Research Reports

Global stocks are picking up the pace. While the S&P 500 has jumped almost 11% in the past month, the EAFA index of large- and mid-cap stocks based in countries other than the U.S. and Canada has risen 10%. Over the past six years, the performance gap has been wider, with the S&P 500 advancing 12% compared to a 7% gain for the EAFE. But the underperformance has given global stocks a valuation advantage, particularly in the area of dividends. The EAFE dividend yield of 2.4% is 80 basis points higher than the comparable S&P 500 dividend yield. We think global dividend stocks now offer opportunity, particularly given the endless speculation over the direction of interest rates in the U.S., which has created market-timing headaches for equity income investors. Those investors have endured recent wide swings in prices for rate-sensitive equity sectors such as Utilities, REITs and MLPs. In our view, investing in international income stocks is one way to increase portfolio diversification while reducing sensitivity to volatile U.S interest rates. Investing in overseas stocks carries its own set of risks, including the impact of currency exchange and geopolitical turmoil. But there are also a number of positives in this asset class for U.S. investors, including a wide selection of companies that pay dividends, robust industry diversification, and, as we have mentioned, higher yields and lower valuations. Argus has recently boosted its global coverage, and recommends the following international dividend stocks, each of which has at least a long-term HOLD rating from an Argus analyst.

In this edition, Nasdaq, Intercontinental Exchange transformation is more than meets the eye; 3M faces critical but not existential PFAS threat; Valeo in the right parts at the right time; and PVH, Snowflake, and Maplebear (Instacart).

Black Friday. Cyber Monday. The retailers are out in force, with a massive marketing push to win dollars during this prime shopping time during the holidays. Just like retail, some stocks are seemingly at a big discount right now. Yes, we have our own Black Friday on Wall Street. But shop with care. We look for quality companies with solid books, proven track records, and strong management. This week, we used the Argus screening tool to create a list of companies that have clean balance sheets, high levels of profitability, and that we think are also undervalued and offer possible buying opportunities. We sorted the Argus stock universe for companies with a BUY rating, a market cap over $8 billion, and the highest financial strength ratings. Then we looked for those that are furthest away from their 52-week highs, and thus likely offering the deepest discounts. The resulting list is weighted towards Financial. That's not surprising based on the beating that the Financial sector took earlier this year after the collapse of Silicon Valley Bank. Here is our list of recommended Black Friday Stock Deals for November 2023.

In this edition, Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley should keep market share; upgrading Coloplast's economic moat; picking up Spirit Aerosystems; and Broadcom, Zoom technologies, and Nvidia.

Management's ability to "raise guidance" can often be a catalyst for market-beating returns in the quarters ahead. The third-quarter earnings season is wrapping up, with blended earnings (actual results and the consensus for those still to report) showing a 6.3% gain, year-over-year, according to Refinitiv. That is considerably better than the 1.0% expected at the start of the earnings period, and should be enough to end the "earnings recession" that investors have endured over the past three quarters. Propelling the 3Q outperformance were strong gains in Communication Services, up 46%, while Energy again (like last quarter) is performing the worst, down 33%. Our analysts are always on the lookout for companies that boost their outlooks during earnings season. Here is an initial list of BUY-rated companies in Argus Coverage at which management raised guidance or increased its outlook during the 3Q23 EPS reporting season.

In this edition, recycling's renaissance may take time; VF's fears and fortunes; changes at ChargePoint; and APM Human Services, Hanesbrands, and Infineon Technologies.

Argus has published its latest Portfolio Selector, which features its popular Focus List. Each month, Director of Research Jim Kelleher, CFA, surveys the team of Argus Research industry analysts for their timeliest recommendations out of the company's fundamental universe of approximately 500 stocks. The Focus List typically includes 30 stocks: turnover is high, as Jim typically adds three or four new stocks per month. Below are the latest additions, all of which are rated BUY at Argus.

In this edition, 3M's moat narrows; cybersecurity firms shine; P&C insurers' outlooks differ; and Hanesbrands, Grab Holdings, and Evergy.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

We have an Under-Weight rating on the Energy Sector. Companies in the sector saw their earnings crushed in the last quarter and things looks bad for this quarter as well. Still, there are individual names we like and there is a trend of consolidation in the sector, all of which has piqued our interest. Exxon Mobil is buying Pioneer Natural and Chevron is buying Hess. We think this might prompt other big oil companies to look around as well. We think Conoco Phillips could be in the market to scoop up a smaller company (possibly Devon, EOG, or Marathon Oil). We don't think there will be any regulatory hurdles, as consolidation could lead oil prices to retreat, which would help the overall U.S. economy as inflation is still high in many areas. So it would seem to be in the government's interest to allow these deals to go through. Energy accounts for only about 3%-4% of total S&P 500 capitalization, but the sector often acts as a hedge to the broader market -- so having exposure to the group is important. Energy tends to zigs when the S&P 500 zags. Indeed, in 2022, the S&P 500 declined 19.4% while the Energy sector advanced 59%. In the August-October period of 2023, the S&P 500 fell more than 8% while the Energy sector declined only 3%. The following is a list of names we like overall in both Oil and Energy.

In this edition, great expectations about inflation's direction; Paramount heads up the mountain; a peek at Berkshire's peak cash balance; and Herc Holdings, Innovent Biologics, and BMW Group.

