Core Insights - Celestica, Inc. and Corning Incorporated are significant players in the global tech hardware ecosystem, with Corning focusing on advanced glass technologies and optical connectivity, while Celestica provides electronics manufacturing services and supply chain solutions [1][7] Market Overview - The global AI infrastructure market was valued at $35.42 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach $223.45 billion by 2030, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 30.4%, driven by the expansion of AI workloads [2] Celestica's Performance - Celestica's Connectivity & Cloud Solutions segment saw a 43% year-over-year revenue increase, driven by demand for advanced networking products like 400G and 800G switches, as well as enterprise-level data communications infrastructure [3][5] - The company is expanding its partnerships and launched the SC6110 storage controller, which is designed for AI infrastructure and high-performance computing [4] - Celestica's recent introduction of 1.6TbE data center switches indicates a focus on supporting high-bandwidth AI applications, which is expected to drive long-term growth [5] Corning's Performance - Corning is experiencing growth in its Optical Communications and Specialty Materials segments, benefiting from the increasing use of mobile and IoT devices and the demand for robust network architecture in AI data centers [7][8] - The company is innovating with advanced fiber and cable systems that enhance connectivity capacity in data centers without significant infrastructure changes [9] - Corning's consumer electronics segment is also a major growth driver, with collaborations with leading manufacturers and expansion into the automotive market [10] Competitive Landscape - Both companies face competition, with Corning competing against Amphenol Corporation in the communication components market, but its innovative product launches are expected to provide a competitive edge [12] - Celestica's revenue is significantly dependent on a few major customers, with 59% of its total revenues coming from three customers, posing a concentration risk [6][21] Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Celestica's 2025 sales and EPS indicates year-over-year growth of 26.31% and 52.06%, respectively, while Corning's sales are expected to grow by 12.99% with an EPS projected at $2.52 [13][15] - Over the past year, Celestica's stock has gained 205.3%, compared to Corning's 85.3% growth, but Corning appears more attractive from a valuation perspective with a lower price/earnings ratio [16] Investment Outlook - Celestica holds a Zacks Rank 3 (Hold), while Corning has a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), indicating a more favorable investment outlook for Corning [17][22] - Both companies are expected to benefit from margin expansion in the AI infrastructure domain, but Corning's broader market exposure reduces its risk compared to Celestica's reliance on AI infrastructure investments [18][21][22]

Core Insights - Heartland Advisors' "Heartland Value Plus Fund" reported that small value stocks outperformed the Magnificent 7 in Q4 2025, while the AI sector experienced a pullback due to concerns over overinvestment and reassessment of beneficiaries of the technology [1] - The fund's value plus strategy declined by 0.10% in the quarter, contrasting with a 3.26% gain in the Russell 2000® Value Index [1] - Stock selection in Information Technology and Real Estate positively impacted performance, while negative effects were noted in Health Care, Industrials, and Energy sectors [1] Company Highlights - WESCO International, Inc. (NYSE:WCC) was highlighted as a stock with significant upside potential for 2026, with a one-month return of 5.87% and a 52-week gain of 44.88% [2][3] - As of January 12, 2026, WESCO International, Inc. (NYSE:WCC) shares closed at $273.58, with a market capitalization of $13.313 billion [2] - The fund initiated a new position in WESCO International, indicating its potential for high earnings growth [3]

Core Viewpoint - Ryder System, Inc. is positioned as a strong player in the logistics and transportation sector, with promising growth potential and solid financial health, making it an attractive investment opportunity [1][3][4]. Performance Summary - Ryder has experienced a modest gain of 0.35% over the past 30 days, but a slight decline of 1.88% in the last 10 days may present a buying opportunity for investors [2][6]. Growth Potential - The company has a projected stock price increase of 20.60%, indicating significant room for growth and appealing to growth-focused investors [3][6]. Financial Health - Ryder's Piotroski Score of 8 reflects strong financial health, suggesting good performance in profitability, leverage, liquidity, and operating efficiency, which supports its growth prospects [4][6]. Analyst Insights - Analysts have set a target price of $226.67 for Ryder, indicating a significant upside from current levels and reflecting confidence in the company's future performance [5].

Core Viewpoint - Medline Inc. will present at the J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference on January 13, 2026, highlighting its position in the healthcare sector [1]. Company Overview - Medline is the largest provider of medical-surgical products and supply chain solutions, based on total net sales of med-surg products [3]. - The company operates a broad product portfolio and resilient supply chain, aiming to improve clinical, financial, and operational outcomes for healthcare providers [3]. - Medline is headquartered in Northfield, Illinois, employs over 43,000 people globally, and operates in more than 100 countries [3]. Event Details - The presentation by Medline's CEO and CFO will be available on the company's Investor Relations website, with a replay accessible for 30 days post-event [2].

