Core Viewpoint - The article emphasizes the potential of foreign dividend stocks as an attractive investment opportunity, especially in light of the underperformance of U.S. stocks in early 2025 compared to international counterparts [1][2]. Group 1: U.S. Stock Market Performance - The SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) has shown disappointing results, ranking as the fifth worst among 41 country-specific ETFs as of March 10 [2]. - U.S. indexes are heavily weighted towards the tech sector, which constitutes 31% of the index [2]. Group 2: Foreign Dividend Stocks - Morningstar's analysis indicates that foreign dividend stocks provide geographic and sector diversification, with tech weightings around 8% or lower in two Morningstar dividend indexes that exclude U.S. stocks [3]. - This diversification can serve as a counterweight to the tech-heavy focus of U.S. stocks while also providing income [3]. Group 3: JD.com - JD.com has announced a 30% increase in its dividend, with a current dividend yield of 1.83% and an annual dividend of $0.74 [4][5]. - The company reported a revenue growth of over 13% in Q4, contributing to the confidence in raising its dividend [4]. - JD.com has spent $3.6 billion on share buybacks in 2024 and has a new repurchase program authorized for up to $5 billion over the next 36 months [6]. Group 4: Brookfield Asset Management - Brookfield Asset Management has increased its quarterly dividend by 15%, resulting in a dividend yield of 3.69% [8][9]. - The company operates in various sectors, including renewable energy and private credit, managing over $500 billion in fee-bearing capital [8]. Group 5: TotalEnergies - TotalEnergies plans to raise its dividend by over 7.6%, with a projected dividend yield of 5.8% [11][12]. - The company has consistently raised dividends by 7% or more for three consecutive years, with a total dividend for 2025 expected to be 3.28 euros per share [12].

Group 1 - Samuel Smith has extensive experience in dividend stock research and investment, having served as lead analyst and Vice President at several firms [1] - He is a Professional Engineer and Project Management Professional with degrees in Civil Engineering & Mathematics and a Master's in Engineering focused on applied mathematics and machine learning [1] - Samuel leads the High Yield Investor investing group, collaborating with Jussi Askola and Paul R. Drake to balance safety, growth, yield, and value [2] Group 2 - High Yield Investor provides real-money core, retirement, and international portfolios, along with regular trade alerts and educational content [2] - The service includes an active chat room for like-minded investors to share insights and strategies [2]

Core Viewpoint - Brookfield Asset Management has successfully closed its inaugural Brookfield Infrastructure Structured Solutions Fund (BISS) with approximately $1 billion in capital commitments, marking a significant milestone in its expansion into the middle-market infrastructure sector [1][3]. Fund Overview - BISS aims to leverage Brookfield's expertise as an owner and operator of global infrastructure assets to collaborate with sponsors, developers, and corporates in the mid-market [2]. - The fund will invest in both structured and common equity, targeting sectors where Brookfield has established operations and significant asset expertise [2][3]. Initial Investments and Commitments - Brookfield affiliated entities contributed $150 million to the fund, highlighting the firm's alignment of interests with its investors [3]. - A substantial portion of the fund is already committed, and there is a strong pipeline of opportunities, indicating potential for significant growth in the Infrastructure Structured Solutions strategy [3]. Market Demand and Trends - The demand for infrastructure investment is increasing, driven by trends such as decarbonization, digitalization, and deglobalization [4]. - The BISS fund combines attributes of infrastructure debt and equity, areas where Brookfield manages some of the largest funds globally [4]. Company Background - Brookfield Asset Management is a leading global alternative asset manager with over $1 trillion in assets under management across various sectors, including renewable power, infrastructure, private equity, real estate, and credit [5]. - The company focuses on long-term investments in real assets and essential service businesses that are fundamental to the global economy [5].

