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KO

Coca-Cola (KO) closed the most recent trading day at $60.24, moving +1.21% from the previous trading session. This change outpaced the S&P 500's 0.11% loss on the day. On the other hand, the Dow registered a gain of 0.12%, and the technology-centric Nasdaq decreased by 0.41%.Shares of the world's largest beverage maker witnessed a loss of 0.07% over the previous month, trailing the performance of the Consumer Staples sector with its gain of 0.25% and the S&P 500's gain of 2.7%.The investment community will be closely monitoring the performance of Coca-Cola in its forthcoming earnings report. The company is predicted to post an EPS of $0.70, indicating a 2.94% growth compared to the equivalent quarter last year. In the meantime, our current consensus estimate forecasts the revenue to be $10.99 billion, indicating a 0.05% growth compared to the corresponding quarter of the prior year.In terms of the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates predict earnings of $2.81 per share and a revenue of $45.85 billion, indicating changes of +4.46% and +0.2%, respectively, from the former year.Investors should also pay attention to any latest changes in analyst estimates for Coca-Cola. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. As such, positive estimate revisions reflect analyst optimism about the company's business and profitability.Research indicates that these estimate revisions are directly correlated with near-term share price momentum. To benefit from this, we have developed the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model which takes these estimate changes into account and provides an actionable rating system.The Zacks Rank system, ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), possesses a remarkable history of outdoing, externally audited, with #1 stocks returning an average annual gain of +25% since 1988. The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 0.24% higher within the past month. Coca-Cola is currently a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).Story continuesWith respect to valuation, Coca-Cola is currently being traded at a Forward P/E ratio of 21.16. Its industry sports an average Forward P/E of 20, so one might conclude that Coca-Cola is trading at a premium comparatively.Also, we should mention that KO has a PEG ratio of 3.37. Comparable to the widely accepted P/E ratio, the PEG ratio also accounts for the company's projected earnings growth. The Beverages - Soft drinks industry currently had an average PEG ratio of 2.27 as of yesterday's close.The Beverages - Soft drinks industry is part of the Consumer Staples sector. This industry, currently bearing a Zacks Industry Rank of 83, finds itself in the top 33% echelons of all 250+ industries.The Zacks Industry Rank evaluates the power of our distinct industry groups by determining the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks forming the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.Be sure to use Zacks.com to monitor all these stock-influencing metrics, and more, throughout the forthcoming trading sessions.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportCocaCola Company (The) (KO) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

Coca-Cola (KO) Gains As Market Dips: What You Should Know

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/coca-cola-ko-gains-market-214519012.html

6bcffa39-59ba-3e07-bedc-25ad902a4d88

KR

Shares of Kroger (KR) fell after the Federal Trade Commission moved to block its $24.6 billion acquisition of Albertsons (ACI). The FTC claims the merger would harm both American consumers and workers.Yahoo Finance Anchors Josh Lipton and Julie Hyman break down what this means for the companies and how it may impact them going forward.For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Yahoo Finance Live.Editor's note: This article was written by Nicholas JacobinoVideo TranscriptJOSH LIPTON: The Federal Trade Commission is suing to block Kroger's $24.6 billion acquisition of Albertsons. Kroger responded saying that blocking of the deal will actually harm the very people the FTC purports to serve, America's consumers and workers. So the FTC-- and my understanding is, Julie, it's actually also eight states, Washington DC suing to block this acquisitions.They don't like it. They argue it's going to mean higher prices for groceries. It's going to mean lower wages for workers. So the combination of these two chains would lead to just a very concentrated market.JULIE HYMAN: This has been going on for a while, first of all, we should mention. The two first agreed--JOSH LIPTON: Yeah.JULIE HYMAN: --to team up in late 2022. It's almost $25 billion acquisition. And at the time, it was expected that there would be a challenge at some point. But it sort of dragged on and dragged on and dragged on.And now finally, here in early 2024, we are getting this formal challenge from the FTC. The grocery stores are arguing that the FTC's view of the grocery industry is outdated. They bring up competitors like Amazon like Walmart in the industry that they say, it's not about just looking at traditional grocery stores. It's about widening the aperture here of what constitutes a grocery store. At the same time, the two have already planned to sell off some of their holdings. And the FTC says, no, that's not enough.Story continuesJOSH LIPTON: Yeah, they try to clearly placate them--JULIE HYMAN: Yeah.JOSH LIPTON: --with that. But that did not work. Just interesting, I mean, just the broader story, which we talk so much about on the show about how regulators just so much more aggressive--JULIE HYMAN: Yeah.JOSH LIPTON: --now, when it comes to deal-making, JetBlue and Spirit, Microsoft Activision. Just a very different regulatory backdrop, regardless of the industry you're in.JULIE HYMAN: It is. And that's-- if you look at how the stocks are reacting today, we're not seeing a huge reaction--JOSH LIPTON: Expected.JULIE HYMAN: --in part. And this-- and this challenge, in particular, was expected. But--JOSH LIPTON: YeahJULIE HYMAN: --to your point, the broader environment is also just seen that way right now.

Yahoo Finance Video

FTC moves to block Kroger's $24.6B acquisition of Albertsons

https://finance.yahoo.com/video/ftc-moves-block-krogers-24-225450637.html

40f47f2a-5036-3fea-a3af-c8b8754a163d

KR

WHATS NEWS BUSINESS FINANCE The FTC sued to block Kroger’s $25 billion bid for rival Albertsons, throwing into uncertainty the fate of one of the largest supermarket deals in history. U.S. stocks slipped ahead of fresh readings on the economy this week, with the S&P 500, Dow and Nasdaq falling 0.Continue reading

The Wall Street Journal

What’s News: Business & Finance

https://finance.yahoo.com/m/6d0d84e5-eae0-3c52-b239-64dfe70e02b8/what%E2%80%99s-news-business-.html

6d0d84e5-eae0-3c52-b239-64dfe70e02b8

KR

Investors interested in Retail-Wholesale stocks should always be looking to find the best-performing companies in the group. Is Kroger (KR) one of those stocks right now? Let's take a closer look at the stock's year-to-date performance to find out.Kroger is a member of our Retail-Wholesale group, which includes 219 different companies and currently sits at #9 in the Zacks Sector Rank. The Zacks Sector Rank includes 16 different groups and is listed in order from best to worst in terms of the average Zacks Rank of the individual companies within each of these sectors.The Zacks Rank is a proven system that emphasizes earnings estimates and estimate revisions, highlighting a variety of stocks that are displaying the right characteristics to beat the market over the next one to three months. Kroger is currently sporting a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).Over the past 90 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for KR's full-year earnings has moved 1.5% higher. This is a sign of improving analyst sentiment and a positive earnings outlook trend.According to our latest data, KR has moved about 22.5% on a year-to-date basis. Meanwhile, stocks in the Retail-Wholesale group have gained about 8.1% on average. This shows that Kroger is outperforming its peers so far this year.One other Retail-Wholesale stock that has outperformed the sector so far this year is Farmer Brothers (FARM). The stock is up 21.9% year-to-date.The consensus estimate for Farmer Brothers' current year EPS has increased 56.7% over the past three months. The stock currently has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).Looking more specifically, Kroger belongs to the Retail - Supermarkets industry, a group that includes 9 individual stocks and currently sits at #11 in the Zacks Industry Rank. Stocks in this group have gained about 14.9% so far this year, so KR is performing better this group in terms of year-to-date returns.Farmer Brothers, however, belongs to the Food - Natural Foods Products industry. Currently, this 7-stock industry is ranked #10. The industry has moved +14.1% so far this year.Story continuesKroger and Farmer Brothers could continue their solid performance, so investors interested in Retail-Wholesale stocks should continue to pay close attention to these stocks.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportThe Kroger Co. (KR) : Free Stock Analysis ReportFarmer Brothers Company (FARM) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

Is The Kroger Co. (KR) Outperforming Other Retail-Wholesale Stocks This Year?

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/kroger-co-kr-outperforming-other-134012808.html

af5ee43c-f611-3632-8c0d-e78f640bcceb

KR

Retailer honored for commitment to creating inclusive workplace by MogulCINCINNATI, March 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), today announced it has been recognized as a Best Workplace for Diverse Professionals by Mogul, a diversity-focused HR tech and recruitment firm. Kroger ranked in the top three among the list of 100 honorees. The Kroger Co. Logo (PRNewsfoto/The Kroger Co.)"We appreciate Mogul for recognizing Kroger's commitment to creating a welcoming workplace for all associates, from all walks of life," said Tim Massa, senior vice president and chief people officer. "We strive to be an employer that associates are proud to work for, where diversity and differences are celebrated, and growth opportunities are endless. We are proud of the impacts we have made and look forward to continuing our journey to achieve even greater progress."Through Kroger's Framework for Action, the company is committed to standing together and mobilizing its people, passion, scale and resources to transform its culture and the communities it serves. This ongoing commitment includes:Creating a more inclusive cultureDeveloping diverse talentAdvancing diverse partnershipsAdvancing equitable communitiesDeeply listening and reporting progressMogul's methodology and criteria for evaluation for the 2024 Best Workplaces for Diverse Professionals category include the following:Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: Public evidence of long-term commitment to DEI, including specific policies, programs and initiativesRepresentation: Public assessment of diversity in the workforce, especially in leadership roles and traditionally underrepresented groupsWorkplace Culture and Environment: Public evidence of the inclusiveness of the workplace culture, employee satisfaction and retention rates, especially among diverse groupsCommunity and Social Impact: Public involvement in community outreach programs related to DEI, partnerships with minority-owned businesses and other social impact initiativesInnovation in DEI Practices: Public implementation of unique or innovative strategies to promote DEI within the organizationStory continuesTo learn more about Kroger's Framework for Action: Diversity, Equity & Inclusion plan, visit TheKrogerCo.com/StandingTogether.About KrogerAt The Kroger Co. (NYSE: KR), we are dedicated to our Purpose: To Feed the Human Spirit™. We are, across our family of companies nearly half a million associates who serve over 11 million customers daily through a seamless digital shopping experience and retail food stores under a variety of banner names, serving America through food inspiration and uplift, and creating #ZeroHungerZeroWaste communities by 2025. To learn more about us, visit our newsroom and investor relations site.CisionView original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/kroger-named-best-workplace-for-diverse-professionals-302085609.htmlSOURCE The Kroger Co.

PR Newswire

Kroger Named Best Workplace for Diverse Professionals

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/kroger-named-best-workplace-diverse-181500012.html

aec668f6-8034-3972-a226-718ef8afcee6

KVUE

Kenvue (NYSE:KVUE) Full Year 2023 ResultsKey Financial ResultsRevenue: US$15.4b (up 3.3% from FY 2022).Net income: US$1.66b (down 20% from FY 2022).Profit margin: 11% (down from 14% in FY 2022). The decrease in margin was driven by higher expenses.EPS: US$0.90.earnings-and-revenue-growthAll figures shown in the chart above are for the trailing 12 month (TTM) periodKenvue EPS Misses ExpectationsRevenue was in line with analyst estimates. Earnings per share (EPS) missed analyst estimates by 11%.Looking ahead, revenue is forecast to grow 3.2% p.a. on average during the next 3 years, compared to a 7.0% growth forecast for the Personal Products industry in the US.Performance of the American Personal Products industry.The company's shares are down 7.5% from a week ago.ValuationFollowing the latest earnings results, Kenvue may be undervalued based on 6 different valuation benchmarks we assess. Click here to view our comprehensive analysis and gain insights into the stock's investment prospects.Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Simply Wall St.

Kenvue Full Year 2023 Earnings: EPS Misses Expectations

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/kenvue-full-2023-earnings-eps-115410017.html

59af202e-4b68-3334-8049-408c4a4aeef0

KVUE

SKILLMAN, N.J., February 13, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kenvue Inc. (NYSE: KVUE) ("Kenvue"), the world’s largest pure-play consumer health company by revenue, today announced Thibaut Mongon, Chief Executive Officer, and Paul Ruh, Chief Financial Officer, will present at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York (CAGNY) Conference in Boca Raton, Florida, on Friday, February 23, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern Time. A live webcast of the session will be available at investors.kenvue.com and a replay will be available on the same website following the event.About KenvueKenvue is the world’s largest pure-play consumer health company by revenue. Built on more than a century of heritage, our iconic brands, including Aveeno®, BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive Bandages, Johnson’s®, Listerine®, Neutrogena® and Tylenol®, are science-backed and recommended by healthcare professionals around the world. At Kenvue, we believe in the extraordinary power of everyday care and our teams work every day to put that power in consumers’ hands and earn a place in their hearts and homes. Learn more at www.kenvue.com.View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240213181590/en/ContactsInvestor Relations: Tina [email protected] Relations: Melissa [email protected]

Business Wire

Kenvue to Present at the Consumer Analyst Group of New York Conference on February 23, 2024

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/kenvue-present-consumer-analyst-group-130000052.html

dca27304-3df0-3d9e-a61b-6b23b8027e7d

KVUE

Bayer thinks it can get back to health with little more than a new diet and fitness regime. Investors had called for major surgery at the German company after years of problems stemming in part from its [$63 billion acquisition of U.S. agrochemical company Monsanto](https://www.wsj.com/articles/monsanto-gives-investors-a-new-reason-to-avoid-bayer-1534179293).Continue reading

The Wall Street Journal

Heard on the Street: Does Bayer Have the Formula to Avoid a Breakup?

https://finance.yahoo.com/m/8ff464e7-e90b-3419-9ebd-c2ea046d5249/heard-on-the-street-does.html

8ff464e7-e90b-3419-9ebd-c2ea046d5249

KVUE

Science behind Company’s Skin Health & Beauty brands, including Neutrogena®, Aveeno® and more, demonstrates commitment to advancing everyday skin careSKILLMAN, N.J., March 07, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Kenvue Inc. ("Kenvue"), the world’s largest pure-play consumer health company by revenue, will share new data demonstrating how its iconic brands are contributing to the advancement of everyday skin care at the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) Association Annual Meeting, set for March 8-12 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California.In findings from the 22 data sets detailing new Kenvue skin science research, industry experts will present evidence confirming the clinical effectiveness of Neutrogena® and Aveeno® formulations in moisturizing skin, improving skin barrier, protecting against UVA sun damage, and rapidly reducing facial acne. Kenvue will also offer hands-on experiences in exhibit-floor Booth 2511, featuring products that are household names, including those from the Neutrogena®, Aveeno®, NeoStrata®, Lubriderm®, BAND-AID® Brand and Rogaine®1 portfolios."This is our first time presenting as Kenvue at the annual AAD meeting, allowing us a great opportunity to meet with leaders across dermatology and share our latest category-defining research that supports the value of our iconic brands as a part of everyday care," said Adam Ricciardone2, Head of R&D, Global Skin Health & Beauty and Head of R&D North America. "This evidence illustrates our ongoing commitment to delivering science-backed, care-forward experiences that are loved by consumers and recommended by healthcare professionals and experts."In six new clinical studies being presented at AAD, Kenvue investigators found that oat-containing moisturizers developed by Aveeno® and Neutrogena® scientists made the skin’s microbiome more resilient in a variety of populations. These include young children predisposed to eczema, women with dry skin, adults with mild to moderate eczema, and adults receiving immunobiological treatment for psoriasis.Story continuesAcross these studies, findings showed that consumers enjoyed improved quality of life while using the moisturizing formulations — and, in many cases, for days afterwards or even longer. Specifically, product users experienced less itchiness, scaliness and self-consciousness about their appearance — or, in the case of the infants, improvements to the skin’s microbiome associated with a decreased risk of eczema.Additional data to be presented at AAD demonstrates the benefits of Kenvue’s formulations for skin hydration, sun protection and acne control.Studies presented will include:Novel Natural Moisturizing Factor and Lipid-Containing Face Cream Induces Aquaporin-3 and Filaggrin Expression Associated with Barrier Improvements and Sustained Clinical Hydration in Extra-Dry Skin; Bernhardt KT, et al.Demonstrating the Clinical Effectiveness of Mineral Sunscreens in Protecting the Skin Against Ultraviolet A (UVA) Radiation-Induced Pigmentation; Shyr TC, et al.The Science Behind a Viral Trend: Demonstrating Tolerance and Efficacy of Hydrocolloid Patch for Facial Acne; Kosmoski G, et al.On Friday and Saturday, Kenvue experts and key opinion leaders will also host R&D Theater presentations in the booth. See here for a full list of topics and times.Kenvue’s exhibit-floor Booth 2511 will offer ongoing education and experiences. On Friday and Saturday, Kenvue experts and dermatological key opinion leaders will also host 10 R&D Theater presentations in the theater section of the booth, covering a variety of skin concerns, new formulas, and data. Other product and ingredient experiences to engage dermatologists include "tiny mic"-style interviews, oat-science trivia presented by Aveeno®, and Neutrogena® conversations with SkinU scientists and a mega influencer.About KenvueKenvue is the world’s largest pure-play consumer health company by revenue. Built on more than a century of heritage and propelled forward by science, our iconic brands — including Aveeno®, BAND-AID® Brand Adhesive Bandages, Johnson’s®, Listerine®, Neutrogena®, Tylenol® and Zyrtec® — are recommended by health care professionals and can be trusted by consumers who use our products to improve their daily lives. Our team members share a digital-first mindset, with an approach to innovation grounded in deep human insights and work every day to earn a place for our products in consumers’ hearts and homes. At Kenvue, we believe everyday care can not only make people well; it can make them whole. Learn more at www.kenvue.com.Cautions Concerning Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains "forward-looking statements" as defined in the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 regarding data being presented at the American Academy of Dermatologists Annual Meeting. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "plans," "expects," "will," "anticipates," "estimates" and other words of similar meaning. The reader is cautioned not to rely on these forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations of future events. If underlying assumptions prove inaccurate or known or unknown risks or uncertainties materialize, actual results could vary materially from the expectations and projections of Kenvue Inc. ("Kenvue") and its affiliates.A list and descriptions of risks, uncertainties and other factors can be found in Kenvue’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023 and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q and other filings, available at www.kenvue.com or on request from Kenvue. Kenvue and its affiliates undertake no obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or developments or otherwise.____________________________1 Neutrogena®, Aveeno®, NeoStrata®, Lubriderm®, Band-Aid Brand® and Rogaine® are brands of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., a subsidiary of Kenvue.2 Adam Ricciardone is an employee of Johnson & Johnson Consumer Inc., a subsidiary of Kenvue.View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240306523598/en/ContactsR&D Media Relations Meghan [email protected] Media Relations [email protected]

Business Wire

Kenvue to Showcase 22 New Sets of Clinical Data at American Academy of Dermatology Association Meeting

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/kenvue-showcase-22-sets-clinical-120000181.html

afc49f4a-778c-3982-9eb8-00bb5c59ceef

L

Loews Corporation (NYSE:L) Q4 2023 Earnings Call Transcript February 5, 2024Loews Corporation isn’t one of the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds at the end of the third quarter (see the details here).Operator: Ladies and gentlemen, good day, and welcome to the CNA Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Conference Call. All participants will be in listen-only mode. [Operator Instructions] As a reminder, today's conference is being recorded. I would now like to turn the call over to Ralitza Todorova, Vice President of Investor Relations & Rating Agencies, for opening remarks and introduction of today's speakers. Please go ahead.Ralitza Todorova: Thank you, Rocco. Good morning and welcome to CNA's discussion of our fourth quarter and full year 2023 financial results. Our fourth quarter earnings press release, presentation and financial supplement were released this morning and are available on the Investor Relations section of our website, www.cna.com. Speaking today will be Dino Robusto, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer; and Scott Lindquist, Chief Financial Officer. Following their prepared remarks, we will open the line for questions. Today's call may include forward-looking statements and references to non-GAAP financial measures. Any forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made during the call.Information concerning those risks is contained in the earnings press release and in CNA's most recent SEC filings. In addition, the forward-looking statements speak only as of today, Monday, February 5, 2024, CNA expressly disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements made during this call. Regarding non-GAAP measures, reconciliations to the most comparable GAAP measures and other information have been provided in our earnings press release, financial supplement and other filings with the SEC. This call is being recorded and webcast. A replay of the call may be accessed on our website. If you are reading a transcript of this call, please note that the transcript may not be reviewed for accuracy, thus it may contain transcription errors that could materially alter the intent or meaning of the statements.Story continuesWith that, I will turn the call over to our Chairman and CEO, Dino Robusto.Dino Robusto: Thank you, Ralitza, and good morning all. In the fourth quarter, we produced very strong results, capping off another great year of excellent underwriting performance and robust investment income. Gross written premium ex-captive growth was double digit for the quarter and for the full year, representing our third consecutive year of double-digit growth. We achieved a 39% increase in underwriting gain for the quarter, which included modest catastrophe losses and we achieved record underlying and all-in underwriting gains for the full year. Net investment income before tax increased 21% and 25% for the quarter and full year, respectively. And importantly, in the lines of business with elevated loss cost trends due to social inflation impacts, that we've commented on over the last several quarters, renewal pricing continues to keep pace with loss cost trends, and we expect that to continue as we move into 2024.I will focus on the fourth quarter, but I will also provide key highlights associated with our full year results. Core income increased by $97 million in the fourth quarter to a record $362 million. Net investment income was $611 million pretax, up $108 million over the prior year's fourth quarter with our alternatives portfolio and our fixed income portfolio contributing almost equally to the increased income. Our P&C operations produced a core income of $434 million, up $92 million in the fourth quarter. The all-in combined ratio improved to 92.1%, a decrease of 1.6 points compared to the prior year quarter, reflecting relatively benign pretax catastrophe losses of $22 million or 1 point of the combined ratio and favorable prior period development of 0.3 points.The P&C underlying combined ratio was 91.4% in the quarter and represents the 12th consecutive quarter it has been below 92%. The underlying loss ratio in the fourth quarter of 2023 was 59.9%, consistent with the fourth quarter of 2022. The expense ratio of 31.2% was up slightly from last year. As usual, Scott will provide more details on expenses. In the quarter, we continued to achieve strong production performance with 10% growth in both gross written premium ex-captives and net written premium. Renewal premium change was 5% in the quarter, down 1 point from the prior quarter. Earned rate and the portion of exposure change that acts like rate was largely consistent with our estimate of long-run loss cost trend, which was unchanged this quarter.Let me add some additional color on the pricing environment as the individual lines within P&C are at varying stages of their unique cycle dynamics, given their respective loss cost pressures, different starting points in terms of profitability and the cumulative rate-level changes achieved in recent years for each line. Lines of business that have been impacted by social inflation have seen rate increases accelerate over the course of the year, like excess casualty where rate was up double digits in the fourth quarter compared to mid-single digits in the first quarter of 2023. Similarly, commercial auto pricing continues to accelerate with prices increasing 14% in the quarter, up 5 points since the first quarter. Workers' comp rate change was low single-digit negative, given the continued strong profitability.Importantly, we are benefiting from 6 points of exposure change in the quarter for work comp and a good portion of that exposure increase is acting like rate. In our property line and the national accounts segment, we saw a deceleration in rate increases in the quarter, but they were still at positive mid-teen levels. And when you consider that rates in National Accounts Property are up cumulatively about 140% compared to five years ago, the moderation in increases in the reinsurance and primary market still reflect a very favorable environment in property. Within management liability, our D&O lines continue to experience rate decreases in the fourth quarter, but were less negative than any other quarter in 2023. We are hopeful that this portends some further moderation to avoid eroding the hard-fought cumulative gains in D&O pricing since 2019 that we believe need to persist.To date, cumulative rates for D&O overall are still up over 50% from 2019 rate levels, and for public D&O specifically, they are up roughly 75%. All told, I see the competitive environment as largely rational, and I would expect that to continue heading into 2024. In the quarter, new business growth was 16%, which was the highest it's been all year and was driven by Commercial, where we capitalized on strong pricing and an excellent pipeline of new business opportunities. Retention remained high at 85% this quarter, up 1 point compared to last quarter with strong retentions in each of our business units as we continue to lock in favorable rates, as well as terms and conditions across the portfolio. Turning to our three business units. The all-in combined ratio for Specialty was 90.8% in the fourth quarter.The underlying combined ratio was 91.4%, up 2 points driven by the expense ratio, which was 1.7 points higher compared to the prior year's quarter with mix driving higher acquisition costs as well as some additional employee-related costs. The strong underlying loss ratio of 58.6% in Specialty has been stable for the last three quarters. Gross written premiums ex-captive growth for Specialty was plus 1% this quarter, and net written premium growth was up plus 3%. Growth continues to be impacted by fewer new opportunities that we have commented on in previous calls, and we are remaining prudent on new business in the management liability lines until the competitive environment improves further. Our profitable affinity and health care businesses continue to produce mid-single-digit and high single-digit rate increases, respectively, staying ahead of loss cost trends for those classes.And surety continues to produce very strong profitable growth. Retention was very strong at 89% for the quarter with each business area in Specialty achieving high retention levels. Turning to Commercial. The all-in combined ratio was 92.9%, the lowest in 15 years. The underlying and all-in underwriting gains were the best on record. Cat losses of $17 million added 1.4 points to the combined ratio, and the underlying combined ratio was 91.6%, a 1.1 point improvement over last year. Gross written premium ex-captives grew 20% in the quarter, and net written premium growth was 18%. New business grew 38% and was broad-based across the Commercial segments, and retention was 83% in the quarter, consistent with the last quarter. Renewal premium change was 9%, consistent with last quarter, with rate up 7%.Renewal premium change excluding work comp was 11% in the fourth quarter, continually -- continuing to readily exceed loss cost trends. For International, the all-in combined ratio was 93% in the quarter with about 1 point higher of catastrophe losses, but that represents only $5 million of cat losses in the quarter. The underlying combined ratio was 91.8% with an underlying loss ratio of 57.7%, which is down 0.4 points year-over-year. The expense ratio of 34.1% was higher by about 1 point due to higher employee-related costs. International gross written premiums and net written premiums were each flat in the quarter. International rate in aggregate was 2%, consistent with the prior quarter, and retention stayed consistent with the 3 prior quarters and a strong 83%.Now let me provide some perspectives on our full year results. For the full year, we achieved record core income with almost $1.3 billion or $4.71 per share, up 54% year-over-year. The increase in core income was driven by a significant increase in limited partnership and common stock returns as well as fixed income securities. Core income also benefited from record-high P&C underwriting gain this year and from a neutral impact on the Life & Group annual reserve review compared to a loss in 2022. Our P&C operations produced core income of $1.5 billion for the year, up 21% over the prior year. Pretax underwriting gain was $585 million, and underlying underwriting gain was $818 million, each a record high. The P&C all-in combined ratio was 93.5% with a record-low underlying combined ratio of 90.9% for the year, and this marks the seventh straight year of improvement in the underlying combined ratio.The underlying loss ratio was 59.9%, consistent with 2022. The expense ratio improved by 0.2 points to 30.7%, the lowest in the last 15 years. All 3 operating segments produced very strong all-in and underlying combined ratios again in 2023. For Specialty, the all-in combined ratio was 90.4% for the year, and the underlying combined ratio was 90.7%. Commercial produced an all-in combined ratio of 96% and an underlying combined ratio of 91.6%, both the lowest on record. For International, the all-in combined ratio was 92.6% and the underlying combined ratio was 89%. Turning to production for the year. Gross written premium growth ex-captives was 10% this year, and net written premiums were up 9%. New business grew by 11% to a record high of a little over $2 billion.A closeup of a property insurance policy showing a customer's signature.Retention was very strong at 85%. Rates for the year were up 5%, and renewal premium change was 7% with exposures increasing 2%. Before I turn it over to Scott, I wanted to provide a little additional color on two items. First, on the social inflation impacted lines of business and the adverse development accident years of 2015 through 2019; and second, I also wanted to provide a little detail on the January 1 reinsurance renewals. The impact of prior period development was slightly favorable for the year for P&C overall with puts and takes by line of business and accident year, in terms of the accident year period of 2015 to 2019 that has generated adverse development quite broadly for the industry. In Commercial, our general liability line saw some continued strengthening for that period but was more than offset by favorable development in work comp.Commercial auto, another line heavily impacted by social inflation, had only slight unfavorable development for those prior accident years. In Specialty, medical professional liability, which has also had its share of reserve strengthening in the past few years, and we have spoken about this on prior calls, had a relatively smaller amount of adverse development for those older accident years, which was more than offset by favorable development in surety. So overall, in 2023, the impact from this adverse period was diminished for commercial auto and medical professional liability, and that is encouraging. For general liability, we had additional adverse development as the court backlogs began to clear and new claim information emerged. And more time is needed given the longer-tail duration on general liability before we know for certain if those years are completely behind us.At the same time, other long-tail lines like work comp and surety continue to play out more favorably than expected. In terms of the more recent accident years, the loss ratios are holding up well. As we have highlighted consistently, we took a conservative approach during the pandemic years, where we suspected that social inflation was merely obfuscated and retained most of the implied margin of earned rates in excess of loss cost trends. For accident years 2020 through 2022, for the social inflation-impacted lines of commercial auto, general liability and medical professional liability, in the aggregate, there has been little change to the initial accident year selections. Bottom line, our bias continues to be to react quickly to bad news, and we continue to take a measured approach to reacting to any favorable indicators in the more recent accident years.Turning to reinsurance renewals. As you know, our property treaties do not renew until June 1, but a number of our third-party treaties did come up for renewal in the quarter. All of the renewals went well. There was some minor movement in ceding commission on a few of the treaties, and most treaties renewed with comparable or slightly higher capacity. The economics of our reinsurance coverage and ceding commission remain very favorable on these lines of business. And with that, I'll turn it over to Scott.Scott Lindquist: Thank you, Dino, and good morning, everyone. I will provide some additional information on our results, as Dino indicated. Core income of $362 million is up 37% compared to the fourth quarter of last year, leading to a core return on equity of 11.6% and reflects a 21% increase in net investment income and a 39% increase in P&C underwriting gain. Our P&C expense ratio for the fourth quarter was 31.2%, which is about flat with last year's fourth quarter. Overall, higher net earned premium was offset by higher employee-related costs, including incentive compensation and legacy pension plan costs. As I've noted in prior calls, there will be a certain amount of variability quarter-to-quarter. However, we continue to believe an expense ratio of 31% is a reasonable run rate for 2024.The P&C net prior period development impact on the combined ratio was 0.3 points favorable in the current quarter. Favorable development in the Specialty segment was driven by surety and was offset by management and professional liability. In the Commercial segment, favorable development in workers' compensation was partially offset by unfavorable development in general liability and commercial auto. The paid-to-incurred ratio was 0.72 for the fourth quarter and 0.8 for the full year 2023, which is about flat with 2022 and in fact has been relatively stable since the beginning of the pandemic. we do see some fluctuation quarter-to-quarter, so we tend to take a longer view of this metric. Our Corporate segment produced a core loss of $76 million in the fourth quarter compared to a $52 million loss in the fourth quarter of 2022.The loss this quarter includes the results of our annual asbestos and environmental reserve review. The results of this review included a noneconomic after-tax charge of $24 million driven by the strengthening of reserves associated with higher defense and indemnity costs on existing claims as well as lower expected ceded recoveries prior to the application of our loss portfolio transfer cover that we entered into in 2010. Following this review, our cumulative incurred losses of $3.6 billion remains within the $4 billion LPT limit, while cumulative paid losses are $2.5 billion. You will recall from the previous year's reviews that there is a timing difference with respect to recognizing the benefit of the cover relative to incurred losses as we can only do so in proportion to the paid losses recovered under the treaty.As such, holding all else constant, the loss recognized today will be recaptured over time through the amortization of a deferred accounting gain as paid losses ultimately catch up with incurred losses. As of year-end 2023, we have $417 million of deferred gain on our balance sheet that will be recaptured over time. This quarter's results also include a $12 million after-tax charge related to unfavorable development for legacy mass tort abuse claims. As we have noted in prior calls, we perform our annual review of asbestos and environmental reserves during the fourth quarter and all other Corporate segment reserves during the second quarter, although we will adjust such reserves in between these annual reviews as facts and circumstances warrant.Finally, the Corporate segment was impacted by a $19 million after-tax charge related to office consolidation we mentioned in our third quarter earnings call. We expect additional office consolidation activities in 2024, where we currently anticipate a Corporate segment charge totaling about $16 million pretax that will be spread across the first three quarters of 2024. For Life & Group, we had core income of $4 million for the fourth quarter, which was a $29 million improvement from last year's fourth quarter loss of $25 million. The results this quarter reflect a $33 million pretax decrease in -- increase in investment income primarily from higher earnings from limited partnerships. As we have noted in prior calls this year, our active in-force management risk mitigation activities continue, including rate filings, benefit reduction offers and policy buyouts.The current quarter results include a $4 million pretax loss related to $33 million of cash policy buyouts. Full year results include a $33 million pretax loss related to $193 million in cash buyouts of over 6,600 policies. We expect to continue offering buyouts in 2024, and the impact to GAAP earnings will vary quarter-to-quarter depending on timing and mix of buyout elections. Turning to investments. Total pretax net investment income was $611 million in the fourth quarter compared to $503 million in the prior year quarter. The increase was driven almost equally by our limited partnership and common stock results and our fixed income and other investments. Limited partnerships and common stocks returned a $78 million gain in the current quarter compared to a $20 million gain in the prior year quarter.Fixed income and other investments generated $533 million of income, up $50 million compared to the prior year quarter. Our fixed income portfolio continues to produce consistent income, which has been increasing as a result of favorable reinvestment rates and strong cash flow from operations. The effective income yield of our consolidated portfolio was 4.7% in the fourth quarter compared to 4.5% in the prior year quarter. As of the end of the fourth quarter, reinvestment rates continue to be well above our P&C effective income yield and about flat to our Life & Group portfolio effective income yield, which is a longer-duration portfolio with embedded yields more comparable to today's interest rate environment. Pretax net investment income for the full year 2023 was $2.3 billion compared to $1.8 billion in 2022.Similar to the quarterly results, the increase was equally driven by our limited partnership and common stock results and our fixed income and other investments. Limited partnerships and common stocks returned a $202 million gain in the current year compared to a $31 million loss in the prior year. For the full year, our limited partnership and common stock portfolio returned 9.4%. Income from fixed income and other investments for the year was $2.062 billion or $226 million favorable to 2022. Looking ahead to 2024, we expect this trend to continue, albeit at a slower pace. We currently expect income from fixed income and other investments to be about $2.150 billion for 2024, and we expect first quarter 2024 to be about $530 million, which is about flat compared to the fourth quarter 2023 result given limited anticipated reinvestment activity.At quarter end, our balance sheet continues to be very solid with stockholders' equity excluding AOCI of $12.6 billion or $46.39 per share, an increase of 10% from year-end 2022 adjusting for dividends. Stockholders' equity including AOCI was $9.9 billion or $36.52 per share. With the sharp decline in interest rates during the fourth quarter, the net unrealized investment loss in our fixed income portfolio fell to just under $2 billion as of year-end, a significant improvement for both the quarter and the year. Finally, we ended 2023 with statutory capital in surplus in the combined Continental Casualty Companies of over $10.9 billion, which is up from $10.6 billion at the end of 2022. We continue to maintain a conservative capital structure with a low leverage ratio and a well-balanced debt maturity schedule.Earlier in 2023, we issued $500 million of senior notes, a portion of which served to fund the maturity of $243 million of debentures in the fourth quarter. Operating cash flow was strong once again at $520 million for the quarter and $2.3 billion for the year despite $193 million in long-term care cash policy buyouts during the year, reflecting both strong underwriting results and higher earnings from our fixed income portfolio. Turning to taxes. The effective tax rate on core income for the fourth quarter was 20.3% and reflects tax-exempt interest benefit, somewhat offset by state income taxes. Looking forward, we expect our full year 2024 effective tax rate to be about 21% with a certain amount of variability quarter-to-quarter. Finally, given the company's strong underwriting and investment performance, we are pleased to announce we are increasing our regular quarterly dividend 5% from $0.42 per share to $0.44 per share.In addition, we are declaring a special dividend of $2 per share, both to be paid on March 7, 2024, to shareholders of record on February 20, 2024. Using this past Friday's closing price, CNA shares have a very attractive dividend yield of 8.7%, inclusive of a $2 special dividend. With that, I will turn it back to Dino.Dino Robusto: Thanks, Scott. This was a terrific year for CNA with record levels of core and net income. Our P&C operations continue to produce strong results with record levels of underwriting and underlying underwriting gains. We achieved double-digit growth in gross written premiums ex-captives and record volumes of new business. The market is experiencing varying cycle dynamics by class of business, and we have navigated that environment very well and expect to continue to leverage profitable growth opportunities in 2024. Earned rate and the portion of exposure that acts like rate continues to cover our loss cost trends overall, and rate is strongest where we need it most. And in those lines particularly plagued by social inflation, we would expect price increases to stay higher for longer as well as continued robust property pricing in 2024. And with that, we'd be happy to take your questions.See also 15 Highest Quality Bed Sheets of 2024 and 15 States With the Most EV Chargers Per Person.To continue reading the Q&A session, please click here.

Insider Monkey

Loews Corporation (NYSE:L) Q4 2023 Earnings Call Transcript

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/loews-corporation-nyse-l-q4-131447640.html

18f6b5f0-26f7-359c-abc2-47737a1c5a82

L

$550 Million Hotel Development is Loews' Second Loews Property in the Metroplex, adding 888 rooms and 266,000 square feet of function space to Arlington's Entertainment DistrictARLINGTON, Texas, Feb. 13, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Loews Hotels & Co, a wholly owned subsidiary of Loews Corporation (NYSE: L), today opens the Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center. The hotel is Loews' second and largest hotel in Arlington, Texas and the first-of-its-kind in the market, ushering a new era of hospitality to North Texas.Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention CenterLoews Arlington Hotel is a state-of-the-art, full-service meetings, events and resort destination that caters to groups of all sizes, as well as families who are looking for a world-class resort experience in the epicenter of the premier sports and entertainment district in the country. Centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth, and just 10 minutes from the DFW International Airport, the 21-story resort features 888 guest rooms and luxury suites with a sophisticated, modern design.The resort is situated between two iconic sports stadiums: Globe Life Field, home to the 2023 World Series Champion Texas Rangers and AT&T Stadium, home to the Dallas Cowboys. It is also conveniently connected to the new Arlington Convention Center which is also operated by Loews Hotels & Co and the existing 300 room Live! By Loews Hotel. Collectively, the Loews complex in Arlington will have 1,188 rooms and close to 300,000 square feet of best-in-class meeting space."This opening marks a new day for the meetings and events business in North Texas with the addition of a new resort in the sports and entertainment capital of the world," said Alex Tisch, President & CEO, Loews Hotels & Co. "We anticipate to fill the hotel with sports enthusiasts and entertainment fans during game days and concerts, and the rest of the time, with corporations, associations and incentive groups, who will enjoy some of the best meeting space in America."Story continuesEverything is Bigger in Texas  The scale and size of the property makes Loews Arlington Hotel a destination in and of itself. The property boasts an impressive 266,000 square feet of indoor/outdoor meeting and convention space. Whether attending a reception on the expansive Event Lawn or hosting a conference in the largest hotel ballroom in North Texas at 51,000 square feet, guests can expect to receive top notch service and memorable experiences. Additional meeting rooms range in size from big to small and can accommodate groups of up to 5,000 guests.World-Class DiningLoews Arlington Hotel has five new restaurants and lounges including Farena, the three-meal Italian restaurant boasting two larger-than-life wood-fired stone pizza ovens and a Pasta Lab with fresh pasta made in-house daily.Additional dining options include Veranda, an al fresco extension of Farena located under a covered patio, Tomar El Sol, translated to "drink up the sun," which proudly embraces the restaurant's poolside location, Railbird, an artisanal market and coffee shop, and a lobby bar and lounge. Soy Cowboy, a pan-Asian fusion concept by Berg Hospitality will debut in summer 2024.Resort-Style Amenities  In addition to state-of-the-art meeting space and unique dining experience, guests may enjoy countless amenities including a full-service Spa and Salon, resort-style beach club with two pools, cabanas, fire pits, a water slide and a man-made sandy beach.One Destination, Two Distinct Options Loews Arlington Hotel is also accessible to the 300-room Live! by Loews – Arlington and all its amenities via skybridge. The two hotels combined offer nearly 1,200 guestrooms and more than 300,000 square feet of meeting and event space."Sporting events, theme parks, great food, and live entertainment—the new Loews Arlington and Convention Center puts visitors right in the heart of everything our vibrant Entertainment District has to offer. With is prime location, premium amenities, and more than a quarter million square feet of meeting space, this venue gives Arlington a competitive edge over other major event and convention centers across the country," Arlington Mayor Jim Ross said. "We appreciate the commitment from our partners, Loews Hotels & Co and the Texas Rangers, for their continued work to elevate Arlington's reputation as a premiere sports and tourism destination."Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center is part of phase two of the development of Arlington's Entertainment District, which continues the momentum and success of Texas Live!, Live! by Loews - Arlington, and the Rangers' Globe Life Field."Today marks another significant milestone for Arlington and the Entertainment District," said Texas Rangers Managing Partner & Majority Owner Ray Davis. "As the new Loews Arlington and Convention Center opens its doors, this area increases its capacity to host some of the country's biggest sports and entertainment events as well as major conventions. The Rangers are proud the majority of the events and activations for the 2024 Major League All-Star Game in July will take right here in the Entertainment District. I congratulate our great partners, Loews Hotels & Co. and the City of Arlington for all of their efforts in construction of this spectacular facility." Loews Loves ArlingtonTo commemorate the opening Loews Arlington, Loews commissioned Arlington-based artist and educator, Justin Ginsberg, to create a glass blown sculpture. Ginsberg is the Assistant Chair and Glass Area Coordinator in the Art History Department and an Assistant Professor at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA). His work has been featured in museums around the country including his most recent solo exhibition, Sky Column: Shaking the Shadow, at The Amon Carter Museum of American Art in Fort Worth, Texas. The state-of-the-art studio space in which the Loews sculpture was created and where Ginsberg teaches UTA students in the glass program, is well-known for being the largest glass blowing educational studio in the country."Loews Hotels & Co continues to be invested in the City of Arlington. We wanted to celebrate the opening of Loews Arlington in a meaningful way by deepening the relationships with our community partners and showcasing the incredible local talent," says Complex Managing Director, Stephen Cummings. "Justin has been wonderful to work with and brought our vision to life."The sculpture is entitled, Loews Loves Arlington -- fitting considering its infinity heart shape and the timing of the hotel's opening, just one day before Valentine's Day. The sculpture will be on display permanently in the Library of the Loews Arlington lobby for guests and locals to view.Loews Hotels & Co worked with HKS as the architect and Looney & Associates on the interior design for this new hotel. Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center was built by JE Dunn, who built the Loews Kansas City Hotel, which opened in June 2020. Arlington's Con-Real and Nehmer were also involved in the development of the project.Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center is located at 888 Nolan Ryan Expressway in Arlington, TX. For more information or to make a reservation, visit https://www.loewshotels.com/arlington-hotel.To download photos of the new Loews Arlington Hotel, click here: Loews Arlington ImagesAbout Loews Hotels & CoHeadquartered in New York City, Loews Hotels & Co is rooted in deep heritage and excellence in service. The hospitality company encompasses branded independent Loews Hotels and a solid mix of partner-brand hotels. Loews Hotels & Co owns and/or operates 26 hotels and resorts across the U.S. and Canada, including eight hotels at Universal Orlando Resort and three new hotels opening in 2025 as part of their partnership with Comcast NBC Universal. The newly opened Loews Arlington Hotel and Arlington Convention Center offers premier hospitality in the city's vibrant sports and entertainment district. Located in major city centers and resort destinations from coast to coast, the Loews Hotels portfolio features properties grounded in family heritage and dedicated to delivering unscripted guest moments with a handcrafted approach. For reservations or more information about Loews Hotels, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or visit: www.loewshotels.com.Like Loews Hotels on Facebook: www.facebook.com/LoewsHotelsFollow Loews Hotels on Twitter: www.twitter.com/loews_hotelsWatch Loews Hotels on YouTube: www.youtube.com/LoewsHotelsAbout Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center is a state-of-the-art, full-service meetings and resort destination that caters to groups of all sizes, as well as families who are looking for a world-class experience in the epicenter of the premier sports and entertainment district in the country. Centrally located between Dallas and Fort Worth between iconic sports stadiums, Globe Life Field, home of the 2023 World Series Texas Rangers and AT&T Stadium, home of the Dallas Cowboys, the 888-room resort features five restaurants and lounges, two pools with an authentic sandy beach, cabanas and a water slide as well as a fitness center, full-service spa and salon and 266,000 square feet of meeting and event space. Loews Arlington Hotel is the second Loews Hotel in Arlington, Texas, joining the iconic sports resort, Live! By Loews - Arlington. For more information and to make reservations, please visit www.loewshotels.com/arlington-hotel or call (682)-318-2810.Follow along on our adventures. Facebook | InstagramMedia Contact:Lisa GarlandLoews Hotels & CoEmail: [email protected]: 214-457-6308(PRNewsfoto/Loews)CisionView original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/loews-arlington-hotel-and-convention-center-officially-opens-its-doors-302060774.htmlSOURCE Loews Hotels & Co

PR Newswire

Loews Arlington Hotel and Convention Center Officially Opens Its Doors

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/loews-arlington-hotel-convention-center-163000631.html

c77f28e1-6bf7-3e2f-bedb-89644389a35f

L

Senior Vice President Kenneth Siegel has sold 6,322 shares of Loews Corp (NYSE:L) on March 6, 2024, according to a recent SEC filing. The transaction was executed at an average price of $75.5 per share, resulting in a total value of $477,313.Loews Corp is a diversified company with interests in insurance, energy, hospitality, and packaging. The company operates through its subsidiaries, including CNA Financial Corporation, Boardwalk Pipeline Partners, LP, Loews Hotels Holding Corporation, and Altium Packaging.Over the past year, the insider has sold a total of 12,694 shares of Loews Corp and has not made any purchases of the stock. The insider transaction history for Loews Corp shows a pattern of more insider sales than buys over the past year, with 2 insider buys and 30 insider sells.Senior Vice President Kenneth Siegel Sells 6,322 Shares of Loews Corp (L)The market capitalization of Loews Corp stands at $16.77 billion, with the stock trading at $75.5 on the day of the insider's recent sale. The price-earnings ratio of the company is 12.00, which is lower than the industry median of 12.44 and also below the company's historical median price-earnings ratio.According to the GF Value, with a price of $75.5 and a GuruFocus Value of $74.88, Loews Corp has a price-to-GF-Value ratio of 1.01, indicating that the stock is Fairly Valued.Senior Vice President Kenneth Siegel Sells 6,322 Shares of Loews Corp (L)The GF Value is determined by considering historical trading multiples such as price-earnings ratio, price-sales ratio, price-book ratio, and price-to-free cash flow, along with a GuruFocus adjustment factor based on the company's past returns and growth, and future business performance estimates from Morningstar analysts.Warning! GuruFocus has detected 7 Warning Signs with KOP.This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

GuruFocus.com

Senior Vice President Kenneth Siegel Sells 6,322 Shares of Loews Corp (L)

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/senior-vice-president-kenneth-siegel-042906519.html

03a9a0c2-30bd-3a28-b2ee-d8633e4d119f

LDOS

Investors interested in Aerospace - Defense stocks are likely familiar with Leidos (LDOS) and Northrop Grumman (NOC). But which of these two companies is the best option for those looking for undervalued stocks? Let's take a closer look.Everyone has their own methods for finding great value opportunities, but our model includes pairing an impressive grade in the Value category of our Style Scores system with a strong Zacks Rank. The Zacks Rank is a proven strategy that targets companies with positive earnings estimate revision trends, while our Style Scores work to grade companies based on specific traits.Right now, both Leidos and Northrop Grumman are sporting a Zacks Rank of # 2 (Buy). This means that both companies have witnessed positive earnings estimate revisions, so investors should feel comfortable knowing that both of these stocks have an improving earnings outlook. However, value investors will care about much more than just this.Value investors are also interested in a number of tried-and-true valuation metrics that help show when a company is undervalued at its current share price levels.Our Value category grades stocks based on a number of key metrics, including the tried-and-true P/E ratio, the P/S ratio, earnings yield, and cash flow per share, as well as a variety of other fundamentals that value investors frequently use.LDOS currently has a forward P/E ratio of 16.22, while NOC has a forward P/E of 18.39. We also note that LDOS has a PEG ratio of 2. This popular figure is similar to the widely-used P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also considers a company's expected EPS growth rate. NOC currently has a PEG ratio of 6.03.Another notable valuation metric for LDOS is its P/B ratio of 3.99. The P/B ratio pits a stock's market value against its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. For comparison, NOC has a P/B of 4.60.Based on these metrics and many more, LDOS holds a Value grade of B, while NOC has a Value grade of C.Story continuesBoth LDOS and NOC are impressive stocks with solid earnings outlooks, but based on these valuation figures, we feel that LDOS is the superior value option right now.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportLeidos Holdings, Inc. (LDOS) : Free Stock Analysis ReportNorthrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

LDOS or NOC: Which Is the Better Value Stock Right Now?