Investing in the Cloud is not for the faint of heart -- but we see upside. Alphabet lost a steep 10% in one day last week after investors expressed their disappointment over growth in its cloud business. That same day, Microsoft surged after reporting better-than-expected growth in its Azure OpenAI cloud service. The race is on, and some will win and some will lose along the way. But the potential pie is big. In the internet era, in which digital commerce complements or has supplanted physical commerce, the information technology needs of all enterprises have grown. The traditional on-premises approach has been rendered inefficient, given that a user's IT needs may fluctuate at any time. Into this void, the Cloud has arrived. In Cloud services models, an enterprise's IT needs can be matched and scaled in real time. Through the Cloud, enterprises consume only as much computing, storage, and networking bandwidth as they need. For a major event, this allows massive scaling of IT resources beyond the restraints of on-premises implementation. For periods in which operations are steady, the Cloud services model allows for a needs-only application. The leading providers of Cloud services tend to be large Technology and Communication Services companies that provide many goods and services distinct from or adjacent to their Cloud businesses. Growth has been impressive for this group. Collectively, participants in the Cloud eco-system grew revenue at a 19% compound annual growth rate from 2016 to 2022. Still, the line isn't straight up. While Cloud services grew at a 23% growth rate from 2020 to 2021, the average growth rate slowed to 15.3% for 2022. This slowdown in revenue growth reflected impediments to normal business activity from the supply-chain crisis, inflation, and rising interest rates. Even so, demand for Cloud services has held up relatively well, given that Cloud transition is a long-tailed process and that Cloud transformation has become an imperative. Here is a list of U.S.-based companies followed by Argus and that we think are in position to take advantage of this secular trend.

In this edition, WestRock's restructuring causes some ripples; Nike faces headwinds but walks on air; industrial distributors poised to benefit; and Eastman Chemical, Ubisoft, and General Mills.

Inflation, a possible recession, higher interest rates, and higher gas prices. Consumers don't want to hear it. They want to go out and eat. They were denied that experience during the pandemic and are making up for lost time with "revenge eating" and "revenge travel." In the September retail sales report that caused a fuss last week, the category of "Food Services and Drinking Places" was ranked number one for growth, up nearly 12% in the first nine months of 2023 (compared to the same period a year ago). No other category was even close. For sure, the restaurant sector has some headwinds. One is chicken prices. The price of chicken is at an all-time high, at $1.96 per pound, up 33% in August 2023 from two years ago. Of course, chicken is one of the most-popular menu items across the range of restaurants -- from fast food to casual dining to formal dining. Restaurants, as best they can, try to pass on higher prices to patrons. But at some point, patrons won't bite (pun intended.) Next to consider are obesity drugs. Some analysts worry that these now-popular drugs will curb appetites and stop consumers from snacking. Argus' restaurant analyst John Staszak, CFA, is keeping an eye on the impact of these obesity drugs. But based on their high prices and possible safety issues, John sees only a slightly negative impact for now. Argus has an Over-Weight rating on the Consumer Discretionary sector. Here are some Argus BUY-rated restaurant stocks that might well show EPS growth over the next year.

In this edition, a look at specialty contractors; renewable energy growth still outpacing expectations; digital ads and ad-tech stocks rebound; and Okta, Arm Holdings, and Regions Financial.

Argus has published its latest Portfolio Selector, which features its popular Focus List. Each month, Director of Research Jim Kelleher, CFA, surveys the team of Argus Research industry analysts for their timeliest recommendations out of the company's fundamental universe of approximately 500 stocks. The Focus List typically includes 30 stocks: turnover is high, as Jim typically adds three or four new stocks per month. Below are the latest additions, all of which are rated BUY at Argus.

In this edition, analyzing new bank regulatory proposals; PFA may shake up atrial fibrillation ablation market; CEO change at Dollar General may make sense to frustrated investors; and Microsoft, Wells Fargo, and Anta Sports Products.

The country's biggest banks kick off earnings season this week. For sure, this sector has suffered this year following the failure of Silicon Valley Bank and the downward spiral that followed. The KRE (S&P Regional Bank Index) is down 29% year-to-date versus a rise of 12% for the S&P 500. We see opportunity here and have an Over-Weight rating on the sector. We believe the worst is over after the March/April bank failures and that the risk associated with these failures has been factored into share-price valuations. In the earnings reports that start flowing on Friday, we'll be focused on updates in the following areas: loan growth, where we expect growth to have slowed to low single-digits as higher interest rates weigh on consumers and businesses; loan loss provisions, where we see the gauge moving higher as net charge-offs trend toward normal; commercial real estate, where higher interest rates and new post-pandemic social, work, and shopping behaviors magnify the exposure of banks to commercial real estate, and; investment banking, where we are starting to see recovery in M&A and IPO activity. Yes, banks have challenges. Overall, we feel the banks are on solid footing and that valuations at current levels are attractive. Here's a list of our favored banks, broken down by niche.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

In this edition, trucking sector navigating demand correction, but bottom in sight; Incitec Pivot is underappreciated ; launching coverage of Rapid7; and Charles Schwab, Pandora, and Orsted.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

Stocks stumbled in 3Q, as the S&P 500 declined about 3.5% after gaining for three quarters in a row before that. The new bull market remains intact, but is wobbling from labor strife, high interest rates, and a (for now at least) deferred government shutdown. Year-to-date, the broad market index is up about 11.7%. Sector performance shifted in 3Q, as value-oriented groups such as Energy and Financial Services were leaders. The Technology sector dropped 3.0%, but remains up 34% year-to-date. The average stock in the broadly diversified Argus Fundamental Universe of Coverage declined 3.2% during the quarter, and the median stock fell 4.7%. The average BUY-rated stock dipped 2.3%, while the average HOLD-rated stock gave back 5.3%. Here are the 10-best (many from the Energy sector) and five-worst performers from the Argus Universe in 3Q23.

In this edition, renewable power adoption not so easy; interest-rate risk factor swamps bank stock valuations; Australia shoppers make priorities clear; and Nike, Agco, and Huntington Ingalls.

