Lahiru Lakmal/iStock via Getty Images VFVA at a Glance The Vanguard US Value Factor ETF ( VFVA ) is an exchange-traded fund that is managed actively by Vanguard managers. The fund buys U.S. stocks using a rules-based model that looks to find companies trading at a discount compared with their fundamentals. The pitch is that Vanguard can sniff out high quality stocks through a few broad criteria ab...
Lahiru Lakmal/iStock via Getty Images VFVA at a Glance The Vanguard US Value Factor ETF ( VFVA ) is an exchange-traded fund that is managed actively by Vanguard managers. The fund buys U.S. stocks using a rules-based model that looks to find companies trading at a discount compared with their fundamentals. The pitch is that Vanguard can sniff out high quality stocks through a few broad criteria about value, momentum, and quality signals that the broader market has mispriced and beat the passive Russell 3000 benchmark. The fund has quietly done a decent job of usually beating the passive IWV benchmark, which tracks the Russell 3000. However, my broader question is whether VFVA's factor based methodology is truly the best way to capture value in the current market environment. When you look at IWN, the iShares Russell 2000 Value ETF, it focuses exclusively on small-cap value, and the argument for VFVA's mandate starts to look a bit thin as that fund has seen significantly better performance recently. I have written about similar factor-based Vanguard ETFs before, notably VFMF , where I noted the fund's consistent underperformance versus peers and the underperformance of their rules-based screen to filter out value traps. VFVA has been better than VFMF from a recent returns standpoint, but given the macro backdrop heading into 2026, I think the Hold rating is fair; there's a decent value opportunity, but better ETFs elsewhere. Fund Breakdown The fund was launched on February 13, 2018 , by Vanguard with the idea to give investors equity exposure via a rules-based factor screen. This fund evaluates each stock across the U.S. equity scene on three primary dimensions : value (with price-to-book, price-to-forward-earnings, and price-to-operating-cash-flow ratios), momentum (with 12-month and 6-month trailing returns and a regression analysis), and quality (using return on equity, profitability metrics, and leverage depending on sector classification). VFVA scores stocks tha...
TD Asset Management Inc purchased a new stake in Astera Labs, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALAB - Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 11,316 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $2,216,000. Get Astera Labs alerts: Sign Up Several other hedge funds and other institutional inves...
TD Asset Management Inc purchased a new stake in Astera Labs, Inc. (NASDAQ:ALAB - Free Report) in the third quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor purchased 11,316 shares of the company's stock, valued at approximately $2,216,000. Get Astera Labs alerts: Sign Up Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Royal Bank of Canada grew its holdings in Astera Labs by 167.3% during the first quarter. Royal Bank of Canada now owns 152,453 shares of the company's stock valued at $9,097,000 after purchasing an additional 95,409 shares during the period. AQR Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Astera Labs by 213.4% during the 1st quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 11,391 shares of the company's stock worth $680,000 after buying an additional 7,756 shares during the period. Empowered Funds LLC lifted its holdings in Astera Labs by 917.3% during the first quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 4,639 shares of the company's stock worth $277,000 after acquiring an additional 4,183 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in Astera Labs by 3.4% in the second quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 88,193 shares of the company's stock valued at $7,974,000 after acquiring an additional 2,903 shares during the period. Finally, Atria Investments Inc acquired a new stake in shares of Astera Labs during the second quarter worth about $226,000. Institutional investors own 60.47% of the company's stock. Insider Transactions at Astera Labs In related news, CEO Jitendra Mohan sold 94,971 shares of the business's stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, February 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $123.81, for a total value of $11,758,359.51. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 1,452,739 shares of the company's stock, valued at $179,863,6...
SouthState Bank Corp decreased its holdings in Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT - Free Report) by 5.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 256,692 shares of the software giant's stock after selling 13,600 shares during the period. Microsoft accounts for approximately 6.1% of SouthState Bank Corp'...