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ldos-noc-better-value-stock-164014882.html

bca51173-5a48-3c4f-8675-7d1aff41e558

LDOS

On February 21, 2024, Gary May, a director at Leidos Holdings Inc (NYSE:LDOS), sold 2,745 shares of the company's stock, according to a recent SEC Filing. Leidos Holdings Inc is a global science and technology solutions leader working to solve the world's toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and health markets. The company's 43,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers.Over the past year, the insider has sold a total of 5,363 shares and has not made any purchases. The recent transaction is part of a trend observed over the past year, where the company has seen a total of 4 insider buys and 8 insider sells.On the day of the sale, shares of Leidos Holdings Inc were trading at $124.49, giving the company a market capitalization of $16.94 billion.The stock's price-earnings ratio stands at 87.85, which is above both the industry median of 27.12 and the company's historical median price-earnings ratio. This indicates a higher valuation compared to its peers and its own historical performance.According to the GuruFocus Value chart, with a share price of $124.49 and a GuruFocus Value of $111.84, Leidos Holdings Inc has a price-to-GF-Value ratio of 1.11, suggesting that the stock is modestly overvalued.The GF Value is calculated considering historical trading multiples, a GuruFocus adjustment factor based on past returns and growth, and future business performance estimates provided by Morningstar analysts.Leidos Holdings Inc Director Gary May Sells 2,745 SharesThe insider trend image above reflects the recent insider trading activities at Leidos Holdings Inc.Leidos Holdings Inc Director Gary May Sells 2,745 SharesThe GF Value image above provides an intrinsic value estimate for Leidos Holdings Inc, suggesting the current valuation status of the stock.This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

GuruFocus.com

Leidos Holdings Inc Director Gary May Sells 2,745 Shares

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/leidos-holdings-inc-director-gary-042927476.html

a93d9b2c-3312-349d-9df2-be0563ab82e6

LDOS

Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors alike.While you may have an investing style you rely on, finding great stocks is made easier with the Zacks Style Scores. These are complementary indicators that rate stocks based on value, growth, and/or momentum characteristics.Why This 1 Growth Stock Should Be On Your WatchlistFor growth investors, a company's financial strength, overall health, and future outlook take precedence, so they'll want to zero in on the Growth Style Score. This Score examines things like projected and historical earnings, sales, and cash flow to find stocks that will generate sustainable growth over time.Leidos (LDOS)Founded in 1969, Delaware-based Leidos Holdings, Inc. is a global science and technology leader that serves the defense, intelligence, civil and health markets. Its core capabilities include providing solutions in the fields of cybersecurity; data analytics; enterprise IT modernization; operations and logistics; sensors, collection and phenomenology; software development; and systems engineering. Outside the United States, the company’s international customers include foreign governments and their agencies, primarily located in the United Kingdom, the Middle East and Australia.LDOS boasts a Growth Style Score of B and VGM Score of B, and holds a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) rating. Its bottom-line is projected to rise 6.2% year-over-year for 2024, while Wall Street anticipates its top line to improve by 3.5%.Seven analysts revised their earnings estimate upwards in the last 60 days, and the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.24 to $7.75 per share for 2024. LDOS boasts an average earnings surprise of 11.9%.Looking at cash flow, Leidos is expected to report cash flow growth of 55.5% this year; LDOS has generated cash flow growth of 15.8% over the past three to five years.LDOS should be on investors' short lists because of its impressive growth fundamentals, a good Zacks Rank, and strong Growth and VGM Style Scores.Story continuesWant the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportLeidos Holdings, Inc. (LDOS) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

Are You a Growth Investor? This 1 Stock Could Be the Perfect Pick

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/growth-investor-1-stock-could-144510275.html

6ddfffaf-71e8-3396-a3d0-b834a3935f01

LDOS

Leidos Holdings, Inc. LDOS recently clinched a contract from Kessel Run, a division within the Air Force Life Cycle Management Center. The contract is valued at $158 million, on exercising all options.Per the terms of the agreement, Leidos will develop and expand the Air Force's Command and Control Incident Management Emergency Response Application (C2IMERA) to include all Air Force installations, associated forward operating locations, and contingency locations for command and control and emergency management requirements.Importance of C2IMERADeveloped by Leidos, C2IMERA is an automated Command and Control (C2) and emergency management system providing enhanced situational awareness through “a single pane of glass” to wing commanders, staff and their subordinates, whether in garrison or deployed. It is a government-owned software application system that provides an integrated composite picture of wing and unit resources for reporting, planning, force employment, emergency management, C2 monitoring and execution.C2IMERA is an application focused on reporting, planning, force generation, emergency management, and command and control monitoring and execution. Its primary purpose is to conduct C2, allowing commanders and their staff to issue directives, plan and coordinate operations, conduct and track personnel recalls, accountability and status, and rapidly communicate to C2 personnel through a near real-time live-fed common picture.As nations across the globe have been rapidly strengthening their defense arsenal in recent times, thanks to widespread unrest witnessed in different parts of the world, the need for improved situational awareness for warfighters has increased manifold. This must have been the primary catalyst that boosted the demand for state-of-the-art C2 monitoring system like LDOS’ C2IMERA.Leidos currently supports approximately 25,000 C2IMERA users across 90 locations worldwide, which surely reflects the solid demand that this application enjoys in the global C2 market.Story continuesGrowth ProspectsThe need for more technologically advanced C2 monitoring systems has increased over the past few years, owing to notable improvements in communication technologies. Lately, geopolitical events like the Russian invasion in Ukraine and the ongoing unrest in the Middle East between Palestine’s Hamas group and Israeli militants have prompted the need for high-speed, low-latency communication systems.To this end, the Mordor Intelligence firm expects the global command and control systems market to witness a CAGR of 2.3% during 2024-2029. This should bode well for Leidos, with the company’s ever-changing technologies and innovations covering a wide spectrum of markets with primary areas of concentration, including command and control systems.Notably, Leidos develops primary strategic C2 planning systems, including Aimpoint Construction System (APCS), processing the creation of aimpoints for strategic weapon applications and the Attack Structure Manager system. Within the Command, Control, Communications, Computers Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) operation, the company provides innovative technologies, unique methodologies, and world-class software and services for customers in the broader intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance community.Opportunities for PeersLDOS apart, other defense majors that enjoy a solid footprint in the command and control systems market and are thus expected to gain from this market’s expansion have been discussed below.Northrop Grumman NOC: The company is a critical partner in delivering advanced C4ISR capabilities, systems integration and open architectures across multiple domains. For 60 years, Northrop Grumman has been a leader in the design, development and delivery of end-to-end communications & advanced networking capabilities for U.S. and allied military forces operating across multiple battlespace domains.The stock boasts a long-term earnings growth rate of 10.1%. The consensus estimate for NOC’s 2024 sales is pegged at $41.09 billion, indicating an improvement of 4.6% from the previous year’s reported sales.Lockheed Martin LMT: The company’s Rotary and Mission Systems unit designs, manufactures, services and supports command, control, communications, computers, cyber, combat systems, intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (C6ISR) programs. LMT’s C6ISR programs include the Command, Control, Battle Management and Communications (C2BMC) program for the U.S. Government, undersea combat system programs largely serving the U.S. Navy, and Australia's Joint Air Battle Management System (AIR 6500).The stock boasts a long-term earnings growth rate of 4.2%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LMT’s 2024 sales is pegged at $69.22 billion, implying an improvement of 2.4% from the previous year’s reported level.L3Harris Technologies LHX: The company offers a complete maritime domain awareness C2 system. Its Vigilis is an efficient C2 system that monitors the movement of vessels around identified risk areas and regions to improve security and safety. It protects against and alerts to collisions, hostile vessels, smuggling, piracy, illegal immigration, obstruction of sea lanes, and pollution. The system is deployed in multiple international locations, including some of the world’s most critical water bodies.The stock boasts a long-term earnings growth rate of 8.4%. The consensus estimate for LHX’s 2024 sales is pegged at $21.22 billion, indicating an improvement of 9.3% from the previous year’s reported figure.Price MovementShares of Leidos have rallied 39.6% in the past year against the industry’s 7.6% decline.Zacks Investment ResearchImage Source: Zacks Investment ResearchZacks RankLeidos currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportLockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) : Free Stock Analysis ReportNorthrop Grumman Corporation (NOC) : Free Stock Analysis ReportLeidos Holdings, Inc. (LDOS) : Free Stock Analysis ReportL3Harris Technologies Inc (LHX) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

Leidos (LDOS) Wins $158M Contract for Command-and-Control Systems

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/leidos-ldos-wins-158m-contract-123200089.html

38364f35-a214-3ab2-b732-c236a4e9fbd8

LEN

To execute a poor man’s covered call, the trader will buy a long-term, deep in-the-money call and sell a short-term out-of-the-money call.Continue reading

Investor's Business Daily

This Covered Call Strategy Doesn't Require Owning Shares

https://finance.yahoo.com/m/0517847c-b0d0-3b8a-9398-2c653d5b1fcc/this-covered-call-strategy.html

0517847c-b0d0-3b8a-9398-2c653d5b1fcc

LEN

Lennar (LEN) ended the recent trading session at $154.13, demonstrating a -0.61% swing from the preceding day's closing price. This move lagged the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.38%. Meanwhile, the Dow lost 0.16%, and the Nasdaq, a tech-heavy index, lost 0.13%.Heading into today, shares of the homebuilder had gained 4.52% over the past month, lagging the Construction sector's gain of 8.53% and the S&P 500's gain of 4.74% in that time.The upcoming earnings release of Lennar will be of great interest to investors. The company is forecasted to report an EPS of $2.21, showcasing a 4.25% upward movement from the corresponding quarter of the prior year. Meanwhile, the latest consensus estimate predicts the revenue to be $7.44 billion, indicating a 14.7% increase compared to the same quarter of the previous year.For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of $14.36 per share and revenue of $36.09 billion, which would represent changes of +0.77% and +5.42%, respectively, from the prior year.Additionally, investors should keep an eye on any recent revisions to analyst forecasts for Lennar. These latest adjustments often mirror the shifting dynamics of short-term business patterns. As a result, upbeat changes in estimates indicate analysts' favorable outlook on the company's business health and profitability.Our research demonstrates that these adjustments in estimates directly associate with imminent stock price performance. We developed the Zacks Rank to capitalize on this phenomenon. Our system takes these estimate changes into account and delivers a clear, actionable rating model.The Zacks Rank system, running from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), holds an admirable track record of superior performance, independently audited, with #1 stocks contributing an average annual return of +25% since 1988. The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 0.01% higher within the past month. At present, Lennar boasts a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).Story continuesValuation is also important, so investors should note that Lennar has a Forward P/E ratio of 10.8 right now. This represents a premium compared to its industry's average Forward P/E of 8.99.Investors should also note that LEN has a PEG ratio of 2.02 right now. This metric is used similarly to the famous P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also takes into account the stock's expected earnings growth rate. The Building Products - Home Builders was holding an average PEG ratio of 0.83 at yesterday's closing price.The Building Products - Home Builders industry is part of the Construction sector. This group has a Zacks Industry Rank of 17, putting it in the top 7% of all 250+ industries.The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.To follow LEN in the coming trading sessions, be sure to utilize Zacks.com.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportLennar Corporation (LEN) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

Lennar (LEN) Registers a Bigger Fall Than the Market: Important Facts to Note

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lennar-len-registers-bigger-fall-224515438.html

2154a512-8469-3e95-ad15-c0180600ebbe

LEN

In this article, we will be analyzing the US housing market while covering the 20 most overpriced housing markets in America. If you wish to skip our detailed analysis, you can move directly to the 5 Most Overpriced Housing Markets in America.The US Housing Market: A Recap of 2023The US housing market was subject to a rigid crisis in 2023. The home prices kept on rising while the existing supply of houses was not enough to cater to the high demand. On October 20, 2023, CNN reported that home sales hit a 13-year low in September 2023. A large proportion of would-be buyers were unable to attain a home due to soaring interest rates in addition to expensive houses. You can take a look at some of the overpriced housing markets in the US in 2023. Furthermore, the monthly payment on an average-priced home required 40% of the median household income. Another dilemma was that the existing homeowners held on to their houses since they had to pay a higher interest on a new house.Real Estate Market Outlook for 2024As reported by Forbes, many first-time homebuyers still remain out of the US housing market. The affordability concerns powered by the high mortgage rates and a serious shortage of inventory in 2023 continue to persist. Experts have referred to the pre-pandemic housing market as 'hot' while the 2023 market remained 'cold' due to the aforementioned issues. The 2024 market is better but still doesn't offer just the right conditions for homebuyers.For the housing market to make a real recovery, certain conditions need to be met. Firstly, an increase in inventory is crucial to meet the high demand. Simultaneously, a cooling down of mortgage rates is necessary. An additional factor to consider in this regard is that quickly falling mortgage rates lead to soaring demand which ends up ruining the inventory gains in the market. Therefore, a rather steady decline over a longer period has been expected to favor the US housing industry.Story continuesA Probable Housing Market Rebound in 2024?After a year of discouraging circumstances for homebuyers, the housing market appears to be offering something to look forward to. A positive builder sentiment was recorded in February which implies that these builders see improved conditions for new construction. Previously in January, new single-family building permits also experienced an increase.Similarly, the spring housing market tends to especially depict positive conditions. On March 6, Fortune reported that an 18% increase in the number of homeowners who wished to sell their houses in the next 12 months was witnessed during a December 2023 Survey. The coming spring in 2024 could turn out to be a seller’s sweet spot if a stable or lower interest rate persists or newly constructed homes are available for them to settle in.On March 6, CNBC also reported that the mortgage applications to buy a home have witnessed a rise. An increase in new listings has been considered a good sign for the spring buying season. During February, 14.8% more homes were seen actively for sale as compared to the same period in 2023.Homebuilders to the RescueThe US housing market offers various options to those seeking investments in real estate. Some of the largest homebuilders in the US that dominate the US housing sector include PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE:PHM), KB Home (NYSE:KBH), and Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN). Let’s take a look at some of the most recent initiatives undertaken by these firms.PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM) operates Pulte Homes which constructs consumer-inspired homes and communities in more than 40 markets across the US. On March 6, PulteGroup, Inc. (NYSE: PHM) reported the grand opening of ‘Rookery Lane at Concord’ which is the company’s new Boston-area community. The community is situated such that it offers a convenient commute to Concord and Boston. Hiking trails and parks in the vicinity can also be enjoyed by the residents at Rookery Lane at Concord. Pricing for attached homes begins at $1,339,995.KB Home (NYSE:KBH) is another dominant American home construction company that builds personalized homes as per the homebuyer’s budget. On March 1, the company reported the grand opening of its new community in San Jacinto, California. The community ‘Rancho Madrina’ allows residents to undertake recreational activities such as boating, fishing, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, and camping. Riverside County’s major employment centers can also be accessed. Prices for the new homes from KB Home (NYSE:KBH) start from the $490,000s.Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN) is an American home construction company that constructs affordable, move-up, and active adult homes. The homebuilder is also involved in the development of high-quality multifamily rental properties. On March 7, Lennar Corporation (NYSE:LEN) reported the company’s plans for a master-planned Active Adult community for homebuyers aged 55 and above in northern Lancaster County. Model homes are expected to be completed in the summer of 2024. Downtown Lancaster can be easily visited by the residents of the community. Amenities such as a clubhouse, fitness center, pickleball courts, and sidewalks will also be offered.Homebuilder stocks sorted by hedge fund sentiment have also been previously covered. Now that we have discussed what's going on in the US housing market, let’s move to the 20 most overpriced housing markets in America.20 Most Overpriced Housing Markets in America20 Most Overpriced Housing Markets in AmericaOur Methodology:In order to compile a list of the 20 most overpriced housing markets in America, we sourced data from Beracha and Johnson Housing Market Ranking which ranks the top 100 markets in the country based on their overpricing or underpricing. A premium or a positive score represents an overpriced market and the fact that the average property in a market is selling above its historical implied price while a negative score represents an underpriced property market. The most recent data is available from January 2024. The 20 most overpriced housing markets in America have been ranked in ascending order of their home overprice percentages or premiums, representing the extent of overpricing.20 Most Overpriced Housing Markets in America20. Modesto, CaliforniaHome Overprice Percentage: 32.47%The city of Modesto is positioned in the Central Valley and ranks as an overpriced housing market in the US. As of January, the city records a premium of 32.47% which indicates that the average Modesto list price is higher than the expected home price.19. Phoenix, ArizonaHome Overprice Percentage: 32.58%The capital of Arizona, Phoenix, ranks among the most overpriced housing markets in America. While the average list price in the city was recorded at $447,074 in January, its expected home value stood at $337,210.18. Cleveland, OhioHome Overprice Percentage: 32.67%Cleveland is another overpriced housing market in the US. The city is situated in Northeast Ohio. As of January 31, the Cleveland housing market is 32.67% overpriced.17. Durham, North CarolinaHome Overprice Percentage: 32.71%Durham is located in the east-central part of the Piedmont region and tends to be one of the most overpriced housing markets in America since the city’s average list price surpasses its expected home value.16. Winston, North CarolinaHome Overprice Percentage: 32.75%As of January 31, the average list price in Winston is $251,762 while the expected home value is $189,645.9. Hence, Winston is one of the most overpriced housing markets in America.15. Worcester, MassachusettsHome Overprice Percentage: 32.90%Worcester is one of the populous cities based in Massachusetts. As recorded in January, the home overprice percentage for the city is 32.90% which indicates that its housing market is overpriced.14. Memphis, TennesseeHome Overprice Percentage: 33.67%Memphis is a US city situated along the Mississippi River. The average list price in the city is $230,807 while the expected home price is $172,666.13. Miami, FloridaHome Overprice Percentage: 35.57%The coastal metropolis of Miami ranks among the 20 most overpriced housing markets in America. As recorded in January, the city’s average list price is $472,970 while the expected home value falls lower.12. Deltona, FloridaHome Overprice Percentage: 35.65%Deltona ranks among some of the most overpriced markets in America. As of January 31, the city's housing market is 35.65% overpriced.11. North Port, FloridaHome Overprice Percentage: 36.14%North Port is positioned in the Sarasota County in Florida. The city’s housing market is overpriced since the home overprice percentage for it was recorded at 36.14% in January.10. Charlotte, North CarolinaHome Overprice Percentage: 36.45%Charlotte is another overpriced housing market in America. As recorded in January, the average list price in the city is $368,712 while the expected home price is $270,209.1.9. Orlando, FloridaHome Overprice Percentage: 36.76%One of the most visited cities in the US, Orlando, has an overpriced housing market. As of January 31, the average list price in the metro exceeds the expected home price.8. Lakeland, FloridaHome Overprice Percentage: 37.21%As evident from the home overprice percentage of 37.21%, Lakeland ranks as one of the 20 most overpriced housing markets in America.7. Las Vegas, NevadaHome Overprice Percentage: 38.05%Las Vegas is a popular US city and is overpriced for housing. As reported by Beracha and Johnson Housing Market Ranking, the local housing market tends to be 38.05% overpriced.6. Knoxville, TennesseeHome Overprice Percentage: 38.43%Knoxville serves as the principal city of the Knoxville metropolitan area. The city ranks among the most overpriced housing markets in America since the market is 38.43% overpriced, as of January.Click to continue reading and see 5 Most Overpriced Housing Markets in America. Suggested articles:20 States With the Most Job Growth in 202320 Richest Countries that Speak English20 Most Expensive Cities to Live in FloridaDisclosure: None. 20 Most Overpriced Housing Markets in America is originally published on Insider Monkey.

Insider Monkey

20 Most Overpriced Housing Markets in America

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/20-most-overpriced-housing-markets-115416686.html

0cb044b7-1543-39c1-926d-6db15beacaf8

LEN

Oracle and Adobe headline the tech earnings calendar for the coming week, with key inflation data and retail earnings also in the mix.Continue reading

Investor's Business Daily

Oracle, Dick's Sport Goods, Adobe And Lennar: Investing Action Plan

https://finance.yahoo.com/m/498daafb-6e6c-3093-b635-b9d5444f0ba0/oracle-dick-s-sport-goods-.html

498daafb-6e6c-3093-b635-b9d5444f0ba0

LH

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings LH, or Labcorp, is well-poised to grow in the coming quarters, backed by its expansion efforts into high-growth areas. The company boasts a robust pipeline of potential hospital and local laboratory acquisitions, which present ample opportunities for its growth. The Fortrea spin-off should help the company drive sustainable and profitable growth, effectively meet customer needs and deliver attractive shareholder returns.However, adverse currency fluctuations and unfavorable solvency remain concerning for the company.  In the past year, this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock has decreased 9% against the 9.3% rise of the industry and a 28.5% increase of the S&P 500 composite.The renowned healthcare diagnostics company has a market capitalization of $18.61 billion. Labcorp has an earnings yield of 6.72% compared to the industry’s 5.29%. In the last reported quarter, the company delivered an average earnings surprise of 0.30%.Let’s delve deeper.Factors at PlayStrategic Development in High-Growth Areas:  Labcorp is focused on expanding more into key areas such as oncology, women’s health, autoimmune disease and neurology. The Labcorp Plasma Focus test advanced the company’s precision oncology test suite, allowing oncologists to better evaluate tumor cells and manage patient care through a precision therapy plan.The company became the first to commercially avail of the ATN Profile, a blood-based test that helps determine the presence or absence of key biological changes consistent with Alzheimer's disease pathology. In addition, Labcorp is well-placed for long-term success in Cell & Gene Therapy, expanding into the consumer market and international growth through the specialty testing and biopharma business. Alongside this, Labcorp has been making impactful digital solutions to improve consumer engagement with the company.Zacks Investment ResearchImage Source: Zacks Investment ResearchDriving Growth Through Partnerships: The momentum from the health systems and regional local lab partnership strategy remained strong for Labcorp in the fourth quarter of 2023. Labcorp announced a strategic partnership with Baystate Health to acquire its outreach laboratory business and select operating assets. It also completed the acquisition of select assets from Legacy Health and currently manages Legacy's inpatient hospital laboratories, serving patients throughout Oregon and Southwest Washington.Story continuesFurther, Laborp’s family health solution, Ovia Health, unveiled a new Fertility and Family Building Benefit that will allow companies and health plans to provide comprehensive and customizable solutions to employees and members to support their family-building needs. Earlier, in 2023, LH forged a strategic partnership with Tufts Medicine — a leading integrated academic health system in Massachusetts — and with Jefferson Health, one of the largest health systems serving the Greater Philadelphia area in Southern New Jersey.A Spin-off of the CDSS Business to Add More Value: In 2023, Labcorp successfully spun off its CDCS business as Fortrea to offer Phase I-IV clinical trial management, market access and technology solutions to pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations. Both companies expect to have strong strategic flexibility and an operational focus on pursuing specific market opportunities and better meeting customer needs, focused capital structures and capital allocation strategies to drive innovation and growth. This also provides a more targeted investment opportunity for different investor bases and the ability to align its particular incentive compensation with its financial performance.DownsidesDebt Profile: At the end of the fourth quarter of 2023, Labcorp had short-term borrowings and the current portion of the long-term debt of $999.8 million, while cash and cash equivalents stood at $536.8 million. This raises our concern about the company’s ability to meet its immediate debt obligations.Exposed to Currency Headwind: With Labcorp deriving a huge share of its revenues internationally, it remains highly exposed to currency fluctuations. With the recent upward trend observed in the value of the U.S. dollar, further acceleration expected by analysts in this value will cause the company’s revenues to face a tough situation overseas.Estimate TrendIn the past 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Labcorp’s 2024 earnings has moved north from $14.61 to $14.73.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for 2024 revenues is pegged at $12.79 billion, suggesting a 0.8% drop from the 2023 comparable figure.Key PicksSome better-ranked stocks in the broader medical space are Cardinal Health CAH, Stryker SYK and DaVita DVA.Cardinal Health has a long-term estimated earnings growth rate of 15.9% compared with the industry’s 11.2%. CAH’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 15.6%. Its shares have increased 39.6% compared with the industry’s 9.3% rise in the past year.CAH sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.Stryker, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present, has an earnings yield of 3.39% against the industry’s -0.89%. Shares of the company have increased 35.2% compared with the industry’s 7.2% rise over the past year.SYK’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 5.09%. In the last reported quarter, it delivered an average earnings surprise of 5.81%.DaVita, sporting a Zacks Rank #1 at present, has an estimated long-term earnings growth rate of 12.1% compared with the industry’s 11.5%. Shares of DVA have rallied 51.2% compared with the industry’s 12.7% rise over the past year.DVA’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 35.6%. In the last reported quarter, it delivered an average earnings surprise of 22.2%.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportLabcorp (LH) : Free Stock Analysis ReportStryker Corporation (SYK) : Free Stock Analysis ReportDaVita Inc. (DVA) : Free Stock Analysis ReportCardinal Health, Inc. (CAH) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

Here's Why Investors Should Hold Labcorp (LH) Stock for Now

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/heres-why-investors-hold-labcorp-134500192.html

58d40c6c-63e6-3c57-9441-750af8aeada2

LH

Strengths: Robust scientific capabilities and a broad test menu position LH as a leader in diagnostics and drug development.Weaknesses: Intense competition and reliance on technology advancements present ongoing challenges.Opportunities: Expansion into cell and gene therapy and consumer-centric healthcare services offer significant growth potential.Threats: Economic fluctuations and regulatory changes could impact LH's operational and financial performance.Warning! GuruFocus has detected 8 Warning Sign with LH.On February 26, 2024, Laboratory Corp of America Holdings (NYSE:LH) filed its annual 10-K report, providing a comprehensive overview of its financial and operational performance for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023. As one of the nation's leading independent clinical laboratories, LH operates approximately 2,000 patient-service centers and offers an extensive range of clinical lab tests. The company generated revenues of $12.16 billion, with diluted earnings per share from continuing operations at $4.33, and an operating cash flow from continuing operations of $1.20 billion. This financial snapshot sets the stage for a detailed SWOT analysis, highlighting LH's strategic positioning and future outlook.Decoding Laboratory Corp of America Holdings (LH): A Strategic SWOT InsightStrengthsMarket Leadership and Scientific Expertise: LH's market leadership is underpinned by its robust scientific capabilities and comprehensive test menu. The company's involvement in 90% of the FDA-approved drugs in 2023 and performance of over 600 million tests globally underscore its pivotal role in healthcare. Its Base Business revenue growth of 11.8% year-over-year and a 7.2% CAGR since 2019 reflect a strong market presence and resilience in core operations, excluding COVID-19 testing.Strategic Acquisitions and Capital Allocation: LH's strategic business acquisitions, totaling $671.5 million in 2023, have fortified its service offerings and expanded its geographic presence. These acquisitions align with LH's core competencies and are expected to enhance shareholder value, demonstrating the company's commitment to growth through judicious capital deployment.Story continuesWeaknessesCompetitive Pressures and Technological Dependence: LH operates in a highly competitive industry, where maintaining cost efficiencies and technological leadership is crucial. The company's ability to sustain its market position is challenged by health system laboratories and companies that may not adhere to industry compliance standards. Additionally, LH's success hinges on its capacity to develop or acquire new technologies, a task that carries inherent risks and costs.Operational Risks and Talent Retention: LH's operations are susceptible to disruptions from natural disasters, geopolitical events, and public health crises. Moreover, the company faces challenges in attracting and retaining qualified personnel, which is vital for maintaining its competitive edge. Increased competition for talent and wage growth could adversely affect LH's business continuity and innovation.OpportunitiesGrowth in Cell and Gene Therapy: The burgeoning cell and gene therapy market presents a significant opportunity for LH. With over 2,000 clinical trials in progress and a projected high growth rate, LH's expertise in drug development positions it as a potential leader in this space. The company's strategic focus on establishing leadership in cell and gene therapy could drive substantial growth in the coming years.Consumer-Centric Healthcare Expansion: LH's investment in consumer-centric capabilities, such as Labcorp OnDemand, reflects a strategic move to capitalize on the growing influence of consumerism in healthcare. With over 150 million customer interactions annually, LH is poised to enhance the patient experience and tap into direct revenue streams through its trusted brand and scientific leadership.ThreatsEconomic and Regulatory Uncertainties: LH's performance is subject to the influence of general economic conditions, including inflation, recessions, and changes in the cost of goods and services. Regulatory changes, such as reimbursement policies and tax laws, could also impact LH's profitability and operational efficiency. The company must navigate these uncertainties to maintain its financial stability.Technological and Market Evolution: The clinical laboratory industry is rapidly evolving, with new technologies and product introductions shaping the competitive landscape. LH must continuously innovate to keep pace with advancements in point-of-care testing and consumer-driven health plans. Failure to adapt could result in a loss of market share and revenue.In conclusion, Laboratory Corp of America Holdings (NYSE:LH) exhibits strong market leadership and scientific expertise, which are foundational to its success. However, the company faces challenges from competitive pressures, technological dependence, and operational risks. Opportunities for growth lie in the expanding cell and gene therapy market and the shift towards consumer-centric healthcare services. LH must remain vigilant against economic and regulatory uncertainties, as well as the rapid evolution of technology and market dynamics. By leveraging its strengths and addressing its weaknesses, LH can capitalize on opportunities and mitigate threats, positioning itself for continued success in the healthcare industry.This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

GuruFocus.com

Decoding Laboratory Corp of America Holdings (LH): A Strategic SWOT Insight

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/decoding-laboratory-corp-america-holdings-050857272.html

b06d0e6b-a3a3-3860-bf40-e6dbb48c74e0

LH

Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings, Inc. or Labcorp LH recently launched a Weight Loss Management testing solution. The new offering is intended to support individuals and physicians with accessible and convenient testing options to guide weight loss management decisions and treatments.Labcorp's new launch expands on the company's expertise in testing cardiometabolic diseases and its extensive experience assisting individuals and physicians with weight control.The recent development will bolster Labcorp Diagnostics Business.More on New Testing SolutionLabcorp's Weight reduction management service includes proven tests from its extensive menu. It simplifies the procedure for both physicians and patients by describing which tests are routinely requested at various stages of a person's weight reduction journey.Labcorp's Weight control baseline test measures over 20 key aspects, such as blood sugar levels, cholesterol levels, thyroid function, and metabolic function, all of which are critical to understanding before beginning weight control initiatives.The new offering features educational resources and convenient testing solutions. It equips individuals and their physicians with baseline and ongoing health indicators to inform treatment options, including lifestyle modifications, Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications and bariatric surgery.Significance of New LaunchThe introduction of GLP-1s and other weight loss medications has increased the curiosity of patients and clinicians looking for effective weight management solutions. Labcorp's Weight Loss Management solution simplifies the process of acquiring baseline measures and tracking health progress, allowing patients and their doctors to have more informed conversations about weight loss.Zacks Investment ResearchImage Source: Zacks Investment ResearchIn addition to its baseline, monitoring, and bariatric surgery testing portfolio, Labcorp has helped bring GLP-1 drugs to market by providing clinical trial support. Labcorp also invests in innovative start-up organizations through the Labcorp Venture Fund, which develops weight management products and services to help individuals and providers find new and more effective solutions.Story continuesIndustry ProspectsPer Grand View Research, the global weight management market size was valued at $142.58 billion in 2022 and is expected to witness a CAGR of 9.94% from 2023 to 2030. The market growth can be attributed to the rising volumes of bariatric surgeries, rapid adoption of online weight loss & management programs, increasing government initiatives to create awareness about weight management and growing cases of obesity due to sedentary lifestyles.Recent Developments in Testing SolutionIn February 2024, Labcorp launched a new, FDA-cleared blood test for risk assessment and clinical management of severe preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a life-threatening blood pressure disorder that occurs during pregnancy and the postpartum period. The novel test detects two angiogenic biomarkers linked to preeclampsia — serum soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) and placental growth factor (PlGF).In October 2023, Labcorp announced the launch and national availability of its blood biomarker test, Amyloid-Tau-Neurodegeneration (“ATN”) Profile. Physicians can use the test with patients who are being evaluated for possible Alzheimer's disease or other causes of cognitive impairment based on clinical observation and cognitive screenings.Price PerformanceIn the past six months, Labcorp’s shares have increased 14.8% compared the industry’s 19.7% rise.Zacks Rank and Key PicksLH currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).Some better-ranked stocks from the broader medical space are Stryker Corporation SYK, Cencora, Inc. COR and Cardinal Health CAH.Stryker, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), reported a fourth-quarter 2023 adjusted EPS of $3.46, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5.8%. Revenues of $5.8 billion outpaced the consensus estimate by 3.8%. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Stryker has an estimated earnings growth rate of 11.5% for 2025 compared with the S&P 500’s 9.9%. The company’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average being 5.1%.Cencora, carrying a Zacks Rank #2, reported a first-quarter fiscal 2024 adjusted EPS of $3.28, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 14.7%. Revenues of $72.3 billion outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 5.1%.COR has an earnings yield of 5.75% compared with the industry’s 1.85%. The company’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average being 6.7%.Cardinal Health, carrying a Zacks Rank #1, reported second-quarter fiscal 2024 adjusted earnings of $1.82, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 16.7%. Revenues of $57.45 billion improved 11.6% on a year-over-year basis and also topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.1%.CAH has a long-term estimated earnings growth rate of 15.3% compared with the industry’s 11.8% growth. The company’s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 15.6%.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportLabcorp (LH) : Free Stock Analysis ReportStryker Corporation (SYK) : Free Stock Analysis ReportCardinal Health, Inc. (CAH) : Free Stock Analysis ReportCencora, Inc. (COR) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

Labcorp (LH) Introduces Weight Loss Management Portfolio

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/labcorp-lh-introduces-weight-loss-152600813.html

1df1b34c-298e-39e8-a313-2a1f7db13f5f

LH

Mark Schroeder, Executive Vice President, President of Diagnostics, and Chief Operating Officer of Laboratory Corp of America Holdings (NYSE:LH), has sold 5,048 shares of the company on March 7, 2024, according to a recent SEC filing.Laboratory Corp of America Holdings, commonly known as LabCorp, is a leading global life sciences company that provides vital information to help doctors, hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, researchers, and patients make clear and confident decisions. Through its unparalleled diagnostics and drug development capabilities, LabCorp provides insights and accelerates innovations to improve health and improve lives.Over the past year, the insider has sold a total of 6,548 shares and has not made any purchases of the company's stock. This latest transaction continues a trend of insider sales at Laboratory Corp of America Holdings, with a total of 10 insider sells and no insider buys occurring over the past year.Insider Sell: EVP, President Diagnostics & COO Mark Schroeder Sells Shares of Laboratory Corp of America Holdings (LH)On the day of the sale, shares of Laboratory Corp of America Holdings were trading at $218.45, giving the company a market capitalization of $18.278 billion. The price-earnings ratio of the company stands at 46.74, which is above both the industry median of 29.245 and the historical median price-earnings ratio for the company.According to the GuruFocus Value chart, with a share price of $218.45 and a GF Value of $224.99, Laboratory Corp of America Holdings has a price-to-GF-Value ratio of 0.97, indicating that the stock is Fairly Valued.Insider Sell: EVP, President Diagnostics & COO Mark Schroeder Sells Shares of Laboratory Corp of America Holdings (LH)The GF Value is determined by considering historical trading multiples such as price-earnings ratio, price-sales ratio, price-book ratio, and price-to-free cash flow, along with a GuruFocus adjustment factor based on the company's past returns and growth, and future business performance estimates from Morningstar analysts.The recent insider sell by Mark Schroeder may provide investors with an insight into the insider's perspective on the stock's valuation and future prospects. However, investors are always encouraged to conduct their own research and consider a wide range of factors before making investment decisions.Story continuesWarning! GuruFocus has detected 6 Warning Sign with LH.This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

GuruFocus.com

Insider Sell: EVP, President Diagnostics & COO Mark Schroeder Sells Shares of Laboratory ...

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/insider-sell-evp-president-diagnostics-150026526.html

c29666b0-7950-3b97-9de4-0a15933df91e

LHX

MELBOURNE, Fla., February 23, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Board of Directors of L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) approved an increase in the company’s per share quarterly cash dividend rate from $1.14 to $1.16 commencing with the dividend for the first quarter of the year, payable March 22, 2024, to shareholders of record as of the close of business on March 8, 2024. The dividend corresponds to an increase in the annualized rate from $4.56 to $4.64."This represents the company’s 23rd consecutive annual dividend increase, enabled by expected free cash flow growth, and is aligned with L3Harris’ capital deployment priorities," said Christopher E. Kubasik, Chair and Chief Executive Officer.About L3Harris TechnologiesL3Harris Technologies is the Trusted Disruptor in the defense industry. With customers’ mission-critical needs always in mind, our 50,000 employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect management's current expectations, assumptions and estimates of future performance and economic conditions. Such statements are made in reliance upon the safe harbor provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Statements about expected free cash flow growth, capital deployment priorities and future dividends are forward-looking and involve risks and uncertainties. The company cautions investors that any forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results and future trends to differ materially from those matters expressed in or implied by such forward-looking statements. The future declaration of dividends and the amount thereof will depend on several factors, including the company’s financial condition, capital requirements, cash flow, results of operations, future business prospects and other factors. There can be no assurances that the company’s cash dividend rate will continue to increase. Other factors that may impact the company's results and forward-looking statements may be disclosed in the company's filings with the SEC. L3Harris disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events, or otherwise.Story continuesView source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240223573854/en/ContactsMark Kratz Investor [email protected] 321-724-3170Sara Banda Corporate Media [email protected] 321-306-8927

Business Wire

L3Harris Announces Quarterly Dividend Increase

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/l3harris-announces-quarterly-dividend-increase-140000889.html

cbbb5a80-c01b-335b-81aa-0b54af64afc0

LHX

L3Harris Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:LHX) will increase its dividend on the 22nd of March to $1.16, which is 1.8% higher than last year's payment from the same period of $1.14. This makes the dividend yield about the same as the industry average at 2.1%. Check out our latest analysis for L3Harris Technologies L3Harris Technologies' Earnings Easily Cover The DistributionsWhile it is always good to see a solid dividend yield, we should also consider whether the payment is feasible. Prior to this announcement, L3Harris Technologies' dividend made up quite a large proportion of earnings but only 53% of free cash flows. Since the dividend is just paying out cash to shareholders, we care more about the cash payout ratio from which we can see plenty is being left over for reinvestment in the business.Over the next year, EPS is forecast to expand by 93.4%. If the dividend continues on this path, the payout ratio could be 41% by next year, which we think can be pretty sustainable going forward.historic-dividendL3Harris Technologies Has A Solid Track RecordThe company has been paying a dividend for a long time, and it has been quite stable which gives us confidence in the future dividend potential. Since 2014, the dividend has gone from $1.48 total annually to $4.56. This works out to be a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 12% a year over that time. Rapidly growing dividends for a long time is a very valuable feature for an income stock.The Dividend's Growth Prospects Are LimitedSome investors will be chomping at the bit to buy some of the company's stock based on its dividend history. However, things aren't all that rosy. In the last five years, L3Harris Technologies' earnings per share has shrunk at approximately 2.5% per annum. A modest decline in earnings isn't great, and it makes it quite unlikely that the dividend will grow in the future unless that trend can be reversed. It's not all bad news though, as the earnings are predicted to rise over the next 12 months - we would just be a bit cautious until this can turn into a longer term trend.Story continuesIn SummaryIn summary, it's great to see that the company can raise the dividend and keep it in a sustainable range. With shrinking earnings, the company may see some issues maintaining the dividend even though they look pretty sustainable for now. Taking all of this into consideration, the dividend looks viable moving forward, but investors should be mindful that the company has pushed the boundaries of sustainability in the past and may do so again.Companies possessing a stable dividend policy will likely enjoy greater investor interest than those suffering from a more inconsistent approach. Meanwhile, despite the importance of dividend payments, they are not the only factors our readers should know when assessing a company. Case in point: We've spotted 2 warning signs for L3Harris Technologies (of which 1 is concerning!) you should know about. If you are a dividend investor, you might also want to look at our curated list of high yield dividend stocks.Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Simply Wall St.

L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX) Has Announced That It Will Be Increasing Its Dividend To $1.16

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/l3harris-technologies-nyse-lhx-announced-111436452.html

95a7047d-3f7b-33b9-a52c-524e1d0c7bd6

LHX

General Dynamics GD recently announced that its board of directors has approved a 7.6% increase in the quarterly dividend rate. The revised quarterly dividend will be $1.42, payable on May 10, 2024, to shareholders of record at the close of business on Apr 12.General Dynamics has been consistently increasing dividends for the past 27 years. The company’s new annualized dividend rate is $5.68 per share, resulting in an annualized dividend yield of 2.08%, based on its share price of $273.03 as of Mar 7, 2024. The current dividend yield is better than the Zacks S&P 500 composite’s 1.32%.Can We Expect Hikes in the Coming Years?General Dynamics’ dividend payment history indicates that the company has been performing steadily and generating enough cash flow to distribute dividends to shareholders.Evidently, as of Dec 31, 2023, General Dynamics had a total cash and cash equivalents of $1.91 billion, reflecting an improvement from $1.24 billion on Dec 31, 2022. For 2023, the company had cash inflow from operating activities worth $4.71 billion, up 2.9% from the prior-year tally.Such solid cash balance is likely to have enabled General Dynamics to pay $1.43 billion as dividends to its shareholders in 2023, which reflected an increase of 4.3% from the year-ago amount.It is imperative to mention that the company ended 2023 with a backlog of $93.63 billion, the highest year-end backlog in the company’s history. This reflects that the solid demand for GD’s products is likely to have led to strong order activity, thereby boosting its long-term growth expectations. Successful deliveries of its products from backlog can be expected to bolster GD’s future operating results, enabling the company to continue rewarding its shareholders with regular dividend hikes in the coming years.Dividend History of PeersGeneral Dynamics is not the only one in the aerospace-defense space that has a consistent history of dividend hikes. Many other players have a similar track record.BAE Systems BAESY: On Feb 21, 2024, BAE Systems increased its quarterly dividend to 90 cents per share, representing 63.6% growth from the previous quarter. The company’s annualized dividend rate is $3.60 per share.The current dividend yield of BEASY is 1.67%, better than the Zacks S&P 500 composite’s yield of 1.32%. The stock’s long-term (three to five years) earnings growth is pegged at 12.9%.Lockheed Martin LMT: On Oct 6, 2023, Lockheed Martin increased its quarterly dividend to $3.15 per share, representing 5% growth from the previous quarter. The company’s annualized dividend rate is $12.60 per share. LMT’s payout currently is 45% of earnings.The current dividend yield of LMT is 2.91%, better than the Zacks S&P 500 composite’s yield of 1.32%. The stock’s long-term earnings growth is pegged at 4.2%.L3Harris Technologies LHX: On Feb 23, 2024, L3Harris increased its quarterly dividend to $1.16 per share, representing 1.8% growth from the previous quarter. The company’s annualized dividend rate is $4.64 per share. LHX’s payout currently is 37% of earnings.The current dividend yield of LHX is 2.12%, better than the Zacks S&P 500 composite’s yield of 1.32%. The stock’s long-term earnings growth is pegged at 8.4%.Story continuesZacks RankGD currently has a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Price PerformanceIn the past year, shares of GD have rallied 22.5% against the industry’s 7.3% decline.Zacks Investment ResearchImage Source: Zacks Investment ResearchWant the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportLockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) : Free Stock Analysis ReportGeneral Dynamics Corporation (GD) : Free Stock Analysis ReportBae Systems PLC (BAESY) : Free Stock Analysis ReportL3Harris Technologies Inc (LHX) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

General Dynamics' (GD) Board Approves 7.6% Dividend Hike

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/general-dynamics-gd-board-approves-131900060.html

966181c8-4609-392e-abb9-04593272fd84

LHX

A conflict between the U.S. and China over Taiwan has become a commonplace discussion in the national security community. A military strategist lays out the outcome of a potential war in the Taiwan Strait based on recently conducted war games.

WSJ

What War Games Tell Us About a Potential Chinese Invasion of Taiwan

https://finance.yahoo.com/video/war-games-tell-us-potential-040100324.html

1f505db5-9427-3736-a57d-c22e599f5db2

LIN

Linde Reports Full-Year and Fourth-Quarter 2023 ResultsFull-Year HighlightsSales $32.9 billion, down 2%, underlying sales up 5%Operating profit $8.0 billion; adjusted operating profit $9.1 billion, up 15%Operating profit margin 24.4%; adjusted operating profit margin 27.6%, up 390 basis points versus prior yearEPS $12.59; adjusted EPS $14.20, up 16%Returned $6.4 billion to shareholders through dividends and share repurchasesTotal project backlog of $8.5 billionFourth-Quarter HighlightsSales $8.3 billion, up 5% YoY, underlying sales up 4%Operating profit $2.0 billion, adjusted operating profit $2.3 billion, up 14%Operating profit margin 24.4%; adjusted operating profit margin 27.4%, YoY up 210 basis pointsEPS $3.16, up 18%; adjusted EPS $3.59, up 14%2024 GuidanceFirst-quarter 2024 adjusted EPS guidance $3.58 - $3.68, represents 6%-9% growth ex. FXFull-year 2024 adjusted EPS guidance $15.25 - $15.65, represents 8%-11% growth ex. FXWOKING, UK / ACCESSWIRE / February 6, 2024 / Linde plc (NASDAQ:LIN) today reported fourth-quarter 2023 net income of $1,543 million and diluted earnings per share of $3.16, up 16% and 18% respectively. Excluding Linde AG purchase accounting impacts and other charges, adjusted net income was $1,753 million, up 11% versus prior year. Adjusted earnings per share was $3.59, 14% above prior year.Linde's sales for the fourth quarter were $8,302 million, 5% above prior year or 3% above when excluding positive currency impact. Compared to prior year, underlying sales increased 4% from price attainment and flat volumes.Fourth-quarter operating profit was $2,028 million. Adjusted operating profit of $2,272 million was up 14% versus prior year led by higher price and continued productivity initiatives across all segments. Adjusted operating profit margin of 27.4% was 210 basis points above prior year or 130 basis points higher when excluding the effects of cost pass-through.Fourth-quarter operating cash flow of $2,727 million increased 30% versus prior year driven primarily by higher earnings and better working capital. After capital expenditures of $1,151 million, free cash flow was $1,576 million. During the quarter, the company returned $1,641 million to shareholders through dividends and stock repurchases, net of issuances.Story continuesFor full-year 2023, sales were $32.9 billion, 2% below 2022. Compared to prior year, underlying sales increased 5% from 6% price attainment partially offset by 1% lower volumes. Operating profit was $8.0 billion and adjusted operating profit was $9.1 billion, 15% above prior year. Adjusted operating profit margin was 27.6% of sales, 390 basis points higher versus 2022, or 310 basis points higher when excluding the effects of cost pass-through. Diluted earnings per share were $12.59 and adjusted diluted earnings per share were $14.20, up 16% versus prior year.In 2023, Linde generated strong operating cash flow of $9.3 billion. The company invested $3.8 billion in capital expenditures and returned $6.4 billion to shareholders in the form of dividends and share buybacks.Commenting on the financial results and business outlook, Chief Executive Officer Sanjiv Lamba said, "Despite the challenging environment in 2023, the Linde team once again delivered industry leading results including a 25.4% ROC, 27.6% operating margin and EPS growth rate of 16%. In addition, we closed the year with a strong balance sheet and a high-quality project backlog of $8.5 billion which will contribute earnings growth for years to come."Lamba continued, "Looking ahead, the geopolitical and macro environment remain uncertain. However, we are well positioned to win more than our fair share of high-quality projects and again create shareholder value by leveraging all of the opportunities that lie ahead."For the full year 2024, the company expects adjusted diluted earnings per share to be in the range of $15.25 to $15.65, up 7% to 10% versus prior year or 8% to 11% when excluding estimated currency headwinds. Full-year capital expenditures are expected to range between $4.5 billion and $5.0 billion to support operating and growth requirements, including the contractual sale of gas backlog. For the first quarter 2024, adjusted earnings per share is expected to be in the range of $3.58 to $3.68, 5% to 8% above prior-year quarter. This range assumes 1% unfavorable currency.Fourth-Quarter 2023 Results by SegmentAmericas sales of $3,583 million grew 5% versus prior-year quarter. Compared with fourth quarter 2022, underlying sales increased 6% driven by 5% higher pricing and 1% volumes. Operating profit of $1,075 million was 30.0% of sales, 240 basis points above prior year and 100 basis points higher when excluding the effects of cost pass-through.APAC (Asia Pacific) sales of $1,639 million were 5% above prior year. Compared to prior year, underlying sales grew 5% driven by 2% price attainment and 3% volume growth, primarily in the chemicals and energy end markets including project start-ups. Operating profit of $452 million was 27.6% of sales, 110 basis points above prior year. Year over year cost pass-through was immaterial.EMEA (Europe, Middle East & Africa) sales of $2,100 million were up 4% versus prior year. Compared with fourth-quarter 2022, underlying sales grew 2%, driven by 6% higher pricing partially offset by 4% lower volumes. Operating profit of $615 million was 29.3% of sales, 420 basis points above prior year and 350 basis points higher when excluding the effects of cost pass-through.Linde Engineering sales were $658 million, 17% above prior year, and operating profit was $119 million or 18.1% of sales. Order intake for the quarter was $567 million and third-party sale of equipment backlog was $3.6 billion.Earnings CallA teleconference on Linde's fourth-quarter 2023 results is being held today at 9:00 am EST.Live conference callUS Toll-Free Dial-In Number: 1 888 770 7292UK Toll-Free Dial-In Number: 0800 358 0970Access code: 6877110Live webcast (listen-only)https://investors.linde.com/events-presentationsMaterials to be used in the teleconference are also available on the website.About LindeLinde is a leading global industrial gases and engineering company with 2023 sales of $33 billion. We live our mission of making our world more productive every day by providing high-quality solutions, technologies and services which are making our customers more successful and helping to sustain, decarbonize and protect our planet.The company serves a variety of end markets such as chemicals & energy, food & beverage, electronics, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and mining. Linde's industrial gases and technologies are used in countless applications including production of clean hydrogen and carbon capture systems critical to the energy transition, life-saving medical oxygen and high-purity & specialty gases for electronics. Linde also delivers state-of-the-art gas processing solutions to support customer expansion, efficiency improvements and emissions reductions.For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit www.linde.comAdjusted amounts, free cash flow and return on capital are non-GAAP measures. See the attachments (Earnings release tables: https://eqs-cockpit.com/c/fncls.ssp?u=e1c53ca64fa68a408050a6d341fa48e6) for a summary of non-GAAP reconciliations and calculations for adjusted amounts.Attachments: Summary Non-GAAP Reconciliations, Statements of Income, Balance Sheets, Statements of Cash Flows, Segment Information and Appendix: Non-GAAP Measures and Reconciliations.*Note: We are providing adjusted earnings per share ("EPS") guidance for 2024. This is a non-GAAP financial measure that represents diluted earnings per share from continuing operations (a GAAP measure) but excludes the impact of certain items that we believe are not representative of our underlying business performance, such as cost reduction and other charges, the impact of potential divestitures or other potentially significant items. Given the uncertainty of timing and magnitude of such items, we cannot provide a reconciliation of the differences between the non-GAAP adjusted EPS guidance and the corresponding GAAP EPS measure without unreasonable effort.Forward-looking StatementsThis document contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are identified by terms and phrases such as: anticipate, believe, intend, estimate, expect, continue, should, could, may, plan, project, predict, will, potential, forecast, and similar expressions. They are based on management's reasonable expectations and assumptions as of the date the statements are made but involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include, without limitation: the performance of stock markets generally; developments in worldwide and national economies and other international events and circumstances, including trade conflicts and tariffs; changes in foreign currencies and in interest rates; the cost and availability of electric power, natural gas and other raw materials; the ability to achieve price increases to offset cost increases; catastrophic events including natural disasters, epidemics, pandemics such as COVID-19, and acts of war and terrorism; the ability to attract, hire, and retain qualified personnel; the impact of changes in financial accounting standards; the impact of changes in pension plan liabilities; the impact of tax, environmental, healthcare and other legislation and government regulation in jurisdictions in which the company operates; the cost and outcomes of investigations, litigation and regulatory proceedings; the impact of potential unusual or non-recurring items; continued timely development and market acceptance of new products and applications; the impact of competitive products and pricing; future financial and operating performance of major customers and industries served; the impact of information technology system failures, network disruptions and breaches in data security; and the effectiveness and speed of integrating new acquisitions into the business. These risks and uncertainties may cause future results or circumstances to differ materially from adjusted projections, estimates or other forward-looking statements.Linde plc assumes no obligation to update or provide revisions to any forward-looking statement in response to changing circumstances. The above listed risks and uncertainties are further described in Item 1A. Risk Factors in Linde plc's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2022 filed with the SEC on February 28, 2023, which should be reviewed carefully. Please consider Linde plc's forward-looking statements in light of those risks.Contacts:Investor Relations Juan PelaezPhone: +1 203 837 2213Email: [email protected] Relations Anna DaviesPhone: +44 1483 244705Email: [email protected] features: File: Q4 2023 Earnings Release TablesSOURCE: Linde plcView the original press release on accesswire.com

ACCESSWIRE

Linde plc: Linde Reports Full-Year and Fourth-Quarter 2023 Results (Earnings Release Tables Attached)

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/linde-plc-linde-reports-full-111000980.html

cebcd915-c7ac-3a36-8139-61647a525776

LIN

Full-Year Revenue: $32.9 billion with an underlying sales increase of 5%.Adjusted Operating Profit: $9.1 billion, up 15% from the previous year.Adjusted EPS: $14.20, a 16% increase year-over-year.Q4 Sales: $8.3 billion, up 5% year-over-year with underlying sales up 4%.Q4 Adjusted Operating Profit: $2.3 billion, a 14% increase from the prior year.2024 Guidance: Adjusted EPS expected to be $15.25 - $15.65, indicating 8%-11% growth excluding FX impacts.Shareholder Returns: $6.4 billion returned through dividends and share repurchases in 2023.Warning! GuruFocus has detected 7 Warning Sign with LIN.On February 6, 2024, Linde PLC (NASDAQ:LIN), the world's largest industrial gas supplier, released its 8-K filing, detailing its financial performance for the full year and fourth quarter of 2023. Despite a slight decline in annual sales, the company's underlying sales grew, and it achieved significant gains in operating profit and earnings per share (EPS), both on a reported and adjusted basis.Linde's operations span over 100 countries, providing atmospheric and process gases, as well as related equipment, to diverse industries such as chemicals, healthcare, and manufacturing. In 2022, Linde generated approximately $33 billion in revenue and a GAAP operating profit of $5.4 billion.Linde PLC (LIN) Reports Robust Full-Year and Q4 2023 ResultsFinancial Performance and ChallengesThe company faced a challenging environment in 2023, with geopolitical uncertainties and macroeconomic factors impacting the global market. Despite these challenges, Linde's strategic pricing initiatives and productivity measures led to a 5% increase in underlying sales and a significant improvement in operating margins. The adjusted operating profit margin expanded by 390 basis points to 27.6%, reflecting the company's ability to manage costs effectively and improve profitability.However, the reported 2% decline in full-year sales to $32.9 billion indicates that volume growth has been a challenge, partially offset by a 6% price attainment. This underscores the importance of Linde's continued focus on operational efficiency and strategic pricing in a competitive and uncertain market.Story continuesFinancial Achievements and Industry SignificanceLinde's financial achievements, particularly the 15% increase in adjusted operating profit to $9.1 billion and the 16% rise in adjusted EPS to $14.20, are significant in the chemicals industry. These metrics demonstrate the company's strong pricing power and operational excellence, which are critical for maintaining profitability in the capital-intensive industrial gases sector. Additionally, the total project backlog of $8.5 billion positions Linde for sustained earnings growth, highlighting the company's robust pipeline and future potential.Key Financial MetricsThe following are key takeaways from Linde's financial statements:Operating cash flow for the fourth quarter increased by 30% to $2.7 billion, driven by higher earnings and improved working capital management.Free cash flow after capital expenditures amounted to $1.6 billion for the quarter.The company's strong balance sheet was further solidified by returning $6.4 billion to shareholders in 2023 through dividends and stock repurchases.These metrics are crucial as they reflect Linde's ability to generate cash, invest in growth, and return value to shareholders, which are key considerations for value investors."Despite the challenging environment in 2023, the Linde team once again delivered industry-leading results including a 25.4% ROC, 27.6% operating margin and EPS growth rate of 16%. In addition, we closed the year with a strong balance sheet and a high-quality project backlog of $8.5 billion which will contribute earnings growth for years to come," said Chief Executive Officer Sanjiv Lamba.Analysis of Company's PerformanceLinde's performance in 2023 was marked by resilience and strategic agility. The company's ability to navigate a complex global landscape while delivering strong financial results is a testament to its operational efficiency and market leadership. The increase in adjusted operating profit and EPS, despite flat volumes, indicates a successful focus on pricing and cost control. The projected growth for 2024, with adjusted EPS guidance indicating further increases, suggests confidence in the company's ability to continue delivering value amidst ongoing uncertainties.For value investors, Linde's consistent performance, strong cash flow generation, and commitment to shareholder returns make it a compelling investment opportunity. The company's strategic investments and robust project backlog are expected to drive future growth, reinforcing its position as a leader in the industrial gases sector.For more detailed insights and financial analysis, investors are encouraged to review Linde's full earnings report and join the earnings call or access the webcast through the provided links.For further information about Linde and its products and services, please visit www.linde.com.Explore the complete 8-K earnings release (here) from Linde PLC for further details.This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

GuruFocus.com

Linde PLC (LIN) Reports Robust Full-Year and Q4 2023 Results

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/linde-plc-lin-reports-robust-113207909.html

ddad8416-319d-3028-b2d2-63716241eacb

LIN

WOKING, UK / ACCESSWIRE / February 27, 2024 / Linde plc (Nasdaq:LIN) today announced its Board of Directors has declared a 9% increase in the company's quarterly dividend to $1.39 per share. This marks the 31st consecutive year of quarterly dividend increases on the company's stock.The dividend is payable on March 28, 2024 to shareholders of record on March 14, 2024.About Linde Linde is a leading global industrial gases and engineering company with 2023 sales of $33 billion. We live our mission of making our world more productive every day by providing high-quality solutions, technologies and services which are making our customers more successful and helping to sustain, decarbonize and protect our planet.The company serves a variety of end markets such as chemicals & energy, food & beverage, electronics, healthcare, manufacturing, metals and mining. Linde's industrial gases and technologies are used in countless applications including production of clean hydrogen and carbon capture systems critical to the energy transition, life-saving medical oxygen and high-purity & specialty gases for electronics. Linde also delivers state-of-the-art gas processing solutions to support customer expansion, efficiency improvements and emissions reductions.For more information about the company and its products and services, please visit www.linde.comContacts:Investor Relations Juan PelaezPhone: +1 203 837 2213Email: [email protected] RelationsAnna DaviesPhone: +44 1483 244705Email: [email protected]: Linde plcView the original press release on accesswire.com

ACCESSWIRE

Linde Increases Dividend 9%

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/linde-increases-dividend-9-165000736.html

a57248b1-7d2d-393f-8ea1-a2e2b727a69a

LIN

Nasdaq, Inc.NEW YORK, March 08, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Nasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) today announced that Linde plc (Nasdaq: LIN), will become a component of the Nasdaq-100 Index® (Nasdaq: NDX®), the Nasdaq-100 Equal Weighted™ Index (Nasdaq: NDXE™), the Nasdaq-100 Ex-Tech Sector™ Index (Nasdaq: NDXX™), and the Nasdaq-100 ESG™ Index (Nasdaq: NDXESG™) prior to market open on Monday, March 18, 2024. Linde plc will replace Splunk Inc. (Nasdaq: SPLK) in the Nasdaq-100 Index® and the Nasdaq-100 Equal Weighted™ Index. Splunk will also be removed from the Nasdaq-100 ESG™ Index (Nasdaq: NDXESG™) and the Nasdaq-100 Tech Sector™ Index (Nasdaq: NDXT™) on the same date.For more information about the company, go to https://www.linde.com/.About NasdaqNasdaq (Nasdaq: NDAQ) is a leading global technology company serving corporate clients, investment managers, banks, brokers, and exchange operators as they navigate and interact with the global capital markets and the broader financial system. We aspire to deliver world-leading platforms that improve the liquidity, transparency, and integrity of the global economy. Our diverse offering of data, analytics, software, exchange capabilities, and client-centric services enables clients to optimize and execute their business vision with confidence. To learn more about the company, technology solutions, and career opportunities, visit us on LinkedIn, on X @Nasdaq, or at www.nasdaq.com.The information contained above is provided for informational and educational purposes only, and nothing contained herein should be construed as investment advice, either on behalf of a particular financial product or an overall investment strategy. Neither Nasdaq, Inc. nor any of its affiliates makes any recommendation to buy or sell any financial product or any representation about the financial condition of any company or fund. Statements regarding Nasdaq’s proprietary indexes are not guarantees of future performance. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied. Past performance is not indicative of future results. Investors should undertake their own due diligence and carefully evaluate companies before investing. ADVICE FROM A SECURITIES PROFESSIONAL IS STRONGLY ADVISED.Story continuesMedia Contacts:Camille Stafford, Nasdaq and Jennifer Lawson, NasdaqIssuer & Investor Contact:Index Client Services, Nasdaq [email protected]

GlobeNewswire

Linde plc to Join the Nasdaq-100 Index® Beginning March 18, 2024

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/linde-plc-join-nasdaq-100-010000306.html

7984721e-3a3f-3de5-8df9-1868725ca166

LKQ

Investors in LKQ Corporation (NASDAQ:LKQ) had a good week, as its shares rose 4.3% to close at US$52.18 following the release of its yearly results. It was a credible result overall, with revenues of US$14b and statutory earnings per share of US$3.49 both in line with analyst estimates, showing that LKQ is executing in line with expectations. The analysts typically update their forecasts at each earnings report, and we can judge from their estimates whether their view of the company has changed or if there are any new concerns to be aware of. We've gathered the most recent statutory forecasts to see whether the analysts have changed their earnings models, following these results. Check out our latest analysis for LKQ earnings-and-revenue-growthAfter the latest results, the eleven analysts covering LKQ are now predicting revenues of US$15.3b in 2024. If met, this would reflect a notable 10% improvement in revenue compared to the last 12 months. Per-share earnings are expected to rise 5.9% to US$3.74. In the lead-up to this report, the analysts had been modelling revenues of US$15.2b and earnings per share (EPS) of US$3.85 in 2024. So it looks like there's been a small decline in overall sentiment after the recent results - there's been no major change to revenue estimates, but the analysts did make a minor downgrade to their earnings per share forecasts.The consensus price target held steady at US$61.10, with the analysts seemingly voting that their lower forecast earnings are not expected to lead to a lower stock price in the foreseeable future. The consensus price target is just an average of individual analyst targets, so - it could be handy to see how wide the range of underlying estimates is. There are some variant perceptions on LKQ, with the most bullish analyst valuing it at US$68.00 and the most bearish at US$51.00 per share. This is a very narrow spread of estimates, implying either that LKQ is an easy company to value, or - more likely - the analysts are relying heavily on some key assumptions.Story continuesThese estimates are interesting, but it can be useful to paint some more broad strokes when seeing how forecasts compare, both to the LKQ's past performance and to peers in the same industry. The analysts are definitely expecting LKQ's growth to accelerate, with the forecast 10% annualised growth to the end of 2024 ranking favourably alongside historical growth of 2.2% per annum over the past five years. Compare this with other companies in the same industry, which are forecast to grow their revenue 4.9% annually. It seems obvious that, while the growth outlook is brighter than the recent past, the analysts also expect LKQ to grow faster than the wider industry.The Bottom LineThe biggest concern is that the analysts reduced their earnings per share estimates, suggesting business headwinds could lay ahead for LKQ. Happily, there were no major changes to revenue forecasts, with the business still expected to grow faster than the wider industry. There was no real change to the consensus price target, suggesting that the intrinsic value of the business has not undergone any major changes with the latest estimates.Following on from that line of thought, we think that the long-term prospects of the business are much more relevant than next year's earnings. We have forecasts for LKQ going out to 2026, and you can see them free on our platform here.That said, it's still necessary to consider the ever-present spectre of investment risk. We've identified 3 warning signs with LKQ , and understanding these should be part of your investment process.Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Simply Wall St.