The growth prospects for the artificial intelligence (AI) universe are impressive, yet hard to determine. Argus has derived a model of the size and scope of the global AI industry, based on our coverage of the major publicly-traded players and most of the mid-tier players, along with our industry analysts' knowledge of private players. We estimate the global AI industry amounted to about $90-$100 billion in 2021, and expect it to grow at a 40% CAGR through 2030, when it is expected to reach $1.8 trillion in annual revenue. We expect annual growth to decelerate from the low- to mid-40% range in immediate years to the mid-30% range for years toward the end of the survey period. But determining a realistic estimate for the size of the industry is a challenge. Even for an industry that promises to redefine measuring tools, there is no measurable unit of AI output comparable to barrels of oil or tons of steel. As well, much of AI development occurs within labs and at universities, and the output is measured in tangible progress against objectives, not dollars or units of output. In the corporate world, nearly all the AI pure-play companies service micro-niches, have little measurable revenue, and are deeply unprofitable. For our list this week, we take a big picture view of three areas where AI applications are developing. In Big Tech, we believe much of the revenue and most of the profitability from AI is attributable to several giant U.S. and a few international companies that operate primarily in growth sectors such as Technology, Communication Services, and Consumer Discretionary. Next, we note that China is also a hub of AI development, with companies like Alibaba, Baidu, and Tencent (though Argus follows only Alibaba). Finally, Niche Tech has significant AI activity among companies pursuing advances in IoT, vehicle electrification, autonomous driving, automation and connectivity solutions for manufacturing, warehousing, construction, and other areas. Here are featured companies followed by Argus in those three categories.

In this edition, can regulators stop utilities' fall?; more mobile data means more towers; Hayward swimming well; and Splunk, Yum China, and Keurig Dr Pepper.

Argus has published its latest Portfolio Selector, which features its popular Focus List. Each month, Director of Research Jim Kelleher, CFA, surveys the team of Argus Research industry analysts for their timeliest recommendations out of the company's fundamental universe of approximately 500 stocks. The Focus List typically includes 30 stocks: turnover is high, as Jim typically adds three or four new stocks per month. Below are the latest additions, all of which are rated BUY at Argus.

In this edition, global EV adoption rate to rise; patience will be rewarded for U.S. REIT investors; key takeaways from renewable energy conference; and Fortrea Holdings, Apple, and Bristol-Myers Squibb.

We see some possible gems right now in the Healthcare sector. Overall, we have a sector rating of Market-Weight, but this category is broad and has underperformed the S&P 500 year-to-date. The Healthcare ETF (XLV) is down 1.6% year-to-date compared to a gain of 19% for the S&P 500. We see opportunity to pick up some consistently steady companies, with big brands, and solid financials. These companies are science-focused, enhance lives, and are innovators. Some have recently raised guidance, communicating management's confidence. In our list this week, we look across several subsectors within the industry and pull out some leaders that we like.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

In this edition, Markel is no mini-Berkshire; Cigna eyes bigger slice of PBM pie; Gap's struggles; and Guidewire Software, WestRock, and Asbury Automotive Group.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- outperformed growth stocks in 2022 for the first time since 2016. Indeed, for the past decade, the performance record has favored growth. Since 2010, the Russell 1000 Growth Index has climbed more than 550%, compared to an advance of almost 300% for the Russell 1000 Value Index. In eight of the past 10 years, growth stocks have topped value stocks. That hasn't always been the case. In the 2000-2010 decade, which included two Bear Markets and the Great Recession, value stocks were better performers than growth stocks, advancing an admittedly low 8% -- but still better than growth, which declined 15% during the decade. Value investors trace their roots to the famous "Security Analysis" textbook, written in 1934 (the year Argus Research was founded) by Ben Graham, an economics professor at Columbia University. Warren Buffett was one of his students. Looking ahead, the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines has given a lift to some of the cyclical companies (Energy sector companies in particular) that have lagged in recent years, and value stocks outpaced growth stocks in the past year. Now, the Federal Reserve is lifting interest rates to fend off inflation, which likely will cap multiple expansion for growth companies. In any event, value is the place to achieve income. The current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Value Index ETF is 2.0%, compared to the 0.7% current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index ETF. For our list this week, we screened our coverage universe for stocks that are BUY-rated by Argus Research analysts, have an Argus Financial Strength rating of at least Medium, and have a yield of 3.0% or higher. Here's a baker's dozen of stocks that meet the criteria.

In this edition, EU's energy security problem with Russian LNG; growth a challenge for railroads; a mixed outlook for refiners; and Walgreens Boots Alliance, Chewy, and UBS Group.

August has been rough for stocks. The markets are down from their highs, although the year overall has been upbeat for stocks -- especially compared to a dismal 2022. The continued stress on the economy from higher interest rates, and questions about whether the Federal Reserve is done raising them, have weighed on valuations. Most economists are not convinced that the recession question has been answered. While there are strengths in the economy -- like the labor market and consumer spending -- inflation indicators inched up last month. The uncertain environment has impacted small-caps, mid-caps, large-caps, and even mega-caps. There is a wide range in data that shows how sectors are weathering this climate, with Communication Services up nearly 40% year-to-date but Consumer Staples down 2% for the same time period. In our opinion, some solid companies with strong financials have been oversold. For our list this week, we identified 10 BUY-rated large- or mega-cap companies across numerous industries that are selling at attractive valuations (more than 20% below their 52-week highs). They are listed according to company size, with the largest first.

In this edition, Value to be found in travel sphere; UAW strike looms at least at Sellantis; citrus sours Costa's near-term outlook; and BAE Systems, Ardent Leisure Group, and Intuit.

