SEC Filing Analysis: Sharkey, Howes & Javer (13F-HR)

Executive Summary

• Trading Significance: Medium
• Key Takeaway: Denver-based investment manager Sharkey, Howes & Javer disclosed total managed assets of $778,094,019 as of September 30, 2025. The portfolio is heavily weighted towards large, diversified ETFs, suggesting a core strategy built on broad market exposure rather than concentrated single-stock bets.
• Market Impact: The filing is unlikely to cause significant market-wide impact due to its nature as a lagging indicator. However, it provides valuable insight into the positioning of a mid-sized institutional manager and highlights their confidence in broad US and international market ETFs.

Filer Information

Field	Value
Filer Name	Sharkey, Howes & Javer
CIK	0001642246
Type	Institutional Investment Manager

Holdings Summary

Field	Value
Form Type	13F-HR (Holdings Report)
Filing Date	2025-10-10
Period of Report	2025-09-30
Total Value of Holdings	$778,094,019
Number of Positions	159

Portfolio Analysis

The filing reveals a highly diversified portfolio with a strong emphasis on Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs). This strategy is common for managers seeking to provide clients with broad market exposure while managing risk.

Top 5 Holdings by Market Value

1. iShares CORE S&P 500 ETF (IVV): $57,252,588
2. BlackRock US Equity Factor Rotation ETF (DYNF/LRGF): $55,382,013
3. iShares Core Total USD Bond Market ETF (IUSB): $51,279,555
4. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (QUAL): $51,206,251
5. iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF (IVW): $39,533,002

These top positions, all multi-million dollar stakes in major ETFs, collectively account for a significant portion of the total AUM and underscore the firm's core investment thesis.

Investment Insights

Positive Market Indicators

• Broad Diversification: The heavy allocation to broad-market and factor-based ETFs indicates a disciplined, diversified approach, which can be a stable strategy in various market conditions.
• Substantial AUM: Managing over $778 million in assets demonstrates that the firm is a significant player in its regional market.
• Mix of Equities and Fixed Income: The presence of large bond ETFs like IUSB alongside equity ETFs points to a balanced asset allocation strategy.

Risk Factors

• Lagging Data: As with all 13F filings, the data is as of the end of the prior quarter (Sept 30, 2025) and may not reflect the firm's current positions.
• Dependence on Market Beta: A portfolio heavily reliant on market-tracking ETFs will perform in line with the broader market. It is exposed to systematic market risk and may underperform during periods where active stock selection is rewarded.

Key Takeaways

1. ETF-Centric Strategy: Sharkey, Howes & Javer's primary strategy involves using ETFs to build diversified client portfolios, focusing on US large-cap, quality, and growth factors, as well as fixed income.
2. Low Concentration Risk: The portfolio avoids large, concentrated bets on individual stocks. The largest single-stock positions (e.g., Microsoft, Apple) are a small percentage of the total AUM.
3. Institutional Viewpoint: This filing provides a transparent look at how a professional money manager is allocating capital, offering a model of a diversified, long-term investment strategy.

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IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER: This analysis is for informational purposes only and is not intended as investment advice. The information presented is based on publicly available SEC filings and should not be construed as a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any securities. Past performance does not guarantee future results. All investments carry risk, including the potential loss of principal. Please consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions.

Analysis generated on 2025-10-10 | Data source: SEC EDGAR