With a market cap of $26.9 billion, Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (DGX) is a leading provider of diagnostic testing services in the United States and internationally. The company delivers a wide range of routine and advanced diagnostic information services through its brands and network of laboratories, serving healthcare providers, insurers, employers, and government institutions.
Shares of the Secaucus, New Jersey-based company have outperformed the broader market over the past 52 weeks. DGX stock has returned 36.3% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has gained 19.1%. Moreover, the stock has soared 40.4% on a YTD basis, compared to SPX's 12% increase.
IonQ vs. Rigetti: The Better Quantum Computing Stock for Long-Term Investors
QQQ is Still in a Negative Gamma Regime. Here's How a 'Put Wall' and Fibonacci Support Could Come Into Play.
IBM Just Hit a New Quantum Computing Milestone. How to Play IBM Stock Now.

#quantum #computing #market #quest

Revvity, Inc. (RVTY), headquartered in Waltham, Massachusetts, is a leading provider of health sciences solutions, technologies, and diagnostic services. Valued at $13.9 billion by market cap, the company focuses on translational multi-omics technologies, biomarker identification, imaging, prediction, screening, detection, diagnosis, informatics, and other areas.
Shares of this leading research and diagnostic firm have outperformed the broader market over the past year. RVTY has gained 39.1% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has rallied nearly 20.5%. In 2026, RVTY's stock rose 28.9%, surpassing the SPX's 12.1% rise on a YTD basis.
Soros Fund Management Opened a New Position in Nebius During Q2. What This Means for NBIS Stock.
Nvidia Earnings, Jackson Hole and Other Key Things to Watch this Week
Ahead of Nvidia Earnings, Here's What Barchart Data Says Comes Next for NVDA Stock

#Stock #rvty #diagnostic #revvity

Healthcare investors are often faced with a choice between companies that generate steady growth across diversified businesses and those positioned to benefit from improving industry conditions. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) and Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE:TMO) represent those two approaches. Abbott (NYSE:ABT) continues to deliver broad-based growth across diagnostics, medical devices, and nutrition, while Thermo Fisher (NYSE:TMO) is showing early signs that the life sciences downturn may finally be easing.
Both companies reported encouraging results, but the question for investors is whether consistent execution or a cyclical recovery offers the stronger long-term opportunity.
Abbott's (NYSE:ABT) strongest growth driver this quarter came from diagnostics, reinforcing the company's ability to generate meaningful growth across multiple business segments. ‌The company's cancer ⁠diagnostics business, which was recently integrated through the Exact Sciences buyout, is benefiting from an expanding base that comprises both new and repeat users of the colorectal cancer screening test, Cologuard.
The quarter's earnings report corroborates this, as sales in its diagnostics segment rose 42% to $3.09 billion in fiscal Q2, surpassing the estimate of $3.02 billion, emerging as one of the company's strongest performers during the quarter. The continued strength in diagnostics is particularly important because it adds another major growth engine alongside Abbott's (NYSE:ABT) medical device business, making the company's earnings profile more balanced.
While Abbott's (NYSE:ABT) investment case is built on factors like diversification, Thermo Fisher's (NYSE:TMO) outlook increasingly depends on improving conditions across the life sciences industry. The company's quarter suggests that the recovery in life sciences spending is becoming increasingly broad-based. Management highlighted improving customer activity across pharmaceutical and biotechnology markets, while multiple operating segments returned to healthy growth. That is an important distinction because broader participation across business segments suggests customer spending is becoming healthier rather than merely stabilizing in one niche.

#Growth #thermo

Investors looking for rock-solid dividend stocks can hardly do better than turning to Dividend Kings. This refers to a group of corporations that have raised their payouts for at least 50 consecutive years, an impressive accomplishment. However, not all Dividend Kings are created equal. Take Abbott Laboratories (NYSE: ABT) and Johnson & Johnson (NYSE: JNJ). Both healthcare giants belong to that group, and they have moved in opposite directions this year: Johnson & Johnson has beaten broader equities, while Abbott Laboratories has been a market laggard. Which of them is a better buy today?
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Abbott has faced several challenges over the past couple of years. First, revenue and earnings growth haven't been strong, particularly in its diagnostics and nutrition segments. Second, the medical device specialist has faced some legal and regulatory headwinds. For instance, it has dealt with lawsuits claiming that its baby formula caused health issues in premature babies.
These have somewhat tarnished the company's public image. However, the healthcare leader is looking to turn things around. It can still count on its core medical device segment, particularly its diabetes care unit, which remains one of its main growth drivers. Abbott's FreeStyle Libre, a line of continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) systems that help patients with diabetes track their blood sugar levels, continues to perform well.
Also important, the company acquired Exact Sciences earlier this year in a cash transaction valued at $21 billion. This deal brings Cologuard, a leading non-invasive diagnostic test for colorectal cancer, under Abbott's umbrella. It will help the company tap into the large and growing cancer diagnostic market and boost sales within its diagnostic division. So, Abbott could bounce back, and in the meantime, its dividend program remains intact. It has increased its payouts for 54 consecutive years.

#johnson #Dividend

Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) entered 2026 as a leader in animal health, but its latest earnings show that even a strong market position cannot fully insulate the company from weaker consumer demand. Fiscal Q2 2026 revenue remained flat at $2.5 billion and declined 1% on an organic operational basis, as pressure in the U.S. companion-animal market offset growth in livestock and international markets.
The quarter therefore presents investors with two different versions of Zoetis (NYSE:ZTS), as an established companion-animal business facing near-term pressure and a diversified animal-health platform still investing in its next generation of products.
Zoetis's (NYSE:ZTS) diversification provided an important source of resilience during the quarter. Livestock revenue increased 12% on a reported basis, supported by cattle and poultry products. In the United States, livestock sales grew 23% on both a reported and organic operational basis in the quarter, benefiting from favorable beef-cattle economics, supply timing, and increased poultry-vaccine sales **** ociated with disease outbreaks.
International performance was also encouraging. Revenue outside the United States rose 8% on a reported basis and 6% organically to $1.2 billion. International companion-animal sales grew 5% organically, supported by parasiticides such as Simparica Trio, Revolution and Stronghold, as well as diagnostics and newer osteoarthritis treatments. This geographic contrast demonstrates that the weakness was not uniform across Zoetis's (NYSE:ZTS) business. Demand for its products remains healthy in several markets, even as U.S. pet owners become more price-sensitive.
However, innovation could provide another route back to growth, as Zoetis (NYSE:ZTS) says that its pipeline contains more than 12 potential blockbuster candidates across chronic kidney disease, oncology, cardiology, anxiety, and obesity. The company also launched Lenivia and Portela, long-acting osteoarthritis treatments offering dogs and cats up to three months of pain relief from one injection.

