Nimble, smart, and staying ahead. Argus has identified six companies that we believe should be added to our Innovation theme model portfolio. These are companies we know well (which we like) and that continue to perform well and demonstrate financial stability and success. Over and over again, they nurture their innovative mindset, responding to market needs and trends, remaining nimble, and adapting to stay ahead. Our team of analysts regularly review and analyze growth trends, business models, and management strategies, and we have 30 stocks in this portfolio. We break the theme into four categories of innovation: First to Market; New Product Specialists; Product and Process Perfectors; and Industry Disruptors. We enjoy throwing ourselves into this theme as we continue to learn about new technologies and discoveries. Below are the six companies recently added to our portfolio. All are rated BUY at Argus. To see the complete list of companies in the portfolio, please see the Theme Portfolios section of the Argus website. Note that these model strategies can be licensed for direct money management.

Founded in 1927 as a one-person agency, Gallagher’s primary business is insurance brokerage, with a focus on serving middle-market companies. The company’s risk management segment provides third-party claims adjustment to companies that choose to self-insure. Gallagher has about 56,000 employees and generates about a third of its revenue internationally, primarily in Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and the UK

Johnson Controls manufactures, installs, and services commercial HVAC systems, building management platforms and controls, fire and security solutions, and industrial refrigeration units. Commercial HVAC and fire and security each account for approximately 45% of sales, while industrial refrigeration and other solutions account for the remaining 10% of revenue. In fiscal 2024, Johnson Controls generated nearly $23 billion in pro forma revenue.

The indices took a break on Tuesday after the recent nice snapback rally, and some of the biggest gainers were stocks that have been very poor performers over the intermediate and longer terms. Rotation is alive and is a major contributor to the longevity of any bull market. As long as the money stays in the market, things have a way of balancing out. But when sellers do not rotate funds (and raise cash instead) problems often follow. So far, it appears that some of the recently beaten-up stocks are experiencing nice demand, with some even seeing steady call option buying. Heavy bullish option activity is associated with institutions and hedge funds seeing value. Over the past week and during the days since the major indices bottomed on March 13, the biggest S&P 500 (SPX) gainers have been TSLA (+27%), PLTR (+15%), BA (+13%), UAL, RCL, and AMD (all up 11%), DRI (+10%), JBL and APH (up 9%), and NRG, IP, COF, GM, FCX, APO, ULTA, and CEG (all up 8%). Some of these stocks were hammered over the past month or two, others have been terrible long-term performers, and a few can be considered market leaders. Also of note, the stocks come from seven different SPX sectors and from diverse industries. The weakest SPX issues over the past week also come from many sectors, but are more concentrated in the Healthcare sector. The drug and biotech stocks were particularly weak Tuesday on tariff news. The worst weekly SPX performers include NKE (-9%), CRL (-8%), MRK, UPS, MU, LVS, and LYB (all down 7%), and ABBV, INTC, DOW, IT, and LMT (all off 6%). (Mark Arbeter, CMT)