(ASX: XJO) stock ( ) is slipping in early trade today. Shares in the $29 billion insurance company closed yesterday trading at $19.34. In morning trade on Wednesday, shares are changing hands for $19.24 apiece, down 0.4%. For some context, the ASX 200 is up 0.4% at this same time. However, this still sees QBE shares up a healthy 31% in 2024. The stock also trades on a partly franked 3.7% trailing yield. Today's dip comes on the heels of QBE's third quarter (Q3 2024) performance . Here's what we know. (Note: share price quotes above are in Aussie dollars. All figures below are in US dollars.) Investors are mixed on the QBE share price after the ASX 200 stock reported year-on-year gross written premium (GWP) growth of 2% for the nine months to 30 September. That was on both a reported and constant currency basis. Management attributed the continued growth to group-wide renewal premium rate increases of 5.9%. In the third quarter, however, renewal premium rate increases dipped to 4.9%. The ASX 200 stock also noted the sizeable impact that North American storms have had on catastrophe claims. According to the release: Following an active hurricane season and a number of notable secondary perils over recent months, 2024 industry insured losses are expected to be significant, and track well in excess of $100B. QBE expects a calmer second half for catastrophe experience, with its net cost of catastrophe claims in the four months to October coming in at around $425 million. The company's 2H 2024 catastrophe allowance is $671 million. As for North American Crop, the company expects an FY 2024 Crop combined operating ratio of approximately 94%. Management noted that, "Current indications suggest yields will not be as favourable as pre-harvest projections, but still strong enough to broadly offset the impact of lower commodity prices." On a positive note, the ASX 200 stock cited "excellent results in both fixed income and risk asset portfolios" for the investment performance achieved in the third quarter. Total investment (FUM) for 3Q 2024 was $33.4 billion, up from $30.5 billion at 1H 2024. Looking at what might impact the $29 billion ASX 200 stock in the months ahead, the insurer reiterated its full-year outlook. Management anticipates constant currency GWP growth of around 3%. This includes the $600 million hit from exited portfolios, which is about $50 million more than previously expected. QBE expects an FY 2024 combined operating ratio of around 93.5%. That figure assumes that catastrophe experience tracks in line with the company's 2H 2024 catastrophe allowance and that Crop is broadly in line with management's expectations.Daryl Vaz declares Portland ‘Vaz land’NoneAddressing 1,100 business leaders at the NI Chamber’s annual President’s Banquet, its president Caitroina McCusker said members had communicated their unease following the announcement from Chancellor Rachel Reeves last month. The Budget ushered in changes which will hit business hard, including increases in employer national insurance contributions, as well as changes to business asset disposal relief and inheritance tax. Ms McCusker said: “I have heard from many of our members that the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget has thrown obstacles into the path of businesses and that the acceleration of the tax burden adds to the already high cost of doing business, leaving some employers with tough choices if they are to remain competitive and grow.” She said it had compounded other, existing problems. “Confidence is not where it should be. "We need to pick up the pace on many issues to unlock growth including wastewater, planning, skills, childcare and digital connectivity.” Ms McCusker called for innovation in the economy, with measures including the use of AI in public sector transformation. And the PwC boss stressed that getting Northern Ireland ‘back on track’ with its climate change targets could unlock a wall of green capital and investment. Ms McCusker, regional market leader at the business advisory firm, said a new workforce development agency could ensure the region has the skills needed in a digital economy, and called for solutions to ‘the burden of unaffordable childcare.’ The business leader also challenged business and political leaders in the room to “reflect on how we can each use our imaginations constructively to identify opportunities that others may overlook, challenge the status quo and raise our collective ambition”. Reflecting on a year which saw the devolved institutions restored, she called for greater partnership between the public, private and third sectors, saying: “We now have a draft Programme for Government, a budget and a legislative programme. "Now, we need to build on that. Through collaboration, co-design and co-delivery we have so much potential to deliver for our economy and most importantly, for our people.” To address the issues at play, she said there was a need for a “long-term economic plan which not only recognises the stark realities but with ambition addresses them head on, supporting our businesses to invest, innovate, export and succeed.” The event was sponsored by NI Chamber’s communications partner BT, along with supporting sponsors ABL Group, Barclays, Mattioli Woods and Tughans, as well as drinks reception sponsor Vanrath, Media Partner, Bauer Media Group and drinks partner, Diageo. Children’s author and TV star David Walliams was the event’s guest speaker. Paul Murnaghan, regional director for business, BT in Northern Ireland, added: “BT is delighted to once again support the Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce’s President’s Banquet, a flagship event in the NI business calendar. "Now in our 18th year of collaboration and partnership, we congratulate the Chamber who work tirelessly throughout the year for the benefit of all NI businesses large and small. "The banquet presents a great opportunity to network, celebrate successes and also to come together and explore opportunities and debate challenges facing businesses and the NI economy.”
