Core Insights - The second-quarter 2025 earnings season is expected to show resilience and an improving outlook for the banking sector and overall market [1] - Total S&P 500 earnings are projected to increase by 4.9% year-over-year, driven by a 3.9% rise in revenues [2] - Nine out of sixteen Zacks sectors are anticipated to report earnings growth, with Consumer Discretionary leading at 105.6% [3] Sector Performance - Consumer Discretionary sector is expected to see the highest earnings growth at 105.6%, followed by Aerospace at 15.1%, Technology at 11.8%, Finance at 7.8%, and Utilities at 7.7% [3] - The "Magnificent 7" companies are projected to have an 11.3% increase in earnings with an 11.2% rise in revenues compared to the same period last year [3] ETF Highlights - Consumer Discretionary Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLY) has an AUM of $22.5 billion and an expense ratio of 0.08% [5] - iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense ETF (ITA) holds $8.4 billion in AUM with an expense ratio of 0.40% [6] - Vanguard Information Technology ETF (VGT) manages $95 billion in assets and has an expense ratio of 0.09% [7] - Financial Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLF) has an AUM of $51.3 billion and charges 0.08% in annual fees [8] - Utilities Select Sector SPDR (XLU) has an AUM of $19.1 billion and an expense ratio of 0.08% [9]

Group 1 - The logistics sector has seen significant engagement from investors, particularly in the ASEAN and US markets, with a focus on banks, telecommunications, logistics, and hotels [1] - The popularity of insurance companies in the Philippines has influenced investment strategies, leading to diversification beyond traditional savings in banks and properties [1] - The investment approach has evolved from focusing solely on blue-chip companies to a more diversified portfolio across various industries and market capitalizations [1] Group 2 - The entry into the US market occurred in 2020, following a period of learning and analysis through platforms like Seeking Alpha [1] - The investor has holdings in US banks, hotels, shipping, and logistics companies, indicating a strategic approach to portfolio diversification [1] - The comparative analysis between the US and Philippine markets has been a key aspect of the investment strategy, enhancing market awareness and decision-making [1]

Core Insights - BetMGM and Marriott Bonvoy have launched a unique rewards collaboration that allows players to link their accounts and earn rewards points for sports betting and iGaming activities [6] - A special fantasy football draft weekend event will be hosted in Las Vegas, featuring former All-Pro quarterback Matt Ryan, providing participants with insider insights and real-time reactions [2][3] Company Overview - BetMGM is a leading sports betting and gaming entertainment company, formed through a partnership between MGM Resorts International and Entain Plc, and has exclusive access to MGM's U.S. sports betting and online gaming operations [9][10] - Marriott Bonvoy is Marriott International's travel program, offering members access to a wide range of hotel brands and experiences globally [11] Event Details - The fantasy football draft event will take place at the BetMGM Sportsbook at ARIA Resort & Casino, including a three-night stay at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, round-trip flights, and a $6,000 MGM Resorts credit for dining and spa experiences [3] - Participants can enter the sweepstakes by linking their BetMGM and Marriott Bonvoy accounts through the BetMGM app from July 9 to July 30, with the opportunity to enter up to three times [4] Marketing Strategy - The collaboration aims to create exceptional experiences for sports fans, enhancing customer engagement and loyalty through unique events and rewards [3][6] - BetMGM continues to focus on responsible gaming, providing resources and tools to ensure a safe gaming environment for its customers [7]

BETHESDA, Md., July 8, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Marriott International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAR) will report second quarter 2025 earnings results on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at approximately 7:00 a.m. Eastern Time (ET). The company will hold a conference call for the investment community on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at 8:30 a.m. (ET). Marriott International's President and Chief Executive Officer, Anthony Capuano, and Chief Financial Officer and Executive Vice President, Development, Leeny Oberg, will discuss the comp ...

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Core Viewpoint - The consumer's determination to travel is driving a significant increase in global air passenger traffic, with a 15% year-over-year growth in the first half of 2025, particularly strong in Asia-Pacific and Europe [1][2]. Group 1: Travel Market Dynamics - Despite a nearly 10% decline in the U.S. dollar, which typically increases the cost of international travel, strong wage growth in the U.S. is offsetting this effect, leading to robust demand for travel [2]. - The combination of increased income and pent-up demand for previously inaccessible international destinations is fueling the travel market [2]. Group 2: Company-Specific Insights Booking Holdings - Booking Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: BKNG) is trading at over $5,600 per share, with a 12-month stock price forecast of $5,388.37, indicating a potential downside of 5.84% [4]. - The company reported earnings exceeding expectations by nearly 30% in its most recent quarter, showcasing its pricing power and impressive 86% gross margins, driven by artificial intelligence [5]. - Booking's strongest periods are typically in the second and third quarters, supported by demand for travel to Asia Pacific and Europe [5]. Marriott International - Marriott International (NYSE: MAR) has a current stock price of $280.08, with a 12-month forecast of $275.90, suggesting a downside of 1.49% [7]. - The company reported a global RevPAR increase of approximately 4% in Q1 2025, with international RevPAR up more than 6%, particularly strong in Asia Pacific [8]. - Marriott's diverse brand portfolio and expansion into luxury and upscale properties allow it to target less price-sensitive consumers [9]. Royal Caribbean - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) has a current stock price of $334.10, with a 12-month forecast of $280.40, indicating a downside of 16.07% [11]. - The cruise industry is experiencing a recovery, with Royal Caribbean's stock up over 106% in the last 12 months and more than 40% in 2025 [12]. - The company has significantly reduced its debt, refinancing approximately $3 billion in short-term debt and repaying about $2.1 billion in principal, resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.21, which is more than 60% lower than its 2022 peak [13].

Core Viewpoint - The private sector is experiencing job losses, which is beneficial for earnings season and dividend growth stocks due to easing wage pressures and lower inflation, leading to better profit margins and dividend hikes [2]. Dividend Growth Stocks Dividend Growth Stock 1: T-Mobile US (TMUS) - T-Mobile US initiated a new dividend program in 2023 and raised its dividend by 35% to 88 cents per share after merging with Sprint [6][8]. - The company is expanding its margins and free cash flow, which supports its dividend growth strategy [7][9]. Dividend Growth Stock 2: Amphenol (APH) - Amphenol has seen significant growth, particularly in AI-related applications, with total orders increasing by nearly 60% year-over-year in Q1 2025 [12]. - The company raised its dividend by 50% last year, marking one of its largest increases [12]. Dividend Growth Stock 3: California Resources (CRC) - California Resources has shifted towards green-energy initiatives and has increased its quarterly distribution by 128% since its initiation [15]. - The company has been profitable since emerging from bankruptcy in 2021 and has seen its shares triple since relisting [16]. Dividend Growth Stock 4: RLJ Lodging Trust (RLJ) - RLJ Lodging Trust reduced its dividend significantly during the pandemic but has since increased it by 1,400% from its low point [19]. - Analysts project a 40% AFFO payout ratio for RLJ, indicating potential for further dividend growth [20]. Dividend Growth Stock 5: Coca-Cola Consolidated (COKE) - Coca-Cola Consolidated has shown consistent top-line growth and recently announced a $16-per-share special dividend, along with a quintupled regular payout to $2.50 per share [24]. - The company currently pays out only 15% of its earnings as dividends, suggesting room for future increases [24].

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