S&P/TSX composite up Friday, U.S. stock markets also riseTrump names Andrew Ferguson as head of Federal Trade Commission to replace Lina KhanPair of top Michelin-listed restaurants shut down permanently without warning
Quest Partners LLC acquired a new position in Brown & Brown, Inc. ( NYSE:BRO – Free Report ) in the third quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 6,641 shares of the financial services provider’s stock, valued at approximately $688,000. Several other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Principal Financial Group Inc. grew its position in Brown & Brown by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 12,804,979 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $1,144,893,000 after acquiring an additional 86,824 shares during the last quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC boosted its stake in shares of Brown & Brown by 0.7% during the third quarter. Allspring Global Investments Holdings LLC now owns 3,915,425 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $405,638,000 after purchasing an additional 28,180 shares during the period. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company grew its holdings in shares of Brown & Brown by 24.6% in the second quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 3,489,305 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $311,979,000 after purchasing an additional 687,783 shares during the last quarter. Royal London Asset Management Ltd. increased its stake in shares of Brown & Brown by 105.1% in the second quarter. Royal London Asset Management Ltd. now owns 2,068,333 shares of the financial services provider’s stock worth $184,930,000 after buying an additional 1,059,711 shares during the period. Finally, Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its holdings in Brown & Brown by 8.0% during the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 1,553,396 shares of the financial services provider’s stock valued at $138,899,000 after buying an additional 114,688 shares during the last quarter. 71.01% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Brown & Brown Stock Up 1.2 % Shares of Brown & Brown stock opened at $112.05 on Friday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $105.98 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $98.63. Brown & Brown, Inc. has a 52-week low of $69.13 and a 52-week high of $114.08. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a quick ratio of 1.73 and a current ratio of 1.73. The stock has a market capitalization of $32.04 billion, a PE ratio of 30.37, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.52 and a beta of 0.82. Brown & Brown Increases Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, November 13th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, November 6th were given a $0.15 dividend. This is a positive change from Brown & Brown’s previous quarterly dividend of $0.13. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, November 6th. This represents a $0.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.54%. Brown & Brown’s payout ratio is 16.35%. Insider Buying and Selling at Brown & Brown In related news, Chairman Hyatt J. Brown sold 134,640 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $104.51, for a total transaction of $14,071,226.40. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website . Company insiders own 17.02% of the company’s stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have recently commented on BRO shares. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Brown & Brown from a “buy” rating to a “hold” rating in a research note on Saturday, November 2nd. Truist Financial increased their price objective on Brown & Brown from $116.00 to $118.00 and gave the stock a “buy” rating in a report on Wednesday, October 30th. Barclays boosted their target price on Brown & Brown from $108.00 to $119.00 and gave the company an “equal weight” rating in a research note on Thursday. Bank of America raised their price target on Brown & Brown from $108.00 to $117.00 and gave the stock a “neutral” rating in a research note on Thursday, October 10th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada boosted their price objective on shares of Brown & Brown from $113.00 to $118.00 and gave the company an “outperform” rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 30th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and seven have issued a buy rating to the company’s stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of “Hold” and an average target price of $107.42. Get Our Latest Analysis on Brown & Brown Brown & Brown Company Profile ( Free Report ) Brown & Brown, Inc markets and sells insurance products and services in the United States, Canada, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and internationally. It operates through four segments: Retail, National Programs, Wholesale Brokerage, and Services. The Retail segment provides property and casualty, employee benefits insurance products, personal insurance products, specialties insurance products, risk management strategies, loss control survey and analysis, consultancy, and claims processing services. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Brown & Brown Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brown & Brown and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .GM abandons robotaxi operations derailed by accident
