Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of investing in companies with sustainable business models and growth potential to secure a comfortable retirement, as many Americans feel underfunded for their retirement [1][2]. Company Analysis Amazon - Amazon is a leading player in North American e-commerce, controlling approximately 40% of the market [4]. - The company's cloud computing division, Amazon Web Services, generates about 60% of its total earnings, despite e-commerce accounting for only 16% of total revenue [5]. - Amazon has consistently achieved double-digit sales growth and is expected to maintain this trend due to its adaptability and willingness to enter new business lines [7][9]. - The company has diversified its revenue streams, including over $56 billion in advertising revenue, which surpasses the combined operating profit of its e-commerce segments [8]. Uber Technologies - Uber is capitalizing on a cultural shift away from car ownership, with a significant decline in the number of licensed drivers aged 16 to 19, dropping from 65% in 1995 to about one-third today [11]. - The ride-hailing market is projected to grow at an average annualized rate of over 11% through 2033, driven by declining car ownership [12]. - Uber's delivery revenue grew 22% to nearly $3.8 billion in Q1, now representing over 30% of its total revenue [14]. American Express - American Express operates its own payment network and issues credit cards, providing it with operational advantages over competitors like Visa and Mastercard [16]. - The company focuses on a rewards program that attracts affluent customers, who are less likely to reduce spending during economic downturns [17][18]. - While American Express may not show double-digit growth, it offers consistent revenue and profit growth, supporting dividends and stock buybacks, which have historically outperformed the S&P 500 over the past 30 years [19][20].

Core Thesis - S&P Global is positioned as a retirement asset, allowing investors with a 5-10 year investment horizon to withdraw 10% annually while maintaining capital integrity regardless of entry points [1] Company Expertise - The analysis is conducted by a stock analyst with over 20 years of experience in quantitative research, financial modeling, and risk management, focusing on equity valuation, market trends, and portfolio optimization [1] - The analyst has a background as a former Vice President at Barclays, leading teams in model validation, stress testing, and regulatory finance, indicating a strong foundation in both fundamental and technical analysis [1] Research Approach - The research is co-authored with a partner, combining complementary strengths to provide high-quality, data-driven insights [1] - The approach emphasizes rigorous risk management alongside a long-term perspective on value creation, with a focus on macroeconomic trends, corporate earnings, and financial statement analysis [1]

Market Trends & Investment Advice - Two-thirds (66.67%) of financial advisors are adjusting retirement investment advice due to market volatility and economic uncertainty [1]

Group 1 - The article introduces a series focused on REITs for retirees, highlighting the first two out of ten recommended REITs [1] - The company offers a comprehensive research platform called iREIT®, which includes data on various investment vehicles such as REITs, mREITs, Preferreds, BDCs, MLPs, ETFs, Builders, and Asset Managers [1] - The iREIT® Tracker provides insights on over 250 tickers, including quality scores, buy targets, and trim targets [1] Group 2 - A new Ratings Tracker named iREIT Buy Zone has been added to assist members in screening for value [2] - The company is promoting a free 2-week trial for members to explore the new features [2] - The offer includes a free book along with the trial [4]

Company Overview - Summit Midstream Corporation (NYSE: SMC) has effectively managed a significant debt burden while facing challenges in the oil and gas market [2]. Performance Analysis - The company has underperformed since the last recommendation due to weak oil and gas pricing impacting continued drilling activities [2]. Investment Strategy - The Value Portfolio focuses on constructing retirement portfolios through a fact-based research strategy, which includes thorough analysis of 10Ks, analyst commentary, market reports, and investor presentations [2].

Group 1 - The article emphasizes the importance of saving and investing for retirement, especially in the context of strained government finances [1] - It highlights the growing interest in various income alternatives such as REITs, mREITs, Preferreds, BDCs, MLPs, and ETFs [1] Group 2 - The article mentions a beneficial long position in the shares of REXR, indicating a positive outlook on this specific stock [1]