Business

Search documents
Global Survey Reveals 81% of Enterprise CX Leaders Plan to Deploy AI in 2025
Globenewswireยท 2025-06-10 13:00
Core Insights - The survey indicates a strong commitment to integrating AI technologies in customer experience (CX) operations, with 81% of global CX executives planning to deploy AI in their contact centers in 2025 [1][8] - There is a significant demand for AI solutions and expertise, as over 80% of enterprise contact center leaders aim to expand AI's role within their operations [2] AI Applications and Benefits - Respondents rated CX insights and analytics as the most valuable AI application with a score of 4.3 out of 5, followed by real-time agent assistance at 4.0 out of 5 [3] Concerns Regarding AI Implementation - Security and privacy issues are the top concerns for 50% of respondents, closely followed by ethical use of AI at 49%. Other concerns include quality matters (35%), development process bias (29%), and limited knowledge about AI tools (16%) [4] Company Overview - ibex is a leading global provider of business process outsourcing (BPO) and AI-powered customer engagement technology solutions, operating approximately 30 facilities worldwide and managing nearly 175 million customer interactions annually [5][6]
WhiteHorse Finance: Don't Get Fooled By The 17% Dividend Yield
Seeking Alphaยท 2025-06-10 07:10
Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of a hybrid investment strategy that combines high-quality dividend stocks with other asset classes such as Business Development Companies, REITs, and Closed End Funds to enhance investment income while achieving total returns comparable to traditional index funds [1]. Investment Strategy - The investment approach focuses on creating a balanced portfolio that not only provides income through dividends but also captures growth, aiming for a total return that aligns with the performance of the S&P 500 [1]. - The strategy is designed to be efficient in boosting investment income while maintaining a solid foundation of classic dividend growth stocks [1].
Big Dividend Yielders At A Glance
Seeking Alphaยท 2025-06-09 22:05
Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of preferred shares and baby bonds for achieving strong risk-adjusted returns, alongside the positive performance of Business Development Companies (BDCs) [1][19] - It highlights the irrational behavior of the market, where some investors continue to buy underperforming stocks despite deteriorating fundamentals [2] - The article discusses the current favorable environment for agency mortgage REITs to issue new shares due to high price-to-book ratios, while hybrid mortgage REITs are struggling [3][6] Agency Mortgage REITs - AGNC Investment (AGNC) maintains a high price-to-book ratio, allowing it to issue new shares effectively [3] - The top three agency mortgage REITs, Dynex Capital (DX), Annaly Capital (NLY), and AGNC, have the highest price-to-book ratios and are expected to capitalize on this by issuing additional shares [4] - A projection indicates that agency mortgage REITs will see a decline in book value in Q2 2025, affecting their price-to-book ratios [5] Hybrid Mortgage REITs - The environment is unfavorable for hybrid mortgage REITs, with only Ellington Financial (EFC) trading close to its projected book value [6] Business Development Companies (BDCs) - Main Street Capital (MAIN) is recognized as a leading BDC, but it is challenging to find it at a bargain valuation [7] - MAIN's Total Economic Return (TER) reflects its performance through changes in book value and dividends, with share issuance above NAV enhancing its value [7][9] - The article notes that MAIN's ability to drive NAV per share higher is attributed to successful investments and effective management [13] Preferred Shares - There are emerging opportunities in preferred shares, which have historically provided strong risk-adjusted returns [14] Market Outlook - The year 2025 is identified as a prime opportunity for investing in REITs, preferred shares, and BDCs due to increasing demand and insufficient supply in key real estate sectors [19]
Protiviti Congratulates Brand Ambassador Jennifer Kupcho on Victory at ShopRite LPGA Classic
Prnewswireยท 2025-06-09 21:45