US auto giant General Motors announced Tuesday it will abandon its robotaxi development efforts after a highly publicized incident last year stymied its progress in the autonomous vehicle field. The Detroit-based manufacturer plans to merge the Cruise robotaxi vehicle unit with GM's technical teams to concentrate on developing advanced driver assistance systems for personal vehicles, a statement said. The company said it abandoned the Cruise project "given the considerable time and resources that would be needed to scale the business, along with an increasingly competitive robotaxi market." It marks a major turnaround for GM, which bought the Cruise startup in 2016 and has since spent billions of dollars to make the operation viable. "A robotaxi business is not General Motors’ core business," said GM CEO Mary Barra in a call with analysts. But Barra said GM's commitment to autonomous technology "is unwavering." The halt of operations comes a year after Cruise was forced to suspend all operations in San Francisco after one of its self-driving cars dragged a woman who had first been hit by a hit-and-run driver in the city. Cruise lost its operating permits from regulators, paused expansions into other states and laid off 900 employees -- a quarter of its workforce. Shortly before the incident, California authorities had allowed for expanded driverless taxi services in San Francisco, giving the go-ahead for Alphabet-owned Waymo and Cruise. More from this section Cruise's exit confirms Waymo as the dominant player in the business, which was valued at $45 billion after a fundraising round in October, according to Bloomberg. The company has been expanding its reach and currently runs robotaxi fleets in San Francisco, Phoenix and Los Angeles. And in a team-up with Uber, the company is planning to offer Waymo robotaxi rides in Atlanta and Austin. Amazon's Zoox meanwhile is conducting robotaxi testing in California and Las Vegas, while Elon Musk recently unveiled what he said was a robotaxi capable of self-driving, predicting it would be available by 2027. GM's strategic pivot comes as embattled automakers worldwide face mounting pressure to balance investments in emerging technologies with near-term profitability. The auto giant said that the restructuring is expected to generate annual savings exceeding $1 billion once completed in the first half of 2025. GM's share price was up by more than three percent in after hours trading on Wall Street. arp/dw
If You Feel Like The Clutter In Your Home Is Out To Get You, These 27 Things Will Help Contain ItFree shots and beer buckets in party town at centre of suspected methanol deaths Social Media/Handout Holly Bowles, left, was confirmed to have died on Friday, a day after British lawyer Simone White and Australian Bianca Jones For Australian friends Bianca Jones and Holly Bowles, it was their first big trip venturing out to explore the world. Like so many 19-year-olds, they were drawn to the romance of backpacking across South East Asia - where food is great, people are friendly and the scenery stunning. They had "saved up enough money after school and university to have their overseas jaunt, as so many of our kids do," said their football team coach Nick Heath. "And off they went." They ended up on 12 November in the riverside town of Vang Vieng in central Laos. The two checked into the popular Nana Backpacker Hostel - where guests often receive a free shot upon arrival. Days later both were on life support in hospitals in Thailand. Jones's death was announced on 21 November, and Bowles's a day later. The death of a British woman, 28-year-old Simone White, was also announced on Thursday. They are among six foreign tourists who have died from what is believed to be a mass incident of methanol poisoning in Vang Vieng. AP The inside of Nana Backpack hostel Two Danish women, aged 19 and 20, died last week, while an American man also died. They have not been identified. It is unclear how many others have fallen ill, but a transnational police investigation is now underway into the deaths. Much of the scrutiny has fallen on the hostel where some of the victims were reportedly staying. The girls had taken free shots there before heading out for the night. The hostel manager has denied culpability, saying the same drinks had been served to at least 100 other guests that night who reported no problems. The manager was taken in by police for questioning on Thursday. Mr Heath, who spoke to media on behalf of Ms Bowles's family, said they knew it was methanol that... Frances Mao
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A $1,000 investment might not sound like a lot of money to invest, but the power of compounding and the right stock choices can transform this modest sum into a hefty gain over time. It’s all about picking companies with strong fundamentals, a history of growth, and future potential that promises consistent returns. Right now, two Canadian stocks fit this bill perfectly, those being ( ) and ( ). Let’s dive into why these two are worth every penny of your investment. The stocks TFI International, one of North America’s largest trucking and logistics companies, is a perfect example of resilience and growth. Over the past year, TFII’s stock has soared by over 36%, outperforming the broader market. Its recent quarterly revenue of $8.3 billion, with a net profit margin of 5.7%, highlights its ability to maintain profitability even during economic fluctuations. Although quarterly earnings dipped slightly by 