Vickers Stock Research, a subsidiary of Argus Research Group, tracks and analyzes insider trading and institutional stock ownership trends. Institutions must file a Form 13F to report their holdings, and it is due 45 days after the end of calendar quarters. So these forms have now come in from 2Q23. We like to review the 13Fs of major activist investors, including Carl Icahn, Trian Fund Management, Jana Partners, and ValueAct Holdings, among others, in order to determine their core holdings and new purchases. Activist investing has evolved in recent years and is now less about generating a short-term return on an underpriced stock and more about achieving long-term returns through an active management/investor partnership. Activists have made progress in the past year with high-profile investments into companies such as Fedex and Union Pacific. According to Vickers, here are some recent new purchases and key holdings of activist investors, as well as other high-profile money managers such as Warren Buffet of Berkshire Hathaway and Ken Griffin of Citadel Advisors LLC.

In this edition, Charles Schwab's position gets clearer; Croda's portfolio will underpin growth; Paycor keeps clients on the payroll; and Geberit, Singapore Exchange, and Nice.

Argus has published its latest Portfolio Selector, which features its popular Focus List. Each month, Director of Research Jim Kelleher, CFA, surveys the team of Argus Research industry analysts for their timeliest recommendations out of the company's fundamental universe of approximately 500 stocks. The Focus List typically includes 30 stocks: turnover is high, as Jim typically adds three or four new stocks per month. Below are the latest additions, all of which are rated BUY at Argus.

In this edition, Duke Energy focuses on organic growth opportunities; blow to trucking sector is headache for Knight-Swift; Bread Financial faces a crunch; and Compass Minerals, Jazz Pharmaceuticals, and Target.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

The first-quarter earnings season has passed the halfway mark with 292 (or 58%) of S&P 500 companies having reported results through August 1. An impressive 81% of those companies exceeded earnings expectations, while the blended (actual and still to report) earnings decline is now projected at 5.9%, according to Refinitv. The Consumer Discretionary sector still leads with 36% earnings growth, while Energy is now by far the weakest sector, with a 48% profit decline. Our analysts are always on the lookout for companies that boost their outlooks during earnings season. Management's ability to "raise guidance" can often be a catalyst to market-beating returns in the quarters ahead. Here is an initial list of BUY-rated companies in Argus Coverage for which management has raised guidance or increased its outlook during the 2Q23 EPS reporting season.

In this edition, Westpac going in right direction; Morningstar retiring moat trend rating; Corteva on right path; and Guardant Health, Fresenius SE, and Intellia Therapeutics.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

Argus Research believes that ESG investing is a smart option to consider. Companies committed to ESG values typically reflect positive traits from management which often translate into better business. ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance) investing has come a long way and continues to grow. According to the Global Sustainable Investment Association, global assets under management in ESG strategies were $40 trillion in 2020, up from $23 trillion in 2016 and on track for $50 trillion by 2025. The discipline, originally known as Socially Responsible Investing, focused at first on excluding companies that conducted business in South Africa, or participated in industries such as tobacco, alcohol, and firearms. In time, the list of industries to avoid increased to include soft drinks, fast food, and oil and gas, among numerous others. But performance of these initial strategies lagged. Now, instead of merely identifying industries to avoid, the discipline promotes "sustainable" business practices across industries that have an "impact" on global issues such as climate, hunger, poverty, disease, shelter, and workers' rights. At Argus Research, we track ESG progress at specific companies as part of our Management analysis -- one of the six points in our proprietary Six-Point System for fundamental research. In addition to reviewing and measuring the ESG proclamations from companies under coverage, we partner with an ESG research firm, JUST Capital, and leverage its analysis and insights. JUST Capital's mission is to drive measurable corporate change to create a stakeholder-centric form of capitalism that reflects the priorities of the American public. JUST utilizes a combination of data-driven research and strategic engagement in an attempt to shift norms and practices in corporate America and the financial markets. JUST ESG Custom Ratings rank stocks in the Russell 1000 on criteria using a scale of 1-100. Drawing on the JUST Capital rankings, we have compiled focused lists of companies followed by Argus Research that are in position to have a "sustainable impact" on the environment, workplace, community, and marketplace. These firms have exemplary records of delivering on the bottom line, and also in improving the environment, contributing to community relations, and showing respect for their employees. We also have a theme model portfolio based in part on ESG criteria. To build the Argus U.S. ESG Theme Model Portfolio, we apply financial concepts such as industry diversification, income generation, risk reduction, and growth at a reasonable price to our various lists. In addition, all stocks must be on the Argus BUY list. For more on JUST Capital's criteria, please visit the JUST Capital website, www.justcapital.com. For more information on the Argus companies, please see our Analyst Reports at www.argusresearch.com. Here are some of the stocks that are currently in the Argus U.S. ESG Theme Model Portfolio.

In this edition, market makes missteps around Google's search; ResMed revs up; industry landscape on consumer packaged goods; and Canfor, LPL Financial, and Boeing.

Rapidly rising inflation in 2022 knocked stocks into a bear market. While growth strategies suffered the most, value strategies also declined. Even bond prices were lower last year. Stocks have recovered so far in 2023, but gains have been driven largely by only a handful of high-tech companies. Inflation remains high and the Fed continues to raise interest rates. Is a recession in the offing? With all the uncertainty, is it time for investors to cash in their chips? Perhaps not yet. We note that investors exit the stock market at their own peril, as long-term returns from equities consistently have outpaced long-term returns from other asset classes, such as fixed income and cash. As well, those returns are from eras when the 10-year Treasury bond yield was much higher than the current 3.8% level. So what's a potential equity strategy for investors amid all the uncertainty? Argus believes that Min Vol is an all-weather strategy that is timely in any investing climate. Academic literature and, more to the point, returns history indicate that Min Vol can deliver market-matching returns on an absolute basis and superior returns on a risk-adjusted basis over various time periods. We have designed a portfolio of companies followed by Argus Research analysts that are BUY-rated and have impressive Min Vol characteristics of low beta, high yield, high market cap, strong balance sheets, and low risk profiles. Some of the stocks featured in the portfolio are listed below.

