Hello everyone,

I wanted to get your opinions and criticism regarding my portfolio.

Briefly about me: I am 19 years old, graduated from high school in the summer, then did two internships, one at a management consultancy and the other at a law firm. I then worked as a ski instructor from December to mid-March. I am also starting university in April.

My strategy: a mix of shares with growth potential (see $VUL (+4.38%)
$NU (-6.73%) or $HIMS (-9.32%) ) and dividend stocks (see $D05 (-1.34%)
$BAS (-1.12%) or $8001 (-2.72%) )

The core should consist of the three ETFs in the portfolio. I am currently in the process of bringing the China ETF to €1,000 of paid-in capital. I have no plans to invest in the S&P 500 and MSCI World in the near future.

During my school days, I did some reselling in addition to mini-jobs, which enabled me to build up my portfolio. I started investing in November 2021.

Please let me know your thoughts and criticisms in the comments!

At 53 billion euros, the 40 DAX companies are likely to pay out almost one billion euros more this year than a year ago - more than ever before.

The reason for the strong development is high consolidated profits and unexpectedly rising dividends at a good dozen companies, including $ALV (-0.53%) Allianz, $MUV2 (-0.66%) Munich Re and $RHM (-2.99%) Rheinmetall.

At 109 billion euros net profit, the DAX companies are likely to have earned as much in 2024 as in the previous year, according to Handelsblatt calculations. Slump in earnings for the three car manufacturers $BMW (-1.77%) BMW, $MBG (-1.05%) Mercedes and $VOW (-2.06%) VW will be offset by companies in other sectors, in particular the major insurers Allianz, Munich Re and $HNR1 (-0.11%) Hannover Re, but also $DTE (+2%) Deutsche Telekom, $HEN (-0.82%) Henkel and $EOAN (+2.33%) Eon.

More than a dozen DAX companies have announced higher dividends than the market had previously expected. For example $ALV (-0.53%) 15.40 euros per share after 13.80 euros in the previous year. Analysts had forecast just under 15 euros. The insurer is thus distributing just under six billion euros. This is a record in the German corporate landscape.

The biggest jump is at $MUV2 (-0.66%) Munich Re: The reinsurer is increasing its dividend by five euros per share to 20 euros.

The two healthcare specialists $FRE (+0.16%) Fresenius and $FME (+0.82%) Fresenius Medical Care, the brand manufacturer $HEN (-0.82%) Henkel, the automotive supplier $BTR Continental, the $CBK (-4.3%) Commerzbank, $RHM (-2.99%) Rheinmetall and $HNR1 (-0.11%) Hannover Re have raised their dividends, in some cases significantly more than expected. This is also due to rising profits, which justify a higher profit share for shareholders.

The largest dividend payers in the DAX are

• $ALV (-0.53%)
• 
  $DTE (+2%)
• 
  $MBG (-1.05%)
• 
  $SIE (-2.43%)
• 
  $VOW (-2.06%)

Like the car manufacturers, a number of companies in the DAX remain below the usual international payout ratios, including the family-run groups $BEI (+0.5%) Beiersdorf and $MRK (+0.91%) Merck. They pass on less than 30 percent of their profits. This leaves enough of a buffer so that dividends do not have to be reduced immediately in more difficult times.

Germany's most valuable group, $SAP (-0.89%) SAP, with a payout ratio of 85%, is pushing the limit: net profit of 3.1 billion euros in the past year compares with a total dividend payout of 2.7 billion euros. However, the profit was burdened by a one-off effect.

So far, a total of 20 companies have increased their dividends, with only $BAS (-1.12%) BASF and the three car manufacturers. Four companies have yet to do so: $RWE (+0.03%) RWE, $SY1 (+1.64%) Symrise and $VNA (+1.95%) Vonovia are likely to increase their dividends, while analysts expect $PAH3 (-3.13%) analysts expect a reduction at Porsche Holding.

Source (excerpt) & chart: Handelsblatt, 15.03.25

BASF plans way out of the crisis

In Ludwigshafen, the world's largest chemical plant, BASF has been struggling $BAS (-1.12%) has been struggling for years with high energy costs and a global oversupply of basic chemicals. Despite these challenges, the company is considering closing further plants. However, the Board of Executive Directors emphasizes that Ludwigshafen will remain the most important site in the long term. Markus Kamieth, the Group's CEO, announced additional cost-cutting measures and a comprehensive restructuring program in September in order to get the chemical giant back on track. The plan is to sell business units and prepare the agricultural business for a stock market listing by 2027. Strategic options for areas such as battery materials and automotive catalysts are also being considered. BASF recently announced the sale of its Brazilian architectural coatings business to the US paint group Sherwin-Williams for 1.15 billion dollars.

Polestar secures fresh money

The Swedish electric car manufacturer Polestar $VOLV A (-1.87%) is once again looking for fresh capital and has secured a credit facility of up to 450 million dollars. This new financing has a term of twelve months and is urgently needed as the company is still loss-making. Polestar has also postponed the publication of its quarterly figures and annual financial statements for 2024. The figures are now not due to be published until April 2024, having previously been scheduled for March. This uncertainty has caused the company's US-listed shares to initially fall by more than 2%. The situation remains tense as investors hope for positive news to boost confidence in the brand.

