Victor Dergunov, a Seeking Alpha analyst since 2017, offers insight regarding his path to 54,000-plus followers.
Reminders and Updates on ETF Coverage
One of the things Seeking Alpha has been working on over the past year is increasing both the quality and quantity of our ETF coverage. It’s our desire to make Seeking Alpha a go-to destination for ETF content. With this in mind, we’re trying to make sure our analysis stands out. Having said that, we want to reiterate our editorial standards for ETF analysis as well as offer additional guidance. As a reminder, our standard of delivering original, actionable insights pertains to ETF analysis articles just as it does to articles on stocks.
We encourage analysts who write about ETFs to bring their forward-looking guidance into the spotlight more consistently and clearly. We’re looking for analysts to illustrate how an ETF’s construction and methodology are applied to their views. In doing so, it’s important to explain that ETF holdings are typically dynamic, and as such, are impacted by rebalancing frequency, selection criteria, caps, and other elements. Integrating the discussions around the holdings and the methodology that shapes them communicates your robust understanding of both and adds credibility to your recommendation. And, similarly to stock article requirements, adding quantitative detail to your foreseeable outcome would make your recommendation more tangible and therefore more clearly tradable — this would include a discussion of NAV, total return (and how much of that would be attributed to price appreciation and income), average/weighted average P/E when applicable, the expense ratio, and other elements that impact tradability, like AUM.
Also, keep in mind that an ETF pair trade or general comparative discussions on ETFs should also contain a decisive recommendation based on a definitive outlook, not only an illustration of how hypothetical market dynamics affect each ETF differently.
Our guidelines also apply to coverage of newer “enhanced income” ETFs that have spurred both analysts’ and readers’ interest. Some of these options-overlay ETFs are complex in their methodology and require additional background information to illustrate how they operate. However, we want to stress that articles focusing primarily on this aspect fall short of reader expectations regarding forward-looking, actionable, and original insights. We invite analysts who choose to cover these enhanced-income ETFs to let their forward-looking guidance take center stage and frame their analysis around their main thesis, just as they would other ETF or stock articles.
Analysts should break down that complexity behind these ETFs into digestible information for readers, drilling into the “why” behind the anticipated outcomes in the thesis. Since these ETFs have some unique features, analysts should include some additional points above typical ETFs they’re used to covering and should:
* Clearly explain the options strategy in sufficient detail
* Explain the relationship to the underlying and the holdings
* Describe the distributions and their effects, including their tax character and frequency
* Address the likelihood and drivers of NAV erosion/drag
* Avoid thin “apples to oranges” comparisons; instead, illustrate the effects of strategy differences
* Note key catalysts (volatility events, valuation extremes) and expected behavior across market regimes.
* Describe the ETF’s role in a portfolio
It’s important that these elements are woven together in a cohesive story and not added in as disjointed points.
To drive consistency across articles in adherence to this standard, we’re extending additional editorial time to guide analysts who would need to elevate their ETF analysis to better meet these guidelines. This would in turn drive views and follower counts, as readers would appreciate a consistent, actionable takeaway from ETF coverage.
Additional resources are available in previous editions of the Analyst Connect newsletter. Check out Jack Bowman’s ideas for ETF coverage, along with updates on our minimums for ETF coverage.
Putting a Bigger Focus on Sectors: Expanding the Use of ETFs as Proxies
We’ve achieved a lot of success adding key index ETFs as primaries for market outlook articles. We’re expanding the use of ETFs to bring attention to different sectors.
We’ve developed a list of sector/industry ETFs that we will use as primary tickers in articles focused specifically on that sector. We’ll add these tickers for articles that present a broader, high-level “macro” look at a sector. The sectors we’ve identified (along with the ETFs):
US Financials
XLF, VFH, IYF, FNCL
US Banks
KBE, KBWB, XLF
US Regional Banks
KBWR, KRE, IAT, DPST
US Communications
XLC, IYZ, VOX, FCOM
US Consumer Discretionary
XLY, VCR, IYC, FDIS
US Consumer Staples
XLP, VDC, FSTA, KXI
US Energy
XLE, VDE, IYE, FENY
US Healthcare
XLV, VHT, IYH, FHLC
US Utilities
XLU, VPU, FUTY, IDU
US Industrials
XLI, IYJ, VIS, FIDU
US Materials
XLB, VAW, IYM, FMAT
US Real Estate
VNQ, IYR, SCHH, XLRE
US Software & Services
IGV, XSW, HACK
US Technology
XLK, VGT, IYW, IGM
Defense & Aerospace
ITA, XAR, PPA, SHLD
Biotech
IBB, XBI, BBH
Semiconductors
SOXX, SMH, XSD, SOXQ
Gold
GLD, IAU, GLDM, SGOL
Silver
SLV, PSLV, SIVR
Oil
USO, XOP, BNO, IEO
Click to enlarge
We’re limiting the use of these tickers to 3-4 well-followed ETFs for each sector. We’ll tag these articles “Market Outlook.” Also, note that these tickers are not eligible for undercovered bonuses when used for sector coverage.
