Core Insights - Analysts project Visa will announce quarterly earnings of $2.68 per share, a 6.8% increase year over year, with revenues expected to reach $9.56 billion, reflecting a 9% increase from the same quarter last year [1] - The consensus EPS estimate has been adjusted upward by 0.1% over the past 30 days, indicating a reassessment by covering analysts [1][2] Revenue Projections - 'Revenues - Other revenues' are projected to reach $894.31 million, indicating an 18.3% increase year over year [4] - 'Revenues - Service revenues' are expected to be $4.40 billion, suggesting a 9.1% year-over-year change [4] - 'Revenues - Data processing revenues' are forecasted to reach $4.65 billion, reflecting a 9.2% increase from the prior year [4] - 'Revenues - International transaction revenues' are estimated at $3.36 billion, indicating a 12.7% increase from the previous year [5] Transaction Metrics - 'End of Period Connections - Total transactions' are expected to be 61.08 billion, up from 55.46 billion in the same quarter last year [5] - 'Payments Volume - Europe' is projected at $680.29 billion, compared to $620 billion a year ago [6] - 'Total volume' is expected to reach $3,988.87 billion, up from $3,780 billion in the previous year [6] Payments Volume Estimates - 'Payments volume - U.S.A' is forecasted at $1,675.64 billion, compared to $1,561 billion in the same quarter last year [7] - 'Payments volume - LAC' is estimated at $234.23 billion, up from $213 billion a year ago [7] - 'Payments volume - CEMEA' is projected to be $209.41 billion, compared to $182 billion last year [8] - 'Total payments volume' is expected to reach $3,406.83 billion, up from $3,173 billion in the previous year [8] - 'Payments volume - Canada' is estimated at $100.52 billion, compared to $95 billion in the same quarter last year [8] Stock Performance - Visa shares have decreased by 2.9% in the past month, while the Zacks S&P 500 composite has declined by 5.1% [9]

Group 1: UnitedHealth Group - UnitedHealth Group experienced a significant stock price drop of over 22% following a weak first-quarter report, marking its worst single-session decline since August 1998 [1] - The company was previously the largest component in the Dow Jones Industrial Average, but this position has now been taken over by Goldman Sachs [1][2] Group 2: Market Overview - Major indices including the Dow, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite are currently in correction territory, defined as a decline of at least 10% from recent highs [2] - Despite the downturn, there are potentially better dividend stocks in the Dow, such as Visa, Chevron, and Procter & Gamble, that investors may consider [2] Group 3: Visa - Visa operates a payment processing model that generates fees from credit and debit card transactions, maintaining partnerships with financial institutions [3] - The company boasts an impressive operating margin of 66.2% and a profit margin of 54.3%, indicating strong profitability [4] - Visa's business model allows it to remain profitable even during economic slowdowns, with a current dividend yield of 0.7% due to a focus on stock buybacks [5] - Visa is considered a safe investment option, especially in a declining stock market [6] Group 4: Chevron - Chevron offers a dividend yield of 5%, making it the second-highest yielding component in the Dow, with a history of 38 consecutive years of payout increases [7] - The company has faced a sell-off in 2025 due to falling oil and natural gas prices, influenced by macroeconomic concerns [8] - Key investment factors for Chevron include its reliable dividend, strong balance sheet with low debt, and improvements in operational efficiency [9] - The stock has declined by 16% over the last month, presenting a potential buying opportunity for income-focused investors [10] Group 5: Procter & Gamble - Procter & Gamble has shown resilience during market downturns, as consumer staples tend to maintain steady demand [11] - The company has significant international exposure, which makes it vulnerable to tariffs and currency fluctuations, but it has historically managed to pass on costs to consumers [12] - Procter & Gamble is set to report its fiscal 2025 third-quarter earnings soon, with investors keen on management's insights regarding tariffs and trade issues [13] - With 69 consecutive years of dividend increases and a yield of 2.5%, Procter & Gamble is viewed as a safe investment, although its valuation is considered high at 27.2 times earnings [14]

Group 1 - The article discusses the author's journey as a finance student at York University, focusing on building a foundation in financial markets and investment strategies [1] - The author emphasizes a preference for investing in solid Canadian banks like BMO and TD due to their reliable returns and growth potential [1] - The motivation behind writing for Seeking Alpha is to engage with the investing community and share insights and analyses [1] Group 2 - There is no disclosure of any stock, option, or similar derivative positions in the companies mentioned, nor any plans to initiate such positions in the near future [2] - The article expresses the author's personal opinions and does not involve any compensation from companies mentioned [2] - Seeking Alpha clarifies that past performance does not guarantee future results and that the views expressed may not reflect those of the platform as a whole [3]