Afghan women turn to entrepreneurshipMELBOURNE, Australia -- Australia’s House of Representatives on Wednesday passed a bill that would ban children younger than 16 years old from social media , leaving it to the Senate to finalize the world-first law. The major parties backed the bill that would make platforms including TikTok, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X and Instagram liable for fines of up to 50 million Australian dollars ($33 million) for systemic failures to prevent young children from holding accounts. The legislation was passed with 102 votes in favor to 13 against. If the bill becomes law this week, the platforms would have one year to work out how to implement the age restrictions before the penalties are enforced. Opposition lawmaker Dan Tehan told Parliament the government had agreed to accept amendments in the Senate that would bolster privacy protections. Platforms would not be allowed to compel users to provide government-issued identity documents including passports or driver’s licenses. The platforms also could not demand digital identification through a government system. “Will it be perfect? No. But is any law perfect? No, it’s not. But if it helps, even if it helps in just the smallest of ways, it will make a huge difference to people’s lives,” Tehan told Parliament. Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said the Senate would debate the bill later Wednesday. The major parties’ support all but guarantees the legislation will be passed by the Senate where no party holds a majority of seats. Lawmakers who were not aligned with either the government or the opposition were most critical of the legislation during debate on Tuesday and Wednesday. Criticisms include that the legislation had been rushed through Parliament without adequate scrutiny, would not work, would create privacy risks for users of all ages and would take away parents’ authority to decide what’s best for their children. Critics also argue the ban would isolate children, deprive them of positive aspects of social media, drive children to the dark web, make children too young for social media reluctant to report harms they encountered and take away incentives for platforms to make online spaces safer. Independent lawmaker Zoe Daniel said the legislation would “make zero difference to the harms that are inherent to social media.” “The true object of this legislation is not to make social media safe by design, but to make parents and voters feel like the government is doing something about it,” Daniel told Parliament. “There is a reason why the government parades this legislation as world-leading, that’s because no other country wants to do it,” she added. T he platforms had asked for the vote on legislation to be delayed until at least June next year when a government-commissioned evaluation of age assurance technologies made its report on how the ban could been enforced.
