WAIT
The 2nd-best performer on the S&P in January

Shocking that it rallied 25.8% in January, since it was spiralling last year, down 43%. There's no clear catalyst for their rally, though it helped that Medicare payments would increase from 2025 to 2026. He's waiting for their report next Wednesday before deciding.

BUY
The 3rd-best performer on the S&P in January

Up 22% last month. Delivered blow-out earnings and issued a strong forecast, raised their dividend by 30% and started a $7 billion buyback. It has been climbing, supported by steadily improving numbers, which he expects to continue. The CEO is doing a great turnaround job.

WEAK BUY
The 5th-best performer on the S&P in January

Up 18.2% last month. They reported an excellent quarter, beating top and bottom and raised their full-year forecast, though the quarterly forecast was lighter. 

BUY
The 6th-best performer on the S&P in January

Up 18% last month after a beat. He has faith in the new CEO.

COMMENT
The biggest loser on the S&P in January

The wildfires in LA hit them. Down 32% last month.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

One of the biggest losers on the S&P in January. Hurt by the LA fires. Down 22.45% last month, making it dirt cheap now.

SELL
The 3rd-biggest loser on the S&P in January

Down 19% last month, but was already under pressure after the election and a bad quarter. The CEO lacks urgency is fixing the company's problems. Seems to be in denial. With the new Mexico tariffs, he sold half his position today.

DON'T BUY
The 4th-biggest loser on the S&P in January

Down 17% last month. It got hit after Texas Instruments reported last Monday, giving a dour outlook for the car and industrial end markets.

DON'T BUY
The 5th-biggest loser on the S&P in January

Was down 16% last month when they pre-announced shockingly light numbers, given weakness in their biggest titles (i.e. soccer game).

BUY ON WEAKNESS

They just reported Q3: the largest and most profitable in history, beating sales, all-time high gross margins of 60%, and a strong EPS beat. Their brands did well, like Hoka up 23.7%. But then management gave a disappointing forecast for this quarter only 1% revenue growth (11% previously) with Ugg sales to decline and earnings -55% YOY. The strong momentum they had will end, disappointing the street. The stock was priced for perfection. Problem was that Ugg sold so well over holidays that this brand is now sold out. Also, Hoka's growth is slowing; Hoka is a big reason why people own these shares, but such growth expectations are too high. Sales of Hoka should normalize after they restock. Plus, the company has several big launches coming, and have $2.2 billion in cash and zero debt.

DON'T BUY

Is not comfortable that company sources its products from China at this time, given Trump's new tariffs.

BUY

He sold after EMR launched a hostile takeover, but he missed out. His mistake.

BUY ON WEAKNESS

They do a good job in customer relations management. The stock is now way too cheap.

BUY

They just blew away their numbers, surprising him, and yet no one is paying attention to them.

HOLD
Trevor Rose’s Insights - Trevor’s most-liked answers from 5i Research

Certainly at 5X earnings MRC can be considered cheap. Shares are very tightly held with 74% held by a connected group. The dividend is fairly low and shares have not done much, so it is not our favourite, as we do prefer more growth. But we would consider it OK. There is always a chance of a privatization but not something we would count on and would not buy just on that possibility. Net asset value requires lots of estimates and can be a moving target. The last comment from the company on a conference call indicated $340/share as NAV. Note this would be pre-tax. 
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