4% year-over-year, the Canadian stock’s forward-thinking strategies, such as diversifying operations and embracing technology, point toward a promising future. Meanwhile, WSP Global stands out as a leader in and consulting services, particularly in infrastructure and environmental projects. Over the last year, the Canadian stock climbed by an impressive 33.8%, signalling robust investor confidence. The Canadian stock’s revenue of $15.2 billion in the trailing 12 months reflects 10.7% year-over-year growth. With a quarterly earnings surge of 30.3%, WSP is capitalizing on global infrastructure and sustainability trends. This kind of performance isn’t just a flash in the pan. It’s a sign of long-term growth potential. Compelling choices What makes TFII a compelling buy is its focus on optimizing operations and expanding its footprint across North America. The Canadian stock has a history of acquiring smaller, strategic players in the logistics space, which bolsters its revenue streams and operational efficiency. With a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 19.5, TFII offers a fair valuation given its growth trajectory, and its dividend yield of 1.2% adds a cherry on top for income-focused investors. WSP, on the other hand, is riding the wave of global megatrends like urbanization and green energy projects. Its forward P/E of 27.2 reflects premium pricing. Yet this is justified by its stellar performance and growth prospects. The Canadian stock’s operating cash flow of $1.4 billion and a manageable debt-to-equity ratio of 82% showcase its financial health and ability to fund ambitious projects without jeopardizing shareholder value. Low volatility For those wary of risk, both Canadian stocks exhibit robust management effectiveness. TFII boasts a return on equity (ROE) of 17.5%, while WSP delivers a respectable 9.9%. These figures indicate that your $1,000 investment would be placed in capable hands, with management teams dedicated to generating strong returns on shareholder equity. Furthermore, dividends are always a bonus. TFII offers a forward annual dividend rate of $2.48, translating to a yield of 1.2%, while WSP’s $1.50 forward dividend provides a 0.59% yield. Though not high-yield stocks, these dividends signal stability and commitment to rewarding shareholders – a key factor for those looking to compound returns over time. The future outlook for both stocks looks equally promising. TFII is positioned to benefit from ongoing e-commerce growth and supply chain shifts, while WSP will likely ride the infrastructure spending wave fuelled by government initiatives worldwide. Both Canadian stocks have strategies that align well with long-term economic and environmental trends, ensuring each remain relevant and profitable. Bottom line In conclusion, $1,000 can indeed go a long way when invested wisely. TFII and WSP are not just stocks. These are opportunities to tap into industries that are vital to the global economy. The solid financials, proven performance, and growth potential make them top picks for Canadian investors looking to maximize returns. So why wait? Your future gains might be just an investment away!
One week into a new Syria, rebels aim for normalcy and Syrians vow not to be silent again DAMASCUS (AP) — A transformation has started to take place in the week since the unexpected overthrow of Syria’s President Bashar Assad. Suddenly in charge, the rebels have been met with a mix of excitement, grief and hope. And so far the transition has been surprisingly smooth. Reports of reprisals, revenge killings and sectarian violence are minimal, looting and destruction has been quickly contained. But there are a million ways it could go wrong. Syria is broken and isolated after five decades of Assad family rule. Families have been torn apart by war, former prisoners are traumatized, and tens of thousands of detainees remain missing. The economy is wrecked, poverty is widespread, inflation and unemployment are high. Corruption seeps through daily life. Christians in Syria mark country's transformation with tears as UN envoy urges an end to sanctions DAMASCUS, Syria (AP) — In churches across long-stifled Syria, Christians have marked the first Sunday services since Bashar Assad’s ouster in an air of transformation. Some were in tears, others clasped their hands in prayer. The U.N. envoy for Syria is calling for a quick end to Western sanctions as the country’s new leaders and regional and global powers discuss the way forward. The Syrian government has been under sanctions by the United States, the European Union and others for years as a result of Assad’s brutal response to what began as peaceful anti-government protests in 2011 and spiraled into civil war. Israel will close its Ireland embassy over Gaza tensions as Palestinian death toll nears 45,000 DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israel says it will close its embassy in Ireland as relations deteriorate over the war in Gaza, where Palestinian medical officials say new Israeli airstrikes have killed over 30 people including children. Israel's decision to close the embassy came in response to what Israel’s foreign minister has described as Ireland's “extreme anti-Israel policies.” Ireland earlier announced that it would recognize a Palestinian state. And the Irish cabinet last week decided to formally intervene in South Africa’s case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which accuses Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The