LKQ Corporation (NASDAQ:LKQ) Just Released Its Yearly Earnings: Here's What Analysts Think

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lkq-corporation-nasdaq-lkq-just-130732941.html

41e9e9a0-7711-314d-ab7e-b2cbad597978

LKQ

AutoZone AZO is slated to release second-quarter fiscal 2024 results on Feb 27, before the opening bell. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the to-be-reported quarter’s earnings and revenues is pegged at $26.08 per share and $3.85 billion, respectively.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AZO’s fiscal second-quarter earnings per share has moved down 10 cents in the past seven days. The bottom-line projection indicates year-over-year growth of 5.84%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for quarterly revenues implies a 4.40% rise from the prior-year level.The automotive parts retailer posted earnings of $32.55 per share for first-quarter fiscal 2024, which improved 18.6% from the prior-year figure and topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $31.01. The company beat on earnings in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average surprise of 8.88%. This is depicted in the graph below:AutoZone, Inc. Price and EPS SurpriseAutoZone, Inc. Price and EPS SurpriseAutoZone, Inc. price-eps-surprise | AutoZone, Inc. QuoteWhat Does Our Model Say?Our proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for AutoZone this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat. That is not the case here.Earnings ESP: AutoZone has an Earnings ESP of -0.23%. This is because the Most Accurate Estimate is pegged at $26.02, which is lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.Zacks Rank: AutoZone currently carries a Zacks Rank #3. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.Things to NoteAutoZone’s omni-channel efforts to improve customer shopping experiences are reaping profits. The company’s e-commerce efforts that are driving traffic to its website are likely to have positively impacted performance in the second quarter of fiscal 2024. Our projection for domestic store sales is pegged at $3.28 billion, implying an uptick of around 2% year over year. Our projection for sales from Mexico and Brazil stores indicates year-over-year growth of 18.6%.Inventory assortment improvements, technological advancements, fast delivery and high-quality products, the solid reputation of the Duralast brand across the professional customer base, maintenance of competitive pricing and greater engagement from store-operating teams are expected to have driven the company’s growth in the to-be-reported quarter.Discouragingly, the company anticipated challenges in its DIY sales during the second quarter. On the domestic retail front, the company observed a 1.6% decrease in traffic, partially mitigated by a 1.5% increase in ticket growth. Looking ahead, AZO anticipates a modest decline in transaction counts. Further, AutoZone’s technology investments to improve the electronic catalog might limit cash inflows. We anticipate the company’s operating SG&A expenses to increase 4.6% year over year in fiscal 2024. The decline in DIY sales and rising expenses are likely to have hurt AZO’s result in the to-be-reported quarter.Story continuesPeer ReleasesO’Reilly Automotive, Inc. ORLY reported fourth-quarter 2023 results on Feb 7. Its adjusted earnings per share of $9.26 beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $9.07. The bottom line increased from $8.37 in the prior-year quarter. The automotive parts retailer registered quarterly revenues of $3,832 million, which missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3,838 million. The top line, however, increased 5.2% year over year. During the quarter, comps grew 3.4%. The company opened 47 new stores in the United States and Mexico. The total store count was 6,157 as of Dec 31, 2023.ORLY had cash and cash equivalents of $279.1 million at the end of the reported quarter, up from $108.6 million recorded as of 2022-end. Its long-term debt was $5.57 billion, higher than $4.37 billion as of Dec 31, 2022.LKQ Corporation LKQ reported fourth-quarter 2023 results on Feb 22. It delivered adjusted earnings of 84 cents per share, which increased from adjusted earnings of 78 cents in the year-ago quarter and surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 75 cents. LKQ generated quarterly revenues of $3.5 billion, which missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $3.51 billion but increased from the year-ago level of $3 billion. Parts and services organic revenues increased 2.8% year over year.LKQ had cash and cash equivalents of $299 million as of Dec 31, 2023, compared with $278 million as of Dec 31, 2022. Total long-term obligations (excluding the current portion) were $3.66 billion as of Dec 31, 2023, up from $2.62 billion as of Dec 31, 2022.Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportO'Reilly Automotive, Inc. (ORLY) : Free Stock Analysis ReportAutoZone, Inc. (AZO) : Free Stock Analysis ReportLKQ Corporation (LKQ) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

AutoZone (AZO) to Report Q2 Earnings: Here's What to Expect

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/autozone-azo-report-q2-earnings-135300278.html

e26029e8-76b2-362c-ac3c-fb09f0bc1357

LKQ

LKQ CorporationCHICAGO, Feb. 28, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LKQ Corporation (Nasdaq: LKQ), together with its indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary, LKQ Dutch Bond B.V., a private company with limited liability (besloten vennootschap met beperkte aansprakelijkheid) incorporated under the laws of The Netherlands (“LKQ Finance”) announced today that it has priced an offering by LKQ Finance of €750,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 4.125% senior notes due 2031 (the “notes”). The offering is expected to close on or about March 13, 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.The joint book-running managers for the offering are BofA, HSBC, Wells Fargo, BNP Paribas, MUFG and UniCredit.The notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior unsecured basis by the Company and certain of the Company’s U.S. subsidiaries (the “guarantees”). LKQ Finance intends to use the net proceeds from the offering of the notes, together with cash on hand, to (i) pay outstanding indebtedness, including the redemption of all of the outstanding €500,000,000 aggregate principal amount of the 3.875% senior notes due 2024 issued by the Company’s indirect wholly-owned subsidiary, LKQ Italia Bondco di LKQ Italia Bondco GP S.r.l e C.S.A.P.A. (f/k/a LKQ Italia Bondco S.p.A.) and (ii) pay accrued interest and related fees, premiums and expenses.The Company has filed a registration statement (including a prospectus and related preliminary prospectus supplement for the offering) with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) for the offering to which this communication relates. Before you invest, you should read the preliminary prospectus supplement, the accompanying prospectus in that registration statement and the other documents the Company has filed with the SEC for more complete information about the Company and this offering. You may get these documents for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, the Company, any underwriter or any dealer participating in the offering will arrange to send you the preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus if you request if by contacting BofA Securities Europe S.A. at +33(0) 1 8770 0000, HSBC Continental Europe at +1 (866) 811-8049 and Wells Fargo Securities Europe S.A. at +33 (0) 1 85 14 06 62.Story continuesThis press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the notes, and shall not constitute an offer, solicitation or sale of such notes in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.About LKQ Corporation LKQ Corporation (www.lkqcorp.com) is a leading provider of alternative and specialty parts to repair and accessorize automobiles and other vehicles. LKQ has operations in North America, Europe and Taiwan. LKQ offers its customers a broad range of OEM recycled and aftermarket parts, replacement systems, components, equipment, and services to repair and accessorize automobiles, trucks, and recreational and performance vehicles.Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements in this press release that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements generally include expectations, beliefs, hopes, intentions or strategies regarding our future, including with respect to the pending offering of the notes, our ability to complete such offering and our intentions with regard to the use of the net proceeds from the offering. Forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors some of which are not currently known to us. Actual events or results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking statements as a result of various factors. Some of such risks, uncertainties and other factors are described in our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, and in other documents we file with the SEC from time to time. We assume no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement to reflect events or circumstances arising after the date on which it was made, except as required by law.Contact:Joseph P. Boutross – Vice President, Investor RelationsLKQ Corporation(312) [email protected]

GlobeNewswire

LKQ Corporation Announces Pricing of €750,000,000 Senior Notes

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lkq-corporation-announces-pricing-750-204500435.html

15ae4958-17e6-39be-9087-baa89a21e9b3

LKQ

LKQ Corporation (NASDAQ:LKQ) stock is about to trade ex-dividend in 4 days. Typically, the ex-dividend date is one business day before the record date which is the date on which a company determines the shareholders eligible to receive a dividend. The ex-dividend date is of consequence because whenever a stock is bought or sold, the trade takes at least two business day to settle. This means that investors who purchase LKQ's shares on or after the 13th of March will not receive the dividend, which will be paid on the 28th of March.The company's next dividend payment will be US$0.30 per share, on the back of last year when the company paid a total of US$1.20 to shareholders. Calculating the last year's worth of payments shows that LKQ has a trailing yield of 2.3% on the current share price of US$51.48. Dividends are a major contributor to investment returns for long term holders, but only if the dividend continues to be paid. As a result, readers should always check whether LKQ has been able to grow its dividends, or if the dividend might be cut. View our latest analysis for LKQ If a company pays out more in dividends than it earned, then the dividend might become unsustainable - hardly an ideal situation. Fortunately LKQ's payout ratio is modest, at just 32% of profit. Yet cash flows are even more important than profits for assessing a dividend, so we need to see if the company generated enough cash to pay its distribution. Fortunately, it paid out only 30% of its free cash flow in the past year.It's positive to see that LKQ's dividend is covered by both profits and cash flow, since this is generally a sign that the dividend is sustainable, and a lower payout ratio usually suggests a greater margin of safety before the dividend gets cut.Click here to see the company's payout ratio, plus analyst estimates of its future dividends.historic-dividendHave Earnings And Dividends Been Growing?Companies with consistently growing earnings per share generally make the best dividend stocks, as they usually find it easier to grow dividends per share. If business enters a downturn and the dividend is cut, the company could see its value fall precipitously. Fortunately for readers, LKQ's earnings per share have been growing at 18% a year for the past five years. The company has managed to grow earnings at a rapid rate, while reinvesting most of the profits within the business. Fast-growing businesses that are reinvesting heavily are enticing from a dividend perspective, especially since they can often increase the payout ratio later.Story continuesThe main way most investors will assess a company's dividend prospects is by checking the historical rate of dividend growth. Since the start of our data, two years ago, LKQ has lifted its dividend by approximately 9.5% a year on average. It's encouraging to see the company lifting dividends while earnings are growing, suggesting at least some corporate interest in rewarding shareholders.The Bottom LineIs LKQ an attractive dividend stock, or better left on the shelf? We love that LKQ is growing earnings per share while simultaneously paying out a low percentage of both its earnings and cash flow. These characteristics suggest the company is reinvesting in growing its business, while the conservative payout ratio also implies a reduced risk of the dividend being cut in the future. There's a lot to like about LKQ, and we would prioritise taking a closer look at it.While it's tempting to invest in LKQ for the dividends alone, you should always be mindful of the risks involved. In terms of investment risks, we've identified 3 warning signs with LKQ and understanding them should be part of your investment process.If you're in the market for strong dividend payers, we recommend checking our selection of top dividend stocks.Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Simply Wall St.

Why You Might Be Interested In LKQ Corporation (NASDAQ:LKQ) For Its Upcoming Dividend

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-might-interested-lkq-corporation-100914149.html

9cbdd90a-1ff2-3ab9-ac98-4b89312f6496

LLY

Biotech stocks Madrigal and Altimmune diverged Monday as Wall Street debated the outcome of a weight-loss study in MASH patients.Continue reading

Investor's Business Daily

Weight-Loss Tizzy: Why Altimmune Surged 23% As Others Tumbled On A New Study

https://finance.yahoo.com/m/cb8325ad-91dd-3378-9f9d-1df94d301a46/weight-loss-tizzy-why.html

cb8325ad-91dd-3378-9f9d-1df94d301a46

LLY

Warren Buffett's Berkshire Hathaway is on the verge of reaching a $1 trillion market cap. These other stocks are next in line.Continue reading

Investor's Business Daily

This Warren Buffett Stock Is On The Cusp Of Joining The $1 Trillion Club

https://finance.yahoo.com/m/eb406f83-acfc-30d4-af51-910470f431f7/this-warren-buffett-stock-is.html

eb406f83-acfc-30d4-af51-910470f431f7

LLY

For Immediate ReleaseChicago, IL – March 11, 2024 – Zacks.com announces the list of stocks featured in the Analyst Blog. Every day the Zacks Equity Research analysts discuss the latest news and events impacting stocks and the financial markets. Stocks recently featured in the blog include: Nvidia Corporation NVDA, Constellation Energy Corp. CEG, Meta Platforms META, Advanced Micro Devices AMD and Eli Lilly and Co. LLY.Here are highlights from Friday’s Analyst Blog:S&P 500 at New Highs: 4 Best Stocks YTDThe S&P 500 soared to new all-time highs on reassuring comments regarding potential interest rate declines. SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust, the proxy version of the S&P 500 Index, has risen 8.3% so far this year.We have highlighted five stocks that have gained in double digits so far this year. These are Nvidia Corporation, Constellation Energy Corp., Meta Platforms, Advanced Micro Devices and Eli Lilly and Co..The Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell told a U.S. Senate committee that the central bank is "not far" from being confident that inflation is declining toward the 2% target, which would make rate cuts possible. The comment has bolstered investor expectations for the first rate cut in June.Powell noted that inflation had "eased substantially" since hitting a 40-year high in 2022 but that policymakers still needed "greater confidence" in its continued decline before cutting rates. He added that there are risks of keeping monetary policy tight for too long and damaging an ongoing economic expansion that has sustained a below 4% unemployment rate for two years.The latest bouts of weak data have also raised the bets that the Fed might lower interest rates as soon as June. The U.S. manufacturing sector recorded its 16th consecutive month of decline in February, while Michigan University's consumer confidence index dropped slightly last month. U.S. personal spending data also showed the weakest reading in three years. Traders now see a 72.7% chance of the first rate cut this year in June, per CME Group's FedWatch tool (read: Is US Manufacturing Space Improving? 4 Sector ETFs Look Decent).Story continuesFurther, the European Central Bank might also start cutting rates as soon as June on a softer outlook for inflation and economic growth.Let's take a closer look at the fundamentals of SPY.SPY in FocusSPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust holds 503 stocks in its basket, with each accounting for no more than 7% of the assets. This suggests a nice balance across each security and prevents heavy concentration. The fund is widely spread across sectors with information technology, financials, healthcare and consumer discretionary accounting for a double-digit allocation each.SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust has an AUM of $497.7 billion and charges 9 bps in fees per year. It trades in an average daily volume of 65 million shares and has a Zacks ETF Rank #3 (Hold) with a Medium-risk outlook (see: all the Large Cap Blend ETFs here).Below, we have highlighted the above-mentioned five best-performing stocks in the ETF.Best-Performing Stocks of SPYNvidia is the worldwide leader in visual computing technologies and the inventor of graphic processing unit or GPU. The stock has jumped 87% so far this year. It has an estimated growth of 79.2% for the fiscal year ending January 2025.Nvidia makes up 5.1% of the assets in SPY and has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present. It has a Growth Score of A. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.Constellation Energy generates and markets electricity. It sells natural gas, renewable energy and other energy-related products and services. The stock has jumped 53.6% so far this year. It makes up 0.13% of the assets in the SPY portfolio.Constellation Energy has an expected earnings growth rate of 42.7% for this year and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). It has a Momentum Score of A (read: Nasdaq ETF Logs Best Month Since 2015: 5 Top Stocks).Meta Platforms is the world's largest social media platform. The company's portfolio offering evolved from a single Facebook app to multiple apps like the photo and video sharing app Instagram and WhatsApp messaging app due to acquisitions. The stock has jumped 44.7% and has an estimated earnings growth of 34.1% for this year.Meta Platforms accounts for 2.6% of SPY's assets. It currently has a Zacks Rank #1 and a Growth Score of B.Advanced Micro Devices has strengthened its position in the semiconductor market. It has evolved from a pure-bred consumer-PC chip provider to an enterprise-focus company. The stock has rallied 43.4% so far this year and accounts for 0.79% of the SPY portfolio.Advanced Micro Devices has an estimated earnings growth rate of 30.6% for this year and has a Zacks Rank #3.Eli Lilly is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical companies and boasts a diversified product profile, including a solid lineup of new successful drugs. The stock has gained 33.8% and accounts for a 1.4% share in the SPY portfolio.Eli Lilly has an estimated earnings growth rate of 96.8% for this year and a Zacks Rank #3 at present.Want key ETF info delivered straight to your inbox? Zacks' free Fund Newsletter will brief you on top news and analysis, as well as top-performing ETFs, each week.Get it free >>Media ContactZacks Investment Research800-767-3771 ext. [email protected]                        https://www.zacks.comPast performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportAdvanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) : Free Stock Analysis ReportConstellation Energy Corporation (CEG) : Free Stock Analysis ReportEli Lilly and Company (LLY) : Free Stock Analysis ReportNVIDIA Corporation (NVDA) : Free Stock Analysis ReportMeta Platforms, Inc. (META) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

The Zacks Analyst Blog Highlights Nvidia, Constellation Energy, Meta Platforms, Advanced Micro Devices and Eli Lilly

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/zacks-analyst-blog-highlights-nvidia-141400465.html

6014cf98-9e37-3f20-935b-3f00586e8d29

LLY

Contenders are beginning to emerge from the lab, some with the potential to unseat Lilly’s Zepbound and Novo’s Wegovy.Continue reading

Barrons.com

Wegovy and Zepbound Are King. Who’s Coming for Their Crowns.

https://finance.yahoo.com/m/8f1d8477-bfa4-3db3-a25f-0279d5214cca/wegovy-and-zepbound-are-king-.html

8f1d8477-bfa4-3db3-a25f-0279d5214cca

LMT

Key InsightsInstitutions' substantial holdings in Lockheed Martin implies that they have significant influence over the company's share priceA total of 8 investors have a majority stake in the company with 51% ownershipUsing data from analyst forecasts alongside ownership research, one can better assess the future performance of a companyTo get a sense of who is truly in control of Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT), it is important to understand the ownership structure of the business. The group holding the most number of shares in the company, around 75% to be precise, is institutions. That is, the group stands to benefit the most if the stock rises (or lose the most if there is a downturn).Given the vast amount of money and research capacities at their disposal, institutional ownership tends to carry a lot of weight, especially with individual investors. Hence, having a considerable amount of institutional money invested in a company is often regarded as a desirable trait.Let's delve deeper into each type of owner of Lockheed Martin, beginning with the chart below. View our latest analysis for Lockheed Martin ownership-breakdownWhat Does The Institutional Ownership Tell Us About Lockheed Martin?Institutional investors commonly compare their own returns to the returns of a commonly followed index. So they generally do consider buying larger companies that are included in the relevant benchmark index.As you can see, institutional investors have a fair amount of stake in Lockheed Martin. This suggests some credibility amongst professional investors. But we can't rely on that fact alone since institutions make bad investments sometimes, just like everyone does. If multiple institutions change their view on a stock at the same time, you could see the share price drop fast. It's therefore worth looking at Lockheed Martin's earnings history below. Of course, the future is what really matters.earnings-and-revenue-growthSince institutional investors own more than half the issued stock, the board will likely have to pay attention to their preferences. Lockheed Martin is not owned by hedge funds. State Street Global Advisors, Inc. is currently the largest shareholder, with 15% of shares outstanding. Lockheed Martin Corporation, ESOP is the second largest shareholder owning 11% of common stock, and The Vanguard Group, Inc. holds about 9.1% of the company stock.Story continuesWe also observed that the top 8 shareholders account for more than half of the share register, with a few smaller shareholders to balance the interests of the larger ones to a certain extent.While studying institutional ownership for a company can add value to your research, it is also a good practice to research analyst recommendations to get a deeper understand of a stock's expected performance. Quite a few analysts cover the stock, so you could look into forecast growth quite easily.Insider Ownership Of Lockheed MartinThe definition of company insiders can be subjective and does vary between jurisdictions. Our data reflects individual insiders, capturing board members at the very least. Company management run the business, but the CEO will answer to the board, even if he or she is a member of it.I generally consider insider ownership to be a good thing. However, on some occasions it makes it more difficult for other shareholders to hold the board accountable for decisions.Our information suggests that Lockheed Martin Corporation insiders own under 1% of the company. It is a very large company, so it would be surprising to see insiders own a large proportion of the company. Though their holding amounts to less than 1%, we can see that board members collectively own US$49m worth of shares (at current prices). It is always good to see at least some insider ownership, but it might be worth checking if those insiders have been selling. General Public OwnershipThe general public, who are usually individual investors, hold a 14% stake in Lockheed Martin. While this group can't necessarily call the shots, it can certainly have a real influence on how the company is run.Next Steps:I find it very interesting to look at who exactly owns a company. But to truly gain insight, we need to consider other information, too. To that end, you should be aware of the 1 warning sign we've spotted with Lockheed Martin .If you would prefer discover what analysts are predicting in terms of future growth, do not miss this free report on analyst forecasts.NB: Figures in this article are calculated using data from the last twelve months, which refer to the 12-month period ending on the last date of the month the financial statement is dated. This may not be consistent with full year annual report figures.Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Simply Wall St.

Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) is a favorite amongst institutional investors who own 75%

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lockheed-martin-corporation-nyse-lmt-120027053.html

2d8af259-97bb-3ddb-9232-4a7879f5c1e2

LMT

In today's scorching hot stock market, investors may gloss over the favorable qualities of the defense industry.Defense companies aren't known for their growth. But they benefit from having a reliable buyer in the U.S. government, which provides predictable cash flows that support organic growth, dividend payments, and often, stock repurchases.Here's why RTX (NYSE: RTX), Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), and Honeywell International (NASDAQ: HON) stand out as three defense stocks worth a look.Image source: Getty Images.RTX's mix of revenue streams will attract investorsLee Samaha (RTX): The aerospace and defense industry had a difficult 2023. Defense businesses came under sustained margin pressure as ongoing supply chain issues negatively impacted operations. Meanwhile, the discovery of potential contamination in powder coating used to manufacture turbine discs in RTX's engines used in commercial aerospace (not least the Airbus A320 neo family) will ultimately result in multibillion-dollar hits to earnings and free cash flow (FCF) over the next few years as engines need to be removed and inspected.Still, there's a value case to be made for the stock. Its aerospace end market remains in growth mode. While the powder coating issue is a disappointment, there's only one other competitor engine on the Airbus A320 neo family, namely the LEAP engine of CFM International (a General Electric joint venture), but that already has a multiyear backlog in place.Meanwhile, at some point, the supply chain issues dogging the defense industry will abate, creating the possibility for margin headwinds to turn into tailwinds. In addition, there's no shortage of geopolitical tension right now and pressure on NATO countries to ramp up spending or at least replenish equipment used in conflict theaters.As such, RTX operates in two end markets that are likely to be in growth mode over the near to medium term. RTX and its dividend face challenges, but are worth a look given the two sectors in which the company operates.Story continuesLockheed Martin is a stalwart defense contractor that generates robust free cash flowScott Levine (Lockheed Martin): Lockheed Martin stock currently provides income investors with a 3% forward-yielding dividend. And with its strong backlog and prodigious free-cash-flow generation, Lockheed Martin seems well suited to continue rewarding shareholders with its generous dividend in the coming years.Although lower sales and higher costs related to the company's F-35 fighter jet adversely affected the top and bottom lines last quarter, Lockheed Martin recently celebrated an otherwise strong end to 2023. Driven by the strong performance of its space segment, Lockheed Martin recognized a 2.4% year-over-year increase in sales and a 21% year-over-year increase in net earnings. The growth carried over to the cash-flow statement as well, where Lockheed Martin reported 2023 free cash flow of $6.23 billion, representing a 1.6% increase over 2022.However, for those looking to fortify their portfolios with a leading defense stock like Lockheed Martin, confidence that the future remains bright is equally important. Thanks to the company's robust backlog, this certainly seems to be the case. Lockheed Martin reported a company record $160.6 billion in backlog at the end of 2023 -- an auspicious sign that the company will be able to grow the dividend.Over the past 10 years, Lockheed Martin has averaged a payout ratio of 54%. And that's not the only indication that the company can sustain the dividend.LMT Dividend Per Share (Annual) ChartThe company consistently generates strong free cash flow that it can use to fund the dividend.With geopolitical tensions showing little sign of abating anytime soon, Lockheed Martin's business will remain in high demand, making it a worthy addition to income investors' portfolios.Honeywell has finally found its footingDaniel Foelber (Honeywell): Honeywell isn't a pure-play defense stock in the same way that RTX and Lockheed Martin are. But that could work in investors' favor.Honeywell's largest segment is aerospace, but it makes up just 37.2% of sales. Honeywell's other business units are building technologies, performance materials and technologies, and safety and productivity solutions.Honeywell's greatest strength is that it operates a high-margin, diversified business where no single segment makes up too great of a share of sales or profit.Earlier this month, Honeywell reported overall solid 2023 results. But the real standout was its 2024 guidance for adjusted earnings per share of $9.80 to $10.10, which would be up 7% to 10%. Honeywell's 2024 guidance also calls for organic growth of 4% to 6%, which is in line with the company's long-term target for 4% to 7% organic growth.Free cash flow is forecast to be $5.6 billion to $6 billion in 2024 -- more than enough to fund the company's dividend with cash. For context, Honeywell spent $8.3 billion in 2023 on dividends, stock buybacks, capital expenditures, and mergers and acquisitions. But the dividend payment only cost Honeywell $2.72 billion -- meaning it is expecting this year's FCF to be more than double the dividend obligation.It's been a bumpy ride for Honeywell investors since the onset of the pandemic. As you can see in the following chart, Honeywell has slowly been building up its profits to return to the pre-pandemic high. Sales are down by quite a bit, but Honeywell has made up for that by improving its margins, which has made the business leaner and more efficient overall.HON Revenue (TTM) ChartDespite the good results, Honeywell remains in "prove it" mode. It needs to sustain at least mid-single-digit organic growth and high-single-digit or low-double-digit growth once factoring in strategic mergers and acquisitions and buybacks. It also needs to show meaningful results from monetizing the Industrial Internet of Things and artificial intelligence -- themes that Honeywell has been touting for years with unclear material impacts on the bottom line.The good news is the stock isn't expensive, sporting just a 23.5 price-to-earnings ratio. It also has a dividend yield of 2.2% as of this writing.Honeywell is a good choice for investors who want exposure to the defense industry but with the benefit of a diversified industrial conglomerate.Should you invest $1,000 in RTX right now?Before you buy stock in RTX, consider this:The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and RTX wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than tripled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*.See the 10 stocks*Stock Advisor returns as of February 20, 2024Daniel Foelber has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. Lee Samaha has positions in Honeywell International. Scott Levine has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Lockheed Martin and RTX. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.3 Dividend-Paying Defense Stocks Worth a Look was originally published by The Motley Fool

Motley Fool

3 Dividend-Paying Defense Stocks Worth a Look

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/3-dividend-paying-defense-stocks-174500224.html

31b7bbf6-f119-3576-8482-0ee08e45eac1

LMT

In this article, we will discuss the 20 most refugee-hosting countries in the world. If you want to skip our analysis, you can proceed to the section highlighting the 5 Most Refugee-Hosting Countries in the World.According to the United Nations, a refugee is defined as an individual who is unable to seek shelter in their country of origin and faces serious life threats based on factors such as race, religion, war, conflicts, disasters, affiliation with a particular social group, or political beliefs. According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), global trends report published in June 2023, 52% of all refugees came from wars and conflicts in Syria, Ukraine, and Afghanistan.Global Defense Spending Reached $2.2 Trillion in 2023Global defense expenditures rose substantially last year, reaching an all-time high of over $2.2 trillion, according to a February 2024 report by the International Institute for Strategic Studies. The sizable increase of nearly 9% was fueled by spending among NATO member states responding to Russia's invasion of Ukraine. In Ukraine, Russian equipment losses continue on a large scale. Analysts assess that its full-scale invasion has cost Russia more than 3,000 military battle tanks.The Russian Invasion of Ukraine: 2024 UpdatesThe Russian invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022, forced 5.7 million Ukrainians to flee for their lives and cross into neighboring countries in search of shelter. Ukraine faces significant challenges in competing militarily with Russia, primarily due to a low defense budget that constrains Ukraine's ability to match Russia’s might. On March 3, Reuters reported that Russia's military destroyed 47 Ukrainian drones in the southern region of Rostov oblast, which is a strategic center for Russian forces to conduct operations in Ukraine. Without substantial assistance from allies in the West, Ukraine struggles with military resources and capabilities. Western partners have become critical for Ukraine's armed forces. On March 8, Reuters reported that Ukraine expects to receive $17.51 billion from the European Union within the next two months, with $4.92 billion scheduled in March and $1.64 billion in April 2024. Story continuesFollowing a meeting with the foreign ministers of France, Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia in Vilnius, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba appealed to the country’s Western allies to supply arms of all kinds without restrictions. Kuleba also said,“If things continue as they currently happen, it’s not going to end well for all of us, What is required is an unrestricted and timely supply of all types of weapons and ammunition to ensure that Ukraine beats Russia and the war in Europe does not spill over.”On March 8, Reuters reported that French Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu said that France is planning to have some of its arms manufacturers collaborate with Ukrainian companies to produce military equipment on Ukrainian soil to help the country in its war against Russia.The Israel-Hamas ConflictThe conflict between Israel and Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups has been ongoing for several decades, however, escalation began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel from the Gaza Strip. Following the expulsion of Hamas militants from Israeli territory, the Israeli military initiated extensive aerial bombardments of the Gaza Strip, and a large-scale ground invasion commenced on October 27, 2023. As of February, UNFPA reports that over 2.2 million people in Gaza are internally displaced. The health system is significantly affected, and hunger is widespread among the population. On March 3, the Associated Press reported that the United States carried out emergency humanitarian airdrops in Gaza to alleviate the severe crisis. Thousands of meals were dropped by the U.S. military, aiming to provide essential supplies to residents. On March 9, The Guardian reported that Sweden and Canada decided to resume aid to UNRWA for Palestinians, with Sweden announcing an initial funding of $20 million.Demanding a ceasefire in Gaza, Houthi militants in Yemen attacked and seized various countries' merchant vessels in the Red Sea. In response, the United States on December 19,  2023, announced a coalition of 10 countries to combat Houthis and protect trade in the Red Sea. On January 12, Al Jazeera reported that the United States and the United Kingdom, aided by Australia, Bahrain, Canada, Denmark, the Netherlands, and New Zealand, have conducted multiple cruise missile strikes and airstrikes targeting over 30 locations in Yemen.An Analysis of Global Defense Spending in 2024The United States Department of Defense proposed a budget of $842 billion for 2024, up from $816 billion from the previous year. The UK also allocated an additional $6.34 billion to the defense budget 2024/25 in response to escalating global threats, including the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. According to Brown University’s Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs report, more than 50% of the annual Department of Defense budget is spent on defense companies. Payments to contractors increased from around $140 billion in 2001 to approximately $370 billion in 2019, which represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.68%.According to a report by Research and Markets, the global defense market has experienced rapid growth, rising from $575.33 billion in 2023 to $616.32 billion in 2024. It is anticipated to further expand to $772.49 billion in 2028, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8%. This growth is fueled by governmental backing, military modernization initiatives, the adoption of lightweight materials, and increased usage of drones and military helicopters.As ongoing conflicts in Ukraine, Yemen, and Israel intensify, the demand for services and products of major defense companies continues to rise. Defense companies including Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT), RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX), and The Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) are supplying a wide range of equipment, weaponry, and technology to countries across the globe.During the financial year 2023, Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) delivered a total of 124 aircraft and 69 helicopter programs. On March 1, contracts totaling over $1.09 billion were awarded by the U.S. Department of Defense to Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT) for missile systems, logistics support, and modifications. Given the uncertainty in Ukraine, European nations near Russia are purchasing F-35 jets from Lockheed Martin Corporation (NYSE:LMT), on January 29, Czechia signed a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) for the acquisition of 24 F-35 aircraft. Lockheed Martin delivered the initial four S-70 Black Hawks to Romania in November 2023 and plans to deliver eight more in the next four years. Additionally, in July 2023, Israel approved the purchase of another 25 F-35 jets worth $3 billion, as reported by Reuters, on July 2, 2023.RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX), previously known as Raytheon Technologies, is one of the world's largest defense companies. In January, RTX Corporation (NYSE:RTX) secured contracts valued at $345 million from the U.S. Air Force and contracts of $154 million from the U.S. Army. On February 12, the U.S. Army awarded another $75 million contract for 600 radar-guided Coyote 2C interceptors. Recent contracts from the Pentagon, funded by Ukraine security assistance funds, allocated $192 million for delivery of Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles from RTX.Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) is one of the world's leading aerospace and defense corporations in the world. On January 31, Reuters reported that the company has supplied advanced ground-launched, GPS-guided bombs to Ukraine as part of the latest U.S. arms package. These new weapons, including the Ground-Launched Small Diameter Bombs (GLSDB), aim to increase Ukraine's military capabilities with its 100-mile strike range. In February 2024, Boeing Company (NYSE:BA) secured significant contracts with the U.S. government, including a $405 million modification contract for the U.S. Air Force and a contract valued at $1.61 billion for providing guidance system support at Hill Air Force Base in Utah.The refugee crisis has continued to escalate in both 2023 and 2024, as conflict, violence, and fear of persecution forced millions of people out of their homes. Wars and geopolitical conflicts have had a major role in global displacements and refugee crises over the ages. With this context, let's take a look at the 20 most refugee-hosting countries in the world.20 Most Refugee-Hosting Countries in the WorldOur MethodologyTo make our list of the 20 most refugee-hosting countries in the world, we utilized the data provided by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in their Global Trends Report 2022. We cross-referenced this with data from the World Bank and statistics provided by the European Commission. We then compiled a list of the most refugee-hosting countries in the world. Here are the 20 most refugee-hosting countries in the world ranked in ascending order of their refugee population as of 2022, sourced from the World Bank.Note: We have excluded Russia, The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Syria, Gaza and Sudan from our ranking.20 Most Refugee-Hosting Countries in the World20. EgyptNumber of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 294,632Egypt has been a leading example for hosting refugees. Egypt is the main recipient of people fleeing the ongoing conflict in Sudan. The Sudan crisis has prompted an emergency response at Egypt’s southern border.19. ItalyNumber of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 296,181Italy provides accommodation within reception facilities for immigrants. Additionally, they offer access to various services, including social and psychological assistance, healthcare, legal support, and language courses. Most of the refugees originate from Afghanistan, Syria, and Ukraine.18. SpainNumber of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 317,751Spain has implemented several support programs for refugees. The government provides housing and accommodation facilities, refugees can stay in these facilities for up to 18 months. Refugees primarily come from Syria, Mali, and Venezuela. 17. United KingdomNumber of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 328,989The United Kingdom has a proud history of offering safety and sanctuary to those in need. The United Kingdom hosts refugees fleeing from war-torn regions such as Syria, Iraq, and Afghanistan. Refugees play a vital role in enriching local communities and contributing economically.16. United States Number of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 363,059The United States has welcomed vulnerable refugees, including those at risk due to violence, torture, or medical needs. Most of the refugees come from Afghanistan, Venezuela, and Syria. Refugees contribute positively to society, integrating into communities across all states.15. CzechiaNumber of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 435,212Czechia has seen an increase in the number of refugees seeking asylum, with many refugees coming from Ukraine. The government has received some criticism for its management of the refugee crisis however, it is now striving to offer support and opportunities for refugees.14. CameroonNumber of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 473,887Cameroon hosts around 473,887 refugees and asylum seekers. The refugees mostly come from the Central African Republic and Nigeria. Most refugees live in towns and villages along Cameroon's eastern border, with approximately 120,000 Nigerian refugees residing in the Far North Region of Cameroon.13. KenyaNumber of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 504,473Kenya hosts refugees primarily originating from Somalia, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, and Burundi. Refugees cannot leave the camps due to the encampment policy, and their access to services and aid relies on international assistance.12. ChadNumber of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 592,764Chad is also one of the least developed countries that hosts refugees. Chad accommodates refugees originating from conflicts in Sudan, the Central African Republic, and Cameroon. Additionally, more than 125,000 refugees and asylum seekers from the Central African Republic have sought refuge in Chad, fleeing various waves of violence since 2005.11. FranceNumber of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 612,934France provides legal protection and assistance to refugees through various support programs. These refugees often face challenges such as language barriers, cultural adjustment, and accessing education and employment opportunities. The French law entitles asylum seekers to accommodation in a state reception center. The main countries of origin are Afghanistan, Syria, Sri Lanka, Russia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.10. EthiopiaNumber of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 930,000Ethiopia hosts over 930,000 refugees and asylum seekers, with the majority coming from South Sudan, Somalia, and Eritrea as of July 2023. Refugees across Ethiopia are suffering from an extreme lack of food and require international assistance.9. BangladeshNumber of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 952,384Bangladesh hosts Rohingya refugees from Myanmar who reside in 33 extremely congested camps in Cox’s Bazar district and on Bhasan Char, an island located 60 km from the Bangladesh mainland. 8. PolandNumber of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 971,129Poland is the biggest country in central Europe, which borders Ukraine and Belarus. Following the invasion, over 900,000 Ukrainians sought refuge in Poland, while others were citizens of Russia and Belarus. 7. LebanonNumber of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 1,306,143Lebanon is the world’s largest refugee-hosting country by number of refugees per capita and per square kilometer. Refugee communities in the country have been especially affected by rising poverty caused by a severe economic crisis. Disruptions across supply chains have led to constrained access to essential services such as food, healthcare, education, and basic necessities.6. UgandaNumber of Refugees and Asylum Seekers: 1,463,523Uganda is the most refugee-hosting country in Africa. The majority of refugees originate from South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Somalia, and Burundi. These refugees predominantly reside in settlements spread across twelve districts, coexisting with host communities, which poses economic and environmental difficulties.Click to continue reading 5 Most Refugee-Hosting Countries in the World.Suggested Articles:20 Countries with Most Credit Card Debt in the WorldTop 25 Oil Exporting Countries in the World in 202425 Countries with the Strongest Armies in the WorldDisclosure: None. 20 Most Refugee-Hosting Countries in the World was originally published at Insider Monkey.

Insider Monkey

20 Most Refugee-Hosting Countries in the World

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/20-most-refugee-hosting-countries-190930024.html

33261f83-1a86-32cf-a49d-49c52b129ce6

LMT

The latest trading session saw Lockheed Martin (LMT) ending at $434.75, denoting a +0.43% adjustment from its last day's close. The stock outperformed the S&P 500, which registered a daily loss of 0.11%. Meanwhile, the Dow experienced a rise of 0.12%, and the technology-dominated Nasdaq saw a decrease of 0.41%.Prior to today's trading, shares of the aerospace and defense company had gained 1.5% over the past month. This has outpaced the Aerospace sector's gain of 1.43% and lagged the S&P 500's gain of 2.7% in that time.Investors will be eagerly watching for the performance of Lockheed Martin in its upcoming earnings disclosure. In that report, analysts expect Lockheed Martin to post earnings of $5.84 per share. This would mark a year-over-year decline of 9.18%. At the same time, our most recent consensus estimate is projecting a revenue of $15.93 billion, reflecting a 5.29% rise from the equivalent quarter last year.For the annual period, the Zacks Consensus Estimates anticipate earnings of $26.16 per share and a revenue of $69.22 billion, signifying shifts of -5.97% and +2.44%, respectively, from the last year.Furthermore, it would be beneficial for investors to monitor any recent shifts in analyst projections for Lockheed Martin. Such recent modifications usually signify the changing landscape of near-term business trends. Hence, positive alterations in estimates signify analyst optimism regarding the company's business and profitability.Empirical research indicates that these revisions in estimates have a direct correlation with impending stock price performance. We developed the Zacks Rank to capitalize on this phenomenon. Our system takes these estimate changes into account and delivers a clear, actionable rating model.The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Within the past 30 days, our consensus EPS projection has moved 0.31% lower. Currently, Lockheed Martin is carrying a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).Story continuesIn the context of valuation, Lockheed Martin is at present trading with a Forward P/E ratio of 16.55. Its industry sports an average Forward P/E of 17.93, so one might conclude that Lockheed Martin is trading at a discount comparatively.Investors should also note that LMT has a PEG ratio of 3.96 right now. The PEG ratio bears resemblance to the frequently used P/E ratio, but this parameter also includes the company's expected earnings growth trajectory. As of the close of trade yesterday, the Aerospace - Defense industry held an average PEG ratio of 1.9.The Aerospace - Defense industry is part of the Aerospace sector. This group has a Zacks Industry Rank of 89, putting it in the top 36% of all 250+ industries.The strength of our individual industry groups is measured by the Zacks Industry Rank, which is calculated based on the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within these groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.Keep in mind to rely on Zacks.com to watch all these stock-impacting metrics, and more, in the succeeding trading sessions.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportLockheed Martin Corporation (LMT) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

Lockheed Martin (LMT) Increases Despite Market Slip: Here's What You Need to Know

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lockheed-martin-lmt-increases-despite-215016234.html

463c78ee-a158-3d66-85d5-5a1ca633c397

LNT

Alliant Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:LNT) Q4 2023 Earnings Call Transcript February 16, 2024Alliant Energy Corporation isn't one of the 30 most popular stocks among hedge funds at the end of the third quarter (see the details here).Operator: Thank you for holding and welcome to Alliant Energy's Year-End 2023 Earnings Conference Call. [Operator Instructions] Today's conference is being recorded. I would now like to turn the call over to your host, Susan Gille, Investor Relations Manager at Alliant Energy. Please go ahead.Susan Gille: Good morning. I would like to thank all of you on the call and webcast for joining us today. We appreciate your participation. With me here today are John Larsen, Executive Chairman; Lisa Barton, President and CEO; and Robert Durian, Executive Vice President and CFO. Following prepared remarks by John, Lisa and Robert, we will have time to take questions from the investment community. We issued a news release last night announcing Alliant Energy's fourth quarter and year-end financial results. This release as well as an earnings presentation will be referenced during today's call and are available on the Investor page of our website at alliantenergy.com. Before we begin, I need to remind you that the remarks we make on this call and our answers to your questions include forward-looking statements.These forward-looking statements are subject to risks that could cause actual results to be materially different. Those risks include, among others, matters discussed in Alliant Energy's news release issued last night and in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We disclaim any obligation to update these forward-looking statements. In addition, this presentation contains references to non-GAAP financial measures. References to adjusted earnings exclude non-GAAP adjustments as well as net temperature impacts. The reconciliation between non-GAAP and GAAP measures are provided in the earnings release which is available on our website. At this point, I'll turn the call over to John.Story continuesJohn Larsen: Thank you, Susan. Hello, everyone and thank you for joining us. 2023 was another successful year. Our adjusted earnings of $2.88 which excludes temperature impacts and non-GAAP adjustments, continued to deliver on our 5% to 7% long-term growth expectations. We take exceptional pride in delivering on our purpose to serve customers and build stronger communities and consistently achieving our earnings growth objectives. As we look back at 2023, I'm proud we can say, once again, we achieved EPS growth of at least 5%, our 14th straight year of delivering on that objective. We increased our dividend with 2023 marking the 20th straight year of dividend increases. We successfully executed on one of the largest capital expenditure programs in our history.And as of the end of 2023, nearly 30% of our electric distribution system is underground, improving reliability and reducing operating expenses. I will now highlight a few of our many 2023 accomplishments and then turn it over to Lisa and Robert to provide details on our 2023 regulatory operating and financial results. Throughout 2023, our team demonstrated their dedication and resilience as we faced a dynamic economic environment and weather-related challenges, while also successfully advancing our customer-focused investments. We made notable progress on our generation investments. An example is the progress we made in Wisconsin on our utility scale solar projects. As of today, over 90% of our solar investments are complete and in operation and we expect to be 100% complete later this spring.These strategic investments enhance customer value by providing access to zero cost fuel resources and diversify our energy mix. Also supports our local economies through new jobs and tax revenues. In addition, our wind and solar investments generate renewable tax credits that provide even more benefits to our customers. In 2023, we executed agreements to transfer those credits, improving our cash flow and providing us greater flexibility in our financing plans. Our technology investments and undergrounding efforts place Alliant Energy among the top performers for electric reliability when compared to peer U.S. utilities. Through these investments, we are better positioned to provide our customers with the high level of reliability they expect.Reflecting on the past year and with my tenure as CEO concluding as of year-end 2023, I wish to express my profound pride in all our employees who consistently embody our purpose and values. Each and every day, our employees bring our purpose-driven strategy to life, serving our customers and helping to build stronger communities. I am proud to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of our engineers whose work to innovate and advance our industry will be celebrated next week during National Engineers Week. I'd like to thank our customer service team for consistently going above and beyond as they assist our customers and a sincere thank you to our dedicated crews and support staff for their unwavering commitment to excellence and for being the driving force behind our operating success.In closing, I'd like to extend one more congratulations to Lisa. Her thoughtful leadership, care for the customer and industry knowledge will guide Alliant Energy into the next phase of its journey. I look forward to collaborating with her and the team for continued success in 2024. Now, I'll hand the call over to Lisa.Lisa Barton: Thank you, John. I'm honored for the opportunity to build on your legacy of growth and exceptional service to the communities we are so privileged to serve. As I reflect on 2023, I am appreciative of our employees for their ongoing determination and commitment to serving our customers and strengthening our communities. I'll begin by building on John's comments about our notable progress on our generation transformation in Wisconsin, where we recently brought eight solar projects online, a huge milestone. We are currently leveraging the sun in Wisconsin to fuel nearly 900 megawatts for customers. This will increase to nearly 1.1 gigawatts this spring when our final Wisconsin solar project becomes operational. Coupled with our plans to bring 400 megawatts of solar online in Iowa this year, by year-end, nearly 1,500 of additional megawatts of the energy our customers use will be from clean, zero fuel cost energy resource.In addition to our utility scale solar investments, we continue to partner with local businesses and communities interested in hosting solar projects. our customer-hosted projects help local businesses achieve their clean energy goals while community solar projects provide all customers with affordable options to participate in the solar revolution. In Cedar Rapids, our Community solar garden is fully operational and will soon be generating bill credits for all solar block purchasers. Our Janesville Solar Garden in Wisconsin now has an anchor tenant JP Cullen and construction is set to begin this spring. We have additional customer hosted projects underway and expect they'll be operational before summer. We made great progress in our clean energy transformation in 2023.We retired the last coal unit at Lansing which had dutifully served our customers and communities for nearly 50 years. The retirement reduces O&M costs and advances us towards a cleaner, more efficient and cost-effective energy mix. At the same time, we continue to see the frequency and duration of outages in our service footprint steadily declined, a 20-year trend that we expect will continue as we continue focusing on improving reliability and system resilience to meet the expectations of the customers we serve. We began the process to repower the Franklin County Wind project in Iowa to increase the efficiency of our fleet. This investment will provide our customers with many more years of production tax credits. On the environmental front, we completed closure work at 29 surface impoundments across 10 sites, eliminating all Alliant Energy ash funds [ph] in Iowa and Wisconsin.A close-up of an electrical power line with a bright blue sky in the background, highlighting the company's selection of electricity and natural gas services.With these 2023 accomplishments, coupled with our planned investments in dispatchable gas generation, battery storage and wind repowering, we are well on our way of enabling a successful and responsible clean energy transition while assuring we are addressing our system resiliency needs. Looking forward, we continue to plan for the future by evolving and refining our clean energy blueprint, taking into account dynamic economic developments, evolving energy technologies and the emerging needs of the communities we serve. It is a necessary step as we look to balance our energy mix create greater grid reliability, ensure customer affordability and address MISO's resource adequacy needs. 2023 was a record year for us for economic development activities with more than 130 megawatts of announced new load across our footprint, primarily in the manufacturing sector.With a capital investment of approximately $3.8 billion, these projects are expected to create more than 4,000 new local jobs. Going forward, we will continue to pursue opportunities for new customer growth at our industrial parks as we strive to build and support stronger communities. Our strong customer and community focus were contributing factors in recently being named a top utility by Business Facilities Magazine for the fourth year in a row. Alliance Energy received a number of recognitions this past year, a few of them, including ones that focus on our employees' dedication to creating a welcoming and inclusive workplace are highlighted on Slide 5. Earlier this week, we announced the retirement of Terry Kouba, President of IPL. In early March, Terry will be celebrating his 43rd year with the company and has been a thoughtful, respected and customer-focused leader of our Iowa operations.We are grateful for his service and dedication to Alliant Energy, our customers, communities and employees. As we celebrate Terry's well-deserved retirement, we are advancing our succession plan by appointing May Farlinger to the position of President of IPL effective May 1. May have spent her career at Alliant Energy serving in several leadership roles. We are confident in her ability to lead our dedicated team of professionals in Iowa. As we move forward in 2024, I have every confidence we will continue to take the required actions to meet our customer needs and deliver on investor expectations. We are well positioned to quickly adapt to a dynamic environment as we execute our strategy for generating clean, reliable and affordable energy.At this time, I'll turn the call over to Robert.Robert Durian: Thanks, Lisa. Good morning, everyone. Yesterday, we announced 2023 adjusted earnings of $2.88 per share compared to adjusted earnings of $2.73 per share in 2022. This represents a 5.5% increase in earnings, consistent with our long-term earnings growth target of 5% to 7%. Adjusted earnings exclude the impacts of both nonrecurring adjustments and temperatures. As a reminder, we do not manage our business to offset the temporary positive or negative impacts of temperatures on sales. We manage the business to deliver long-term consistency and enable operational efficiency. Adjusted earnings year-over-year increase was primarily due to higher revenue requirements and AFUDC from capital investments, including the progress by our teams on our solar projects in Wisconsin and Iowa and lower operating and maintenance expenses at IPL and WPL resulting from our employees' focus on cost controls.These positive drivers were partially offset by higher financing and depreciation expenses associated with our customer-focused capital expenditure programs. The 2023 results we are sharing today are a result of our consistent efforts to manage through and mitigate ongoing inflationary pressures. We're extremely proud that our 2023 O&M expenses were approximately $30 million less than 2022, allowing us to help offset the negative impacts on earnings from rising financing and depreciation expenses. Year-over-year sales changes in 2023 were largely impacted by temperature changes. Net temperature impacts decreased Alliant Energy's earnings by approximately $0.06 per share in 2023. In comparison, net temperatures increased Alliant Energy earnings in 2022 by $0.07 per share.Temperature normalized electric sales to our retail customers were relatively flat in 2023 when compared to 2022. We experienced growth in a number of residential customers as well as higher sales from plant expansions in Wisconsin. However, these positive drivers were offset by lower electric sales to industrial customers in Iowa due to plant closures and maintenance outages. Turning to cash flows. 2023 cash flows from operations increased by almost $400 million when compared to 2022. This substantial increase was primarily due to the timing of WPL's fuel-related cost recoveries and monetization of approximately $100 million of tax credits in December. This increase resulted in a material increase in our key cash flow metrics in 2023. I'm also pleased to report that our investing cash flows in 2023, aligned with our projected capital expenditures set at the beginning of the year, due to the successful execution of our key construction projects.Turning to 2024, we are positioned for another year of consistent 5% to 7% growth in adjusted earnings per share. We are affirming our 2024 earnings guidance range of $2.99 to $3.13 per share. Our efforts to support customer value by making smart investments in our future and controlling operating costs, while receiving constructive regulatory outcomes support our ability to consistently deliver solid financial results. Our financing plans for 2024 include $1.7 billion of new debt, largely to finance our investments in renewable and battery projects and support refinancing $800 million in debt maturities this year. We also expect to raise approximately $25 million in new common equity under our DRIP plan and received approximately $120 million from the sales of partial interest in West Riverside.In addition, we expect to generate and transfer more than $200 million of renewable tax credits in 2024 to reduce financing needs. With the implementation of our new solar projects and the repowering of our older, vintage wind facilities, we anticipate the increased production tax credits and reduced fuel costs will help offset the impact of additional renewable rate base, rendering these new investments, cost-effective solutions for our customers. This will result in long-term benefits for our customers and long-term value for our shareowners. Our customers experience the benefits of a diverse generation portfolio in 2023 as the average retail electric rates declined for our Iowa customers due to lower fuel costs. And in Wisconsin, we ended the year in an over-collected position for fuel costs when compared to the 2023 monitoring level.As a result, we plan to refund $34 million back to our Wisconsin retail electric customers in the future. We are also continuing to be well positioned to capture additional benefits for our customers from the Inflation Reduction Act and other government programs. These additional benefits include applying for lower-cost federal funding and infrastructure grants, including a grant from the DOE for long-duration energy storage in Wisconsin. We are also maximizing tax benefits by meeting tax credit added requirements and continuing the monetization of tax credits which materially improves our cash flow and credit metrics as well as reduces our future financing needs. Finally, I will highlight our regulatory initiatives in progress as well as those regulatory filings we plan to initiate in 2024.We filed rate reviews in both states in 2023 and received a written order in December for the Wisconsin rate review with new rates effective January 1 of this year. And in Iowa, our electric and gas rate review is proceeding as expected with the decision anticipated in the third quarter of this year. The IUB recently finalized the procedural schedule is included on Slide 11. We have two additional pending proceedings in Wisconsin. First, we requested authority to increase the efficiency, capacity and reliability of our Neenah and Sheboygan Falls gas generating units. And second, we filed a joint application to sell an additional 125 megawatts of the West Riverside facility to WEC Energy and Madison Gas and Electric. We are anticipating decisions from the PSCW on both of these applications by the end of the second quarter.Turning to our planned regulatory filings in 2024. We expect to make regulatory filings in both Iowa and Wisconsin for additional renewables and dispatchable resources following our routine, continuous modeling updates of our Clean Energy Blueprint. We expect these projects will enhance reliability, further diversify our energy resources and meet customer energy needs. We very much appreciate the continued support of our company and look forward to meeting with many of you in the coming months. At this time, I'll turn the call back over to the operator to facilitate the question-and-answer session.See also 16 Best Beach Towns to Buy a House/Apartment in USA and Top 16 Aircraft Manufacturers In The World.To continue reading the Q&A session, please click here.

Insider Monkey

Alliant Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:LNT) Q4 2023 Earnings Call Transcript

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/alliant-energy-corporation-nasdaq-lnt-131838735.html

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Milestone support to combat food insecurity achieved and nearly half a million trees plantedMADISON, Wis., February 26, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nearly $11 million and more than 72,600 volunteer hours were collectively contributed in 2023 by Alliant Energy and the company’s charitable foundation, employees and retirees."Partnering with nonprofit organizations to solve problems and make life better in the communities we serve is natural for Alliant Energy," said Aimee Davis, Alliant Energy Foundation board chair. "Our support and community engagement directly reflects the spirit of our employees as we deliver on our company purpose – to serve customers and build stronger communities."Alliant Energy’s giving and volunteer efforts focused on four areas in 2023.Community Safety and Engagement: Over $795,000 in donations went to emergency services, playgrounds and disaster preparedness programs. Many first response organizations, including police and fire departments, received vital new or upgraded equipment through over $45,000 in safety grants across 44 communities.Environmental Stewardship: The pursuit to plant one million trees by the end of 2030 came close to the halfway point, with over 463,000 trees planted in Iowa and Wisconsin since July 2021.Workforce Readiness: To aid in the development of a solid workforce and attract future employees, the company worked to create accessible paths for students through a variety of scholarship opportunities. Over 100 students received scholarships with contributions totaling more than $136,500 to offset tuition and student loans.Hunger and Housing: Support to combat food insecurity in Iowa and Wisconsin reached a milestone amount of $515,000 at Drive Out Hunger, the largest amount on record in the 17-year history of the annual event. In total, the event has raised over $5.9 million for hunger relief and provided over 20 million meals."The Alliant Energy Foundation is proud to support programs that help improve the communities we serve each and every day," said Julie Bauer, executive director, Alliant Energy Foundation. "Beyond giving, employee volunteerism creates a direct impact on our neighbors and helps us carry out our mission to serve customers and build stronger communities."Story continuesAbout the Alliant Energy FoundationThe Alliant Energy Foundation is a philanthropic organization created by Alliant Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: LNT) and is operated as a separate entity led by its own board of directors. The Foundation is committed to making a positive difference in the communities where Alliant Energy employees, retirees and customers live and work. The Foundation, which is funded solely by Alliant Energy share owners, seeks to further the corporation’s goal of being a good corporate citizen and contributing member of society. Since 1998, the Foundation has contributed more than $73 million to innovative projects and local nonprofits. For more information, visit alliantenergy.com/foundation.View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240226462257/en/ContactsMedia contact: Melissa McCarville, [email protected], (319) 786-4040Investor Relations contact: Susan Trapp Gille, [email protected], (608) 458-3956

Business Wire

Communities Received Nearly $11M from Alliant Energy in 2023

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/communities-received-nearly-11m-alliant-150000293.html

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Christie Raymond (Photo: Business Wire)The Alliant Energy Board of Directors has appointed Christie Raymond as a new director, effective April 1, 2024MADISON, Wis., March 08, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Alliant Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: LNT) today announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Christie Raymond as a new independent director, effective April 1, 2024.Raymond, 54, brings over 30 years of expertise in marketing, data analytics, new and traditional media, operations, strategic planning, customer satisfaction and several other critical business areas of focus important to the energy industry. Currently, she holds the position of Chief Marketing Officer at Kohl’s."We are excited to welcome Christie to Alliant Energy’s Board of Directors," said John Larsen, Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board. "Her addition brings a wealth of expertise in customer insights, analytics and engagement. Ultimately, this extensive knowledge will significantly assist us in advancing the customer experience as we deliver on our Purpose-driven strategy.""I am honored and excited to join Alliant Energy’s Board of Directors and contribute to their mission of delivering energy solutions and exceptional service that customers and communities rely on – safely, efficiently, and responsibly," Raymond remarked. "Alliant Energy is an innovative company with a deep sense of purpose to serve customers and build stronger communities. I am confident that my extensive experience with organizations boasting exceptional consumer brands will bring value in navigating the ever-changing and dynamic energy industry to meet the evolving needs of today’s consumers.""Christie's expertise will be instrumental in our ongoing efforts to leverage data-driven decision making and optimize customer engagement," said Lisa Barton, Alliant Energy President and CEO. "We remain steadfast in our commitment to continuously enhance customer satisfaction and fulfill our purpose to build stronger communities."Story continuesRaymond previously served as Executive Vice President of Customer Insights, Analytics and Engagement at Kohl’s from 2020 to 2022. She has held various roles of increasing responsibility since joining Kohl’s in 2017. Prior to her tenure at Kohl’s, Raymond spent the majority of her career at the Walt Disney Parks and Resorts in a variety of roles including Business Strategy and Development, Marketing, Consumer Insights, Analytics and Personalization. Raymond graduated from Stanford University with a Bachelor of Science in Industrial Engineering.A complete list of company executives and their biographies is available online at alliantenergy.com/executives.Alliant Energy Corporation (NASDAQ: LNT) provides regulated energy service to approximately 1 million electric and 425,000 natural gas customers across Iowa and Wisconsin. Alliant Energy's mission is to deliver energy solutions and exceptional service customers and communities count on – safely, efficiently and responsibly. Interstate Power and Light Company (IPL) and Wisconsin Power and Light Company (WPL) are Alliant Energy's two public energy companies. Alliant Energy is a component of Bloomberg’s Gender-Equality Index and the S&P 500. For more information, visit alliantenergy.com and follow Alliant Energy on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram and X.View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240308942847/en/ContactsMedia contact: Steve Schooff, (608) 458-4040 | [email protected] Investors contact: Susan Trapp Gille (608) 458-3956 | [email protected]

Business Wire

Christie Raymond Appointed to Alliant Energy Board of Directors

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/christie-raymond-appointed-alliant-energy-220000031.html

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Key InsightsThe projected fair value for Alliant Energy is US$56.19 based on Dividend Discount ModelWith US$49.34 share price, Alliant Energy appears to be trading close to its estimated fair valueOur fair value estimate is 5.2% higher than Alliant Energy's analyst price target of US$53.42In this article we are going to estimate the intrinsic value of Alliant Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:LNT) by taking the expected future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. We will take advantage of the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model for this purpose. Don't get put off by the jargon, the math behind it is actually quite straightforward.Companies can be valued in a lot of ways, so we would point out that a DCF is not perfect for every situation. For those who are keen learners of equity analysis, the Simply Wall St analysis model here may be something of interest to you. Check out our latest analysis for Alliant Energy The CalculationWe have to calculate the value of Alliant Energy slightly differently to other stocks because it is a electric utilities company. Instead of using free cash flows, which are hard to estimate and often not reported by analysts in this industry, dividends per share (DPS) payments are used. This often underestimates the value of a stock, but it can still be good as a comparison to competitors. We use the Gordon Growth Model, which assumes dividend will grow into perpetuity at a rate that can be sustained. For a number of reasons a very conservative growth rate is used that cannot exceed that of a company's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). In this case we used the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield (2.3%). The expected dividend per share is then discounted to today's value at a cost of equity of 6.0%. Relative to the current share price of US$49.3, the company appears about fair value at a 12% discount to where the stock price trades currently. Valuations are imprecise instruments though, rather like a telescope - move a few degrees and end up in a different galaxy. Do keep this in mind.Story continuesValue Per Share = Expected Dividend Per Share / (Discount Rate - Perpetual Growth Rate)= US$2.1 / (6.0% – 2.3%)= US$56.2dcfImportant AssumptionsWe would point out that the most important inputs to a discounted cash flow are the discount rate and of course the actual cash flows. Part of investing is coming up with your own evaluation of a company's future performance, so try the calculation yourself and check your own assumptions. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at Alliant Energy as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.0%, which is based on a levered beta of 0.800. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business.SWOT Analysis for Alliant EnergyStrengthNo major strengths identified for LNT.WeaknessEarnings growth over the past year underperformed the Electric Utilities industry.Interest payments on debt are not well covered.Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Electric Utilities market.OpportunityAnnual earnings are forecast to grow for the next 3 years.Good value based on P/E ratio and estimated fair value.ThreatDebt is not well covered by operating cash flow.Paying a dividend but company has no free cash flows.Annual earnings are forecast to grow slower than the American market.Looking Ahead:Although the valuation of a company is important, it is only one of many factors that you need to assess for a company. The DCF model is not a perfect stock valuation tool. Instead the best use for a DCF model is to test certain assumptions and theories to see if they would lead to the company being undervalued or overvalued. If a company grows at a different rate, or if its cost of equity or risk free rate changes sharply, the output can look very different. For Alliant Energy, there are three essential aspects you should further research:Risks: Every company has them, and we've spotted 2 warning signs for Alliant Energy (of which 1 is concerning!) you should know about.Future Earnings: How does LNT's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart.Other High Quality Alternatives: Do you like a good all-rounder? Explore our interactive list of high quality stocks to get an idea of what else is out there you may be missing!PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the NASDAQGS every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here.Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Simply Wall St.