Ollie's CEO John Swygert sells $413k in stock
Since its opening on Nov. 24, 1999, the childbirth unit at the Queensway Carleton Hospital has delivered more than 60,000 babies. It was a special occasion at the hospital this week, celebrating 25 years of operation. Melissa Mundee was there, celebrating her 25th birthday. She was the first baby born inside the unit. She brought her daughter, Maciee, who was also delivered at the QCH in 2023. "When my mom first originally told me about that story, it was kind of like, no. And then it kind of felt surreal when I showed up here with Maciee, and it was kind of like a full circle moment, to have my mom, now me. And now we get to celebrate with little Maciee," said Mundee. Staff wished her a happy birthday along with the unit. Some of the staff present have been there since the birthing unit opened. Salli Dambrowitz is the clinical manager of the childbirth program at QCH, and she recalls the first day quite well. "It was quite, quite fun; it was exciting. Everything was new. And so here I am, 25 years later, still here." Dambrowitz said. "We've received lots of patient feedback. They're so happy to have come here. You know, they always have nice things to say about our program," she added. "I think it's fantastic to know that someone who was delivered here once upon a time, 25 years ago, would want to come back here and experience that for her own child and any future children she has," said Shannon Adams, manager of the postpartum unit. The unit is special to many of the staff and they say it's like a family. Some have even had their own children and grandchildren delivered at the hospital. "I've had six of my seven grandchildren born here, and it's been very special. A lot of those children, I have been involved in their delivery process, their care after they've had their baby," said Tracy Zoobkoff, a nurse in the postpartum unit. "It's quite special to go to any events in our local community because everybody will come up to me and say, you were my nurse." "They're happy to have their babies here close, you know, tight-knit team, family, friends. it's, really enjoyable. I, myself, had had my kids here, too, and I wouldn't want to have it any other way," Dambrowitz said. Some of those children are now working at the hospital. "We've made such an impression on some of our babies from years ago that a lot of them want to be nurses. They're going to nursing school. They want to come and join our team. So, we're happy to have them," said Dambrowitz. Mundee said she's kept in touch with the unit since giving birth to Maciee, and is looking forward to being back in July for the birth of her second child. Shopping Trends The Shopping Trends team is independent of the journalists at CTV News. We may earn a commission when you use our links to shop. Read about us. 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'They alone are responsible': No deal yet in Canada Post strike The Canada Post strike is expected to continue as parties remain 'too far apart on critical issues' to reach a deal, according to Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon. Hyundai recalling hundreds of thousands of cars and SUVs in Canada, U.S. Hyundai is recalling hundreds of thousands of SUVs and small cars in the U.S. and Canada because the rearview camera image may not show up on the screens. Ontario to match GST holiday by removing provincial sales tax on some items The Ontario government says it will match the federal government’s GST holiday by removing provincial sales tax (PST) from items that are not currently covered by existing provincial rebates. Man arrested at LAX after allegedly checking suitcases filled with over 70 pounds of meth-caked clothing A California man was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport after he allegedly tried to check two suitcases containing more than 70 pounds of clothing caked in methamphetamine – including a cow pajama onesie – on a flight to Australia, federal prosecutors said Tuesday. Montreal billionaire Robert Miller could have as many as 100 victims, lawyer says A Quebec judge is hearing arguments this week in a class-action lawsuit application against Montreal billionaire Robert Miller over allegations he paid minors for sex. Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande 'Wicked' pay disparity rumour debunked Some have been saying Ariana Grande got paid more for 'Wicked' than her costar Cynthia Erivo, but the movie's studio is setting the record straight. Some Liberal MPs echo NDP call to expand $250 rebate, minister touts seniors benefits Some Liberal MPs say they think their government should consider expanding the eligibility for an upcoming government rebate to include seniors who are no longer working. W5 Investigates | Canada's least wanted man: A family's long and lonely fight to bring their son home from Syria Counterterrorism experts and humanitarian groups are urging countries to repatriate suspected ISIS members, as one family tells CTV W5 about their long and lonely fight to bring their son home from Syria. Atlantic First significant snow of the season for parts of the Maritimes Thursday, Friday A low-pressure system moving up the eastern seaboard of the United States is forecasted to bring a mixture of snow and rain into the Maritimes Thursday night into Friday. N.S. Liberal Leader Zach Churchill loses seat to PC candidate by just 14 votes It appears Nova Scotia Liberal Leader Zach Churchill has lost his seat to Progressive Conservative candidate Nick Hilton – by just 14 votes. N.B. RCMP investigating double homicide after bodies found inside burning vehicle in Chipman Police in New Brunswick are investigating the homicides of two people found inside a burning vehicle in Chipman. Toronto Ontario to match GST holiday by removing provincial sales tax on some items The Ontario government says it will match the federal government’s GST holiday by removing provincial sales tax (PST) from items that are not currently covered by existing provincial rebates. Video shows man pointing gun at vehicles on Highway 401 Police continue to look for a man captured in a dashcam footage pointing a gun at passing vehicles on Highway 401. Baby boy allegedly killed by Toronto mother identified An infant who police say was killed by their mother in midtown Toronto last week has been identified by police. Montreal Montreal billionaire Robert Miller could have as many as 100 victims, lawyer says A Quebec judge is hearing arguments this week in a class-action lawsuit application against Montreal billionaire Robert Miller over allegations he paid minors for sex. Quebec premier says he's 'open' to possibility of Quebec constitution by 2026 A committee appointed by the Quebec government has recommended the province adopt its own constitution and take other steps to boost its autonomy. Quebec police speak to drivers about violence against women As part of the 12 days of action to end violence against women, the Quebec provincial police service (SQ) is raising awareness on intimate partner violence by talking to drivers on the province's roads. Northern Ontario Suspect ignited propane cannister explosion at ex-partner's residence in Kapuskasing, Ont. A 30-year-old who was on probation has been charged with arson and causing an explosion in a case of intimate partner violence in Kapuskasing on Tuesday. 'They alone are responsible': No deal yet in Canada Post strike The Canada Post strike is expected to continue as parties remain 'too far apart on critical issues' to reach a deal, according to Labour Minister Steven MacKinnon. Magic mushroom store in Sudbury, Ont., closes after visit by police A store at the corner of Elm and Durham streets in Sudbury called Shroomyz that sold magic mushrooms has closed. Windsor Active investigation cleared on Victoria Avenue Windsor police have left the scene after an active investigation near the downtown area. '99 red balloons? Try hundreds': Parks Canada draws attention to helium balloon litter concerns In posts on social media, Parks Canada is calling on people to "balloon responsibly" while revealing staff at Point Pelee National Park find hundreds of helium balloons along the Lake Erie shoreline each year. Ontario to match GST holiday by removing provincial sales tax on some items The Ontario government says it will match the federal government’s GST holiday by removing provincial sales tax (PST) from items that are not currently covered by existing provincial rebates. London Rock the Park announces 2025 country lineup, tickets on Black Friday sale this week If you're keen for Rock the Park 2025, the best time to get your tickets is coming up this week – this year, for the first time in over two decades, you can snag your tickets in a Black Friday Sale. What makes a hate crime? New Western research hopes to help future lawyers decide. This tool helps compile more than 15 years of case law in which judges have considered a subsection of the Canadian Criminal Code which requires judges to consider harsher penalties for hate crimes. 'Cancer might have started this, but I am going to finish it': Nine-year-old cancer patient prepares to Illuminate Ronald McDonald House Emma McKeachnie is all smiles as she helps package Christmas cookies with her sister Ava, inside the kitchen at the Ronald McDonald House (RMH) in London, Ont. Kitchener Ontario to match GST holiday by removing provincial sales tax on some items The Ontario government says it will match the federal government’s GST holiday by removing provincial sales tax (PST) from items that are not currently covered by existing provincial rebates. Pedestrian taken to hospital with minor injuries after driver crashes in Kitchener bus shelter A pedestrian has been taken to hospital with minor injuries after a bus shelter in Kitchener was destroyed during a crash. Fires in Simcoe and Langton considered suspicious Police are investigating two suspicious fires in Norfolk County. Barrie One child injured after school bus crashes