Group 1 - The article discusses the growing popularity of ETFs and the author's shift in perspective towards considering them as potential investment options while still preferring individual stocks [1] - The author emphasizes a focus on dividend investing, particularly in quality blue-chip stocks, BDCs, and REITs, aiming to supplement retirement income through dividends in the next 5-7 years [1] - The intention is to assist lower and middle-class workers in building investment portfolios of high-quality, dividend-paying companies to achieve financial independence [1] Group 2 - The author has a beneficial long position in SCHD shares, indicating a personal investment interest in this specific ETF [2] - The article is presented as an expression of personal opinions without any compensation from companies mentioned, highlighting the independence of the analysis [2] - Seeking Alpha clarifies that past performance does not guarantee future results and that the views expressed may not reflect the platform's overall stance [3]

Palantir Technologies - Palantir Technologies has seen a remarkable stock return of 1,900% since January 2023, but analysts believe it is overvalued with a 69% implied downside from its current price of $130 [1][4][7] - The company reported a 39% increase in revenue to $884 million for the first quarter, marking the seventh consecutive acceleration, driven by strong sales in the U.S. commercial and government sectors [5][6] - Palantir's current valuation stands at 280 times adjusted earnings, which is considered excessively high compared to the expected 31% annual growth in adjusted earnings through 2026 [6][7] Super Micro Computer - Super Micro Computer has returned 480% since January 2023, but analysts also see a 50% implied downside from its current price of $48 [1][9][7] - The company reported a 19% revenue increase to $5.6 billion for the third quarter of fiscal 2025, but gross margin contracted and non-GAAP net income fell by 53% to $0.31 per diluted share [12] - Supermicro accounted for 6.5% of global server sales in Q4 2024, positioning it as a leader in AI servers, a market expected to grow by 37% annually through 2030 [10][9] - Analysts express concerns about Supermicro's competitive position, citing potential market share loss due to replicable business models and lower margins compared to peers [11][13]

Group 1: Oil Industry Insights - Crude oil prices have rallied to one-year highs, but futures indicate lower prices are likely ahead, suggesting temporary disruptions at worst [3] - Kinder Morgan (KMI) offers a 4.2% yield, funding its dividend through tolls on its extensive pipeline network, which transports crude oil and natural gas [6][7] - Kinder Morgan controls 40% of US natural gas flows, allowing for regular price increases and dividend boosts [7] Group 2: Investment Opportunities in Energy Dividends - Alerian MLP ETF (AMLP) provides an 8% dividend yield by consolidating MLPs into a single fund, simplifying tax reporting for investors [9] - The fund has raised its dividend for three consecutive quarters, indicating strong performance [10] Group 3: Gold Market Dynamics - The US dollar has depreciated 28% against gold year-to-date, signaling a shift towards assets that are less affected by central bank policies [11] - VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX) serves as a straightforward investment in gold, benefiting from lower energy costs as a primary input for gold miners [12] - GAMCO Global Gold, Natural Resources & Income Trust (GGN) trades at a 2% discount to its net asset value and offers an 8% annualized dividend, providing income stability with potential upside [13]

Company Overview - Popular, Inc. is a full-service financial services provider established in 1893, with operations in Puerto Rico, the U.S. mainland, and the U.S. and British Virgin Islands [12]. Investment Ratings - Popular, Inc. holds a 1 (Strong Buy) rating on the Zacks Rank, indicating strong potential for performance [12]. - The company has a VGM Score of B, reflecting a combination of value, growth, and momentum characteristics [12][13]. Value Metrics - Popular, Inc. has a Value Style Score of A, supported by attractive valuation metrics, including a forward P/E ratio of 10.25, making it appealing to value investors [12][13]. Earnings Estimates - For fiscal 2025, two analysts have revised their earnings estimates upwards in the last 60 days, with the Zacks Consensus Estimate increasing by $0.36 to $10.54 per share [13]. - The company boasts an average earnings surprise of 11.8%, indicating a history of exceeding earnings expectations [13].

Core Insights - Popular, Inc. (BPOP) is experiencing revenue stability, growth in net interest income (NII), a robust liquidity profile, and consistent capital distributions [1] - Analysts are optimistic about the company's earnings growth, with upward revisions in earnings estimates for 2025 and 2026 [1] Revenue and Growth - BPOP's total revenues have achieved a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% from 2020 to 2024, with net loans growing at a CAGR of 6.8% and deposits at 3.4% during the same period [2] - In Q1 2025, BPOP continued to see year-over-year increases in revenue, loans, and deposits, indicating strong organic growth potential [3] Net Interest Income and Margin - The company's NII has shown a four-year CAGR of 5.3%, with the net interest margin (NIM) increasing from 2.88% in 2021 to 3.24% in 2024 [3] - Management anticipates continued growth in NII and NIM, projecting a 7-9% increase in NII for the full year 2025 [4] Earnings Performance - BPOP has recorded EPS growth of 6.05% over the last three to five years, surpassing the industry average of 5.27% [5] - Projected EPS growth rates for 2025 and 2026 are 17.11% and 19.97%, respectively, indicating strong earnings momentum [6] Strategic Initiatives - The company launched a multi-year transformation initiative in 2022, focusing on technology investments and digital transformation to enhance client experience and operational efficiency [9][10] - BPOP aims for a return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) of 14% by 2025, supported by these strategic initiatives [8] Liquidity and Capital Distribution - As of March 31, 2025, BPOP's liquidity stood at $6.6 billion, with total debt at $1.4 billion, reflecting a conservative balance sheet [11] - The company has increased its quarterly dividend by 12.9% to $0.70 per share and has a share repurchase program with $160 million available under authorization [12][13]