SouthState Bank Corp decreased its holdings in Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT - Free Report) by 5.0% in the third quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 256,692 shares of the software giant's stock after selling 13,600 shares during the period. Microsoft accounts for approximately 6.1% of SouthState Bank Corp's holdings, making the stock its biggest holding. SouthState Bank Corp's holdings in Microsoft were worth $132,954,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Get Microsoft alerts: Sign Up A number of other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of MSFT. Horizon Investment Services LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Microsoft by 1.6% in the 3rd quarter. Horizon Investment Services LLC now owns 20,335 shares of the software giant's stock worth $10,533,000 after buying an additional 324 shares during the period. Triglav Investments D.O.O. increased its position in shares of Microsoft by 2.7% during the third quarter. Triglav Investments D.O.O. now owns 250,101 shares of the software giant's stock worth $129,540,000 after purchasing an additional 6,496 shares in the last quarter. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S boosted its holdings in Microsoft by 15.3% in the third quarter. BI Asset Management Fondsmaeglerselskab A S now owns 1,384,355 shares of the software giant's stock worth $706,461,000 after acquiring an additional 183,549 shares in the last quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. grew its position in Microsoft by 1.0% during the 3rd quarter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. now owns 201,663 shares of the software giant's stock worth $104,451,000 after purchasing an additional 1,928 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Gallacher Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Microsoft by 17.0% during the 3rd quarter. Gallacher Capital Management LLC now owns 2,927 shares of the software giant's stock worth $1,516,000 after acquiring an additional 425 shares during the p...
Triglav Investments D.O.O. increased its position in Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT - Free Report) by 2.7% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 250,101 shares of the software giant's stock after buying an additional 6,496 shares during the period. Microsoft accounts for about 8.5% of...
Triglav Investments D.O.O. increased its position in Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT - Free Report) by 2.7% during the third quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 250,101 shares of the software giant's stock after buying an additional 6,496 shares during the period. Microsoft accounts for about 8.5% of Triglav Investments D.O.O.'s investment portfolio, making the stock its 2nd biggest position. Triglav Investments D.O.O.'s holdings in Microsoft were worth $129,540,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Get Microsoft alerts: Sign Up Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in MSFT. IRON Financial LLC raised its stake in Microsoft by 23.2% in the third quarter. IRON Financial LLC now owns 6,510 shares of the software giant's stock worth $3,372,000 after buying an additional 1,225 shares in the last quarter. Wellington Capital Management Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Microsoft in the 2nd quarter valued at $9,941,000. Sound View Wealth Advisors Group LLC raised its position in shares of Microsoft by 2.6% in the 2nd quarter. Sound View Wealth Advisors Group LLC now owns 94,120 shares of the software giant's stock worth $46,816,000 after acquiring an additional 2,373 shares in the last quarter. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Microsoft by 2.3% during the 3rd quarter. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC now owns 70,175 shares of the software giant's stock worth $36,347,000 after purchasing an additional 1,572 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Weaver Capital Management LLC boosted its position in Microsoft by 14.0% during the third quarter. Weaver Capital Management LLC now owns 18,340 shares of the software giant's stock valued at $9,499,000 after purchasing an additional 2,247 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 71.13% of the company's stock....
Triglav Investments D.O.O. grew its holdings in Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL - Free Report) by 10.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 353,707 shares of the iPhone maker's stock after acquiring an additional 34,306 shares during the quarter. Apple accounts for 5.9% of Triglav Investments D.O.O.'s portfolio, making the...