Allianz achieves record profit

Allianz $ALV (-0.53%) has achieved a record profit, exceeding expectations in a challenging environment of subdued economic growth and numerous natural disasters. Chief Financial Officer Claire-Marie Coste-Lepoutre reported an operating profit and net profit for the year that reached new highs. An operating profit of between 15 and 17 billion euros is targeted for the current year. Net profit after minority interests now amounts to 9.9 billion euros, which corresponds to an increase of 16 percent. All Allianz segments ended the year above the mid-point of the target corridor for operating profit, impressively demonstrating the resilience of the business model. Despite the challenges, Allianz has shown that it is well positioned and can shine even in turbulent times.

Sources:

https://www.manager-magazin.de/unternehmen/industrie/basf-aktie-faellt-nach-verhaltenem-ergebnis-ausblick-a-96846ebb-a86c-42c1-a5d3-8490e66b7ced

https://www.manager-magazin.de/unternehmen/autoindustrie/polestar-elektroautobauer-sichert-sich-weiteren-kredit-und-verschiebt-bilanz-erneut-a-bdb8ff1e-e79b-463b-b744-02569eea7d24

https://www.manager-magazin.de/unternehmen/allianz-mit-rekordgewinn-oberhalb-der-eigenen-erwartungen-a-0d36f476-8419-4f96-ad17-0c28d8fab23b

The Annual Press Conference 2024 of BASF ($BAS (-1.12%) ) in Ludwigshafen provided detailed insights into the company's financial development, the new strategy "Winning Way" and the planned measures to increase efficiency and profitability.

Chairman of the Board of Executive Directors Marcus Camitto and Chief Financial Officer Dirk Elbermann presented the figures for 2024, answered questions on restructuring restructuring, investments and strategic realignment and and gave an initial forecast for the coming year.

Despite a challenging market environment, BASF was able to deliver solid results. Particularly noteworthy was the 18 percent increase in EBITDA pre exceptionals in the core business, driven by growth in thedriven by growth in the Nutrition & Care Nutrition & Care, Industrial Solutions, Chemicals and Materials segments. At the same time, the company recorded remarkable volume growth of 6 % in Europe. The Agriculture division performed strongly, while the Surface Technologies and Surface Technologies and Agricultural Solutions were under pressure.

The free cash flow of 750 million euros exceeded forecastsand the margin improved from 12.6 % to 13.1 %.. The net income rose significantly to 1.3 billion eurosafter amounting to only 225 million euros in the previous year. This growth was primarily driven by higher income from investments investments.

BASF invested 6.2 billion euros in property, plant and equipment and intangible assets, with a focus on the new on the new Verbund site in South China in southern China. At the same time, the company reduced its capital expenditure in other areas and announced that it would increase investments after the ramp-up of the Xinjiang further reduced.

The cost-cutting programs are fully on track: by the end of 2024, annual savings of annual savings of 1 billion euros have already been realizedThe long-term target is 2.1 billion euros by the end of 2026.

Particularly pleasing for investors: BASF is planning to distribute at least 12 billion euros to shareholders between 2025 and 2028of which 8 billion euros as dividends and 4 billion euros for share buybacks from 2027. For the 2024 financial year, the company is proposing a dividend of 2.25 euros per share per share.

For 2025, an EBITDA pre exceptionals of between 8 and 8.6 billion euros is is expected. While almost all segments are expected to contribute to growth, the Chemicals segment is expected to decline. The free cash flow is expected to be between 0.4 and 0.8 billion euros. range.

Another strategic goal is to reduction of CO₂ emissions. The Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions remained stable at 17 million tonswhile the share of renewable energies in the electricity mix increased from 20 % to 26 % increased.

The subsequent question and answer session focused on key topics such as the Ludwigshafen site, energy costs in Europe, US tariffs and investments in new technologies. took center stage.

Ludwigshafen & job cuts: One analyst wanted to know how the planned cost savings will affect jobs in Ludwigshafen. Camitto emphasized that although no concrete figures can be given, a significant part of the savings will be achieved through staff reductions. through staff reductions will be achieved through job cuts. The restructuring is necessary to ensure the competitiveness of the site.

Energy costs and competitiveness in Europe: Another hotly debated topic was the future of energy-intensive production in Germany. Camitto conceded that high energy energy costs affect the competitiveness of some products. Nevertheless, he emphasized that this not mean the end of the chemical industry in Europe. in Europe. On the contrary, BASF will capacities and use existing plants more efficiently.

US tariffs & trade conflicts: In view of the geopolitical uncertainties, the topic of US tariffs was also addressed. Dirk Elbermann explained that BASF is less affected by local production capacities in various regions, BASF is less affected than some of its competitors. Camitto added that the overall impact on the company would remain manageable. remain manageable.

Mobile autonomous robotics & AI: One analyst asked about the use of automation and artificial intelligence to reduce costs. Camitto confirmed that BASF is using automation and automation and AI in various areas, but he does nothowever he does not expect revolutionary changes. The focus is on the gradual integration of efficient processes.