Calculating The Fair Value Of Alliant Energy Corporation (NASDAQ:LNT)

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/calculating-fair-value-alliant-energy-133441520.html

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Yahoo Finance Live previews the top stories and economic data investors should pay attention to for Tuesday, February 27, including earnings from companies like Lowe's (LOW) and J.M. Smucker (SJM), commentary from Federal Reserve Vice Chair for Supervision Michael Barr, and February's consumer confidence reading.For more expert insight and the latest market action, click here to watch this full episode of Yahoo Finance Live.Editor's note: This article was written by Luke Carberry Mogan.Video TranscriptJOSH LIPTON: Time now for what to watch Tuesday, February 27 starting off on the earnings front. Earnings season we know is winding down here, but still some big names reporting tomorrow. Lowe's, Macy's, AutoZone, eBay, JM Smucker, and Masimo all set to post earnings. Lowe's reporting fourth quarter results before the opening bell, and stock having a solid start to the year it's up about 4%.JULIE HYMAN: Taking a look at the Fed, we're going to get some more commentary from one Federal Reserve official. Vice chair for Supervision Michael Barr speaking tomorrow giving us more insight on if and when the Fed could cut rates. this coming after comments from New York Fed President John Williams on Friday saying that the Central Bank is on track to cut interest rates quote, "later this year."JOSH LIPTON: And moving over to the economy, the monthly consumer confidence report from the Conference Board is out tomorrow measuring consumer attitudes regarding their finances. That number expected to tick up again making it four straight months of gains and providing another economic indicator ahead of Thursday's big PCE report tomorrow.

Yahoo Finance Video

Lowe's earnings, Fedspeak, Consumer data: What to Watch

https://finance.yahoo.com/video/lowes-earnings-fedspeak-consumer-data-222303124.html

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The retail earnings scorecard will be completed in the next few weeks with 62% of the companies in the Zacks Retail-Wholesale Sector beating earnings estimates so far. Overall, operating conditions appear to be strengthening amid easing inflation. That said, reports from retail giants Lowe’s LOW and Target TGT are still to come with their results due on Tuesday, February 27, and Tuesday, March 5 respectively. With the retail earnings scorecard being favorable so far let’s see if now is a good time to buy Lowe's or Target stock.Zacks Investment ResearchImage Source: Zacks Investment ResearchLowe’s Q4 PreviewWall Street will be closely monitoring Lowe’s guidance tomorrow with fellow home improvement retailer Home Depot HD expecting a moderation in its growth despite exceeding its Q4 top and bottom line expectations last Tuesday. Lowe’s Q4 results are expected to reflect a slowdown on the horizon with earnings projected to drop -26% to $1.68 a share versus $2.28 per share in a very tough to-compete against prior-year quarter. Fourth quarter sales are expected at $18.34 billion compared to $22.45 billion last year. Still, Lowe’s has topped the Zacks EPS Consensus for 18 consecutive quarters dating back to August of 2019.Zacks Investment ResearchImage Source: Zacks Investment ResearchLowe’s valuation also stands out trading at 18.1X forward earnings which is a noticeable discount to Home Depot’s 24.1X and their Zacks Building Products-Retail Industry average of 21.4X. Notably, Lowe’s stock is up a respectable +13% over the last year although this has trailed Home Depot’s +25% and their Zacks Subindustry’s +24%.  Zacks Investment ResearchImage Source: Zacks Investment ResearchTarget Q4 PreviewWhile high post-pandemic demand may be winding down for home improvement retailers, Target’s rebound may just be underway. The omnichannel retailer has slowly but surely gotten issues with shrink under control along with previous inflationary pressures. Demand for Target’s higher-end consumer products is expected to return with many shoppers sticking or shifting to Walmart’s WMT more affordable pricing over the last few years.Story continuesTarget’s guidance will be closely watched as Walmart gave a modest outlook after joining Home Depot in topping its quarterly expectations last Tuesday as well. However, Target’s Q4 earnings are forecasted to jump 26% YoY to $2.38 per share with sales expected to rise over 1% to $31.88 billion. Furthemore, Target has topped earnings expectations in each of its last four quarterly reports posting an eye-catching average earnings surprise of 30.84%.Zacks Investment ResearchImage Source: Zacks Investment ResearchIn regards to valuation, Target's 16.5X forward earnings multiple is certainly intriguing. At the moment this is well below Walmart’s 25X and a 44% discount to its Zacks Retail-Discount Stores Industry average of 29.9X. This comes as Target’s stock is still down -10% over the last year but has risen +5% year to date.Zacks Investment ResearchImage Source: Zacks Investment ResearchBottom LineRelative to their retail peers, Lowe’s and Home Depot’s valuations are very attractive ahead of their quarterly reports. Target’s stock makes a stronger case for more upside and a sharper rebound landing a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) while Lowe’s lands a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportTarget Corporation (TGT) : Free Stock Analysis ReportLowe's Companies, Inc. (LOW) : Free Stock Analysis ReportWalmart Inc. (WMT) : Free Stock Analysis ReportThe Home Depot, Inc. (HD) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

Time to Buy Lowe's or Target Stock as They Round Out the Favorable Retail Earnings Season?

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/time-buy-lowes-target-stock-012900736.html

32845d3d-2362-3cb7-a93a-eb55c5336826

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In this article, we will discuss the 25 largest retailers in the U.S. and the world in 2024. This article will focus on recent industry trends and the major players in the retail industry. If you want to skip our analysis, you can proceed to the section highlighting the 5 Largest Retailers in the U.S. and the World in 2024.An Analysis of the Retail IndustryAccording to a report by Research and Markets, the global retail market was valued at $28.84 trillion in 2023, The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 8.1% and is forecasted to reach $42.75 trillion by the end of 2028. The demand for supermarkets, hypermarkets, discount stores, and out-of-town retail parks is also on the rise. In 2023, the Asia-Pacific was the largest and fastest-growing region in the retail market due to its continued population and economic growth. Meanwhile, North America was the second-largest region in the retail market. Its saturated market stabilizes the global retail industry. The leading demand segments within the retail industry include pharmaceuticals, luxury goods, electronics and household appliances, furniture, and toys.According to an article by Deloitte, there are several key trends shaping the retail industry in 2024. These include the shift towards demand-driven retail, which focuses on catering to diverse consumer groups, and a trend towards hybrid retail which blends digital and physical channels to enhance consumer experiences. Additionally, companies are optimizing operations through supply chain automation and are utilizing robotics and artificial intelligence to automate their operations. Moreover, companies are also leveraging blockchain technology to improve the transparency of their supply chain operations.However, the global retail industry is currently facing challenges due to ongoing geopolitical conflicts. The Red Sea, which serves as the gateway to the southern entry of the Suez Canal, is one of the world's vital and heavily trafficked maritime routes. According to statistics by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade of New Zealand, around 12% of international trade passes through the Suez Canal, accounting for 30% of global container traffic and exceeding $1 trillion in goods annually. The canal reduces the maritime distance between Asia and Europe almost by half. The recent Middle East conflict has disrupted access to vital waterways due to Houthi rebel attacks on ships in the Red Sea. According to a report by Kiel Trade, the Red Sea's container shipment volume dropped to about 200,000 containers per day in December 2023, down from 500,0000 containers per day in November 2023, marking a 66% decline from the expected volume based on 2017 to 2019 data.Story continuesKey Players in the Retail IndustrySome of the largest players in the retail industry include Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT), Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), and CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS).Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) is one of the largest retailers in the U.S. and the world, operating hypermarkets, discount department stores, and grocery stores. Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) has over 10,500 stores worldwide, and approximately 255 million customers visit these stores weekly. On February 20, 2024, Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) released its results for the fiscal year 2024. Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT) generated a revenue of $648.1 billion, up 6% from $611.2 billion. The group's net income increased by 44.1% and amounted to $16.27 billion, up from $11.29 billion. The group's international sales climbed by more than 10%. Here is what Walmart Inc.’s (NYSE:WMT) President and CEO, Doug McMillon, had to say about the group's performance in its Q4 2024 earnings call:“Our team delivered a great quarter, finishing off a strong year. We drove sales growth of 4.9% and adjusted operating profit growth of 10.9% in constant currency. Highlights include: higher transaction counts and unit volumes; gains in market share in the U.S. and internationally; improved in-stock levels with inventory being in great shape and down versus last year; strong performance in Walmart U.S. customer experience scores, even during the high volume days before Christmas. Plus, this year, we passed $100  billion in global e-commerce sales for the first time. We had a very good holiday season. We were strong in the US, Mexico, Canada, and India, where we had the best Big Billion Days ever, and we continued the strong performance in China with the start of Chinese New Year.”CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS) plays a vital role in the health and well-being of individuals and communities across the U.S. On January 25, 2024, CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS) reported its collaboration with The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center to form a new accountable care organization (ACO) named CVS ACO, LLC in central Ohio. By combining resources, CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS) aims to enhance the quality of Medicare to meet each patient’s unique needs and emphasizes preventive wellness and treatment of chronic conditions.Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) is known for its innovations in the retail sector. Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) offers competitive prices, free shipping on many items, and frequent discounts, all of which position it as a top retailer for affordable shopping. Amazon.com Inc.’s (NASDAQ:AMZN) Prime membership program builds loyalty by offering members one-day doorstep delivery and exclusive perks. On February 1, 2024, Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) reported that its net sales surged by 12% to reach $574.8 billion in the year 2023, up from $514 billion in 2022. The group swung to profit and generated a net income of $30.4 billion, up from a net loss of $2.7 billion. Moreover, international sales increased by 11% year-over-year and amounted to $131.2 billion. Commenting on the financial results, Andrew R. Jassy, Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN) President, CEO & Director, said:“Overall, we saw strong performance in the fourth quarter. Worldwide revenue was $170 billion, representing an increase of 13% year-over-year, excluding the impact of foreign exchange and approximately $3 billion above the top end of our guidance range. Saw our highest quarterly worldwide operating income ever, which was $13.2 billion for the quarter, an increase of $10.5 billion year-over-year and $2.2 billion above the high end of our guidance range. For the full year 2023, we had a meaningful improvement across our financial results. Revenue was $574.8 billion, an increase of 12% year-over-year, excluding the impact of foreign exchange. Operating income tripled year-over-year to $36.9 billion.”The retail industry is always evolving against consumer preferences, technological advancements, and market trends constantly shape the industry's trajectory. Today, as we delve into the largest retailers in the U.S. and the world, it's evident that innovation, strategic positioning, and customer-centric approaches define their success. With that said, here is the list of the 25 largest retailers in the U.S. and the world in 2024.25 Largest Retailers in the U.S. and the World in 2024A B2B food distributor making sure grocery shelves are fully stocked with food.Our MethodologyIn this article, we have listed the 25 largest retailers in the U.S. and the world in 2024 by revenue. To rank the largest companies, we first sifted through the Yahoo Finance and Finviz stock screeners to find the most prominent and largest retail companies. We then consulted the Fortune Global 500 list, which is an annual ranking of the world's largest corporations based on their fiscal year revenues. For companies that are publicly traded, we got their trailing twelve-month revenue from YCharts. Relevant data for some of the foreign publicly traded companies was not available at YCharts, therefore, we got their trailing twelve-month revenue from Yahoo Finance. For companies that are not publicly traded, we sourced their annual revenue for the most recent fiscal year from the Fortune Global 500 rankings or official company statements. We have listed the 25 largest retailers in the U.S. and the world by revenue below in ascending order of their trailing twelve-month revenue and annual revenue.25 Largest Retailers in the U.S. and the World in 202425. IKEA Annual Revenue 2023: $52.06 billionIKEA is a Dutch multinational company that designs and sells ready-to-assemble furniture, kitchen appliances, and home accessories. IKEA is one of the largest furniture retailers in the U.S. and the world. In the financial year 2023, IKEA's revenue amounted to $52.06 billion.24. The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX)Revenue: $52.32 billionThe TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX) is an American multinational discount department store corporation operating various retail chains selling apparel and home goods. The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX) has over 4,800 stores and ranks among the 25 largest retail companies in the U.S. and the world. The TJX Companies, Inc.’s (NYSE:TJX) revenue for the twelve months that ended October 31, 2023 was $52.32 billion.23. Aeon Co., Ltd. (OTC:AONNY)Revenue: $66.27 billionAeon Co., Ltd. (OTC:AONNY) is a Japanese multinational retail and financial services company. It is one of the world's largest retailers in the U.S. and the world, operating various retail formats, including supermarkets, convenience stores, and department stores. Aeon Co., Ltd.’s (OTC:AONNY) latest trailing-twelve-month revenue is $64.05 billion, as of March 8, according to Yahoo Finance.22. Edeka Group Annual Revenue 2022: $71.75 billionThe Edeka Group is a private German chain of supermarkets, hypermarkets, discount stores, and cash-and-carry stores. It is a major player in the retail industry. The Edeka Group runs over 4,000 stores and online grocery services. Edeka generated a revenue of $71.75 billion in the financial year 2022.21. Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE:ACI)Revenue: $79.16 billionAlbertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE:ACI) is a prominent American food and drug retailer, which has grown to become one of the largest supermarket chains in the U.S. operating over 2,200 stores under various names. In recent years, Albertsons Companies, Inc. (NYSE:ACI) has introduced initiatives such as online ordering and delivery services, as well as the implementation of digital coupons and loyalty programs. Albertsons Companies, Inc.'s (NYSE:ACI) trailing twelve-month revenue, as of November 30, 2023, is $79.16 billion.20. Seven & I Holdings Co., Ltd. (OTC:SVNDY)Revenue: $76.98 billionSeven & I Holdings Co., Ltd. (OTC:SVNDY) is a Japanese diversified retail group with operations in convenience stores, supermarkets, department stores, and other retail businesses, it is one of the fastest-growing retail companies in the U.S. and the world. Seven & I Holdings Co., Ltd.’s (OTC:SVNDY) revenue for the fiscal 2023 is $76.98 billion.19. Tesco PLC (OTC:TSCDY)Revenue: $79.84  billionTesco PLC (OTC:TSCDY) is a British multinational grocery and general merchandise retailer operating supermarkets, convenience stores, and online grocery delivery services. For the twelve months ending August 31, 2023, Tesco PLC (OTC:TSCDY) generated a revenue of $79.84 billion.18. Lowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW)Revenue: $86.37 billionLowe's Companies, Inc. (NYSE:LOW) is a leading American home improvement retailer specializing in a wide range of products for DIY enthusiasts and professional contractors. Lowe's Companies, Inc.’s (NYSE:LOW) revenue for the twelve months ending February 2, 2024 is $86.37 billion.17. Carrefour SA (EPA:CA)Revenue: $91.84 billionCarrefour SA (EPA:CA) is a French multinational retail corporation operating hypermarkets, supermarkets, and convenience stores. Carrefour SA (EPA:CA) has a significant international presence, with operations in various countries across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. Carrefour SA reported an annual revenue of $91.84 billion for the financial year 2023.16. Rewe Group Annual Revenue 2022: $91.86 billionRewe Group is a German privately owned company, its immense operations range from supermarket chains to travel agencies across Germany. Rewe Group generated a revenue of $91.86 billion in the financial year 2022.15. LVMH Moët Hennessy - Louis Vuitton, Société Européenne (OTC:LVMUY)Revenue: $93.22 billionLVMH Moët Hennessy - Louis Vuitton, Société Européenne (OTC:LVMUY) is a French multinational conglomerate. The company is headquartered in Paris, France, and it is one of the largest luxury goods retailers in the U.S. and the world. LVMH Moët Hennessy - Louis Vuitton, Société Européenne (OTC:LVMUY) owns a vast portfolio of luxury brands across various sectors including luxury leather goods, accessories, ready-to-wear clothing, and perfumes. The company has a trailing twelve-month revenue of $93.22 billion, as of June 30, 2023.14. Christian Dior SE (OTC:CHDRY)Revenue: $94.27  billionChristian Dior SE (OTC:CHDRY) is a renowned French luxury goods company, widely recognized for its high-end fashion, fragrance, makeup, and skincare products. The company is a global leader in ready-to-wear fashion, leather goods, and accessories. Christian Dior SE (OTC:CHDRY) owns prestigious luxury brands, including Christian Dior, Fendi, Givenchy, Kenzo, Loewe, and Celine. On January 25, Christian Dior SE (OTC:CHDRY) reported its 2023 revenue amounted to $94.27 billion.13. Koninklijke Ahold N.V. (AMS:AD)Revenue: $95.21 billionKoninklijke Ahold N.V. (AMS:AD) is a Dutch-Belgian multinational retail company operating supermarkets and e-commerce businesses. Koninklijke Ahold N.V. (AMS:AD) has a strong presence in Europe and the U.S. Koninklijke Ahold N.V.’s (AMS:AD) revenue for the twelve months ending September 30, 2023, is $95.21 billion12. Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT)Revenue: $107.41 billionTarget Corporation (NYSE:TGT) is an American retail corporation known for its wide range of products, including apparel, electronics, household essentials, groceries, and more. The company runs over 1,900 stores and is one of the largest retail companies in the U.S. Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) has a trailing twelve-month revenue of $107.41 billion, as of January 31, 2024.11. Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA)Revenue: $126.49 billionAlibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA) is a Chinese multinational technology company specializing in e-commerce, retail, internet, and technology. Alibaba Group Holding Limited (NYSE:BABA) operates various online marketplaces and platforms, connecting businesses and consumers worldwide. Alibaba Group Holding Limited’s (NYSE:BABA) trailing twelve-month revenue, as of December 31, 2023 is $126.49 billion.10. AldiAnnual Revenue 2022: $130.40 billionAldi is a German multinational retailer and one of the largest privately held retail companies. Aldi has a discount supermarket chain operating with over 13,000 stores in various countries worldwide. In 2022, Aldi is one of the fastest-growing retailers in the U.S. and the world. Aldi is known for offering a limited selection of products at low prices. Aldi generated a revenue of $130.40 billion in 2022.9. Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ:WBA)Revenue: $142.40 billionWalgreens Boots Alliance, Inc. (NASDAQ:WBA) is an American holding company that owns Walgreens, a chain of drugstores, as well as other healthcare-related businesses. Walgreens Boots Alliance, Inc.’s (NASDAQ:WBA) revenue for the twelve months ending November 30, 2023, is $142.40 billion.8. The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR)Revenue: $147.79 billionThe Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR) is a prominent American retail company, known for operating more than 2,800 grocery stores and supermarkets across the U.S. The Kroger Co.’s (NYSE:KR) revenue for the twelve months ending October 31, 2023, is $147.79 billion.7. JD.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:JD)Revenue: $148.73 billionJD.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:JD) also known as Jingdong is a leading Chinese e-commerce company, specializing in online retail, technology, and logistics services. JD.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:JD) has a trailing twelve-month revenue of $148.73 billion, as of September 30, 2023.6. The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD)Revenue: $153.71 billionThe Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) is an American home improvement retail company with over 2,300 retail stores worldwide. The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) offers various home improvement and construction products along with installation services. For the twelve months ending October 31, 2023, The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) generated a revenue of $153.71 billion. Click to continue reading 5 Largest Retailers in the U.S. and the World in 2024.Suggested Articles:20 Most Valuable Space Companies in the World20 Most Valuable Electric Car Companies in the World12 Best EV Stocks To Buy in 2024Disclosure: None. 25 Largest Retailers in the U.S. and the World in 2024 is originally published at Insider Monkey.

Insider Monkey

25 Largest Retailers in the U.S. and the World in 2024

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/25-largest-retailers-u-world-104441515.html

db3c379a-9bcb-37f6-9315-32dd50d8d4ea

LOW

Shares of home-improvement retail chain Lowe's (NYSE: LOW) are trading near 52-week highs as of this writing. And considering that the company's earnings per share (EPS) are also at all-time highs, it seems appropriate that its stock would be up like it is.However, it's fair to wonder if this will continue in 2024. On Feb. 27, Lowe's reported financial results for 2023 and gave its financial outlook for 2024. The company expects its sales to drop between 2% and 3% year over year in the coming year. And management expects full-year EPS of $12 to $12.30, which would represent a 7% to 9% drop.In light of Lowe's guidance for 2024, here's what investors need to know and how they should respond.The year ahead for Lowe'sFor home-improvement companies such as Lowe's, sales often correlate with home values. To measure changes in home values, investors can look at the Case-Shiller Home Price Index. You don't necessarily need to understand anything more than the basics here: Up means higher home prices; down means lower home prices.The chart below shows quarterly sales growth for Lowe's compared to the Case-Shiller index. Over the last 20 years, it's often been true that sharp upturns or downturns with the index correlate to sales growth or declines for Lowe's.Case-Shiller Composite 20 Home Price Index YoY ChartIt's not perfect. But there's a connection between Lowe's and the housing market.CEO Marvin Ellison started the earnings call for the fourth quarter of 2023 by saying, "[Do-it-yourself] customers continue to remain cautious with their home improvement spend."Ellison didn't leave room for doubt for why DIY customers are cautious: "Existing-home sales are at levels we've not seen in almost 30 years, and even as mortgage rates decline, two-thirds of homeowners remain locked in at rates below 4%, which may keep many on the sidelines. Due to these factors, we expect DIY demand to remain under pressure."Story continuesLooking at Lowe's competitors confirms a problem with the entire sector. Home Depot expects its same-store sales to drop by 1% in 2024. Flooring specialist Floor & Decor expects a more pronounced decline in same-store sales of 2% to almost 6%.Lowe's stock was up about 14% in 2023 (when reinvesting dividends), but this underperformed the S&P 500. With the company expecting its sales and profits to drop in 2024, I wouldn't be surprised to see it underperform again in the coming year. Shares could head sideways for a while.LOW Total Return Level ChartThinking bigger pictureMany financial advisors recommend budgeting between 1% and 2% of a home's value annually on repairs and maintenance. There might be years where not as much needs to be done and homeowners won't spend this much. But repairs and maintenance are part of homeownership. And renovations are frequent as well.This is the case for resilience and longevity for home-improvement spending. Lowe's might be looking at slumping sales in 2024. But the business isn't being disrupted or being left in the past. Lowe's and others will enjoy consumer demand for decades to come.When looking for a stock to buy and hold, the resilience of the home-improvement category is a good reason to not move on from Lowe's stock too hastily.Turning to the valuation for the stock, it trades at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of about 18. The chart below shows that this is a meaningful discount to its 10-year average valuation.LOW PE Ratio ChartDue to its 2024 forecast, Lowe's stock isn't my strongest candidate to beat the market in the coming year. That said, its cheaper valuation already reflects its lackluster guidance. And the cheaper valuation mitigates further downside risk.Given that the business should continue to enjoy long-term consumer demand, Lowe's stock isn't one to abandon today -- shareholders should feel good about continuing to hold for the long term.There will be periods when the housing market is sluggish. But it's an indispensable part of the economy, and Lowe's is a player that should profit from it for years, if not decades, to come.Should you invest $1,000 in Lowe's Companies right now?Before you buy stock in Lowe's Companies, consider this:The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Lowe's Companies wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than tripled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*.See the 10 stocks*Stock Advisor returns as of March 11, 2024Jon Quast has positions in Floor & Decor. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Home Depot. The Motley Fool recommends Lowe's Companies. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.Lowe's Management Predicts Sales and Profits Will Drop in 2024. What Should Investors Do Now? was originally published by The Motley Fool

Motley Fool

Lowe's Management Predicts Sales and Profits Will Drop in 2024. What Should Investors Do Now?

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lowes-management-predicts-sales-profits-145900532.html

0fecaed7-05fb-3690-93e2-c65af793e408

LRCX

Lam Research (LRCX) ended the recent trading session at $928.50, demonstrating a -1.68% swing from the preceding day's closing price. The stock's change was less than the S&P 500's daily gain of 0.04%. Meanwhile, the Dow experienced a rise of 0.16%, and the technology-dominated Nasdaq saw a decrease of 0.28%.Prior to today's trading, shares of the semiconductor equipment maker had gained 9.1% over the past month. This has outpaced the Computer and Technology sector's gain of 4.78% and the S&P 500's gain of 5.01% in that time.Market participants will be closely following the financial results of Lam Research in its upcoming release. On that day, Lam Research is projected to report earnings of $7.23 per share, which would represent year-over-year growth of 3.43%. Meanwhile, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenue is projecting net sales of $3.71 billion, down 4.22% from the year-ago period.LRCX's full-year Zacks Consensus Estimates are calling for earnings of $28.88 per share and revenue of $14.72 billion. These results would represent year-over-year changes of -15.48% and -15.54%, respectively.It's also important for investors to be aware of any recent modifications to analyst estimates for Lam Research. Recent revisions tend to reflect the latest near-term business trends. With this in mind, we can consider positive estimate revisions a sign of optimism about the company's business outlook.Empirical research indicates that these revisions in estimates have a direct correlation with impending stock price performance. To utilize this, we have created the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model that integrates these estimate changes and provides a functional rating system.The Zacks Rank system, spanning from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), boasts an impressive track record of outperformance, audited externally, with #1 ranked stocks yielding an average annual return of +25% since 1988. The Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 4.27% higher within the past month. At present, Lam Research boasts a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy).Story continuesInvestors should also note Lam Research's current valuation metrics, including its Forward P/E ratio of 32.69. For comparison, its industry has an average Forward P/E of 29.13, which means Lam Research is trading at a premium to the group.One should further note that LRCX currently holds a PEG ratio of 3.36. Comparable to the widely accepted P/E ratio, the PEG ratio also accounts for the company's projected earnings growth. By the end of yesterday's trading, the Semiconductor Equipment - Wafer Fabrication industry had an average PEG ratio of 2.82.The Semiconductor Equipment - Wafer Fabrication industry is part of the Computer and Technology sector. At present, this industry carries a Zacks Industry Rank of 19, placing it within the top 8% of over 250 industries.The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the vigor of our specific industry groups by computing the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks incorporated in the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.Be sure to use Zacks.com to monitor all these stock-influencing metrics, and more, throughout the forthcoming trading sessions.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportLam Research Corporation (LRCX) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

Lam Research (LRCX) Stock Sinks As Market Gains: What You Should Know

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lam-research-lrcx-stock-sinks-225007720.html

406443a9-98e6-355d-8045-efb0b8673cc8

LRCX

In this article, we discuss the 11 best semiconductor stocks to invest in. To skip the detailed analysis of the industry, go directly to the 5 Best Semiconductor Equipment Stocks to Invest In.It won’t be an exaggeration to say that the semiconductor industry is the backbone of advancements in the tech sector. Deloitte predicts the current year will be quite favorable for the semiconductor industry. The industry saw a 9.4% YoY sales decline in 2023 to $520 billion. In 2024, the industry sales are expected to reach a record $588 billion, up from the previous $574 billion in 2022.Despite the dip in sales, the semiconductor industry performed well in 2023 and is still gaining in the current year. VanEck Semiconductor ETF (SMH) was up nearly 100% in 2023, and iShares Semiconductor ETF (SOXX) gained close to 80%. At the time of writing on February 23, the former has gained 24.18% year-to-date (YTD), while the latter is up 15.22%.Between 2023 and 2032, the semiconductor market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of nearly 12.3% and reach $1.8 trillion by the end of the forecasted period. Don't Miss: 11 Best Semiconductor Stocks To Invest In for the AI BoomSemiconductor equipment stocks include companies that manufacture tools to make computer chips in clean rooms, testing devices for both production and research and fixtures to support the semiconductor fabrication facility. According to Grand View Research, the semiconductor equipment market is expected to reach $110.5 billion in 2024 from $103.1 billion in 2023.Supply chain issues have been haunting the semiconductor industry since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, some of the major players in the industry believe that it is on the way to its recovery. One of the big names in the semiconductor equipment space, ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:ASML)’s President & Chief Executive Officer, Peter Wennink, said the following at the company’s latest earnings call:Story continues“Industry end market inventory levels continue to improve, moving towards more healthy levels. Lithography 2 utilization levels are still running lower than normal but are now improving in both logic and memory. We expect utilization levels to continue to improve over the course of this year.And lastly, as mentioned by Roger, we saw very strong order intake in the fourth quarter in support of future demand. To be able to follow the curve of the industry recovery, we are looking at the combined demand for 2024 and 2025. As mentioned last quarter, we fueled 2024 as a transition year in preparation with the expected strong demand in 2025. We, therefore, continue to make investment this year, both in capacity ramp and in technology to be ready for the upturn in the cycle.”However, Peter Wennink also warned that market uncertainty persists because of several global macroeconomic concerns. Keeping that in mind, apart from ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:ASML), some of the best semiconductor equipment stocks include Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT) and Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX).11 Best Semiconductor Equipment Stocks to Invest InA robotic arm holding a semiconductor chip, emphasizing the precision and quality of the company's production equipment.Our MethodologyFor this article, we identified semiconductor equipment stocks with a market capitalization of $3 billion and above trading on the NYSE and NASDAQ. For that purpose, we used the Yahoo Finance stocks screener. Next, we chose the 11 best semiconductor equipment stocks based on their hedge fund sentiment. The stocks are listed in ascending order of the number of their hedge fund investors as of the fourth quarter of 2023. The hedge fund data was taken from Insider Monkey’s database of 933 elite hedge funds. Hedge funds’ top 10 consensus stock picks outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). That’s why we pay very close attention to this often-ignored indicator.Best Semiconductor Equipment Stocks to Invest in11. Nova Ltd. (NASDAQ:NVMI)Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 21Nova Ltd. (NASDAQ:NVMI) is an Israeli company that develops and sells dimensional and materials metrology solutions.According to Insider Monkey’s database that tracks 933 elite hedge funds, hedge fund sentiment was positive toward Nova Ltd. (NASDAQ:NVMI) as 21 hedge funds had investments in the stock in Q4 at a combined stake value of $470.168 million, up from 18 at a combined stake value of $254.166 million in the previous quarter. Phill Gross And Robert Atchinson’s Adage Capital Management owned 1.19 million shares worth $164.013 million and was the most significant investor in the company.On February 16, Benchmark raised the price target on Nova Ltd. (NASDAQ:NVMI)’s stock to $187 from $150 and kept a Buy rating on the shares after the company announced strong financial Q4 results.Nova Ltd. (NASDAQ:NVMI) is one of the best semiconductor equipment stocks to invest in, along with Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT), Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX), and ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:ASML).10. Onto Innovation Inc. (NYSE:ONTO)Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 23Onto Innovation Inc. (NYSE:ONTO) was established in 2019 after Rudolph Technologies, Inc. and Nanometrics Incorporated merged. The company develops, manufactures, and distributes process control solutions and inspection systems for the semiconductor industry.On February 8, Onto Innovation Inc. (NYSE:ONTO) posted its Q4 non-GAAP EPS of $1.06, surpassing the analysts’ estimates by $0.05. The revenue of $219 million topped the estimates by $8.12 million.Onto Innovation Inc. (NYSE:ONTO) was mentioned in TimesSquare Capital Management’s second-quarter investor letter. Here is what it said:“Serving to partially counter that weakness, Onto Innovation Inc. (NYSE:ONTO) offers process controls used to perform macro defect inspections for semiconductor manufacturing. Strong results were coupled with higher forward guidance. Management noted the benefit from research & development spending on increased chip complexity. Onto rose 32% and we trimmed the position on this strength.”9. IPG Photonics Corporation (NASDAQ:IPGP)Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 25IPG Photonics Corporation (NASDAQ:IPGP) is a Massachusetts-based company that is engaged in the development and manufacturing of fiber lasers, fiber amplifiers, and diode lasers.On January 25, Seaport Research initiated coverage of IPG Photonics Corporation (NASDAQ:IPGP)’s stock with a Buy rating and a $125 price target.In the fourth quarter, 25 hedge funds held a stake in IPG Photonics Corporation (NASDAQ:IPGP)’s stock, up from 23 in the previous quarter. With over 4.257 million shares worth $462.124 million, Jean-Marie Eveillard’s First Eagle Investment Management was the top investor in the company.IPG Photonics Corporation (NASDAQ:IPGP) takes the ninth spot on our list of the best semiconductor equipment stocks to invest in.8. Amkor Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMKR)Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 26Amkor Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMKR) is an Arizona-based company that is engaged in providing turnkey packaging and test services to its clients. In the fourth quarter, Amkor Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMKR) announced a GAAP EPS of $0.48, surpassing the estimates by $0.07. The revenue of $1.75 billion topped the estimates by $30 million.On February 20, Amkor Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMKR) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.07875, payable by April 1 to the shareholders of record on March 12. At the time of writing on February 23, the stock’s dividend yield was 1.02%.On February 6, DA Davidson raised the price target on Amkor Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMKR)’s stock to $35 from $30 and maintained a Buy rating on the shares. The analyst made a note of the better-than-expected Q4 results.7. Axcelis Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACLS)Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 28Axcelis Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACLS) manufactures equipment for the semiconductor industry, including ion implantation products. The company takes the seventh spot on our list of best semiconductor equipment stocks to invest in.According to TipRanks, over the last three months, 6 Wall Street analysts covered Axcelis Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACLS), and 3 kept a Buy rating on the shares. At the time of writing on February 23, the average price target of $152.50 represented an upside of 36.71%.On February 7, Axcelis Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACLS) announced its Q4 earnings result with a GAAP EPS of $2.15, which beat the estimates by $0.11. The revenue jumped 16.6% YoY to $310.29 million, topping the estimates by $11.66 million.According to Insider Monkey’s database, 28 hedge funds held a stake in Axcelis Technologies, Inc. (NASDAQ:ACLS)’s stock in the fourth quarter. In the quarter, Israel Englander’s Millennium Management massively upped its stake in the stock by 299% to 509,824 company shares worth $66.119 million, representing 0.02% of the investment portfolio.6. Teradyne, Inc. (NASDAQ:TER)Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 33Teradyne, Inc. (NASDAQ:TER) serves the semiconductor industry by developing, manufacturing, and selling automation equipment.On January 22, Teradyne, Inc. (NASDAQ:TER) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.12, payable by March 15 to the shareholders of record on February 16. At the time of writing on February 23, the stock’s dividend yield was 0.48%.According to Insider Monkey’s database that tracks 933 elite hedge funds, 33 hedge funds held a stake in Teradyne, Inc. (NASDAQ:TER)’’s stock in the fourth quarter. The top investor in the company was Catherine D. Wood’s ARK Investment Management, which increased its stake by 6% to 1.5 million shares worth $162.829 million.On February 6, Citi analyst Atif Malik raised the price target on Teradyne, Inc. (NASDAQ:TER)’s stock to $112 from $98 and kept a Buy rating on the shares.Applied Materials, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMAT), Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX), and ASML Holding N.V. (NASDAQ:ASML) are some of the best semiconductor equipment stocks to invest in besides Teradyne, Inc. (NASDAQ:TER). Click to continue reading and see the 5 Best Semiconductor Equipment Stocks to Invest In. Suggested articles:20 Richest People in Africa in 2024Top 10 Uranium Producing Companies In The World12 Best Rising Penny Stocks To BuyDisclosure. None. 11 Best Semiconductor Equipment Stocks to Invest In is originally published on Insider Monkey.

Insider Monkey

11 Best Semiconductor Equipment Stocks to Invest In

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/11-best-semiconductor-equipment-stocks-095555351.html

a71ff60a-b962-383f-90f0-ac68b221e40c

LRCX

A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Advanced Energy Industries (AEIS). Shares have added about 1.9% in that time frame, underperforming the S&P 500.Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Advanced Energy due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important drivers.Advanced Energy Q4 Earnings Beat, Revenues Fall Y/YAdvanced Energy Industries reported mixed fourth-quarter 2023 non-GAAP earnings of $1.24 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 7.83%. However, the bottom-line figure declined 27.1% on a year-over-year basis.Revenues of $405 million lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.59% and declined 17.4% year over year primarily due to the weakness across the Industrial & Medical and Data Center Computing end-markets.Despite this decline, the backlog was $407 million at the end of the reported quarter.The company’s expansion is noteworthy. In 2023, AEIS launched 20 new products across its markets.End Market in DetailSemiconductor Equipment: Revenues (47.2% of the total revenues) generated from the market fell 17.7% year over year to $191 million. The figure topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 6.52%.Sequentially, revenues increased 3%. AEIS witnessed a strong performance in high-voltage products, highlighted by the successful launch of eVerest and eVoS for etch and deposition applications.During the fourth quarter, the shipment of eVerest and eVoS experienced a notable surge, reaching a total of 80 units. Additionally, a more advanced and higher-flow version of theMAXstream remote plasma source product was successfully delivered.Industrial & Medical: Revenues (26.8% of the total revenues) from the market fell 9% year over year to $109 million and lagged the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 10.04%.Soft market conditions hurt top-line growth.Sequentially, revenues declined 6%. Nevertheless, Advanced Energy managed to secure noteworthy design wins in the reported quarter, particularly in robotics, test and measurement, mill arrow and indoor farming applications.AEIS also responded to the market demands by introducing the NeoPower family of configurable power supplies to address the demand for higher power in a more compact form, boasting best-in-class power density for industrial and medical customers.Data Center Computing: Revenues (15.5% of the total revenues) from the market were $63 million, down 33.5% year over year. The figure missed the consensus mark by 14.17%.Sequentially, revenues declined 8%. However, the softness in the enterprise market was partially offset by the increased volume of the hyperscale product.Telecom & Networking: Revenues (10.5% of the total revenues) generated from the market were $42.44 million, down 4.5% year over year. The figure beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 38.98%.Sequentially, revenues increased 2%. Robust year-end telecom shipments drove top-line growth.Story continuesOperating ResultsIn the fourth quarter, the non-GAAP gross margin was 35.7%, down 90 basis points (bps) on a year-over-year basis.Sequentially, the gross margin contracted by 40 bps primarily due to a less favorable revenue mix.Non-GAAP operating expenses were $95 million, down 6% year over year. As a percentage of revenues, the figure increased 280 bps year over year to 23.4% in the reported quarter.The non-GAAP operating margin was 12.3%, contracting 370 bps on a year-over-year basis.Balance Sheet & Cash FlowAs of Dec 31, 2023, cash and cash equivalents were $1.05 billion compared with $985.9 million as of Sep 30, 2023.Debt principal payments of $5 million were made in the reported quarter.In 2023, Advanced Energy completed a private offering of $575 million aggregate principal amount of 2.50% Convertible Senior Notes due 2028.In the fourth quarter of 2023, cash flow from operations was $85 million, higher than $72.7 million in the third quarter of 2023.Advanced Energy made dividend payments of $3.8 million in the reported quarter.In 2023, AEIS spent $40 million of common stock and made a dividend payment of $15.2 million.GuidanceFor first-quarter 2024, Advanced Energy expects non-GAAP earnings of 70 cents per share (+/- 20 cents).Advanced Energy anticipates revenues of $350 million (+/- $15 million).How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?In the past month, investors have witnessed a downward trend in fresh estimates.The consensus estimate has shifted -47.22% due to these changes.VGM ScoresAt this time, Advanced Energy has a nice Growth Score of B, though it is lagging a bit on the Momentum Score front with a C. However, the stock was allocated a grade of F on the value side, putting it in the fifth quintile for this investment strategy.Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of D. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. It's no surprise Advanced Energy has a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). We expect a below average return from the stock in the next few months.Performance of an Industry PlayerAdvanced Energy belongs to the Zacks Semiconductor Equipment - Wafer Fabrication industry. Another stock from the same industry, Lam Research (LRCX), has gained 15.7% over the past month. More than a month has passed since the company reported results for the quarter ended December 2023.Lam Research reported revenues of $3.76 billion in the last reported quarter, representing a year-over-year change of -28.8%. EPS of $7.52 for the same period compares with $10.71 a year ago.Lam Research is expected to post earnings of $7.23 per share for the current quarter, representing a year-over-year change of +3.4%. Over the last 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate has changed -0.5%.The overall direction and magnitude of estimate revisions translate into a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) for Lam Research. Also, the stock has a VGM Score of D.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportAdvanced Energy Industries, Inc. (AEIS) : Free Stock Analysis ReportLam Research Corporation (LRCX) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

Advanced Energy (AEIS) Up 1.9% Since Last Earnings Report: Can It Continue?

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/advanced-energy-aeis-1-9-163108596.html

bd1283b1-7ca1-3b23-9b7a-99abfdc06ece

LRCX

In this piece, we will take a look at the ten best performing growth stocks in January 2024. If you want to skip our overview of growth stocks and the stock market climate, then you can take a look at 5 Best Performing Growth Stocks in January and February 2024. When it comes to investing in stocks, the choice of the shares can depend on investment objectives and risk appetite. While people invest for a variety of reasons, the two main ones are a need to protect their capital against inflation and the desire to watch it grow in value. Depending on either of these, one can pile money either into growth stocks or in value stocks.As the title suggests, growth stocks belong to those companies that are expected to grow their revenue and profitability in the future. This translated into hefty share prices, and one key way in which investors determine whether a stock is a growth stock is its price to earnings ratio. This ratio divides the current share price with the earnings per share to see the premium that the market is paying over a stock's ability to earn money through EPS.Naturally, since their share prices are based on investor expectations instead of current financial performance, growth stocks are also riskier than value stocks. There are a couple of reasons behind this risk. The first is a sentiment driven share price driven by valuation models to an extent. While models such as discounted cash flows (DCF) provide a nice way to value a firm's future cash flows today, they still carry the risk of reality not matching the model and the shares adjusting to reflect this.Additionally, growth isn't cheap and while we'll get to this later, since growth stocks rely on investor optimism about the future, they carry the risk of losing their value in case the economic clouds darken. A robust economy helped by consistent growth is a key determinant of growth stock performance, and this has also been the case throughout 2022 and 2023. The two years have proven to be among the most tumultuous in recent stock market history, and they've seen growth stocks tumble and then surge as a reflection of investor expectations for the economy.Story continuesFinally, one last important factor to keep in mind when looking at growth stocks is interest rates. These set the tone for the business climate, and for growth stocks, it means that they find it easier to finance their expansion if the rates are low. If you've been regularly following Insider Monkey or the financial media in general, you'd know that interest rates remain the hottest topic on Wall Street.On this front, the tail end of February 2024 provided investors with a crucial data set to determine the future path of interest rates. Right now rates are quite high as the Federal Reserve is determined to stamp out inflation. Even as inflation remains above the Fed's benchmark, the fact that it has dropped noticeably over the past year or so has provided investors, and particularly those who like growth stocks, with hope that the first cuts will start soon.Therefore, with inflation tied to interest rates, the personal consumption expenditure (PCE) price index data for January 2024 added to rate cut hopes. The data set from the Commerce Department revealed that during the month the PCE jumped by 0.3% and over the year, it stood at 2.4%. Both of these figures met market estimates, and consequently, the S&P 500 jumped by 26 basis points, while the tech heavy NASDAQ Composite (which includes some of the biggest growth stocks in the world) added 0.46% to its previous close.However, while the dark economic clouds take their sweet time to dissipate, a recent growth stock earnings report shows just how brutal smart money can be if its expectations are not met. This earnings report was for the Bozeman, Montana based cloud computing services provider Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:SNOW) and it saw the firm forecast its revenue for the current quarter to sit between $745 million and $750 million. This fell shy of the average analyst estimates of $765 million (according to Refinitiv), and the miss came as Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:SNOW)'s management explained that economic uncertainty could drive its customers to reduce their spending. At the same time, the firm made a shocking announcement that revealed that its CEO Frank Slootman, who had joined in 2019 and led the firm to its current dominant role in the market, was retiring. Since such surprising announcements are rare for high growth stocks, investors reacted, and so far, Snowflake Inc. (NYSE:SNOW)'s shares have bled 19% since its earnings report for the fourth quarter of 2023.With these details in mind, let's take a look at some top performing growth stocks in January and February. A couple of notable names are Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META), NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA), and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD).10 Best Performing Growth Stocks in January & February 2024A bond portfolio manager in front of an illuminated stock market index graphic.Our Methodology For our list of the best performing growth stocks, we ranked the 62 largest holdings of the iShares S&P 500 Growth ETF by their share price percentage gains during January and February 2024 and picked out the top stocks.For these top growth stock performers, we used we used hedge fund sentiment. Hedge funds’ top 10 consensus stock picks outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). That’s why we pay very close attention to this often-ignored indicator.10 Best Performing Growth Stocks in January & February 202410. KLA Corporation (NASDAQ:KLAC)Number of Q4 2023 Hedge Fund Shareholders: 55 Share Price Performance: 21.25%KLA Corporation (NASDAQ:KLAC) is an American semiconductor company headquartered in Milpitas, California. A sizeable entity with more than ten thousand employees, the firm provides equipment and products that help chip manufacturers manage product quality. The firm has been doing well on the financial front as of late since it has beaten analyst EPS estimates in all four of its latest quarters.By the end of Q4 2023, 55 out of the 933 hedge funds covered by Insider Monkey's database had bought and owned KLA Corporation (NASDAQ:KLAC)'s shares. Panayotis Takis Sparaggis's Alkeon Capital Management was the firm's biggest hedge fund investor as it held a $431 million stake.KLA Corporation (NASDAQ:KLAC) joins NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA), Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META), and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD) in our list of top performing growth stocks in January and February 2024.9. General Electric Company (NYSE:GE)Number of Q4 2023 Hedge Fund Shareholders: 92 Share Price Performance: 23.88%General Electric Company (NYSE:GE) is the well known American industrial equipment company headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts. The firm made a big announcement in February 2024, when following a slate of ransomware attacks on healthcare firms, it introduced a new grid system designed to withstand cyber attacks.As of December 2023 end, 92 out of the 933 hedge funds profiled by Insider Monkey were the firm's shareholders. General Electric Company (NYSE:GE)'s largest stakeholder in our database is Chris Hohn's TCI Fund Management due to its $5.3 billion investment.8. Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX)Number of Q4 2023 Hedge Fund Shareholders: 67 Share Price Performance: 24.31%Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX) is another semiconductor firm. It sells equipment to enable companies such as Intel to manufacture their chips. A key stock in the era of AI, the firm has beaten analyst EPS estimates in all four of its latest quarters, and the average share price target of $887 prices in a hefty upside.By the end of last year's fourth quarter, 67 out of the 933 hedge funds part of Insider Monkey's database had bought a stake in Lam Research Corporation (NASDAQ:LRCX). Ken Fisher's Fisher Asset Management was the firm's biggest investor through its $2.3 billion stake.7. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY)Number of Q4 2023 Hedge Fund Shareholders: 102 Share Price Performance: 26.82%Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY) is the American healthcare and pharmaceutical giant headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana. The fact that its stock is up by 26.82% is unsurprising considering that its weight loss drug Mounjaro is a stunning success. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY)'s CEO further stoked the fire in February 2024 when he revealed that the firm plans to introduce its weight loss drugs to India.Insider Monkey dug through 933 hedge fund holdings for 2023's December quarter and found that 102 had held the firm's shares. Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY)'s largest hedge fund shareholder is Ken Fisher's Fisher Asset Management courtesy of its $2.6 billion investment.6. Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX)Number of Q4 2023 Hedge Fund Shareholders: 89 Share Price Performance: 27.69%Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) is a software company whose platform enables users to watch content online. The firm made a big announcement in February 2023, when it revealed that a former Sherlock Holmes producer will now head its globally renowned film making division.89 out of the 933 hedge funds covered by Insider Monkey's Q4 2023 research had invested in Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX). Ken Fisher's Fisher Asset Management was the biggest investor through its $2 billion stake.Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:META), Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX), NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:NVDA), and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD) are some top performing growth stocks in 2024.Click to continue reading and see 5 Best Performing Growth Stocks in January & February 2024. Suggested Articles:15 Best Stocks to Buy According to Billionaire D.E. Shaw11 Fastest Declining Cities in TexasJim Cramer’s 10 New Stock Picks for March 2024Disclosure. None. 10 Best Performing Growth Stocks in January & February 2024 was initially published on Insider Monkey.

Insider Monkey

10 Best Performing Growth Stocks in January & February 2024

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/10-best-performing-growth-stocks-151853454.html

5b4d885c-2e4b-3b75-af1d-ee7df15c1a97

LULU

Growth stocks tend to outperform during bull markets like the one that investors have experienced in the past year. The Nasdaq Composite, home to many of these stocks, is up a blazing 34% in 12 months, while the more diverse S&P 500 has gained 23%.Yet the opportunity for generating huge returns with these stocks is even larger over the long term. That's because gains can compound over many years -- assuming a company can boost its sales footprint even as it steadily increases its earnings power.Let's look at two stellar companies that seem primed to achieve this lucrative goal.1. Buy McDonald's for profitabilityForever is a long time to consider holding a stock. On the other hand, McDonald's (NYSE: MCD) has been a dominant business for a long time. The fast-food giant's popular menu items, from the Big Mac to the relatively new McChicken platform, have kept consumers coming back for decades.Mickey D's has had no trouble converting the popularity of those sandwiches into sales growth and rising profit margins. Comparable-store sales in 2023 increased 9% and operating income jumped 16% after adjusting for currency exchange rate swings. The company has a good shot at moving its already industry-leading profit margin toward 50% of sales in 2024 and beyond.It hasn't all been good news for McDonald's in recent quarters, of course. Customer traffic dipped into negative territory in late 2023 as shoppers became more cautious in response to rising prices. Investors will want to watch that metric this year for a better balance between higher average spending and increased guest counts.In the meantime, consider taking advantage of short-term pessimism on Wall Street to pick up a cheaper stock. McDonald's is valued at 8 times sales today, down from more than 9 times sales at several other points in the past year. That's a tasty discount for a blue chip giant like McDonald's.2. Buy Lululemon for strong gross marginLululemon Athletica (NASDAQ: LULU) has all the ingredients that investors prize when they're searching for stellar growth stocks. The sports apparel specialist is winning market share in a huge industry while pushing into new markets, for one. Sales last quarter were up 19% compared to Nike's flat result. Lululemon achieved some of its best growth in areas outside of its core North American division and in new demographics like men's and kids' wear.Story continuesThe chain is boosting sales via its online platform and with help from the launch of several new locations. Shoppers are increasingly frequenting existing stores, too, with comparable-store sales up 14% in the Q3 period (running through late October).The best reason to like this growth stock might be Lululemon's opportunity to extend its profit margin lead over the competition in the next few years. Gross profit margin jumped to 58% of sales this past quarter even while many consumers were looking to save cash by scaling back on spending.Nike, in contrast, converts less than 45% of sales into gross profit. The footwear and apparel giant recently lowered expectations for its 2024 operating trends while Lululemon boosted its outlook."We are pleased with our performance during the holiday season," CFO Meghan Frank said in a mid-quarter update.The stock is still valued at a premium, even though shares have come down from their late-2023 highs. But growth stock investors can minimize the impact of that elevated price by extending their holding period into years and -- ideally -- decades.Should you invest $1,000 in Lululemon Athletica right now?Before you buy stock in Lululemon Athletica, consider this:The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Lululemon Athletica wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than tripled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*.See the 10 stocks*Stock Advisor returns as of February 20, 2024Demitri Kalogeropoulos has positions in McDonald's and Nike. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Lululemon Athletica and Nike. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2025 $47.50 calls on Nike. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.2 Growth Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever was originally published by The Motley Fool

Motley Fool

2 Growth Stocks to Buy and Hold Forever

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/2-growth-stocks-buy-hold-100300735.html

2cad0f78-9b7b-387b-b1bb-0faf048baf87

LULU

Wall Street has been witnessing volatility for the past couple of weeks after a solid January that saw major indexes hitting all-time highs. Inflation rose in January and the Federal Reserve indicated that a rate cut in March is unlikely, which has left investors somewhat concerned.However, consumer sentiment is still high as Americans now believe that the economy is still on solid ground and will have a softer landing than expected earlier as inflation has declined sharply over the past year.The University of Michigan's preliminary index of consumer sentiment came up with a reading of 79.6 in February, up from January’s final reading of 79. The survey's gauge of one-year inflation expectations came in at 3% in February after falling to 2.9% in January.Although inflation increased marginally in January, denting investors’ confidence, the overall sentiment remains upbeat as other economic data remain positive.The U.S. GDP grew 3.3% in the final quarter of 2023. Also, retail sales fell 0.8% in January, which has raised optimism that the Federal Reserve will ultimately go for a rate cut in May, if not March.Markets are pricing in at least five quarter percentage point rate cuts this year, with the first to come in May. Lower interest rates bode well for the broader economy as it lowers borrowing costs.Thus, the economy is poised to do well once the rate cuts come into effect.Our ChoicesWe have narrowed our search to five consumer discretionary stocks such as Cimpress plc CMPR, Dolby Laboratories, Inc. DLB, Netflix, Inc. NFLX, Lululemon Athletica Inc. LULU and Ralph Lauren Corporation RL, which have strong potential for 2024.These stocks have seen positive earnings estimate revisions in the last 60 days. Each of our picks carries a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.  Cimpress plc is an online supplier of high-quality graphic design services and customized printed products to small businesses and consumers. CMPR’s product offerings include business cards, brochures and websites, e-commerce platforms, calendars, address labels, note pads and signage, among others.Story continuesCimpress’ expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 145.1%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 12.3% over the past 60 days. CMPR currently has a Zacks Rank #2.Dolby Laboratories, Inc. develops audio and imaging technologies that revolutionize entertainment for user-generated content, TV shows, films, music, and gaming. A majority of DLB’s revenues is derived from the licensing of audio technologies. Dolby Laboratories operates on various licensing models, including a two-tier model, an integrated licensing model, a patent licensing model, recoveries and collaboration arrangements.Dolby Laboratories’expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 4.8%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for current-year earnings has improved 0.8% over the past 60 days. DLB currently has a Zacks Rank #2.Netflix, Inc. is considered a pioneer in the streaming space. NFLX has been spending aggressively on building its portfolio of original shows. This is helping Netflix sustain its leading position despite the launch of new services like Disney+ and Apple TV+, as well as existing services like Amazon Prime Video.Netflix’s expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 40.7%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current-year earnings has improved 6% over the past 60 days. NFLX currently sports a Zacks Rank #1.Lululemon Athletica Inc. designs, manufactures and distributes athletic apparel and accessories for women, men and female youth. LULU offers a line of apparel assortment, including fitness pants, shorts, tops and jackets designed for a healthy lifestyle and athletic pursuits, such as yoga, training, and running, as well as other sweaty and general fitness under the lululemon athletica brand name.Lululemon Athletica’s expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 23.8%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current-year earnings has improved 0.4% over the past 60 days. LULU presently carries a Zacks Rank #2.Ralph Lauren Corporation is a major designer, marketer and distributor of premium lifestyle products in North America, Europe, Asia, and internationally. RL offers products in the apparel, footwear, accessories, home furnishings, and other licensed product categories.Ralph Lauren’s expected earnings growth rate for the current year is 21.2%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current-year earnings has improved 7.2% over the past 60 days. RL presently sports a Zacks Rank #1.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportDolby Laboratories (DLB) : Free Stock Analysis ReportNetflix, Inc. (NFLX) : Free Stock Analysis ReportRalph Lauren Corporation (RL) : Free Stock Analysis Reportlululemon athletica inc. (LULU) : Free Stock Analysis ReportCimpress plc (CMPR) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

5 Solid Stocks to Buy on a Steady Rise in Consumer Sentiment

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/5-solid-stocks-buy-steady-131200463.html

8058a408-6227-3c9f-ad6c-524efec4af09

LULU

Anyone who even remotely observes the economy or the stock market has likely heard of the so-called "Magnificent Seven." These industry-leading tech enterprises dominate their end markets, and they have historically made for tremendous investments.But given their massive market caps, investors might be turned off from wanting to buy them, assuming that they don't possess a lot of upside from this point forward. Luckily, there are other, more under-the-radar, businesses that should be on your watch list.Can this unstoppable stock outperform the "Magnificent Seven" in the next five years? Let's take a closer look.Growing in a profitable mannerThe company I'm talking about increased its revenue at an annualized pace of 24.1% in the last five years. Even more impressively, its adjusted operating income soared at a compound annual rate of 26.2% during the same time. I'm talking about Lululemon Athletica (NASDAQ: LULU).This premium athletic clothing brand continues to dominate the industry, with strong growth and profitability becoming a normal occurrence these days. Lululemon's remarkable financial performance over the past few years -- during a stretch that included the pandemic, supply chain bottlenecks, rising interest rates, and general macro uncertainty -- demonstrates just how resilient this business is. That makes it even more high-quality.There's no reason to believe the gains won't continue in the years ahead. The executive team hopes to post $12.5 billion in revenue in fiscal 2026, double what it reported in fiscal 2021. Boosting digital, men's, and international sales is a focal point.It's easy to be optimistic about the company's prospects. Lululemon has been able to stand out in a competitive industry because of its strong brand presence, which is the source of its economic moat. You can argue that the clothes are better quality than other retailers, but the brand is what entices people to pay expensive prices.Story continuesIn the most recent quarter, Lululemon's gross margin came in at 57%, a clear sign of its pricing power. That's better than larger rival Nike. I think it helps that Lululemon doesn't rely on third-party wholesale accounts to move its merchandise. Instead, it uses its global network of 686 company-owned stores, as well as its website, to reach shoppers. This protects the brand and the margins.Looking at the futureMassive scale, unlimited financial resources, and top tech talent are just some of the numerous competitive advantages that the "Magnificent Seven" benefit from. These traits will undoubtedly make it difficult for any new upstart to dethrone them.However, the industries they operate in, like consumer electronics, streaming services, digital advertising, electric vehicles, e-commerce, semiconductors, and cloud computing, are prone to much more technological change and regulatory uncertainty than Lululemon is.Compared to the "Magnificent Seven," it's not a bold statement when I say that Lululemon invites much less innovation, disruption, and capital from new entrants. This helps raise its durability, lowering the chances the company will get derailed by competitive forces.However, finding lasting success in in the fashion industry is the exception to the rule. This just means that Lululemon's management must prioritize maintaining the brand's image above all else to ensure long-term financial performance. So far, the trends are extremely encouraging.Given its much smaller size and still significant growth runway, I wouldn't be surprised at all if between now and 2029, Lululemon stock outperformed a basket of the "Magnificent Seven" businesses. Perhaps this is all the convincing you need to add the premium apparel brand to your portfolio.Should you invest $1,000 in Lululemon Athletica right now?Before you buy stock in Lululemon Athletica, consider this:The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Lululemon Athletica wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than tripled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*.See the 10 stocks*Stock Advisor returns as of March 8, 2024Neil Patel and his clients have no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Lululemon Athletica and Nike. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2025 $47.50 calls on Nike. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.Can This Unstoppable Stock Outperform the "Magnificent Seven" in the Next 5 Years? was originally published by The Motley Fool

Motley Fool

Can This Unstoppable Stock Outperform the "Magnificent Seven" in the Next 5 Years?

