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Yahoo
30-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Market Watch: US Earnings Roundup. What Investors Need to Know This Week
It's earnings season in the US, and the latest batch of corporate results offers a mixed bag for investors trying to make sense of the current market environment. From pharmaceuticals to streaming services, let's take a closer look at five notable names that made headlines this week Spotify (NYSE: SPOT) shares fell 9.6%to $540.10 on Tuesday after the company gave a weaker-than-expected performance outlook for profit and subscriber growth. It saw a 12% increase in subscribers in the first quarter to 268 million, but investors weren't celebrating as the music streaming company missed profit expectations. The company reported an operating profit that fell short, weighed down by over €76 million in 'social charges'—essentially payroll taxes tied to employee salaries and benefits. American Tower (NYSE: AMT) reported a revenue increase to $2,563 million, despite a sharp drop in net income to $489 million. Investor sentiment was lifted by a dividend hike to $1.70 per share and the issuance of $1 billion in senior notes, and while results were mixed, the broader outlook tied to 5G demand remains positive. Starbucks (NYSE: SBUX) reported fiscal Q2 revenue of $8.76 billion, a 2% year-on-year increase that came in just below expectations. Adjusted earnings per share fell to $0.41 from $0.68 a year ago, missing forecasted projections. Global same-store sales declined 1%, driven by lower transaction volumes despite ongoing turnaround efforts under CEO Brian Niccol. The weaker-than-expected results led to a more than 6% drop in shares during after-hours trading. Coca-Cola (NYSE: KO) beat Q1 earnings and revenue estimates, fueled by price hikes and steady demand for its beverages, including Fairlife and energy drinks. Despite a 2% decline in net revenues to $11.1 billion, the company maintained its full-year guidance, expecting 5-6% organic revenue growth and 2-3% EPS growth. The company also addressed concerns over tariffs, stating that the impact is expected to be manageable. Pfizer (NYSE: PFE) beat earnings expectations in Q1 2025, reporting an adjusted EPS of $0.92. This was despite an 8% drop in revenue to $13.7 billion. The decline was driven by sharply lower sales of Paxlovid (an oral antiviral medication to treat COVID-19) as pandemic-related demand continues to earnings beat was powered by aggressive cost-cutting. Pfizer is targeting $4.5 billion in savings by end-2025 and reaffirmed its full-year guidance. Discover how to turn market volatility into potential gains with smart, adaptable strategies. Join us at our webinar, 'How to Invest US$20,000 Amid the Great Uncertainty' and unlock the path to a more secure financial future, even in the face of the Great Uncertainty. Click here to claim your free access! Joanna Sng of The Smart Investor owns shares of Starbucks. The post Market Watch: US Earnings Roundup. What Investors Need to Know This Week appeared first on The Smart Investor.
