Latest news with #financialresilience
Yahoo
18 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Delta Air Lines Boosts Dividend 25%
Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL) raises its quarterly dividend by 25% to $0.1875 per share, up from $0.15. the Atlanta-based carrier said the payout yields 1.58%, with the potential for investors to view it as a sign of financial resilience. Warning! GuruFocus has detected 3 Warning Sign with DAL. High Yield Dividend Stocks in Gurus' Portfolio This Powerful Chart Made Peter Lynch 29% A Year For 13 Years How to calculate the intrinsic value of a stock? Delta's yield sat below 1% for much of the past decade, barely blinking until the COVID crash sent shares tumbling in early 2020. That panic spike saw yields shoot toward 8% as the stock price collapsedan eye-popping moment nobody wanted. Then yields plummeted through 2021 as the airline battened down the hatches. Fast-forward to 2023 and beyond, Delta quietly crept back in with a low-single-digit yield, reflecting its cautious comeback. Now, after this week's 25% boost, the forward yield nears 1.6%, signaling renewed confidenceeven if it's still modest by historical standards. This article first appeared on GuruFocus.
Arab News
5 days ago
- Business
- Arab News
Bitcoin pioneer Michael Saylor holds ‘landmark' talks with Pakistan Crypto Council officials
KARACHI: Pakistani officials held a 'landmark discussion' this week with Michael Saylor, bitcoin advocate and billionaire US business executive, on using digital currencies to strengthen Pakistan's financial resilience and its digital economy, according to a statement released on Sunday. Pakistan set up the Pakistan Crypto Council (PCC) in March to create a legal framework for cryptocurrency trading in a bid to lure international investment. In April, Pakistan introduced its first-ever policy framework to set rules for how digital money like cryptocurrencies and the companies that deal in it should operate in Pakistan. The policy has been formulated to align with compliance and financial integrity guidelines of the global Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Last month, the government approved setting up the Pakistan Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (PVARA), a specialized regulatory body to oversee blockchain-based financial infrastructure, and separately also unveiled the country's first government-led strategic bitcoin reserve at the Bitcoin 2025 conference in Las Vegas. Talks this week between Saylor and Pakistan's Finance Minister Muhammad Aurangzeb and Minister of State for Crypto and Blockchain Bilal Bin Saqib focused on how bitcoin could be used as part of sovereign reserves and monetary policy. 'Pakistan aspires to lead the Global South in the development and adoption of digital assets, setting a benchmark for innovation, regulation, and inclusive growth in the digital economy,' Finance Minister Aurangzeb, who is the chairman of the PCC, was quoted as saying in a statement released by Saqib's office. Saylor, one of the world's most prominent corporate bitcoin investors, welcomed Pakistan's move to explore digital assets, the statement added. 'Pakistan has many brilliant people. It also has commitment and clarity needed by businesses globally … Bitcoin is the strongest asset for long-term national resilience,' Saylor said during the meeting, according to the statement, adding that emerging markets like Pakistan could benefit from early adoption of blockchain finance. Saylor also reportedly praised Pakistan's efforts to take a 'forward-looking, innovation-friendly stance' in the global digital economy and welcomed the opportunity to advise and support ongoing developments in the country related to digital assets. Saylor's company, Strategy, formerly MicroStrategy, is the world's largest corporate holder of bitcoin, reportedly holding about 582,000 BTC valued at over $62 billion as of June 2025. The company's market capitalization has risen from $1.2 billion to over $105 billion since it adopted bitcoin as a core asset in 2020.