Core Insights - Strategic Venue Partners (SVP) completed its inaugural 4(a)2 private placement, raising $120 million in debt from institutional investors, marking a significant milestone in the in-building wireless (IBW) infrastructure industry [1][2] - The fixed price Notes achieved an investment grade credit rating, representing the first long-term financing of its kind for an IBW portfolio, which underscores the long-term value of SVP's wireless connectivity-as-a-service model [1][2] - Proceeds from the debt placement will be utilized to refinance existing wireless infrastructure and support additional development projects, enhancing SVP's market position amid growing demand for mission-critical IBW infrastructure [3] Company Overview - SVP is a leading provider of in-building wireless connectivity-as-a-service, partnering with venues and carriers to design, develop, and operate bespoke wireless systems using advanced technologies [5] - The company has experienced significant growth over the past year, welcoming new customers and expanding its infrastructure assets, which highlights the benefits of achieving scale in the IBW sector [2][3] - Tiger Infrastructure Partners holds a controlling stake in SVP, while Brookfield Asset Management has recently become a minority equity investor, indicating strong institutional support for the company's growth strategy [3] Financing Details - The private placement was arranged by TD Securities, which acted as the sole agent and lead arranger for the credit facility refinancing [4] - The innovative financing structure is designed to support SVP's growth plans and create an attractive capital structure, emphasizing the company's commitment to building and operating critical utility-like wireless infrastructure [2]

Core Viewpoint - Brookfield Renewable Holdings is set to acquire at least 85.39% of Neoen's share capital following the conversion of OCEANEs tendered in the ongoing cash tender offer, which is mandatory and will close on March 13, 2025 [1][4][8]. Company Summary - Brookfield Renewable Holdings filed a mandatory simplified cash tender offer for Neoen shares and convertible bonds, which was approved by the French financial markets authority on February 11, 2025 [2][8]. - The offer opened on February 13, 2025, and will close on March 13, 2025, with results expected to be published on March 18, 2025 [5][8]. - The offer price is set at 39.85 euros per share, representing a premium of 40.3% and 43.5% over the 3-month and 6-month volume-weighted average prices (VWAP) of Neoen shares as of May 29, 2024 [7][10]. - Brookfield Renewable Holdings intends to convert all OCEANEs acquired to date, which will result in holding at least 138,876,760 shares of Neoen, reducing the free float to below 15% [4][8]. Industry Context - The transaction is being conducted in compliance with U.S. tender offer rules and the "Tier II" exemption for foreign private issuers [11]. - An independent expert, Finexsi, has concluded that the financial terms of the offer are fair for Neoen's shareholders and convertible bondholders [11].

Group 1 - Samuel Smith has extensive experience in dividend stock research and investment, having served as lead analyst and Vice President at several firms [1] - He is a Professional Engineer and Project Management Professional, holding degrees in Civil Engineering & Mathematics and a Masters in Engineering with a focus on applied mathematics and machine learning [1] - Samuel leads the High Yield Investor investing group, collaborating with Jussi Askola and Paul R. Drake to balance safety, growth, yield, and value [2] Group 2 - High Yield Investor offers various investment portfolios, including core, retirement, and international options, along with regular trade alerts and educational content [2] - The service features an active chat room for investors to engage and share insights [2]

