Core Insights - It is emphasized that starting an investment journey is always possible, particularly for beginners [1] Group 1 - Investing in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) is highlighted as a beneficial choice for novice investors [1]

Core Insights - Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) provide investors with exposure to a diversified basket of stocks and can also pay dividends, making them suitable for different investment strategies based on age and financial goals [1][2] Group 1: Dividend ETFs for Retirees - Dividend ETFs are particularly beneficial for retirees as they generate annual income and offer diversification [2] - The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) aims to track the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, with an expense ratio of 0.06% and a return of 33% over the past five years, while maintaining a trailing-12-month dividend yield of nearly 3.8% [3][4] - The portfolio of SCHD includes large-cap stocks across various sectors, providing solid diversification, with defensive stocks like Coca-Cola and Pepsi, and healthcare companies such as AbbVie and Merck [4][5] Group 2: Bond ETFs for Older Investors - As investors age, they tend to shift towards bonds to preserve their savings, with the Vanguard Intermediate-Term Bond ETF (VBIIX) fitting this strategy by tracking the Bloomberg U.S. 5-10 Year Government/Credit Float Adjusted Index [7][8] - VBIIX has an expense ratio of 0.03% and has experienced a 16% loss over the past five years due to rising interest rates, but it has maintained a trailing-12-month dividend yield of approximately 3.9% [9][10] - The ETF's portfolio consists of over half in U.S. government bonds, with 20% in corporate BBB bonds and 17% in A-rated bonds, indicating a focus on stability and safety [10][11]

Core Insights - The healthcare sector is considered recession-resistant due to the inelastic demand for medical services, making it a stable investment during economic fluctuations [1] - Established healthcare companies, particularly in pharmaceuticals and medical devices, have strong profits and cash flows that support consistent dividend payments and growth [2] Company Analysis: AbbVie - AbbVie has a 53-year history of increasing dividends, recently announcing a 5.5% increase, with a current yield of approximately 3.3% [3] - The company is experiencing significant growth from its immunology drugs Skyrizi and Rinvoq, which saw sales growth of 47% and 35% respectively in Q3 2025, contributing to projected combined sales exceeding $25 billion for the year [4] - AbbVie's neuroscience portfolio is also growing, with over 20% sales growth driven by drugs like Ubrelvy and Vraylar, leading to total net revenue of nearly $15.8 billion in Q3, a 9% year-over-year increase [5] - Despite a 38% year-over-year decline in diluted earnings due to increased R&D charges, AbbVie's adjusted EPS of $1.86 surpassed Wall Street expectations [6][8] - The company has been actively acquiring firms to diversify its portfolio, including a recent $2.1 billion acquisition of Capstan Therapeutics, enhancing its immunology pipeline [7] Company Analysis: Johnson & Johnson - Johnson & Johnson has increased its dividend for 63 consecutive years, reflecting a strong commitment to shareholder returns [10] - The company generated approximately $20 billion in free cash flow in 2024, with a manageable dividend payout ratio of around 50%, allowing for future increases [11] - Johnson & Johnson holds a rare AAA credit rating, indicating exceptional financial strength [12] - The company is focusing on six priority growth areas: oncology, immunology, neuroscience, cardiovascular, surgery, and vision products, with Q3 2025 sales reaching about $24 billion, a 6.8% increase year-over-year [14] - Key growth products include Darzalex, Tremfya, and Carvykti, with the oncology segment showing nearly 20% operational sales growth [15][16]

Core Insights - Non-US markets represent 75% of the global economy, 90% of the IMF's expected GDP growth, and 95% of the world population, indicating significant investment opportunities outside the US [1] Group 1: Investment Strategy - The focus is on improving international stock strategies, highlighting the importance of diversifying investments beyond the US [1] - The Expat Portfolio offers resources such as frequent analysis, a watchlist, and market guides to assist investors in navigating foreign markets [2] Group 2: Analyst Background - Tariq Dennison, an experienced RIA, emphasizes the benefits of investing in diverse foreign markets, leveraging his extensive international experience [2] - The Expat Portfolio community provides direct access to expert insights and discussions, enhancing investor confidence in international investments [2]

Performance Summary - Alphabet (GOOG) and Microsoft (MSFT) have both outperformed the S&P 500 in 2025, with Alphabet achieving a performance of +31.98% and Microsoft at +22.81%, compared to the S&P 500's +14.52% [1] Investment Strategy - The focus is on constructing investment portfolios that generate additional income through dividends, emphasizing companies with significant competitive advantages and strong financials [2] - The strategy includes combining high Dividend Yield and Dividend Growth companies to reduce dependence on broader stock market fluctuations [2] - A well-diversified portfolio across various sectors and industries is recommended to minimize volatility and mitigate risk [2] - Incorporating companies with a low Beta Factor is suggested to further reduce the overall risk level of the investment portfolio [2] - The selection process for high dividend yield and growth companies is meticulously curated, prioritizing total return, which includes both capital gains and dividends [2]

