YUM rides on KFC's international momentum, with strong first-quarter results powered by innovation, localization and rapid global expansion.
Many advisors are reassessing equity strategies and portfolio allocations amid the recent market mayhem and recognizing that diversification is more important than ever. A well-diversified portfolio can capture multiple sources of returns while hedging risk from individual markets or sectors.
VEE:CA offers Canadian investors hedged access to emerging markets, primarily via VWO, with currency risk mitigation and fewer tax complications than U.S. ETFs. Emerging markets have outperformed YTD, but ongoing U.S.-China tariff tensions create uncertainty and potential margin pressure for Chinese exporters. Despite short-term risks, I believe global trade realignment away from U.S. dominance will benefit emerging markets and VEE:CA over the long term.
Venture Global exported more liquefied natural gas (LNG) cargoes from its Plaquemines export facility in Louisiana and earned more than double in fees compared with its other U.S. plant, a company filing showed on Monday.
Kirkland's global sourcing cuts costs and lifts margins, helping COST hold prices while boosting efficiency.
S&P Global, a US-based leading provider of credit ratings, benchmarks, analytics, and workflow solutions to various markets worldwide, is now a $159 billion (by market cap) financial markets behemoth. SPGI has increased its dividend for 52 consecutive years, with a 10-year dividend growth rate of 11.7%. S&P Global advanced its revenue from $5.3 billion in FY 2015 to $14.2 billion in FY 2024, a compound annual growth rate of 11.6%.
Banco Santander's unique 'glocal' model and strong presence in both Europe and Latin America drive its leadership in credit, deposits, and efficiency. Q1 2025 results show robust profit growth (+19.3% YoY), improved asset quality, and solid capital and liquidity positions, despite margin pressures. The stock trades at a notable discount to peers (P/E FWD 9.67x, PEG 1.02x), while delivering double-digit dividend growth and strong long-term profitability.
GSL is a resilient, flexible marine shipping play with long-term contracts, strong counterparties, and a niche in smaller, adaptable vessels. Recent fleet expansion, robust Q1 results, and a $1.87 bn contracted revenue backlog provide high revenue visibility and limited downside risk. The balance sheet is strong, with ample liquidity, investment-grade ratings, and a generous dividend yield of 7.8%, supported by low valuation multiples.
Tom Lister, the CEO of Global Ship Lease, discusses the impact of Trump's tariffs and the ongoing crises in the Middle East on global shipping.
I rate Carrier Global a buy, driven by its transformation into a pure-play climate/energy solutions leader with strong structural growth drivers. CARR's focused portfolio and top-three market positions enable it to capitalize on decarbonization, electrification, and surging AI-driven data center demand. The aftermarket business offers a resilient, high-margin growth engine, with significant untapped potential from existing installed units and digital service expansion.
GPN eyes long-term gains with the Worldpay deal and strong cash flow, even as shares drop 26.9% year to date.
e.l.f. Beauty's $1B Rhode acquisition and transparent price hikes showcase its agility and pricing power, even amid tariff and integration risks. The brand dominates Gen Z mindshare, scales internationally with asset-light efficiency, and leverages digital-native strategies for rapid growth. Despite slower sales growth, e.l.f. maintains strong margins, robust cash flow, and manageable leverage, justifying its premium valuation.