Chris Hondros / Getty Images Quick Read Goldman Sachs (GS) projects the stock market will deliver 6.5% annualized returns through 2035. The Schwab Fundamental International Equity ETF has gained over 35% year to date. Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-B) may outperform the S&P 500 over the next decade under CEO Greg Abel. Some investors get rich while others struggle because they never learned there are two completely different strategies to building wealth. Don’t make the same mistake, learn about both her ...

Core Insights - The article highlights two lesser-known companies, Automatic Data Processing (ADP) and Marzetti, which are notable for their consistent dividend increases, making them attractive to income investors [1][2]. Group 1: Automatic Data Processing (ADP) - ADP has recently celebrated its status as a Dividend King, having increased its quarterly dividend by 10% to $1.70 per share, marking 51 consecutive years of dividend hikes [3][6]. - The company operates in the finance sector, providing payroll and human resources services, and has maintained a stable profit margin between 17% and 20% over the last five fiscal years [4][5]. - For the first quarter of fiscal 2026, ADP reported a 7% year-over-year revenue increase to $5.2 billion and a 6% rise in GAAP net income to $1 billion, indicating sustained profitability [6][5]. - The upcoming dividend payout will be distributed on January 1, 2026, yielding 2.7% based on the most recent stock price [7]. Group 2: Marzetti - Marzetti, a food products supplier, has also increased its dividend for the 63rd consecutive year, raising it by 5% to $1 per share [9]. - The company reported a nearly 6% rise in net sales to over $493 million for the first quarter of 2026, with significant growth in its food service segment, which saw an 8% increase [10][12]. - Marzetti's business model includes a balanced approach between its food service and retail segments, allowing it to mitigate risks associated with fluctuations in consumer spending [13]. - The raised dividend will be paid on December 31 to stockholders of record as of December 5, yielding approximately 2.4% based on the current share price [14].

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of understanding macro trends and their influence on asset prices and investor behavior, particularly in the context of equity analysis and research [1]. Group 1: Professional Background - The expert has over 10 years of experience in asset management, focusing on equity analysis, macroeconomics, and risk-managed portfolio construction [1]. - The professional background includes advising on and implementing multi-asset strategies, with a strong emphasis on equities and derivatives [1]. Group 2: Investment Philosophy - The goal of sharing insights is to make investing accessible, inspiring, and empowering for fellow investors [1]. - The expert encourages building confidence in long-term investing through shared knowledge and collaboration [1]. Group 3: Market Analysis Focus - The analysis includes close monitoring of EU and US central bank policies, sector rotation, and sentiment dynamics to construct actionable investment strategies [1]. - The expert has navigated various market conditions over the past decade, indicating a robust understanding of market dynamics [1].

bitcoin microstrategy. Photo by BeInCrypto MicroStrategy CEO Phong Le has, for the first time, acknowledged that the company could sell its 649,870 BTC holdings under specific crisis conditions. This marks a significant shift from Chairman Michael Saylor's long-standing "never sell" philosophy and signals a new chapter for the world's largest corporate Bitcoin holder. CEO Phong Le Reveals Hidden Kill-Switch in MicroStrategy’s Bitcoin Strategy MicroStrategy has confirmed a scenario almost no one thought ...

Core Viewpoint - Salesforce is still considered a viable long-term investment despite its recent underperformance compared to the broader market, with a significant decline in stock value in 2025 [2][3][12]. Company Performance - Salesforce's stock has decreased by 31.0% in 2025, making it one of the worst performers in the Dow Jones Industrial Average [2]. - Since being added to the Dow on August 31, 2020, Salesforce has dropped 14.9%, while the Dow has increased by 66.5% during the same period [3]. - The company is guiding for approximately 9% revenue growth for fiscal 2026, indicating a slowdown in growth compared to previous years [10]. Market Position and Competition - Salesforce specializes in customer relationship management (CRM) software and has a suite of tools embedded in many large enterprises [4]. - The rise of AI has created mixed reactions among investors, as it enhances established ecosystems, benefiting competitors like Microsoft, which integrates its CRM with other software solutions [6][7]. - Salesforce's AI platform, Agentforce, aims to enhance user capabilities but may lead to reduced demand for additional licenses, complicating growth prospects [9]. Financial Metrics - Salesforce has a market capitalization of $219 billion and a gross margin of 69.91% [12]. - The company has a 21.2% operating margin and is guiding for a non-GAAP full-year operating margin of 34.1% [13]. - The stock is currently trading at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 20.3 and a forward price-to-free-cash-flow ratio of 17.7, which are considered attractive in the current market [13]. Investment Considerations - Despite challenges, Salesforce is viewed as a compelling value for long-term investors due to its low stock price reflecting significant doubt [15]. - The company has a strong balance sheet, with cash and marketable securities roughly double its long-term debt, and it began paying a quarterly dividend in 2024 [14]. - The stock is seen as a potential contrarian buy for 2026, with modest results possibly leading to market-beating performance [17].

