Fred Alger Managementan investment management company, published its Q1 2026 “Alger Weatherbie Specialized Growth Fund” investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. In the first quarter of 2026, Alger Weatherbie Specialized Growth Fund Class A shares underperformed the Russell 2500 Growth Index. The information technology and consumer staples sectors contributed to relative performance, while healthcare and financials detracted. US stocks experienced volatility in the first quarter of 2026, with the S&P 500 index falling 4.33%. AI disruption and the US-Iran conflict altered the economic landscape during this period. The Fund focuses on identifying companies that are leveraging artificial intelligence technology for task automation and workflow management. Also, check out the Fund’s top five holdings to learn your best picks in 2026.
In its Q1 2026 investor letter, Alger Weatherbie Specialized Growth Fund highlighted Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CWST). Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CWST) is a vertically integrated solid waste services company offering resource management expertise and services. On May 22, 2026, Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CWST) closed at $87.41 per share. Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CWST)’s monthly performance was 13.89% and its stock lost 24.42% in the past 52 weeks. Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CWST) has a market capitalization of $5.56 billion.
Alger Weatherbie Specialized Growth Fund stated the following regarding Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CWST) in its Q1 2026 investor letter:
“Casella Waste Systems, Inc. (NASDAQ:CWST) is a vertically integrated solid waste services company operating primarily in the northeastern United States, providing collection, transfer, disposal and recycling services in the residential, commercial and industrial markets. We believe the company has a dominant position as a regional consolidator in an industry characterized by high barriers to entry, recurring revenue and favorable pricing dynamics, with a long runway to acquire smaller operators and expand its geographic presence. During the quarter, the stock underperformed even though the company delivered strong results that extended its history of double-digit growth in revenue, earnings and free cash flow for the fifth consecutive year. Investor concerns focused on moderate volume growth in the overall waste industry, a leadership transition as the company’s president was promoted to CEO, and continued integration challenges associated with operations acquired from a large industry peer in the Mid-Atlantic region. “We believe the company has largely resolved these issues.”