In this edition, streaming services changing their channels; BRP looks promising; China's AI is calling; and Autoliv, Sirius XM, and American Express.

Argus has published its latest Portfolio Selector, which features its popular Focus List. Each month, Director of Research Jim Kelleher, CFA, surveys the team of Argus Research industry analysts for their timeliest recommendations out of the company's fundamental universe of approximately 500 stocks. The Focus List typically includes 30 stocks: turnover is high, as Jim typically adds three or four new stocks per month. Below are the latest additions, all of which are rated BUY at Argus.

In this edition, reading CoStar's stars; Western Union's moat narrows; Coinbase's good news; and BlackRock, State Street, and Wipro.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

In this edition, valuations attractive for media firms; Europe's equity market outlook; raising our expectations on Broadcom; and Chr. Hansen, TBP Group, and BorgWarner.

We all have to live somewhere. Housing always is a topic of conversation, especially now, with interest rates elevated and more uncertainty ahead. Many economists opine on the state of the housing market but the bottom line is that the supply of homes is low and demand is high. Those homeowners with low interest rates want to keep them and don't want to move. The S&P Homebuilders Index is up 32% year-to-date, outperforming the broader S&P 500 index (which is up 16%). We see more runway for the homebuilders as the shortage of homes is not a short-term event. The lack of affordable housing comes from 10 years of underproduction, according to the National Association of Home Builders. The NAHB puts the deficit at 1.5 million residences as of February 2023. The association calls the lack of affordable housing a "crisis." Also, there currently are about 75 million Baby Boomers trying to age in place while 77 million Millennials are hitting the home-buying age. For sure, the spike in mortgage rates is hurting affordability. During this past 10-year period, we saw 30-year fixed-mortgage rates fluctuate very little, between a band of between 2%-5%. That has changed drastically in the past two years, as 30-year fixed-mortgage rates have skyrocketed from 2.7% in July 2021 to 6.7% in July 2023. Rents have remained high as well, making that option unattractive and keeping interest in owning homes high. Also, the jobs market has been strong, so consumers can afford to place a down payment. Given the current housing environment, here are some Argus Research BUY-rated stocks that we believe represent opportunities to invest in the housing sector.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

Stocks started a new bull market in 2Q23, as the S&P 500 climbed 20% above bear-market lows from last October. For the quarter, the index climbed about 8%. Performance was narrow in 2Q, led by last year's laggard sectors, including Communication Services, Consumer Discretionary, and Technology. Last year's top-performing sector, Energy, and the Utility sector, were the worst performers in 2Q23. The average stock in the diversified Argus Universe of Coverage rose 4% in the quarter, and the median stock advanced 2%. The average Argus BUY-rated stock rose 5.7%, while the average HOLD-rated stock gained 1.2%. We recently raised our sector rating on Consumer Discretionary to Over-Weight, as the employment environment is strong. We also look for a pick-up in EPS growth in Communication Services and Technology, and expect these groups to pace broad market performance. Below are the top 10 performers from the Argus Universe in 2Q23, many from Technology and Communication Services. After that, we list the bottom five performers.

In this edition, the United Auto Workers are likely to hit the brakes; interest in green hydrogen is rising; oil prices are falling, and gas prices aren't, and Nike, Bayer, and Sanofi.

This was one of our 10 Investment Themes for 2023 and remains relevant, as the S&P 500 is up 13% year-to-date. The long-term trend in the U.S. stock market has been higher; since 1980, stocks have turned in a positive performance almost 80% of the time. The average annual gain has been 13%. That was not so in 2022. Yes, the S&P 500 set an all-time record. But it peaked on January 3 and the rest of the year was downhill. The stock market entered a bear market in June 2022. Bond returns weren't much better, as spiking inflation pushed long-term interest rates higher and the Fed raised short-term rates to try to bring inflation down. The turmoil posed a challenge for Wall Street firms, as investment returns were dismal, the IPO market dried up, and M&A activity disappeared. By year-end, Wall Street firms such as Goldman Sachs and Morgan Stanley were announcing layoffs. We are more optimistic for the financial markets in 2023. Equity valuations are lower in the wake of the selloff in 2022. There is pent-up demand for IPOs and M&A once the environment improves. Finally, consensus expectations call for weak earnings and investment returns in 2023, setting markets up for a positive surprise. As the outlook improves, we think that investor demand will pick up for investment banks, exchange operators, and money-management firms. We recently raised our sector rating on Financial Services to Over-Weight. Stocks in our coverage universe that we believe are positioned to benefit include the following.

In this edition, innovation in diabetes devices; initiating Coverage of Porsche AG and Citizens Financial Group; and 3M, Regions Financial, and MongoDB.

Dividend growth is among our most important themes for 2023, and stretches across industries. We think companies that raise their dividends consistently at a double-digit rate are sending off three important signals amid the recent market volatility: 1) the company's balance sheet is strong enough to pay a dividend; 2) management is clearly focused on providing shareholder returns; and 3) management is confident enough in the near-term outlook to raise the payout aggressively. This third factor is especially important during periods of economic weakness and an outright earnings recession. Here are stocks that meet our double-digit dividend test and are on the Argus BUY List. They are also holdings in our Dividend Growth Separately Managed Account and in the Dividend Growers Total Return Trust, sponsored by SmartTrust.