into ditch Twenty students were on a school bus that slid off the road into a ditch Wednesday morning. Police Services Act 'discreditable conduct' appearance for veteran Barrie officer Longtime Barrie police officer Valarie Gates had one of her two discreditable conduct charges under the Police Services Act addressed Wednesday morning over teleconference. Armed home invasion under investigation, 3 suspects at large South Simcoe police are investigating a report of an armed home invasion in Bradford West Gwillimbury involving three suspects. Winnipeg Two men randomly stabbed at Polo Park, one person arrested Two men were randomly stabbed at CF Polo Park Mall Tuesday and police have one person in custody. More charges laid against pair involved in animal cruelty investigation: Winnipeg police Warning: This story contains disturbing details. Discretion is advised. Winnipeg police have laid additional charges against two Winnipeggers charged with animal cruelty after videos of animals being tortured and killed were uploaded to the dark web. Manitoba adding 800 hip and knee surgeries in Selkirk The Manitoba government is taking steps to lower healthcare wait times by adding 800 hip and knee surgeries at the Selkirk Regional Health Centre. Calgary Calgary police preparing to beef up security ahead of G7 summit in June The Calgary Police Service says it is preparing to police next year's international G7 summit, taking place in Kananaskis and Calgary. $1M Lotto Max winning ticket purchased in Alberta A pair of Albertans won big in Tuesday night’s Lotto Max draw. According to the Western Canada Lottery Corporation, a $1 million winning ticket was purchased somewhere in the province outside of Calgary and Edmonton. 'Righting a historical wrong': Bearspaw Nation files class action suit against feds over $5-a-year Treaty 7 payment A First Nation west of Calgary has filed a class action lawsuit against Ottawa, trying to right what it calls an “historical wrong.” Edmonton Welfare check leads police to finding $750K in drugs, man's arrest A man faces drug and weapon charges after $750,000 worth of drugs were seized from an Edmonton home. City of Edmonton to lift Phase 1 parking ban on Thursday The City of Edmonton will lift the Phase 1 parking ban on arterial and industrial district roads on Thursday morning. Alberta's pledge to take over ownership of emissions data 'irresponsible': Guilbeault Federal Environment Minister Steven Guilbeault says Alberta's plan to make greenhouse gas emissions data the property of the provincial government could lead to oil and gas companies breaking federal laws. Regina 'The premier owes my children an apology': MLA Jared Clarke criticizes Sask. Party's stance on transgender youth NDP MLA Jared Clarke took his opportunity to put Premier Scott Moe and the Saskatchewan Party on blast Tuesday – criticizing the party's campaign promise of a change room policy while explaining the effect it had on his own children. Sask. developing program it says will give better understanding of student performance in 'core subject areas' The province says work is underway to develop a program that will help better understand Saskatchewan student performance in 'core subject areas' at school. Man given 5 year sentence for fatal 2021 booze fueled fight in Regina home A now 23-year-old man has pleaded guilty to manslaughter and will serve a total of five years behind bars for the 2021 death of a 43-year-old man in Regina after an alcohol fueled fight in the basement of a home. Saskatoon 'The roads are a mess': Saskatoon residents voice concerns over city road clearing As crews make their way through city streets in the aftermath of last weekend’s storm, some Saskatoon residents say their efforts aren’t enough. Sask. developing program it says will give better understanding of student performance in 'core subject areas' The province says work is underway to develop a program that will help better understand Saskatchewan student performance in 'core subject areas' at school. 'I didn’t give up': Five-day search for missing dog ends with tears of joy A Saskatoon woman and her dog, Bella, were reunited after five days of searching, with the help of Facebook and the kindness of strangers. Vancouver Missing hiker found alive after 50 days in northern B.C. wilderness A missing hiker who spent 50 days alone in the frozen wilderness of northern British Columbia has been found alive. Condo door is common property, owner not responsible for replacing glue-filled lock, B.C. tribunal rules A North Vancouver condo building has lost its bid to force the owner of one unit to pay for a replacement lock after a bizarre incident in which glue was "injected" into the locking mechanism. Mounties say 2 men arrested after another fentanyl 'super lab' found in B.C. Mounties say two men were arrested after police uncovered the latest drug-manufacturing "super lab" in British Columbia. Vancouver Island Missing hiker found alive after 50 days in northern B.C. wilderness A