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/unstoppable-stock-outperform-magnificent-seven-124500657.html

ba94792b-44e6-3a7b-9d02-b9c452ee7a39

LULU

The latest trading session saw Lululemon (LULU) ending at $457.76, denoting a -0.57% adjustment from its last day's close. The stock's change was less than the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.11%. Meanwhile, the Dow experienced a rise of 0.12%, and the technology-dominated Nasdaq saw a decrease of 0.41%.The the stock of athletic apparel maker has fallen by 2.09% in the past month, lagging the Consumer Discretionary sector's gain of 0.38% and the S&P 500's gain of 2.7%.Market participants will be closely following the financial results of Lululemon in its upcoming release. The company plans to announce its earnings on March 21, 2024. It is anticipated that the company will report an EPS of $4.99, marking a 13.41% rise compared to the same quarter of the previous year. Meanwhile, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenue is projecting net sales of $3.19 billion, up 15.04% from the year-ago period.Investors might also notice recent changes to analyst estimates for Lululemon. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. As a result, we can interpret positive estimate revisions as a good sign for the company's business outlook.Based on our research, we believe these estimate revisions are directly related to near-team stock moves. To utilize this, we have created the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model that integrates these estimate changes and provides a functional rating system.The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Within the past 30 days, our consensus EPS projection has moved 0.02% lower. Lululemon currently has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).In terms of valuation, Lululemon is presently being traded at a Forward P/E ratio of 32.13. This indicates a premium in contrast to its industry's Forward P/E of 13.77.Story continuesMeanwhile, LULU's PEG ratio is currently 1.61. This metric is used similarly to the famous P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also takes into account the stock's expected earnings growth rate. The Textile - Apparel industry currently had an average PEG ratio of 1.63 as of yesterday's close.The Textile - Apparel industry is part of the Consumer Discretionary sector. Currently, this industry holds a Zacks Industry Rank of 162, positioning it in the bottom 36% of all 250+ industries.The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.Keep in mind to rely on Zacks.com to watch all these stock-impacting metrics, and more, in the succeeding trading sessions.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportlululemon athletica inc. (LULU) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

Why Lululemon (LULU) Dipped More Than Broader Market Today

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-lululemon-lulu-dipped-more-215018082.html

bdf760e1-a90a-3ee2-adc3-97e95be29480

LUV

Sweepstakes winners can enjoy a unique eclipse experience with air travel and hotel stays DALLAS, Feb. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV), in partnership with Omni Hotels & Resorts, announce a Solarbration sweepstakes with a chance for two lucky winners and their guest to receive a total eclipse experience*. Beginning today through March 11, 2024, enthusiasts can visit www.eclipsesweepstakes.com and enter for a chance to win a prize package that includes air travel on a flight predicted to be in the direct path of the April 8, 2024, total solar eclipse.To complete the Solarbration experience, winners will also stay in custom-designed guest rooms by Omni's in-house interior design team. These rooms, inspired by this year's most significant celestial event, are located at Omni Hotels in the departure cities of Dallas and Austin and the arrival cities of Pittsburgh and Indianapolis."The whole world will be looking up on April 8, and we're over the moon to leverage our place in the sky by extending an opportunity to observe this phenomenon on several Southwest flights in the path of the eclipse," said Julia Melle, Director of Brand and Content for Southwest Airlines. "Connecting People to places and experiences is what we do best and rounding out this once-in-a-lifetime flight opportunity with a celestial stay at Omni Hotels aligns the stars for two lucky winners.""At Omni, we believe experiences matter, whether at one of our 50 destinations or at 35,000 feet on a Southwest plane," said Colleen Buckley, Director of Brand Management and Marketing at Omni Hotels and Resorts. "Our partnership with Southwest Airlines allows us to share Omni's genuine hospitality and connect with their customers through the Solarbration sweepstakes. We're excited to offer the sweepstakes winners a unique and one-of-a-kind experience in our eclipse-themed Omni guest rooms. To commemorate this historic occasion, we'll present Customers on select Southwest flights with co-branded eclipse-themed amenities and gift them top-tier in Omni's new Select Guest Loyalty Program for 2024," adds Buckley.Story continuesThe following flights, included as sweepstakes prize options, have been identified as having the greatest likelihood of offering Customers onboard the best view** of the eclipse:Southwest Flight #1252: departs Dallas (Love Field) at 12:40 p.m. CDT for Pittsburgh Southwest Flight #1721: departs Austin at 12:55 p.m. CDT for Indianapolis To enter for a chance to win a seat on one of these Southwest® flights and a two-night stay at Omni Hotels, visit www.eclipsesweepstakes.com.* NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN.  A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.  Open to legal residents of 50 United States and the District of Columbia (excluding Alaska and Rhode Island) age 21 or older at the time of entry. Void where prohibited. Limit one entry per person. All fields must be completed. Approximate retail value of each prize: $2,200. For complete details and Official Rules, visit www.eclipsesweepstakes.com. By submitting this entry, you agree to the Official Rules. By entering, information collected will be used in accordance with Sponsor's Privacy Policy at Southwest.com/privacy. Sponsor: Southwest Airlines Co., 2702 Love Field Drive, Dallas, TX 75235. Enter by March 11, 2024, at 8:00 a.m. CT.To download high-resolution images and broadcast-quality b-roll for the eclipse sweepstakes from Southwest Airlines and Omni Hotels, click here. **Looking directly at the sun is never recommended, but one can safely observe an eclipse with specialty-rated solar filters provided inflight.ABOUT SOUTHWEST AIRLINES CO.  Southwest Airlines Co. operates one of the world's most admired and awarded airlines, offering its one-of-a-kind value and Hospitality at 121 airports across 11 countries. Southwest took flight in 1971 to democratize the sky through friendly, reliable, and low-cost air travel and now carries more air travelers flying nonstop within the United States than any other airline1. Based in Dallas and famous for an Employee-first corporate Culture, Southwest maintains an unprecedented record of no involuntary furloughs or layoffs in its history. By empowering its nearly 75,0002 People to deliver unparalleled Hospitality, the maverick airline cherishes a passionate loyalty among more than 137 million Customers carried in 2023. That formula for success brought industry-leading prosperity and 47 consecutive years3 of profitability for Southwest Shareholders (NYSE: LUV). Southwest leverages a unique legacy and mission to serve communities around the world including harnessing the power of its People and Purpose to put communities at the Heart of its success. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/citizenship. As the airline with Heart, Southwest has set a goal to work toward achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050. Southwest has also set near-term targets and a three-pillar strategy to achieve its environmental goals. Learn more by visiting Southwest.com/planet.1 Based on U.S. Dept. of Transportation quarterly Airline Origin & Destination Survey since Q1 2021 2 Fulltime-equivalent active Employees 3 1973-2019 annual profitabilityOmni Hotels & Resorts:Magrino Public [email protected] 646-379-0645About Omni Hotels & Resorts:Omni Hotels & Resorts creates genuine, authentic guest experiences at over 50 distinct hotels and resorts in the most popular leisure and business destinations across the United States, as well as in Canada. With 28 iconic golf courses, including multiple short courses, 25 award-winning spas featured in dynamic locales nationwide, every Omni proudly opens its doors to share the true spirit of its destination. Reflected through local color, personalized service, unique wellness options, signature restaurants and creative culinary offerings, Omni leaves a lasting impression with every guest and a heightened level of recognition and rewards delivered through its Select Guest® loyalty program. Omni is committed to reducing hunger and is on a mission through its Say Goodnight to Hunger initiative, to provide millions of meals each year for food banks to feed children, families, and seniors in communities in which it operates. Through its partnership with Shared Hope International, Omni is dedicated to the education and training of its associates to help combat human trafficking. Omni Hotels & Resorts is the official hotel of the PGA TOUR® and PGA of America. For information or to book accommodations, visit omnihotels.com or call 1-800-The-Omni.Southwest Airlines logo. (PRNewsFoto/SOUTHWEST AIRLINES) CisionView original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/southwest-airlines-and-omni-hotels-partner-for-a-solarbration-sweepstakes-to-commemorate-the-upcoming-total-solar-eclipse-302071221.htmlSOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

PR Newswire

SOUTHWEST AIRLINES AND OMNI HOTELS PARTNER FOR A 'SOLARBRATION' SWEEPSTAKES TO COMMEMORATE THE UPCOMING TOTAL SOLAR ECLIPSE

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/southwest-airlines-omni-hotels-partner-153000682.html

0d1e69b0-4c87-3998-a3ca-12cabd8375b7

LUV

Image source: Upsplash/The Motley FoolLast week, American Airlines increased its checked bag fees. Now, flyers in most markets will have to pay more to check their bags. This news will likely upset those trying to stretch their vacation budgets further. Unfortunately, United Airlines is taking similar steps. As of Feb. 24, flyers will pay higher fees to check their bags. Here's what you need to know.Most flyers will pay an additional $5 to check a bagLast week, United Airlines announced it had increased checked bag fees. The airline noted on its website, "Starting February 24, 2024, fees for your first and second checked bag will go up by $5 in most markets." Before flying, travelers are encouraged to use United's baggage fee calculator to verify the checked bag fees for their route.For domestic routes, flyers without elite status will pay $40 each way to check their first bag. But they can get a $5 discount and pay only $35 by paying this fee in advance online. A second checked bag costs $50, or $45, when prepaid online.Previously, non-elite United fliers with economy tickets paid $35 for their first checked bag or $30 when paying in advance. While $10 round-trip is only a slight fee increase, every extra dollar adds up. Flyers who prefer to pack more when traveling will want to budget for this additional cost before they board their next United flight.Here's how to avoid checked bag fees when flyingIt's understandable if you find this news disappointing. But if you're strategic, you can avoid checked bag fees. Here are a few tips that could help you save money.Featured offer: save money while you pay off debt with one of these top-rated balance transfer credit cardsLearn to pack light: Bringing only a carry-on bag could be a win for your bank account. If you're flying with United, choose a ticket that includes a free carry-on bag to avoid additional checked bag fees. Domestic basic economy tickets don't include a free carry-on bag.Choose a different airline: If you're visiting a destination that Southwest Airlines flies to, you should price out airfare costs and consider this carrier. Regardless of ticket type, all Southwest flyers can check two bags at no additional cost.Consider getting a United credit card: If you're a United loyalist and have been considering getting a new credit card, check your options for United credit cards. You can benefit from free checked bag perks with the right credit card in your wallet.Achieve elite status: It may be worthwhile to pursue elite status with your favorite airline. Many airlines, including United, offer free checked bag benefits to elite flyers. This benefit could help you spend less money on travel costs.Buy a premium ticket: Most airlines offer free checked bag benefits to flyers with premium tickets. When flying on a business or first class ticket with United, you can avoid paying additional checked bag fees. It may be worthwhile to upgrade your ticket.Story continuesBefore booking airfare for your next vacation, consider additional costs like checked bag fees. This way, you can prepare financially to enjoy your trip without added stress. Being strategic and finding ways to avoid extra bag fees could be a win for your personal finances. Check out our list of the best airline credit cards to learn more about the benefits provided.Our picks for 2024's best credit cardsOur experts carefully review the most popular offers and select those that are worthy of a spot in your wallet. These standout cards come with fantastic benefits like sign-up bonuses worth $200 or more, 0% intro APR for up to 21 months, and cash back rates up to 5%.Click here to see our top credit cardsWe're firm believers in the Golden Rule, which is why editorial opinions are ours alone and have not been previously reviewed, approved, or endorsed by included advertisers. The Ascent does not cover all offers on the market. Editorial content from The Ascent is separate from The Motley Fool editorial content and is created by a different analyst team.Natasha Gabrielle has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Southwest Airlines. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.United Joins American Airlines in Increasing Checked Bag Fees was originally published by The Motley Fool

Motley Fool

United Joins American Airlines in Increasing Checked Bag Fees

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/united-joins-american-airlines-increasing-193014734.html

46968c4c-675d-3a4e-94c9-d46677cf6bd0

LUV

DALLAS, March 11, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE: LUV) has been invited to speak at the J.P. Morgan Industrials Conference. J.P. Morgan will be webcasting the audio presentation live, and a link to the webcast will be made available via the Investor Relations homepage on the Southwest Airlines website. Details of the audio webcast are as follows:Date:March 12, 2024Time: 10:00am ETSpeaker: Bob Jordan, President and Chief Executive OfficerWeb Address: www.southwestairlinesinvestorrelations.comTo access the live audio webcast and subsequent replay, click on the link above, or go to www.southwest.com and click on "Investor Relations" under the "About Southwest" menu at the bottom of the page. The audio webcast can be found under "News & Events" in the drop down menu.CisionView original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/southwest-airlines-to-present-at-the-jp-morgan-industrials-conference-302079208.htmlSOURCE Southwest Airlines Co.

PR Newswire

Southwest Airlines to Present at the J.P. Morgan Industrials Conference

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/southwest-airlines-present-j-p-104500435.html

3d887201-d44c-36ea-95b2-797897d6ada0

LUV

In this article, we will be covering the 20 largest travel companies in the world. If you want to skip our detailed analysis of the travel and tourism industry, you can go directly to 5 Largest Travel Companies In The World.The travel and tourism sector plays a vital role in global economies. It creates jobs, fosters cultural exchange, and supports local businesses. It promotes understanding between nations while also contributing significantly to GDP growth. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), travel and tourism accounted for 7.6% of global GDP in 2022 while also creating 22 million new jobs around the world.An Analysis of the Global Travel and Tourism IndustryThe travel and tourism sector plays a crucial role in addressing societal and economic challenges. The industry is now thriving after being severely impacted during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis, which led to travel restrictions, cancellations, and a sharp decline in tourism activities. According to a report by Market Research Future, the global travel and tourism market reached a value of $648.03 billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2023 to 2032 and reach a value of more than $1.01 trillion by the end of the forecasted period. The North American region leads the global travel and tourism market, while Europe follows as the second-largest market. The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the fastest growth in the industry during the forecasted period.The travel and tourism market is undergoing a digital transformation with online booking platforms, travel agencies, mobile apps, and online travel-related services driving growth by enhancing connectivity and providing convenient and personalized traveler experiences. The trend of cultural and experiential tourism, with travelers seeking authentic, immersive experiences, unique destinations, and local experiences, is also a key factor driving market growth. Moreover, the rise in disposable incomes, especially in emerging markets, is leading to increased tourism. More people have the means to explore domestic and international destinations. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), domestic visitor spending saw an increase of 20.4% in 2022. On the other hand, international visitor spending went up by 81.9% in 2022.Story continuesWhat are Some of the Biggest Companies in the Travel and Tourism Industry Up To?Prominent companies in the travel and tourism industry are actively pursuing various strategies to expand their global presence and increase their profitability. Some of the most notable names are Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR), Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT), and Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG).Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) is one of the world’s largest providers of online travel and related services. It provides online travel services in more than 220 countries through its brands which include Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, KAYAK, and OpenTable. Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) is also one of the best travel stocks to buy. On February 22, Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) reported strong earnings for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2023. The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $32, surpassing EPS estimates by $1.95. The company’s revenue for the quarter grew by 18.15% year-over-year and amounted to $4.78 billion, ahead of market consensus by $73.37 million. Here are some comments from Booking Holdings Inc.’s (NASDAQ:BKNG) Q4 2023 earnings call:“As we look to the year ahead, we see strong growth on the books for travel that’s scheduled to take place in 2024, which gives early indications of potentially another record summer travel season. As we’ve noted previously, a high percentage of these bookings are capable and what is on the books today for the summer period represents a small percentage of the total bookings that we expect to ultimately receive. David will provide further details on fourth quarter results and on our thoughts about the first quarter and full year 2024. Looking back at the full year of 2023, I am proud of our efforts to drive more benefits to our travelers and supply partners while also delivering record-setting industry-leading financial results. We reached a significant milestone last year with our customers’ booking an all-time high of over 1 billion room nights on our platform, which was an increase of 17% versus 2022.”As the demand for travel and tourism continues to grow, companies operating in this space are launching new products, engaging in mergers and acquisitions, increasing investments, and forming contracts and collaborations. Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR) is an American multinational hospitality company. It operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts in more than 130 countries around the world. On March 7, Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR) announced that it has entered into an agreement with Victoria Park Hotels Ltd. to launch The Park Lane Hong Kong, Autograph Collection. This new addition is set to become part of Autograph Collection Hotels by early 2025. Autograph Collection Hotels’ portfolio includes more than 300 independent properties in some of the most desirable locations around the world. Situated within a 28-story mixed-use complex featuring retail spaces on the lower floors, the new hotel is projected to have 820 guest rooms, an executive lounge, 3 unique dining venues, extensive event spaces spanning over 1,700 square meters, and various recreational facilities. Some of the guest rooms will boast stunning views of Victoria Harbour, while others will overlook the city or Victoria Park in Hong Kong.On February 7, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) announced an exclusive strategic partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) that will introduce guests of Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) to a wide range of hotels in some of the most popular destinations around the world. This collaboration will significantly enhance Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.’s (NYSE:HLT) luxury offerings as unique SLH properties become part of the esteemed Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, and LXR Hotels & Resorts brands.Now that we have discussed what’s going on in the global travel and tourism industry, let’s take a look at the 20 largest travel companies in the world.20 Largest Travel Companies In The WorldA line of travellers queuing for a commercial flight, emphasizing the airport management operations.MethodologyIn this article, we have listed the 20 largest travel companies in the world. To find the top travel companies in the world, we sifted through various sources including industry reports, our own rankings in addition to rankings available on various websites, and consulted stock screeners from Yahoo Finance and Finviz. For companies that are publicly traded, we decided to rank them according to their market capitalization as of March 9. We used fiscal year revenues to rank the companies that are not publicly traded. For foreign companies, we converted the market caps and revenues to US dollars according to their respective exchange rates, as of March 9. Finally, we narrowed down our selection to rank the 20 largest travel companies in the world based on their market capitalization and revenues, which are listed below in ascending order.20 Largest Travel Companies In The World20. Host Hotels & Resorts Inc. (NYSE:HST)Market Capitalization: $14.9 BillionHost Hotels & Resorts Inc. (NYSE:HST) is a major American lodging real estate investment trust (REIT) that invests in hotels. It owns a diverse portfolio of luxury and upper-upscale hotels. Host Hotels & Resorts Inc. (NYSE:HST) has a market capitalization of $14.9 billion as of March 9, 2024.19. Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H)Market Capitalization: $16.12 BillionHyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) is an American multinational hospitality company. As one of the world’s top hospitality companies, it manages and franchises luxury and business hotels, resorts, and vacation properties in more than 70 countries across 6 continents. As of March 9, 2024, Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) has a market capitalization of $16.12 billion.18. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (NYSE:IHG)Market Capitalization: $17.4 BillionInterContinental Hotels Group PLC (NYSE:IHG) is a British multinational hospitality company. With more than 6,000 hotels in over 100 countries, it is one of the world’s leading hotel companies. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (NYSE:IHG) has a market capitalization of $17.4 billion as of March 9, 2024. It ranks 18th on our list of the 20 biggest travel companies in the world.17. Expedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE)Market Capitalization: $18.5 BillionExpedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) is an American travel technology company. As one of the top travel agencies in the world, it owns and operates various brands including Expedia, Hotels.com, CarRentals.com, Vrbo, Travelocity, Trivago, Orbitz, Ebookers, CheapTickets, and Expedia Cruises. As of March 9, 2024, Expedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) has a market capitalization of $18.5 billion.16. Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV)Market Capitalization: $20.44 BillionSouthwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) is an American airline company. It offers low-cost air travel service with frequent flights of mostly short routes. As one of the biggest travel companies in the world, Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) has a market capitalization of $20.44 billion as of March 9, 2024.15. Qatar Airways GroupRevenue: $21 BillionQatar Airways Group is the flag carrier of Qatar. Owned by the Government of Qatar, it is one of the world’s top airlines and it currently flies to over 170 international destinations. Qatar Airways Group generated an annual revenue of $21 billion in the year 2022-2023. It ranks among the top 15 on our list of the 20 largest travel companies in the world.14. Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)Market Capitalization: $21.38 BillionCarnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) is a British-American cruise operator. As one of the world's largest leisure travel companies, it owns some of the most well-known cruise line brands in North America, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Australia. Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) has a market capitalization of $21.38 billion as of March 9, 2024.13. Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited (SEHK:0027)Market Capitalization: $21.83 BillionGalaxy Entertainment Group Limited (SEHK:0027) is one of Asia’s top developers and operators of integrated entertainment and resort facilities. It owns and operates a broad portfolio of integrated resort, retail, dining, hotel, and gaming facilities in Macau. As one of the top travel companies in the world, Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited (SEHK:0027) has a market capitalization of $21.83 billion as of March 9, 2024.12. Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL)Market Capitalization: $27.17 BillionDelta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL) is one of America’s major airlines. It is also one of the world’s largest airlines by number of passengers carried. As one of the top travel companies in the world, Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL) has a market capitalization of $27.17 billion as of March 9, 2024.11. Amadeus IT Group S.A. (BME:AMS)Market Capitalization: $27.31 BillionAmadeus IT Group S.A. (BME:AMS) is a Spanish multinational technology company that develops technology and software for airlines, travel agencies, hotels, payment providers, and other travel-related businesses to enhance their operations and customer experiences. With a presence in more than 190 countries, the company provides software solutions for the global travel and tourism industry. As of March 9, 2024, Amadeus IT Group S.A. (BME:AMS) has a market capitalization of $27.31 billion.10. Trip.com Group Limited (NASDAQ:TCOM)Market Capitalization: $28.27 BillionTrip.com Group Limited (NASDAQ:TCOM) is a multinational travel service company that ranks among the top 10 on our list of the largest travel companies in the world. It owns and operates several travel agencies and travel fare aggregators including Ctrip, Qunar, Trip.com and Skyscanner. As of March 9, 2024, Trip.com Group Limited (NASDAQ:TCOM) has a market capitalization of $28.27 billion.9. Ryanair Holdings plc (NASDAQ:RYAAY)Market Capitalization: $32.3 BillionRyanair Holdings plc (NASDAQ:RYAAY) is an Irish airline company. As one of Europe's largest airline groups, it is the parent company of Ryanair, Ryanair UK, Buzz, Lauda, and Malta Air. With a market capitalization of $32.3 billion as of March 9, 2024, Ryanair Holdings plc (NASDAQ:RYAAY) ranks 9th on our list of the 20 largest travel companies in the world.8. Emirates GroupRevenue: $32.6 BillionEmirates Group is Dubai’s state-owned international aviation holding company. It owns Dubai National Air Travel Agency (dnata), an airport and ground services company, and Emirates Airline, one of the largest airlines in the Middle East. Emirates Group generated an annual revenue of $32.6 billion in the year 2022-2023.7. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL)Market Capitalization: $32.71 BillionRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) is a global cruise holding company that owns and operates cruise brands including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. As one of the world’s largest cruise line operators, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) has a global fleet of 65 ships traveling to around 1,000 destinations around the world. The company has a market capitalization of $32.71 billion as of March 9, 2024.6. Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS)Market Capitalization: $38.81 BillionLas Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) is an American casino and resort company that owns and operates integrated resorts in Macao and Singapore. As a driver of valuable leisure and business tourism, it is one of the world’s largest hotel and casino companies. With a market capitalization of $38.81 billion as of March 9, 2024, Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) ranks 6th on our list of the 20 largest travel companies in the world.Click to continue reading and see 5 Largest Travel Companies In The World.Suggested Articles:40 Most Polluted Cities in the World in 202420 Countries with the Strongest Paramilitary Forces in the World15 Sunniest Cities in EuropeDisclosure: None. 20 Largest Travel Companies In The World is published on Insider Monkey.

Insider Monkey

20 Largest Travel Companies In The World

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/20-largest-travel-companies-world-180018353.html

f7019cdb-8fb0-3878-92c1-5d248c647fc3

LVS

A month has gone by since the last earnings report for Las Vegas Sands (LVS). Shares have added about 7% in that time frame, outperforming the S&P 500.Will the recent positive trend continue leading up to its next earnings release, or is Las Vegas Sands due for a pullback? Before we dive into how investors and analysts have reacted as of late, let's take a quick look at its most recent earnings report in order to get a better handle on the important catalysts.Las Vegas Sands Q4 Earnings Lag Estimates, Revenues TopLas Vegas Sands reported mixed fourth-quarter 2023 results, with earnings missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate and revenues beating the same. The top and the bottom line increased on a year-over-year basis.During the quarter, the company reported continued improvement in the operating environment in Macao and Singapore. In Macao, the company reported a sustained recovery across all segments. Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands demonstrated solid financial and operational performance. The introduction of new suite options and improved services is in line with the improving airlift capacity and the continuous recovery in travel and tourism spending, especially from China and the broader region.Q4 Earnings & RevenuesDuring fourth-quarter 2023, LVS reported adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 57 cents, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 63 cents. In the year-ago quarter, it incurred an adjusted loss of 19 cents per share. Interest expenses (net of amounts capitalized) amounted to $190 million compared with $201 million reported in the prior-year quarter.Quarterly revenues of $2.92 billion surpassed the consensus mark of $2.9 billion. The figure increased 161% from $1.1 billion reported in the year-ago quarter.Asian OperationsLas Vegas Sands’ Asia business includes the following resorts (all figures are compared with the prior-year quarter’s reported levels):The Venetian MacaoNet revenues from The Venetian Macao were $748 million compared with $201 million in the prior-year quarter. The upside was driven by a rise in casino, rooms and mall revenues. Our estimate was $706.6 million.Quarterly revenues from casinos, rooms and malls were $607 million, $49 million and $66 million, respectively, compared with the prior-year quarter’s reported figures of $130 million, $17 million and $43 million. Convention, retail and other revenues were $10 million compared with $6 million reported a year ago. Food and beverage revenues were $16 million compared with $5 million in the last year quarter.Adjusted property EBITDA totaled $302 million compared with $14 million in fourth-quarter 2022. Our estimate for the metric was $294.6 million. Non-rolling chip drop and rolling chip volume were $2.5 billion and $1.2 billion compared with the year-ago quarter’s reported figure of $491 million and $197 million, respectively. The segment’s hotel revenue per available room (RevPAR) was $200 million compared with $73 million reported in the year-ago period. Occupancy rates came in at 98.7% compared with prior year’s reported value of 50.2%.The Londoner MacaoNet revenues from The Londoner Macao amounted to $589 million compared with $93 million reported in the prior-year period. The upside was backed by an increase in casinos, rooms and malls and food and beverage revenues. The consensus mark was pegged at $472.2 million.Revenues from casinos, rooms and food and beverage totaled $433 million, $92 million and $27 million, respectively, compared with the year-ago quarter’s reported figure of $49 million, $18 million and $7 million. Mall revenues increased to $19 million from $12 million in the year-ago quarter. Quarterly revenues from convention, retail and other totaled $18 million, up from $7 million reported in the prior year.Adjusted property EBITDA totaled $190 million against ($42) million reported a year ago. Our estimate for the metric was pegged at $139.2 million. Non-rolling chip drop and rolling chip volume were $1.9 billion and $2.3 billion, respectively, compared with the year-ago quarter’s reported figures of $252 million and $165 million. The segment’s hotel RevPAR was $180 million compared with $52 million in the prior-year quarter. Occupancy rates came in at 96.8% compared with 30.7% reported in the fourth quarter of 2022.The Parisian MacaoNet revenues from The Parisian Macao were $222 million, up from $51 million reported a year ago. The uptick was primarily due to an improvement in casino, rooms and food and beverage revenues. The consensus mark was pegged at $242.8 million.Revenues from casinos, rooms, and food and beverage were $163 million, $35 million and $14 million, respectively, compared with the year-ago quarter’s reported figures of $33 million, $10 million and $3 million.Adjusted property EBITDA totaled $68 million against ($26) million reported a year ago. Our estimate for the metric was $88.2 million. Non-rolling chip drop was $778 million compared with $123 million reported a year ago. Rolling chip volume amounted to $31 million compared with $48 million reported in fourth-quarter 2022. The segment’s hotel RevPAR increased to $151 million from the prior year’s reported figure of $42 million. Occupancy rates came in at 98.8% compared with prior year’s reported value of 36.1%.The Plaza Macao and Four Seasons MacaoNet revenues from The Plaza Macao and Four Seasons Macao were $192 million, up from $75 million reported a year ago. The uptrend can be attributed to a rise in casino, rooms and mall revenues. Our estimate for the metric was $216.6 million.Casino, rooms and mall revenues were $95 million, $25 million and $62 million, respectively, compared with the year-ago quarter’s figures of $26 million, $9 million and $37 million.Adjusted property EBITDA totaled $71 million compared with $26 million reported in the prior-year quarter. Our estimate was $112.5 million. Non-rolling chip drop and rolling chip volume were $682 million and $2.4 billion, respectively, compared with $90 million and $177 million reported in the prior-year quarter. The segment’s hotel RevPAR was $416 million compared with $140 million reported in the fourth quarter of 2022. Occupancy rates were 87.8% compared with the prior year’s reported value of 31%.Sands MacaoNet revenues from Sands Macao were $81 million compared with the year-ago period’s value of $17 million. This was mainly due to a rise in casino revenues. Casino revenues totaled $72 million compared with $14 million reported in the prior-year quarter. Our projections for Sands Macao revenues were $104 million.Adjusted property EBITDA totaled $17 million against ($20) million in the prior-year period. Our estimate was $22.3 million. Non-rolling chip drop and rolling chip volume were $410 million and $28 million, respectively, compared with the year-ago quarter’s reported values of $56 million and $30 million. The segment’s hotel RevPAR was $173 million, up from the year-ago figure of $67 million. Occupancy rates came in at 98.9% compared with 44.1% reported in the prior-year quarter.Marina Bay Sands, SingaporeNet revenues from Marina Bay Sands totaled $1.06 billion, up from $682 million reported in the prior-year quarter. The upside was primarily driven by an increase in casino, rooms, food and beverage, and mall revenues. Our estimate for the metric was $1.03 billion.Revenues from casinos, and food and beverage totaled $741 million and $92 million, up from the year-ago quarter’s reported values of $402 million and $84 million, respectively. Rooms, malls, and convention, retail and other generated revenues were $117 million, $76 million and $35 million, respectively, compared with $99 million, $67 million and $30 million reported in the year-ago quarter.Adjusted property EBITDA totaled $544 million compared with $273 million reported in the prior-year quarter. We expected the value of this metric to be $558 million. Non-rolling chip drop and rolling chip volume were $1.9 billion and $7.2 billion, respectively, compared with the year-ago quarter’s reported values of $1.5 billion and $7.1 billion. The segment’s hotel RevPAR was $611 million compared with $541 million in fourth quarter of 2022. Occupancy rates were 94.4% compared with 98.3% reported in prior year quarter.Story continuesOperating ResultsOn a consolidated basis, adjusted property EBITDA totaled $1.2 billion in the fourth-quarter 2023 compared with $222 million reported in the year-ago quarter.2023 HighlightsNet revenues in 2023 came in at $10.4 billion compared with $4.1 billion in 2022.Operating income (loss) in 2023 came in at $2.3 billion against ($0.8) billion reported in 2022.In 2023, diluted earnings per share came in at $1.89 per share against ($1.20) reported in the previous year.Balance SheetAs of Dec 31, 2023, unrestricted cash balances amounted to $5.11 billion compared with $5.57 billion in the previous quarter. Total debt outstanding (excluding finance leases and financed purchases) was $14.01 billion, down from $14.17 billion in the earlier quarter.In the reported quarter, capital expenditures totaled $325 million, thanks to construction, development and maintenance activities of $109 million in Macao, $184 million at Marina Bay Sands and $32 million in corporate, development and other.How Have Estimates Been Moving Since Then?In the past month, investors have witnessed a downward trend in estimates review.The consensus estimate has shifted -7.64% due to these changes.VGM ScoresAt this time, Las Vegas Sands has a strong Growth Score of A, though it is lagging a lot on the Momentum Score front with an F. However, the stock was allocated a grade of B on the value side, putting it in the second quintile for this investment strategy.Overall, the stock has an aggregate VGM Score of A. If you aren't focused on one strategy, this score is the one you should be interested in.OutlookEstimates have been broadly trending downward for the stock, and the magnitude of these revisions indicates a downward shift. Notably, Las Vegas Sands has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). We expect an in-line return from the stock in the next few months.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportLas Vegas Sands Corp. (LVS) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

Las Vegas Sands (LVS) Up 7% Since Last Earnings Report: Can It Continue?

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/las-vegas-sands-lvs-7-163027616.html

1c917fbb-573f-3633-ae3c-76b8b8a320dc

LVS

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / February 26, 2024 / Las Vegas SandsOver the past year, Sands has made significant contributions to increasing skills and promoting careers in a variety of disciplines related to travel and tourism by supporting developmental opportunities that can help people working in its local communities' hospitality industry create long-term career paths and obtain higher-paying jobs.Ensuring a pipeline of hospitality industry talent through skills development and career advancement is a core focus under the company's priority on workforce development, along with advancing opportunities for Team Members and the local labor pool as a whole. Sands aims to invest $200 million in workforce development programs by 2025, as one of its three primary corporate responsibility ambitions.Initiatives to advancing hospitality industry workers span a variety of programs, based on each region's landscape and needs.SingaporeIn late 2023, Sands and Marina Bay Sands awarded funding to the first 49 recipients in the $1 million Sands Hospitality Scholarship Program, established to help cultivate a pipeline of talent and capitalize on the tremendous tourism growth projected in Singapore over the coming years. Aimed at encouraging the region's brightest talent to consider hospitality careers, the program will ultimately support more than 100 students in pursuing hospitality or tourism-related courses at six institutes of higher learning.Since 2018, Marina Bay Sands has worked closely with the Singapore Institute of Technology to nurture promising talents who are keen to develop their careers in the hospitality industry. The integrated resort has donated more than $447,000 toward the Marina Bay Sands Bursary, which has provided financial assistance for 120 undergraduates pursuing bachelor of hospitality business degrees to help them hone their interest and skills toward a hospitality profession.Marina Bay Sands also offers ongoing programs to host hospitality students onsite, provide trainings and offer mentoring. One initiative is the In Conversation With series, which hosts leaders in a variety of fields related to hospitality and tourism for learning sessions with students and aspiring professionals. Guest speakers have included acclaimed director Steven Caple Jr. and producer Lorenzo Di Bonaventura, known for their work on the blockbuster film "Transformers: Rise of the Beasts," chef and restaurateur Daniel Boulud, and environmental and sustainability experts from the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation.Story continuesLast year, Sands China introduced the Sands Hospitality Academy to drive skills in the local hospitality industry. The academy formally launched in November 2023, with the purpose of advancing hospitality skills and vocational knowledge among Team Members, cultivating talent among youth looking to join the industry, and setting the highest international standards for the region's hospitality industry by extending Sands China's vast hospitality experience to the Greater Bay Area. The academy offers property tours, career-sharing sessions, masterclasses and lectures by company senior executives and industry experts.Sands China also launched the Sands MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) Academy in March 2023 to incubate much-needed talent for large-scale meetings and conferences in Macao. The academy provides internships, educational exchanges and training courses with Sands China's senior management team serving as guest lecturers, as well as numerous tours of Sands China's properties for high school and university students and faculty members, focusing particularly on people studying in the MICE field.In addition, Sands China collaborates with local educational institutions to develop hospitality talent. Programs have included collaboration with The Macao Institute for Tourism on the 8th Tourism Education Summit, a full-day event that enabled students to explore tourism and hospitality trends in the Greater Bay Area.For people interested in pursuing careers on the entertainment side of the industry, Sands China has established the three-year Stage Technology and Event Production Course in collaboration with the Sino-Portuguese Vocational and Technical School. This unique program provides secondary school students with an unparalleled opportunity to learn about entertainment-related jobs, develop specific skill sets and create entertainment career pathways.Other educational collaborations focus on cultivating talent in professional services areas related to the hospitality industry. These programs include the Art Talent Showcase, a partnership with Macao Polytechnic University that enables participants to work on the company's internal promotional and graphic design projects, and programs with the Macau Institute of Management and Wuyi University that have enabled facilities management students to gain hands-on experience through resort visits and meetings with executives.Finally, other student initiatives include the award-winning City of Gourmet - Youth Development and Integration Program, which features industry experts and Sands China's world-class chocolate and tea masters as tutors to inspire and equip trainees with valuable skills. The Ready, Get Set, Go! internship program and Go! Explore the Infinity of Sands China provide secondary and tertiary students in Macao with valuable opportunities to discover career paths in the hospitality and tourism industry.United StatesAt the corporate level, Sands is focused on ensuring a diverse workforce and cultivating a pipeline of skilled talent in the hospitality industry. For example, the Sands Hospitality Immersion Program, held in conjunction with the Thurgood Marshall College Fund, provides students from historically Black colleges and universities with an intensive Las Vegas experience designed to encourage interest in travel, tourism and leisure by exposing them to the inner workings of the Las Vegas hospitality industry. The Sands Hospitality Immersion Program welcomed 12 students in the summer of 2023 for a week of seminars, tours, events and unique experiences curated by the Sands Center for Professional Development, at the William F. Harrah College of Hospitality at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.In Greater New York, where Sands hopes to build its next world-class integrated resort, the company has already begun steps to train a pipeline of hospitality talent by establishing collaborative relationships with local educational institutions. Sands, Long Island University (LIU) and Nassau Community College (NCC) have agreed in principle if the company is successful in obtaining a Downstate New York gaming license to create a comprehensive hospitality program for Long Island college students to prepare for jobs and create career paths in tourism-related disciplines.The partnership will establish a bridge between LIU and NCC, empowering NCC graduates to advance their two-year associate's degrees to four-year bachelor's degrees at LIU's nearby campus. Additionally, NCC will partner with Sands to develop a workforce development training hub with planned programs in hotel and casino management, security and surveillance, meetings and banquets, entertainment, and food and beverage services. Learning models will include internships and other experiential components for NCC students."Building skillsets and exposing a greater number of students and young professionals to the vast array of career opportunities the hospitality industry offers is one of our top priorities," said Ron Reese, senior vice president of global communications and corporate affairs, who spearheads corporate responsibility initiatives at Sands. "We are investing not only in the future talent that will sustain our company, but in the major economic impact that a thriving hospitality industry brings to our local communities."To learn more about Sands' workforce development initiatives, read the 2022 ESG Report here: https://www.sands.com/2022-environmental-social-and-governance-report/Marina Bay Sands - Sands Hospitality Scholarship ProgramView additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Las Vegas Sands on 3blmedia.com.Contact Info:Spokesperson: Las Vegas SandsWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/las-vegas-sands Email: [email protected]: Las Vegas SandsView the original press release on accesswire.com

ACCESSWIRE

Advancing Hospitality Skills and Careers Is a Core Focus of Sands’ Priority on Workforce Development

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/advancing-hospitality-skills-careers-core-133000938.html

58d73d66-d02e-3396-9a76-f38e6d59d74d

LVS

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / March 7, 2024 / Las Vegas SandsAs part of Women's History Month 2024, Sands is featuring women who help drive the company's success and exemplify its culture of professional growth and advancement. Val Chua joined Marina Bay Sands in 2008 and serves as executive director of communications.Outline your career path and current role at Marina Bay Sands."I started my career in journalism and spent a number of years in the newsroom environment in Singapore. It was here that I first covered Las Vegas Sands as a company and became the beat reporter for my paper. Those heady days of 2005-2006, when many global gaming companies had their sights on the coveted Marina Bay integrated resort site and presented dazzling proposals, were a key highlight of my reporting days."I also enjoyed covering the public discussions, so open and robust in a decidedly more conservative era back then, as Singapore debated the pros and cons of having an integrated resort with a gaming component. Interviewing the late Mr. Adelson and sitting in the company's private jet, along with other Singapore media who were flown to Las Vegas on a media trip to understand the business better, has become a core memory from those days."I joined the company in November 2008, as the team was building its communications functions. We operated out of Republic Plaza and watched with amazement every day as the building opposite us transformed every 24 hours. Watching the Sands SkyPark being lifted in 13 different pieces and fitted in the sky signaled that construction was nearing its end and Marina Bay Sands was about to embark on its next phase."As the communications function grew, so did my role and responsibilities. I started out as a manager on the team, joining at the start of the Asian financial crisis. It was a jittery start but a worthwhile way to plunge deep into the world of public relations and crisis communications. The company held firm to its original vision and had never faltered in its commitment to build a world-class destination. This forward-looking mentality and spirit of evolution not only drives the company forward, but it has also been built into the DNA of its people. It's a value I hold dear to my heart, through different seasons, as I build my career with Marina Bay Sands.Story continues"The past 15 years have gone by in a flash. In any other organization, it may feel like an eternity. But the pace and intensity of Marina Bay Sands just means we're speeding through the months - we're constantly on accelerator mode and charging forward. With age, I may no longer walk as fast around the property as I used to. So I count myself very lucky to have a talented, strong (and a much younger) team to rely on. The 14 of us are responsible for all of the communications work for the integrated resort, supporting all business units through public relations, media and celebrity/influencer engagements, and crisis and incident communications. It's a dream job for any publicist, and the team has supported and created many amazing feats in the last decade."The communications team is also responsible for driving the Sands Cares community engagement program for Singapore, working to identify vulnerable and unserved communities, and stepping up to lend a helping hand, whether it's through financial means or providing Team Member volunteers."The dual responsibilities of creating high-profile publicity on the one hand, while rolling up our sleeves and serving the underprivileged, keep us very grounded in our work and mission. It's an intensive and meaningful role, in a company that has so much going for it."What skills, training, mentors or experiences have helped you build a successful career?"Mentors are definitely important, and I've had the privilege of working with many wise men and women in different stages of my career. They open up your eyes to things that you can't see immediately, whether it's because of your youth or your lack of experience. Through their perspectives, you will see that your current struggles will look very miniscule in time to come, and so you learn not to sweat the small stuff, and to pick your battles wisely."Then there's the greatest teacher called time. With time, you gain knowledge and awareness of what your key strengths and weaknesses are. With time, you also gain patience and understanding, which are important as you lead and motivate teams. I'm still learning."At different stages in your career, you will naturally develop different skillsets and embrace different mindsets. When I was younger, it was all about efficiency and impact. Everything was calculated based on deadlines and speed. The older me prefers to take more deliberation behind each decision, to consider more viewpoints and perspectives, while still being able to move with the speed that characterizes Marina Bay Sands."Having a healthy sense of humor is important; so is having a thick skin. I like people who can laugh at themselves and see the lighter side of things, rather than letting a bad situation get the better of them. Laugh first, and then figure out your way around the problem."It's also important to believe in the greater purpose of the company, no matter how many years you've been in it. For me, a key memory was the day before Marina Bay Sands opened its doors to the public on April 27, 2010. A group of us went up to the hotel lobby at 3 p.m. the day prior - thick construction dust was in the air, and there were workers everywhere we turned. We were shocked and frankly quite dismayed at the way things looked. I recall the roads were only freshly paved. How on earth will we be able to open for business in the next 24 hours?"The next morning, it was a different sight that greeted us. The air was clear, the marble floors sparkled, and the staff were smartly attired, ready to welcome the world. That was the beginning of an icon and at that instant, I felt that anything was possible with this company. It proved me right many times during my years here. No matter what obstacles were in front of us, we have always been able to rise above the occasion and do the impossible. There is something quite magical about this place, and I think this is why it's so special for many of us in the company."What are your ideas for evolving the workplace to better support and empower women?"The single-most asked question when I interview prospective candidates is whether we have a hybrid work structure, allowing staff to work from home on certain days. It's becoming a key deciding factor for most people, especially working mothers. I am glad that Marina Bay Sands has embraced this post-pandemic reality, allowing us to attract and retain talent."My team is made up of diverse talents from different backgrounds - and I think it's important to understand that each one's work rhythm is different. Some are always-on, and you can text them at odd hours of the night on urgent matters, while others may need to draw a more distinct line between work and personal time."I have a staff member who I can always count on to cover for others during weekends or at short notice, but I will not tap on her between 6-7 p.m. as it's her protected time for daily gym work. She explained to me that this routine is critical for her to clear her mind and reset. Others go home slightly earlier to tend to their young children but log on to work again once their kids fall asleep. I respect all these nuances and personal sacrifices - as a leader, you need to play to the strengths of each person and not expect everyone to be the same."What advice do you have for women or anyone who wants to advance in their careers?"Find your core purpose in your work. When you're young, you may want to dabble in 100 things to find where your interests and strengths lie. That is good, but don't take too long to figure it out. Over time, it's better that you identify your core purpose or interests and start building on it. Once you specialize in this core function and become a skilled master, the 99 other little things just orbit naturally around it."Have your own voice. When you're starting out in your career, you may be slightly lost and unsure of how you're placed in the larger scheme of things. That is natural. But over time, you will need to find your own voice and viewpoints. Make sure you are heard. Don't become invisible and hide behind the backs of older, more experienced colleagues."Be the best that you can be. You're better than you think you are. So push yourself and stretch your capabilities - it's not about being the best worker of the month, it's about being the best that you can be."Pace yourself. The road is long, so pace yourself for a marathon. Like my 20-something colleague, remember to carve out pockets of me-time, and get a mental reset, even if you're a warrior who likes to charge in front of everyone else."In this Women's History Month Spotlight, Marina Bay Sands' Val Chua highlights the importance of finding mentors and having clear purpose in career development.View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Las Vegas Sands on 3blmedia.com.Contact Info:Spokesperson: Las Vegas SandsWebsite: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/las-vegas-sands Email: [email protected]: Las Vegas SandsView the original press release on accesswire.com

ACCESSWIRE

Women’s History Month Spotlight: Marina Bay Sands’ Val Chua Highlights the Importance of Finding Mentors and Having Clear Purpose in Career Development

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/women-history-month-spotlight-marina-134000774.html

f3062284-0b23-3b8e-82d4-3ed07c512410

LVS

In this article, we will be covering the 20 largest travel companies in the world. If you want to skip our detailed analysis of the travel and tourism industry, you can go directly to 5 Largest Travel Companies In The World.The travel and tourism sector plays a vital role in global economies. It creates jobs, fosters cultural exchange, and supports local businesses. It promotes understanding between nations while also contributing significantly to GDP growth. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), travel and tourism accounted for 7.6% of global GDP in 2022 while also creating 22 million new jobs around the world.An Analysis of the Global Travel and Tourism IndustryThe travel and tourism sector plays a crucial role in addressing societal and economic challenges. The industry is now thriving after being severely impacted during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis, which led to travel restrictions, cancellations, and a sharp decline in tourism activities. According to a report by Market Research Future, the global travel and tourism market reached a value of $648.03 billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2023 to 2032 and reach a value of more than $1.01 trillion by the end of the forecasted period. The North American region leads the global travel and tourism market, while Europe follows as the second-largest market. The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the fastest growth in the industry during the forecasted period.The travel and tourism market is undergoing a digital transformation with online booking platforms, travel agencies, mobile apps, and online travel-related services driving growth by enhancing connectivity and providing convenient and personalized traveler experiences. The trend of cultural and experiential tourism, with travelers seeking authentic, immersive experiences, unique destinations, and local experiences, is also a key factor driving market growth. Moreover, the rise in disposable incomes, especially in emerging markets, is leading to increased tourism. More people have the means to explore domestic and international destinations. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), domestic visitor spending saw an increase of 20.4% in 2022. On the other hand, international visitor spending went up by 81.9% in 2022.Story continuesWhat are Some of the Biggest Companies in the Travel and Tourism Industry Up To?Prominent companies in the travel and tourism industry are actively pursuing various strategies to expand their global presence and increase their profitability. Some of the most notable names are Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR), Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT), and Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG).Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) is one of the world’s largest providers of online travel and related services. It provides online travel services in more than 220 countries through its brands which include Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, KAYAK, and OpenTable. Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) is also one of the best travel stocks to buy. On February 22, Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) reported strong earnings for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2023. The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $32, surpassing EPS estimates by $1.95. The company’s revenue for the quarter grew by 18.15% year-over-year and amounted to $4.78 billion, ahead of market consensus by $73.37 million. Here are some comments from Booking Holdings Inc.’s (NASDAQ:BKNG) Q4 2023 earnings call:“As we look to the year ahead, we see strong growth on the books for travel that’s scheduled to take place in 2024, which gives early indications of potentially another record summer travel season. As we’ve noted previously, a high percentage of these bookings are capable and what is on the books today for the summer period represents a small percentage of the total bookings that we expect to ultimately receive. David will provide further details on fourth quarter results and on our thoughts about the first quarter and full year 2024. Looking back at the full year of 2023, I am proud of our efforts to drive more benefits to our travelers and supply partners while also delivering record-setting industry-leading financial results. We reached a significant milestone last year with our customers’ booking an all-time high of over 1 billion room nights on our platform, which was an increase of 17% versus 2022.”As the demand for travel and tourism continues to grow, companies operating in this space are launching new products, engaging in mergers and acquisitions, increasing investments, and forming contracts and collaborations. Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR) is an American multinational hospitality company. It operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts in more than 130 countries around the world. On March 7, Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR) announced that it has entered into an agreement with Victoria Park Hotels Ltd. to launch The Park Lane Hong Kong, Autograph Collection. This new addition is set to become part of Autograph Collection Hotels by early 2025. Autograph Collection Hotels’ portfolio includes more than 300 independent properties in some of the most desirable locations around the world. Situated within a 28-story mixed-use complex featuring retail spaces on the lower floors, the new hotel is projected to have 820 guest rooms, an executive lounge, 3 unique dining venues, extensive event spaces spanning over 1,700 square meters, and various recreational facilities. Some of the guest rooms will boast stunning views of Victoria Harbour, while others will overlook the city or Victoria Park in Hong Kong.On February 7, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) announced an exclusive strategic partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) that will introduce guests of Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) to a wide range of hotels in some of the most popular destinations around the world. This collaboration will significantly enhance Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.’s (NYSE:HLT) luxury offerings as unique SLH properties become part of the esteemed Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, and LXR Hotels & Resorts brands.Now that we have discussed what’s going on in the global travel and tourism industry, let’s take a look at the 20 largest travel companies in the world.20 Largest Travel Companies In The WorldA line of travellers queuing for a commercial flight, emphasizing the airport management operations.MethodologyIn this article, we have listed the 20 largest travel companies in the world. To find the top travel companies in the world, we sifted through various sources including industry reports, our own rankings in addition to rankings available on various websites, and consulted stock screeners from Yahoo Finance and Finviz. For companies that are publicly traded, we decided to rank them according to their market capitalization as of March 9. We used fiscal year revenues to rank the companies that are not publicly traded. For foreign companies, we converted the market caps and revenues to US dollars according to their respective exchange rates, as of March 9. Finally, we narrowed down our selection to rank the 20 largest travel companies in the world based on their market capitalization and revenues, which are listed below in ascending order.20 Largest Travel Companies In The World20. Host Hotels & Resorts Inc. (NYSE:HST)Market Capitalization: $14.9 BillionHost Hotels & Resorts Inc. (NYSE:HST) is a major American lodging real estate investment trust (REIT) that invests in hotels. It owns a diverse portfolio of luxury and upper-upscale hotels. Host Hotels & Resorts Inc. (NYSE:HST) has a market capitalization of $14.9 billion as of March 9, 2024.19. Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H)Market Capitalization: $16.12 BillionHyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) is an American multinational hospitality company. As one of the world’s top hospitality companies, it manages and franchises luxury and business hotels, resorts, and vacation properties in more than 70 countries across 6 continents. As of March 9, 2024, Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) has a market capitalization of $16.12 billion.18. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (NYSE:IHG)Market Capitalization: $17.4 BillionInterContinental Hotels Group PLC (NYSE:IHG) is a British multinational hospitality company. With more than 6,000 hotels in over 100 countries, it is one of the world’s leading hotel companies. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (NYSE:IHG) has a market capitalization of $17.4 billion as of March 9, 2024. It ranks 18th on our list of the 20 biggest travel companies in the world.17. Expedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE)Market Capitalization: $18.5 BillionExpedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) is an American travel technology company. As one of the top travel agencies in the world, it owns and operates various brands including Expedia, Hotels.com, CarRentals.com, Vrbo, Travelocity, Trivago, Orbitz, Ebookers, CheapTickets, and Expedia Cruises. As of March 9, 2024, Expedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) has a market capitalization of $18.5 billion.16. Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV)Market Capitalization: $20.44 BillionSouthwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) is an American airline company. It offers low-cost air travel service with frequent flights of mostly short routes. As one of the biggest travel companies in the world, Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) has a market capitalization of $20.44 billion as of March 9, 2024.15. Qatar Airways GroupRevenue: $21 BillionQatar Airways Group is the flag carrier of Qatar. Owned by the Government of Qatar, it is one of the world’s top airlines and it currently flies to over 170 international destinations. Qatar Airways Group generated an annual revenue of $21 billion in the year 2022-2023. It ranks among the top 15 on our list of the 20 largest travel companies in the world.14. Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)Market Capitalization: $21.38 BillionCarnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) is a British-American cruise operator. As one of the world's largest leisure travel companies, it owns some of the most well-known cruise line brands in North America, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Australia. Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) has a market capitalization of $21.38 billion as of March 9, 2024.13. Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited (SEHK:0027)Market Capitalization: $21.83 BillionGalaxy Entertainment Group Limited (SEHK:0027) is one of Asia’s top developers and operators of integrated entertainment and resort facilities. It owns and operates a broad portfolio of integrated resort, retail, dining, hotel, and gaming facilities in Macau. As one of the top travel companies in the world, Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited (SEHK:0027) has a market capitalization of $21.83 billion as of March 9, 2024.12. Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL)Market Capitalization: $27.17 BillionDelta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL) is one of America’s major airlines. It is also one of the world’s largest airlines by number of passengers carried. As one of the top travel companies in the world, Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL) has a market capitalization of $27.17 billion as of March 9, 2024.11. Amadeus IT Group S.A. (BME:AMS)Market Capitalization: $27.31 BillionAmadeus IT Group S.A. (BME:AMS) is a Spanish multinational technology company that develops technology and software for airlines, travel agencies, hotels, payment providers, and other travel-related businesses to enhance their operations and customer experiences. With a presence in more than 190 countries, the company provides software solutions for the global travel and tourism industry. As of March 9, 2024, Amadeus IT Group S.A. (BME:AMS) has a market capitalization of $27.31 billion.10. Trip.com Group Limited (NASDAQ:TCOM)Market Capitalization: $28.27 BillionTrip.com Group Limited (NASDAQ:TCOM) is a multinational travel service company that ranks among the top 10 on our list of the largest travel companies in the world. It owns and operates several travel agencies and travel fare aggregators including Ctrip, Qunar, Trip.com and Skyscanner. As of March 9, 2024, Trip.com Group Limited (NASDAQ:TCOM) has a market capitalization of $28.27 billion.9. Ryanair Holdings plc (NASDAQ:RYAAY)Market Capitalization: $32.3 BillionRyanair Holdings plc (NASDAQ:RYAAY) is an Irish airline company. As one of Europe's largest airline groups, it is the parent company of Ryanair, Ryanair UK, Buzz, Lauda, and Malta Air. With a market capitalization of $32.3 billion as of March 9, 2024, Ryanair Holdings plc (NASDAQ:RYAAY) ranks 9th on our list of the 20 largest travel companies in the world.8. Emirates GroupRevenue: $32.6 BillionEmirates Group is Dubai’s state-owned international aviation holding company. It owns Dubai National Air Travel Agency (dnata), an airport and ground services company, and Emirates Airline, one of the largest airlines in the Middle East. Emirates Group generated an annual revenue of $32.6 billion in the year 2022-2023.7. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL)Market Capitalization: $32.71 BillionRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) is a global cruise holding company that owns and operates cruise brands including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. As one of the world’s largest cruise line operators, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) has a global fleet of 65 ships traveling to around 1,000 destinations around the world. The company has a market capitalization of $32.71 billion as of March 9, 2024.6. Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS)Market Capitalization: $38.81 BillionLas Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) is an American casino and resort company that owns and operates integrated resorts in Macao and Singapore. As a driver of valuable leisure and business tourism, it is one of the world’s largest hotel and casino companies. With a market capitalization of $38.81 billion as of March 9, 2024, Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) ranks 6th on our list of the 20 largest travel companies in the world.Click to continue reading and see 5 Largest Travel Companies In The World.Suggested Articles:40 Most Polluted Cities in the World in 202420 Countries with the Strongest Paramilitary Forces in the World15 Sunniest Cities in EuropeDisclosure: None. 20 Largest Travel Companies In The World is published on Insider Monkey.

