Group 1: Mastercard - Mastercard has delivered significant returns, more than doubling investors' money in five years and generating 6x returns in ten years [4] - The company processed transactions worth $9.8 trillion in 2024 and has 1.1 billion cards in circulation worldwide [5] - In Q1, Mastercard's revenue grew by 14% year over year, driven by cross-border volume growth of 15%, with an operating margin of 57.2% [7] - The company is innovating with technologies like artificial intelligence, positioning itself well in the shift from cash to digital payments [8] Group 2: Waste Management - Waste Management has generated nearly 50% in total returns over three years, 160% over five years, and 470% over ten years [9] - The company expanded its business by acquiring Stericycle, expecting $250 million in synergies through 2027, which is double its original expectations [11] - Waste Management is focusing on scaling its core operations through acquisitions and has a robust pipeline of opportunities [12] - The company has increased its dividend for 22 consecutive years, demonstrating a commitment to shareholder returns [13] Group 3: BYD - BYD has surpassed Tesla in sales volumes and revenue, becoming the world's largest EV maker with over $100 billion in revenue in 2024 [15] - The company's net income jumped 100% year over year in Q1, indicating strong financial performance [15] - BYD is one of the largest battery manufacturers globally, providing a competitive advantage in costs and supply [17] - The company is expanding rapidly, entering new markets and opening showrooms, which positions it for continued growth [17][18]

It hasn't been an easy year for electric vehicle maker Tesla (TSLA -3.08%), which has seen its stock fall roughly 30% this year (as of April 30 market close). The company reported disappointing first-quarter results, with deliveries of roughly 337,000 coming in the lowest level seen since 2022.Many investors and analysts have also suspected that CEO Elon Musk's work with the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has hurt the brand. However, investors got some reprieve during Tesla's first-quarter earni ...