U.S. mid-cap equities are often overlooked, but beneath the headlines of consumer weakness and market volatility, there's a more nuanced story. Portfolio manager Jeff Mo shares a bottom-up perspective on resilient—though bifurcated—consumer spending, margin surprises, and a capital expenditure boom that extends beyond AI. The discussion explores how company fundamentals, competitive advantages, and valuation opportunities are shaping portfolio decisions, with insights into sectors like defense and industrials. Jeff also addresses the impact of macro trends on stock selection, the evolving CapEx landscape, and why mid-cap valuations may offer compelling long-term potential.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS:

• U.S. consumer spending remains resilient overall, though lower-income segments are showing more strain and deal-seeking behavior.
• Companies with strong competitive advantages continue to demonstrate pricing power and healthy margins, despite inflation and shifting cost pressures.
• The current CapEx boom is not limited to AI—reshoring, supply chain resilience, and manufacturing investments are driving activity across sectors.
• Market volatility in the mid-cap space has led to outsized stock reactions, creating opportunities for long-term, bottom-up investors.
• Defense and industrial companies, such as CACI International and ITT, are benefiting from innovation, management execution, and evolving end markets.
• Mid-cap valuations are reasonable relative to large-caps, with select areas appearing overlooked and offering attractive long-term return potential.

Host: Rob Campbell, CFA Portfolio Manager

Guest: Jeff Mo, CFA Portfolio Manager

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