Triglav Investments D.O.O. grew its holdings in Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL - Free Report) by 10.7% in the 3rd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 353,707 shares of the iPhone maker's stock after acquiring an additional 34,306 shares during the quarter. Apple accounts for 5.9% of Triglav Investments D.O.O.'s portfolio, making the stock its 3rd largest holding. Triglav Investments D.O.O.'s holdings in Apple were worth $90,063,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Get Apple alerts: Sign Up Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of AAPL. Sellwood Investment Partners LLC increased its holdings in Apple by 110.9% in the 3rd quarter. Sellwood Investment Partners LLC now owns 135 shares of the iPhone maker's stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 71 shares during the period. ROSS JOHNSON & Associates LLC lifted its stake in Apple by 1,800.0% during the first quarter. ROSS JOHNSON & Associates LLC now owns 190 shares of the iPhone maker's stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 180 shares during the period. Nexus Investment Management ULC boosted its holdings in Apple by 333.3% during the second quarter. Nexus Investment Management ULC now owns 260 shares of the iPhone maker's stock valued at $53,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. LSV Asset Management bought a new stake in shares of Apple in the 4th quarter valued at approximately $65,000. Finally, Morgan Dempsey Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Apple by 41.0% during the 2nd quarter. Morgan Dempsey Capital Management LLC now owns 430 shares of the iPhone maker's stock worth $88,000 after buying an additional 125 shares during the period. 67.73% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Apple Stock Down 0.5% Shares of NASDAQ AAPL opened at $262.52 on Thursday. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of $264.14 a...
Shares of Eli Lilly and Company LLY have declined 5.2% in the past month despite the company reporting robust fourth-quarter 2025 results on Feb. 4. Industry pricing concerns, rising competitive pressure in the diabetes and obesity market and broader equity market corrections have led to downward pressure on shares. Rival Novo Nordisk NVO recently cut prices of its semaglutide medicines, Ozempic f...
Shares of Eli Lilly and Company LLY have declined 5.2% in the past month despite the company reporting robust fourth-quarter 2025 results on Feb. 4. Industry pricing concerns, rising competitive pressure in the diabetes and obesity market and broader equity market corrections have led to downward pressure on shares. Rival Novo Nordisk NVO recently cut prices of its semaglutide medicines, Ozempic for diabetes and Wegovy for obesity. The price cuts by NVO triggered investor concerns that Lilly may also need to cut prices of its widely used GLP-1 therapies, Mounjaro, for type II diabetes, and Zepbound for obesity. There are also some concerns that the global obesity market may not be as large as the previous expectation of around $150 billion due to pricing and competitive pressures. The drop in Lilly’s share price occurred after a very strong rally earlier, following the robust Q4 results and an optimistic guidance for 2026. So, should this be treated as a buying opportunity or a warning sign to stay away from the stock for now? To make the investment decision, let us understand the company’s strengths and weaknesses. Strong Growth of LLY’s GLP-1 Drugs Mounjaro and Zepbound Lilly boasts a robust portfolio of treatments for diabetes and other cardiometabolic conditions, with its cardiometabolic division emerging as the company’s strongest segment. This success is largely attributed to strong sales of Mounjaro and Zepbound. Despite being on the market for slightly more than three years, Mounjaro and Zepbound have become key top-line drivers for Lilly, with demand rising rapidly. These therapies account for more than 50% of the company’s total revenues. Mounjaro is the market leader in new prescriptions within type II diabetes incretin analogs in both the United States and ex-U.S. markets, while Zepbound also holds a leading market share in the branded obesity market with nearly 70% share of new prescriptions. In 2025, the drugs generated combined sales of $36.5 billion,...
US futures were pointing to a softer open on Wall Street on Thursday, after Iran de-escalation hopes earlier boosted European markets before being played down. Dow Jones futures were down 0.5%, with the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq both slipping 0.2%. A day earlier, US stocks closed solidly...
US futures were pointing to a softer open on Wall Street on Thursday, after Iran de-escalation hopes earlier boosted European markets before being played down. Dow Jones futures were down 0.5%, with the S&P 500 and the Nasdaq both slipping 0.2%. A day earlier, US stocks closed solidly...
While profitability is essential, it doesn’t guarantee long-term success. Some companies that rest on their margins will lose ground as competition intensifies - as Jeff Bezos said, "Your margin is my opportunity". Profits are valuable, but they’re not everything. At StockStory, we help you identify the companies that have real staying power. That said, here are two profitable companies that balan...