We encourage analysts to consider sector analysis as a way to expand their macro coverage. Email [email protected] with any questions or ideas.
Looking for Short Ideas
We encourage analysts to submit their short ideas.
Please see our reminders and suggestions for short ideas:
We do not allow analysts to repeat allegations made by others (such as short sellers). While you are free to briefly mention the existence of a short report (ideally with a link to a Seeking Alpha news story about it so readers can see that for background), you should focus on your thesis.
We suggest reviewing the editorial policies for short ideas here.
If you have any questions about our short ideas policies in general, please email us at [email protected]. Also, if you’re considering submitting a short idea and you’re not sure if it would be a good fit for any reason (such as a low market cap or a key claim you are making), to help avoid any wasted work on your part, you can email us prior to submitting the article, and we will provide preliminary feedback.
We’re looking forward to seeing your ideas.
New Article Competition: Best Long Idea for 2026
Seeking Alpha has a new article competition in place for the New Year: Top 2026 Long Idea Competition.
Details on this competition can be found here.
The deadline is Feb. 28. Make sure to add a note for editors regarding the entry. We’re looking for a clear and compelling thesis that highlights why this is your top long idea for 2026. The article must be rated a buy or strong buy. And the article must be focused on an individual stock, not an ETF or cryptocurrency.
More on our article competitions can be found here.
How to Build a Following at Seeking Alpha? Persistence!
Seeking Alpha analyst and Investing Group leader Victor Dergunov has provided his commentary and analysis since 2017. In that time, Dergunov has amassed more than 54,000 followers and posted more than 1,000 articles. The commitment to the site opened the door for Dergunov to launch The Financial Prophet, a service that allows him to share investment ideas and portfolio strategy with others.
Dergunov says his efforts have always focused on helping readers and members of his investing group, delivering original, actionable investment ideas. To achieve success on Seeking Alpha, Dergunov suggests analysts be patient with the process and build relationships with editors and the community.
Most of all, Dergunov says analysts should form a persistent attitude, committing to a long-term perspective that generates interest in the articles presented to readers.
Dergunov shares his pointers in this article.
Looking Ahead to February
Earnings season is in full swing as we head into February with a number of highly followed and high market-cap names set to report throughout the month. The news cycle will continue to spin as U.S. policies are creating a great deal of volatility in recent weeks, and that’s likely to continue this month as well. As always, as we get further out in the month, some of the earnings dates haven’t been confirmed by the companies yet, and these are estimated dates.
Seeking Alpha Earnings Calendar
Week 1 (Feb. 2-6)
February starts with a bang, as on the first trading day of the month there are 15 companies with a market cap greater than $10B slated to report. Palantir (PLTR) is the headliner, but Disney (DIS), Simon Property Group (SPG), NXP Semiconductors (NXPI), IDEXX Laboratories (IDXX), and ON Semiconductor (ON) are also on the docket for Feb. 2. Tuesday is even busier, as 45 companies worth more than $10B are expected to report, and eight $100B companies lead the way. The notable names at the top in terms of market cap are Amazon (AMZN), Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), Merck (MRK), PepsiCo (PEP), Amgen (AMGN), Pfizer (PFE), Eaton (ETN), and Chubb (CB).
The reports don’t slow down on Wednesday either; in fact, it gets even busier. There are 12 companies with +$100B market caps reporting and 61 with market caps north of $10B. The most anticipated one is likely Alphabet (GOOG) (GOOGL), but we also get healthcare heavyweights Eli Lilly (LLY), AbbVie (ABBV), and Novartis (NVS). Other notables reporting include Uber (UBER), Qualcomm (QCOM), and Arm Holdings (ARM). Thursday is just as busy, with seven $100B companies expected to report and 61 with market caps of more than $10B. Shell (SHEL), Sony (SONY), ConocoPhillips, and Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMY) highlight Thursday’s reports. Friday does show a slowdown, but we still have reports expected from the likes of Toyota (TM), Philip Morris International (PM), and Kenvue (KVUE).
Week 2 (Feb. 9-14)
Earnings reports slow a little in the second week, with Monday showing 13 companies with market caps over $10B. Apollo Global Management (APO) leads the way in terms of market cap and other highly followed names include Cleveland-Cliffs (CLF), and monday.com (MNDY). The action picks back up on Tuesday with seven $100B companies set to report. They are led by Coca-Cola (KO), AstraZeneca (AZN), S&P Global (SPGI), and Gilead Sciences (GILD). Other notable companies reporting include Robinhood (HOOD), BP (BP), Ferrari (RACE) and Ford (F).
Wednesday doesn’t have as many high market cap names reporting, but the ones at the top are very highly followed: Cisco Systems (CSCO), McDonald’s (MCD), T-Mobile (TMUS), AppLovin (APP), and Shopify (SHOP) all have significant followers. Looking out to Thursday, we have reports from Applied Materials (AMAT), Arista Networks (ANET), Southern Copper (SCCO), Unilever (UL), and Anheuser-Busch InBev (BUD) on the docket. There are a few companies showing on the calendar for Friday, but we weren’t able to confirm any of the highly followed/high market cap names.