Yahoo
27-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Smart Reads of the Week: Growth, Dividends and What to Do in a Market Correction
Markets may be volatile, but that hasn't stopped savvy investors from looking for opportunity. Whether it's building a dividend-paying portfolio, finding dependable growth stocks, or taking advantage of a market correction, this week's Smart Reads is full of actionable insights to help you grow your portfolio and stay focused on the long game. If you've ever wondered how to invest a fresh lump sum, we've got you covered. We spotlight four blue-chip Singapore stocks we'd seriously consider if we had S$20,000 to invest. These companies offer a strong mix of stability, track record, and room to grow. Meanwhile, income seekers and growth-focused investors alike will find value in our latest stock roundups. From mid-cap names and REITs to US stocks offering both dividends and growth, this week's picks are all about building a balanced portfolio that works through different market cycles. And if recent volatility has you feeling uneasy, we share our perspective on how to make the most of a market correction — including what not to do, and how to keep your long-term strategy intact. 4 Singapore Blue-Chip Stocks I Intend to Buy If I Had S$20,000 If you're starting fresh or topping up your portfolio, these blue-chip stocks offer a solid foundation. Looking for Attractive Growth Stocks? Here Are 4 That You Can Add to Your Portfolio These companies are growing steadily and could be great long-term additions to your watchlist. Looking to Improve Your Dividend Income? These 4 Singapore Stocks Should Do the Trick Build stronger passive income with these Singapore stocks offering attractive and sustainable yields. 4 US Stocks Delivering an Attractive Mix of Growth and Dividends A rare blend of income and expansion, these US stocks tick both boxes. How to Make the Most of a Market Correction Market dips don't have to derail your goals. Here's how to stay calm and spot opportunity. 4 Mid-Cap Singapore Stocks Providing Both Growth and Dividends These mid-sized names offer an appealing mix of capital appreciation and income. 4 Singapore REITs That Reported Higher Distributable Income These REITs are increasing their payouts, a strong sign for income-focused investors. 5 Dividend-Paying Singapore Stocks That Are Perfect for an Income Investor's Portfolio These five stocks combine consistency and yield, making them ideal for long-term income. Want to stay abreast of the latest investing news, analyses, and stories for FREE? Subscribe to our weekly email, Smart Reads, now to receive a curated list of our top articles weekly. CLICK HERE to subscribe now! Follow us on Facebook and Telegram for the latest investing news and analyses! The post Smart Reads of the Week: Growth, Dividends and What to Do in a Market Correction appeared first on The Smart Investor.
Yahoo
03-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Trump's Global Tariff Shock: What Should Singapore Investors Do Now?
US President Donald Trump's at it again – this time with a blanket 10% tariff on all imports. US President Donald Trump has announced a sweeping 10% tariff on all imports, with higher rates targeting specific countries. This time, no country is spared. With fears of a global trade war reigniting, investors might be asking: What should I do now? Should I sell? Should I wait? Or should I switch to 'safer' assets? These are natural questions – but they can also lead to costly decisions if made in panic. At The Smart Investor, we believe in staying grounded and keeping our focus on long-term fundamentals. Here's why. This isn't the first time Trump has played the tariff card. We saw this play out during his previous term – from steel tariffs in 2018 to the prolonged US-China trade war. Markets dropped sharply back then too – but over time, quality companies with strong fundamentals recovered and even thrived. As long-term investors, we don't invest in headlines. We invest in businesses. The question to ask isn't, 'What will the market do tomorrow?' The question to ask ourselves should be, 'Will the companies I own still be profitable, competitive, and growing five or ten years from now?' For example, many of the 26 stocks in our Smart Dividend Portfolio have strong cash flows and consistent dividend payouts. They may wobble in the short term, but their long-term outlook remains intact. Tariffs introduce uncertainty, and stock markets hate uncertainty. That's why you'll often see sharp sell-offs. When a company's share price drops, it is not always because the company is actually worth less, but because investors are nervous. This can be a good thing. If you've been eyeing a strong dividend stock or a blue-chip Singapore company with solid fundamentals, but hesitated to buy because of its share price, this might be your chance. Long-term investing is like shopping for groceries: it's better to buy when quality goods are on discount, not when prices are high. It's true: some industries will be hit harder than others. Exporters who rely heavily on US markets could face margin pressure if costs rise or demand drops. Manufacturers tied to global supply chains might see disruption. But not every company is equally exposed. In fact, many Singapore-listed firms generate revenues