While profitability is essential, it doesn’t guarantee long-term success. Some companies that rest on their margins will lose ground as competition intensifies - as Jeff Bezos said, "Your margin is my opportunity". Profits are valuable, but they’re not everything. At StockStory, we help you identify the companies that have real staying power. That said, here are two profitable companies that balance growth and profitability and one that may struggle to keep up. One Stock to Sell: LeMaitre (LMAT) Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 25.9% Founded in 1983 and named after a pioneering vascular surgeon, LeMaitre Vascular (NASDAQGM:LMAT) develops and manufactures specialized medical devices used by vascular surgeons to treat peripheral vascular disease and other circulatory conditions. Why Are We Hesitant About LMAT? Smaller revenue base of $249.6 million means it hasn’t achieved the economies of scale that some industry juggernauts enjoy At $106.58 per share, LeMaitre trades at 37.9x forward P/E. If you’re considering LMAT for your portfolio, see our FREE research report to learn more. Two Stocks to Buy: Broadcom (AVGO) Trailing 12-Month GAAP Operating Margin: 40.7% Originally the semiconductor division of Hewlett Packard, Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO) is a semiconductor conglomerate spanning wireless communications, networking, and data storage as well as infrastructure software focused on mainframes and cybersecurity. Why Is AVGO a Top Pick? Annual revenue growth of 32.5% over the last two years was superb and indicates its market share increased during this cycle Offerings are mission-critical for businesses and lead to a best-in-class gross margin of 75.3% AVGO is a free cash flow machine with the flexibility to invest in growth initiatives or return capital to shareholders Broadcom’s stock price of $334.30 implies a valuation ratio of 26.1x forward P/E. Is now a good time to buy? See for yourself in our full research report, it’s free. American Superconductor (AMSC) T...
Abram81/iStock via Getty Images A world at war. The United States and Israel are hammering the Iranian regime, and Iran has been lashing out at American assets and allies across the Middle East. Already, some experts are warning that the United States and its allies could run out of interceptors, which have proven crucial for countering Iran’s ballistic missiles. Before the dust even settles, you ...
Abram81/iStock via Getty Images A world at war. The United States and Israel are hammering the Iranian regime, and Iran has been lashing out at American assets and allies across the Middle East. Already, some experts are warning that the United States and its allies could run out of interceptors, which have proven crucial for countering Iran’s ballistic missiles. Before the dust even settles, you can expect the United States to begin replenishing its ordnance, and the effectiveness of drones on the battlefield will likely drive America to up the ante, buying new hardware and expanding capabilities. Against this backdrop, the First Trust Indxx Aerospace & Defense ETF ( MISL ) and Global X Defense Tech ETF ( SHLD ) both look like attractive stocks. I’ve been a proponent of SHLD for quite some time now, and while I still think it is a good ETF, as far as the Iran war and my rearmament theory go, MISL is the better bet, as it’s US-concentrated, while SHLD is globally focused. Thus, I’m ranking MISL a buy and SHLD a hold. America Will Need To Replenish Its Weapons and Interceptor Stocks The United States has been carrying out devastating strikes against the Iranian government. As of yesterday, CENTCOM has claimed that it has struck over 2,000 targets, and since then, attacks appear to be ramping up. Israel, too, has carried out hundreds (and probably a thousand-plus by now) of strikes. The American government, unsurprisingly, is rather mum when it comes to weapon stockpiles and how many specific weapons have been expended. A Heritage Foundation analyst reports that “Through 2023, the U.S. has procured roughly 12,000 Standard Missile-2s (SM-2), 400 Standard Missile-3s (SM-3), 1,500 Standard Missile-6s (SM-6), and 9,000 Tomahawk Land Attack Missiles (TLAM)—the principal VLS-launched weapons.” The report also notes, “Over that same time, it has expended at least 2,800 Standard Missiles and 2,900 TLAMs, leaving the U.S. with on-paper maximums of roughly 11,000 missiles in th...