Prudential Is Said to Seek $12 Billion Value on India JV Listing
Prudential Plc is considering seeking a valuation of about $12 billion for ICICI Prudential Asset Management Co. in a potential initial public offering of the Indian unit, according to people familiar with the matter.
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Miami Herald
an hour ago
- Miami Herald
Brazil bolsters economy in response to U.S. tariffs
Aug. 20 (UPI) -- After Washington imposed 50% tariffs on Brazilian exports, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva's government launched the Sovereign Brazil Plan, a $5.5 billion emergency package combining subsidized credit and guarantees for the hardest-hit exporters. The initiative also includes tax deferrals, tax credits through 2026, expanded access to insurance against canceled orders and public purchases to absorb agricultural and industrial surpluses. The aid -- tied to preserving jobs -- is paired with a diplomatic push and efforts to open new markets to prevent production cuts and protect growth. "We cannot be scared, nervous or anxious when there is a crisis. A crisis is for creating new things," Lula said Aug. 13 as he presented the measures. According to Brazil's Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services, the 50% tariff imposed by the United States affects 35.9% of Brazilian exports to the U.S. market. That was equal to $14.5 billion out of $40.4 billion in 2024, hitting key goods such as coffee, beef and sugar. In the short term, the Sovereign Brazil Plan will serve as a liquidity and risk buffer for the hardest-hit companies, providing loans and guarantees to ease cash shortages and prevent production shutdowns. At the same time, public purchases will act as a "demand floor" for sectors facing perishability or sudden drops in orders -- including meat, fruit and seafood -- to stabilize producers' income and prevent ripple effects in transport, logistics and services. The measure also buys time for the external track of the plan: challenging the unilateral tariffs at the World Trade Organization and, foremost, diversifying markets. According to the Brazilian government, 397 new markets have opened in less than three years, expanding the customer base for "Made in Brazil" products. With partial access to the U.S. market cut off, Brazil has moved on two fronts: the BRICS/Global South and deeper trade agreements with China. According to Brazil's presidency, Lula and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke by phone Aug. 7 to discuss the economic situation and the unilateral tariffs that have hit both countries hardest. Lula and Modi agreed to strengthen bilateral trade and pledged to expand the Mercosur-India agreement to raise exchanges to more than $20 billion before 2030. They are preparing visits and business missions to open opportunities in trade, defense, energy and technology. With China -- its main partner -- Brazil relies on a strategic relationship backed by about $4.7 billion in Chinese investment in infrastructure, renewable energy and agribusiness, helping redirect exports and reduce dependence on the dollar. At the regional level, Ecuadorian President Daniel Noboa met Monday with Lula in Brasília, where they agreed to boost bilateral trade and coordinate responses to what they see as U.S. protectionism. Brazil also signaled it was willing to lower tariffs on some Ecuadorian products hit with an additional 15% U.S. duty, which affected exports of bananas, shrimp and flowers. In recent months, Brazil has revived its Mercosur agreement with the European Union, reached a deal with the European Free Trade Association and advanced negotiations with the Gulf states and Canada, along with new contacts with Vietnam. Ricardo Alban, president of the National Confederation of Industry, called the federal government's measures positive steps to mitigate the impact of the 50% U.S. tariff on Brazilian exporters. "We welcome these measures because they address many of the demands raised by industries, federations and industry associations, and also because they include two basic principles: continuing negotiations as a priority and adopting new measures if needed," Alban said. Brazil's National Confederation of Commerce in Goods, Services and Tourism said reducing risks in foreign trade requires diversifying markets, expanding trade agreements and strengthening economic diplomacy. The group also called for steps to contain production costs, rising prices and slowing economic activity, while preserving jobs and supporting solid growth in Brazil. The International Monetary Fund projects Brazil's economy will grow 2.3% in 2025, down from 3.4% in 2024. Copyright 2025 UPI News Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
Yahoo
3 hours ago
- Yahoo
BMBL vs. META: Which Social Connection Stock Offers Better Upside?