#revenue #quarter

Aug 24 (Reuters) - The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has cleared Roche and partner Eli Lilly's blood ‌test to help identify signs of Alzheimer's disease in ‌people aged 55 and older with cognitive decline.
The test, Elecsys pTau217, is a biomarker blood test that can help doctors identify patients who are likely or unlikely to have Alzheimer's-related brain changes, Roche said on Monday.
The FDA clearance follows European approval for the ‌test in May.
The ⁠test can be run on more than 4,500 Roche laboratory ******* yzers already installed across the United ⁠States, which the company said could help broaden access.
Separately, Labcorp and Quest Diagnostics said that they plan to offer the test through their laboratory networks, potentially expanding availability across the United States.

#test

Baron Capital, an investment management company, released its Q2 2026 investor letter for the "Baron Focused Growth Fund". A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. In the second quarter, the Baron Focused Growth Fund achieved a 13.26% gain, still trailing the Russell 2500 Growth Index's 24.02% return. The underperformance was driven by ongoing concerns about AI's impact on portfolio businesses and underexposure to AI infrastructure. The IPO of ****** eX provided a boost, but overall, the Fund's companies are generating robust revenue growth and strengthening margins through enhanced client engagement and product offerings. Many stocks remain historically undervalued, and companies are beginning accelerated share repurchases, bolstering investor confidence. The Fund is perceived as compelling, benefiting from favorable market conditions and strong balance sheets, while inflation and interest rates are expected to remain stable. The Fund has outperformed its Benchmark over the past 3, 5, and 10 years, showing significant excess returns with lower market risk, attributed to a research-driven investment approach. The Fund maintains a commitment to long-term investing in growth-oriented businesses, utilizing a balanced portfolio to mitigate risk and potentially enhance returns. Please review the Fund's top five holdings to gain insights into their key selections for 2026.
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Baron Focused Growth Fund highlighted IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ:IDXX). IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ:IDXX) develops, manufactures, and distributes products for the companion animal veterinary, livestock and poultry, dairy, and water testing industries. On August 19, 2026, IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ:IDXX) closed at $562.20 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $44.29 billion. IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ:IDXX) posted a one‑month return of 4.23%, while its shares lost 11.19% over the past 52 weeks.
Baron Focused Growth Fund stated the following regarding IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ:IDXX) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"In Health Care, we invest in competitively advantaged companies that are leaders in their industries such as IDEXX Laboratories, Inc. (NASDAQ:IDXX), the leading provider of diagnostics to the veterinary industry and who is benefiting from the increase in pets that people acquired during the COVID pandemic, especially as these pets age. The Fund is further diversified by investments in businesses at different stages of growth and development."

#idxx #baron

Becton, **** inson and Company (BDX) develops, manufactures, and sells medical supplies, devices, laboratory equipment, and diagnostic products. Valued at $50.5 billion by market cap, the company offers solutions that help advance medical research and genomics, enhance the diagnosis of infectious disease and cancer, improve medication management, and promote infection prevention.
Shares of this global medical technology giant have underperformed the broader market over the past year. BDX has gained 19.6% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has rallied nearly 20.4%. However, in 2026, BDX stock is up 20.2%, surpassing the SPX's 13.7% rise on a YTD basis.
CoreWeave vs Nebius: Both Companies Reported Strong Earnings, But Here's the Stock You Should Buy
A $210 Billion Reason to Buy AMD Stock Here
As Oracle Deepens Its Partnership with AWS, Here's How You Should Play ORCL Stock

#medical #billion

Waltham, Massachusetts-based Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (TMO) provides life sciences solutions, ****** ytical instruments, specialty diagnostics, and laboratory products and biopharma services internationally. The company has a market cap of $217.5 billion and operates through four segments: Life Sciences Solutions, ****** ytical Instruments, Specialty Diagnostics, and Laboratory Products and Biopharma Services.
Shares of Thermo Fisher have slightly lagged behind the broader market over the past year, surging 20.3% compared to the S&P 500 Index's ($SPX) 20.4% surge. Moreover, in 2026, the stock has grown by nearly 1.5%, also underperforming SPX's 13.7% gain.
A $210 Billion Reason to Buy AMD Stock Here
CoreWeave vs Nebius: Both Companies Reported Strong Earnings, But Here's the Stock You Should Buy
As Oracle Deepens Its Partnership with AWS, Here's How You Should Play ORCL Stock