Core Insights - FedEx Corporation is set to report its Q2 Fiscal Year 2026 results on December 18, which is anticipated to be a significant event for investors as it may influence market sentiment and reflect broader economic trends [1][2] Company Overview - FedEx is one of the largest logistics and freight companies globally, providing integrated air and ground transportation, e-commerce shipping, express delivery, and supply chain solutions across over 220 countries and territories [3] - The company is headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee, and operates a vast global network that handles millions of packages daily, making it a critical player in global trade and economic activity [4] Market Performance - Over the past 52 weeks, FedEx's stock has shown slight positive returns of 1.83%, significantly underperforming the S&P 500 Index, which gained 14.48% during the same period [5] - Year-to-date, FedEx's performance has been muted, with gains around 0.42%, indicating cautious investor sentiment despite a recovery from earlier sell-offs [6] Economic Indicators - FedEx's upcoming earnings report is expected to provide insights into shifting trade patterns, rising operational costs, and the evolving landscape of online shopping demand, serving as a real-time snapshot of the global economy as 2025 concludes [2] - Current headwinds include softness in freight demand and concerns regarding weaker business-to-business volumes, which have impacted investor sentiment [7]

Core Viewpoint - Drexel Morgan & Co. has significantly increased its investment in United Parcel Service (UPS) by purchasing 100,000 shares, reflecting a bullish outlook on the company's future performance and dividend sustainability [2][3][8]. Investment Activity - The investment firm acquired 100,000 shares of UPS, with an estimated transaction value of approximately $9.86 million based on the average share price in Q2 2025 [2][3]. - Following this transaction, Drexel Morgan's total stake in UPS increased to 309,765 shares, valued at $27.08 million as of August 12, 2025 [2][3]. - UPS now constitutes 4.8% of Drexel Morgan's 13F reportable assets, which total $563.16 million as of the same date [3][4]. Company Performance - As of August 12, 2025, UPS shares were priced at $87.43, reflecting a decline of 29.4% over the past year, underperforming the S&P 500 by 47.2 percentage points [4]. - UPS has a market capitalization of $73.94 billion and reported revenue of $90.17 billion with a net income of $5.73 billion for the trailing twelve months (TTM) [5]. - The company offers a dividend yield of 7.48% as of August 12, 2025, with a forward P/E ratio of 11.91 [4][5]. Business Overview - UPS operates as a global leader in integrated freight and logistics, providing package delivery, transportation, logistics, and supply chain solutions across approximately 200 countries and territories [5][7]. - The company serves a diverse customer base, including individuals, small businesses, and large enterprises, with a focus on time-definite package delivery services and value-added logistics solutions [6][7]. Strategic Insights - Drexel Morgan's acquisition of UPS shares indicates a preference for large-capitalization, dividend-paying stocks, which aligns with its investment strategy [8]. - UPS's management has committed to significant capital allocation, including $1 billion for stock buybacks and $5.5 billion for dividends in 2025, amidst a challenging trading environment [9][10].

Business Transformation and Financial Performance - Ryder's transformative actions have led to significantly higher earnings and an improved return profile, outperforming prior cycles[10] - The company expects post-transformation returns (2025F) to be well above pre-transformation peak returns (2018)[17] - A multi-year maintenance cost savings initiative aims for $50 million in savings[20] - Synergies from the Cardinal acquisition are expected to yield $40-60 million by 2026[20] Market Position and Growth Strategy - Ryder is a leader in North American logistics and transportation outsourcing, with significant growth opportunities from secular trends and large addressable markets[10] - The company's balanced growth strategy focuses on accelerating growth in higher-return Supply Chain Solutions (SCS) and Dedicated Transportation Solutions (DTS), with moderate growth and increased returns in Fleet Management Solutions (FMS)[14] - Ryder redeployed approximately 8,800 vehicles in 2024[29] Revenue and Cash Flow - Approximately 90% of Ryder's operating revenue is contractual, providing multi-year recurring operating cash flow[41] - The company forecasts free cash flow of $0.5 billion for 2025[48] - Ryder's total revenue for 2024 was $12.6 billion[24] Financial Targets - Ryder targets high single-digit operating revenue growth over the long term[59] - The company's long-term leverage goal is a debt-to-equity ratio between 2.5x and 3.0x[59]