equity (RoTCE) of 25.8% [1][4] - The results reflect the integration of Barclays Consumer Bank Europe, contributing to a full quarter of Knab and two months of Barclays Consumer Bank Europe [1] - The CET1 ratio stood at 13.8%, factoring in a €111 million dividend accrual for Q1 2025 and the acquisition costs [2] Financial Performance - Core revenues increased to €534.8 million, a 36% rise compared to Q1 2024 and a 19% increase from Q4 2024 [5] - Net interest income reached €445.8 million, up 41% year-over-year and 21% quarter-over-quarter [5] - Operating expenses rose to €197.6 million, reflecting a 57% increase compared to Q1 2024 [5] - The net profit of €201 million represents a 20% increase from €166.9 million in Q1 2024 [5] Asset Quality and Ratios - The non-performing loan (NPL) ratio was reported at 0.7%, indicating strong asset quality [2] - The cost-income ratio (CIR) was 37%, up from 32.9% in the previous year [5] - The liquidity coverage ratio (LCR) was at 213%, a slight decrease from 217% year-over-year [5] Strategic Outlook - BAWAG Group reaffirmed its outlook for the financial year 2025 and mid-term targets as presented on March 4, 2025 [3] - CEO Anas Abuzaakouk emphasized the company's solid foundation and strong balance sheet amidst market volatility [4]