#specialty

On August 6, 10x Genomics (NASDAQ:TXG) reported second-quarter revenue of $151 million, boosted by a $1.6 million settlement payment from Takara. Strip that out and revenue grew just 3% year-over-year to $149.4 million, a modest number next to the real headline of the quarter: a brand-new instrument platform called Atera, where booked orders have exceeded full-year planned shipments.
By the end of the second quarter, booked orders for Atera already exceeded the roughly 40 units 10x had planned to ship for all of 2026. Demand also showed up in Catalyst Research Services, the program that lets customers run samples on Atera in 10x's own lab before committing to buy a unit. Away from Atera, the existing consumables business kept growing, up 7% overall, with spatial consumables climbing 16% on continued strength in the Xenium platform. During the quarter, 10x acquired Proteintech Genomics, adding single-cell protein panels that management says will let Atera measure proteins alongside gene expression from the same cell.
The balance sheet backed up the story. Cash and marketable securities rose to $552 million, up $105 million from a year earlier, and gross margin expanded to 74% from 72%. Management raised full-year revenue guidance to a range of $610 million to $630 million. New research partnerships with Cleveland Clinic and Lausanne University Hospital, aimed at finding biomarkers of treatment response in oncology, point to where 10x hopes this technology eventually leads: clinical diagnostics.
The flip side of Atera's launch showed up in the instrument line. Total instrument revenue fell 47% year over year, with Chromium instruments down 46% and spatial instruments down 48%, as customers held off on buying older spatial systems while waiting for the new platform. Management expects that pause to continue, guiding for a sequential revenue step down in the third quarter before a bigger jump in the fourth. Even though booked Atera orders already exceed the year's full production plan, 10x kept its shipment target at about 40 units, weighted mostly toward the fourth quarter, a sign the company is still constrained on how fast it can build the machine.
Regionally, APAC revenue fell 19%, partly because customers in China had pulled purchases forward a year earlier ahead of anticipated tariffs. Operating expenses rose to $132.1 million from $95 million, though the comparison is skewed by a $40.7 million patent settlement gain booked in the prior year versus $3.4 million this year.

#year #quarter

Varex Imaging Corporation (NASDAQ:VREX) surged 48.5% to $18.42 on August 10 after Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY) agreed to acquire the X-ray technology company for $18.90 per share in cash. The offer represents a 52% premium to Varex's unaffected closing price and values the transaction at approximately $1.1 billion, including equity awards and net debt.
Teledyne shares slipped just 0.15%, suggesting investors did not view the premium as an immediate threat to shareholder value. Varex closed about 2.5% below the offer, representing approximately 2.6% upside to the deal price. The narrow spread shifts the debate from whether Varex Imaging Corporation (NASDAQ:VREX) was undervalued to whether Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY) can earn an adequate return.
The strategic fit is visible. Varex Imaging Corporation (NASDAQ:VREX) fills specific gaps in Teledyne's imaging portfolio. Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY) has cited anticipated synergies but has not quantified them or disclosed expected EPS accretion or return targets.
Teledyne Technologies Incorporated (NYSE:TDY) is not paying primarily for Varex's current growth rate. It is acquiring technologies and customer relationships that could deepen its position across medical, security, and industrial imaging.
Varex produces X-ray tubes, flat-panel detectors, photon-counting detectors, high-voltage interconnects, and imaging software used by equipment manufacturers. These components support medical diagnostic systems, oncology equipment, cargo inspection, vehicle scanning, and industrial quality control.

#teledyne #NYSE #corporation

Qiagen (NYSE:QGEN) walked into its second quarter of 2026 bracing investors for a roughly 2% sales decline. Instead, net sales came in flat at $535 million on August 6, and adjusted diluted EPS hit $0.62, both ahead of the company's own outlook. For a diagnostics and life sciences supplier still working through the loss of discontinued product lines, beating a cautious bar is one thing. What happens next, as management leans on a stack of new launches to carry the back half of the year, is the more interesting question.
The company's so-called growth pillars, the businesses management is counting on to outpace the broader market, expanded 5% at constant exchange rates in the quarter. Sample Technologies led with 9% CER growth, driven by automated consumables and higher instrument sales. QIAcuity, the digital PCR platform, posted double-digit consumables growth even as weaker OEM demand offset some of that strength. QuantiFERON, the tuberculosis test that had flagged a sharp drop in US immigration testing demand back in the first quarter, still managed to return to growth as demand across other testing groups more than made up the difference.
Behind those numbers sits a wave of product activity. QIAsymphony Connect launched commercially, QIAsprint Connect placements are drawing what management called strong pharma customer acceptance, and two new bloodstream infection panels for QIAstat launched in Europe, detecting 33 pathogens and 28 resistance markers in about an hour, with US FDA approval targeted by year-end. Parse, the single-cell ****** ysis business, is running ahead of its roughly $40 million 2026 sales target and was selected for a NASA-supported research program aboard the International ****** e Station. Qiagen also completed a $500 million share repurchase in January and raised its annual dividend 40% to $0.35 per share.
The flat top line masks uneven performance underneath. Diagnostic solutions overall declined 2% at constant currency, and PCR and nucleic acid amplification sales fell 8%, with QIAstat-Dx down 7% as a tough prior-year comparison in respiratory testing outweighed gains in gastrointestinal and meningitis panels. Profitability also gave ground. Adjusted operating income fell 2% to $157 million, with the margin slipping to 29.4% from 29.9% a year earlier, and adjusted gross margin declined to 66.2% from 66.7% on product mix shifts.
Regionally, EMEA sales fell 2% CER as declines in Germany, France, and Italy outweighed gains elsewhere, and Asia Pacific sales fell 2% CER as China dropped in the low teens, even though it improved sequentially. Inventory days outstanding also climbed to 153 from 149, tied to stockpiling ahead of new launches. The company is now guiding to a jump from roughly negative 1% CER sales growth in the first half to 3% to 4% in the second half, a swing that leans heavily on new products, easier comparisons and the fading drag from discontinued lines all landing on schedule.

#Growth #adjusted #ro

On August 6, Jim Cramer highlighted Becton, **** inson and Company (NYSE:BDX) on CNBC's Mad Money following its third-quarter fiscal 2026 financial report and said:
This morning, we got a very strong quarter from BD. That's the big medical technology and supply play... That was formerly known as Becton, **** son. This was the first full quarter after they split off their biosciences and diagnostics business, something we loved. They posted a 9-cent earnings beat off a $3.14 basis, higher-than-expected revenue, up 5.4% year-over-year.
They also said their full-year revenue growth would be toward the high end of their previously issued guidance, raised the low end of the earnings per share outlook, and that's why the stock jumped almost 4%. Even after this move, though, BD still trades at roughly 14 times forward earnings estimates, which is pretty darn cheap… This is one that is going to bring out a lot of value. I love this part of tech and… you don't have to worry about memory and memory shortage.
The fiscal third-quarter results represented the initial full operational cycle following the February spin-off of the biosciences and diagnostic solutions business. Top-line revenue reached $4.98 billion, which shows a 4.4% expansion on a constant-currency basis. Adjusted diluted EPS reached $3.23. It is worth noting that decoupling the diagnostics unit allowed management to streamline capital allocation toward high-margin medical devices and automated dispensing systems.
Broad-based demand across all four operating divisions proved to be a catalyst in the quarter, led by Medical Essentials at $1.68 billion and Connected Care at $1.22 billion, which grew 4.4% on a constant-currency basis behind double-digit dispensing gains. BioPharma Systems generated $670 million, which was powered by double-digit biologics volume in GLP-1 auto-injector programs. Furthermore, year-to-date free cash flow surged 44.6% to $1.7 billion, which provided balance sheet strength to absorb approximately 110 basis points of international tariff headwinds.