Core Insights - The article explores the financial realities of retirees living primarily on Social Security, highlighting varying experiences and the challenges faced by different individuals [1][49]. Group 1: Financial Management in Retirement - Many retirees significantly reduce their spending after retirement, with a federal report indicating that about 85% of Americans aged 65 to 74 feel they are managing financially well [2][3]. - Common belief suggests that a retirement savings of at least $1 million is necessary for a comfortable retirement, but many retirees manage with much less, often relying heavily on Social Security [4][5]. - Social Security benefits typically cover about 40% of pre-retirement earnings, and there are concerns about potential shortfalls in the program by 2035 [5]. Group 2: Individual Experiences - Gail Randle and her partner live on approximately $2,400 a month from Social Security, demonstrating that frugality and budgeting can lead to a satisfactory retirement life [5][8][10]. - In contrast, Alden and Dena Swartz, who receive nearly $4,000 a month, struggle financially due to high living costs and unexpected life changes, illustrating the precariousness of relying solely on Social Security [6][15]. - The Leedy couple, with a combined Social Security income of $4,500, successfully navigated retirement despite not having retirement savings, showcasing that careful financial planning can lead to a comfortable life [19][22]. Group 3: Challenges Faced by Retirees - Sheri Makasini's experience highlights the difficulties many face when Social Security alone is insufficient to cover living expenses, leading her to rely on her daughter's support [24][29]. - Patricia Douglas manages to survive on a limited Social Security income of about $1,100, utilizing food stamps and volunteer work to make ends meet, reflecting the struggles of those with lower benefits [30][32]. - Ken and Kathy Larson's story illustrates the importance of downsizing and adjusting lifestyle expectations in retirement, as they successfully transitioned to living on $5,400 a month from Social Security and other sources [35][40]. Group 4: Positive Outcomes - Jean Hullihan, who retired with a Social Security benefit of $4,200, found that her expenses decreased significantly in retirement, allowing her to live comfortably without financial strain [42][46]. - The article emphasizes that with careful budgeting and lifestyle adjustments, many retirees can thrive on Social Security, countering the narrative that it is impossible to live solely on these benefits [44][48].

Core Points - The Starbucks Workers United has escalated its "Red Cup Rebellion" strike, with 120 stores in 85 cities participating, while Starbucks claims fewer than half that number were affected and that disruptions have been minimal over the past three weeks [1][4] - Over 1,000 Starbucks workers have gone on strike at approximately 65 stores, with the union alleging that Starbucks has not made new proposals on staffing and pay since an offer was rejected in April [2][3] - The union claims that baristas in 550 unionized stores are ready to continue the strike until a fair contract is delivered and unfair labor practices are addressed [3][5] Key Facts - Since the strike began on November 13, the number of stores on the strike list has increased weekly, now totaling 120 [3] - Starbucks disputes the impact of the strike, stating that many stores listed never closed and that this year's "Red Cup Day" was the largest sales day in the company's history despite the strike [4][5] - Currently, negotiations between Starbucks and the union have stalled after nearly 200 hours of discussions and over 30 tentative agreements were reached through April [4][5] Background Information - The union claims that 2,500 of its 11,000 members are on strike, while Starbucks asserts that only about 9,500 baristas, or 4% of its workforce, belong to the union, affecting fewer than 1% of its 10,000 stores [5] - More than 125,000 individuals have signed the "No Contract, No Coffee" pledge, indicating significant public support for the union's cause [4]

Core Insights - Tractor Supply Co. has experienced a significant increase in revenue and store count over the years, growing from $1 billion in revenue in 2002 to a projected $14.9 billion in 2025, and expanding from 433 stores to 2,364 stores [1] - Despite the company's growth, its stock performance has been mixed, with a decline of 3.5% over the past year compared to a 13.3% increase in the S&P 500 [3] - In the medium term, Tractor Supply's stock has appreciated 20.4% over the last three years, but this is significantly lower than the S&P 500's return of 68% [4][5] - Over a five-year period, Tractor Supply's return of 102.9% outperforms the S&P 500's return of 86.1%, and when including dividends, the return increases to 114.7% [6] - Long-term performance shows that investors who bought shares in November 2010 have seen a 1,460% total return, significantly outperforming the S&P 500's 650% return over the same period [7][8] Summary by Timeframe One Year - Stock price decreased by 3.5% while the S&P 500 increased by 13.3% [3] Three Years - Stock appreciated by 20.4%, with a total return of 23.8% when including dividends [4] - Underperformed the S&P 500 by approximately 50 percentage points [5] Five Years - Total return of 102.9%, surpassing the S&P 500's 86.1% return [6] - Including dividends, the return is 114.7%, outperforming the S&P 500's dividend-adjusted returns by 106.2% [6] Ten Years - Returns lag behind the market on both absolute and total-return basis [7] Fifteen Years - Significant outperformance with a 1,460% total return compared to the S&P 500's 650% return [7][8]

Core Insights - The article evaluates the broader market backdrop with a focus on alternative investments, specifically gold and Bitcoin, highlighting their significance in the current investment landscape [1]. Market Overview - The author emphasizes a macro-focused investment strategy, identifying under-valued sectors and thematic ideas, particularly in metals, gold, and cryptocurrency [1]. - The article mentions various market indices and sectors, including DIA, VOO, QQQM, and XLE, indicating a diverse investment approach [1]. Alternative Investments - Gold (IAU) and Bitcoin (BTC-USD) are presented as key alternative investment options, with the author holding long positions in these assets [2]. - The article also discusses CEF (Gold & Silver) as part of the alternative investment strategy, suggesting a focus on precious metals [1][2]. Investment Strategy - The author co-manages a seven-figure investment account, demonstrating a successful investment journey that emphasizes diligent saving and investing [1]. - The investment group CEF/ETF Income Laboratory is highlighted for its managed income portfolios targeting reliable yields, appealing to both active and passive investors [1].

The founder of Tokenize Xchange is facing a lawsuit over users losing millions of dollars, The Business Times reported on Nov. 28. A total of 272 former customers of the crypto trading exchange are suing Hong Qi Yu, the founder and CEO of AmazingTech, the parent company of Tokenize. The lawsuit also mentions COO Erin Koo Kee Hoon who is Hong's wife. Related: Largest private gold holder shuts down Bitcoin mining operations As per a report filed by court-appointed interim judicial managers in September, Am ...