Entrepreneur
7 days ago
- Business
- Entrepreneur
Entrepreneur UK's London 100: Creditspring
Industry: Fintech With living costs remaining high and credit options decreasing, millions of people across the UK face financial struggles. A quarter (26%) of people say this is the most financially unstable they've ever been whilst over one in ten (13%) are reliant on credit to pay their bills. FCA-regulated responsible lender Creditspring launched in 2016, providing a unique way for customers to access loans – through subscriptions. This approach makes lending fairer, safer and easier to understand for borrowers. Creditspring's innovative model enables members to pay a small, fixed monthly membership fee and can access two no-interest loans per year. This approach means that borrowers can see exactly how much they are going to pay the moment they apply, without hidden charges or late fees and no risk of falling into debt spirals. Members also have access to a range of additional support solutions that can boost their financial resilience, from improving their credit score to assessing their eligibility for support schemes via its Benefits Finder, a tool that unlocks access to unclaimed government benefits. Since launch, Creditspring has found over £2b in unclaimed benefits with members claiming an average of £977 in monthly government support. During 2024, Creditspring provided over £200m in financial support to borrowers, a 63% increase on the £127m lent in 2023. Across 2024, Creditspring's revenue increased by over 80% (from almost £18.2m to over £33.2m) as it became profitable in Q3, continued to scale and provide increased responsible credit options.
Al Bawaba
11-06-2025
- Business
- Al Bawaba
S&P and Moody's Upgrade Emaar's Credit Ratings, Citing Strong Financial Performance and Robust Revenue Visibility
Emaar Properties PJSC (DFM: EMAAR), one of the world's most valuable and respected real estate development companies, has announced that both S&P Global Ratings and Moody's Ratings have upgraded the company's long-term issuer credit ratings, reinforcing Emaar's position as a financially resilient and strategically agile market leader. S&P Global Ratings upgraded its long-term issuer credit rating to BBB+ from BBB, with a stable outlook, while Moody's upgraded Emaar's long-term issuer rating to Baa1 from Baa2, also with a stable outlook. These upgrades reflect Emaar's robust financial fundamentals, consistent performance, and sound strategic direction. The same S&P and Moody's rating upgrade has been applied to Emaar's senior unsecured debt. Strong Financial Position and Strategic Execution As of March 2025, Emaar reported a revenue backlog of approximately AED 127 billion (US$ 34.6 billion), providing strong revenue and cash flow visibility through 2028. The company's recurring income portfolio continues to expand, supported by disciplined execution, resilient operations, and diversified income streams. S&P's upgrade was driven by Emaar's record-high backlog of AED 110 billion (US$ 29.9 billion) as of December 2024, and healthy presales in the UAE of AED 65.4 billion (US$ 17.8 billion) during 2024, alongside a net cash position, low leverage, and strong adjusted EBITDA margins. Moody's highlighted significant reduction in adjusted debt of Emaar from 2020 to March 2025 and the drop in debt to equity ratio over the same period. Commenting on the announcements, Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of Emaar, said: "We are proud to receive this recognition from both S&P and Moody's, which underscores the strength of our strategy, the quality of our assets, and the discipline we maintain in financial management. These upgrades reflect not only our performance, but also the confidence in Dubai's economy and real estate market. We will continue to pursue sustainable growth, innovation, and value creation for our shareholders and stakeholders alike." Liquidity and Resilience Emaar reported an interest coverage ratio of approximately 24 times for the twelve months ending March 2025 and holds AED 25.4 billion (US$ 6.9 billion) in cash (excluding escrow balances), along with AED 7.4 billion (US$ 2 billion) in undrawn committed credit facilities, providing ample liquidity and financial flexibility. S&P noted that Emaar's strong mall, hospitality, and entertainment operations, in addition to the resilience of its real estate development business, contributed to the rating action. Dubai Mall, for instance, recorded over 111 million visitors in 2024, with overall mall portfolio occupancy of 98.5%, showcasing the strength of Emaar's recurring income-generating assets. Outlook Both agencies issued a stable outlook, reflecting their expectation that Emaar will maintain solid credit metrics, strong liquidity, and continued operational performance. These dual upgrades reinforce Emaar's reputation as a leading player in the global real estate sector, anchored in a dynamic and fast-growing market.