In this edition, a sunny outlook on energy transition amid clouds; Medpace Holdings; Australian retail's momentum; and AGL Energy, Delta Air Lines, and Interactive Brokers.

Argus has published its latest Portfolio Selector, which features its popular Focus List. Each month, Director of Research Jim Kelleher, CFA, surveys the team of Argus Research industry analysts for their timeliest recommendations out of the company's fundamental universe of approximately 500 stocks. The Focus List typically includes 30 stocks: turnover is high, as Jim typically adds three or four new stocks per month. Below are the latest additions, all of which are rated BUY at Argus Research.

In this edition, cable companies won't tangle up wireless; upside in Downer; initiating coverage of Saia; and Dr. Reddy's, United Airlines Holdings, and Trip.com.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is red-hot on Wall Street. Microsoft's ChatGBT and Nvidia's super-fast chips are driving the massive computational power behind AI and getting most of the attention. But companies in the Healthcare sector have been using AI for years and offer another path for investing in AI. Our below list, provided by Senior Healthcare Analyst David Toung, looks at some of the BUY-rated Healthcare companies in our coverage universe that stand out for their use of AI. By no means is this survey as complete listing of how AI is used in healthcare - but here are the BUY-rated Healthcare companies under coverage at Argus Research that we highlight today.

In this edition, we catalog catalysts that can catapult GE; life science shares offer opportunities; Cognizant shares are a top pick; and Cooper, Veeva Systems, and NetEase.

In this edition, addressing investors' fears over Chart; obesity launches reinforce GLP-1 growth; reassessing Berkshire Hathaway; NiSource, LiveRamp Holdings, and Zoom Video Communications.

In this edition, railroads on an appropriately valued track; get ready to charge your lithium portfolio; initiating coverage of Penn Entertainment; and Deere & Co., Walmart and Farfetch.

In this edition, Berkshire's cash hoard an issue for firm; senior housing industry sees silver lining; and hailing Boston Beer; and Datadog, Host Hotels and Resorts, and Magna International

In this edition, Crane cleared for takeoff; openings in apparel; CDMOs vital to health of healthcare industry; and Valero Energy, Pinterest, and Mirvac Group.

The first-quarter earnings season is wrapping up, with blended earnings (actual results and the consensus for those still to report) showing a 0.6% year-over-year decline, according to Refinitiv. That is considerably better than the 5.0% decline expected at the start of the earnings period, though still not enough to avoid a technical earnings recession following 4Q's 3.4% decline. Propelling the 1Q outperformance was a 74% beat rate (versus the long-term average of 62%), with strong gains in Consumer Discretionary (+55%) and Industrials (+26%), but drags from Basic Materials and Utilities (both -22%). Our analysts are always on the lookout for companies that boost their outlooks during earnings season. Management's ability to "raise guidance" can often be a catalyst for market-beating returns in the quarters ahead. Here is an initial list of BUY-rated companies in Argus Coverage for which management has raised guidance or increased its outlook during the 1Q23 EPS reporting season.

Vickers Stock Research, a subsidiary of Argus Research Group, tracks and analyzes insider trading and institutional stock ownership trends. Form 13-Fs, which institutions must file to report their holdings, are due 45 days after the end of calendar quarters, and have now come in from 1Q23. We review the 13Fs of the major activist investors, including Carl Icahn, Trian Fund Management, Jana Partners and ValueAct Holdings, among others, in order to determine their core holdings and new purchases. Activist investing has evolved in recent years and is now less about generating a short-term return on an underpriced stock and more about achieving long-term returns through an active management/investor partnership. Activists have made progress in the past year with high-profile investments into blue-chip companies such as FedEx Inc. and Union Pacific. Based on Vickers data, here are some recent new purchases and key holdings of Activist investors, as well as other high-profile money managers such as Warren Buffet of Berkshire Hathaway and Ken Griffin of Citadel Advisors LLC.

Argus has published its latest Portfolio Selector, which features its popular Focus List. Each month, Argus' Director of Research Jim Kelleher, CFA, surveys the team of Argus Research industry analysts for their timeliest recommendations out of the company's fundamental universe of approximately 500 stocks. The Focus List typically includes 30 stocks: turnover is high, as Jim typically adds three or four new stocks per month. Below are the latest additions, all of which are rated BUY at Argus.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

Innovation may be hard to define but, to borrow from former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Potter Stewart, you know it when you see it. The United States economy is full of innovation. It has to be. Manufacturing industries that dominated the economy decades ago - textiles, televisions, even automobiles, to a large degree - have moved overseas, where costs are lower. Yet the U.S. economy is at its largest point in history and still growing. If U.S. corporations weren't innovating, creating new products and services, and moving into new markets and applications, the domestic economy would be contracting, not expanding, and capital would not be flooding into the country. Particularly at this juncture of the market and economic cycles, when uncertainty is high due to high inflation and rising interest rates, we look to innovative companies to successfully navigate the challenges. At Argus, an 88-year-old independent research firm that has innovated a time or two in its long history, we have focused on four types of innovative companies: Industry Disruptors; First to Market; New Product Specialists; and Product & Process Perfectors. Here are some examples of companies, featured in our Innovation Theme Model Portfolio.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

Our list this week identifies companies that received an Argus target-price increase in April. As the stock prices of these companies approached their target prices, Argus analysts saw those prices going even higher. We are in the thick of earnings season and our analysts are scouring quarterly reports to evaluate how the companies they follow are doing. With economists busy analyzing economic data to determine whether the economy might slip into recession, companies have been attending to their businesses. Some are weathering current economic conditions better than others. The economic pressures are real - including rising interest rates, inflation, the strong dollar, and wavering consumer spending patterns. These stressors are on top of normal competitive pressures, as companies fight to sell their products and services, outmaneuver peers, and make profits. Looking back at April, our analysts found companies where the business outlook is solid - and went through the mechanics of our valuation framework to adjust target prices upwards. Our framework includes analysis of historical multiples, peer multiples, and future dividends and cash flows. Here are the stocks on which we raised target prices in April. All are rated BUY at Argus.