#quarter #full #earnings

Varex Imaging (VREX) soared over 48% after Teledyne Technologies (TDY) announced it will acquire the X-Ray company in a deal valued at about $1.1 billion. Teledyne shares edged higher, rising within a buy zone.
Teledyne, part of IBD's aerospace and defense industry group, agreed to pay $18.90 per share in cash, a premium of 52% from Varex's closing price on Friday.
Salt Lake City, Utah-based Varex makes X-ray imaging components and software. Its products are used in medical diagnostic imaging, vehicle inspection systems and other areas.
The acquisition bolsters Teledyne's imaging business. In the second quarter, Teledyne's imaging segment recorded $868.7 million in sales, making it the largest of its four segments and more than half of total revenue.
While the two companies serve similar customers, their products are complementary and share minimal overlap, Teledyne Executive Chairman Robert Mehrabian said in the announcement.

#teledyne #varex #Share #products

US-based investment company McIntyre Partnerships delivered flat performance in H1 2026, returning 0% gross and -1% net compared to the Russell 2000 Value Index's 23% return. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The second quarter results were a complete reversal of Q1 results, with the portfolio appreciating 23.0% (gross) and 23.3% (net), outperforming the index's 17.3%. The overall market surge contributed to this performance, alongside several positive developments related to the firm's holdings. Since inception, the fund has returned ~16% gross and ~12% net per annum, surpassing the benchmark's return of ~9% per annum. The portfolio is highly concentrated, with QDEL as the largest holding, creating volatility. Despite mixed results, the firm remains confident in the portfolio, particularly with QDEL viewed as a key investment opportunity. Potential for further growth is expected from several large investments with promising catalysts. In addition, you can check the Strategy's top 5 holdings to determine its best picks for 2026.
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, McIntyre Partnerships highlighted QuidelOrtho Corporation NASDAQ:QDEL). QuidelOrtho Corporation (NASDAQ:QDEL) is a diagnostic testing solutions company that provides solutions across Labs, Transfusion Medicine, Point of Care, and Molecular Diagnostics. On August 7, 2026, QuidelOrtho Corporation (NASDAQ:QDEL) closed at $12.28 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $837.72 million. QuidelOrtho Corporation (NASDAQ:QDEL) posted a one‑month return of ‑837.72%, while its shares lost 46.55% over the past 52 weeks."
McIntyre Partnerships stated the following regarding QuidelOrtho Corporation (NASDAQ:QDEL) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"As I argued in the Q1 letter outlining our thesis, QuidelOrtho Corporation (NASDAQ:QDEL) is essentially three different businesses operating under one corporate entity, and a division could be sold to deleverage the company. QDEL appears to be following this path. According to the FT article, QDEL is looking to sell its POC division for roughly $1.5B. POC is the old Quidel business, and the transaction would essentially undo the 2022 merger of Quidel and Ortho. ***** uming a sale near the rumored price, the QDEL RemainCo would be ~2.5x levered and consist of the legacy Ortho business. Critically, the driver of QDEL's repeated missed estimates over the last three years is the legacy Quidel business, while legacy Ortho has been a steady performer, albeit with negative Chinese regulatory news in Q1. Once the Chinese regulations are finalized in the coming months, I believe the legacy Ortho business will return to its historical, consistent high single-digit EBITDA growth.
Additionally, I believe Q2 will mark a low point for cash flow generation, a frequent bear point. As QDEL delevers and exits the volatile flu and COVID business, I believe the stock can reweight towards peers in the 11-15x EV/EBITDA range. If not, I believe the company will

Parsippany, New Jersey-based Zoetis Inc. (ZTS) discovers, develops, manufactures, and commercializes medicines, vaccines, diagnostic products and services, biodevices, genetic tests, and precision animal health solutions for the animal health industry. Valued at $30.5 billion by market cap, the company also offers parasiticides, vaccines, dermatology, anti-infectives, pain and sedation, other pharmaceutical, and animal health diagnostics.
Shares of this world's leading animal health company have notably underperformed the broader market over the past year. ZTS has declined 50.4% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has rallied nearly 22.4%. In 2026, ZTS stock is down 41.9%, compared to the SPX's 13.3% rise on a YTD basis.
Don't ***** ume Micron Will Share SanDisk's Fate. Here's Why.
The Nvidia-SpaceX Deal Is Sending a Clear Signal on AI Dominance
Rocket Lab Investors Have Plenty to Cheer Ahead of Q2 Earnings Today