primarily from Southeast Asia or local operations. Companies in utilities, real estate, telecommunications, banks, or even consumer services may be largely insulated from direct tariff impacts. As an investor, this is your edge: by doing your homework and choosing resilient businesses, you can reduce risk without exiting the market. When markets are volatile, dividends become more than just a nice-to-have. They act as a buffer—a source of predictable income even as share prices move up and down. That's one reason why we continue to favour Singapore dividend stocks. When a business pays a reliable dividend, it signals confidence in its cash flow. And during uncertain times like these, that reliability is worth its weight in gold. It's tempting to 'wait things out' or move to cash when big geopolitical headlines hit. But more often than not, missing the rebound can be far more damaging than riding out a dip. The best investors don't try to time every twist and turn. They build a solid portfolio, reinvest dividends, and stay invested through the noise. Remember: your investment plan should be built to withstand shocks – not just the good times. Trump's sweeping import tariffs have rattled markets and stirred anxiety among investors. But in times like these, the smartest thing you can do is to stick to your long-term investment strategy. If you've invested in strong businesses with resilient cash flows and minimal exposure to global trade risks, there's no need to panic. In fact, you may even view this as an opportunity. This is the time to review your portfolio, not abandon it. Focus on fundamentals. Stay disciplined. And remember – uncertainty doesn't have to be your enemy. Uncertainty can be used to your advantage, if you're willing to think long term. The post Trump's Global Tariff Shock: What Should Singapore Investors Do Now? appeared first on The Smart Investor.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Weekly Roundup: Declines in Markets over Tariff Uncertainties in the US
U.S. stocks suffered a decline this week due to tariff uncertainties, marking their worst weekly performance since early September. Shares in South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong and Malaysia followed suit while Australian stocks took the biggest hit falling 1.8% to a 10-week low. The benchmark Straits Times Index (SGX: ^STI) closed at 3,914.48 this week, inching down 0.1 per cent or 2.58 points. UOL Group Limited (SGX: U14) The top gainer on the STI this week, UOL Group's share price rose by 1.6 percent or S$0.09 to S$5.81. This gain follows the release of the group's third-quarter 2024 earnings with a reported revenue of S$2.79 billion and earnings of S$358.2 million. Hongkong Land Holdings Ltd (SGX: H78) The property giant posted an underlying profit of US$410 million for the financial year ended Dec 31, 2024, down 44 per cent from US$734 million a year ago. The group's financial position remains strong, with a pipeline of ultra-premium properties under development, its share price fell 2.6 per cent or US$0.12 to US$4.46, making it the top loser at close of market on 7 March 2025. Singapore Banks Reflecting the unpredictability of tariff negotiation outcomes, share prices of Singapore's banks were mixed with DBS up 0.04 per cent to $45.98 and UOB ahead 0.1 per cent to $38.63, but OCBC lost 0.2 per cent to $17.16. US markets have been hit with yet another wave of uncertainties over US President Donald Trump's flip-flop back pedalling tariff policies regarding trade with Mexico, Canada and China. While markets closed slightly higher on 7 March 2025 following Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell's comment that the economy was 'in a good place,' but uncertainty about U.S. trade policy led to Wall Street's biggest weekly decline in months. Hewlett Packard Enterprises (NYSE: HPE) Share price of the AI-server marker fell 13% on Friday as it announced that its annual profit forecast would be hit by U.S. tariffs in an intensely competitive market. It has also said that jobs would be cut amidst stiff competition from rivals Dell and Super Micro Computer. Costco Wholesale Corp (NASDAQ: COST) Costco fell 6% after the retailer missed Wall Street estimates on quarterly earnings as merchandise costs increased. The membership-only retailer would consider making changes to its international supply chain if tariffs lead to big price hikes and source from countries not affected by the policies. Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ: AVGO) Broadcom's stock soared 6% on Friday 7 March 2025 following the company's upbeat revenue forecast reviving investor confidence in AI chip demand. Broadcom's software revenue grew 47% in the first quarter to $6.70 billion, representing more than 40% of total sales. Ready to discover the next $100 billion stock? Our newest FREE report dives deep into five popular SGX companies that many say are the next big thing. Read The Smart Investor team's findings to guide your investment strategy. Click the link here to download now. Follow The Smart Investor on Facebook and Telegram for the latest investing news and analyses! Disclosures: Joanna Sng of The Smart Investor owns shares in DBS, OCBC and UOB. The post Weekly Roundup: Declines in Markets over Tariff Uncertainties in the US appeared first on The Smart Investor.