Gaming is growing, both for brick and mortar casinos and for platforms that offer gambling online, including sports betting. At Argus Research, we have BUY ratings on certain gaming stocks -- but are being highly selective at this time. Travel and lodging are making a comeback after COVID-19. Bookings are up across many travel sectors, including airlines and with online booking agencies like Airbnb, Expedia, and Booking Holdings. The big hotel chains confirm that travel demand is up as well. Marriott says leisure travel and group travel are now above pre-pandemic levels and business travel is at 90%. Gaming revenues have been up for 24 consecutive months, according to the American Gaming Association. All gaming segments -- slots, table games, sports betting, iGaming -- show growth. Legislation is also loosening in many states, allowing for more casinos. China lifted long-held COVID-19 restrictions, boosting Macau. Metrics for Las Vegas are up for many indicators, and last week MGM won approval to build a massive new integrated project in Japan, which includes the first casino in the country. Marketing efforts are paying off for online gaming platforms, building awareness and brand loyalty. Below are the select gaming stocks on which we have a BUY rating. Also listed is our Financial Strength rating (with some at Low or Medium Low, which is lower than we normally like). We also show the price performance for the year-to-date.

In this edition, agriculture companies' progress grows in precision ag; the news isn't all bad about inflation; Teradyne gets a deserved second look; and Huntington Bank, Papa John's, and Wingstop.

We recently raised our rating on the Technology sector to Over-Weight from Market-Weight. As interest rates start to fall, IT demand in enterprise and data center markets is holding up. And mounting interest in ChatGPT could herald the age of AI, which could be a huge industry driver. Over the long term, we expect the Technology sector to benefit from pervasive digitization across the economy, greater acceptance of transformative technologies, and the development of the Internet of Things (IoT). Healthy company and sector fundamentals are also positive. For individual companies, these include high cash levels, low debt, and broad international business exposure. The sector is outperforming the market thus far in 2023, with a gain of 12.4%. Tech underperformed the market in 2022, with a loss of 28.9%, and outperformed in 2021, with a gain of 33.4%. The P/E ratio on projected 2023 earnings is 23, above the market multiple. Earnings are expected to grow 14.5% in 2023 after having fallen 3.3% in 2022. Earnings rose 37.9% in 2021 and 7.7% in 2020. The sector's debt ratios are below the market average, as is the average dividend yield of 0.5%. Here is how we use our analysts' Technology sector ideas in our Focus List and Model Portfolios.

In this edition, a new era for Ritchie Bros.; ESG risks and opportunities crop up in food and agri; bank stocks are cheap again for now; and Scentre Group, Chart Industries, and UnitedHealth Group.

Argus has published its latest Portfolio Selector, which features its popular Focus List. Each month, Director of Research Jim Kelleher, CFA, surveys the team of Argus Research industry analysts for their timeliest recommendations out of the company's fundamental universe of approximately 500 stocks. The Focus List typically includes 30 stocks: turnover is high, as Jim typically adds three or four new stocks per month. Below are the latest additions, all of which are rated BUY at Argus Research.

In this edition, semiconductor chips are simultaneously in shortage and in surplus; the European banking system will be fine; technology fights back against financial criminals; and Barry Callebaut, Fineos, and Domino's Pizza.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

In 1Q23, stocks continued to recover from the bear-market lows of 2022, with the S&P 500 rising 7% for the quarter. Performance was led by last year's laggard sectors, including Communication Services and Technology. Last year's top-performing sector, Energy, was the worst in 1Q23. Financial Services, including banks, were not far ahead. The average stock in the Argus Universe of Coverage rose 4% in the quarter; the median stock advanced 2%. The average BUY-rated stock rose 5.4% and the average HOLD-rated stock gained 3.4%. Recently, we raised our sector rating on Technology to Over-Weight, and expect outperformance into 2Q -- especially if interest rates head lower. We also raised our rating on Financial Services, and the bottom five stocks in our list point to potential value opportunities.

In this edition, global oil inventories face future; feeling the internet's backbone; and initiating coverage of Qualys; and Lithium Americas, Bausch & Lomb and Macy's.

In this edition, railroads may be in for a bumpy ride; ESG has some opportunities; biotechs innovate; and Constellation Brands, Autodesk, and Tencent.

Small- and mid-cap stocks (SMID stocks) have underperformed large-caps over the past 12 months, but may be in a better position to generate market-beating returns going forward. For one thing, SMID companies tend to focus on domestic markets, so their businesses could be less disrupted by the fallout from the Russian invasion of Ukraine, high European inflation, and other geopolitical developments. As well, the prices of SMID stocks generally are lower than the prices of large-caps, with the P/E ratio on the Russell 2000 Small-Cap Index at 11 compared to a trailing P/E of 20 for the S&P 500. Finally, the long-term record has favored SMID stocks over large-caps. From 2003-2022, the Russell 2000 Index climbed 470%, compared to an advance of 444% for the S&P 500 index. Here are the stocks with market caps below $15 billion that are on the Argus BUY list and have been added to our Mid-Cap Theme Model Portfolio.

In this edition, railroads may be in for a bumpy ride; ESG has some opportunities; biotechs innovate; and Constellation Brands, Autodesk, and Tencent.