#market

Brown Advisory, an investment management company, released its "Brown Advisory Global Leaders Strategy" for the second quarter of 2026 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. Brown Advisory's Global Leaders Strategy delivered a net return of 4.6% in the second quarter of 2026, underperforming its benchmark, the MSCI ACWI Net Index, which returned 14.9%. The relative weakness was driven mainly by underexposure to semiconductors and technology hardware, while software, cloud services, and financial holdings also weighed on performance. The strategy benefited from holdings in areas tied to AI infrastructure, with semiconductor exposure and AI-related investments gaining from strong demand. Looking ahead, Brown Advisory sees an attractive environment for active stock-picking, with its ready-to-buy list at its highest level since the COVID-19 period and an estimated 12%-13% average five-year base-case IRR, while maintaining a focus on quality, valuation discipline, and long-term cash-flow generation. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Brown Advisory Global Leaders Strategy Fund highlighted stocks like Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS). Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) is a global animal health company developing medicines, vaccines, and diagnostic products for livestock and companion animals. The one-month return of Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) was -3.62% while its shares traded between $71.47 and $160.48 over the last 52 weeks. On August 7, 2026, Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) stock closed at approximately $77.27 per share, with a market capitalization of about $30.02 billion.
Brown Advisory Global Leaders Strategy Fund stated the following regarding Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
We exited Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) in May. We were attracted to the investment due to its position as the largest pure-play animal health company, benefiting from significant scale in R&D and as the highest-quality marketer to veterinarians and livestock producers, which increases switching costs. The company had further shifted its business mix meaningfully toward a higher and more profitable contribution from its companion animal segment. Our investment in Zoetis began to face increased growth headwinds in 2025 due to incremental competition in its industry-leading dermatology and Simparica Trio products. Additionally, the launch of Librela—the first available therapy for osteoarthritis pain in dogs—underperformed our expectations. Furthermore, we have observed increased competition across Zoetis's main franchises and, most recently, Zoetis also saw generic competition in therapeutic categories. Several concerns have emerged: (1) despite the high barriers to entry in animal health, competition in the sector has intensified during our ownership; (2) we do not have enough visibility on their pipeline to ***** s the path of future contribution at this point; and (3) we

Our ****** ysts just identified a stock with the potential to be the next Nvidia. Tell us how you invest and we'll show you why it's our #1 pick. Tap here.
Performance was primarily impacted by customers extending operating runs to capitalize on favorable refining economics, leading to a significant deferral of planned turnaround and maintenance activity.
The ongoing conflict in the Middle East created a dual headwind, driving higher crack spreads that incentivized customer deferrals while directly impacting regional business operations.
A less favorable revenue mix and lower labor utilization in Mechanical Services compressed margins, though this was partially offset by stability in nested and recurring Inspection and Heat Treating activity.
Management identified a lack of consistency in commercial execution and labor planning during the initial 120-day diagnostic period, prompting a shift toward clear ownership and accountability.

#activity #tell #performance

The New York Giants, a bit thin in their secondary with nickel cornerback Dru Phillips ailing and cornerback Jarrick Bernard-Converse having been waived, could soon be adding help at that spot.
Per the NFL transaction wire, defensive back J.T. Woods visited the team on Sunday. Woods was part of an eight-player workout held by the Giants on Tuesday in West Virginia. Defensive backs David Long and D.J. James, along with offensive lineman Brandon Jaimes, have all been signed by the team after that workout.
A third-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2022, Woods played in 13 games for the Chargers over two seasons. He has not played in an NFL game the past two seasons. During that time, he has been on the practice squads of the Philadelphia Eagles, Chicago Bears, Seattle Seahawks, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Jets.
The Giants return to practice on Monday at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, N.J.

#Giants #team

Diamond Hill Capital, a First Eagle Investment Management company, issued its Q2 2026 investor letter for its "Mid Cap Strategy". A copy of the Q2 2026 investor letter can be downloaded here. In the quarter, equity markets posted strong returns as resilient economic growth and robust corporate earnings supported investor sentiment, although AI-related companies continued to dominate market leadership. Technology was the strongest-performing sector, while industrials also advanced and energy lagged as oil prices declined. The Fund returned 7.92% and the Russell Midcap Index returned 13.83%. Health care holdings were the largest positive contributor, supported by strength across managed care, diagnostics, and life sciences. However, stock selection and an underweight position in information technology remained the main relative headwinds. The strategy maintained limited exposure to highly valued semiconductor and memory companies, reflecting concerns that current valuations ***** ume an extended period of elevated AI spending. It also continued to ***** s software and services businesses individually based on how AI may affect their long-term competitive positions. Management emphasized higher-quality companies, attractive valuations, capital preservation, and durable long-term compounding while remaining cautious about elevated valuations, concentrated leadership, and the sustainability of the current AI investment cycle. Please review the Strategy's top five holdings for its key selections.
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Diamond Hill Capital Mid Cap Strategy highlighted Regal Rexnord Corporation (NYSE:RRX) as a notable contributor. Regal Rexnord Corporation (NYSE:RRX) is a leading industrial company that offers sustainable power solutions, transmission, and control motion products. On August 4, 2026, Regal Rexnord Corporation (NYSE:RRX) closed at $220.04 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $12.59 billion. Regal Rexnord Corporation (NYSE:RRX) posted a one-month return of -10.87%, while its shares gained 27.56% over the past 52 weeks.
Diamond Hill Capital Mid Cap Strategy stated the following regarding Regal Rexnord Corporation (NYSE:RRX) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Shares of electrical product manufacturer Regal Rexnord Corporation (NYSE:RRX) rose in 2Q26 after reporting solid results on strong data center demand. Merger synergies and operational improvement initiatives drove better-than-expected organic growth and margin expansion, and we believe the market has yet to fully reflect the benefits of these efforts."

#regal #corporation #NYSE #capital

Diamond Hill Capital, a First Eagle Investment Management company, issued its Q2 2026 investor letter for its "Mid Cap Strategy". A copy of the Q2 2026 investor letter can be downloaded here. In the quarter, equity markets posted strong returns as resilient economic growth and robust corporate earnings supported investor sentiment, although AI-related companies continued to dominate market leadership. Technology was the strongest-performing sector, while industrials also advanced and energy lagged as oil prices declined. The Fund returned 7.92% and the Russell Midcap Index returned 13.83%. Health care holdings were the largest positive contributor, supported by strength across managed care, diagnostics, and life sciences. However, stock selection and an underweight position in information technology remained the main relative headwinds. The strategy maintained limited exposure to highly valued semiconductor and memory companies, reflecting concerns that current valuations ***** ume an extended period of elevated AI spending. It also continued to ***** s software and services businesses individually based on how AI may affect their long-term competitive positions. Management emphasized higher-quality companies, attractive valuations, capital preservation, and durable long-term compounding while remaining cautious about elevated valuations, concentrated leadership, and the sustainability of the current AI investment cycle. Please review the Strategy's top five holdings for its key selections.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Diamond Hill Capital Mid Cap Strategy highlighted Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN). Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN) is a biotechnology company that focuses on sequencing- and array-based solutions for genetic and genomic ***** ysis. On August 4, 2026, Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN) closed at $203.01 per share. One-month return of Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN) was 6.92% and its shares gained 112.65% over the past 52 weeks. Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN) has a market capitalization of $30.65 billion with a 52-week trading range between $88.00 - $207.00.
Diamond Hill Capital Mid Cap Strategy stated the following regarding Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Biotechnology company Illumina, Inc. (NASDAQ:ILMN) is the leading producer of next generation sequencing systems, which are used to sequence DNA for research and are increasingly important in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Shares rose during the quarter after better-than-expected clinical growth, while competitor Roche's comparable product launch appeared underwhelming."