missing hiker who spent 50 days alone in the frozen wilderness of northern British Columbia has been found alive. Mounties say 2 men arrested after another fentanyl 'super lab' found in B.C. Mounties say two men were arrested after police uncovered the latest drug-manufacturing "super lab" in British Columbia. Mounties investigating after victim struck, killed at Kamloops, B.C., gas station Mounties are investigating after a person was struck and killed early Wednesday morning in the parking lot of a gas station in Kamloops, B.C. Kelowna 545 vehicles impounded in 332 days: BC Highway Patrol pleads for drivers to slow down Mounties with the BC Highway Patrol in Kelowna say they've impounded more than 545 vehicles for excessive speed and aggressive driving so far this year. That works out to more than 1.6 per day. Man in hospital following targeted shooting in Kamloops Police are appealing for information on a targeted shooting that resulted in the hospitalization of a man in Kamloops. Police cleared of fault in fatal 2023 crash in B.C.'s Interior British Columbia's independent police watchdog has cleared officers of wrongdoing in a crash where three people were killed south of Kamloops in July of last year. Stay Connected
Australia's House of Representatives passes bill that would ban young children from social media
Syria’s prime minister said that most cabinet ministers were back at work on Monday after rebels overthrew President Bashar Assad. However, some state workers failed to return to their jobs and a United Nations official said the country’s public sector had come “to a complete and abrupt halt”. Meanwhile, streams of refugees crossed back into Syria from neighbouring countries, hoping for a more peaceful future and looking for relatives who disappeared during Mr Assad’s brutal rule. There were already signs of the difficulties ahead for the rebel alliance now in control of much of the country. The alliance is led by a former senior al-Qaida militant, who severed ties with the extremist group years ago and has promised representative government and religious tolerance. The rebel command said they would not tell women how to dress. “It is strictly forbidden to interfere with women’s dress or impose any request related to their clothing or appearance, including requests for modesty,” the command said in a statement on social media. Nearly two days after rebels entered the capital, some key government services had shut down after state workers ignored calls to go back to their jobs, the UN official said, causing issues at airports and borders and slowing the flow of humanitarian aid. Rebel leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, who was known by his nom de guerre Abu Mohammed al-Golani, also met with Prime Minister Mohammad Ghazi Jalali for the first time. Mr Jalali stayed in Syria when Mr Assad fled and has sought to project normalcy since. “We are working so that the transitional period is quick and smooth,” he told Sky News Arabia TV on Monday, saying the security situation had already improved from the day before. At the court of Justice in Damascus, which was stormed by the rebels to free detainees, Judge Khitam Haddad, an aide to the justice minister in the outgoing government, said that judges were ready to resume work quickly. “We want to give everyone their rights,” Mr Haddad said outside the courthouse. “We want to build a new Syria and to keep the work, but with new methods.” But a UN official said some government services had been paralysed as worried state employees stayed at home. The public sector “has just come to a complete and abrupt halt,” said Adam Abdelmoula, UN resident and humanitarian co-ordinator for Syria, noting, for example, that an aid flight carrying urgently needed medical supplies had been put on hold after aviation employees abandoned their jobs. “This is a country that has had one government for 53 years and then suddenly all of those who have been demonised by the public media are now in charge in the nation’s capital,” Mr Abdelmoula told The Associated Press. “I think it will take a couple of days and a lot of assurance on the part of the armed groups for these people to return to work again.” In a video shared on a rebel messaging channel, Mr al-Sharaa said: “You will see there are skills” among the rebels. The Kremlin said Russia has granted political asylum to Mr Assad, a decision made by President Vladimir Putin. Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov declined to comment on Mr Assad’s specific whereabouts and said Mr Putin did not plan to meet with him. Damascus was quiet Monday, with life slowly returning to normal, though most shops and public institutions were closed. In public squares, some people were still celebrating. Civilian traffic resumed, but there was no public transport. Long lines formed in front of bakeries and other food stores. There was little sign of any security presence though in some areas, small groups of armed men were stationed in the streets.
