The Changing Landscape of Appleton Group's Holdings: Q3 2022 vs. Q4 2022

Investment management firms often utilize 13F filings to provide insight into their investment strategies, portfolio holdings, and market positions. The Appleton Group, LLC 13F filings for Q3 2022 and Q4 2022 offer useful insights into the firm's investment philosophy and changes in holdings in a given period.

In Q3 2022, Appleton did not hold any shares in the Schwab Strategic TR (SCHD), the Schwab Strategic TR Large-Cap ETF (SCHX), or the Schwab Strategic TR US Large Cap ETF (SCHF). However, in Q4 2022, Appleton acquired 213,713 shares of SCHD, 314,921 shares of SCHX, and 331,144 shares of SCHF, demonstrating a clear interest in Schwab's strategic investment products.

In terms of absolute value, the most significant change in Appleton's holdings in Q4 2022 was in the case of the Spdr Ser TR Barclay High Yield Bd ETF (JNK), where the firm acquired a total of 31,266 shares worth a market value of $2.8 million. Similarly, Appleton increased its position in the Ishares TR Iboxx $ Invest Grade Corp Bd ETF (LQD) and the Spdr Ser TR Barclays Convertible Secs ETF (CWB) by 26,287 and 41,798 shares, respectively.

While Appleton did not hold any shares in the Ishares TR Preferred & Income Securities ETF (PFF) in Q3 2022, the firm invested in 86,225 shares worth $2.6 million in Q4 2022. In contrast, Appleton sold its entire position in the Schwab Strategic TR US Agg Bond ETF (SCHZ), selling 46,199 shares in Q4 2022 that had a market value of $2.1 million.

Appleton also sold entirely out of the Schwab Strategic TR US Mid-Cap ETF (SCHM), selling all 148,307 shares they held in Q3 2022, reducing the market value by 87.8% to just $1.1 million. They also decreased their stake in the Ishares TR Russell 1000 Value ETF (IWD) by 5,854 shares but increased their position in the Schwab Strategic TR US LargeCap Growth ETF (SCHG) by 1,256 shares.

In terms of individual stocks, Appleton increased its investment holdings in Netflix Inc (NFLX) by 8 shares and 25.8% in market value, holding 1,929 shares worth $568,000 in Q4 2022. Furthermore, Appleton increased its investment in Eaton Corp Plc (ETN) by 2,427 shares, worth $380,000, representing an increase of 17.6% in market value.

Appleton also acquired 4,800 shares of TJX Companies Inc (TJX) worth $382,000 and purchased 8,212 shares of Skechers USA Inc (SKX) for $344,000. Finally, the firm increased its holdings in Nicolet Bankshares Inc (NIC) by 4,285 shares and 13.2% in market value, holding 4,285 shares worth $341,000 in Q4 2022.

In contrast, Appleton reduced its investment in Enphase Energy Inc (ENPH) by 601 shares, equivalent to a 32% reduction in market value. This highlights the continuously evolving nature of investment management, where firms like Appleton must make tough decisions regarding their portfolio holdings to maximize profitability.

In conclusion, the Q3 2022 to Q4 2022 holdings comparison for Appleton Group, LLC offers valuable insights into the firm's investment strategies and philosophy. While some of the changes in holdings may seem remarkable, they are typical of investment management firms in an ever-changing market environment.