Market Overview - Short-term uncertainty in the stock market has created opportunities for long-term investors, as stocks historically provide the highest annualized returns compared to other asset classes [1] - Recent market corrections have seen the Dow and S&P 500 enter correction territory, while the Nasdaq Composite has experienced its first bear market since 2022 [2] Tariff Policy Impact - President Trump's tariff policy has been a significant catalyst for market declines, contributing to investor fear and uncertainty [3] - The introduction of a 10% worldwide tariff and higher reciprocal tariffs on countries with trade deficits has been labeled as a "golden opportunity" for long-term investors [4] Company Analysis: Verizon Communications - Verizon is identified as a strong investment despite facing challenges such as low sales growth and increased borrowing costs due to rising interest rates [9][10] - The company benefits from the essential nature of its services, with a low wireless churn rate indicating stable cash flow [12] - Verizon's expansion in 5G and resurgence in broadband subscriptions are expected to drive steady revenue growth, supported by an attractive forward P/E ratio of 9 and a dividend yield of 6.2% [13][14] Company Analysis: Teva Pharmaceutical Industries - Teva has faced significant challenges but is now positioned for growth following a $4.25 billion opioid litigation settlement [16][17] - The company is shifting focus towards novel drug development, with potential high-margin products like Austedo expected to generate over $2 billion in sales [18] - Teva's net debt has been reduced from over $35 billion to $14.5 billion, creating a favorable low-risk/high-reward investment scenario with a forward P/E ratio of 5 [19] Company Analysis: Mastercard - Mastercard is highlighted as a strong buy, despite concerns about potential recession impacts from tariff policies [20][21] - The company has a history of sustaining double-digit growth rates due to the non-linear nature of economic cycles, with a significant opportunity for expansion in underbanked emerging markets [22][23] - Mastercard's avoidance of lending reduces risk during economic downturns, and its forward P/E ratio of under 28 represents an 18% discount compared to its historical average [24][25]

Core Viewpoint - The content emphasizes the importance of conducting personal due diligence and consulting competent advisors before making any financial decisions, particularly in the context of investments and financial instruments [1]. Group 1 - The website provides general news, publications, and personal analysis intended for educational and research purposes [1]. - It does not constitute any recommendation or advice for taking action, including making investments or purchasing products [1]. - Users are advised to perform their own due diligence checks and apply their discretion when making financial decisions [1]. Group 2 - The information on the website may not be provided in real-time and is not necessarily accurate [1]. - Prices may be provided by market makers rather than exchanges, indicating potential discrepancies [1]. - The website includes advertisements and promotional content, with the company potentially receiving compensation from third parties [1].

Market Overview - Recent stock market volatility presents opportunities for long-term investors to acquire quality businesses at discounted prices [2][3] - Major indices like the Dow Jones, S&P 500, and Nasdaq Composite have experienced significant fluctuations, with the Nasdaq entering its first bear market since 2022 [3] Sirius XM Holdings - Sirius XM is a unique satellite-radio operator with a legal monopoly, allowing it to maintain pricing power and stay ahead of inflation [5][6] - The company generates 76% of its net sales from subscriptions, providing stability during economic downturns compared to ad-driven competitors [6] - Sirius XM's forward P/E ratio is below 7, and it offers a dividend yield of 5.3%, indicating potential for substantial stock gains by 2035 [7] Intuitive Surgical - Intuitive Surgical holds a dominant market share in robotic-assisted surgical systems, with over 9,900 systems installed globally [9] - The company is shifting towards higher-margin revenue segments, such as instruments and servicing, which will enhance earnings growth [10] - Despite not being cheap, Intuitive Surgical is expected to maintain a steady earnings growth rate in the mid-teens [11] Airbnb - Airbnb is still in the early stages of expanding its platform, with over 5 million hosts, indicating potential for sustained double-digit sales growth [13] - The company is diversifying into experiences, which could capture a larger share of the $11 trillion global travel market [14] - Airbnb shares are currently trading at a forward P/E of nearly 23, presenting a favorable investment opportunity [15] The Trade Desk - The Trade Desk operates in the rapidly growing digital advertising sector, focusing on connected TV and video, with annual sales growth around 20% [17] - The adoption of Unified ID 2.0 technology positions The Trade Desk as a key player in the evolving digital advertising landscape [18] - The stock is trading at a forward P/E of over 22, significantly lower than its historical average, suggesting potential for growth [19] Visa - Visa dominates the payment processing market, accounting for approximately $6.45 trillion in credit card network purchase volume in the U.S., representing a 61% market share [21] - The company is expected to sustain double-digit growth through international expansion, particularly in underbanked emerging markets [22] - Visa shares are currently available at a 7% discount to their average forward earnings multiple since 2019, making it an attractive investment [23]