Insider Monkey

20 Largest Travel Companies In The World

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/20-largest-travel-companies-world-180018353.html

f7019cdb-8fb0-3878-92c1-5d248c647fc3

LW

Fomento Economico Mexicano S.A.B. de C.V. FMX, alias FEMSA, reported fourth-quarter 2023 net majority earnings per ADS of 64 cents (Ps. 0.91 per FEMSA unit). The company posted adjusted net majority earnings per ADS of $1.07, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.41.Net consolidated income was Ps. 6,337 million (US$375 million), reflecting a 20.7% decrease from the year-ago quarter.Total revenues were $11,232 million (Ps. 189,825 million), which improved 4.6% year over year in the local currency. Revenues in U.S. dollars beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $11,215 million. Revenue growth was driven by gains across FMX’s business units. On an organic basis, total revenues rose 4.3%.Shares of the Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) company have advanced 28% in the past year compared with the industry’s growth of 6%. Zacks Investment ResearchImage Source: Zacks Investment Research FEMSA’s gross profit rose 8.5% year over year to Ps. 77,915 million (US$4,610.4 million). The consolidated gross margin expanded 140 basis points (bps) to 41%, owing to the gross margin expansion at Proximity Americas, Fuel and Coca-Cola FEMSA. Growth was partly negated by margin declines in Health and Proximity Europe.The company’s gross margin expanded 120 bps at Proximity Americas, 20 bps at Fuel and 190 bps at the Coca-Cola FEMSA segments. However, the gross margin contracted 110 and 200 bps in the Health and Proximity Europe segments, respectively.FEMSA’s operating income (income from operations) was down 1.4% year over year to Ps. 17,532 million (US$1,037.4 million). On an organic basis, operating income dipped 0.7%. The consolidated operating margin contracted 60 bps to 9.2%, driven by margin contractions at the Coca-Cola FEMSA, Proximity Americas and Health divisions. The gains were partly offset by margin expansions at the Fuel and Proximity Europe division.Fomento Economico Mexicano S.A.B. de C.V. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise Fomento Economico Mexicano S.A.B. de C.V. Price, Consensus and EPS SurpriseFomento Economico Mexicano S.A.B. de C.V. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Fomento Economico Mexicano S.A.B. de C.V. QuoteStory continuesSegmental DiscussionProximity Americas: Total revenues for the segment rose 14.2% year over year to Ps. 71,530 million (US$4,232.6 million). The increase can primarily be attributed to an 8.5% rise in same-store sales on 2.1% growth in store traffic and a 6.3% rise in average ticket. The gains mainly stemmed from robust growth across the OXXO categories due to the rising demand for thirst and gathering occasions, such as beer, snacks and other beverages.The Proximity Americas division had 22,866 OXXO stores as of Dec 31, 2023. Operating income improved 1% year over year. The operating margin for the segment declined 150 bps to 11.2% due to higher operating expenses.Proximity Europe: Total revenues for the segment grew 16.4% to Ps. 11,415 million (US$675.5 million). The segment has been benefiting from favorable pricing actions and growth of Valora’s foodservice sales. The Proximity Europe division had 2,808 points of sale as of Dec 31, 2023. Operating income for the segment was up 78.9% year over year, on solid gains from the food products and foodservice category. The operating margin for the segment expanded 180 bps to 5.2%.Health Division: The segment reported total revenues of Ps. 19,254 million (US$1,139.3 million), up 2.6% year over year. Revenues benefited from favorable sales trends across most regions, offset by the challenging competitive environment in Mexico and negative currency translations.Backed by these trends, same-store sales rose 5.1% in the quarter. On a currency-neutral basis, total revenues increased 9%, whereas same-store sales increased 3.1%. The segment had 4,474 locations across all regions as of Dec 31, 2023. The operating income declined 43.5% year over year, while the operating margin contracted 240 bps to 3%.Fuel Division: Total revenues rose 9% to Ps. 15,121 million (US$894.7 million). Average same-station sales improved 4.8%, driven by a 2.1% increase in the average volume and 2.6% growth in the average price per liter. Results also gained from volume growth in its institutional and wholesale customer network. The company had 571 OXXO GAS service stations as of Dec 31, 2023. Operating income rose 13.5% and the operating margin expanded 20 bps to 4.6%.Coca-Cola FEMSA: Total revenues for the segment advanced 8.1% year over year to Ps. 66,190 million (US$3,916.6 million). KOF’s consolidated operating income increased 7.4%. The segment’s operating margin contracted 10 bps to 14.6%.Financial PositionFEMSA had cash and cash equivalents of Ps. 165,112 million (US$9,770.1 million) as of Dec 31, 2023. The company’s long-term debt was Ps. 125,417 million (US$7,421.2 million). It incurred a capital expenditure of Ps. 15,679 million (US$927.8 million) in 2023, reflecting higher investments in most businesses.Other Top-Ranked Stocks to ConsiderMolson Coors TAP, a leading beverage company, currently flaunts a Zacks Rank #1. TAP has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 37.2%, on average. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Molson Coors’ current fiscal-year sales and earnings suggests growth of 1.3% and 4.2%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers.Lamb Weston LW, which offers frozen potato products, has a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. LW delivered an earnings surprise of 28.8% in the last reported quarter.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Lamb Weston’s current financial-year sales and earnings suggests growth of 28.3% and 26.9%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers.Mondelez International MDLZ, one of the leading global snacks companies, currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. MDLZ has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 8.6%, on average.The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Mondelez’s current fiscal-year sales and earnings suggests growth of 3% and 10.3%, respectively, from the year-ago reported figure.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportFomento Economico Mexicano S.A.B. de C.V. (FMX) : Free Stock Analysis ReportMolson Coors Beverage Company (TAP) : Free Stock Analysis ReportMondelez International, Inc. (MDLZ) : Free Stock Analysis ReportLamb Weston (LW) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

FEMSA (FMX) Q4 Earnings Miss Estimates, Revenues Surpass

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/femsa-fmx-q4-earnings-miss-171800805.html

d6587a2d-c578-313b-871f-35bbeeb3ffff

LW

In the latest market close, Lamb Weston (LW) reached $102.05, with a -0.6% movement compared to the previous day. The stock fell short of the S&P 500, which registered a loss of 0.38% for the day. Elsewhere, the Dow lost 0.16%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 0.13%.Coming into today, shares of the frozen foods supplier had lost 1.46% in the past month. In that same time, the Consumer Staples sector gained 2.5%, while the S&P 500 gained 4.74%.The investment community will be closely monitoring the performance of Lamb Weston in its forthcoming earnings report. The company is predicted to post an EPS of $1.42, indicating a 0.7% decline compared to the equivalent quarter last year. Our most recent consensus estimate is calling for quarterly revenue of $1.65 billion, up 31.41% from the year-ago period.For the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of $5.94 per share and a revenue of $6.86 billion, representing changes of +26.92% and +28.26%, respectively, from the prior year.Investors should also note any recent changes to analyst estimates for Lamb Weston. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. Consequently, upward revisions in estimates express analysts' positivity towards the company's business operations and its ability to generate profits.Our research reveals that these estimate alterations are directly linked with the stock price performance in the near future. To take advantage of this, we've established the Zacks Rank, an exclusive model that considers these estimated changes and delivers an operational rating system.The Zacks Rank system, which varies between #1 (Strong Buy) and #5 (Strong Sell), carries an impressive track record of exceeding expectations, confirmed by external audits, with stocks at #1 delivering an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate remained stagnant. Lamb Weston is holding a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) right now.Story continuesIn terms of valuation, Lamb Weston is presently being traded at a Forward P/E ratio of 17.28. This expresses a premium compared to the average Forward P/E of 17.23 of its industry.We can additionally observe that LW currently boasts a PEG ratio of 1.16. Comparable to the widely accepted P/E ratio, the PEG ratio also accounts for the company's projected earnings growth. Food - Miscellaneous stocks are, on average, holding a PEG ratio of 2.19 based on yesterday's closing prices.The Food - Miscellaneous industry is part of the Consumer Staples sector. This industry, currently bearing a Zacks Industry Rank of 160, finds itself in the bottom 37% echelons of all 250+ industries.The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the vigor of our specific industry groups by computing the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks incorporated in the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.Remember to apply Zacks.com to follow these and more stock-moving metrics during the upcoming trading sessions.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportLamb Weston (LW) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

Lamb Weston (LW) Registers a Bigger Fall Than the Market: Important Facts to Note

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lamb-weston-lw-registers-bigger-225009496.html

80c84c32-ee11-3876-839d-422183469c0a

LW

It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors.Many investors also have a go-to methodology that helps guide their buy and sell decisions. One way to find winning stocks based on your preferred way of investing is to use the Zacks Style Scores, which are indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing types: value, growth, and momentum.Why Investors Should Pay Attention to This Value StockDifferent than growth or momentum investors, value-focused investors are all about finding good stocks at good prices, and discovering which companies are trading under what their true value is before the broader market catches on. The Value Style Score utilizes ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, and Price/Cash Flow to help pick out the most attractive and discounted stocks.Lamb Weston (LW)Based in Eagle, ID, Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer, marketer and distributor of value-added frozen potato products, particularly French fries, and also provides a range of appetizers.LW is a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock, with a Value Style Score of B and VGM Score of B. Shares are currently trading at a forward P/E of 17X for the current fiscal year compared to the Food - Miscellaneous industry's P/E of 17X. Additionally, LW has a PEG Ratio of 1.1 and a Price/Cash Flow ratio of 16.4X. Value investors should also note LW's Price/Sales ratio of 2.3X.A company's earnings performance is important for value investors as well. For fiscal 2024, one analyst revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for LW, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.03 to $5.94 per share. LW also holds an average earnings surprise of 28.8%.Investors should take the time to consider LW for their portfolios due to its solid Zacks Ranks, notable earnings and valuation metrics, and impressive Value and VGM Style Scores.Story continuesWant the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportLamb Weston (LW) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

Why Lamb Weston (LW) is a Top Value Stock for the Long-Term

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-lamb-weston-lw-top-134011241.html

a9999628-dfff-374c-a473-2d601b8b0aee

LW

Lamb Weston (LW) closed the most recent trading day at $102.20, moving +1% from the previous trading session. The stock's performance was ahead of the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.11%. On the other hand, the Dow registered a gain of 0.12%, and the technology-centric Nasdaq decreased by 0.41%.Prior to today's trading, shares of the frozen foods supplier had gained 0.36% over the past month. This has outpaced the Consumer Staples sector's gain of 0.25% and lagged the S&P 500's gain of 2.7% in that time.Analysts and investors alike will be keeping a close eye on the performance of Lamb Weston in its upcoming earnings disclosure. The company's earnings report is set to go public on April 4, 2024. The company is predicted to post an EPS of $1.42, indicating a 0.7% decline compared to the equivalent quarter last year. Meanwhile, our latest consensus estimate is calling for revenue of $1.65 billion, up 31.41% from the prior-year quarter.For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates project earnings of $5.94 per share and a revenue of $6.86 billion, demonstrating changes of +26.92% and +28.26%, respectively, from the preceding year.Investors should also pay attention to any latest changes in analyst estimates for Lamb Weston. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. Consequently, upward revisions in estimates express analysts' positivity towards the company's business operations and its ability to generate profits.Research indicates that these estimate revisions are directly correlated with near-term share price momentum. To exploit this, we've formed the Zacks Rank, a quantitative model that includes these estimate changes and presents a viable rating system.The Zacks Rank system, which ranges from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has an impressive outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate remained stagnant. Right now, Lamb Weston possesses a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).Story continuesWith respect to valuation, Lamb Weston is currently being traded at a Forward P/E ratio of 17.03. Its industry sports an average Forward P/E of 17.03, so one might conclude that Lamb Weston is trading at no noticeable deviation comparatively.One should further note that LW currently holds a PEG ratio of 1.14. This metric is used similarly to the famous P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also takes into account the stock's expected earnings growth rate. The Food - Miscellaneous was holding an average PEG ratio of 2.02 at yesterday's closing price.The Food - Miscellaneous industry is part of the Consumer Staples sector. This industry currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 149, which puts it in the bottom 41% of all 250+ industries.The Zacks Industry Rank evaluates the power of our distinct industry groups by determining the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks forming the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.You can find more information on all of these metrics, and much more, on Zacks.com.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportLamb Weston (LW) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

Lamb Weston (LW) Gains As Market Dips: What You Should Know

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lamb-weston-lw-gains-market-220018193.html

d2ff8a57-2a24-33e4-a543-a17ac76218f9

LYB

Some investors rely on dividends for growing their wealth, and if you're one of those dividend sleuths, you might be intrigued to know that LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (NYSE:LYB) is about to go ex-dividend in just three days. The ex-dividend date is usually set to be one business day before the record date which is the cut-off date on which you must be present on the company's books as a shareholder in order to receive the dividend. The ex-dividend date is of consequence because whenever a stock is bought or sold, the trade takes at least two business day to settle. This means that investors who purchase LyondellBasell Industries' shares on or after the 1st of March will not receive the dividend, which will be paid on the 11th of March.The company's next dividend payment will be US$1.25 per share. Last year, in total, the company distributed US$5.00 to shareholders. Last year's total dividend payments show that LyondellBasell Industries has a trailing yield of 5.0% on the current share price of US$99.27. Dividends are a major contributor to investment returns for long term holders, but only if the dividend continues to be paid. So we need to check whether the dividend payments are covered, and if earnings are growing. See our latest analysis for LyondellBasell Industries If a company pays out more in dividends than it earned, then the dividend might become unsustainable - hardly an ideal situation. It paid out 76% of its earnings as dividends last year, which is not unreasonable, but limits reinvestment in the business and leaves the dividend vulnerable to a business downturn. It could become a concern if earnings started to decline. Yet cash flows are even more important than profits for assessing a dividend, so we need to see if the company generated enough cash to pay its distribution. It distributed 47% of its free cash flow as dividends, a comfortable payout level for most companies.It's positive to see that LyondellBasell Industries's dividend is covered by both profits and cash flow, since this is generally a sign that the dividend is sustainable, and a lower payout ratio usually suggests a greater margin of safety before the dividend gets cut.Story continuesClick here to see the company's payout ratio, plus analyst estimates of its future dividends.historic-dividendHave Earnings And Dividends Been Growing?Businesses with shrinking earnings are tricky from a dividend perspective. If business enters a downturn and the dividend is cut, the company could see its value fall precipitously. With that in mind, we're discomforted by LyondellBasell Industries's 12% per annum decline in earnings in the past five years. When earnings per share fall, the maximum amount of dividends that can be paid also falls.Another key way to measure a company's dividend prospects is by measuring its historical rate of dividend growth. In the past 10 years, LyondellBasell Industries has increased its dividend at approximately 0.5% a year on average.The Bottom LineHas LyondellBasell Industries got what it takes to maintain its dividend payments? The payout ratios are within a reasonable range, implying the dividend may be sustainable. Declining earnings are a serious concern, however, and could pose a threat to the dividend in future. In summary, it's hard to get excited about LyondellBasell Industries from a dividend perspective.So if you want to do more digging on LyondellBasell Industries, you'll find it worthwhile knowing the risks that this stock faces. In terms of investment risks, we've identified 3 warning signs with LyondellBasell Industries and understanding them should be part of your investment process.A common investing mistake is buying the first interesting stock you see. Here you can find a full list of high-yield dividend stocks.Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Simply Wall St.

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (NYSE:LYB) Pays A US$1.25 Dividend In Just Three Days

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lyondellbasell-industries-n-v-nyse-113823928.html

aa7a7913-1c4f-30c6-964e-ca558a809bbf

LYB

HOUSTON, Feb. 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) announced today that LYB International Finance III, LLC, its wholly-owned subsidiary, priced a public offering (the "Offering") of $750,000,000 aggregate principal amount of 5.500% Guaranteed Notes due 2034 (the "Notes"). The Notes will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed by LyondellBasell. The Offering is expected to close on February 28, 2024, subject to the satisfaction of customary closing conditions.The net proceeds of the Offering are expected to be used for general corporate purposes, which may include the repayment of the 5.75% Senior Notes due 2024 issued by LyondellBasell.Citigroup Global Markets Inc. and Mizuho Securities USA LLC are acting as the joint book-running managers for the Offering.The Offering is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement that was previously filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). A preliminary prospectus supplement has been filed, and a prospectus supplement relating to the offering of the Notes will be filed, with the SEC, to which this communication relates. Prospective investors should read the preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus included in the registration statement and other documents LyondellBasell has filed with the SEC relating to the Offering, copies of which may be obtained for free by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, copies of the preliminary prospectus supplement and the accompanying base prospectus may be obtained by calling Citigroup Global Markets Inc. at 1-800-831-9146 or Mizuho Securities USA LLC at 1-866-271-7403.This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the Notes, nor shall there be any offer, solicitation or sale of the Notes in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Any offering of securities will be made only by means of a prospectus supplement, which will be filed with the SEC.Story continuesAbout LyondellBasellWe are LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) – a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are enabling a circular and low carbon economy. Across all we do, we aim to unlock value for our customers, investors and society. As one of the world's largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare.Forward-Looking StatementsThe statements in this release relating to matters that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements. Actual results could differ materially based on factors including, but not limited to, market conditions; our ability to complete the Offering and apply the net proceeds as described; and our ability to comply with debt covenants and to amend, extend, repay, service, and reduce our debt. Additional factors that could cause results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements can be found in the "Risk Factors" section of our Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2023, which can be found at www.lyondellbasell.com on the Investor Relations page and on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov.LyondellBasell (PRNewsfoto/LyondellBasell Industries) CisionView original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lyondellbasell-prices-public-offering-of-guaranteed-notes-302071680.htmlSOURCE LyondellBasell

PR Newswire

LyondellBasell Prices Public Offering of Guaranteed Notes

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lyondellbasell-prices-public-offering-guaranteed-213700019.html

20f3270f-e9d8-3439-9d00-e1630243c0c3

LYB

HOUSTON and LONDON, March 6, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- LyondellBasell today announced Peter Vanacker, chief executive officer, will participate in a fireside chat at the J.P. Morgan 2024 Industrials Conference in New York City on Wednesday, March 13, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. EST. Webcast and Presentation Slides AccessA live webcast can be accessed at the time of the event at https://www.LyondellBasell.com/en/investors/investor-events/. A replay of the event will be available at the same link within 24 hours following the webcast.About LyondellBasellWe are LyondellBasell (NYSE: LYB) – a leader in the global chemical industry creating solutions for everyday sustainable living. Through advanced technology and focused investments, we are enabling a circular and low carbon economy. Across all we do, we aim to unlock value for our customers, investors and society. As one of the world's largest producers of polymers and a leader in polyolefin technologies, we develop, manufacture and market high-quality and innovative products for applications ranging from sustainable transportation and food safety to clean water and quality healthcare. For more information, please visit www.lyondellbasell.com or follow @LyondellBasell on LinkedIn.LyondellBasell (PRNewsfoto/LyondellBasell Industries) CisionView original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/lyondellbasell-to-address-jp-morgan-2024-industrials-conference-302080230.htmlSOURCE LyondellBasell

PR Newswire

LyondellBasell to Address J.P. Morgan 2024 Industrials Conference

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/lyondellbasell-address-j-p-morgan-140000078.html

00b95f02-d3b8-36f7-b677-ae211d61aa10

LYB

LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (NYSE:LYB) received a lot of attention from a substantial price movement on the NYSE over the last few months, increasing to US$102 at one point, and dropping to the lows of US$91.63. Some share price movements can give investors a better opportunity to enter into the stock, and potentially buy at a lower price. A question to answer is whether LyondellBasell Industries' current trading price of US$98.94 reflective of the actual value of the large-cap? Or is it currently undervalued, providing us with the opportunity to buy? Let’s take a look at LyondellBasell Industries’s outlook and value based on the most recent financial data to see if there are any catalysts for a price change. Check out our latest analysis for LyondellBasell Industries What's The Opportunity In LyondellBasell Industries?Good news, investors! LyondellBasell Industries is still a bargain right now. According to our valuation, the intrinsic value for the stock is $145.16, but it is currently trading at US$98.94 on the share market, meaning that there is still an opportunity to buy now. However, given that LyondellBasell Industries’s share is fairly volatile (i.e. its price movements are magnified relative to the rest of the market) this could mean the price can sink lower, giving us another chance to buy in the future. This is based on its high beta, which is a good indicator for share price volatility.What does the future of LyondellBasell Industries look like?earnings-and-revenue-growthFuture outlook is an important aspect when you’re looking at buying a stock, especially if you are an investor looking for growth in your portfolio. Buying a great company with a robust outlook at a cheap price is always a good investment, so let’s also take a look at the company's future expectations. With profit expected to grow by 65% over the next couple of years, the future seems bright for LyondellBasell Industries. It looks like higher cash flow is on the cards for the stock, which should feed into a higher share valuation.Story continuesWhat This Means For YouAre you a shareholder? Since LYB is currently undervalued, it may be a great time to increase your holdings in the stock. With a positive outlook on the horizon, it seems like this growth has not yet been fully factored into the share price. However, there are also other factors such as financial health to consider, which could explain the current undervaluation.Are you a potential investor? If you’ve been keeping an eye on LYB for a while, now might be the time to make a leap. Its buoyant future outlook isn’t fully reflected in the current share price yet, which means it’s not too late to buy LYB. But before you make any investment decisions, consider other factors such as the track record of its management team, in order to make a well-informed investment decision.If you'd like to know more about LyondellBasell Industries as a business, it's important to be aware of any risks it's facing. Case in point: We've spotted 3 warning signs for LyondellBasell Industries you should be aware of.If you are no longer interested in LyondellBasell Industries, you can use our free platform to see our list of over 50 other stocks with a high growth potential.Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.

Simply Wall St.

Is It Time To Consider Buying LyondellBasell Industries N.V. (NYSE:LYB)?

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/time-consider-buying-lyondellbasell-industries-130014699.html

3bf5662e-e4c6-3874-b095-4d5319214d78

LYV

Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. LYV reported mixed fourth-quarter 2023 results, with earnings missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate and revenues beating the same. Revenues surpassed the consensus estimate for the seventh straight quarter.Following the results, the company’s shares increased 3.8% in the after-hour trading session on Feb 22.The company has been benefiting from the pent-up demand for live events and robust ticket sales. It continues to benefit from the robust performance of Ticketmaster and an increase in fan spending. In 2023, 145 million fans attended more than 50,000 events.The industry is expanding its concert offerings and building more venues. LYV anticipates continued growth, aiming for double-digit increases in operating income and adjusted operating income (AOI) in 2024. LYV expects profitability to compound by double digits in the coming years.Earnings & RevenuesIn the fourth quarter of 2023, the company reported an adjusted loss per share of $1.22, wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $1.13. In the prior-year quarter, the company reported an adjusted loss per share of $1.09.Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS SurpriseLive Nation Entertainment, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. Quote Revenues amounted to $5.84 billion, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.72 billion by 23.7%. The top line increased 36% year over year from $4.29 billion.Segmental DiscussionConcerts: The segment’s revenues totaled $4.87 billion, up 44% year over year. Our model predicted the metric to climb 8% year over year. Adjusted operating loss was $184.4 million, in line with the year-ago figures. Total estimated events rose to 15,823, up from the prior-year’s figure of 13,156 events. Our model predicted the total events for the reporting quarter to be 13,466.Ticketing: Segmental revenues amounted to $739.8 million, up 14% from the prior-year quarter. Our model estimated the metric to jump 22.7% year over year. Adjusted operating income was $236 million, up from $227.7 million reported in the prior-year quarter. In the quarter, the total estimated tickets sold rose to 169,447,000 from 164,106,000 reported in the prior-year quarter.Sponsorship & Advertising: Revenues from this segment totaled $255.4 million, up 4% from the year-ago quarter’s figure. We estimated the metric to fall 4.1% year over year. Adjusted operating income was $126.2 million, up 7% year over year.Story continuesOther Financial InformationCash and cash equivalents as of Dec 31, 2023, totaled $6.23 billion compared with $5.61 billion as of Dec 31, 2022. As of Dec 31, 2023, goodwill was $2.69 billion compared with $2.53 billion at the end of 2022. Net long-term debt increased to $5.46 billion from $5.28 billion as of Dec 31, 2022.In 2023, net cash provided by operating activities was $1.37 billion compared with $1.83 billion reported in the year-ago period.Zacks Rank & Recent Consumer Discretionary ReleasesLive Nation currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Marriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation VAC reported fourth-quarter 2023 results, with earnings and revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate after missing in the preceding quarter. The top line increased on a year-over-year basis, but the bottom line declined.Following a challenging year, the company concluded the year positively, with contract sales increasing 4% in the reported quarter from the previous year’s levels. Volumes Per Guest (or VPG) remained consistent with the prior year, adjusting for the estimated impact of the Maui wildfires.Choice Hotels International, Inc. CHH delivered mixed fourth-quarter 2023 results, with earnings beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate and revenues missing the same. The top line fell year over year, while the bottom line increased from the prior-year quarter’s figure.In 2023, the company reported an uptick in growth, exceeding its full-year adjusted EBITDA and adjusted EPS guidance. The upside was propelled by the effective strategy of incorporating hotels with higher royalties per unit.Caesars Entertainment, Inc. CZR reported fourth-quarter 2023 results, wherein both earnings and revenues missed their respective Zacks Consensus Estimate. The company's earnings missed the consensus mark after beating in each of the preceding five quarters.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportChoice Hotels International, Inc. (CHH) : Free Stock Analysis ReportMarriott Vacations Worldwide Corporation (VAC) : Free Stock Analysis ReportLive Nation Entertainment, Inc. (LYV) : Free Stock Analysis ReportCaesars Entertainment, Inc. (CZR) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

Live Nation's (LYV) Q4 Earnings Lag, Revenues Surpass Estimates

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/live-nations-lyv-q4-earnings-161800722.html

1cbd694b-1452-3ab9-8254-d2b266719183

LYV

In this article, we will take a detailed look at the Billionaires Mario Gabelli and Mason Hawkins Love These 14 Stocks. For a quick overview of such stocks, read our article Billionaires Mario Gabelli and Mason Hawkins Love These 5 Stocks.We have discussed at length the investment philosophies and stock picks of billionaire Mario Gabelli and Mason Hawkins in our previous articles. While a lot is common among these legendary investors, one of the biggest shared factors between the two is their adherence to fundamental value investing philosophy. And while the AI-fueled rally is causing growth stocks to remain in focus and value stocks to languish on the backburner, something interesting is happening that could be a sign of wider rotation of the financial markets towards value.Market Rotation Towards Value Stocks in 2024?Bloomberg recently reported that BlackRock, the world's biggest asset manager, funneled billions into its value- and factor-based model portfolios as the firm bets on cheap and undervalued stocks for 2024. The Bloomberg report cited Michael Gates, lead portfolio manager for BlackRock’s Target Allocation ETF model portfolio suite, who said in a latest report that BlackRock was "switching the growth style over the value" to reflect its bullish view on the economy as it expects a soft landing.“We remain optimistic and overweight stocks. This means we keep our heavy US tilt in portfolios, but consolidate some bets as we expect choppy markets over the first half of the year.”MethodologyIn this environment it would be interesting to see which stocks were common in Mario Gabelli and Mason Hawkins' portfolios heading into 2024. For this article we scanned the Q4 portfolios of Gamco Investors — the hedge fund of billionaire Mario Gabelli — and the Q4 portfolio of Southeastern Asset Management — the fund led by Mason Hawkins — and picked 14 stocks in which both these funds had stakes as of the end of the fourth quarter of 2023. Hedge funds’ top 10 consensus stock picks outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here).Story continuesBillionaires Mario Gabelli and Mason Hawkins Love These Stocks14. Westrock Coffee Co (NASDAQ:WEST)Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 6Mario Gabelli's Stake: $2,487,667Mason Hawkins' Stake: $56,226,430Arkansas-based roasted coffee company Westrock Coffee Co (NASDAQ:WEST) is one of the top stocks found in the portfolios of both Mario Gabelli and Mason Hawkins.In November, Westrock Coffee Co (NASDAQ:WEST) said its adjusted EBITDA outlook for 2023 was expected to fall below its previously issued guidance range of flat to 10% over 2022.Longleaf Partners Small-Cap Fund made the following comment about Westrock Coffee Company (NASDAQ:WEST) in its Q3 2023 investor letter:“Westrock Coffee Company (NASDAQ:WEST) – Westrock Coffee, which is the “brand behind the brand” producing and distributing coffee, tea and extracts for larger entities, was another top detractor in the quarter. Westrock faced a challenging summer with inflation, heat waves making hot coffee less popular and high gas prices negatively impacting traffic at convenience stores and rest stops. However, our long-term case for the business is less dependent on the single serve coffee business and more predicated on the potentially transformative plant that will be operating in 2024 and will support a shift to higher value beverages that represent a tremendous growth opportunity. In the near-term, Westrock did a capital raise to accelerate the growth of the new plant, and this also weighed on the stock price in the short term.”13, Graham Holdings Co (NYSE:GHC)Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 17Mario Gabelli's Stake: $12,475,370Mason Hawkins' Stake: $60,814,554Graham Holdings Co (NYSE:GHC) is a conglomerate having multiple business segments including educational services, hospice care, car dealerships and media. Mario Gabelli's hedge fund had a $12.5 million stake in Graham Holdings Co (NYSE:GHC) as of the end of the fourth quarter, while Mason Hawkins' Southeastern had a $60 million stake in Graham Holdings Co (NYSE:GHC).Over the past one year the stock has gained about 9% A total of 17 hedge funds out of the 933 fund in Insider Monkey had stakes in Graham Holdings Co (NYSE:GHC).12. CNX Resources Corp (NYSE:CNX)Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 23Mario Gabelli's Stake: $4,023,700Mason Hawkins' Stake: $166,764,660Natural gas company CNX Resources Corp (NYSE:CNX) is the biggest holding of Mason Hawkins' Southeastern as of the end of the fourth quarter, while Gabelli's hedge fund had a $4 million stake in CNX Resources Corp (NYSE:CNX).Longleaf Partners Small-Cap Fund made the following comment about CNX Resources Corporation (NYSE:CNX) in its Q3 2023 investor letter:“CNX Resources Corporation (NYSE:CNX) – Natural gas company CNX Resources was the top performer in the quarter. The company benefited from rising energy prices, as well as strong operational execution. CNX remains highly discounted, as the market does not give the company credit for its longer-term undrilled assets or its “new technology investments,” which include methods to reduce carbon on a net basis. Management expects this to be a material business for CNX over the longer term, but for now it is a high-quality hidden asset. CNX has taken advantage of the price disconnect through meaningful share repurchase.”11. CNH Industrial NV (NYSE:CNHI)Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 29Mario Gabelli's Stake: $103,629,206 Mason Hawkins' Stake: $51,034,139 Agricultural and construction equipment company CNH Industrial NV (NYSE:CNHI) is one of the stocks loved by both Mario Gabelli and Mason Hawkins. The fourth quarter portfolio of Mario Gabelli's fund shows that it had a $103 million stake in CNH Industrial NV (NYSE:CNHI). On the other hand, Mason Hawkins' hedge fund had a $51 million stake in CNH Industrial NV (NYSE:CNHI).CNH Industrial NV (NYSE:CNHI) stock is up about 1.8% over the past 30 days as of February 22.Oakmark Global Select Fund made the following comment about CNH Industrial N.V. (NYSE:CNHI) in its Q3 2023 investor letter:“CNH Industrial N.V. (NYSE:CNHI) (Italy), which designs, manufactures, and distributes agricultural and construction equipment, was the top detractor for the quarter. CNH Industrial’s share price fell following its second-quarter results, as agriculture equipment sales rose 5% in local currency, a slowdown from the prior quarter. This performance fell below market expectations due to destocking activity in Brazil and some production ramp-up issues for its new Patriot sprayer. We believe the production issues are temporary while the destocking actions will better position the business for the midterm. Pricing power remains quite strong and increased by roughly 7%, and precision agricultural sales grew by 21%. While the market was overly focused on near-term demand and sales growth, the agriculture equipment division produced its highest quarterly margin ever at 16.8%—an encouraging development that supports our view of the company’s long-term profitability. Further, the much smaller construction business delivered strong results, including its own quarterly margin record. Management maintained guidance for the rest of the company’s current fiscal year and indicated it expects to exceed the 2024 targets laid out at a capital markets day in 2022. We recently met with CEO Scott Wine at the company’s offices. He expressed confidence in the company’s ability to drive much better through-cycle financial performance while avoiding the company’s previous mistakes. He also believes the company’s share price is materially undervalued, and although he would prefer to invest in the business, he sees an opportunity to increase returns to shareholders via share repurchases. We believe CNH Industrial remains a solid business in an attractive industry that is run by a much-improved management team.”10. Mattel Inc (NASDAQ:MAT)Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 32Mario Gabelli's Stake: $806,176 Mason Hawkins' Stake: $166,906,960Mattel Inc (NASDAQ:MAT) stock jumped earlier this month after Mattel Inc (NASDAQ:MAT) gave a strong guidance for this year. Mattel Inc (NASDAQ:MAT) said its adjusted gross margin is expected to come between 48.5% and 49% compared to the average analyst estimate of 47.9%. Adjusted EBITDA is expected in the range of $975 million to $1.03 billion compared to the estimate $987.3 million. Mattel Inc (NASDAQ:MAT) sees adjusted EPS in the range of $1.35 to $1.45 compared to the expectation of $1.37.9. Kellogg Co Co (NYSE:K)Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 35Mario Gabelli's Stake: $7,415,511Mason Hawkins' Stake: $123,642,393Kellogg Co (NYSE:K), which renamed itself last year to Kellanova Co (NYSE:K) following a split, is one of the favorite stocks of Mario Gabelli and Mason Hawkins.Earlier this month, BofA published its list of "Magnificent 80" stocks that it believes can offer more in dividend yields than cash. Kellogg Co Co (NYSE:K) made it to the list. The stock has a dividend yield of 3.97% as of February 22.8. IAC Inc (NASDAQ:IAC)Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 44Mario Gabelli's Stake: $1,157,703Mason Hawkins' Stake: $118,390,585Media and internet brands company IAC Inc (NASDAQ:IAC) is loved by both Mario Gabelli ($1.1 million stake) and Mason Hawkins ($118 million stake).Earlier this month IAC Inc (NASDAQ:IAC) posted fourth quarter results. EPS in the fourth quarter came in at $3.70. Revenue fell 15.2% year over year to $1.06 billion, missing estimates by $10 million.TimesSquare Capital U.S. Mid Cap Growth Strategy made the following comment about IAC Inc. (NASDAQ:IAC) in its Q3 2023 investor letter:“For the Communications Services sector, we generally prefer to invest in media and services companies that are either well placed from an advertising perspective with a target audience or provide differentiated services. IAC Inc. (NASDAQ:IAC) is engaged in the media and Internet business. Its two core business segments are Dotdash Meredith and ANGI Homeservices. Dotdash Meredith provides digital and print publishing services. ANGI Homeservices offers a gateway to repair, remodeling, cleaning, and other services. While Dotdash Meredith results were in line, ANGI fell short of expectations as they are shifting their focus to high-quality customers to generate more profitability. Shares of IAC fell -20% on this report and we added to the position on weakness.”7. MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM)Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 45Mario Gabelli's Stake: $23,854,520Mason Hawkins' Stake: $111,144,762Resorts and casino giant MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) is one of the stocks loved by both Mario Gabelli and Mason Hawkins. MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) recently reported fourth quarter results. MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) earned $1.06 per share, beating the Wall Street estimates of $0.35. Revenue jumped 22% on a year-over-year basis to $4.38 billion, surpassing estimates by $240 million.Insider Monkey's database of 933 hedge funds shows that 45 hedge funds had stakes in MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) as of the end of the last quarter of 2023.Longleaf Partners Fund stated the following regarding MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) in its fourth quarter 2023 investor letter:“MGM Resorts International (NYSE:MGM) & Hyatt – Hospitality companies MGM Resorts and Hyatt were both strong performers in the fourth quarter and for the year, outperforming expectations that the post-COVID travel rebound would ease in 2023. Casino and online gaming company MGM saw double-digit revenue growth and strong 2023 bookings in Las Vegas in the first half, which moderated in the second half but remained solid. A cybersecurity attack negatively impacted 3Q results, but MGM does not expect the $100 million hit to have a material effect on its financial condition and operational results for the year. MGM bought back discounted shares at a 15% annualized rate and authorized another $2 billion buyback in 4Q, which represents another 15% of the company.”6. Live Nation Entertainment Inc (NYSE:LYV)Number of Hedge Fund Investors: 45Mario Gabelli's Stake: $24,476,447Mason Hawkins' Stake: $115,526,362Last month, Roth MKM upgraded Live Nation Entertainment Inc (NYSE:LYV) shares to Buy from Neutral and raised the stock's price target to $114 from $92. Roth MKM cited an increased demand for live events and concerns in the US for its bullish outlook on the stock.Out of the 933 funds tracked by Insider Monkey, 45 hedge funds had stakes in Live Nation Entertainment Inc (NYSE:LYV). The biggest hedge fund stakeholder of Live Nation Entertainment Inc (NYSE:LYV) during this period was Robert Joseph Caruso's Select Equity Group which owns a $979 million stake in Live Nation Entertainment Inc (NYSE:LYV).Longleaf Partners Fund stated the following regarding Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:LYV) in its fourth quarter 2023 investor letter:“Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:LYV) – Live Nation Entertainment, a new purchase this year, was a strong performer in the fourth quarter and a strong performer for the year as it outperformed expectations. Live Nation reported a great 3Q, with revenues and adjusted operating income up 30%+, concert revenues up 29% and ticketing up 55%. The company guided for continued strong growth in 2024. We have prior knowledge of Live Nation from our time owning various Liberty Media entities and are encouraged on future capital allocation that Liberty is still on the case as a 30%+ owner.” Click to continue reading and see Billionaires Mario Gabelli and Mason Hawkins Love 5 Stocks. Suggested Articles:Billionaire Paul Singer's Recent Activist Targets and Top Stock PicksCliff Asness Stock Portfolio: 10 Top Stock PicksDan Loeb Stock Portfolio: 10 Top Stock PicksDisclosure. None. Mario Gabelli Mason Hawkins Love These 14 Stocks was initially published on Insider Monkey.

Insider Monkey

Billionaires Mario Gabelli and Mason Hawkins Love These 14 Stocks

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/billionaires-mario-gabelli-mason-hawkins-202648743.html

6688bec6-a3b6-376b-9df3-fdeebb9d46de

LYV

Century Casinos, Inc. CNTY is likely to record earnings decline when it reports fourth-quarter 2023 results. In the last reported quarter, the company’s earnings missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 413.3%.Q4 EstimatesThe Zacks Consensus Estimate is pegged at a loss of 35 cents per share. In the past seven days, estimates have remained stable. In the last reported quarter, CNTY incurred a loss of 14 cents per share. The consensus mark for revenues is pegged at $142.6 million, suggesting a 37.5% increase from a year ago.Factors to NoteStrong performance in Canada and U.S. operations is likely to have positively impacted Century Casinos’ fourth-quarter performance. The consensus mark for revenues from operations in Canada and U.S. is pegged at $17.6 million and $104 million, which indicate growth of 6.9% and 67.7%, respectively, from the year-ago quarter’s figures. However, the consensus estimate for revenues from Poland is pegged at $21.4 million, suggesting a decline of 14.1% from the prior-year figure. Higher operating costs and expenses are likely to have hurt the bottom line in the quarter-to-be reported.What Our Model SaysOur proven model doesn’t conclusively predict an earnings beat for Century Casinos this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat.  Earnings ESP: CNTY has an Earnings ESP of 0.00%. You can uncover the best stocks to buy or sell before they’re reported with our Earnings ESP Filter.Zacks Rank: CNTY carries a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell).You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank stocks here.Century Casinos, Inc. Price and EPS SurpriseCentury Casinos, Inc. price-eps-surprise | Century Casinos, Inc. QuoteRecent Consumer Discretionary ReleasesHyatt Hotels Corporation H delivered decent fourth-quarter 2023 results, with earnings topping the Zacks Consensus Estimate but declining on a year-over-year basis. H's revenues surpassed the consensus mark and increased year over year.Hyatt’s quarterly results reflected year-over-year growth in comparable system-wide revenue per available room, driven by an increase in occupancy and average daily rate. The uptrend is mainly driven by strong global travel demand, especially among leisure and business guests, and group customers. However, increased costs and expenses, and foreign currency risks partially offset the aforementioned tailwinds and hurt the bottom line.Planet Fitness, Inc. PLNT reported fourth-quarter 2023 results, with earnings and revenues beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate. Also, both metrics increased on a year-over-year basis.However, management cited concerns about continued macroeconomic uncertainty and a slowing down of sales (owing to a transition toward more strength equipment over cardio). PLNT anticipates 2024 sales distribution to resemble that of 2023, suggesting a return to a standard quarterly rhythm.Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. LYV reported mixed fourth-quarter 2023 results, with earnings missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate and revenues beating the same. Revenues surpassed the consensus estimate for the seventh straight quarter.LYV has been benefiting from pent-up demand for live events and robust ticket sales. It continues to benefit from robust performance of Ticketmaster and an increase in fan spending. In 2023, 145 million fans attended more than 50,000 events.Stay on top of upcoming earnings announcements with the Zacks Earnings Calendar.Story continuesWant the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportHyatt Hotels Corporation (H) : Free Stock Analysis ReportCentury Casinos, Inc. (CNTY) : Free Stock Analysis ReportLive Nation Entertainment, Inc. (LYV) : Free Stock Analysis ReportPlanet Fitness, Inc. (PLNT) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

Century Casinos (CNTY) to Post Q4 Earnings: What's in Store?

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/century-casinos-cnty-post-q4-150500970.html

15b31fad-027e-3be1-8bab-a3395115d96d

LYV

In this article, we will take a look at the 12 best entertainment stocks to buy for 2024. To skip our analysis of the recent trends, and market activity, you can go directly to see the 5 Best Entertainment Stocks to Buy for 2024.The entertainment industry is further divided into sub-industries including movies and entertainment, which includes companies focused on production and distribution of movies and television shows, and Interactive Home Entertainment, which includes producers of educational and interactive gaming products.Studios and video streaming services must deal with the challenge of market disruption. As per Deloitte, companies in the media and entertainment industries are not only vying against each other for audience attention, time, and revenue, but also against social media, user-generated content, and video games. The latter have advanced more rapidly and have remained popular among younger age groups. You can read more about this in our article: 12 Best Entertainment Stocks To Buy In 2023Recent years haven’t been good for the entertainment industry. Several entertainment industry stocks had to tread through choppy waters due to several reasons. Last year we saw strikes from Hollywood writers and actors which brought content production to a standstill. On the other hand, persistent issues of advertising market weakness and ‘cord-cutting’ continued to burden profitability for the industry participants. For the uninitiated, cord-cutting refers to the behavior of viewers cancelling their subscriptions to multichannel television services available over cable or satellite, in favor of other forms of media services. A new potential threat as well as opportunity has arisen recently in the form of generative artificial intelligence. On the one hand, it can improve productivity, on the other it can raise challenges like trust, accuracy, privacy, and fairness.Companies in the entertainment industry have been forced to take measures to protect shareholder value in the face of these challenges. Some of the players in the market are reportedly seeking consolidation opportunities in a bid to use scale to fight off adversity. Other industry participants have opted for innovative opportunities to increase revenues and profitability. For instance, the streaming giant Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX) tightened the control on password sharing and introduced advertisement supporting tier of membership at a lower fee to attract the bargain hunters. In addition, companies have slashed their content budgets to improve their profitability.Story continuesOur list of 12 best entertainment stocks to buy for 2024 includes some of the most notable names in the entertainment industry. The list includes UFC and WWE operator TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:TKO), the leading record label company Warner Music Group Corp. (NASDAQ:WMG), ticketing and live entertainment leader Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:LYV), and the streaming leader, Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ:NFLX), among others. With the exception of a few, majority of the stocks on the list have a history of paying regular dividends to their shareholders.Best Entertainment Stocks to Buy for 2024MethodologyWe scanned Insider Monkey’s database of 933 hedge funds and picked the top 12 companies that operate in the entertainment industry with the highest number of hedge fund investors. We have ranked our picks in ascending order of the number of hedge funds that have positions in them.Hedge funds’ top 10 consensus stock picks outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). That’s why we pay very close attention to this often-ignored indicator.12. TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:TKO)Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 34TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:TKO) is a premium sports and entertainment company that comprises UFC, the world’s premier mixed martial arts organization, and WWE, an integrated media organization and the recognized global leader in sports entertainment. It is majority owned by Endeavor Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:EDR).On February 14, Morgan Stanley initiated coverage of TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:TKO) shares with a price target of $95 and an ‘Equal weight’ rating for the shares. The target price represents a potential upside of 12.48% based on the latest share price.As of Q4 2023, 34 of the 933 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey owned TKO Group Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:TKO) shares valued at a combined total of $853 million.11. Warner Music Group Corp. (NASDAQ:WMG)Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 35Warner Music Group Corp. (NASDAQ:WMG) is a multinational entertainment and record label company operating some of the largest and most famous labels in the world, including Atlantic, Elektra, Parlophone and Warner Records. It is also home to Warner Chappell Music – one of the world’s leading music publishers, with a catalog of more than 1.4 million copyrights.On February 7, Warner Music Group Corp. (NASDAQ:WMG) released its financial results for three months ended December 31, 2023. Its revenue increased by 17% y-o-y to $1.7 billion, while net income surged 56% y-o-y to $193 million.The Board of Directors of the company declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of $0.17 per share on February 12. The annualized dividend represents a dividend yield of 1.98%, the second highest on our list of 12 best entertainment stocks to buy for 2024.10. Fox Corporation (NASDAQ:FOXA)Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 38Fox Corporation (NASDAQ:FOXA) produces and distributes news, sports, and entertainment content through its primary iconic domestic brands, including FOX News Media, FOX Sports, FOX Entertainment, FOX Television Stations and Tubi Media Group.On February 7, Fox Corporation (NASDAQ:FOXA) reported the financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. It generated a revenue of $4.2 billion and a net income of $115 million. Normalized EPS of $0.34 for the quarter surpassed the consensus estimates by $0.22.Following the earnings release, Citigroup raised the price target for Fox Corporation (NASDAQ:FOXA) shares to $35 from $34 and raised the rating for its shares to ‘Buy’ from ‘Neutral’.9. News Corporation (NASDAQ:NWSA)Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 38New York-based News Corporation (NASDAQ:NWSA) is a global, diversified media and information services company. Its businesses include digital real estate services, subscription video services in Australia, news and information services and book publishing.On February 7, News Corporation (NASDAQ:NWSA) released its financial results for the quarter ended December 31, 2023. Its revenue increased by 3% y-o-y to $2.6 billion while it generated a net income of $183 million. Its normalized EPS of $0.26 exceeded consensus estimates by $0.05.According to the Insider Monkey data on 933 leading hedge funds, 38 hedge funds were long News Corporation (NASDAQ:NWSA) shares as of Q4 2023. Donald Yacktman’s Yacktman Asset Management was the largest hedge fund shareholder with ownership of 16.7 million shares valued at $411 million.8. Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:BATRK)Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 40Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:BATRK), through its wholly owned subsidiary, is the owner and operator of the Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball Club and the mixed-use real estate development, The Battery Atlanta, and is the operator of the Atlanta Braves Major League Baseball Club’s stadium, Truist Park.On July 18, Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:BATRK) completed its split-off from Liberty Media Corporation (NASDAQ:LXSMA). Following that, the company became an independent entity and its shares started trading on the NASDAQ.As of Q4 2023, Atlanta Braves Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:BATRK) shares were held by 40 hedge funds with the total shares held by them valued at $616 million.7. Paramount Global (NASDAQ:PARA)Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 43Paramount Global (NASDAQ:PARA) is a leading global media and entertainment company comprising studios, networks, and streaming services, through a portfolio of brands that includes well-known names such as CBS, Showtime Networks, Paramount Pictures, Nickelodeon, MTV, Comedy Central, BET, Paramount+, Pluto TV and Simon & Schuster, among others.Paramount Global (NASDAQ:PARA) ranks highest on our list of 12 best entertainment stocks to buy for 2024 based on its dividend yield. Based on the $0.39 per share total dividend paid in 2023, its shares have a dividend yield of 3.52%.The shares of Paramount Global (NASDAQ:PARA) were owned by 43 hedge funds with a total value of $1.9 billion, as of Q4 2023. Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway was the largest shareholder among hedge funds with ownership of 63.3 million shares valued at $937 million.6. Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:LYV)Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 45Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:LYV) is a leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Media & Sponsorship. ItOn February 22, Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:LYV) released its Q4 2023 financial results which showed significant growth. Its revenue increased by 36% y-o-y to $5.8 billion while it generated an EPS of -$1.22, $0.18 below consensus estimates.As of Q4 2023, Live Nation Entertainment, Inc. (NYSE:LYV) shares were held by 45 of the 933 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey with the total shares held by hedge funds valued at $2.9 billion. Robert Joseph Caruso’s Select Equity Group was the lead hedge fund shareholder with ownership of 10.5 million shares valued at $979 million. Click to continue reading and see 5 Best Entertainment Stocks to Buy for 2024. Suggested Articles:25 Easiest Countries with Digital Nomad Visas for Remote Work15 Safest Countries That Give Citizenship by Buying Real Estate25 Healthiest Countries in the WorldDisclosure: None. 12 Best Entertainment Stocks to Buy for 2024 is originally published on Insider Monkey.