Argus has published its latest Portfolio Selector, which features its popular Focus List. Each month, Director of Research Jim Kelleher, CFA, surveys the team of Argus Research industry analysts for their timeliest recommendations out of the company's fundamental universe of approximately 500 stocks. The Focus List typically includes 30 stocks: turnover is high, as Jim typically adds three or four new stocks per month. Below are the latest additions, all of which are rated BUY at Argus.

In this edition, Entergy Offers Superior Combination of Growth, Yield, and Value; For Traditional and Alternative Asset Managers, Volatility Seems Temporary; 2023 Shaping Up to Be Another Great Year for Refiners; and Lithia Motors, Lennar, and Dollar General

California-based SVB Financial Group was taken over by regulators last Friday due to inadequate liquidity and insolvency; SIVB equity shareholders have been wiped out. The collapse has reverberated on Wall Street in a sharp downturn in bank stocks as investors worry about a contagion impact on the banking industry. We believe the reaction has been overblown. Silicon Valley Bank was a special situation in two ways. First, deposits at the bank accounted for about 90% of funding, versus 65% for the average bank, leaving the bank susceptible to funding shortfalls from a relatively small base of depositors. As well, the bank was deeply concentrated in holding deposits for technology start-ups, which have been unable to access the capital markets due to a downturn in capital raising and were thus funding operations by draining their deposits from prior fund raisings. While depositors with more than the FDIC cap of $250,000 will face uncertain timing on recovery of funds, we view deposits as a zero sum game. Funds pulled from one bank will be allocated to another. Banks routinely face interest-rate cycles and hold a large amount of fixed-income assets, sometimes at gains, other times at losses. But default risk is really non-existent and gains/losses are zero if held to maturity. SVB's issue was having received a large amount of deposits and having invested them when rates were very low, and then being asked for those deposits back after rates moved considerably higher -- leaving it with short-term losses. Larger banks have far better distribution among funding sources (such as a greater number of depositors and short-term borrowings). Larger banks also are subject to stringent stress tests on a range of severe economic scenarios and have abundant capital requirements. Smaller banks with large exposure to single sectors may be at risk, so we would focus on larger banks in this risk-off environment. Here is a list of BUY-rated Financial sector stocks in Argus' universe of coverage that fell sharply last week and offer value, in our opinion.

In this edition, Apple's Walled Garden Should Bear Fruit; SVB Facing Unique Liquidity Crunch ; Spinoffs Move XPO in Good Direction; and John Wiley & Sons, Crane, and ConvaTec Group

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Mid Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. The market capitalization range for U.S. mid-caps typically falls between $1 billion and $8 billion and represents 20% of the total capitalization of the U.S. equity market.

This pick list highlights constituents of the Morningstar US Large Cap Index that we believe offer investors the best risk-adjusted return prospects. Stocks of large-cap companies where neither growth nor value characteristics predominate. Stocks in the top 70% of the capitalization of the U.S. equity market are defined as large cap.

In this edition, Moats, Motors, and Markets 2023; Housing Spending Slowdown Tempers Wayfair's Progress to Profitability; and Tesla Faces Future; and Bank of Montreal, Taylor Wimpey, and LPL Financial

Value stocks -- a market segment that includes high-yield stocks -- outperformed growth stocks in 2022 for the first time since 2016. Indeed, for the past decade, the performance record has favored growth. Since 2010, the Russell 1000 Growth Index has climbed more than 500%, compared to an advance of almost 300% for the Russell 1000 Value Index. In eight of the past 10 years, growth stocks have topped value stocks. That hasn't always been the case. In the 2000-2010 decade, which included two bear markets and the Great Recession, value stocks were better performers than growth stocks, advancing an admittedly low 8% -- but still better than growth, which declined 15% during the decade. Value investors trace their roots to the famous "Security Analysis" textbook, written in 1934 (the year Argus Research was founded) by Ben Graham, an economics professor at Columbia University. Warren Buffett was one of his students. Looking ahead, the rollout of COVID-19 vaccines has given a lift to some of the cyclical companies that have lagged in recent years, and value stocks outpaced growth stocks in the past year. Now, the Federal Reserve is lifting interest rates to fend off inflation, which likely will cap multiple expansion for growth companies. In any event, value is the place to achieve income. The current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Value Index ETF is 2.2%, compared to the 0.9% current yield on the iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index ETF. For our list this week, we have screened our coverage universe for stocks that are BUY-rated by Argus Research analysts, have a Financial Strength rating of at least Medium, and have a yield of 4.0% or higher. Here's a baker's dozen that meet the criteria.

For our list this week, we are focusing on the Healthcare Sector, which we rank as one of our favorites with an Over-Weight rating. Healthcare was an outperformer in 2022, falling only 4% while the S&P 500 dropped 19%, but has lagged in the early weeks of 2023. We think the recent relative weakness may offer a buying opportunity. Post-COVID, consumers are more willing to spend on lifestyle enhancements along with necessary spending on life-saving treatments. In addition, the survival of the Affordable Care Act has kept the ranks of insured U.S. citizens above the historical average, further increasing consumer spending on healthcare services and products. Meanwhile, companies with experience in diagnostic testing, vaccines, and antiviral medicines, as well as suppliers of protective equipment and other hospital products, have benefited from efforts to contain the pandemic. The sector accounts for 14.7% of the S&P 500, and includes companies in the pharmaceuticals, medical devices, healthcare services, and insurance industries. Here's our list of Argus BUY-rated Healthcare stocks that are large-cap and have solid books. We sorted by the largest percentage from the 52-week high.

In this edition, Factors Driving Headlong Into Auto Dealers' 2023, Dish Network Has Much on Its Plate, and Why Fourth-Quarter Earnings Turned South; and Celanese, Alliant Energy, and NetEase