#illumina

Diamond Hill Capital, a First Eagle Investment Management company, issued its Q2 2026 investor letter for its "Mid Cap Strategy". A copy of the Q2 2026 investor letter can be downloaded here. In the quarter, equity markets posted strong returns as resilient economic growth and robust corporate earnings supported investor sentiment, although AI-related companies continued to dominate market leadership. Technology was the strongest-performing sector, while industrials also advanced and energy lagged as oil prices declined. The Fund returned 7.92% and the Russell Midcap Index returned 13.83%. Health care holdings were the largest positive contributor, supported by strength across managed care, diagnostics, and life sciences. However, stock selection and an underweight position in information technology remained the main relative headwinds. The strategy maintained limited exposure to highly valued semiconductor and memory companies, reflecting concerns that current valuations **** ume an extended period of elevated AI spending. It also continued to **** s software and services businesses individually based on how AI may affect their long-term competitive positions. Management emphasized higher-quality companies, attractive valuations, capital preservation, and durable long-term compounding while remaining cautious about elevated valuations, concentrated leadership, and the sustainability of the current AI investment cycle. Please review the Strategy's top five holdings for its key selections.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Diamond Hill Capital Mid Cap Strategy highlighted Verisk **** ytics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRSK) as a newly added position. Verisk **** ytics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRSK) is a US-based technology company that offers data **** ytics and technology solutions to the insurance industry. On August 4, 2026, Verisk **** ytics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRSK) closed at $192.80 per share. One-month return of Verisk **** ytics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRSK) was 1.65% and its shares gained -27.24% over the past 52 weeks. Verisk **** ytics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRSK) has a market capitalization of $25.13 billion with a 52-week trading range between $155.94 - $276.19.
Diamond Hill Capital Mid Cap Strategy stated the following regarding Verisk **** ytics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRSK) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Verisk **** ytics, Inc. (NASDAQ:VRSK), the leading provider of data and **** ytics to the insurance industry, benefits from a market position with limited competition. We initiated a position as its services represent a small portion of customers' overall costs but are deeply embedded in their workflows and critical to their operations, supporting consistent revenue growth, strong margins and sustained pricing power."

#strategy

Diamond Hill Capital, a First Eagle Investment Management company, issued its Q2 2026 investor letter for its "Mid Cap Strategy". A copy of the Q2 2026 investor letter can be downloaded here. In the quarter, equity markets posted strong returns as resilient economic growth and robust corporate earnings supported investor sentiment, although AI-related companies continued to dominate market leadership. Technology was the strongest-performing sector, while industrials also advanced and energy lagged as oil prices declined. The Fund returned 7.92% and the Russell Midcap Index returned 13.83%. Health care holdings were the largest positive contributor, supported by strength across managed care, diagnostics, and life sciences. However, stock selection and an underweight position in information technology remained the main relative headwinds. The strategy maintained limited exposure to highly valued semiconductor and memory companies, reflecting concerns that current valuations ******* ume an extended period of elevated AI spending. It also continued to ******* s software and services businesses individually based on how AI may affect their long-term competitive positions. Management emphasized higher-quality companies, attractive valuations, capital preservation, and durable long-term compounding while remaining cautious about elevated valuations, concentrated leadership, and the sustainability of the current AI investment cycle. Please review the Strategy's top five holdings for its key selections.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Diamond Hill Capital Mid Cap Strategy highlighted Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) as a newly added position. Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) is a US-based healthcare enterprise that offers services to underinsured and uninsured families and commercial organizations. On August 4, 2026, Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) closed at $64.07 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $31.49 billion. Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) posted a one-month return of -3.57%, while its shares gained 164.18% over the past 52 weeks.
Diamond Hill Capital Mid Cap Strategy stated the following regarding Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"We initiated a position in managed care provider Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) as we believe managed care margins now have a realistic path to recovery over the next few years as reimbursement rates catch up with underlying cost trends across the insured population."
Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) is not on our list of the 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. As per our database, 72 hedge fund portfolios held Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) at the end of the first quarter which was 78 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the risk and potential of Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are look

Diamond Hill Capital, a First Eagle Investment Management company, issued its Q2 2026 investor letter for its "Mid Cap Strategy". A copy of the Q2 2026 investor letter can be downloaded here. In the quarter, equity markets posted strong returns as resilient economic growth and robust corporate earnings supported investor sentiment, although AI-related companies continued to dominate market leadership. Technology was the strongest-performing sector, while industrials also advanced and energy lagged as oil prices declined. The Fund returned 7.92% and the Russell Midcap Index returned 13.83%. Health care holdings were the largest positive contributor, supported by strength across managed care, diagnostics, and life sciences. However, stock selection and an underweight position in information technology remained the main relative headwinds. The strategy maintained limited exposure to highly valued semiconductor and memory companies, reflecting concerns that current valuations ******* ume an extended period of elevated AI spending. It also continued to ******* s software and services businesses individually based on how AI may affect their long-term competitive positions. Management emphasized higher-quality companies, attractive valuations, capital preservation, and durable long-term compounding while remaining cautious about elevated valuations, concentrated leadership, and the sustainability of the current AI investment cycle. Please review the Strategy's top five holdings for its key selections.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Diamond Hill Capital Mid Cap Strategy highlighted Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HII). Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HII) is US-based military shipbuilding company. On August 4, 2026, Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HII) closed at $323.06 per share. One-month return of Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HII) was 11.60% and its shares gained 20.77% over the past 52 weeks. Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HII) has a market capitalization of $12.84 billion with a 52-week trading range between $259.00 - $460.00.
Diamond Hill Capital Mid Cap Strategy stated the following regarding Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HII) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HII), the largest shipbuilder for the US Navy, underperformed following mixed 1Q26 results. Strong revenue growth was offset by margin pressure from execution challenges and legacy pre-COVID contracts, while the broader defense sector weakened amid delays to US defense funding legislation and improving geopolitical tensions."