Insider Monkey

12 Best Entertainment Stocks to Buy for 2024

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/12-best-entertainment-stocks-buy-080314744.html

4e1b77b8-61e1-3141-853d-94c5b4c82047

MA

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. FIS reported fourth-quarter 2023 adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 94 cents, which missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.1%. The bottom line declined 4% year over year.Revenues dipped 1% year over year to $2.51 billion. The top line fell short of the consensus mark of $2.52 billion.The quarterly results were hit by softer revenue contribution from the Banking Solutions segment and a significant rise in interest expenses. Its shares declined 2% in the pre-market trading session due to the weak quarterly results. Nevertheless, higher recurring revenues aided the performance of the Capital Market Solutions business.Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS SurpriseFidelity National Information Services, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. QuoteQ4 PerformanceThe cost of revenues was $1.5 billion in the quarter under review, which slipped 2.2% year over year. Selling, general and administrative expenses of Fidelity National tumbled 3.8% year over year to $539 million but were higher than our estimate of $504.4 million. Net interest expenses escalated 41.1% year over year to $158 million but was lower than our estimate of $166.4 million.Adjusted earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) inched up 1% year over year to $1.1 billion and beat our estimate of $1 billion. Adjusted EBITDA margin of 42.1% improved 70 basis points (bps) year over year in the fourth quarter.Segmental UpdateRevenues from the Banking Solutions unit remained flat year over year at $1.69 billion, lower than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.72 billion and our estimate of $1.73 billion. Improved adjusted recurring revenues, partly offset by decline in adjusted non-recurring revenues, shaped the segment’s quarterly performance. Adjusted EBITDA was $747 million in the quarter under review, which surpassed the consensus mark of $731 million and our estimate of $740.8 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin of 44.2% improved 270 bps year over year, attributable to cost efficiencies.Story continuesThe Capital Market Solutions segment recorded revenues of $755 million, which grew 2% year over year in the fourth quarter and beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $749 million and our estimate of $743.5 million. Adjusted EBITDA of $402 million outpaced the consensus mark of $399 million and our estimate of $401.4 million. Adjusted EBITDA margin deteriorated 250 bps year over year to 53.2% due to reduced contribution from higher margin non-recurring revenues.The Corporate and Other segment’s revenues amounted to $63 million, which plunged 32% year over year in the quarter under review. The reported figure surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $52 million and our estimate of $48 million. The business suffered due to divestitures of non-strategic businesses. Adjusted EBITDA loss was $92 million in the quarter under review, wider than the Zacks Consensus Estimate of a loss of $62 million.Financial Update (As of Dec 31, 2023)Fidelity National exited the fourth quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $440 million, which decreased 3.5% from the 2022-end level. Total assets of $55.1 billion fell 12.9% from the figure at 2022 end.Long-term debt, excluding current portion, amounted to $13 billion, down 8.7% from the figure as of Dec 31, 2022. The current portion of long-term debt totaled $1.3 billion while short-term borrowings totaled $4.8 billion.Total equity of $19.1 billion dropped 29.9% from the 2022-end figure.FIS generated net cash from operations of $1.5 billion in the fourth quarter, which climbed 33.9% year over year. Free cash flows soared 63.9% year over year to $1.1 billion.Share Repurchase & Dividend UpdateFidelity National rewarded $815 million to its shareholders to the tune of share buybacks worth $510 million and dividends of $305 million in the fourth quarter.Capital Deployment TargetsManagement aims to return a minimum of roughly $4 billion to its shareholders through share buybacks by the end of 2024, which includes $510 million repurchases conducted in the fourth quarter of 2023. FIS reiterates its aim to achieve a dividend payout ratio of 35% of adjusted net earnings, excluding equity method investment earnings (loss).Business UpdateThe agreement to divest a majority stake in the Worldpay Merchant Solutions business to private equity funds managed by GTCR was completed on Jan 31, 2024, as per the targeted timeline.From the first quarter of 2024, the 45% ownership that Fidelity National holds in the Worldpay Merchant Solutions business will be reported in the income statement under "Equity method investment earnings (loss)".Update on Enterprise Transformation ProgramFIS has achieved annualized run-rate Future Forward cash savings of more than $550 million as of Dec 31, 2023. The company reiterates its aim to achieve cash savings of $1 billion by 2024 end, out of which more than 75% belong to run-rate cash savings. It is also likely to benefit the company by bringing about a year-over-year increase of $280 million in adjusted EBITDA in 2024.1Q24 ViewManagement forecasts revenues between $2.430 billion and $2.455 billion. Adjusted EBITDA is projected to be $955-$970 million. Adjusted EPS is estimated between 94 cents and 97 cents. Adjusted EBITDA margin is projected to be 39.3-39.5%.Revenues from the Banking Solutions unit are anticipated to witness year-over-year increase of 1-2%, while it is estimated to grow in the range of 6-7% for the Capital Market Solutions business.2024 Guidance UnveiledRevenues are expected to lie within $10.10-$10.15 billion, the mid-point of which indicates an improvement of 3.1% from the 2023 figure of $9.8 billion.The Banking Solutions and Capital Market Solutions units are estimated to record year-over-year increases of 3-3.5% and 6.5-7%, respectively. Adjusted EBITDA is projected between $4.10 billion and $4.14 billion in 2024, the midpoint of which suggests 3.7% growth from the 2023 figure of $4 billion.  Adjusted EBITDA margin is anticipated within 40.6-40.8%.Adjusted EPS is forecasted to lie between $4.66 and $4.76, the mid-point of which implies a 39.8% surge from the 2023 figure of $3.37. Net interest expenses are likely to stay within $345-$350 million for 2024.Zacks RankFidelity National currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).  You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Other Business Services Sector ReleasesOf the Business Services sector players that have already released fourth-quarter 2023 results so far, the bottom-line results of Mastercard Incorporated MA, Global Payments Inc. GPN and The Western Union Company WU beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate.Mastercard reported fourth-quarter 2023 adjusted earnings of $3.18 per share, which outpaced the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.3%. The bottom line climbed 20% year over year. Net revenues of the leading technology company in the global payments industry amounted to $6.5 billion, which improved 13% year over year in the quarter under review. The top line beat the consensus mark by 1.4%. Gross dollar volume rose 10% on a local-currency basis to $2.4 trillion in the fourth quarter.Cross-border volumes of MA advanced 18% on a local currency basis. Value-added services and solutions net revenues of $2.7 billion improved 19% year over year.  MA’s clients issued 3.3 billion Mastercard and Maestro-branded cards as of Dec 31, 2023. Its operating income advanced 6% year over year to $3.4 billion. Operating margin of 51.5% improved 320 bps year over year in the quarter under review.Global Payments reported fourth-quarter 2023 adjusted EPS of $2.65, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.63. The bottom line rose 10% year over year. Adjusted net revenues improved 8% year over year to $2.19 billion.  The top line surpassed the consensus mark of $2.18 billion. Adjusted operating income of $978.5 million advanced 8.9% year over year in the quarter under review. The adjusted operating margin improved 30 bps year over year to 44.8%. The Merchant Solutions segment recorded adjusted revenues of $1.7 billion in the fourth quarter, which rose 18.5% year over year. The unit’s adjusted operating income advanced 17% year over year to $797.3 million. Meanwhile, GPN’s Issuer Solutions segment reported adjusted revenues of $530.6 million, which grew 5.8% year over year.Western Union reported fourth-quarter 2023 adjusted EPS of 37 cents, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.8%. The bottom line rose 15.6% year over year. Total revenues declined 3.7% year over year on a reported basis or grew 3% on a constant-currency basis to $1.05 billion. The top line beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 4.8%.Adjusted operating margin of 16.1% improved 30 bps year over year. The CMT or Consumer Money Transfer segment reported revenues of $975.5 million, which declined 1% year over year on a reported and constant-currency basis in the quarter under review. Operating income improved 7% year over year to $148.9 million. The operating income margin of 15.3% rose from 14.1% a year ago. Transactions within the CMT segment increased 5.2% year over year. Branded Digital revenues increased 4% on a reported and constant-currency basis.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportMastercard Incorporated (MA) : Free Stock Analysis ReportFidelity National Information Services, Inc. (FIS) : Free Stock Analysis ReportThe Western Union Company (WU) : Free Stock Analysis ReportGlobal Payments Inc. (GPN) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

Fidelity National (FIS) Q4 Earnings Miss on High Interest Costs

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/fidelity-national-fis-q4-earnings-174100587.html

05db00e6-e568-3194-bc2b-6098292aea55

MA

In this article, we discuss the 30 Countries With Extreme Poverty. If you would like to skip our detailed analysis of the subject, you can go directly to 10 Countries With Extreme Poverty.The World Bank’s research about poverty, last updated in October 2023, finds that about eight percent of the global population lives in extreme poverty, which means that around 700 million people in the world survive on less than $2.15 per day. According to another Poverty and Shared Prosperity report published by the organization in 2022, almost a quarter of the global population lived below the lower-middle-income countries’ poverty line of $3.65. Moreover, almost half of the global population, precisely 47 percent, lived below the upper-middle-income countries’ poverty line of $6.85.Although the scale of extreme global poverty remains vast, the number of extremely poor people has declined significantly over the past three decades. As reported by the World Bank, 2 billion people were living in extreme poverty in 1990, and from 1990 to 2019, the number was reduced to around 700 million. While poverty is decreasing on a global level, in some parts of the world, the poverty rate has been on the rise for the past few years. For example, in the United States, the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM) rate, a poverty measure involving cash income and government benefits, was 12.4% in 2022, as reported by the U.S. Census Bureau. Compared to 2021, the rate increased by 4.6%, which can be explained by the catastrophic effects of COVID-19 on the job market worldwide. Apart from COVID-19, there have been, and are still, many causes leading to an increase in poverty in a country. One of them is wars. Wars and conflicts between countries have always come equipped with a great cost to the lives of civilians who are displaced and forced to live in extremely poor conditions. One such geopolitical conflict is going on between Israel and Palestine that has led to over 16 years of forced blockade in Gaza by Israel. According to UNRWA, 81.5% of the population in Gaza, a Palestinian district, is living below the poverty line as of 2020 data. The numbers have, of course, drastically increased in the wake of the ongoing genocide. Apart from armed conflicts and violent events, other prominent reasons for poverty in different countries worldwide are inflation, discrimination, and poor governance.Story continuesEconomic Solutions to PovertyCountries have tried many economic reforms to reduce the poverty rate as much as they can. In the short term, the government can apply direct provision policies for poor people, such as food assistance, housing assistance, and family tax credits. But if the country has a poor GDP (See: 50 Poorest Countries Based on GDP Per Capita (2023 PPP)), direct provision policies are usually ineffective here. Therefore, to solve poverty in the long run, a government has to use long-term policies, such as spending on education, making reforms that attract MNCs and other private companies to the country, and reducing barriers to investment and credit markets for poor people. On the other hand, there are several NGOs and companies such as Broad Capital Acquisition Corp (NASDAQ: BRAC), Mastercard Inc (NYSE: MA), and Visa Inc (NYSE: V) that are contributing significantly towards the collective effort of bringing down poverty globally. Broad Capital Acquisition Corp (NASDAQ: BRAC) is a non-profit human service organization with a vision to fight poverty and make everyone self-sufficient. Aiming to minimize the impact of poverty on people’s lives, Broad Capital Acquisition Corp (NASDAQ: BRAC) offers various assistance programs, such as food and fuel assistance and other financial stability programs, like loans and savings accounts, for low-income households. Meanwhile, Mastercard Inc (NYSE: MA), a global payment technology company, introduced its Mastercard Impact Fund (MIF) in 2018. MIF is a private and independently directed 501(c)(3) tax-exempt foundation that has committed over $320 million in grants to around 172 organizations. The Mastercard Inc (NYSE: MA) philanthropic foundation has helped enable 5.5 million people and 25 million small businesses across 97 countries to access financial services, tools, and other support systems. Similar to Mastercard Inc., Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) is an American multinational payment card services company that is also involved in philanthropic work for social equity. With valuable tools and resources, Visa Inc (NYSE: V) helps fund, run, and scale small and micro businesses.So, while poverty is a global issue, many International Organizations, NGOs, and companies are working to bring down the poverty rates. In this list, we discuss the 30 Countries With Extreme Poverty.30 Countries With the Highest Poverty Rates30 Countries With the Highest Poverty RatesOur MethodologyFor our list of 30 Countries With Extreme Poverty, we have collected information from the most recent data available from The World Bank. The list is ranked in ascending order; going from the country with the thirtieth-highest poverty rate to the first-highest.By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that uses a consensus approach to identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The website tracks the movement of corporate insiders and hedge funds. Our top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 stock index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). So, if you are looking for the best stock picks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders.30 Countries With Extreme Poverty30. ChadPoverty Rate: 42.30%Chad, a country in Central Africa, has a population of 18.6 million, and a poverty rate of 42.30%. Besides poverty, the population also struggles with crucial issues like limited access to clean water and healthcare. Chad is one of the countries with the highest poverty rates due to its political instability, corruption, and frequent conflict. Agricultural challenges also worsen the situation and have left many facing hunger.29. Comoros Poverty Rate: 42.40%Ranked 29th, Comoros is another country that struggles with widespread poverty (42.40%), inadequate healthcare, and limited resources. Fragile economic structures, over-reliance on agriculture, and political instability hinder development in Comoros. The country is also susceptible to natural disasters which further exaggerate the country’s challenges with poverty.28. GuineaPoverty Rate: 43.70%Despite having abundant resources and natural riches, Guinea still has a poverty rate of 43.70%. Limited structures and mass corruption are the main challenges Guinea is currently facing. The country was further pushed into poverty following inflation in 2021. 27. MaliPoverty Rate: 44.60%Mali, a country in West Africa, has a poverty rate of 44.60%. The problems caused by poverty are further amplified by desertification, educational gaps, and insufficient infrastructure. Among other reasons, persistent ethnic tensions and security issues in the northern regions of the country, also contribute to Mali’s struggle against poverty. While Mali has a thriving gold mining sector, it employs between 20,000 and 40,000 children, subjected to some of the worst forms and conditions of child labor.26. Togo Poverty Rate: 45.50%Located in the Gulf of Guinea, Togo is one of the poorest countries in the world with a poverty rate of 45.50%. The agricultural sector in Togo, which contributes more than 40% of the country’s GDP, faces climate-related challenges. Political turbulence, external debts, lack of resources, and lowered commodity prices further cast a shadow of gloom on Togo’s plans for prosperity.25. Mozambique Poverty Rate: 46.10%Although it is blessed with natural beauty, Mozambique struggles with a high poverty rate of 46.10%. The country’s economic development was stunted after the Mozambican civil war that ended in 1992. As of today, Mozambique faces several issues aside from poverty, including poor water quality, inadequate sanitary conditions, limited healthcare access, and the spread of deadly diseases like Malaria. 24. SudanPoverty Rate: 46.50%Sudan has a poverty rate of 46.50% and its population faces a deepening hunger crisis, with over 18 million people facing hunger in the country. Internal conflicts, political instability, and the secession of South Sudan have put a strain on Sudan's economic growth. The uneven distribution of resources and minimum access to basic services are other issues that plague the people living in Sudan.23. Senegal Poverty Rate: 46.70%Senegal happens to be one of the most stable countries in West Africa. However, poverty still prevails in the nation — standing at a whopping 46.70%. The main reason for poverty in Senegal is the country’s high unemployment rates, particularly amongst the youth. Senegal also faces economic challenges due to vulnerability to climate change, dependence on agriculture, and limited industrial diversification. Corruption is rampant in Senegal, exposing its people to problems like food insecurity and poor healthcare.22. Guinea Bissau Poverty Rate: 47.70% Guinea Bissau’s high poverty rate of 47.70% stems from frequent coups, political unrest, and corruption. Other than these man-made issues, Guinea Bissau also suffers from natural issues like irregular rainfall, which affects agricultural growth — this is especially disastrous because 85% of the population in Guinea Bissau relies on the agricultural sector for income. The country also heavily relies on its cashew exports, which leaves its economy vulnerable to external market fluctuations.21. Honduras Poverty Rate: 48%Honduras' economic growth is hindered by political issues, inequality, and limited access to basic services, and its poverty rate is one of the highest in the world. Furthermore, the country’s susceptibility to natural disasters creates challenges in its agricultural sector. High levels of crime in Honduras discourage foreign investments, and the lack of educational resources also keeps the country in a cycle of poverty. 20. Yemen Poverty Rate: 48.60%Yemen has a staggering poverty rate of 48.60%, fueled by prolonged conflict. The ongoing civil war has led to infrastructure destruction, hindering development in Yemen. The population relies heavily on humanitarian aid for survival. Bloodshed, hunger, poverty, and destruction of land and lives alongside harsh weather conditions make life difficult for the population, and make survival a constant challenge. Fortunately, many charities like WFP, Save The Children, and Good Deed Charity are working in the country to help the people as much as they possibly can. 19. Lesotho Poverty Rate: 49.70%Lesotho is a lower-middle-income country in Southeast Africa with a population of 2.281 million. However, the country has a poverty rate of 49.70% as of 2017 (last updated 2022).One of the primary reasons behind Lesotho's high poverty rate is its geographical structure — the mountainous terrains limit agricultural productivity. Water scarcity is another problem since it impacts the country’s vital textile industry. High levels of HIV/AIDS in the country strain its workforce, limiting economic growth. 18. MalawiPoverty Rate: 50.70%Malawi has a poverty rate of 50.70% and its economic struggles are rooted in a combination of factors. Agriculture, the country’s primary source of livelihood, is constantly challenged by climate change. Political corruption and insufficient infrastructure hinder economic growth while a high population density strains resources in Malawi.17. Liberia Poverty Rate: 50.90%Liberia’s high poverty rates are due to its history of civil wars, leaving the country with a shattered infrastructure and a suffering economy. The country’s dependence on agriculture, hindered by a lack of technology and skills, contributes to its economic challenges. Weak governance, corruption, and limited access to basic services add to Liberia’s growing poverty rates.16. GambiaPoverty Rate: 53.40%Poverty prevails in Gambia, with the country’s small size limiting economic diversification. Irregular rainfall patterns affect crop yields, creating a good insecurity issue in Gambia. Political instability, along with a history of coups, puts off foreign investments. These issues have left the tourism-dependent country of Gambia facing major poverty issues.15. Zambia Poverty Rate: 54.40%Zambia, another country in Africa that struggles with poverty, is heavily dependent on its copper production, leaving the country vulnerable to market fluctuations. This, coupled with food insecurity, corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and lack of affordable housing contributes to Zambia’s high poverty rate of 54.40%. 14. SomaliaPoverty Rate: 54.40%Somalia's persistent poverty is linked to ongoing conflicts within the country, which hinder its economic stability and basic service provision. Piracy in maritime trade has also affected key industries in the country such as fishing, which is one of the primary livelihood sources in Somalia. These issues leave Somalia with a poverty rate of 54.40 percent; highly dependent on support from international countries.13. Afghanistan Poverty Rate: 54.50%Afghanistan's high poverty rate of 54.50% is linked to the Taliban rule, security challenges, and the disruption of infrastructure. Dependence on agriculture, which is often strained by droughts and extreme weather, further strains livelihood in the country.12. South AfricaPoverty Rate: 55.50%South Africa’s economic issues stem from historical inequalities during the apartheid era. To this day, South Africa struggles with high levels of unemployment and a poverty rate of 55.50%. Corruption and political challenges also affect the country and contribute to its socio-economic imbalances.11. Sao Tome and Principe Poverty Rate: 55.50%Sao Tome and Principe is a small country with a population of 223,107 and a poverty rate of 55.50%. While the country has natural beauty, its isolated location poses logistical challenges. The country also faces food scarcity issues that are fueled by a struggling agriculture and livestock sector.Click to continue reading and see the top 10 Countries With Extreme Poverty. Suggested Articles:25 States with the Lowest Poverty Rates in AmericaWorld’s 50 Poorest Countries Based on Percentage of Population Below Poverty Line25 States with the Highest Poverty Rates in the USDisclosure: None. 30 Countries With Extreme Poverty is originally published on Insider Monkey. 

Insider Monkey

30 Countries With Extreme Poverty

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/30-countries-extreme-poverty-071753776.html

843e9481-fb09-37b3-852d-6c02bcd01afe

MA

Mastercard Incorporated MA, in a strategic alliance with Citibank Maghreb, introduced tailored commercial card services in Morocco. These comprehensive offerings encompass travel and entertainment as well as purchasing cards. The transaction, aimed at reshaping business-spend management, promises to elevate operational efficiency and financial adaptability for businesses nationwide.This groundbreaking commercial card programs underscored the pivotal role of these solutions in facilitating business growth amid Morocco's burgeoning economy and escalating global travel trends.Driving Digital InnovationMastercard, synonymous with digital transformation and financial inclusivity, heralds this collaboration as a significant stride toward fostering a sustainable digital economy in Morocco. By integrating cutting-edge technology with Citibank Maghreb's digital banking expertise, MA aims to empower Morocco companies with bespoke card solutions, ensuring speed, transparency and security in their financial transactions.Pioneering Financial SolutionsGonca Latif-Schmitt, Global Commercial Cards Head at Citi, highlights the commitment to innovation and collaboration to transcend conventional banking boundaries. With a focus on leveraging digital channels and strategic partnerships, Citi aims to revolutionize the Morocco market, providing seamless payment solutions for businesses to optimize spend, enhance visibility and fortify their economic standing in the global arena.Accretive Acquisitions and PartnershipsOver the years, Mastercard used acquisitions to supplement its organic efforts and diversify revenues. This has helped expand its addressable markets, drive new revenue streams and strengthen core product solutions. Some of the recent acquisitions made by the company are CipherTrace, Aiia, Vyze, Nets, RiskRecon, Dynamic Yield and Finicity among others. It expects buyouts to play a significant role in revenue growth in the coming days. MA resorts to partnerships for bolstering its capabilities and global presence.Its revenues are steadily growing thanks to rising consumer spending, usage of the company’s cards and cross-border volumes. In the first quarter of 2024, management anticipates net revenues to register low-end of low-double-digit growth from the year-ago quarter’s reported figure. Net revenues are estimated to register high-end of low-double-digit growth in 2024.Story continuesPrice Performance and Zacks RankShares of Mastercard have risen 9.5% in the past year compared with the industry’s 7.3% growth. MA currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).Zacks Investment ResearchImage Source: Zacks Investment ResearchStocks to ConsiderSome better-ranked stocks from the same space are Envestnet ENV, Fidelity National Information Services FIS and International Money Express IMXI, each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present. You can see the complete list of today’s Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here.Envestnet delivered a trailing four-quarter average earnings surprise of 7.72%. The stock has risen 12.1% year to date. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for ENV’s 2024 and 2025 earnings implies growth of 20.8% and 18.1%, respectively, from the year-ago figures.Fidelity National beat on earnings in two of the last four quarters and missed the same in the other two. The stock has risen 16% year to date.  The Zacks Consensus Estimate for FIS’ 2024 and 2025 earnings indicates a gain of 37.4% and 12.5%, respectively, from the prior-year levels.International Money Express beat on earnings in two of the last four quarters and missed the same in the other two. The stock fell 7% year to date.  The Zacks Consensus Estimate for IMXI’s 2024 earnings implies a 13.9% increase from the year-ago actuals.Disclaimer: This article has been written with the assistance of Generative AI. However, the author has reviewed, revised, supplemented, and rewritten parts of this content to ensure its originality and the precision of the incorporated information.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportMastercard Incorporated (MA) : Free Stock Analysis ReportFidelity National Information Services, Inc. (FIS) : Free Stock Analysis ReportEnvestnet, Inc (ENV) : Free Stock Analysis ReportINTERNATIONAL MONEY EXPRESS, INC. (IMXI) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

Mastercard (MA) Spearheads Commercial Card Programs in Morocco

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/mastercard-ma-spearheads-commercial-card-163900297.html

88bf4aeb-7edb-39c2-9a50-15c55c718ec3

MA

MetaMask is testing a Mastercard payment card, which it says is the first entirely on-chain card.Issued by Baanx, the card will let users spend crypto "on everyday purchases, everywhere cards are accepted," according to marketing materials CoinDesk reviewed.MetaMask, the popular cryptocurrency wallet for the Ethereum blockchain, is testing an entirely on-chain payment card running on Mastercard's giant network and issued by Baanx, according to promotional materials and a testing platform seen by CoinDesk.Such a product would unite two giants of their respective fields. MetaMask is the biggest self-custody wallet with more than 30 million monthly active users, while Mastercard provides key plumbing in the conventional financial system through its credit- and debit-card network spanning the globe.The MetaMask/Mastercard payment card would be "the first ever truly decentralized web3 payment solution," allowing users to spend their crypto "on everyday purchases, everywhere cards are accepted," according to the marketing materials.Mastercard and its rival Visa have been quietly courting public blockchain developer communities and self-custody wallet providers of late. Mastercard has been working with hardware wallet firm Ledger as well as MetaMask, CoinDesk reported in October of last year.Visa, meanwhile, has been working with the USDC stablecoin and the Solana blockchain on cross-border payments and smoothing out wrinkles like paying Ethereum gas fees.MetaMask developer Consensys did not respond to a request for a comment.When contacted by CoinDesk, a Mastercard representative pointed to the firm's statement from October: "Mastercard is bringing its trusted and transparent approach to the digital assets space through a range of innovative products and solutions – including the Mastercard Multi-Token Network, Crypto Credential, CBDC Partner Program, and new card programs that connect Web2 and Web3."UPDATE (March 11, 2024, 21:33 UTC): Adds that Baanx will issue the card.

CoinDesk

With Mastercard, MetaMask Tests First Blockchain-Powered Payment Card

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/mastercard-metamask-tests-first-blockchain-165543033.html

4b0bb998-6991-3280-a885-f735c9e21668

MAA

As the housing market continues to evolve, with prices projected to rise, a significant investment opportunity emerges in the real estate sector, particularly within Residential Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) such as Mid-America Apartment Communities (NYSE:MAA), UDR, Inc. (NYSE:UDR), and Camden Property Trust (NYSE:CPT). These REITs, specializing in residential properties, are poised to benefit from a market dynamic where increasing housing prices are gradually pushing more Americans towards rental options, offering a unique blend of growth and income potential for investors.Don't Miss:Investing in real estate just got a whole lot simpler. This Dara Khosrowshahi-backed startup will allow you to become a landlord in just 10 minutes, and you only need $100.Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, but few investors have the capital or resources needed to invest in this asset class. A platform backed by industry giant Marcus & Millichap is changing that, allowing individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000. Mid-America Apartment Communities, with its diverse portfolio of apartment homes across the Sunbelt region and dividend of 5%, is strategically positioned to capitalize on the migration trends favoring warmer climates and more affordable living areas. This geographic focus is particularly relevant as more individuals and families find themselves priced out of the housing market, turning to rental communities as a viable and flexible alternative. MAA’s commitment to high-quality living experiences and community-building positions it as a top choice for those seeking rental accommodations, potentially driving occupancy rates and rental income higher.UDR, Inc., with its portfolio of urban and suburban apartment communities and dividend of 5%, offers investors exposure to key markets where housing affordability is becoming increasingly strained. UDR’s focus on high-demand areas, coupled with its innovative approach to property management and tenant engagement, makes it a strong contender for growth as the rental market expands. The company’s ability to adapt to changing consumer preferences and leverage technology for enhanced tenant experiences further solidifies its position in a competitive landscape.Story continuesCamden Property Trust, which offers a dividend of 4%, emphasizes building vibrant communities in prime locations, allowing it to attract and retain residents who may be deterred by the high cost of homeownership. CPT’s properties, known for their amenities and community events, offer an appealing lifestyle choice for those unable or unwilling to purchase a home in the current market. This focus on creating value beyond just housing is a key differentiator and growth driver for Camden, as it taps into the broader trend of lifestyle-oriented rental choices.The projected increase in housing prices is not just a challenge for homebuyers; it represents a structural shift in the housing market that benefits residential REITs. As more Americans find themselves priced out of homeownership, the demand for quality rental options is expected to rise, directly benefiting REITs like MAA, UDR, and CPT. These companies are well-equipped to meet the growing demand, with portfolios that offer a mix of geographic diversity, quality living experiences, and community-focused amenities.Read Next:Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, but few investors have the capital or resources needed to invest in this asset class. A platform backed by industry giant Marcus & Millichap is changing that, allowing individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000. Collecting passive income from real estate just got a whole lot simpler. A new real estate fund backed by Dara Khosrowshahi gives you instant access to a diversified portfolio of rental properties, and you only need $100 to get started.Image credit: Shutterstock"ACTIVE INVESTORS' SECRET WEAPON" Supercharge Your Stock Market Game with the #1 "news & everything else" trading tool: Benzinga Pro - Click here to start Your 14-Day Trial Now!Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga?APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis ReportTESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis ReportThis article Rising Housing Costs Shift the American Dream: How These REITs Are Capitalizing on the Rental Revolution originally appeared on Benzinga.com© 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

Benzinga

Rising Housing Costs Shift the American Dream: How These REITs Are Capitalizing on the Rental Revolution

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/rising-housing-costs-shift-american-181240220.html

cf80c01c-bced-39f3-b7a9-fe0dfdd7ac8a

MAA

In this article, we discuss 13 best environmental dividend stocks to invest in according to analysts. You can skip our detailed analysis of ESG investing and its prospects, and go directly to read 5 Best Environmental Dividend Stocks To Invest In According To Analysts. Sustainable investing, increasingly gaining traction among investors, represents a pivotal shift in financial markets towards aligning profit motives with environmental, social, and governance (ESG) considerations. A growing number of individuals are becoming attracted to ESG investments for a variety of reasons, ranging from ethical concerns to sound financial decision-making. As per research conducted by deVere Group, over 800 clients revealed that more than half (56%) of investors expressed their intentions to boost their investments in ESG funds in 2024.Despite the increasing popularity of ESG investing, the year 2023 did not fare well for such investment strategies. Investors persisted in withdrawing their investments from sustainable funds during the fourth quarter of 2023. U.S. sustainable funds experienced their initial year of outflows since records began over a decade ago, marking 2023 as their most challenging year to date, according to a report by Morningstar. In the fourth quarter alone, investors withdrew $5 billion from U.S. sustainable funds, contributing to a total outflow of $13 billion throughout the year. This trend was attributed to underperformance, ongoing political scrutiny in the US, and a challenging year for an iShares fund. Moreover, by the end of 2023, the total assets invested in sustainable funds reached $323 billion. This figure indicates a drop of approximately 12% from the previous record high recorded at the end of 2021. However, it also signifies an 18% increase from the lowest point observed in the third quarter of 2022. In contrast, assets within the broader U.S. funds market reached their peak at the end of 2021 but experienced a decline of 5% by the end of 2023.Story continuesThat said, analysts are optimistic about the potential of ESG investing in the foreseeable future. Based on a study conducted by Bloomberg Intelligence, global ESG assets are projected to surpass $53 trillion by 2025, constituting more than a third of the estimated total assets under management of $140.5 trillion. The convergence of factors including the pandemic and the green recovery initiatives in major economies such as the U.S., EU, and China is expected to demonstrate the efficacy of ESG in evaluating a fresh array of financial risks and leveraging capital markets.As discussed previously, there is a growing trend among investors towards ESG investing, primarily due to the reputation of these assets for delivering consistent returns. Contrary to concerns regarding potential conflicts between financial gains and ESG principles, a survey conducted by PwC revealed that nine out of ten asset managers believe that incorporating ESG criteria into their investment approach will enhance overall returns. Moreover, a majority of institutional investors, accounting for 60%, reported experiencing higher performance yields from ESG investments compared to non-ESG alternatives. The survey also noted that investors are willing to pay for ESG performance, as they anticipate the potential for higher returns. Specifically, three-quarters of those surveyed, constituting 78%, expressed their readiness to pay elevated fees for ESG funds.American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT), AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T), and Albemarle Corporation (NYSE:ALB) are some of the best companies in the realm of ESG investing. Beyond their financial success, the companies demonstrate a commitment to environmental sustainability by optimizing their operations to minimize energy consumption and carbon footprint. In this article, we will discuss some of the best environmental dividend stocks according to analysts.13 Best Environmental Dividend Stocks To Invest In According To AnalystsChinnapong/Shutterstock.comOur Methodology:For this list, we scanned the holdings of Vanguard ESG U.S. Stock ETF, which is a market capitalization-weighted index composed of large-, mid-, and small-cap stocks of companies located in the United States that are screened for certain environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) criteria by the index provider, which is independent of Vanguard. From the index, we picked 13 stocks that pay dividends and have a projected upside potential of over 15% based on analyst price targets. The stocks are ranked according to their upside potential, as of February 23. We have also mentioned hedge fund sentiment for these stocks. Hedge funds’ top 10 consensus stock picks outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). That’s why we pay very close attention to this often-ignored indicator.13. S&P Global Inc. (NYSE:SPGI)Upside Potential as of February 23: 15.2%S&P Global Inc. (NYSE:SPGI) is a leading provider of financial market intelligence, including credit ratings, indices, data, and analytics. The company is actively involved in ESG investing both through its own corporate practices and by providing data, analytics, and research to support ESG investing initiatives in the broader financial community.S&P Global Inc. (NYSE:SPGI) currently offers a quarterly dividend of $0.91 per share, having raised it by 1.1% in January this year. Through this increase, the company stretched its annual dividend growth streak to 51 years, which makes SPGI one of the best dividend stocks on our list. The stock's dividend yield on February 23 came in at 0.83%.The number of hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey owning stakes in S&P Global Inc. (NYSE:SPGI) grew to 82 in Q4 2023, from 78 in the previous quarter. The collective value of these stakes is over $8.88 billion. With over 9 million shares, TCI Fund Management was the company's leading stakeholder in Q4.12. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE)Upside Potential as of February 23: 15.4%An American biotech and pharmaceutical company, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) has committed to reducing its environmental impact by setting targets to decrease greenhouse gas emissions, water usage, and waste generation. The company invests in energy-efficient technologies, sustainable packaging, and renewable energy sources to mitigate its environmental footprint.Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is one of the best environmental dividend stocks on our list as the company has been rewarding shareholders with growing dividends for the past 14 consecutive years. The company offers a quarterly dividend of $0.42 per share and has a dividend yield of 6.05%, as recorded on February 23.At the end of Q4 2023, 79 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey reported having stakes in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE), growing from 73 in the preceding quarter. The consolidated value of these stakes is more than $2.21 billion.11. Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE:MAA)Upside Potential as of February 23: 15.9%Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE:MAA) is a real estate investment trust company that focuses on the acquisition, development, redevelopment, and management of multifamily apartment communities. It invests in in energy-efficient appliances, lighting, and HVAC systems, as well as implement recycling programs and landscaping practices that minimize water usage and promote biodiversity. The company offers a quarterly dividend of $1.47 per share, having raised it by 5% in December 2023. This was the company's 13th consecutive year of dividend growth, which makes MAA one of the best environmental dividend stocks to buy. As of February 23, the stock has a dividend yield of 4.65%.As of the close of Q4 2023, 23 hedge funds in Insider Monkey's database owned stakes in Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE:MAA), up from 19 in the previous quarter. These stakes have a total value of more than $524.3 million. Among these hedge funds, Balyasny Asset Management was the company's leading stakeholder in Q4.10. Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS)Upside Potential as of February 23: 16.4%Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) is a global financial services firm that provides a wide range of related services to its consumers. The company offers a range of ESG-focused investment products and solutions to meet the growing demand from clients who seek to align their investments with their values.Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS), one of the best dividend stocks on our list, has been rewarding shareholders with regular dividends since 1997. It currently offers a quarterly dividend of $0.85 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.93%, as of Februart 23.Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) was a part of 56 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q4 2023, compared with 59 in the previous quarter, as per Insider Monkey's database. The stakes owned by these hedge funds have a total value of over $2.72 billion.9. Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX)Upside Potential as of February 23: 16.5%Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX) is a global medical technology company that specializes in the development, manufacturing, and sale of medical devices, instrument systems, and reagents. The company adheres to stringent regulatory standards and quality management systems to ensure the safety and reliability of its medical devices, instruments, and reagents. This commitment to product safety aligns with ESG principles and contributes to positive health outcomes for patients.On January 23, Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.95 per share, which was in line with its previous dividend. Overall, the company holds a 52-year streak of consistent dividend growth, which makes BDX one of the best environmental dividend stocks on our list. The stock's dividend yield on February 23 came in at 1.54%.At the end of December 2023, 60 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey reported having stakes in Becton, Dickinson and Company (NYSE:BDX), which showed growth from 57 in the previous quarter. The collective value of these stakes is over $2.57 billion.8. Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O)Upside Potential as of February 23: 16.69%With an upside potential of nearly 17%, Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) is next on our list of the best dividend stocks. The American real estate investment trust company has been paying regular dividends to shareholders for the past 104 consecutive quarters. Moreover, it has raised its payouts for 29 years in a row. It currently pays a monthly dividend of $0.2565 per share and has a dividend yield of 5.81%, as of February 23.Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O) is equally dedicated to conducting its business activities in a manner that respects and preserves the environment. As a publicly traded company, it recognizes its corporate responsibilities and strives to fulfill them for the betterment of our stakeholders, which include our shareholders, employees, and the communities we serve.Insider Monkey's database of Q4 2023 indicated that 28 hedge funds owned stakes in Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O), up from 23 in the previous quarter. The total value of these stakes is over $332.5 million. Among these hedge funds, Millennium Management was the company's largest stakeholder in Q4.7. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT)Upside Potential as of February 23: 16.8%An American multinational tech company, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) is dedicated to environmental sustainability and has set ambitious goals to reduce its carbon footprint and achieve carbon neutrality. Currently, the company pays a quarterly dividend of $0.75 per share and has a dividend yield of 0.73%, as of February 23. It is one of the best dividend stocks on our list as the company holds an 11-year streak of consistent dividend growth.According to Insider Monkey’s database of Q4 2023, 302 hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s database owned stakes in Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT), compared with 306 in the previous quarter. These stakes have a total value of over $87.3 billion.6. Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM)Upside Potential as of February 23: 17.04%Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) ranks sixth on our list of the best environmental dividend stocks. The global food processing and commodities trading company recently achieved its 51st consecutive annual dividend growth. It currently pays a quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.74%, as of February 23.Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM) prioritizes sustainable sourcing of raw materials, including agricultural commodities such as soybeans, corn, and wheat. The company works with farmers and suppliers to promote sustainable agricultural practices, responsible land management, and biodiversity conservation.At the end of the fourth quarter of 2023, 34 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey reported having stakes in Archer-Daniels-Midland Company (NYSE:ADM), compared with 37 in the previous quarter. These stakes are collectively valued at nearly $820 million. Click to continue reading and see 5 Best Environmental Dividend Stocks To Invest In According To Analysts.  Suggested articles:12 Best Rising Penny Stocks To Buy12 Best Gold Stocks Under $2513 Best Buy-the-Dip Stocks To Buy Right NowDisclosure. None. 13 Best Environmental Dividend Stocks To Invest In According To Analysts is originally published on Insider Monkey.

Insider Monkey

13 Best Environmental Dividend Stocks To Invest In According To Analysts

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/13-best-environmental-dividend-stocks-141835353.html

3312bcf2-2bca-31b4-b94d-dae2c6990864

MAA

My top financial goal is to eventually become financially independent. The foundation of my strategy is to make investments that produce an increasing stream of passive income. I make a few new income-focused investments each month as I work to grow my passive income to the point where it will eventually exceed my expenses. This month, I plan to buy a few more shares of Chevron (NYSE: CVX), Brookfield Renewable (NYSE: BEP)(NYSE: BEPC), and Mid-America Apartment Communities (NYSE: MAA). Here's why I believe they will help me on my steady march toward financial independence.The fuel to continue increasing its dividendChevron pays a 4.3%-yielding dividend. That's triple the 1.4% yield of the S&P 500. The oil giant has done an exceptional job increasing its dividend over the years. It delivered its 37th straight year of dividend growth in 2024, boosting its payment by another 8%. That continued its strong dividend growth rate. It has expanded its payout faster than the S&P 500 over the last five years and at more than double the rate of its closest peer. Chevron should have plenty of fuel to continue increasing its dividend. The company's high-return capital program will drive 10%-plus annual free cash flow growth through 2027, assuming oil averages around $60 a barrel (well below the current price in the high $70s). That would give it the funds to invest in high-return capital projects, boost its dividend, and buy back shares at the low end of its $10 billion-$20 billion annual target range (enough to repurchase 3% of its outstanding shares at the current price). It could buy back shares at the top end of that range when crude is over $70 a barrel (enough to retire 6% of its outstanding shares each year). Meanwhile, Chevron's pending acquisition of Hess has the potential to enhance and extend its growth outlook. Finally, while oil and gas are the company's main fuel source, it's investing in several lower-carbon energy businesses to drive its future expansion. Story continuesPowerful growth aheadBrookfield Renewable's dividend yield is currently around 6%. The renewable energy giant has delivered at least 5% annual dividend growth for the past 13 years. That should continue, with Brookfield aiming to increase its payout by 5% to 9% annually over the long term. The company should have ample power to deliver on that goal. Brookfield's existing power purchase agreements contain inflation escalators that should grow its funds from operations (FFO) per share by 2% to 3% per year. Meanwhile, margin enhancement activities should add another 2% to 4% annually. On top of that, Brookfield has a massive pipeline of development projects that should power another 3% to 5% in annual FFO-per-share expansion. Those organic drivers alone can support its dividend growth target. Acquisitions could push its FFO growth rate above 10% annually. The company routinely recycles capital (selling mature assets to fund higher-return new investments) to enhance its ability to make acquisitions. It agreed to deploy $2 billion last year on deals that will supply it with increasing streams of cash flow to support its rising dividend. Growing passive income from rental propertiesMid-America Apartment Communities, or MAA, pays a 4.7%-yielding dividend. The apartment-focused real estate investment trust (REIT) has been an excellent passive income producer over the years. It declared its 120th consecutive quarterly dividend in early 2024. While the REIT hasn't increased its dividend every year, it has never cut its payment and has steadily raised it over time, including by 5% earlier this year. That stable upward trend in its dividend should continue. The company's existing portfolio delivers consistent net operating income growth. The REIT focuses on owning properties in the high-growth Sun Belt region that benefit from high occupancy levels and steadily rising rental rates. It will spend money to renovate older units, which helps keep occupancy up and enables it to charge a higher rental rate. Meanwhile, MAA also invests in new apartment community developments. It currently has five projects under construction that it expects to complete over the next two years. It plans to begin four to six more projects over the next two years. On top of that, the REIT will opportunistically acquire developable land and operating communities. For example, it bought two recently developed communities during the fourth quarter of last year for $210 million. It also purchased a half-acre land parcel near one of its current development projects. Growing rental income from its existing portfolio and new additions should enable MAA to continue steadily increasing its attractive dividend. Reliably rising income streamsChevron, Brookfield Renewable, and MAA pay high-yielding dividends that steadily rise. Because of that, they'll help me on my march toward financial independence. That's why I plan to buy a few more shares of each this month, which likely won't be the last time I add to these terrific income stocks.Should you invest $1,000 in Chevron right now?Before you buy stock in Chevron, consider this:The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now… and Chevron wasn’t one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years.Stock Advisor provides investors with an easy-to-follow blueprint for success, including guidance on building a portfolio, regular updates from analysts, and two new stock picks each month. The Stock Advisor service has more than tripled the return of S&P 500 since 2002*.See the 10 stocks*Stock Advisor returns as of February 26, 2024Matt DiLallo has positions in Brookfield Renewable, Brookfield Renewable Partners, Chevron, and Mid-America Apartment Communities. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Brookfield Renewable, Chevron, and Mid-America Apartment Communities. The Motley Fool recommends Brookfield Renewable Partners. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.3 High-Yield Dividend Stocks I Plan to Buy in March was originally published by The Motley Fool

Motley Fool

3 High-Yield Dividend Stocks I Plan to Buy in March

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/3-high-yield-dividend-stocks-121500707.html

ffa5cd6d-bae9-3cc5-a2f1-7a65bb5517f1

MAA

In this article, we will be taking a look at the 14 best real estate and realty stocks to buy according to analysts. To skip our detailed analysis of the real estate sector, you can go directly to see the 5 Best Real Estate and Realty Stocks To Buy According to Analysts.Housing Versus Retail: Where to Invest in Real Estate?The real estate sector has been battling with elevated mortgage rates this year, resulting in the US housing market suffering from a lack of demand among the population. However, some may expect the struggles of the real estate sector to abate as the year progresses, especially as many financial professionals begin to analyze the state of US real estate markets. Several spaces within the real estate sector are under-invested in, leaving the arena free and open for investors looking to make a real estate play.On February 29, Carly Trip, the Head of Investments at Nuveen Real Estate, joined CNBC's "Closing Bell Overtime" to discuss the state of the US real estate markets. Here's what she had to say:"On the residential market, it's kind of like no new news, however what's interesting is that the consumer is really starting to explain their tolerance for mortgage rates. In December we saw really strong numbers, mortgage rates had come in about 50 basis points, bouncing around six and a half. As they have suddenly come up since then and hover above 7%, consumers do not like that. And so we're seeing the results of that in pending home sales. So we expect that that is not gonna improve, inventory will remain low until rates come around 6%, in which case your cost to own versus cost to rent margin really starts to shrink."Despite the above observations, Tripp noted that other areas in the real estate markets are doing better. Here's what she said:"Retail's doing amazingly well. So retail has been the underdog of the last decade. And what we're seeing in our centres is increased activity, a lot of demand, increased sales. The consumer is obviously very resilient and strong. That is accomodating to retail spending, 80% of retail sales do involve a physical store which is a positive for our centres. And not only that, there's no new supply added to retail. Over the last five years, about a 130 million square feet of retail has been converted to other uses, so it's really been under-invested in. So the outlook for retail is very, very strong."Story continuesIndustrial Real Estate Performs WellSimilarly, for the industrial real estate side, Tripp had positive insights to share. Here are some of the comments she made:"Industrial's been incredible. It has performed exactly as real estate should perform. Income has outpaced inflation, right, real estate is expected to be an inflation hedge, that's why it's such a great diversifier to a portfolio. And so we continue to see incredibly strong demand for industrial. Supply has slowed, that was the concern pre-pandemic. However, due to lack of construction spending, lack of financing just generally speaking, bottlenecks in the construction system, we expect that demand is just gonna continue to flow. E-commerce spending is not going anywhere.Considering these highlights, while the residential side of real estate seems to be still struggling in 2024, that does not mean all real estate should be avoided this year. Several other areas within the sector remain ripe for investment. As such, we have compiled a list of some of the best real estate stocks to invest in, including names such as KE Holdings Inc (NYSE:BEKE), Crown Castle International Corp. (NYSE:CCI), and Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O). These include some of the best real estate stocks with dividends and some of the best real estate stocks to buy for the long term.14 Best Real Estate and Realty Stocks To Buy according to AnalystsAerial view of a large urban cityscape showcasing a major real estate development.Our Methodology We have selected the stocks for our list of the best real estate and realty stocks to buy using estimated upside potential statistics for each stock from TipRanks. The stocks are ranked based on their upside potential, from the lowest to the highest figure. Hedge funds’ top 10 consensus stock picks outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). That’s why we pay very close attention to this often-ignored indicator.Best Real Estate and Realty Stocks To Buy According to Analysts14. Extra Space Storage, Inc. (NYSE:EXR)Average Analyst Price Target: $149.78Upside Potential: 4.48%Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 26Extra Space Storage, Inc. (NYSE:EXR) is a self-storage real estate investment trust (REIT) company based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The company owns and operates 3,651 self-storage stores in 42 states and Washington, D.C.As of this January, Goldman Sachs analyst Caitlin Burrows maintains a Buy rating and a $187 price target on Extra Space Storage, Inc. (NYSE:EXR).There were 26 hedge funds long Extra Space Storage, Inc. (NYSE:EXR) in the fourth quarter, with a total stake value of $330.8 million.Diamond Hill Capital mentioned Extra Space Storage, Inc. (NYSE:EXR) in its third-quarter 2023 investor letter:“Following a dip in share price after Q2 earnings and rising interest rates, we had an opportunity to make an initial investment in Extra Space Storage Inc. (NYSE:EXR). Despite facing near-term challenges like normalizing street rents and occupancy rates after two years of robust demand, as well as the recent merger with Life Storage, we believe EXR is well positioned for long-term growth of its intrinsic value. It boasts an impressive franchise and perhaps the industry’s best operating platform. The Life Storage acquisition broadens its real estate portfolio and presents more opportunities for growth. While the company faces some near-term headwinds, the recent sell-off created an opportunity for us to acquire shares in this high-quality franchise at a very reasonable price.”Like KE Holdings Inc (NYSE:BEKE), Crown Castle International Corp. (NYSE:CCI), and Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O), Extra Space Storage, Inc. (NYSE:EXR) is among the best real estate and realty stocks to buy now.13. Crown Castle International Corp. (NYSE:CCI)Average Analyst Price Target: $118.54Upside Potential: 6.74%Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 45This January, Ari Klein at BMO Capital placed a Market Perform rating and a $110 price target on Crown Castle International Corp. (NYSE:CCI).Crown Castle International Corp. (NYSE:CCI) is a telecom tower REIT based in Houston, Texas. The company owns, operates, and leases over 40,000 cell towers and about 90,000 route miles of fiber supporting small cells and fiber solutions across US markets and is among the best real estate stocks to buy.We saw 45 hedge funds long Crown Castle International Corp. (NYSE:CCI) in the fourth quarter, with a total stake value of $1.6 billion.Fisher Asset Management was the largest shareholder in Crown Castle International Corp. (NYSE:CCI) at the end of the fourth quarter, holding 4.6 million shares in the company.12. Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE:WY)Average Analyst Price Target: $37.50Upside Potential: 7.42%Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 30A total of 30 hedge funds were long Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE:WY) in the fourth quarter, with a total stake value of $255.9 million.Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE:WY) is a timber REIT based in Seatlle, Washington. The company is among the world's largest private owners of timberlands, owning and operating about 11 million acres of timberlands in the US.On January 29, RBC Capital reiterated an Outperform rating and a $39 price target on Weyerhaeuser Company (NYSE:WY).11. Invitation Homes Inc. (NYSE:INVH)Average Analyst Price Target: $37.14Upside Potential: 7.53%Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 25D1 Capital Partners was the most prominent shareholder in Invitation Homes Inc. (NYSE:INVH) at the end of the fourth quarter, holding 7.5 million shares in the company.Invitation Homes Inc. (NYSE:INVH) is a single-family residential REIT based in Dallas, Texas. The company leases single-family homes to meet changing lifestyle demands and provide access to high-quality, updated homes in close proximity to good schools and workplaces.RBC Capital reiterated an Outperform rating and a $36 price target on February 15 on Invitation Homes Inc. (NYSE:INVH).Our hedge fund data for the fourth quarter shows 25 hedge funds long Invitation Homes Inc. (NYSE:INVH), with a total stake value of $497.8 million.Here's what Baron Funds said about Invitation Homes Inc. (NYSE:INVH) in its third-quarter 2023 investor letter:“Following strong second quarter results, we modestly increased our investments in single-family rental REITs Invitation Homes, Inc. (NYSE:INVH). Demand conditions for rental homes are attractive due to the sharp decline in home affordability; the propensity to rent in order to avoid mortgage down payments, avoid higher monthly mortgage costs, and maintain flexibility; and the stronger demand for home rentals in suburbs rather than apartment rentals in cities. Rising construction costs are limiting the supply of single-family rental homes in the U.S. housing market. This limited inventory combined with strong demand is leading to robust rent growth.Invitation Homes have an opportunity to partially offset the impact of inflation given that their in-place annual leases are significantly below market rents. Valuations are compelling at mid-5% capitalization rates, and we believe the shares are currently valued at a discount to our assessment of net asset value. We remain mindful that expense headwinds and slower top-line growth could weigh on growth later in 2023 and 2024. We will continue to closely monitor business developments and will adjust our exposures accordingly.”10. Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD)Average Analyst Price Target: $144.94 Upside Potential: 7.68%Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 46Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD) is an industrial REIT based in San Francisco, California. The company is a global leader in logistics real estate with a focus on high-barrier, high-growth markets.In total, 46 hedge funds were long Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD) in the fourth quarter, with a total stake value of $678.3 million.As of February 16, RBC Capital maintains an Outperform rating and a $145 price target on Prologis, Inc. (NYSE:PLD).9. AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB)Average Analyst Price Target: $194.70Upside Potential: 9.3%Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 29AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB) had 29 hedge funds long its stock in the fourth quarter, with a total stake value of $234.7 million.Morgan Stanley upgraded AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB) from Equal Weight to Overweight on February 26, alongside placing a $191.5 piece target on the stock.AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB) is a multi-family residential REIT based in Arlington, Virginia. The company owns or holds a direct or indirect ownership interest in 299 apartment communities containing 90,669 apartment homes in 12 states and the District of Columbia.At the end of the fourth quarter, AEW Capital Management was the largest shareholder in AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB), holding 769,788 shares in the company.Baron Funds mentioned AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB) in its third-quarter 2023 investor letter:“In the third quarter, we maintained our exposure to apartment REIT AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB). We believe public valuations remain discounted relative to the private market. Tenant demand remains healthy and rent growth has modestly improved since the first quarter of 2023. Rental apartments continue to benefit from the current homeownership affordability challenges. Multi-family REITs provide partial inflation protection to offset rising costs due to leases that can be reset at higher rents, in some cases, annually. We continue to closely monitor new supply deliveries and job losses in key geographic markets.”8. Mid America Apartment Communities Inc (NYSE:MAA)Average Analyst Price Target: $140.89Upside Potential: 10.39%Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 23Mid America Apartment Communities Inc (NYSE:MAA) is another multi-family residential REIT on our list of the best real estate stocks. It is based in Germantown, Tennessee, and delivers full-cycle and superior investment performance for shareholders through the ownership, management, acquisition, and development of quality apartment communities.Goldman Sachs reinstated a Buy rating and a $149 price target on Mid America Apartment Communities Inc (NYSE:MAA) on February 22.Mid America Apartment Communities Inc (NYSE:MAA) was found in the 13F holdings of 23 hedge funds in the fourth quarter, with a total stake value of $524.3 million.This is what Diamond Hill Capital said about Mid America Apartment Communities Inc (NYSE:MAA) in its third-quarter 2023 investor letter:“Mid-America Apartment Communities, Inc. (NYSE:MAA) is a multifamily-focused REIT which owns, operates, acquires and selectively develops apartment communities, primarily in the Southeast and Southwest US. We have owned MAA in the past and chose to reinitiate a position as concerns about slowing internal growth and headwinds from new supply have pushed the share price down. MAA is a strong franchise with a respected management team, an excellent balance sheet and a well-located portfolio in the Sun Belt. We anticipate the supply concerns will prove a near-term headwind, while its competitive advantages should make it an attractive long-term investment.”7. Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE)Average Analyst Price Target: $142Upside Potential: 14.27%Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 31Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE) was spotted in the portfolios of 31 hedge funds in the fourth quarter, with a total stake value of $214.2 million.On January 31, Wedbush reiterated an Outperform rating and a $140 price target on Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE).Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE) is an office REIT based in Pasadena, California. It owns, operates, and develops collaborate life science, agtech, and advanced technology mega campuses.Baron Funds said the following about Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE) in its third-quarter 2023 investor letter:“Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (ARE) is the life science industry leader and sole publicly traded life science pure-play REIT. At its current discounted valuation, we believe concerns about competitive supply and distress for some of the company’s biotechnology and health care tenants are overblown and sufficiently discounted in the company’s valuation. We believe the management team has assembled a desirable real estate portfolio, enjoys a leading market share position in its geographic markets, and has solid expectations for long-term demand-driven growth.”6. American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT)Average Analyst Price Target: $231.93Upside Potential: 14.95%Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 56American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT) is another telecom tower REIT on our list of the best real estate stocks to buy. It is based in Boston, Massachusetts, and is an independent owner, operator, and developer of multitenant communications real estate.An Overweight rating and a $230 price target were maintained on American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT) on February 28 by JPMorgan analysts.We saw 56 hedge funds long American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT) in the fourth quarter, with a total stake value of $3.2 billion.Baron Funds mentioned American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT) in its fourth-quarter 2023 investor letter:“Early in 2023, we sold the majority of our position in American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT), a global operator of over 200,000 wireless towers, and even further reduced our modest position in the third quarter of 2023. We had concluded in late 2022 and early 2023 that growth expectations were too high given forthcoming headwinds from significantly higher financing costs (20%-plus exposure to floating rate debt), upcoming debt maturities, continued payment shortfalls from a key tenant in India, foreign exchange headwinds, and a reduction in mobile carrier capital expenditures.Following a sharp decline in American Tower’s shares in the first nine months of 2023, we began rebuilding our position because we believed that the company’s shares had become more attractively valued, growth headwinds were better understood, and the potential monetization event of its India business would ultimately be value accretive to its business. Further, we believe that 2023 will mark the trough in earnings growth for American Tower and growth should reaccelerate in the next few years.”Like KE Holdings Inc (NYSE:BEKE), Crown Castle International Corp. (NYSE:CCI), and Realty Income Corporation (NYSE:O), American Tower Corporation (NYSE:AMT) is among the best real estate stocks to buy now. Click to continue reading and see 5 Best Real Estate and Realty Stocks To Buy According to Analysts. Suggested articles:25 Fastest Growing Real Estate Markets in the US13 Most Profitable Real Estate Stocks Now12 Best Real Estate and Realty Stocks to BuyDisclosure: None. 14 Best Real Estate and Realty Stocks To Buy According to Analysts is originally published on Insider Monkey.

Insider Monkey

14 Best Real Estate and Realty Stocks To Buy According to Analysts

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/14-best-real-estate-realty-131053697.html

2e1df458-4301-3a94-ba21-81f229d13e6f

MAR

With the pandemic behind us and fears of a recession starting to subside, Wall Street expects a big year as the consumer remains resilient, particularly in the travel industry. As the travel sector saw a boom in 2023, many investors look for ways to add great travel plays into their portfolios.As part of Yahoo Finance's Travel Guide 2024: Industry Insights special this week, Yahoo Finance Anchor Bradley Smith breaks down the travel stocks investors need to watch: Delta Air Lines (DAL), Marriott Hotels & Resorts (MAR), and Royal Caribbean Cruises (RCL).Catch more of Yahoo Finance's Travel Guide 2024: Industry Insights special coverage this week, or watch this full episode of Yahoo Finance Live here.Editor's note: This article was written by Nicholas JacobinoVideo TranscriptBRAD SMITH: It's been a few years since COVID upended the global travel sector. The world is now largely vaccinated, the recession we were all hoping to avoid didn't happen, and the consumer is still spending. Oh, and the Fed is about to cut rates. So it looks like we're poised for another huge year. Well, maybe. But there are more than a few headwinds to contend with. Not to mention trends that could reshape the way that you think about your next vacation.Is Delta the airline best positioned to hold market share? Are cruise lines about to hike prices on a stream of never ending demand? Is astrotourism really the next big hit for 2024? And should you really drive your Tesla from LA to San Francisco? Yahoo Finance's Travel Guide 2024, Industry Insights puts you at the center of the story, looking at planes, trains, automobiles, and any other form of transport you can think of.We're diving deep into the travel sector as a part of Yahoo Finance's Travel Guide 2024, Industry Insights. Now, for investors looking to the best way to play the travel sector, I've got three stocks for you to watch as we gear up for those peak travel seasons. First, let's talk a little airlines. Let's go to the skies with the steel birds. It's got to be Delta here. Delta is really focused here on international.Story continuesAnd that's one of the themes that could really play out here and benefit them. You think back to why Citi has this as one of their 2024 stock picks for the year here. Well, it comes back to that international travel demand here. And from Ed Bastian, the CEO of Delta, what he's told us in the most recent earnings is what we see in our whole bookings is really more of the same that we've been seeing all year, international bookings and demand looks really strong.That's what he told Yahoo Finance after they reported their most recent quarterly earnings. He also went on to say, so I think we're looking at a very, very strong Q3 as indicated by their guidance. And we'll have a strong Q4 as well. And so that is one of the kind of broader lookouts into deep in this year where international travel could play a role.Now, let's also talk about Marriott. Let's go to the accommodation space. This one is going to be in focus and why? Well, it's one of the top picks among analysts who are looking across the accommodations in the hotel industry across the Street here. And it has outperformed many of its industry competitors here. But one huge theme to zero in on for Marriott is going to be that rebound in corporate travel that we've been continuing to talk about.With the number of events that are set to be hosted and bookings that come along with those events, Marriott is seen as one of the outstanding participants or performers within that market here, especially as compared to some of its other peers here as well, even though one of the others also having a good year-to-date. That's Hyatt. So keep close tabs on them. They're up by about 15%.And lastly, let's go to the high seas here, if you will, where you'll find perhaps Captain Jack Sparrow and a few of his other friends. Let's go to the Caribbean, Caribbean, whatever you're calling it. Royal Caribbean ticker symbol RCL, that is really having a focus on these new fleets. And that could potentially pull forward some bookings here.And so if you think back to the earnings call that this company just had, they expect to grow capacity by the introduction of the Utopia of the Seas and Silver Ray in the first full year of service of the three incredible ships that joined their fleet during 2023. "The Icon of the Seas, Celebrity Ascent and Silver Nova, the new ships not only elevate their vacation experiences," they said, "and draw new customers to their brands, but they also provide yield tailwinds," they said on the call, "enhancing overall profitability."And in 2024, they expect yields to grow 5 and 1/4% to 7.25% driven by the performance of their entire fleet. So hoo, that is all that we're going to be tracking at least in these three stocks here, and we'll see how those themes play out for Marriott, Delta, and Royal Caribbean.

