Heidrick & Struggles: A Well-Growing, Defensive 5.8 EV/EBITDA Pick
Seeking Alpha· 2025-05-20 16:19
I am an avid investor with a major focus on small cap companies with experience in investing in US, Canadian, and European markets. My investment philosophy to generating great returns on the stock market revolves around identifying mispriced securities by understanding the drivers behind a company's financials, and ultimately, most often revealed by a DCF model valuation. This methodology doesn't limit an investor into rigid traditional value, dividend, or growth investing, but rather accounts for all of a ...
Reddit vs. Bumble: Which Social Networking Stock is a Better Buy?
ZACKS· 2025-05-20 16:15
Core Viewpoint - The social networking market is projected to experience significant growth, with Reddit (RDDT) and Bumble (BMBL) positioned to benefit from this trend, although BMBL shows greater upside potential due to stronger earnings growth and a cheaper valuation [2][15]. Group 1: Market Overview - The global social networking market size is expected to grow from $95.33 billion in 2025 to $209.82 billion by 2030, reflecting a CAGR of 17.09% [2]. - Both RDDT and BMBL are likely to capitalize on the rapid growth in the social networking sector [2]. Group 2: Reddit (RDDT) Analysis - RDDT's advertising revenue increased by 61% year over year, reaching $358.6 million in Q1 2025 [3]. - Weekly active users grew by 31% to 401 million, while daily active users also rose by 31% to 108 million, indicating increased engagement [3]. - The introduction of Reddit Answers, an AI-powered search tool, reached one million weekly users and expanded globally [4]. - Enhancements to Reddit Pro in May 2025 included streamlined profile setup and new tools for businesses to engage with communities [5]. - Despite these advancements, RDDT faces intense competition and a stretched valuation, which may hinder its market share in advertising [16]. Group 3: Bumble (BMBL) Analysis - BMBL is enhancing user experience through new features, AI-driven personalized matching, and growth in its Bumble BFF friendship platform [6][7]. - The Bumble BFF platform has over one million active users, particularly appealing to Gen Z and young professionals [8]. - BMBL is actively removing bots and low-quality profiles to foster a trusted community, which is crucial for sustainable growth [9]. Group 4: Financial Performance and Valuation - Year-to-date, RDDT and BMBL shares have declined by 34% and 30%, respectively, due to a challenging macroeconomic environment [10]. - RDDT shares are currently overvalued with a Value Score of F, while BMBL shares are trading at a cheaper valuation with a Value Score of A [12]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for RDDT's 2025 earnings is $1.21 per share, reflecting a 136.34% year-over-year increase, while BMBL's estimate is 86 cents per share, indicating a 118.66% increase [14]. Group 5: Conclusion - BMBL is positioned for long-term success with its focus on expanding its platform beyond dating, AI-driven personalization, and engagement with Gen Z [15]. - RDDT's growth is hindered by competition and valuation concerns, making BMBL a stronger investment choice [15][17].
Corebridge Stock Up 7.6% Since Q1 Earnings Beat Estimates
ZACKS· 2025-05-20 16:15
Core Points - Corebridge Financial, Inc. (CRBG) shares increased by 7.6% following the release of first-quarter 2025 results, which showed better-than-expected earnings driven by higher investment income and reduced expenses, despite declines in Life Insurance and institutional market premiums and deposits [1][2] - The company reported operating earnings per share of $1.16, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 0.9%, and reflecting a 5.5% year-over-year increase [2] - Adjusted revenues fell 19% year over year to $4.7 billion, missing the consensus estimate by 9.2% [2] Operational Performance - Premiums and deposits totaled $9.3 billion, down 12% year over year, with a 6% decline when excluding transactional activity and international business sales, primarily due to lower fixed annuity deposits [3] - Net investment income rose by 10.6% year over year to $2.9 billion, attributed to increased base portfolio income and variable investment income [3] - Total benefits and expenses decreased by 7.6% year over year to $4.5 billion, driven by lower policyholder benefits and general operating expenses [4] Segment Performance - **Individual Retirement**: Premiums and deposits were $4.7 billion, down 3% year over year, while fee income increased by 0.3% to $308 million [5] - **Group Retirement**: Premiums and deposits fell 11% year over year to $1.8 billion, with fee income improving by 2.6% to $195 million [7] - **Life Insurance**: Premiums and deposits decreased by 22% year over year to $856 million, but adjusted pre-tax operating income doubled to $108 million due to improved underwriting margins [8] - **Institutional Markets**: Premiums and deposits dropped 25% year over year to $1.9 billion, with fee income declining by 6.3% to $15 million [9] Financial Position - As of March 31, 2025, Corebridge had a cash balance of $393 million, down from $806 million at the end of 2024, while total investments increased to $250.2 billion from $243.8 billion [12] - Total assets rose to $390 billion from $389.4 billion at the end of 2024, with total equity increasing by 4.1% to $12.8 billion [13] Shareholder Returns - In the first quarter, Corebridge repurchased common shares worth $321 million and paid quarterly dividends totaling $133 million [14]
These 3 AI-Related Stocks Crushed Earnings
ZACKS· 2025-05-20 16:15
Earnings season continues to move rapidly, with many companies unveiling quarterly results daily. So far, the period has been positive, though it’s worth noting that estimates for the current period (Q2) have trickled lower in recent weeks.But throughout the Q1 cycle so far, several companies involved in the AI frenzy – Palantir (PLTR) and Tempus AI (TEM) , and Comfort Systems USA (FIX) – posted results that had investors pleased, with each seeing bullish post-earnings reactions.Let’s take a closer look at ...