#capital #strategy #diamond #letter

Diamond Hill Capital, a First Eagle Investment Management company, issued its Q2 2026 investor letter for its "Mid Cap Strategy". A copy of the Q2 2026 investor letter can be downloaded here. In the quarter, equity markets posted strong returns as resilient economic growth and robust corporate earnings supported investor sentiment, although AI-related companies continued to dominate market leadership. Technology was the strongest-performing sector, while industrials also advanced and energy lagged as oil prices declined. The Fund returned 7.92% and the Russell Midcap Index returned 13.83%. Health care holdings were the largest positive contributor, supported by strength across managed care, diagnostics, and life sciences. However, stock selection and an underweight position in information technology remained the main relative headwinds. The strategy maintained limited exposure to highly valued semiconductor and memory companies, reflecting concerns that current valuations **** ume an extended period of elevated AI spending. It also continued to **** s software and services businesses individually based on how AI may affect their long-term competitive positions. Management emphasized higher-quality companies, attractive valuations, capital preservation, and durable long-term compounding while remaining cautious about elevated valuations, concentrated leadership, and the sustainability of the current AI investment cycle. Please review the Strategy's top five holdings for its key selections.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Diamond Hill Capital Mid Cap Strategy highlighted Veralto Corporation (NYSE:VLTO) as a newly added position. Veralto Corporation (NYSE:VLTO) provides water **** ytics, water treatment, marking and coding, and packaging and color solutions. On August 4, 2026, Veralto Corporation (NYSE:VLTO) closed at $96.45 per share. One-month return of Veralto Corporation (NYSE:VLTO) was 5.13% and its shares lost 10.26% over the past 52 weeks. Veralto Corporation (NYSE:VLTO) has a market capitalization of $23.12 billion with a 52-week trading range between $80.03 - $110.11.
Diamond Hill Capital Mid Cap Strategy stated the following regarding Veralto Corporation (NYSE:VLTO) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Water testing and treatment provider Veralto Corporation (NYSE:VLTO) was spun out of Danaher in late 2023. We initiated a position as we believe the market has underappreciated the company's resilient business model, strong profitability and disciplined capital allocation amid the current chase for revenue growth in data center-related industries."

#veralto #NYSE #capital

Diamond Hill Capital, a First Eagle Investment Management company, issued its Q2 2026 investor letter for its "Mid Cap Strategy". A copy of the Q2 2026 investor letter can be downloaded here. In the quarter, equity markets posted strong returns as resilient economic growth and robust corporate earnings supported investor sentiment, although AI-related companies continued to dominate market leadership. Technology was the strongest-performing sector, while industrials also advanced and energy lagged as oil prices declined. The Fund returned 7.92% and the Russell Midcap Index returned 13.83%. Health care holdings were the largest positive contributor, supported by strength across managed care, diagnostics, and life sciences. However, stock selection and an underweight position in information technology remained the main relative headwinds. The strategy maintained limited exposure to highly valued semiconductor and memory companies, reflecting concerns that current valuations ******* ume an extended period of elevated AI spending. It also continued to ******* s software and services businesses individually based on how AI may affect their long-term competitive positions. Management emphasized higher-quality companies, attractive valuations, capital preservation, and durable long-term compounding while remaining cautious about elevated valuations, concentrated leadership, and the sustainability of the current AI investment cycle. Please review the Strategy's top five holdings for its key selections.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Diamond Hill Capital Mid Cap Strategy highlighted Equifax Inc. (NYSE:EFX), a company specializing in data, ******* ytics, and technology through its Workforce Solutions, U.S. Information Solutions (USIS), and International divisions. During the quarter, the strategy added Equifax Inc. (NYSE:EFX) to its portfolio. On August 04, 2026, Equifax Inc. (NYSE:EFX) closed at $177.12 per share, reflecting a market capitalization of $20.81 billion. Equifax Inc. (NYSE:EFX) posted a one-month return of 6.00%, while its shares lost 26.38% over the past 52 weeks.
Diamond Hill Capital Mid Cap Strategy stated the following regarding Equifax Inc. (NYSE:EFX) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"Equifax Inc. (NYSE:EFX), a provider of mortgage, employment and other data, manages proprietary datasets that are costly and difficult to replicate. Given that its data is critical to customers' workflows yet represents a small portion of their overall costs and it operates in a consolidated industry, the company has historically benefited from strong pricing power and consistent growth."

#capital #diamond #letter

It can pay to track what the big investors on Wall Street are trading in quarterly 13-F filings. This quarter, legendary hedge fund manager Stanley Druckenmiller added to his largest stock position, buying more Natera (NASDAQ: NTRA) for his family office. The innovative genetic testing company now accounts for 18% of Druckenmiller's 13-F portfolio, which includes all his U.S.-listed stocks.
Should you follow Druckenmiller into Natera stock? Let's take a closer look at the numbers and find out.
Missed Nvidia in 2009? This Rare Signal Is Flashing Again. In 2009, a "Double Down" signal flashed for a little-known chipmaker called Nvidia. For the first time in years, that same "Total Conviction" signal is flashing for a company 1/100th the size of Nvidia. Continue »
Modern medicines and treatments have led to a growing demand for advanced patient diagnostics. To tailor medicines for patients in prenatal care or with cancer, you need to understand more about their bodies and specific genetic makeup.
Natera specializes in bridging the gap between doctors and patients, using innovative cell-free DNA testing to help diagnose outcomes. Specifically, it serves the prenatal and cancer testing markets. For pregnant patients, a doctor can use a Natera test to diagnose any problems with the fetus, all with minimal physical intervention. Its cancer testing has a variety of use cases, but an important one is checking for residual disease evidence in patients, which can be invaluable for someone dealing with cancer in remission.