Yahoo Finance Video

Three big travel stocks to watch in 2024

https://finance.yahoo.com/video/three-big-travel-stocks-watch-170802963.html

865639fe-9697-399e-9de5-f200dabb0c22

MAR

Marriott International Inc (NASDAQ:MAR), a global leading lodging company with more than 7,000 properties across 131 countries and territories, reported an insider selling event. President, EMEA Satyajit Anand sold 2,749 shares of the company on February 23, 2024, according to a recent SEC filing.The insider executed the sale at an average price of $251.93, resulting in a transaction amount of approximately $692,805.57. Following this transaction, Satyajit Anand's direct ownership in the company has adjusted accordingly.Over the past year, the insider has sold a total of 2,749 shares and has not made any purchases of the stock. This latest transaction continues a trend observed within the company, where insider sells have outnumbered insider buys over the past year. Specifically, there have been 31 insider sells and no insider buys for Marriott International Inc within this period.Shares of Marriott International Inc were trading at $251.93 on the day of the transaction, giving the company a market capitalization of $72.145 billion.The stock's price-earnings ratio stands at 24.46, which is above the industry median of 20.7 but below the company's historical median price-earnings ratio. This valuation metric suggests a comparison with both industry standards and the company's own pricing history.According to the GuruFocus Value chart, with a current price of $251.93 and a GF Value of $240.86, Marriott International Inc holds a price-to-GF-Value ratio of 1.05, indicating that the stock is Fairly Valued in relation to the intrinsic value estimate by GuruFocus.The GF Value is determined by considering historical trading multiples such as price-earnings ratio, price-sales ratio, price-book ratio, and price-to-free cash flow, along with a GuruFocus adjustment factor based on the company's past returns and growth, and future business performance estimates provided by Morningstar analysts.Marriott International Inc President, EMEA Satyajit Anand Sells Company SharesThe insider trend image above reflects the recent insider selling activity for Marriott International Inc.Story continuesMarriott International Inc President, EMEA Satyajit Anand Sells Company SharesThe GF Value image provides a visual representation of the stock's current valuation in relation to its intrinsic value.For more detailed information on insider transactions and stock performance for Marriott International Inc, interested individuals can refer to the full SEC filing.This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

GuruFocus.com

Marriott International Inc President, EMEA Satyajit Anand Sells Company Shares

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/marriott-international-inc-president-emea-032011960.html

ba84c19f-f782-31ad-8aac-4be43adc478a

MAR

In this article, we will take a look at the 15 sunniest cities in Europe. If you would like to skip our discussion on the impact of climate change on the European economy, you can go to the 5 Sunniest Cities in Europe.The devastating effects of climate change and global warming were felt within Europe during the summer of 2023. Deadly floods in Greece, wildfires in Tenerife, and extreme heat in Southern Italy were all witnessed during that time. Climate change is also affecting the travel industry in Europe. A survey by the European Travel Commission revealed that 14% of the respondents found extreme weather events to be a primary concern, marking an increase from the 7% reported in a previous survey. This is especially concerning since the travel and tourism industry accounts for 10% of Europe's Gross Domestic Product (GDP). Europe is home to some of the most visited destinations in the world. In fact, the continent accounts for 51% of all international arrivals as of 2019.According to a study conducted by the Joint Research Center, climate change has the potential to shift tourism patterns within Europe. The projections within the study show that a rise in temperature by 3°C or 4°C will lead to a reduction in tourists by approximately 10% for the southern coastal regions, which include the sunniest countries in Europe. On the other hand, northern coastal regions will witness an increase of 5% in the aforementioned scenario. The study showed that the highest gains (more than 5%) should be witnessed by Germany, Finland, Denmark, France, Ireland, the UK, Sweden, and the Netherlands. On the flip side, Cyprus, Greece, Spain, Italy, and Portugal shall experience the highest losses above 5% if temperatures rise.Apart from the coasts and sunniest places in Europe, winter sports, Europe's iconic mountain ranges, and ski resorts would also have to face the effects of climatic change. Half of the ski resorts in Europe are at high risk of snow scarcity by 2100 if temperatures rise by 2°C, while 98% of the ski resorts will face the risk if the temperatures rise by 4°C. This threatens the winter sports industry, which generates about 10 billion euros per year and employs 1.5 million people annually across the continent during an average season. Cultural heritage, a cornerstone of European tourism, is also under threat.Story continuesRising sea levels and coastal erosion endanger historical sites and landmarks. In Venice, Italy, iconic structures like St. Mark's Square are experiencing more frequent flooding events due to rising sea levels, with the city estimated to be completely underwater by 2100 if no action is taken. Thus, climate change not only damages the cultural heritage of Europe but also endangers a major attraction for tourists. Travel-related companies like Airbnb Inc (NASDAQ:ABNB), Expedia Group Inc (NASDAQ:EXPE), and Marriott International Inc (NASDAQ:MAR) stand to be significantly impacted by such changes.Hence, there is a need for more sustainable and green practices within Europe's travel industry. Embracing sustainable practices like reducing energy and water consumption in hotels by 20% by 2030 (as set by the EU's Green Deal) and promoting eco-friendly transportation options like electric vehicles can significantly reduce the industry's environmental footprint. Responsible waste management, such as reducing single-use plastics by 50% by 2025 (as outlined in the EU's Single-Use Plastics Directive) and promoting responsible tourism practices among travelers, can further contribute to a more sustainable future.15 Sunniest Cities in EuropeTorgado/Shutterstock.comOur MethodologyFor our list of 15 sunniest cities in Europe, we have ranked the cities in terms of average annual sunshine duration. This widely utilized measure effectively indicates the level of sunlight in a given location. The average annual sunshine duration is calculated by adding up the monthly average sunshine hours for each place. The data has been sourced from data.world. The 15 sunniest cities in Europe have been ranked in ascending order of the average annual sunshine hours.By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or a professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders.15 Sunniest Cities in Europe15. Istanbul, TurkeyAverage Annual Sunshine Hours: 2218Istanbul has a transitional Mediterranean climate characterized by cold winters and hot, humid, and sunny summers. Although the city does not witness a lot of sunshine during the winters, its summers are quite sunny. The location of Istanbul, particularly the city being near the black sea and humid Balkan peninsula, has a great impact on its weather. July is the sunniest month in Istanbul. During this month, sunny weather is witnessed 69% of the time, on average.14. Skopje, North MacedoniaAverage Annual Sunshine Hours: 2339Skopje, North Macedonia’s capital and biggest city, experiences mostly clear and warm summers as well as cold, snowy, and partly cloudy winters due to its marine west coast climate. The weather is usually sunny during the summer but not during the winter. The sunniest month in Skopje is August, when the sun shines 71% of the time, or 318 hours on average. However, the city also has its fair share of rainfall every year, including rainy periods in the typically arid months.13. Rome, ItalyAverage Annual Sunshine Hours: 2473With its predominant Mediterranean climate and slight elements of continental climate, Rome experiences mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The city experiences this sort of climate due to its location on the Mediterranean Sea. This ancient city receives good sunshine throughout the year, especially during spring and summer. July is the sunniest month in Rome, with an average of 332 hours of sunshine. However, it is not so sunny in Rome during the winters, which are often gray and cloudy.12. Yerevan, ArmeniaAverage Annual Sunshine Hours: 2473The capital city of Armenia, Yerevan, has hot summers and cold winters, with temperatures falling below freezing point. It is located at the lowest altitude in the country. Due to its altitude, Yerevan has a dry continental climate, which is responsible for the hot summers. July is the sunniest month in the city. Around 353 hours of sunshine, on average, are witnessed during July in Yerevan. However, during the winter, the sun does not shine often.11. Podgorica, MontenegroAverage Annual Sunshine Hours: 2481The climate of Podgorica, the largest and capital city of Montenegro, can be categorized as transitional Mediterranean as it is a blend between a humid subtropical climate and a hot Mediterranean climate. The city experiences four distinct seasons. The air in Podgorica is humid throughout the year. The winter is mild, with sunny and rainy days. On the other hand, summer is hot and sunny. The sunniest month is July when the number of sunshine hours is 348.10. Tirana, AlbaniaAverage Annual Sunshine Hours: 2544Tirana is Albania’s largest city. It is located near the Mediterranean Sea on the plain of Tirana, and it has a Mediterranean climate due to its geographic position. Tirana is one of the sunniest cities in Europe. It witnesses mild, rainy winters as well as hot, sunny summers. During the summers, the weather gets really hot as the city is not directly on the coast. July is the sunniest month in Tirana.9. Barcelona, SpainAverage Annual Sunshine Hours: 2591Barcelona is another European city with a Mediterranean climate. The city has mild winters and hot summers. The skies are mostly clear year-round, with decent sunshine during both winters and summers. July is the sunniest month in Barcelona, with 311 hours of sunshine. The city is a popular destination for many tourists, contributing to the operations of various travel-related companies such as Airbnb Inc (NASDAQ:ABNB), Expedia Group Inc (NASDAQ:EXPE), and Marriott International Inc (NASDAQ:MAR).8. Madrid, SpainAverage Annual Sunshine Hours: 2769Madrid is among the sunniest capital cities of Europe and one of the sunniest cities in Spain. It enjoys about 350 sunny days on a yearly basis. It has hot summers, but the humidity levels are not very high. Winters are mild and rainy in Madrid. Meanwhile, spring and autumn are pleasantly warm. With 350 hours of sunshine, July is Madrid’s sunniest month.7. Lisbon, PortugalAverage Annual Sunshine Hours: 2806The capital city of Portugal has a Mediterranean climate. Lisbon’s weather is mild year-round due to the city’s location in southwestern Europe and the influence of the ocean. During the summer, the weather is almost always sunny. However, alternating periods of cloudy and sunny weather can be seen in Lisbon during winter. It is sunnier in July than in other months, with 352 hours of sunshine.6. Marseille, FranceAverage Annual Sunshine Hours: 2836With more than 2800 hours of sunshine during the year, nearly 8 hours of sun on average in a day, and about 170 days of sunny weather, Marseille is the sunniest city in France. It has very few days of low sunshine. The weather is hot and mild during the summer, with occasional rain during autumn and winter due to the city’s Mediterranean climate.Click to continue reading and see the 5 Sunniest Cities in Europe.Suggested Articles:25 Countries with the Largest Coal Reserves in the World25 Countries with Highest Crude Oil Production in 202420 Best Places to Live in Texas in 2024Disclosure: None. 15 Sunniest Cities in Europe is published on Insider Monkey.

Insider Monkey

15 Sunniest Cities in Europe

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/15-sunniest-cities-europe-213201163.html

66c03a75-43de-3b4a-812b-8375b2069ba7

MAR

In this article, we will be covering the 20 largest travel companies in the world. If you want to skip our detailed analysis of the travel and tourism industry, you can go directly to 5 Largest Travel Companies In The World.The travel and tourism sector plays a vital role in global economies. It creates jobs, fosters cultural exchange, and supports local businesses. It promotes understanding between nations while also contributing significantly to GDP growth. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), travel and tourism accounted for 7.6% of global GDP in 2022 while also creating 22 million new jobs around the world.An Analysis of the Global Travel and Tourism IndustryThe travel and tourism sector plays a crucial role in addressing societal and economic challenges. The industry is now thriving after being severely impacted during the peak of the COVID-19 crisis, which led to travel restrictions, cancellations, and a sharp decline in tourism activities. According to a report by Market Research Future, the global travel and tourism market reached a value of $648.03 billion in 2023. The market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.8% from 2023 to 2032 and reach a value of more than $1.01 trillion by the end of the forecasted period. The North American region leads the global travel and tourism market, while Europe follows as the second-largest market. The Asia-Pacific region is anticipated to exhibit the fastest growth in the industry during the forecasted period.The travel and tourism market is undergoing a digital transformation with online booking platforms, travel agencies, mobile apps, and online travel-related services driving growth by enhancing connectivity and providing convenient and personalized traveler experiences. The trend of cultural and experiential tourism, with travelers seeking authentic, immersive experiences, unique destinations, and local experiences, is also a key factor driving market growth. Moreover, the rise in disposable incomes, especially in emerging markets, is leading to increased tourism. More people have the means to explore domestic and international destinations. According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), domestic visitor spending saw an increase of 20.4% in 2022. On the other hand, international visitor spending went up by 81.9% in 2022.Story continuesWhat are Some of the Biggest Companies in the Travel and Tourism Industry Up To?Prominent companies in the travel and tourism industry are actively pursuing various strategies to expand their global presence and increase their profitability. Some of the most notable names are Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR), Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT), and Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG).Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) is one of the world’s largest providers of online travel and related services. It provides online travel services in more than 220 countries through its brands which include Booking.com, Priceline, Agoda, KAYAK, and OpenTable. Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) is also one of the best travel stocks to buy. On February 22, Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:BKNG) reported strong earnings for the fiscal fourth quarter of 2023. The company reported earnings per share (EPS) of $32, surpassing EPS estimates by $1.95. The company’s revenue for the quarter grew by 18.15% year-over-year and amounted to $4.78 billion, ahead of market consensus by $73.37 million. Here are some comments from Booking Holdings Inc.’s (NASDAQ:BKNG) Q4 2023 earnings call:“As we look to the year ahead, we see strong growth on the books for travel that’s scheduled to take place in 2024, which gives early indications of potentially another record summer travel season. As we’ve noted previously, a high percentage of these bookings are capable and what is on the books today for the summer period represents a small percentage of the total bookings that we expect to ultimately receive. David will provide further details on fourth quarter results and on our thoughts about the first quarter and full year 2024. Looking back at the full year of 2023, I am proud of our efforts to drive more benefits to our travelers and supply partners while also delivering record-setting industry-leading financial results. We reached a significant milestone last year with our customers’ booking an all-time high of over 1 billion room nights on our platform, which was an increase of 17% versus 2022.”As the demand for travel and tourism continues to grow, companies operating in this space are launching new products, engaging in mergers and acquisitions, increasing investments, and forming contracts and collaborations. Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR) is an American multinational hospitality company. It operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts in more than 130 countries around the world. On March 7, Marriott International Inc. (NYSE:MAR) announced that it has entered into an agreement with Victoria Park Hotels Ltd. to launch The Park Lane Hong Kong, Autograph Collection. This new addition is set to become part of Autograph Collection Hotels by early 2025. Autograph Collection Hotels’ portfolio includes more than 300 independent properties in some of the most desirable locations around the world. Situated within a 28-story mixed-use complex featuring retail spaces on the lower floors, the new hotel is projected to have 820 guest rooms, an executive lounge, 3 unique dining venues, extensive event spaces spanning over 1,700 square meters, and various recreational facilities. Some of the guest rooms will boast stunning views of Victoria Harbour, while others will overlook the city or Victoria Park in Hong Kong.On February 7, Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) announced an exclusive strategic partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) that will introduce guests of Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc. (NYSE:HLT) to a wide range of hotels in some of the most popular destinations around the world. This collaboration will significantly enhance Hilton Worldwide Holdings Inc.’s (NYSE:HLT) luxury offerings as unique SLH properties become part of the esteemed Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, and LXR Hotels & Resorts brands.Now that we have discussed what’s going on in the global travel and tourism industry, let’s take a look at the 20 largest travel companies in the world.20 Largest Travel Companies In The WorldA line of travellers queuing for a commercial flight, emphasizing the airport management operations.MethodologyIn this article, we have listed the 20 largest travel companies in the world. To find the top travel companies in the world, we sifted through various sources including industry reports, our own rankings in addition to rankings available on various websites, and consulted stock screeners from Yahoo Finance and Finviz. For companies that are publicly traded, we decided to rank them according to their market capitalization as of March 9. We used fiscal year revenues to rank the companies that are not publicly traded. For foreign companies, we converted the market caps and revenues to US dollars according to their respective exchange rates, as of March 9. Finally, we narrowed down our selection to rank the 20 largest travel companies in the world based on their market capitalization and revenues, which are listed below in ascending order.20 Largest Travel Companies In The World20. Host Hotels & Resorts Inc. (NYSE:HST)Market Capitalization: $14.9 BillionHost Hotels & Resorts Inc. (NYSE:HST) is a major American lodging real estate investment trust (REIT) that invests in hotels. It owns a diverse portfolio of luxury and upper-upscale hotels. Host Hotels & Resorts Inc. (NYSE:HST) has a market capitalization of $14.9 billion as of March 9, 2024.19. Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H)Market Capitalization: $16.12 BillionHyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) is an American multinational hospitality company. As one of the world’s top hospitality companies, it manages and franchises luxury and business hotels, resorts, and vacation properties in more than 70 countries across 6 continents. As of March 9, 2024, Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE:H) has a market capitalization of $16.12 billion.18. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (NYSE:IHG)Market Capitalization: $17.4 BillionInterContinental Hotels Group PLC (NYSE:IHG) is a British multinational hospitality company. With more than 6,000 hotels in over 100 countries, it is one of the world’s leading hotel companies. InterContinental Hotels Group PLC (NYSE:IHG) has a market capitalization of $17.4 billion as of March 9, 2024. It ranks 18th on our list of the 20 biggest travel companies in the world.17. Expedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE)Market Capitalization: $18.5 BillionExpedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) is an American travel technology company. As one of the top travel agencies in the world, it owns and operates various brands including Expedia, Hotels.com, CarRentals.com, Vrbo, Travelocity, Trivago, Orbitz, Ebookers, CheapTickets, and Expedia Cruises. As of March 9, 2024, Expedia Group Inc. (NASDAQ:EXPE) has a market capitalization of $18.5 billion.16. Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV)Market Capitalization: $20.44 BillionSouthwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) is an American airline company. It offers low-cost air travel service with frequent flights of mostly short routes. As one of the biggest travel companies in the world, Southwest Airlines Co. (NYSE:LUV) has a market capitalization of $20.44 billion as of March 9, 2024.15. Qatar Airways GroupRevenue: $21 BillionQatar Airways Group is the flag carrier of Qatar. Owned by the Government of Qatar, it is one of the world’s top airlines and it currently flies to over 170 international destinations. Qatar Airways Group generated an annual revenue of $21 billion in the year 2022-2023. It ranks among the top 15 on our list of the 20 largest travel companies in the world.14. Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL)Market Capitalization: $21.38 BillionCarnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) is a British-American cruise operator. As one of the world's largest leisure travel companies, it owns some of the most well-known cruise line brands in North America, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Australia. Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE:CCL) has a market capitalization of $21.38 billion as of March 9, 2024.13. Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited (SEHK:0027)Market Capitalization: $21.83 BillionGalaxy Entertainment Group Limited (SEHK:0027) is one of Asia’s top developers and operators of integrated entertainment and resort facilities. It owns and operates a broad portfolio of integrated resort, retail, dining, hotel, and gaming facilities in Macau. As one of the top travel companies in the world, Galaxy Entertainment Group Limited (SEHK:0027) has a market capitalization of $21.83 billion as of March 9, 2024.12. Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL)Market Capitalization: $27.17 BillionDelta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL) is one of America’s major airlines. It is also one of the world’s largest airlines by number of passengers carried. As one of the top travel companies in the world, Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE:DAL) has a market capitalization of $27.17 billion as of March 9, 2024.11. Amadeus IT Group S.A. (BME:AMS)Market Capitalization: $27.31 BillionAmadeus IT Group S.A. (BME:AMS) is a Spanish multinational technology company that develops technology and software for airlines, travel agencies, hotels, payment providers, and other travel-related businesses to enhance their operations and customer experiences. With a presence in more than 190 countries, the company provides software solutions for the global travel and tourism industry. As of March 9, 2024, Amadeus IT Group S.A. (BME:AMS) has a market capitalization of $27.31 billion.10. Trip.com Group Limited (NASDAQ:TCOM)Market Capitalization: $28.27 BillionTrip.com Group Limited (NASDAQ:TCOM) is a multinational travel service company that ranks among the top 10 on our list of the largest travel companies in the world. It owns and operates several travel agencies and travel fare aggregators including Ctrip, Qunar, Trip.com and Skyscanner. As of March 9, 2024, Trip.com Group Limited (NASDAQ:TCOM) has a market capitalization of $28.27 billion.9. Ryanair Holdings plc (NASDAQ:RYAAY)Market Capitalization: $32.3 BillionRyanair Holdings plc (NASDAQ:RYAAY) is an Irish airline company. As one of Europe's largest airline groups, it is the parent company of Ryanair, Ryanair UK, Buzz, Lauda, and Malta Air. With a market capitalization of $32.3 billion as of March 9, 2024, Ryanair Holdings plc (NASDAQ:RYAAY) ranks 9th on our list of the 20 largest travel companies in the world.8. Emirates GroupRevenue: $32.6 BillionEmirates Group is Dubai’s state-owned international aviation holding company. It owns Dubai National Air Travel Agency (dnata), an airport and ground services company, and Emirates Airline, one of the largest airlines in the Middle East. Emirates Group generated an annual revenue of $32.6 billion in the year 2022-2023.7. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL)Market Capitalization: $32.71 BillionRoyal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) is a global cruise holding company that owns and operates cruise brands including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea Cruises. As one of the world’s largest cruise line operators, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE:RCL) has a global fleet of 65 ships traveling to around 1,000 destinations around the world. The company has a market capitalization of $32.71 billion as of March 9, 2024.6. Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS)Market Capitalization: $38.81 BillionLas Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) is an American casino and resort company that owns and operates integrated resorts in Macao and Singapore. As a driver of valuable leisure and business tourism, it is one of the world’s largest hotel and casino companies. With a market capitalization of $38.81 billion as of March 9, 2024, Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS) ranks 6th on our list of the 20 largest travel companies in the world.Click to continue reading and see 5 Largest Travel Companies In The World.Suggested Articles:40 Most Polluted Cities in the World in 202420 Countries with the Strongest Paramilitary Forces in the World15 Sunniest Cities in EuropeDisclosure: None. 20 Largest Travel Companies In The World is published on Insider Monkey.

Insider Monkey

20 Largest Travel Companies In The World

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/20-largest-travel-companies-world-180018353.html

f7019cdb-8fb0-3878-92c1-5d248c647fc3

MAS

Have you been paying attention to shares of Otis Worldwide (OTIS)? Shares have been on the move with the stock up 3.9% over the past month. The stock hit a new 52-week high of $92.93 in the previous session. Otis Worldwide has gained 3.3% since the start of the year compared to the 5.2% move for the Zacks Construction sector and the 8.6% return for the Zacks Building Products - Miscellaneous industry.What's Driving the Outperformance?The stock has an impressive record of positive earnings surprises, as it hasn't missed our earnings consensus estimate in any of the last four quarters. In its last earnings report on January 31, 2024, Otis Worldwide reported EPS of $0.87 versus consensus estimate of $0.85.For the current fiscal year, Otis Worldwide is expected to post earnings of $3.87 per share on $14.71 billion in revenues. This represents a 9.32% change in EPS on a 3.52% change in revenues. For the next fiscal year, the company is expected to earn $4.28 per share on $15.42 billion in revenues. This represents a year-over-year change of 10.81% and 4.82%, respectively.Valuation MetricsOtis Worldwide may be at a 52-week high right now, but what might the future hold for the stock? A key aspect of this question is taking a look at valuation metrics in order to determine if the company has run ahead of itself.On this front, we can look at the Zacks Style Scores, as these give investors a variety of ways to comb through stocks (beyond looking at the Zacks Rank of a security). These styles are represented by grades running from A to F in the categories of Value, Growth, and Momentum, while there is a combined VGM Score as well. Investors should consider the style scores a valuable tool that can help you to pick the most appropriate Zacks Rank stocks based on their individual investment style.Otis Worldwide has a Value Score of C. The stock's Growth and Momentum Scores are A and D, respectively, giving the company a VGM Score of B.Story continuesIn terms of its value breakdown, the stock currently trades at 23.9X current fiscal year EPS estimates, which is a premium to the peer industry average of 18.8X. On a trailing cash flow basis, the stock currently trades at 22.5X versus its peer group's average of 14.4X. This isn't enough to put the company in the top echelon of all stocks we cover from a value perspective.Zacks RankWe also need to consider the stock's Zacks Rank, as this supersedes any trend on the style score front. Fortunately, Otis Worldwide currently has a Zacks Rank of #2 (Buy) thanks to favorable earnings estimate revisions from covering analysts.Since we recommend that investors select stocks carrying Zacks Rank of 1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy) and Style Scores of A or B, it looks as if Otis Worldwide fits the bill. Thus, it seems as though Otis Worldwide shares could still be poised for more gains ahead.How Does OTIS Stack Up to the Competition?Shares of OTIS have been soaring, and the company still appears to be a decent choice, but what about the rest of the industry? One industry peer that looks good is Masco Corporation (MAS). MAS has a Zacks Rank of # 2 (Buy) and a Value Score of B, a Growth Score of A, and a Momentum Score of D.Earnings were strong last quarter. Masco Corporation beat our consensus estimate by 25.76%, and for the current fiscal year, MAS is expected to post earnings of $4.10 per share on revenue of $8.01 billion.Shares of Masco Corporation have gained 10.6% over the past month, and currently trade at a forward P/E of 18.12X and a P/CF of 16.33X.The Building Products - Miscellaneous industry is in the top 6% of all the industries we have in our universe, so it looks like there are some nice tailwinds for OTIS and MAS, even beyond their own solid fundamental situation.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportOtis Worldwide Corporation (OTIS) : Free Stock Analysis ReportMasco Corporation (MAS) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

Otis Worldwide Corporation (OTIS) Soars to 52-Week High, Time to Cash Out?

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/otis-worldwide-corporation-otis-soars-141510281.html

61318445-03d5-3e13-b6e0-7fb9cb5010ed

MAS

Taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for new and old investors alike.Many investors also have a go-to methodology that helps guide their buy and sell decisions. One way to find winning stocks based on your preferred way of investing is to use the Zacks Style Scores, which are indicators that rate stocks based on three widely-followed investing types: value, growth, and momentum.Why Investors Should Pay Attention to This Value StockValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, and Price/Cash Flow, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.Masco (MAS)Headquartered in Taylor, MI, Masco Corporation manufactures, sells and installs home improvement and building products. Masco operates through the following two business segments:MAS is a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock, with a Value Style Score of B and VGM Score of A. Shares are currently trading at a forward P/E of 18.1X for the current fiscal year compared to the Building Products - Miscellaneous industry's P/E of 18.8X. Additionally, MAS has a PEG Ratio of 2.1 and a Price/Cash Flow ratio of 16.3X. Value investors should also note MAS' Price/Sales ratio of 2.1X.A company's earnings performance is important for value investors as well. For fiscal 2024, five analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for MAS, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.12 to $4.10 per share. MAS also holds an average earnings surprise of 23.4%.MAS should be on investors' short lists because of its impressive earnings and valuation fundamentals, a good Zacks Rank, and strong Value and VGM Style Scores.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportStory continuesMasco Corporation (MAS) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

Are You a Value Investor? This 1 Stock Could Be the Perfect Pick

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/value-investor-1-stock-could-144010485.html

bf61e84d-ce04-3f60-bc99-89fb393fe675

MAS

On March 5, 2024, Renee Straber, the Vice President - Chief Human Resources Officer of Masco Corp (NYSE:MAS), executed a sale of 52,264 shares of the company. The transaction was filed with the SEC and can be found in the SEC Filing. This sale continues a pattern of insider selling activity at the company over the past year.Warning! GuruFocus has detected 3 Warning Sign with WRBY.Masco Corp is a global leader in the design, manufacture, and distribution of branded home improvement and building products. The company's portfolio of industry-leading brands includes Behr paint, Delta and Hansgrohe faucets, bath and shower fixtures, KraftMaid and Merillat cabinets, Milgard windows and doors, and Hot Spring spas. Masco Corp operates through two business segments: Plumbing Products and Decorative Architectural Products.Over the past year, Renee Straber has sold a total of 93,464 shares of Masco Corp and has not made any purchases of the stock. The insider's recent sale of 52,264 shares is part of this broader trend of share disposals.The insider transaction history for Masco Corp shows a lack of insider buying over the past year, with 0 insider buys recorded. In contrast, there have been 12 insider sells during the same period, indicating a trend of insider selling.On the date of the insider's recent sale, shares of Masco Corp were trading at $76.31, giving the company a market capitalization of $16.794 billion. The price-earnings ratio of the stock stood at 19.06, which is above the industry median of 15.17 but below the company's historical median price-earnings ratio.The stock's price-to-GF-Value ratio was 1.35, with a share price of $76.31 and a GuruFocus Value of $56.58. This indicates that Masco Corp is significantly overvalued based on its GF Value.The GF Value is calculated considering historical trading multiples, a GuruFocus adjustment factor based on past returns and growth, and future business performance estimates from Morningstar analysts.Story continuesInsider Sell: VP - Chief Human Resources Officer of Masco Corp (MAS) Sells SharesInsider Sell: VP - Chief Human Resources Officer of Masco Corp (MAS) Sells SharesThis article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.This article first appeared on GuruFocus.

GuruFocus.com

Insider Sell: VP - Chief Human Resources Officer of Masco Corp (MAS) Sells Shares

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/insider-sell-vp-chief-human-043001765.html

4af924cb-f54f-38fd-a7c9-abc039357aca

MAS

It doesn't matter your age or experience: taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals for all investors.Achieving those goals is made easier with the Zacks Style Scores, a unique set of guidelines that rates stocks based on popular investing methodologies, namely value, growth, and momentum. The Style Scores can help you narrow down which stocks are better for your portfolio and which ones can beat the market over the long-term.Why Investors Should Pay Attention to This Value StockValue investors love finding good stocks at good prices, especially before the broader market catches on to a stock's true value. Utilizing ratios like P/E, PEG, Price/Sales, and Price/Cash Flow, the Value Style Score identifies the most attractive and most discounted stocks.Masco (MAS)Headquartered in Taylor, MI, Masco Corporation manufactures, sells and installs home improvement and building products. Masco operates through the following two business segments:MAS is a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock, with a Value Style Score of B and VGM Score of A. Shares are currently trading at a forward P/E of 18.7X for the current fiscal year compared to the Building Products - Miscellaneous industry's P/E of 18.7X. Additionally, MAS has a PEG Ratio of 2.2 and a Price/Cash Flow ratio of 16.9X. Value investors should also note MAS' Price/Sales ratio of 2.1X.A company's earnings performance is important for value investors as well. For fiscal 2024, six analysts revised their earnings estimate higher in the last 60 days for MAS, while the Zacks Consensus Estimate has increased $0.14 to $4.12 per share. MAS also holds an average earnings surprise of 23.4%.MAS should be on investors' short lists because of its impressive earnings and valuation fundamentals, a good Zacks Rank, and strong Value and VGM Style Scores.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportStory continuesMasco Corporation (MAS) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

Zacks

Why Masco (MAS) is a Top Value Stock for the Long-Term

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-masco-mas-top-value-134012209.html

312cabaf-8190-3b30-8f7c-ec42be4eb643

MCD

*Scrutiny of McDonald's in Indian state sparks wider crackdown*Maharashtra to probe promotion of items claimed to use cheese*Crackdown to cover other global fast-food chains -official*Targets include Burger King, Pizza Hut, Domino's -sourceBy Dhwani Pandya and Praveen ParamasivamMUMBAI, Feb 27 (Reuters) - India's western state of Maharashtra will inspect outlets of global fast-food brands to check if they use cheese alternatives in products wrongly promoted as containing real cheese, widening scrutiny beyond a crackdown on McDonald's, a top official said.The checks threaten to cause a headache for global brands after recent inflationary pressure hit consumption of burgers and pizzas that are pricey for many Indian consumers, prompting firms to launch of discounted offerings.McDonald's biggest India franchisee, Westlife Foodworld, has been defending its use of "real cheese" after media reported that state authorities last year found some products made use of so-called cheese analogues of vegetable oil, rather than real cheese.The McDonald's franchisee disagreed with the findings, but in December it dropped the word "cheese" from the names of many burgers and nuggets it sells statewide, letters seen by Reuters show.It renamed a "corn and cheese burger" as an "American vegetarian burger", for example.Inspectors of the state's Food and Drug Administration will now visit all McDonald's outlets, as well as those of other major brands, to check for similar violations of display and labelling rules, its chief, Abhimanyu Kale, told Reuters."We are planning to check all outlets of McDonald's," he said. "We will also take action on other well-known and frequently visited global fast-food chain outlets," he added, but declined to identify the brands being targeted.Another senior state government official, who sought anonymity, said inspectors would visit Indian franchisee outlets of brands such as Domino's, Pizza Hut, Burger King and KFC.Story continuesIndian state authorities have the power to suspend the licences of restaurants found to have infringed food and safety regulations in a way that misleads consumers.Westlife, which runs McDonald's in west and south India, will welcome any inspections and maintains the "highest standards", its managing director, Saurabh Kalra, said.Domino's franchisee Jubilant FoodWorks, Burger King operator Restaurant Brands Asia and Devyani International, which operates Yum Brands' Pizza Hut and KFC in India, did not respond to Reuters queries.Another Pizza Hut operator, India's Sapphire Foods , declined comment.India's western state of Maharashtra is its second most populous. Home to the financial capital Mumbai and many urban cities, it is a key market for global fast-food brands.In the McDonald's case, state food inspectors suspended the licence of one outlet east of Mumbai in November for allegedly using analogues in products promoted as containing cheese.The suspension was later revoked on appeal by Westlife, the McDonald's franchisee.The company reassured many consumers online who voiced concerns about its cheese offerings, saying on social network X that it uses "globally approved gold-standard suppliers"."Our cheese is made from real milk only and we do not use any substitutes or cheese analogues," it said on Monday.(Editing by Aditya Kalra and Clarence Fernandez)

Reuters

Indian state to inspect global fast-food chains after McDonald's cheese crackdown

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/indian-state-inspect-global-fast-082117017.html

33abe95d-7297-3968-9e70-6aaa0f9d1a7b

MCD

*Scrutiny of McDonald's in Indian state sparks wider crackdown*Maharashtra to probe promotion of items claimed to use cheese*Crackdown to cover other global fast-food chains -official*Targets include Burger King, Pizza Hut, Domino's -source(Adds stock reaction; paragraphs 8, 14)By Dhwani Pandya and Praveen ParamasivamMUMBAI, Feb 27 (Reuters) - India's western state of Maharashtra will inspect outlets of global fast-food brands to check if they use cheese alternatives in products wrongly promoted as containing real cheese, widening scrutiny beyond a crackdown on McDonald's, a top official said.The checks threaten to cause a headache for global brands after recent inflationary pressure hit consumption of burgers and pizzas that are pricey for many Indian consumers, prompting firms to launch of discounted offerings.McDonald's biggest India franchisee, Westlife Foodworld, has been defending its use of "real cheese" after media reported that state authorities last year found some products made use of so-called cheese analogues of vegetable oil, rather than real cheese.The McDonald's franchisee disagreed with the findings, but in December it dropped the word "cheese" from the names of many burgers and nuggets it sells statewide, letters seen by Reuters show.It renamed a "corn and cheese burger" as an "American vegetarian burger", for example.Inspectors of the state's Food and Drug Administration will now visit all McDonald's outlets, as well as those of other major brands, to check for similar violations of display and labelling rules, its chief, Abhimanyu Kale, told Reuters."We are planning to check all outlets of McDonald's," he said. "We will also take action on other well-known and frequently visited global fast-food chain outlets," he added, but declined to identify the brands being targeted.Shares of Westlife plunged as much as 6.7% after the Reuters report.Story continuesAnother senior state government official, who sought anonymity, said inspectors would visit Indian franchisee outlets of brands such as Domino's, Pizza Hut, Burger King and KFC.Indian state authorities have the power to suspend the licences of restaurants found to have infringed food and safety regulations in a way that misleads consumers.Westlife, which runs McDonald's in west and south India, will welcome any inspections and maintains the "highest standards", its managing director, Saurabh Kalra, said.Domino's franchisee Jubilant FoodWorks, Burger King operator Restaurant Brands Asia and Devyani International, which operates Yum Brands' Pizza Hut and KFC in India, did not respond to Reuters queries.Another Pizza Hut operator, India's Sapphire Foods , declined comment.Devyani shares slipped on Tuesday's news to trade down 4%.India's western state of Maharashtra is its second most populous. Home to the financial capital Mumbai, which has about 100 McDonald's outlets, and many other urban cities, it is a key market for global fast-food brands.In the McDonald's case, state food inspectors suspended the licence of one outlet east of Mumbai in November for allegedly using analogues in products promoted as containing cheese.The suspension was later revoked on appeal by Westlife, the franchisee.The company reassured many consumers online who voiced concerns about its cheese offerings, saying on social network X that it uses "globally approved gold-standard suppliers"."Our cheese is made from real milk only and we do not use any substitutes or cheese analogues," it said on Monday.(Editing by Aditya Kalra and Clarence Fernandez)

Reuters

UPDATE 1-Indian state to inspect outlets of global fast-food chains after McDonald's cheese crackdown

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/1-indian-state-inspect-outlets-085038890.html

8f785ce6-e228-30a5-8b1d-33298881164c

MCD

In this article, we discuss the 30 US Cities with the Highest Fast-Food Consumption. If you want to read about some more US Cities with the Highest Fast-Food Consumption, go directly to 5 US Cities with the Highest Fast-Food Consumption.According to findings from Precedence Research, the global fast-food industry was valued at approximately $700 billion in 2022. Projections suggest that the sector is set to maintain steady growth at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.70% from 2023 to 2032, potentially reaching a valuation of $1 trillion by the conclusion of the forecasted period. Additionally, the global fast-food restaurant industry achieved a figure of $978.4 billion in 2023.The expansion of globalized distribution networks has facilitated the establishment of fast-food franchises in foreign countries. Through this process, these companies adapt and innovate their product offerings to cater to diverse markets, expanding their customer outreach.In the dynamic and ever-evolving tapestry of American dietary preferences, the omnipresence of fast food has solidified its role as a defining element, shaping the eating habits of a considerable segment of the population. A recent in-depth report released by the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention peels back the layers of this culinary phenomenon, exposing the deep-rooted love affair between Americans and fast food. Astonishingly, the findings reveal that approximately one-third of the nation's adults, representing a staggering 37%, partake in fast food on a daily basis. This statistical revelation underscores not just a casual dalliance but a habitual reliance on the convenience and allure of quick-service meals by a substantial portion of the population, amounting to about 84.8 million adults, showcasing the widespread impact of fast food on shaping dietary patterns across the United States.Millennials have notably become the generation most inclined toward frequenting fast-food establishments, with a substantial 54% reporting indulging in these convenient meals multiple times a week. A striking 23% of millennials take their fast-food habit a step further, making it a daily occurrence in their lives. Delving into the financial aspect of this trend, the average person allocates a monthly budget of $148 to satisfy their fast-food cravings, showcasing the economic impact of this dining preference. A significant 37% of adults across the nation found themselves reaching for fast-food options on any given day in 2020. This statistic emphasizes the widespread influence of quick-service meals and their integration into daily life.Story continuesThe younger demographic, particularly children and adolescents aged 2 to 19, also plays a substantial role in the fast-food phenomenon. Approximately 34% of this age group in the United States engage in fast-food consumption each day, underscoring the enduring appeal of these easily accessible and often enticing meals among the younger generation. In the context of young group of people who are also workers at fast-food restaurants, there’s good news for Fast-food workers in California, who will see their minimum wage increasing to $20 per hour from next month, April, 2024. This wage boost is the result of an agreement between the restaurant industry and labor groups regarding legislation in the state.Going back to our topic, we see Central and Southern states emerging as dominant players in this fast-food landscape, with Alabama claiming the number one spot in fast-food restaurant concentration. The Southern imprint on fast-food culture is palpable, with eight out of the top ten states with the highest number of fast-food restaurants per capita nestled in these regions. Conversely, the Northeastern states, led by Vermont, New Jersey, and New York, stand out for having the fewest fast-food restaurants per capita, showcasing a regional diversity in dietary preferences and culinary landscapes.Furthermore, fast-food prices surged by approximately 13% nationwide from 2021 to 2022, as reported by PriceListo data. Additionally, fast food is experiencing an uptick in popularity, with sales increasing by 5.75% in the second quarter of 2023 compared to the same period in the previous year, based on an analysis of company earnings reports for 43 major restaurant chains conducted by the Washington Post in August. Subway, McDonald’s, Dunkin, Starbucks and Pizza hut are some of the most popular names that arise in Americans’ minds when it comes down to a quick bite.Venturing into the competitive arena of fast-food giants, let us look at the key players in both, the burger and chicken segments. In the burger category, McDonald's reigns supreme, solidifying its status as the preeminent fast-food giant, closely trailed by Wendy's (NASDAQ:WEN), Burger King, and Sonic. In the realm of chicken-based delights, Chick-Fil-A emerges as the undisputed leader, asserting its dominance ahead of KFC, Popeye's, Raising Cane's, and Wingstop (NASDAQ:WING), boasting an impressive total of 2,732 units in 2023. During the second quarter of 2023, there was an average sales growth of 5.75 percent for fast-food and quick-service establishments such as McDonald’s and Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) compared to the corresponding quarter in the previous year. Meanwhile Chick-fil-A recorded U.S. systemwide sales of $18.814 billion in the year 2022.As discussed above, some of the companies dominating this industry are McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD), KFC, owned by Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM), and Domino's Pizza, Inc. (NYSE:DPZ).McDonald's Corporation (NYSE:MCD)McDonald's (NYSE:MCD), a leading global fast-food chain, operates in more than 100 countries with a customer base exceeding 69 million.In the twelve months ending December 31, 2023, McDonald's recorded revenue of $25.49 billion, showing a year-over-year growth rate of 9.97%. For the quarter ending December 31, 2023, the company's revenue amounted to $6.41 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 8.09%.Earlier, in January 2024, McDonald's said it was seeing a "meaningful" hit to business, as customers in the Middle East and elsewhere boycott the firm for its perceived support of Israel. McDonald's also reported a rare sales miss in its-fourth quarter earnings report in February.KFCKFC, a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc. (NYSE:YUM), has been in operation since 1952. The franchise has expanded to more than 150 countries, providing a diverse menu that includes Kentucky fried chicken and various other offerings.In the twelve months ending December 31, 2023, Yum! Brands (NYSE:YUM) reported revenue of $7.08 billion, reflecting a year-over-year growth of 3.42%. For the quarter ending December 31, 2023, the company's revenue was $2.04 billion, indicating a year-over-year growth of 0.84%.Domino's Pizza, Inc. (NYSE:DPZ)Domino's Pizza, Inc. (NYSE:DPZ), operates as a pizza company in the United States and internationally through its subsidiaries. The company offers pizzas under the Domino's brand name through both company-owned and franchised stores. Additionally, Domino's provides a variety of menu items including oven-baked sandwiches, pastas, boneless chicken, and chicken wings.In the twelve months ending December 31, 2023, Domino's Pizza reported revenue of $4.48 billion, showing a decrease of -1.27% year-over-year. For the quarter ending December 31, 2023, the company's revenue was $1.40 billion, indicating a modest year-over-year growth of 0.77%.In November 2023, Domino's unveiled an innovative new service with the introduction of a delivery bike that comes equipped with a built-in pizza oven and shock absorbers. This groundbreaking technology showcases Domino's commitment to revolutionizing the future of food delivery.This comprehensive analysis transcends mere statistics, offering a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted relationship between Americans and fast food. It not only provides insights into consumption patterns but also unveils regional preferences and illuminates the competitive landscape of renowned restaurants offering quick bites. As fast food continues to weave its way into the fabric of American dining culture, this article about 30 US Cities with the Highest Fast-Food Consumption serves as a compelling narrative, capturing the intricacies of a culinary phenomenon that has become an integral part of the nation's lifestyle.30 US Cities with the Highest Fast-Food ConsumptionA chef in a kitchen preparing a fast food meal of chicken, pizza and burgers.MethodologyTo curate the list of 30 US cities that eat the most fast food, we started with researching sources such as U.S. News, The Washington Post, EatThis, Apartment Guide, Fox Business, and Business Insider to identify the top cities in the U.S. for fast food, we compiled a list for evaluation. By utilizing LawnStarter's Access Metric, which factors in Fast Food Establishments per Square Mile, Fasties Award-Winning Locations per Square Mile, and the Number of Food Delivery Services, we ranked these cities.This proxy ranking goes from least consumption to most consumption, showcasing cities based on their fast-food consumption levels from lowest to highest i.e. the 30th city on our list is also ranked 30th on LawnStarter's Access Metric. This metric was chosen for its claimed capacity to provide insights into restaurant density within specific regions, aligning with demand levels and consumption patterns of fast food in those areas.  Based on this, we present to you 30 US Cities with the Highest Fast-Food Consumption.By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that tracks the movements of corporate insiders and hedge funds. By using a similar consensus approach, we identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). Whether you are a beginner investor or professional one looking for the best stocks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders.30 US Cities with the Highest Fast-Food Consumption30. Salinas, CAAt the start of our list of 30 US Cities with the Highest Fast-Food Consumption is Salinas. In Salinas, the convenience and affordability of fast food have made it a popular choice among residents on-the-go. Among the myriad of options, Jack in the Box (NASDAQ:JACK) stands out as a favourite fast-food destination, serving up a variety of burgers, tacos, and late-night munchies to satisfy Salinas' cravings.29. Sunnyvale, CASunnyvale boasts a vibrant fast-food culture, catering to the city's diverse tastes and busy lifestyles. Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG) holds a prominent spot as Sunnyvale's go-to fast-food joint, offering fresh and customizable burritos, bowls, and salads that keep locals coming back for more.28. Long Beach, CALong Beach has a thriving culture of fast-food consumption, with a wide array of options to satisfy residents' cravings for quick and tasty meals. Among the city's favourite fast-food spots, In-N-Out Burger reigns supreme, serving up delicious burgers, fries, and shakes that draw long lines of devoted customers.27. Baltimore, MDIn the bustling metropolis of Baltimore, the love for fast food runs deep, mirroring national trends with a significant portion of residents embracing the convenience and flavours of quick-service meals. The city's diverse culinary scene is punctuated by a robust appetite for fast food, where locals often find solace in familiar and easily accessible options. Among the array of choices, one fast-food heavyweight that stands out in Baltimore is Chick-Fil-A, capturing the hearts and taste buds of many with its beloved chicken-based menu offerings.26. Los Angeles, CALos Angeles is a bustling hub of fast-food consumption, reflecting the city's on-the-go lifestyle and diverse culinary preferences. In-N-Out Burger holds a special place in Angelenos' hearts, with its iconic burgers and secret menu items drawing loyal fans from all corners of the city.25. Tempe, AZTwenty fifth on our list of 30 US Cities with the Highest Fast-Food Consumption is Tempe. Tempe has a prominent fast-food culture, offering residents a variety of convenient dining options. Among the city's popular fast-food choices, Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers stands out as a go-to spot, known for its crispy chicken tenders and signature sauce that keep patrons coming back for more.24. Torrance, CAIn Torrance, the vibrant city in Southern California, fast food culture is embraced with gusto, reflecting the Golden State's affinity for quick and flavourful dining options. Among the plethora of choices, In-N-Out Burger holds a special place in the hearts of Torrance residents, with its iconic burgers and shakes reigning supreme as the city's most popular fast-food destination.23. Hialeah, FLHialeah, known for its love of quick and tasty eats, boasts a rich fast-food culture that caters to the city's on-the-go lifestyle. Pollo Tropical stands out as a beloved fast-food destination, serving up flavourful Caribbean-inspired dishes that have earned it a loyal following among Hialeah residents.22. Syracuse, NYIn Syracuse, the spirited city in upstate New York, fast-food fervour is alive and well, as locals appreciate the convenience of quick bites amidst their bustling lives. Dominating the fast-food scene in Syracuse is the beloved Wegmans, a regional favourite renowned for its diverse and delicious offerings, making it the go-to destination for residents seeking a satisfying and speedy meal.21. Santa Ana, CASanta Ana thrives on its fast-food scene, offering a range of convenient options for its bustling population. One standout favourite among locals is El Pollo Loco (NASDAQ:LOCO), renowned for its flame-grilled chicken and zesty Mexican-inspired flavours that keep Santa Ana residents coming back for more.20. Atlanta, GAIn Atlanta, a city known for its dynamic culture and Southern hospitality, fast-food cravings find a warm welcome among residents on the go. In Atlanta, there are 11.3 restaurants for every 10,000 residents, showcasing a vibrant dining scene for the local population to indulge in a variety of culinary delights. Boasting a significant presence in the heart of Atlanta's fast-food scene is Chick-Fil-A, celebrated for its signature chicken sandwiches and a commitment to excellent service.19. Dallas, TXDallas is at nineteenth on our list of 30 US Cities with the Highest Fast-Food Consumption. Dallas embraces the quick and flavourful allure of fast food, with a taste for variety that mirrors the city's diverse culinary landscape. Among the bustling array of options, In-N-Out Burger holds a special place in Dallasites' hearts, dishing out delectable burgers and freshly-cut fries with an undeniable Texas flair.18. Richmond, VAIn Richmond, the lure of quick and convenient fast food is ever-present. Fast-food giants dot the cityscape, but perhaps none more fervently than Chick-fil-A. With its signature sandwiches and unwavering popularity, this chain reigns supreme in the hearts - and stomachs - of Richmond's fast-food aficionados.17. Tampa, FLIn Tampa, where the Gulf breeze meets vibrant urban life, fast-food culture thrives as locals embrace convenient dining options. Standing out in the city's fast-food landscape is the ever-popular Publix Deli, a grocery store eatery beloved for its delectable subs and sandwiches, symbolizing Tampa's unique blend of convenience and flavour in the fast-food realm.16. Pittsburgh, PAIn Pittsburgh, a city steeped in industrial history and modern innovation, the fast-food scene resonates with a blend of tradition and contemporary taste. Primanti Brothers, an iconic establishment renowned for its signature sandwiches piled high with fries and coleslaw, stands as Pittsburgh's beloved fast-food gem, capturing the essence of local flavour and culinary innovation.15. Sacramento, CASacramento is at number fifteen on our list of 30 US Cities with the Highest Fast-Food Consumption. Sacramento, with its vibrant culture and agricultural richness, embraces the convenience of fast food, and at the forefront is In-N-Out Burger. The beloved chain, celebrated for its fresh and made-to-order offerings, has become synonymous with Sacramento's fast-food scene, drawing locals and visitors alike with its iconic burgers and secret menu delights.14. Las Vegas, NVIn the dazzling lights of Las Vegas, where excitement and convenience go hand in hand, fast food plays a central role in satisfying the city's on-the-go lifestyle. Las Vegas features a dining scene with 13.1 restaurants for every 10,000 residents, offering a wide array of culinary options for its population. Shake Shack (NYSE:SHAK), with its modern take on classic burgers, crinkle-cut fries, and hand-spun shakes, stands out as a popular fast-food destination, offering a flavourful retreat for both locals and visitors in the heart of the entertainment capital.13. Rochester, NYIn the heart of upstate New York, Rochester boasts a thriving fast-food culture, and Bill Gray's Regional Iceplex serves as a local favourite. Known for its Garbage Plate—a uniquely Rochester dish featuring a medley of meats, potatoes, and sauces—Bill Gray's captures the city's appetite for distinctive and hearty fast-food offerings.12. Fort Lauderdale, FLIn Fort Lauderdale, where sun-soaked beaches meet a lively urban atmosphere, the fast-food scene caters to the city's diverse and active population. With its coastal charm and seafood delights, the iconic fast-food choice is often Anthony's Coal Fired Pizza, renowned for its flavourful coal-fired pizzas and Italian-American specialties, adding a distinctive touch to Fort Lauderdale's culinary landscape and makes it number twelve on our list of US Cities with the Highest Fast-Food Consumption.11. Philadelphia, PAIn the historic city of Philadelphia, fast-food cravings find a home amidst the rich tapestry of cultural and culinary influences. A standout in the city's fast-food repertoire is Wawa, a beloved convenience store chain offering a variety of freshly prepared hoagies, coffee, and snacks. Wawa's widespread popularity embodies the local penchant for delicious, on-the-go fare in the City of Brotherly Love.10. San Francisco, CATenth on our list of 30 US Cities with the Highest Fast-Food Consumption is San Francisco. Amidst the tech innovation and eclectic neighbourhoods of San Francisco, fast-food enthusiasts have a diverse array of options to choose from. In San Francisco, the impact of inflation has led to fast food prices soaring to the point where burger meals now exceed $20, but fast-food consumption still remains high. One notable choice is In-N-Out Burger, capturing the city's attention with its fresh ingredients and classic menu items. As a Californian staple, In-N-Out embodies San Francisco's appreciation for quality, quick-service meals in a city that values both culinary innovation and simplicity.9. Chicago, ILIn the dynamic city of Chicago, where architectural wonders meet a rich cultural heritage, the fast-food scene reflects the city's diverse tastes. Portillo's (NASDAQ:PTLO), an iconic chain known for its Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches, stands as a local favourite. Embracing the city's culinary traditions, Portillo's has become synonymous with fast-food indulgence in the Windy City, blending classic flavours with the fast-paced lifestyle of Chicagoans.8. Jersey City, NJJersey City is on number eight on our list of US Cities with the Highest Fast-Food Consumption. In the vibrant cityscape of Jersey City, just across the Hudson River from Manhattan, fast-food options cater to the diverse and dynamic community. One standout in this culinary mosaic is White Mana, an iconic diner-style establishment known for its classic sliders and nostalgic charm. As a local favourite, White Mana encapsulates the city's rich history and evolving palate, providing a timeless and satisfying fast-food experience for residents and visitors alike in Jersey City.7. Alexandria, VANestled along the Potomac River, Alexandria, Virginia, combines historic charm with a thriving culinary scene. Among its fast-food offerings, the Old Town staple, Five Guys, has garnered a loyal following. Renowned for its customizable burgers and hand-cut fries, Five Guys reflects Alexandria's appreciation for quality ingredients and a laid-back yet flavourful approach to fast-food dining in this picturesque and historic city.6. Washington, D.C.Sixth on our list of US Cities with the Highest Fast-Food Consumption, is Washington. In the political and cultural hub of Washington, D.C., the fast-food scene mirrors the city's diverse population and cosmopolitan atmosphere. Among the notable choices is &pizza, a homegrown fast-casual brand offering customizable pizzas with fresh, high-quality ingredients. As a symbol of Washington's commitment to innovation and individuality, &pizza provides a unique and flavourful option in the city's fast-food repertoire, catering to the tastes of both locals and the numerous visitors exploring the nation's capital.Click to continue reading and find out about 5 US Cities with the Highest Fast-Food Consumption.Suggested Articles:20 Fast Food Chains with the Most Locations in the World25 Most Popular Fast Food Restaurants in America13 Worst Rated Fast Food Restaurants in America According to RedditDisclosure: None. 30 US Cities with the Highest Fast-Food Consumption is originally published on Insider Monkey.

Insider Monkey

30 US Cities with the Highest Fast-Food Consumption

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/30-us-cities-highest-fast-203550011.html

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MCD

The most recent trading session ended with McDonald's (MCD) standing at $294.82, reflecting a +0.78% shift from the previouse trading day's closing. The stock outpaced the S&P 500's daily loss of 0.11%. Elsewhere, the Dow gained 0.12%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq lost 0.41%.Coming into today, shares of the world's biggest hamburger chain had gained 1.06% in the past month. In that same time, the Retail-Wholesale sector gained 2.97%, while the S&P 500 gained 2.7%.The investment community will be paying close attention to the earnings performance of McDonald's in its upcoming release. On that day, McDonald's is projected to report earnings of $2.72 per share, which would represent year-over-year growth of 3.42%. Meanwhile, the latest consensus estimate predicts the revenue to be $6.18 billion, indicating a 4.86% increase compared to the same quarter of the previous year.For the full year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of $12.38 per share and revenue of $26.96 billion, which would represent changes of +3.69% and +5.75%, respectively, from the prior year.Additionally, investors should keep an eye on any recent revisions to analyst forecasts for McDonald's. Such recent modifications usually signify the changing landscape of near-term business trends. Hence, positive alterations in estimates signify analyst optimism regarding the company's business and profitability.Our research demonstrates that these adjustments in estimates directly associate with imminent stock price performance. To utilize this, we have created the Zacks Rank, a proprietary model that integrates these estimate changes and provides a functional rating system.Ranging from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), the Zacks Rank system has a proven, outside-audited track record of outperformance, with #1 stocks returning an average of +25% annually since 1988. Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate has moved 0.04% higher. McDonald's currently has a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).Story continuesInvestors should also note McDonald's's current valuation metrics, including its Forward P/E ratio of 23.63. This indicates a premium in contrast to its industry's Forward P/E of 20.88.It's also important to note that MCD currently trades at a PEG ratio of 3.16. The PEG ratio is similar to the widely-used P/E ratio, but this metric also takes the company's expected earnings growth rate into account. The Retail - Restaurants industry had an average PEG ratio of 1.97 as trading concluded yesterday.The Retail - Restaurants industry is part of the Retail-Wholesale sector. This industry currently has a Zacks Industry Rank of 89, which puts it in the top 36% of all 250+ industries.The Zacks Industry Rank gauges the strength of our industry groups by measuring the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.Keep in mind to rely on Zacks.com to watch all these stock-impacting metrics, and more, in the succeeding trading sessions.Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free reportMcDonald's Corporation (MCD) : Free Stock Analysis ReportTo read this article on Zacks.com click here.Zacks Investment Research

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McDonald's (MCD) Advances While Market Declines: Some Information for Investors

https://finance.yahoo.com/news/mcdonalds-mcd-advances-while-market-214520292.html

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