South China Morning Post
08-06-2025
- Business
- South China Morning Post
Study Buddy (Challenger): Teach Hongkongers how to spend, save and invest
Content provided by British Council Read the following text, and answer questions 1–9 below: [1] In March, the Investor and Financial Education Council launched 'Hong Kong Money Month 2025' to strengthen financial resilience and combat financial fraud. Despite Hong Kong's status as a global financial hub, a significant portion of its population lacks essential financial literacy. Personal finance is largely absent from our school curriculum. We teach students algebra and essay writing but rarely show them how to read a bank statement or plan a monthly budget. While some non-governmental organisations offer workshops, they are not embedded in our education system. [2] We often call Hong Kong a global financial centre – and it is. However, the relevant knowledge does not just trickle down because skyscrapers go up. Navigating credit card bills, rent hikes or retirement savings choices can be deeply confusing for many working-class families. Being surrounded by finance does not mean you have been taught how to handle your money. [3] The cost of this knowledge gap is high – not just for individuals but for society as a whole. Hongkongers are hardworking, economically active people, yet many live with constant financial stress. High living costs, inadequate retirement planning, speculative investments and a culture of saving without strategic allocation are symptoms of a deeper issue. [4] A 2021 survey by the Investor and Financial Education Council showed that while Hong Kong adults generally understand the importance of budgeting and saving, many still struggle with more complex concepts like inflation, investment risk or long-term financial planning. This disconnect is especially dangerous in a city where the wealth gap continues to widen, and financial missteps can have long-term consequences. [5] We cannot keep assuming financial education will somehow 'trickle down' or can be left to parents, many of whom have never received this kind of education themselves. And the need for such education has never been more urgent. Hong Kong's economy is changing. The property ladder is steeper than ever. Young people are growing up with unprecedented access to cryptocurrency platforms, margin trading apps and speculative investment opportunities. Without strong financial foundations, many will make big decisions with little understanding of the risks involved. [6] What we need is a civic-level shift in our approach to financial education. That means integrating practical money skills into secondary school curriculums and teaching students the basics of retirement planning, taxation, credit, budgeting and how to evaluate an insurance scheme. Not through boring lectures but with real-life simulations – what it costs to rent a flat, buy groceries or handle a sudden medical bill. [7] Financial awareness is a survival skill that will foster a more stable society. Fewer people will fall into debt, and more will retire with enough to work and thrive in a financial hub. We are already seeing the cracks – rising credit card debt among young people, an ageing population without adequate retirement plans and a middle class stretched thin. Financial literacy may not solve all our problems, but without it, too many Hongkongers will continue to navigate one of the world's most expensive cities in the dark. Source: South China Morning Post, May 22 Questions 1. According to paragraph 1, … is seen as being more important than practical financial literacy in schools. A. academic knowledge B. fraud prevention campaigns C. strengthening financial resilience D. skills-based education 2. What is the paradox mentioned in paragraph 1? 3. What does the 'knowledge gap' in paragraph 3 refer to? 4. According to paragraph 4, what basic financial concepts are Hong Kong adults aware of? 5. In paragraph 5, what is the danger of young people's 'unprecedented access' to certain financial platforms and opportunities? 6. What assumption about financial education does paragraph 5 argue against continuing? A. that it will be taught in schools B. that it will be learned through practical experience C. that parents will naturally impart it D. all of the above 7. What does the phrase 'civic-level shift' mentioned in paragraph 6 suggest needs to change about financial education? 8. Find a phrase in paragraph 7 that means to be 'uninformed about something'. 9. What is the writer's tone regarding financial education in Hong Kong? A. patronising B. concise C. reserved D. critical Without strong financial foundations, many young people will make big decisions with little understanding of the risks involved. Photo: Shutterstock Answers 1. A 2. Despite Hong Kong's status as a global financial hub, a significant portion of its population lacks essential financial literacy. 3. the difference between Hong Kong's advanced financial infrastructure and the general public's understanding of personal finance (accept all similar answers) 4. budgeting and saving 5. Without strong financial foundations, many young people will make big decisions with little understanding of the risks involved. 6. C 7. Financial education is not solely a responsibility of individuals or families. Government bodies, educational institutions and other societal stakeholders should help implement and sustain widespread financial education. (accept all reasonable answers) 8. in the dark 9. D