Group 1 - Jennifer Kupcho won the ShopRite LPGA Classic with rounds of 68-64-66, marking her fourth LPGA Tour victory and ranking her 45th in the Rolex Women's World Golf Rankings [1][3] - Protiviti will contribute 25,000 meals globally through its "Birdies for Meals" campaign to commemorate Kupcho's victory [2] - Kupcho's win was achieved under challenging conditions, including light rain, and she birdied three of the last five holes to secure the victory [3] Group 2 - Kupcho has notable previous wins including the 2022 Chevron Championship, 2022 Meijer LPGA Classic, and 2022 Dow Great Lakes Bay Invitational, and has been a Protiviti brand ambassador since 2020 [4] - Joseph Tarantino, president and CEO of Protiviti, expressed excitement over Kupcho's victory, highlighting the shared commitment to success between Kupcho and the firm [5] - Protiviti is a global consulting firm with over 90 offices in more than 25 countries, serving a wide range of clients including over 80% of Fortune 100 and nearly 80% of Fortune 500 companies [6][7]
Prospect Capital Announces Special Meeting Update
Globenewswireยท 2025-06-09 20:01
Group 1 - Prospect Capital Corporation held a special meeting of stockholders on June 9, 2025, to consider proposals detailed in the definitive proxy statement filed with the SEC on March 11, 2025 [1] - As of March 11, 2025, the company had 445,761,031 shares of common stock and various series of preferred stock outstanding, including 27,533,233 shares of 5.50% Series A1 Preferred Stock and 24,308,542 shares of 6.50% Series A3 Preferred Stock [1] - The special meeting has been adjourned until June 17, 2025, to allow additional time for soliciting stockholder votes [1] Group 2 - Prospect Capital Corporation is a business development company that focuses on lending to and investing in private businesses [2] - The company's investment objective is to generate current income and long-term capital appreciation through debt and equity investments [2] - Prospect has elected to be treated as a business development company under the Investment Company Act of 1940 and as a regulated investment company under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 [2]
Here's Why You Should Consider Investing in Cintas Right Now
ZACKSยท 2025-06-09 15:31
Core Insights - Cintas Corporation (CTAS) is expected to benefit from strong segment performance, technology investments, and strategic acquisitions, making it an attractive stock for investors [1] Business Performance - Cintas has shown solid momentum across all segments, with strong growth from new customers and increased product penetration in the Uniform Rental and Facility Services segment [5] - The First Aid and Safety Services segment is experiencing rising demand for AED Rentals, eyewash stations, and WaterBreak products, contributing to overall performance [5] - Cintas forecasts a 7.7% year-over-year increase in organic revenues for fiscal 2025 [5] Expansion Efforts - Cintas is enhancing its market presence through acquisitions, including Paris Uniform Services and SITEX, which have strengthened its position in key regions [6] - The company spent $198.8 million on acquisitions in the first nine months of fiscal 2025 [6] Product Enhancement - Cintas is focused on enhancing its product portfolio and investing in technology, including SmartTruck technology for route optimization and garment-sharing technology [7] - Partnerships with Verizon and Google aim to provide technology solutions that enhance customer experience [7] Shareholder Returns - Cintas has a strong track record of returning cash to shareholders, with dividends totaling $453.7 million in the first nine months of fiscal 2025, a 14.4% increase year-over-year [9] - The company repurchased $678.1 million in shares during the same period, up from $468.1 million the previous year [9] - Cintas raised its quarterly dividend by 15.6% to $1.56 per share in July 2024, marking 40 consecutive years of dividend increases [9]
Bain Capital Specialty Finance: I'm Buying This BDC's Investment Grade 11.5% Dividend Yield
Seeking Alphaยท 2025-06-09 14:30
Group 1 - The negative year-to-date performance of some Business Development Companies (BDCs) has created opportunities to invest in high-quality private credit tickers [1] - Bain Capital Specialty Finance (BCSF) has experienced an approximate decline of 11% since the beginning of the year [1] - The equity market is characterized by daily price fluctuations that can lead to significant long-term wealth creation or destruction [1] Group 2 - Pacifica Yield focuses on long-term wealth creation by targeting undervalued yet high-growth companies, high-dividend tickers, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), and green energy firms [1]