8x8 Cash Flow Hits Record in Q4 2025
The Motley Fool· 2025-05-20 16:11
8x8 generated $63.6 million in operating cash flow in FY2025, bringing its two-year total to over $142 million marking the highest consecutive two-year period of non-GAAP operating cash flow in company history.8x8, Inc. (EGHT -2.78%) reported fourth quarter and fiscal year 2025 results on May 19, 2025, highlighting accelerated growth in core service revenue (non-GAAP) and record multi-year cash generation (non-GAAP). The company made significant progress in platform innovation, customer upgrades, and debt r ...
VERAXA Biotech Appoints Rick Austin as Chief Scientific Officer
GlobeNewswire News Room· 2025-05-20 16:10
ZURICH, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- VERAXA Biotech AG (“VERAXA”), an emerging leader in designing novel cancer therapies and proposed de-SPAC acquisition target of Voyager Acquisition Corp. (NASDAQ:VACH, “Voyager”), announced today the appointment of Rick Austin, Ph.D. as Chief Scientific Officer, effective May 1st. Dr. Austin brings more than 25 years of leadership across oncology discovery and early development and will play a key role In advancing VERAXA's BiTAC platform and clinical-stage pipeline. ...
Amazon: 3 Scenarios For 2025
Seeking Alpha· 2025-05-20 16:07
Group 1 - Amazon's stock price has increased by approximately 12% in May 2025, following a weak start to the year [1] - Despite the recent rise, the stock price has not recovered sufficiently from earlier weaknesses experienced in 2025 [1] Group 2 - The article mentions a macroeconomist with over 20 years of experience in investment management, stock broking, and investment banking [1] - The macroeconomist runs a profile focused on generational opportunities in the green economy, indicating a potential area of investment interest [1]
AvalonBay Vs. Equity Residential: One Has Clearer Growth Catalysts
Seeking Alpha· 2025-05-20 16:07
Group 1 - AvalonBay Communities (NYSE: AVB) and Equity Residential (NYSE: EQR) have established strong portfolios in competitive rental markets across the United States [1] - The dynamics of the rental market are expected to change significantly by 2025, impacting both companies [1]
Summer Seats and Where to Eat: OpenTable Reveals the Season's Outdoor Dining Capitals and Their Must-Visit Restaurants
Prnewswire· 2025-05-20 16:03
Core Insights - New research indicates that 55% of Americans prefer outdoor dining when the weather is pleasant, with 34% willing to dine outside even in unexpected weather conditions [1][3] - OpenTable has identified cities with the highest outdoor dining demand during the summer months, including Austin, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, and Washington D.C. [1][4] - OpenTable is launching a list of Top Restaurants for Outdoor Dining, based on over 10 million diner reviews and demand metrics [1][4] Company Insights - OpenTable is a global leader in restaurant technology, assisting over 60,000 restaurants worldwide in filling 1.8 billion seats annually [6] - The company aims to enhance the dining experience by providing data-backed lists and curated guides to help diners find suitable outdoor dining options [1][6] - OpenTable's methodology for ranking restaurants includes various metrics such as diner ratings, percentage of five-star reviews, and advance reservations [4] Industry Trends - There is a growing trend among pet owners, with 54% of dog owners having dined with their pets, yet 65% face challenges in finding pet-friendly restaurants [1][3] - The outdoor dining season is particularly significant in cooler climates, indicating a seasonal opportunity for restaurants to increase revenue [1][3] - The demand for outdoor dining options is expected to continue, driven by consumer preferences for dining experiences that include outdoor settings [1][4]
Is Robinhood The Next Charles Schwab?
Seeking Alpha· 2025-05-20 16:01
Core Insights - Robinhood Markets (NASDAQ: HOOD) emerged as a standout stock for investors in 2024, following a positive outlook post-election [1] Group 1 - The stock was highlighted as one of the better investment calls made in November 2024 [1] - The post-election buying trend for Robinhood was perceived as a logical investment decision [1]