In the evolving landscape of social connectivity platforms, Bumble BMBL and Meta Platforms META stand as two distinctive players addressing the fundamental human need for connection. Bumble, the dating and social networking platform founded in 2014, operates through its flagship app alongside Badoo and Bumble For Friends, serving approximately four million paying users globally. Meta Platforms, the social media giant formerly known as Facebook, commands an impressive 3.48 billion daily active users across its family of apps, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and the rapidly growing Threads operating in different segments of the social connection ecosystem, both companies face a critical juncture in 2025. Bumble is undergoing a comprehensive strategic reset under returning founder-CEO Whitney Wolfe Herd, implementing a 30% workforce reduction and pivoting toward AI-driven quality improvements. Meanwhile, Meta Platforms is aggressively investing in artificial intelligence and its next-generation Llama 4 models, with capital expenditures expected to reach $66-$72 billion in 2025. The timing makes this comparison particularly relevant as investors evaluate which social connection stock offers superior growth delve deep and closely compare the fundamentals of the two stocks to determine which one is a better investment now. The Case for BMBL Bumble's investment thesis centers on its ongoing transformation and potential for operational improvement. The company recently appointed Kevin Cook as CFO in August 2025, bringing more than 30 years of financial management experience from companies like Cloudera and Barracuda Networks. This leadership change, combined with founder Whitney Wolfe Herd's return as CEO, signals a renewed focus on strategic execution. The company has identified $40 million in annual cost savings through restructuring efforts, removing $100 million from its cost base while streamlining operations. Despite facing headwinds with second-quarter revenues declining 8% year over year to $248 million, Bumble maintained adjusted EBITDA margins of 38%, demonstrating resilient profitability during its company's strategic pivot from quantity to quality represents both opportunity and challenge. Bumble is rebuilding its technology stack with AI-first principles, integrating trust and safety features, including phone and ID verification systems. Management has categorized users into three segments — Approve, Improve, and Remove — focusing on enhancing experiences for high-quality members. Full-price payers increased quarter over quarter, now representing 80% of total payers compared to 70% in the first quarter. The company plans significant product launches in August 2025 and February 2026, emphasizing innovative features that could differentiate it in the competitive dating app landscape. However, Bumble faces considerable challenges, including declining paying users, with third-quarter 2025 guidance projecting revenues between $240 million and $248 million, representing a 9-12% year-over-year decrease. Competition from Match Group's portfolio remains intense, and the company must prove that its turnaround strategy can reignite sustainable growth. Bumble Inc. Price and Consensus Bumble Inc. price-consensus-chart | Bumble Inc. Quote The Case for META Meta Platforms presents a compelling growth story powered by robust advertising revenues and transformative AI investments. The company delivered exceptional second-quarter results with revenues of $47.52 billion, up 22% year over year, dramatically exceeding analyst expectations of $44.80 billion. Earnings per share reached $7.14 while net income surged 36% to $18.34 billion. This performance strength extends into the third quarter of 2025, with guidance projecting revenues between $47.5 billion and $50.5 billion, representing 17-24% growth. Meta Platforms' advertising business, generating 98% of total revenues, continues demonstrating remarkable resilience with ad revenues reaching $46.6 billion, benefiting from AI-driven improvements that increased ad conversions by 5% on Instagram and 3% on Platforms' strategic positioning in AI represents a significant competitive advantage, backed by substantial investment, with 2025 capital expenditures expected between $66 billion and $72 billion. The company established Meta Superintelligence Labs and is advancing its Llama 4 model series, with Scout and Maverick variants already released and the powerful Behemoth model still in training. Meta AI is on track to become the world's most used AI assistant, already reaching nearly 600 million monthly active users. The Threads platform continues gaining momentum with 350 million monthly active users. Additionally, Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses are gaining traction, contributing to Reality Labs' $370 million in second-quarter revenues. While Reality Labs posted a $4.53 billion operating loss, the company's core business strength easily absorbs these strategic investments while maintaining impressive 43% operating margins. Meta Platforms, Inc. Price and Consensus Meta Platforms, Inc. price-consensus-chart | Meta Platforms, Inc. Quote Valuation and Price Performance Comparison The valuation divergence between these stocks reflects their different growth trajectories. Bumble trades at a significant discount of 21.75 P/E ratio. Despite the discounted valuation, investor sentiment remains cautious with a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) rating. Meta Platforms commands a premium valuation justified by superior growth metrics. The stock trades at approximately 25.98 P/E. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. BMBL vs. META: P/E F12M Ratio Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Year to date, META shares have gained approximately 25.6%, significantly outperforming broader indices. The company's quarterly dividend of 52 cents per share and $50 billion buyback authorization further enhance shareholder returns. Bumble shares have declined 22.6% in the same time frame. BMBL Underperforms META YTD Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Conclusion While Bumble trades at an attractive discount and shows potential for operational improvement under new leadership, Meta Platforms holds superior upside potential. Meta Platforms' dominant market position, exceptional 22% revenue growth, and leadership in AI development through Llama 4 models create multiple growth catalysts. The company's advertising business remains remarkably resilient, generating strong cash flows, funding aggressive AI investments while maintaining 43% operating margins. META's diversified platform ecosystem provides multiple expansion avenues. Despite premium valuation, META's proven execution, technological advantages, and financial strength position it for sustained outperformance. Investors should actively track META stock for attractive entry points while adopting a wait-and-see approach with Bumble until clearer evidence emerges of successful turnaround execution. Meta Platforms stock carries a Zacks Rank #3 at present. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Bumble Inc. (BMBL) : Free Stock Analysis Report Meta Platforms, Inc. (META) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Miami Herald
3 hours ago
- Miami Herald
India and China to explore border demarcation amid US tensions
India and China have agreed to explore demarcating their disputed border, a key move toward resolving decades-old territorial disputes as the neighbors look to recalibrate ties against the backdrop of strained India-U.S. relations. The two sides will set up an expert group to examine an interim arrangement for marking out border areas, India's Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday. The decision came as Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi wrapped up a two-day visit to India - his first in three years. A statement from the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that the expert group will "explore advancing boundary delimitation negotiations in areas where conditions are ripe," without specifying which ones. The world's two most-populous nations have clashed repeatedly over their disputed border in the past 70 years. Ties plunged sharply in 2020 after a deadly confrontation but have recently been on the mend, with efforts gaining urgency amid U.S. President Donald Trump's tariff policy. Experts on both sides said the decision to explore an initial border arrangement marks a major step in recalibrating ties. The idea offers a "way forward," said Josef Gregory Mahoney, a professor of international relations at Shanghai's East China Normal University. "It will lead to difficult questions about other border areas but help foster mechanisms and trust for resolving them." The decision comes as New Delhi pursues stronger engagement with China and fellow BRICS nations, against the backdrop of strained ties with Washington after Trump's 50% tariff. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to meet President Xi Jinping when he visits China to attend a regional summit later this month, marking his first trip to the country in seven years. Wang - who was in Delhi partly to lay the groundwork for Modi's visit - also met with India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval on Tuesday and the two officials expressed satisfaction with the progress on border talks. At a briefing on Wednesday, China's Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said the two sides reached "new common understandings" during Wang's trip, adding that the "hard-won results should be cherished." Beyond border talks, the two sides have also moved forward in other areas. Beijing has also loosened curbs on urea exports, New Delhi has reinstated tourist visas for Chinese nationals, while a growing number of Indian businesses have been seeking partnerships with Chinese companies for deals including technology transfers, Bloomberg News has reported. Copyright (C) 2025, Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Portions copyrighted by the respective providers.