How To Lock In Yields Up To 17.1% In Historically Cheap Small Caps
Forbesยท 2025-06-08 14:05
Core Viewpoint - Small-cap stocks are currently undervalued, presenting potential investment opportunities, especially those offering high dividend yields ranging from 8.3% to 17.1% [2] Group 1: Small-Cap Stocks Overview - The valuation gap between the S&P 500 and S&P 600 is at its widest since the late 1990s, suggesting small-cap stocks are significantly cheaper [2] - The article discusses five small-cap stocks with attractive dividend yields, indicating a potential for high returns despite their current low valuations [2] Group 2: Playtika Holding (PLTK) - Playtika, a mobile game developer, has a dividend yield exceeding 8% but has not raised its payout recently, indicating a decline in earnings and sales [4][5] - Analysts project a 32% increase in profits for 2024, despite the company's struggles in the competitive mobile gaming market [6] - Playtika's valuation is low at 6 times forward earnings, but there are concerns about its growth prospects [7] Group 3: Carlyle Secured Lending (CGBD) - CGBD is a business development company focused on U.S. middle-market companies, primarily investing in first-lien debt [8][9] - Recent earnings reports have shown disappointing results, with an increase in non-accrual loans and a stagnant base dividend of 40 cents per share [10][11] - CGBD shares are trading at a 16% discount to net asset value, but operational challenges raise concerns about future dividend sustainability [12] Group 4: Bain Capital Specialty Finance (BCSF) - BCSF provides financing solutions to a diverse range of companies, with a significant portion of its investments in first-lien debt [13][14] - The company has maintained its regular dividend but has introduced special dividends, raising concerns about future dividend coverage due to declining net investment income projections [16][17] - Analysts expect BCSF's dividend ratios to be high, leaving little room for error in case of operational difficulties [17] Group 5: Two Harbors Investment Corp. (TWO) - TWO operates in the mortgage REIT sector, focusing on mortgage servicing rights and agency residential mortgage-backed securities [19][22] - The company has faced significant share price declines, resulting in a high yield of over 17%, but recent litigation charges could impact its book value and dividend sustainability [24][25] - TWO's current dividend rate of 45 cents per share is at risk due to the potential impact of litigation on earnings available for distribution [25] Group 6: Franklin BSP Realty Trust (FBRT) - FBRT is a mortgage REIT focused on commercial mortgage-backed securities, with a significant portion of its portfolio in multifamily properties [26][27] - The company is trading at a 28% discount to book value, with a low P/E ratio based on 2026 earnings estimates, indicating potential value [28] - Concerns exist regarding the stability of its dividend, as the payout has not changed since 2021, and market conditions could necessitate a review of the dividend policy [29][30]
Sixth Street Specialty Lending: Strong Dividend Coverage But Trades At A Premium
Seeking Alphaยท 2025-06-07 08:01
Core Insights - Business Development Companies (BDCs) are highlighted as a favorable option for generating substantial dividend income through investments in floating rate debt [1] - A hybrid investment strategy combining classic dividend growth stocks, BDCs, Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs), and Closed-End Funds is suggested to enhance investment income while achieving total returns comparable to traditional index funds like the S&P [1] Investment Strategy - Focusing on BDCs with floating rate debt investments allows investors to benefit from interest rate fluctuations, potentially increasing income [1] - The approach of mixing different asset classes aims to create a balanced portfolio that maximizes both income and growth potential [1]
Blue Owl Capital: Valuation Is Catching Up To Performance For This 10.4%-Yielder
Seeking Alphaยท 2025-06-06 19:14
Company Overview - Blue Owl Capital Corporation (NYSE: OBDC) is a Business Development Company (BDC) [1] Financial Performance - In Q1, Blue Owl Capital delivered a total NAV return of 2%, which is in line with the median return in the coverage [1]