ClearBridge Investments, a global equity manager, recently published second-quarter 2026 commentary for its “SMID Cap Growth Strategy”. A copy can be downloaded here. Small and mid-cap (SMID) growth equities experienced the strongest quarter in recent memory, with the Russell 2500 Growth Index rising 24.0%, driven by enthusiasm for AI infrastructure and higher-beta momentum stocks. The Strategy delivered double-digit returns in the quarter but trailed the soaring benchmark. Underperformance was driven by underexposure to top AI infrastructure stocks as well as weaknesses in healthcare and consumer discretionary sectors. The market leadership expanded beyond mega-cap technology, indicating potential opportunities from a broader cyclical recovery and AI adoption. In addition, you can check the Fund’s top five holdings to determine its best picks for 2026.
In its Q2 2026 investor letter, ClearBridge SMID Cap Growth Strategy highlighted Argan, Inc. (NYSE:AGX) as a newly added position. Argan, Inc. (NYSE:AGX) is a holding company that provides construction, commissioning, maintenance and related services to power generation market. On July 10, 2026, Argan, Inc. (NYSE:AGX) closed at $630.32 per share. One-month return of Argan, Inc. (NYSE:AGX) was -8.50%, and its shares gained 185.56% over the past 52 weeks. Argan, Inc. (NYSE:AGX) has a market capitalization of $8.84 billion.
ClearBridge SMID Cap Growth Strategy stated the following regarding Argan, Inc. (NYSE:AGX) in its Q2 2026 investor update:
“We added several new positions in the industrials sector indexed to AI power demands and secular growth in defense spending. Argan, Inc. (NYSE:AGX) — a leading engineering, procurement and construction firm — is positioned to benefit from a multi-year buildout in natural gas and solar power generation, limited industry competition and growing demand for new electricity generation.”
Argan, Inc. (NYSE:AGX) is not on our list of 40 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds Heading Into 2026. According to our database, 42 hedge fund portfolios held Argan, Inc. (NYSE:AGX) at the end of the fourth quarter, compared to 46 in the previous quarter. While we acknowledge the risk and potential of Argan, Inc. (NYSE:AGX) as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than Argan, Inc. (NYSE:AGX) and that has 10,000% upside potential, check out our report about this cheapest AI stock.
In another article, we covered Argan, Inc. (NYSE:AGX) and shared Polen 5Perspectives Small Growth Strategy’s views on the company. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q2 2026 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors.
READ NEXT: 33 Stocks That Should Double in 3 Years and 15 Stocks That Will Make You Rich in 10 Years.
Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
