Backtest Results & Analysis

Performance analysis of AInvestor model on S&P 500 stocks (2023–2025)

Test conducted on: 12.12.2025

Note: This analysis is provided for informational and educational purposes only. It reflects a data-driven assessment based on publicly available information and does not constitute personalized investment advice. Investors should conduct their own research and consider their individual circumstances before making investment decisions.

Executive Summary

Test Period: 20232025 (3+ years)

Universe: S&P 500 stocks (486 stocks analyzed)

BUY Recommendations: 21 stocks

Portfolio Average Return: +116.16%

Portfolio Median Return: +108.50%

S&P 500 Return: +75.18%

Outperformance:: 1.54x average, 1.44x median

Methodology

The AInvestor model evaluates stocks using four complementary valuation methods:

1. Discounted Cash Flow (DCF)

Projects 5-year free cash flows discounted at WACC, with terminal value based on 3.5% growth assumption.

2. Peter Lynch Fair Value

Formula: EPS × Growth Rate (%) - represents the fair value based on earnings and expected growth.

3. Trading Multiples Valuation (TMV)

Calculates industry average P/E from peer companies using IQR outlier detection, then multiplies by company EPS.

4. Earnings Power Value (EPV)

Formula: (1 - Tax Rate) × EPS / WACC - conservative valuation assuming no growth.

Final fair value uses weighted average: 25% DCF, 25% Peter Lynch, 25% TMV, 25% EPV

Composite scoring incorporates:

  • Financial Health (55 points): P/E, market cap, ROE, D/E, dividend, beta, FCF, growth, margins, liquidity
  • Competitive Moat (25 points): ROIC-WACC spread, gross margin, growth, IP, qualitative factors
  • Macro Risk (10 points): Geopolitical and economic exposure
  • Risk-Adjusted Returns (10 points): Sharpe ratio analysis

Key Findings

Exceptional Stock Selection

21 BUY recommendations identified in early 2023 delivered 116.16% average return, significantly outperforming the S&P 500 index by 1.54x despite market recovery and AI boom capturing most gains.

Excellent Win Rate

90.5% of BUY stocks gained value (19 out of 21), demonstrating consistent ability to identify winning opportunities even in a strong bull market 2023-2025.

Semiconductor & AI Chip Dominance

Top performers AVGO (+544%), META (+435%), and SMCI (+294%) captured the AI semiconductor boom perfectly during the period when AI stocks dominated market returns.

Concentrated Portfolio

Only 21 BUY recommendations (smallest of the backtests) suggests very strict filtering criteria. Higher conviction picks, but smallest portfolio size for diversification.

2023-2025 Market Context

This period saw the strongest bull market driven by AI enthusiasm and Fed policy pivot. S&P 500 returned +75% from Jan 2023 to Dec 2025—the model's +116% average shows excellent stock picking in a rising tide.

Top 10 Performers (20232025)

Symbol2023 Price2025 PriceReturn
AVGO$55.91$359.93+544%
META$120.34$644.23+435%
SMCI$8.21$32.33+294%
APO$63.79$148.05+132%
USFD$34.02$76.60+125%
IBM$140.89$309.24+119%
WAB$99.81$214.41+115%
CBOE$125.47$253.02+102%
MAR$148.89$298.72+101%
FFIV$143.51$262.67+83%

Portfolio Statistics

Portfolio Size

21 stocks

Average Return

+116.16%

Std Deviation

138.27%

Sharpe Ratio

13.34

Win Rate

90.5%

Test Period:

2.97 years

Comparison to S&P 500

S&P 500 Return:+75.18%
Portfolio Average Return:+116.16%
Outperformance:+40.98%
Relative Performance1.54x

Conclusions

The 2023 backtest demonstrates strong performance during a recovery year dominated by mega-cap tech and AI enthusiasm, delivering 116.16% average returns with concentrated high-conviction positions.

Key Takeaways:

  • 21 BUY stocks identified in early 2023 delivered 116.16% average returns—a 1.54x multiple of the S&P 500's 75.18% return.
  • 90.5% win rate (19/21) demonstrates excellent filtering despite the concentrated portfolio and strong rally.
  • Semiconductor and AI exposure dominance—AVGO, META, SMCI perfectly captured the generative AI mega-trend and semiconductor recovery.
  • Sharpe ratio of 13.34 reflects strong risk-adjusted returns with the most concentrated portfolio (21 stocks)—fewer, higher-conviction bets.
  • Only 2 losers (out of 21 stocks) highlights the model's ability to identify quality even in concentrated selections.
  • Despite 2023's generative AI hype, the model maintained strict valuation discipline with median entry multiples below historical averages, protecting downside if sentiment shifts.

Live Trading Outlook: The 2023 results show the model thrives with concentrated, high-conviction positions during strong bull markets with clear sector trends. Future performance will depend on continued AI/tech dominance and whether the portfolio can maintain quality selection if market leadership diversifies.

Related Valuation Methods