GLD, IAU and GLDM lead global gold ETF inflows in 2025 on safe-haven demand and Fed rate cut bets.
S&P Global is set to benefit from Fed rate cuts, which will be driving debt issuance, M&A activity, and ETF inflows. The company's dominant market position and high-margin services position it for strong cyclical and recurring growth. Recent financial results showed robust revenue and EPS growth, margin expansion, and increased guidance, supporting a positive outlook.
Zeta Global delivered strong Q2 results, with 35% revenue growth and raised 2025 guidance, supporting our continued BUY rating despite a bit too hot valuation. The company's AI innovation, Zeta Answers, and growing adoption by independent agencies reinforce its competitive edge and platform momentum. While ARPU growth and net revenue retention were slightly below my previous expectations, robust customer growth offsets these concerns.
Venture Global has significantly underperformed the market since its IPO, now valued at $30 billion. Despite recent declines, the company operates in the crucial and rapidly expanding LNG sector. Global LNG demand and volumes are rising, positioning Venture Global for future growth.
I provide an updated investment thesis on the stock, focusing on recent dividend performance and sustainability. The company's dividend track record remains strong, supporting my positive outlook for income-focused investors. Current fundamentals and payout ratios indicate the dividend is well-covered and likely to grow.
Howmet Aerospace is a leading manufacturer of highly specialized engine components with high margins, decades of manufacturing expertise, and strong barriers to entry from certifications and proprietary technologies. Its high-margin aftermarket business generates recurring, stable revenues and offsets fluctuations in new aircraft production. The company benefits from exclusive positions in major commercial and defense engine programs, ensuring multi-year revenue visibility.
Global military expenditure climbed by nearly 10% between 2023 and 2024, reaching $2.7 trillion last year as spending accelerated faster since the Cold War. Ongoing conflicts throughout Eastern Europe and the Middle East threaten to continue driving a worldwide race toward defense growth into the foreseeable future.
S&P Global is a high-quality, consistent compounder, with 6%-8% long-term growth and improving margins, but recent returns have lagged, due to lofty valuations. Q2 results beat expectations, with 6% revenue and 10% EPS growth, but growth remains modest and guidance upgrades set a high bar for H2. Current valuation at 32x forward earnings (3x PEG) is difficult to justify without acceleration in growth or margins, limiting upside potential.
WU's $500M Intermex buyout aims to deepen its Latin America reach, unlock $30M synergies, and boost earnings from year one.
O boosts its 2025 investment target to $5B, driving global expansion with record deal sourcing and high-yield acquisitions.
GIL's acquisition of HanesBrands will unite activewear and innerwear leaders, creating a global basic apparel powerhouse.
GWRS' second-quarter earnings are in line with estimates. Revenues improve year over year due to organic growth, increased consumption and higher rates.