#innovative

Baron Capital, an investment management company, released its Q2 2026 investor letter for the "Baron Health Care Fund". A copy of the letter is available to download here. The Fund gained 11.99% during the quarter, compared with the 10.48% gain for the Russell 3000 Health Care Index and the 15.44% gain for the Russell 3000 Index. Since inception, the Fund appreciated 10.61% on an annualized basis, compared with 10.02% for the Benchmark and 14.83% for the Index. Strong stock selection in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, health care equipment, and life sciences tools and services supported the Fund's outperformance, although limited exposure to managed care stocks reduced relative returns. The Fund remains positive on health care due to improving biotechnology funding, strong acquisition activity, recovering managed care margins, and growth from an aging population, chronic disease, medical innovation, and higher health care spending. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know the best picks in 2026.
In its second-quarter 2026 investor letter, Baron Health Care Fund highlighted BillionToOne, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLLN). BillionToOne, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLLN), a precision diagnostics company leveraging its technology to quantify biology to create molecular diagnostics, delivered strong performance during the quarter. On August 03, 2026, BillionToOne, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLLN) closed at $137.32 per share. The one-month return of BillionToOne, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLLN) was 16.33%, and YTD its shares gained 67.79% over the past 52 weeks. BillionToOne, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLLN) has a market capitalization of $6.32 billion.
Baron Health Care Fund stated the following regarding BillionToOne, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLLN) in its Q2 2026 investor letter:
"BillionToOne, Inc. (NASDAQ:BLLN) is a diagnostics company that is disrupting the market with more accurate prenatal and oncology genetic tests. Today, the vast majority of the company's revenue is generated by UNITY, a unique prenatal test that can screen for recessive single gene disorders from a maternal blood draw and identify fetal antigen status across both red blood cell and platelet antigens. Shares rose in the second quarter after the company reported robust first-quarter results (revenue up 84% year over year with 22% operating margins) and announced a meaningful expansion of commercial insurance coverage for its UNITY test and new UNITY Confirm product, which can replace amniocentesis or chorionic villus sampling to confirm a genetic diagnosis following a high-risk UNITY screening result. We continue to believe that BillionToOne's differentiated "quantitative counting template" technology enables more sensitive genetic testing. The company is making early headway in oncology with its SELECT therapy selection and RESPONSE therapy monitoring tests, which we think will be important future growth drivers."

#NASDAQ #baron

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE:A) just extended its diagnostics franchise into one of oncology's toughest corners. On July 23, the company said European regulators had certified its PD-L1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx test, Code SK006, as a companion diagnostic for epithelial ovarian, fallopian tube, and primary peritoneal carcinoma. That lets pathologists flag patients who might benefit from Merck's Keytruda. It is a narrow, technical-sounding approval, but it adds up to something bigger: Agilent's diagnostics business keeps racking up new indications while competitors scramble to keep pace.
Bull Case: A Diagnostics Machine That Keeps Adding Indications
This is now the eighth CE-marked indication for the 22C3 pharmDx ****** ay in the EU, following FDA approval of a related PD-L1 test (28-8 pharmDx) for esophageal and gastric cancers just nine days earlier. Each new label doesn't require Agilent to build a new product; it just extends the reach of an ****** ay already running in labs worldwide, which is a high-margin way to grow. Agilent has also been adding inorganically, closing its acquisition of Biocare Medical in June to deepen its clinical pathology reach, the same market where this new ovarian cancer approval lives. Together, the pipeline of regulatory wins and the acquisition strategy point to a company compounding its diagnostics footprint one label at a time rather than swinging for one blockbuster product.
Bear Case: A Crowded Diagnostics Field With A Scarier Neighbor
Companion diagnostics is not Agilent's alone to win. Danaher Corporation (NYSE:DHR), through its Leica Biosystems unit, competes directly for the same pathology lab budgets and just agreed on July 14 to acquire StatLab Medical Products to strengthen its own histology and AI-pathology pipeline. Danaher's own stock cratered 14% on July 21 after it trimmed its core revenue growth outlook, even though it beat on earnings and raised its profit forecast.

#pharmdx #pathology

Platinum ****** et Management, an investment management company, released its Q2 2026 investor letter for "Platinum International Brands Fund". A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The fund returned over 4% in the quarter but lost 14% over the past year, primarily due to the dominance of tech stocks amid an AI investment boom. Consumer-focused sectors underperformed due to weak sentiment and challenges such as high interest rates and rising oil prices, which have contributed to record-low consumer confidence. However, the fund's holdings remain fundamentally strong, with top holdings averaging 13% sales growth and 19% profit growth. The letter noted that positive developments include resumed job growth, reduced oil prices, and easing fiscal policy, which potentially enhance consumer sentiment. In addition, please check the Fund's top five holdings to know its best picks in 2026.
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, Platinum International Brands Fund highlighted Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS). Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS), an animal health company focused on animal health medications, vaccines, and diagnostic products, detracted from the Fund's performance during the quarter. On July 28, 2026, Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) closed at $77.51 per share. One-month return of Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) was 6.98%, and its shares lost 47.91% over the past 52 weeks. Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) has a market capitalization of about $32.49 billion.
Platinum International Brands Fund stated the following regarding Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
"Our worst performer was Zoetis (-35%). Simply, we got this wrong. Zoetis Inc. (NYSE:ZTS) makes medicines for pets and livestock and has long been the great innovator of its field, having pioneered and dominated the huge markets for canine dermatology and three-in-one parasiticides.
Unfortunately, its rivals have caught up and its commercial response has disappointed. In fairness, it likely expected its promising new arthritis treatment to comfortably offset any erosion. However, a social media scare campaign derailed its US launch largely because their commercial response was again inadequate.

#brands #investor