Palestinian death toll in the war is approaching 45,000. The GOP stoked fears of noncitizens voting. Cases in Ohio show how rhetoric and reality diverge AKRON, Ohio (AP) — Ohio's Republican secretary of state and attorney general sought to reassure voters before the November election that the state's elections were being vigorously protected against the possibility of immigrants voting illegally. That push coincided with a national Republican messaging strategy warning that potentially thousands of ineligible voters would be voting. The officials' efforts in Ohio led to charges against just six noncitizens in a state with 8 million registered voters. That outcome and the stories of some of those now facing charges show the gap both in Ohio and across the United States between the rhetoric about noncitizen voting and the reality that it's rare and not part of a coordinated scheme to throw elections. South Korean leaders seek calm after Yoon is impeached SEOUL, South Korea (AP) — South Korea’s opposition leader has offered to work with the government to ease the political tumult, a day after the opposition-controlled parliament voted to impeach conservative President Yoon Suk Yeol over a short-lived attempt to impose martial law. Liberal Democratic Party leader Lee Jae-myung, whose party holds a majority in the National Assembly, urged the Constitutional Court to rule swiftly on Yoon’s impeachment and proposed a special council for policy cooperation between the government and parliament. Yoon’s powers have been suspended until the court decides whether to remove him from office or reinstate him. If Yoon is dismissed, a national election to choose his successor must be held within 60 days. Storms across US bring heavy snow, dangerous ice and a tornado in California OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Inclement weather has plagued areas of the U.S. in the first half of the weekend, with dangerous conditions including heavy snow, a major ice storm and unusual tornado activity. An ice storm beginning Friday created treacherous driving conditions across Iowa and eastern Nebraska. More than 33 inches of snow was reported near Orchard Park, New York, which is often a landing point for lake-effect snow. On Saturday, a tornado touched down in Scotts Valley, California, causing damage and several injuries. In San Francisco, a storm damaged trees and roofs and prompted a tornado warning, which was a first for a city that has not experienced a tornado since 2005. Small businesses say cautious shoppers are seeking 'cozy' and 'festive' this holiday season With a late Thanksgiving, the holiday shopping season is five days shorter than last year, and owners of small retail shops say that people have been quick to snap up holiday décor early, along with gifts for others and themselves. Cozy items like sweaters are popular so far. Businesses are also holding special events to get shoppers in the door. But there’s little sense of the freewheeling spending that occurred during the pandemic. Overall, The National Retail Federation predicts retail sales in November and December will rise between 2.5% and 3.5% compared with same period a year ago. US agencies should use advanced technology to identify mysterious drones, Schumer says After weeks of fear and bewilderment about the drones buzzing over parts of New York and New Jersey, U.S. Sen. Chuck Schumer is urging the federal government to deploy better drone-tracking technology to identify and ultimately stop the airborne pests. The New York Democrat is calling on the Department of Homeland Security to immediately deploy advanced technology to identify and track drones back to their landing spots. That is according to briefings from his office. Federal authorities have said that the drones do not appear to be linked to foreign governments. West Africa regional bloc approves exit timeline for 3 coup-hit member states ABUJA, Nigeria (AP) — West Africa’s regional bloc ECOWAS has approved an exit timeline for three coup-hit nations. It comes after a nearly yearlong process of mediation to avert the unprecedented disintegration of the grouping. The president of the ECOWAS Commission, Omar Touray, said in a statement: “The authority decides to set the period from 29 January, 2025 to 29 July 2025 as a transitional period and to keep ECOWAS doors open to the three countries during the transition period." In a first in the 15-nation bloc’s nearly 50 years of existence, the military juntas of Niger, Mali and Burkina Faso announced in January that they decided to leave ECOWAS. Pope Francis makes 1st papal visit to France's Corsica awash in expressions of popular piety AJACCIO, Corsica (AP) — Pope Francis on the first papal visit ever to the French island of Corsica on Sunday called for a dynamic form of laicism, promoting the kind of popular piety that distinguishes the Mediterranean island from secular France as a bridge between religious and civic society. The one-day visit to Corsica’s capital Ajaccio, birthplace of Napoleon, on Sunday is one of the briefest of his papacy beyond Italy’s borders, just about nine hours on the ground, including a 40-minute visit with French President Emmanuel Macron. It is the first papal visit ever to the island, which Genoa ceded to France in 1768 and is located closer to the Italian mainland than France.Preview: NEC vs. FC Utrecht - prediction, team news, lineups
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