On May 4, 2022, Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) announced its definitive agreement to accelerate growth with the acquisition of Black Knight, Inc. (BKI) in a $13.1B cash and stock transaction. BKI is a software, data and analytics company that serves the housing finance continuum, including real estate data, mortgage lending and servicing, as well as the [...]
S&P Global's (SPGI) current FY2022 guidance reflects weakness in the Ratings division but it is accelerating revenue prospects in high-growth markets. In my most recent S&P Global (SPGI) post, I conclude: 'SPGI's share price may experience an even further pullback from its ~$484 52-week-high. Given that I invest in SPGI to create long-term wealth, however, [...]
In my opinion, Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-a and BRK-b) is better than a broad-based ETF for various reasons. I last wrote about BRK in this June 14, 2021 post. However, I periodically increase BRK-b exposure in various accounts; I acquired shares @ $320.35 for a young investor's account on May 4, 2022. In my June [...]
In my May 3, 2022 Chevron Plans to Accelerate Share Repurchases post I conclude that 'my focus is on acquiring shares in great companies which are experiencing headwinds and have fallen out of favour with investors.' I consider Moody's (MCO) current headwinds to present a buying opportunity. In my October 26, 2018 post I disclose [...]
For the past ~7 years, Chevron's (CVX) less than stellar returns on capital have tested investors' patience. This period of weak returns is the result of years of heavy investment followed by years of low commodity prices. CVX, however, has reset its cost structure. Massive offshore projects that cost billions of dollars over several years [...]
Fortive (FTV) was spun-off from Danaher in July 2016 at which time it had reported FY2015 annual revenue of ~$6.2B. After FTV became a separate publicly traded entity, it has undergone a significant transformation. Source: FTV - Q1 2022 Earnings Presentation - April 28, 2022 Segments of its business have been divested [...]
Rollins, Inc. (ROL) might not be a recognizable name. Mention Orkin, however, and that is a different story. I think just about everyone in North America has at least seen the Orkin logo at some point. ROL acquired Orkin for $62 million in 1964; the evolution of Rollins is found here. Today, ROL is [...]
In my August 14th Brookfield Asset Management (BAM) stock analysis I disclose the purchase of additional BAM shares through various accounts. In that post, I conclude: 'I have no interest in investing in cryptocurrencies, SPACs, or complex derivative products. I do, however, want exposure to alternative assets thus my reason for investing in BAM.' After [...]
I have been a Visa (V) shareholder almost from the day it went public on March 18, 2008. Over the years I have also increased my exposure. My most recent purchase was made in early March 2022 at which time I acquired shares at ~$195. The number of shares acquired was not meaningful so I [...]
A year has elapsed since I last reviewed Otis Worldwide Corporation (OTIS). At the time, I envisioned a broad market sell-off would lead to a more attractive valuation. Following that post, OTIS's share price skyrocketed and its valuation deteriorated. In early February 2022, I took a quick look at OTIS but still did not like [...]