Core Viewpoint - Popular (BPOP) has received an upgrade to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), indicating a positive trend in earnings estimates which is a significant factor influencing stock prices [1][2]. Earnings Estimates and Stock Price Movement - The Zacks rating system is based on the consensus measure of EPS estimates from sell-side analysts, reflecting the company's changing earnings picture [1][2]. - Changes in earnings estimates are strongly correlated with near-term stock price movements, largely due to institutional investors who adjust their valuations based on these estimates [3]. Business Improvement Indicators - The upgrade in ratings and rising earnings estimates suggest an improvement in Popular's underlying business, which could lead to an increase in stock price as investors respond positively [4]. Importance of Earnings Estimate Revisions - Empirical research supports the correlation between earnings estimate revisions and stock movements, making it beneficial for investors to track these revisions [5]. - The Zacks Rank system effectively utilizes earnings estimate revisions to classify stocks, with Zacks Rank 1 stocks historically generating an average annual return of +25% since 1988 [6]. Specifics on Popular's Earnings Estimates - For the fiscal year ending December 2025, Popular is expected to earn $10.54 per share, which remains unchanged from the previous year [7]. - Over the past three months, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Popular has increased by 4.8%, indicating a positive trend in earnings expectations [7]. Zacks Rating System Overview - The Zacks rating system maintains a balanced distribution of "buy" and "sell" ratings across over 4,000 stocks, with only the top 5% receiving a "Strong Buy" rating [8]. - Popular's upgrade to a Zacks Rank 1 places it in the top 5% of Zacks-covered stocks, suggesting a strong potential for market-beating returns in the near term [9].

Market Overview - The stock market is experiencing a new wave of uncertainty due to geopolitical tensions and weaker-than-expected economic data, particularly in U.S. retail sales for May [1][2] - The Israel-Iran conflict has escalated, contributing to investor unease [1] - The upcoming Federal Reserve meeting is a focal point, with expectations that weak economic data may lead to a more dovish stance from policymakers [2] Investment Strategy - In the current volatile market environment, a value investing approach focusing on fundamentally strong companies with reasonable prices is recommended [3] - Companies with high earnings yields are highlighted as potential investment opportunities [3] Earnings Yield Insights - Earnings yield is a key metric for assessing potential returns, calculated by dividing earnings per share by stock price [4] - A higher earnings yield may indicate undervaluation, while a lower yield could suggest overvaluation [5] - Comparing earnings yield to the yield on 10-year Treasury bonds can help determine investment worthiness [5] Screening Criteria - The primary screening criterion is an earnings yield greater than 10% [6] - Additional parameters include estimated EPS growth exceeding the S&P 500 and an average daily trading volume of at least 100,000 shares [7][6] - Stocks must also have a current price of $5 or more [8] Selected Stocks - Five stocks with earnings yields above 10% and strong growth potential have been identified: - **Aris Mining Corporation (ARMN)**: Expected earnings growth of 226% and 81% for 2025 and 2026, respectively, with a Zacks Rank 1 [10] - **Quanex Building Products Corporation (NX)**: Projected earnings growth of 19.6% and 14% for 2025 and 2026, respectively, also with a Zacks Rank 1 [11] - **Heritage Insurance Holdings, Inc. (HRTG)**: Anticipated earnings growth of 62% and 13% for 2025 and 2026, respectively, with a Zacks Rank 1 [12] - **Popular, Inc. (BPOP)**: Expected earnings growth of 17% and 20% for 2025 and 2026, respectively, holding a Zacks Rank 1 [13] - **Priority Technology Holdings Inc. (PRTH)**: Projected earnings growth of 108% and 34% for 2025 and 2026, respectively, with a Zacks Rank 1 [14]

Group 1 - The article highlights the importance of financial management expertise in shaping corporate financial strategies and executing large-scale financings [1] - It discusses the efforts made to institutionalize the REIT framework in Latvia to enhance the liquidity of pan-Baltic capital markets [1] - The development of national SOE financing guidelines and frameworks for channeling private capital into affordable housing is also emphasized [1] Group 2 - The analyst has over a decade of experience in financial management, indicating a strong background in the industry [1] - The analyst holds a CFA Charter and an ESG investing certificate, showcasing a commitment to professional development and sustainable investing [1] - Active involvement in thought-leadership activities to support the development of pan-Baltic capital markets is noted, reflecting a proactive approach to industry advancement [1]

Group 1: Palantir Technologies - Palantir's share price has increased 2,000% since January 2023, but analysts suggest a sell rating due to a median target price of $60, implying a 55% downside from the current price of $136 [1][7]. - The company reported a 39% increase in revenue to $884 million and a 62% increase in non-GAAP net income to $0.13 per diluted share, with a projected revenue growth of 36% in 2025 [6]. - Palantir is recognized as a technology leader in AI and machine learning, with its software being applicable across various industries, enhancing operational decision-making [4][5]. Group 2: Nvidia - Nvidia's share price has increased 875% since January 2023, with a median target price of $175, suggesting a 22% upside, although one analyst has a sell rating with a target price of $100, indicating a 30% downside [1][2][7]. - The company reported a 69% increase in revenue to $44 billion and a 33% increase in non-GAAP net income to $0.81 per diluted share, driven by strong demand for AI infrastructure [11]. - Nvidia faces challenges due to export restrictions and capacity constraints with its Blackwell product line, which may limit upside potential, but the overall demand for data center GPUs and AI spending is expected to grow significantly [12][13][14].

Group 1 - Samuel Smith has extensive experience in dividend stock research and investment, having served as lead analyst and Vice President at notable 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 investors to share insights and strategies [2]