Stocks that struggle during the first 10 months of the year often fall further during November and December, as some investors sell to realize a tax loss. Once the tax-motivated selling subsides, such stocks frequently bounce back in January. Each year, I offer a few January bounce candidates — ones that I also think may sustain gains during the coming year. Here are five Comeback Candidates for 2024. Pfizer The world’s largest pharmaceutical company by 2023 revenue, Pfizer Inc. (PFE) is down more than 13% year-to-date, while the Standard & Poor’s 500 Total Return index is up 33%. Pfizer stock is below where it was a decade ago. I find this ironic since in my view Pfizer and Moderna Inc. (MRNA) saved the country during the covid-19 pandemic in 2020-21. Like most big drug companies, Pfizer must contend with generic-drug competitors once its drugs lose their patent protection. Its third- and fourth-largest selling drugs will lose protection in 2026 and 2027. And of course, there’s less need for its covid-19 drugs now that the pandemic has waned. Nevertheless, I see Pfizer stock as an unabashed bargain. It sells for only nine times estimated earnings for this year, and it yields 6.5% in dividends. Schlumberger Also down about 13% this year is Schlumberger Ltd. (SLB) of Houston, one of the largest oil service companies in the world. In its heyday, from 2004 through 2008, Schlumberger earned from 20% to 40% return on stockholders’ equity every year. I consider anything over 15% good, and over 20% excellent. It never surmounted the 20% barrier again until 2022, but this year will be the company’s third year in a row of doing so. I believe the stock has been weak because investors believe oil and gas are old fashioned, while solar and wind energy are modern. I expect oil and gas to be a huge part of the U.S. energy mix for at least another decade. Also, the incoming Trump administration is favorable to the oil and gas industry. Visteon A mid-sized auto parts maker spun out of Ford Motor Co. in 2000, Visteon Corp. (VC) is down 26% this year. The stock now sells for only five times earnings, and I believe it probably has hit bottom. Detractors say the transition to electric cars will be terrible for Visteon. Electric cars use far fewer parts than gasoline-powered ones, and need repairs less often. True, but I believe a price/earnings ratio of five adequately discounts this problem. I don’t think this is a “buy and hold” stock, but I think it’s probably a good holding for one or two years. Atkore A mid-sized industrial company based in Harvey, Ill., Atkore Inc. (ATKR) has posted a 460% return over the past decade but is down about 45% this year. It makes electrical products, including electrical conduit and tubing. It also does some slitting and cutting of steel sheets. Why the huge drop? Atkore’s profits have fallen about 17% in the past four quarters, on a 2.7% decline in revenue. That’s bad news, all right, but I think the stock — now at six times earnings — was excessively punished for it. Photronics The smallest stock I’ll recommend today is Photronics Inc. (PLAB), with a market value of about $1.5 billion. Based in Brookfield, Conn., the company makes photomasks — quartz plate containing microscopic images of electronic circuits, used in manufacturing semiconductor chips. Photronics had been growing with lightning speed until the past year, when revenue declined 1.5% and earnings growth slowed to 6.8%. Wall Street ignores the stock; only one analyst covers it. I like it, one reason being the company is nearly debt-free (two cents of debt for each dollar of equity). The Record I’ve written 21 columns about January Bounce candidates. The average 12-month return on my recommendations has been 13.05%, beating the 10.7% average return on the Standard & Poor’s 500 Total Return Index over the same periods. Be aware that my column results are hypothetical and shouldn’t be confused with results I obtain for clients. Also, past performance doesn’t predict the future. Fifteen of the 21 sets of recommendations have shown a profit, but only 10 have beaten the index. My January Bounce candidates from November 2023 scored a 12-month return of 26.4%, but the S&P with dividends was up even more, 33%. My best pick from a year ago was Hanmi Financial Corp. (HAFC), which returned more than 73%. My worst was Albemarle Corp. (ALB), down 9%. Disclosure: I own Pfizer shares personally and for almost all of my clients. I own Photronics personally and in a hedge fund I run.BOARDWALKTECH REPORTS SECOND QUARTER FISCAL 2025 FINANCIAL RESULTSNone