Financial Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company raised over $135 billion in capital during 2024, with a record $29 billion in organic fundraising in Q4 [7][8] - Fee-bearing capital increased by 18% to $539 billion, generating $2.5 billion in fee-related earnings and $2.4 billion in distributable earnings for the year [9][42] - Q4 fee-related earnings were $677 million, up 17% year-over-year, while distributable earnings were $649 million, up 11% [42][43] Business Line Data and Key Metrics Changes - The renewable power and transition business raised over $4 billion in Q4, including $3.5 billion for the global transition flagship strategy [44] - The infrastructure business raised $2.5 billion in Q4, marking the strongest quarter in over two years [45] - The credit group raised $20 billion in Q4, with over $10 billion coming from Oaktree and other partner managers [46] Market Data and Key Metrics Changes - The company noted a strong demand for essential assets and businesses with robust cash flows, leading to nearly $40 billion in asset sales [24] - The credit group is now the largest business by assets, with nearly $250 billion of fee-bearing capital [27] - The company expects significant growth in the insurance fundraising channel, projecting annual inflows to exceed $25 billion [34] Company Strategy and Development Direction - The company aims for 15% annual growth in cash flow per share, leveraging trends in digitalization, clean energy, and private credit [19] - Strategic investments were made to expand credit origination capabilities and diversify product offerings [10] - The company is positioned to capitalize on significant infrastructure and AI-related investment opportunities, particularly in data centers and renewable energy [88][90] Management's Comments on Operating Environment and Future Outlook - Management expressed optimism about the favorable market conditions for both capital deployment and asset monetization, expecting this environment to persist throughout 2025 [59] - The company is well-positioned to benefit from increasing allocations to alternative strategies, particularly in the 401(k) market [60][61] - Management highlighted a robust pipeline of sales processes and ongoing discussions, indicating a strong outlook for fundraising and deployment in 2025 [31][57] Other Important Information - The company announced a 15% increase in its quarterly dividend, raising it to an annualized rate of $1.75 [52] - A transaction was completed to swap Brookfield Corporation's private ownership in the asset management business for public shares, enhancing market capitalization [49] - The company ended the quarter with $1.8 billion in liquidity and no third-party debt on its balance sheet [50] Q&A Session Summary Question: How long can the favorable environment for capital deployment and asset monetization persist? - Management expects the favorable market conditions to last throughout 2025, with potential for a longer duration [59] Question: What is the timeline for the 401(k) market to open to alternative strategies? - The timing is uncertain, but management feels well-positioned to capitalize on this opportunity if regulations change [60][61] Question: What is the outlook for fundraising in 2025 compared to 2024? - Management anticipates 2025 fundraising to exceed 2024 levels, driven by flagship funds and complementary strategies [66][67] Question: How is the company addressing opportunities in investment-grade private credit? - The company is expanding its capabilities in investment-grade credit and sees significant opportunities in this space [70][72] Question: What enhancements are being made to the private wealth business? - The company is focused on raising more products and increasing distribution to capture market share in the crowded channel [75][78] Question: How is the company positioned regarding potential U.S.-Canadian trade war risks? - Management believes the business is largely insulated from potential disruptions due to its domestic focus and critical infrastructure investments [80][82] Question: Can you elaborate on the EUR 20 billion infrastructure investment program in France? - The investment aims to support AI infrastructure build-out, leveraging the company's existing capabilities in power and data centers [88][90]

Relating to the Simplified Tender Offer for the Neoen Shares and Bonds Convertible Into And/Or Exchangeable for New and/or Existing Neoen SharesParis, Feb. 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- THIS DOCUMENT IS AN UNOFFICIAL ENGLISH-LANGUAGE TRANSLATION OF THE FRENCH LANGUAGE PRESS RELEASE WHICH WAS PUBLISHED BY THE OFFEROR ON 11 FEBRUARY 2025. IN THE EVENT OF ANY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THIS UNOFFICIAL ENGLISH LANGUAGE TRANSLATION AND THE OFFICIAL FRENCH LANGUAGE PRESS RELEASE, THE OFFICIAL FRENCH LANGUAGE PRESS RELEAS ...

Core Viewpoint - Brookfield Renewable Holdings has received approval from the French financial markets authority (AMF) for its mandatory simplified cash tender offer for Neoen, aiming to acquire all remaining shares and OCEANEs of Neoen [2][6]. Group 1: Offer Details - The offer includes approximately 32.31% of Neoen's share capital and all outstanding OCEANEs, with specific prices set at 39.85 euros per share, 48.14 euros per OCEANE issued in 2020, and 105,000.00 euros per OCEANE issued in 2022 [6][8]. - The offer price of 39.85 euros per share represents a premium of 40.3% and 43.5% over the 3-month and 6-month volume weighted average price (VWAP) prior to the announcement [6][8]. - The offer is expected to open on 13 February 2025 and close on 13 March 2025 [11]. Group 2: Support and Recommendations - Neoen's Board of Directors has expressed support for the transaction and recommended that shareholders and convertible bondholders tender their securities into the offer [9]. - An independent expert, Finexsi, concluded that the financial terms of the offer are fair for all Neoen's shareholders and convertible bondholders [6][9]. Group 3: Future Steps - If legal conditions are met at the closing of the offer, Brookfield Renewable Holdings will request a squeeze-out procedure for the remaining shares and OCEANEs at the respective offer price [10]. - Documentation related to the offer will be available on the dedicated transaction websites of Neoen and Brookfield Renewable Holdings, as well as the AMF's website [7].

EXHIBIT 99.1 Net income for BAM, the publicly traded entity, totaled $186 million for the quarter (2023 - $95 million). Up until the closing of the transaction last week, BAM owned an approximate 27% interest in our asset management business with the other approximate 73% owned by Brookfield Corporation (BN). In order to provide meaningful comparative information and inform you on how BAM results will look in the future, the discussion that follows relates to the financial results on a 100% basis for our as ...