Week 3 (Feb. 16-20)
U.S. markets are closed on Monday, Feb. 16, in observance of President’s Day. Looking at Tuesday’s docket, there are a number of $10B companies reporting, but the only $100B company set to report is Medtronic (MDT). Other notable names include Energy Transfer (ET), Keysight Technologies (KEYS), Cadence Design Systems (CDNS), and Devon Energy (DVN). Wednesday is slightly busier, with highly followed names like Booking Holdings (BKNG), Analog Devices (ADI), Carvana (CVNA), DoorDash (DASH), and Baidu (BIDU) expected to report.
Thursday marks a transition to retail and consumer discretionary names as Walmart (WMT) will kick things off in the sector. We also have notables like Deere & Company (DE), Newmont Mining (NEM), and AngloGold Ashanti (AU). Friday shows Alibaba (BABA) and Constellation Energy (CEG) set to report, but the investor relations pages for both companies have not confirmed the date.
Week 4 (Feb. 23-27)
The final week of February sees earnings reports starting slowly but building as the week goes on. Monday’s docket shows American Tower (AMT), Dominion Energy (D), and Trip.com (TCOM) all expected to report. Tuesday sees the activity in the consumer discretionary sector resume with Home Depot (HD) and MercadoLibre (MELI) leading the charge. We also expect to hear from Autodesk (ADSK) and Zoom (ZM).
Wednesday is a big day, as the last of the Mag 7 names will step forward, as Nvidia (NVDA) is expected to report at that time. We also expect to hear from retailers TJX (TJX) and Lowe’s (LOW) that day, along with tech companies Salesforce (CRM) and Snowflake (SNOW). We see more tech names expected on Thursday with Intuit (INTU), Dell Technologies (DELL), and Workday (WDAY) all slated to report. Other notables for the day are Monster Beverage (MNST) and NetEase (NTES). The current calendar shows Berkshire Hathaway (BRK.B) reporting on Friday, but those announcements usually take place on Saturdays.
January Investor and Industry Events
Feb. 3 – Fed SLOOS report
Feb. 4 – Oppenheimer 11th Annual Emerging Growth Conference
Feb. 8 – FDA action date for REGENXBIO’s clemidsogene lanparvovec (RGX-121)
Feb. 10 – WASDE report on major crops
Feb. 10 – Bank of America US Financial Services Conference
Feb. 11-16 New York Fashion Week
Feb. 7-16 – Chicago Auto Show
Feb. 11 – FedEx Investor Day
Feb. 14 – Tesla FSD is subscription only
Feb. 14-17 New York Toy Fair
Feb. 17 – 13F filings due
Feb. 17 – Chinese New Year
Feb. 18 – FOMC minutes released
Feb. 18 – Barclays Industrial Select Conference
Feb. 25 – Lumen Technologies Investor Day
Feb. 25 – Intapp Investor Day
Feb. 26 – Susquehanna Technology Conference
Major Economic Reports and Events
Feb. 2- ISM Manufacturing, Construction Spending
Feb. 3- JOLTS Job Openings
Feb. 4 – ADP Employment Change, Factory Orders, ISM Services
Feb. 5 – Q4 Productivity, Unit Labor Costs, Trade Balance
Feb. 5 – European Central Bank meeting
Feb. 6 – January Employment Report, Univ. of Michigan Consumer Sentiment
Feb. 10 – Q4 Employment Cost Index
Feb. 11 – CPI
Feb. 12 – PPI, Existing Home Sales
Feb. 13 – Retail Sales
Feb. 18 – Building Permits, Housing Starts, Industrial Production, Capacity Utilization
Feb. 19 – Pending Home Sales
Feb. 20 – Q4 GDP, Core PCE, Personal Income, Personal Spending, Univ. of Michigan Consumer Sentiment
Feb. 24 – S&P/Case-Shiller Housing Index
Feb. 25 – New Home Sales
Feb. 2 6- Durable Orders
Feb. 27 – PPI, Chicago PMI
Seeking Alpha Analyst Connect is run by our Editorial team to provide news and updates to our contributing analysts. We’ll publish a monthly newsletter with tips on how to find success writing at Seeking Alpha, highlight any policy announcements and updates, and also we’ll discuss, what topics might move the markets in the month ahead. Previously this was the “SA Author Experience” profile which highlighted best practices in financial analysis, mechanics, interacting with readers, and other elements that help authors succeed. The monthly newsletter will continue to provide information on best practices like this, just in a new format. Please feel free to check out our older articles under this profile for further educational resources. And check out this simple directory to find information on ways to improve your writing as a Seeking Alpha analyst.
Analyst’s Disclosure: I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it. I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.
Seeking Alpha’s Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given that any particular security, portfolio, transaction or investment strategy is suitable for any specific person. The author is not advising you personally concerning the nature, potential, value or suitability of any particular security or other matter. You alone are solely responsible for determining whether any investment, security or strategy, or any product or service, is appropriate or suitable for you based on your investment objectives and personal and financial situation. The author is an employee of Seeking Alpha. Any views or opinions expressed herein may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank.