Core Viewpoint - Berkshire Hathaway's asset composition has shifted, with controlled companies now exceeding public equity holdings, and cash and marketable securities surpassing stock investments [1] Company Overview - American Express remains a significant holding for Berkshire Hathaway, constituting 14.5% of its equity portfolio, second only to Apple [2] - The company has consistently outperformed the market over the long term, although it has underperformed the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite year to date [2] Business Model - American Express operates a unique business model compared to Visa and Mastercard, issuing its own cards and bearing the risk of defaults [4][7] - The company targets affluent customers, which allows for higher fees and greater spending potential, despite the inherent risks [7][8] Financial Performance - American Express has shown steady revenue and earnings growth, with a notable increase post-pandemic as it appeals to younger demographics [9] - The stock has declined 22.9% from its all-time high, presenting a potential buying opportunity for long-term investors [13] Valuation Metrics - The current price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio for American Express is 17.9, slightly below its five-year average of 18.4, indicating it may be undervalued [13] - The price-to-free cash flow ratio stands at 14.8, further suggesting that American Express is a good value [13] Share Buybacks - American Express has reduced its share count by 30% over the last decade, enhancing earnings per share (EPS) growth through buybacks [15][17] - The company has a history of significant dividend increases, with a recent 17% hike in its quarterly payout [17] Investment Thesis - American Express exemplifies quality over quantity in the payment processing sector, with affluent customers leading to higher average spending [19] - The stock is considered a strong buy amid broader market sell-offs, offering both value and passive income potential [20]

Core Viewpoint - Apple is currently facing challenges due to a 145% tariff on goods from China, which could impact its production and profitability, as 80% of its manufacturing is based in China [1][2] Group 1: Financial Performance - In fiscal 2024, Apple generated $391 billion in revenue, with 75% from product sales and 25% from services, which grew by 13% in the latest fiscal year [3] - The services division is becoming a significant revenue driver for Apple, highlighting diversification in its business model [2][3] Group 2: Financial Services Expansion - Apple has made significant strides in financial services, launching Apple Pay in 2014, which is accepted by over 90% of U.S. retailers and has more than 600 million global users [4] - The Apple Card, launched in 2019, has 12 million customers and $20 billion in balances, offering up to 3% cash back with no fees [5] Group 3: Partnerships and Market Position - Major financial institutions like Visa and American Express are vying for partnerships with Apple, indicating the company's strong revenue potential and affluent customer base [6][7] - The competition among issuers to take over the Apple Card program reflects the value that Apple brings to financial services [6][8] Group 4: Stock Valuation and Market Outlook - Apple shares are currently 26% below their peak, with a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.2, which is an improvement from December [9] - Despite the strong business fundamentals, there are concerns about Apple's growth prospects and the impact of tariffs on future performance [10][11]

With an S&P 500 bear market underway, there are plenty of "discounted" stocks to be found. President Donald Trump's tariff strategy could cause inflation to surge, and many experts see the chances of a U.S. recession in 2025 as much higher than they were a few months ago. The general uncertainty of the situation has caused the sharpest market downturn since the 2008 financial crisis.However, there are some excellent businesses that were already trading at attractive valuations before 2025's downturn. Here a ...

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights three Dow Jones Industrial Average stocks that present strong buying opportunities amid a significant market sell-off, emphasizing the historical trend of such downturns being favorable for long-term investors. Group 1: Market Context - The Dow Jones Industrial Average experienced a decline of 4,260 points, equating to a 10.1% drop from April 3 to April 7, indicating a shift into "crash" territory [2] - Historically, significant declines in the Dow have signaled buying opportunities for long-term investors, as resilient businesses tend to recover and grow in value over time [3] Group 2: Visa - Visa is highlighted as a strong investment due to its ability to thrive during economic cycles, benefiting from periods of expansion following downturns [6][7] - In 2023, Visa accounted for $6.445 trillion in credit card network purchase volume in the U.S., significantly outpacing other payment facilitators [8] - Visa has opportunities for growth in underbanked emerging markets, enhancing its long-term growth potential [9] - The stock has retraced as much as 17.6% from its all-time high, presenting an attractive entry point for investors [10] Group 3: Johnson & Johnson - Johnson & Johnson is positioned as a strong buy due to consistent demand for healthcare products, regardless of economic conditions [12] - The company's focus on pharmaceuticals has led to solid operating results, with brand-name drugs offering higher margins and growth potential [13] - The aging population is expected to drive demand for J&J's medical technologies, improving pricing power and margins [14] - J&J holds a AAA credit rating, indicating strong financial stability and ability to manage debt obligations [15] - The company has had only 10 CEOs in 139 years, ensuring continuity in leadership and growth initiatives [16] Group 4: Walt Disney - Walt Disney is recognized for its strong brand and storytelling capabilities, which provide a competitive edge and pricing power [18][19] - The company's direct-to-consumer segment, particularly Disney+, has achieved profitability rapidly, aided by brand strength and pricing strategies [20] - Disney benefits from the nonlinearity of economic cycles, with revenue typically increasing during economic expansions [21] - The stock is currently valued at a sub-14 forward price-to-earnings ratio, representing a 47% discount to its average over the past five years [22]