Group 1 - The service offers features such as model portfolios with buy/sell alerts, preferred and baby bond portfolios for conservative investors, and dividend and portfolio trackers [1] - The service emphasizes community and education, promoting the idea that investors should not invest alone [1] Group 2 - The article mentions that recommendations are closely monitored, with Buy and Sell alerts exclusive to members [3] - Contributors to the service include Philip Mause and Hidden Opportunities, indicating a collaborative approach to investment insights [3]

Core Insights - The article emphasizes the author's extensive background in finance, particularly in corporate finance, M&A, and investment analysis, with a focus on real estate, renewable energy, and equity markets [1] Group 1: Professional Background - The author holds a Master's degree in Banking & Finance from Université Paris 1 Panthéon-Sorbonne [1] - The author's experience spans over 10 years in investment banking, specializing in financial modeling, valuation, and qualitative analysis [1] - The author has hands-on experience in private equity, asset management, and real estate [1] Group 2: Objectives and Engagement - The author aims to share insights and analysis on interesting companies with a global audience through Seeking Alpha [1] - The author is motivated by the goal of empowering informed investment decisions and seeks to connect with readers to grow as a thought leader in finance [1]

Core Viewpoint - Lamb Weston reaffirms its guidance, indicating a solid cash flow and capital return outlook, with potential for double-digit total returns for long-term investors [1] Financial Performance - In FQ1, Lamb Weston reported revenue of $1.66 billion, a growth of approximately 0.5%, driven by a 6% volume increase and a 1% positive impact from foreign exchange translation, despite a 7% decline in price [5] - The company experienced margin pressure across comparisons, but the declines were less than expected, with GAAP earnings of 74 cents exceeding MarketBeat's consensus by 21 cents [8] Dividend and Share Buybacks - The company offers a dividend yield of 2.39%, with a payout ratio of about 60%, which is manageable and aligned with industry standards; the cash flow payout ratio was only 17% in Q1, suggesting sustainability of double-digit distribution CAGR [2] - Lamb Weston reduced its share count by 2% in F2025 and is on track for similar reductions in F2026, with a pace exceeding 3.5% in FQ1 [3] Balance Sheet Health - The balance sheet shows no red flags, with reduced assets offset by a decrease in liabilities, low leverage, and improved equity despite a decrease in share count [4] Market Outlook - Analysts have a tepid sentiment towards Lamb Weston, with a Hold rating and a price target of $65.56, indicating a potential upside of 5.9% [6][10] - Institutional ownership is strong at about 90%, providing a solid support base, with institutions likely to continue buying due to the stock's low value [11]

Group 1: Lockheed Martin - Lockheed Martin derives approximately 75% of its $71 billion sales from contracts with the U.S. Department of Defense, making it a key player in the defense contracting industry [2][3] - The F-35 contract is the largest defense procurement program ever awarded and is expected to provide stable revenue through the 2060s, benefiting long-term investors [3] - Lockheed Martin recently introduced Vectis, a new drone designed for collaboration with fighter jets, indicating the company's adaptability and continued growth potential in the defense sector [5][6] - The company has a price-to-earnings ratio of 27 and offers a dividend yield of 2.7%, providing investors with both income and stability [6] Group 2: Ambev - Ambev is the largest brewer in Latin America and the Caribbean, holding monopolistic positions with approximately 60% beer market share in Brazil and over 70% in Bolivia [8][9] - The company has significant growth potential as per capita beer consumption in Latin America is lower than in developed countries, presenting opportunities for volume growth [10] - Ambev benefits from a trend of consumers preferring foreign beers, allowing it to leverage Anheuser-Busch InBev's premium portfolio [10] - The company maintains a high-yield dividend of 7.6% and is well-positioned to sustain its market share through economic cycles [11] Group 3: Investment Outlook - Both Lockheed Martin and Ambev offer healthy dividends, long-term growth potential, and competitive advantages, making them suitable for dividend-focused portfolios [12]

Group 1 - Enbridge is recognized for its strong dividend yield of 5.5% and a history of increasing dividends for 30 years, making it an attractive option for dividend investors [4][6] - The company has diversified its business model by adding natural gas transportation assets and investing in clean energy, aligning with global energy trends [5][6] - Enbridge's management aims to adapt to changing energy needs, ensuring its reliability as a dividend-paying stock despite slower growth prospects [6][7] Group 2 - Brookfield Asset Management is one of the largest alternative asset managers globally, with over $1 trillion in assets under management and operations in over 50 countries [10] - The company operates across five verticals: infrastructure, renewable power and energy transition, real estate, private equity, and credit, indicating a diversified investment strategy [10] - Brookfield Asset Management has announced ambitious growth plans through 2030, highlighting its commitment to expanding its market presence [10]