Discord grips PTI after Islamabad protest rout
AP Trending SummaryBrief at 5:10 p.m. ESTMass. Gov. Maura Healey doesn’t think her summertime political flex on the Legislature was ‘pressure’
Australian politicians pass bill that would ban young children from social mediaGreat British Bake Off backlash as fans claim finalist was ‘robbed’ of winDENVER (AP) — Travis Hunter made a pair of proclamations Thursday: He’s for sure entering the NFL draft after this season, but not until he sees Colorado all the way through the College Football Playoff — if the Buffaloes make it there. The first was already a given for the draft-eligible junior who plays both receiver and cornerback. The second is a risk-reward play for a projected high first-round pick who averages around 120 snaps a game. In years past, it took two extra postseason wins to capture a national title. Now, it could take up to four additional contests. That’s more of a chance to shine, but also more chance for an injury. “I don’t think nobody will opt out because you’re showing NFL teams that you’re more focused on something else, other than the team goal,” Hunter said of the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff. “So I don’t think players are going to opt out of the playoffs.” Hunter and quarterback Shedeur Sanders chatted Thursday in a set of Zoom calls about turning around the program at Colorado (from 4-8 last season to bowl eligibility), chasing a Big 12 title, turning pro — Hunter acknowledged he will “for sure” — and, of course, the Heisman race, where Hunter is currently the odds-on favorite in an award each wants to see the other win. “He’s deserving of it, and if it’s between me and him, I want him to get it,” said Sanders, whose 16th-ranked Buffaloes (8-2, 6-1 Big 12, No. 16 CFP ) travel to Arrowhead Stadium to face Kansas (4-6, 3-4) this weekend. “He does a lot of amazing things that have never been done before.” Countered Hunter: “I know he wants me to win it, but I also want him to win as bad as I want to win it.” Hunter is a generational talent shining on both sides of the ball. As a receiver, he has 74 catches for 911 yards and nine touchdowns. On defense, he has picked off three passes, even though teams are reluctant to throw his direction. Like he did in high school and now in college, he believes he can do both on the next level. But he understands the trepidation of the NFL team that picks him. “They don’t want their top pick to go down too early," Hunter said. “I like when people tell me I can’t do it, because they just motivate me to continue to do what I want to do.” Sanders is turning in a stellar season as well with 27 touchdown passes, one away from tying Sefo Liufau for the most in a single season in program history. He's projected to be one of the first QBs off the draft board. The future certainly looks bright at Colorado thanks to the legacies Sanders and Hunter under coach Deion Sanders. But that's a point to ponder later. “I can’t think too much forward past Saturday,” Shedeur Sanders cracked. “The main thing is winning the Big 12 championship. That’s the main thing we’re focused on." Get poll alerts and updates on the AP Top 25 throughout the season. Sign up here . AP college football: https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll and https://apnews.com/hub/college-football Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. Get local news delivered to your inbox!
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US News Live: Get the latest updates and breaking news from the US on elections, politics, crime, trends, weather along with national affairs. Stay up to date with news developments on Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Donald Trump. all right here This is an AI-generated live blog and has not been edited by Hindustan Times staff. ...Read More US News Live: Hunger, nausea, exhaustion: Man replicates Donald Trump's diet for a week, wonders how president-elect ‘is still alive’
BOSTON — Massachusetts could become the next state to allow elected officials and political candidates to tap into campaign funds to cover childcare costs. A proposal tucked into an outside section of the $4 billion economic development bill sent to Gov. Maura Healey by lawmakers last Thursday would, if approved, allow candidates to use their campaign funds to pay for state and local campaign related childcare expenses. Javascript is required for you to be able to read premium content. Please enable it in your browser settings. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items.