IPO of Agricultural Solutions: The IPO of Agricultural Solutions was also discussed. BASF first wants to demonstrate the demonstrate the full value of the businessbefore a part of the shares on the stock exchange. The exact amount of the placement depends on the the market situation and investor interest and investor interest.

The "Winning Way" strategy is showing initial success. Despite economic uncertainties, BASF was able to deliver solid results in 2024 and has clear plans for the coming years. The focus areas are clearly defined:

• Increased efficiency through cost reductions and digitalization
• Growth through targeted investments in core segments
• Reduction in capital expenditure following the ramp-up of the China site
• Progress in CO₂ reduction and sustainable production
• Attractive dividends for shareholders

How many of you have BASF in your portfolio? Are you hoping for share price gains or are you taking the solid dividends with you?

Microsoft $MSFT (-3.93%) says goodbye to Skype

Microsoft will discontinue the operation of its video telephony program Skype. This was announced by Skype on the short message platform X. "From May 2025, Skype will no longer be available," the post on X reads. To support users, they will be able to sign in to Microsoft Teams with their Skype account free of charge in the coming days to keep their chats and contacts. Skype was founded in 2003 and made it possible for the first time for a wide audience to make free voice and video calls over the Internet. Most recently, the platform only had around 30 million users per month.

Microsoft bought Skype in 2011 for USD 8.5 billion, but was unable to establish the service as the leading communication service in the long term. The introduction of Microsoft Teams in 2017 led to a decline in Skype user numbers, which continued to fall during the coronavirus pandemic. The Microsoft share price is currently trading at USD 390.40 on the NASDAQ, down 0.54%.

BASF plans $BAS (-1.12%) Profit increase

BASF plans to significantly increase its operating profit this year. The chemical giant announced plans to increase its adjusted operating profit (EBITDA) to between 8.0 and 8.4 billion euros, up from 7.86 billion euros last year. All segments, with the exception of Chemicals, are expected to contribute to the increase in earnings. The forecast is in line with analysts' expectations. In addition, shareholders are to receive a minimum dividend of EUR 2.25 per share for 2024, which represents a decrease compared to the previous year's EUR 3.40.

BASF has already achieved annual cost savings of around €1 billion as part of its ongoing cost-cutting programs and is targeting total savings of €2.1 billion by the end of 2026. BASF's CEO, Markus Kamieth, expressed confidence about sales growth in all divisions for 2024 and expects total sales volumes to increase by 3 percent. In the meantime, BASF shares rose by 0.93 percent to 49.22 euros on XETRA.

Sources:

https://www.finanzen.net/nachricht/aktien/neue-alternativen-microsoft-aktie-tiefer-microsoft-stellt-skype-im-mai-ein-fokus-auf-neue-kommunikationsloesungen-14281517

https://www.finanzen.net/nachricht/aktien/neue-dividendenpolitik-basf-aktie-hoeher-operativer-gewinn-soll-2025-deutlich-steigern-14279776

This is exciting! BASF $BAS (-1.12%) is currently testing the use of geothermal energy at its Ludwigshafen site in order to significantly reduce its gas consumption and CO2 emissions. In collaboration with the startup Vulcan Energy $VUL (+4.38%) not only generates thermal energy, but also lithium - a crucial raw material for battery production. 👍

The project aims to generate sustainable energy by using hot thermal water from the Upper Rhine Graben. In this way, BASF could not only reduce its ecological footprint, but also contribute to the transformation of the chemical and automotive industries.

In the first phase, vibration trucks are already on the road carrying out seismic measurements to analyze the geological structures of the Upper Rhine Graben. Drilling is due to start in 2027 and the first tests are already underway. BASF is thus demonstrating how innovative technologies can contribute to reducing emissions and at the same time open up new business areas. This could be a real game changer for the industry! 📈

I was inspired by a Focus Money article and because many people here are asking.

I won't be investing myself, it's too short-term for me. But there are still some very interesting companies.

Feel free to write in the comments whether such "copied articles" are of any use to the community or are legally correct :)

The signs of a peace process in Ukraine are solidifying. This is triggering a run on the stock market for shares that could benefit from reconstruction

Regardless of the political interpretation, the stock market has been turning its back on the war for several days now and is betting on the coming peace. Stocks that are likely to benefit from the reconstruction in Ukraine have soared. The UBS Ukraine Reconstruction Index, which comprises 25 of these stocks, has been climbing for days and is at an all-time high. "The effects of a possible ceasefire in Ukraine are still being underestimated on the financial markets," says Bernd Meyer, Chief Investment Strategist and Head of Multi Asset at Berenberg, who is convinced that the rally will continue. Reconstruction requires enormous resources. According to estimates by the World Bank, the costs for this amount to a total of 500 billion dollars - the equivalent of Austria's gross domestic product and more than three times Ukraine's annual economic output before the war. The money is likely to benefit construction companies, suppliers, infrastructure companies and banks in particular. European companies could be the main beneficiaries - especially from neighboring countries such as Poland and Hungary, but also the Czech Republic, Austria and Germany.

With Wärtsilä $WRT1V (-0.29%) a provider of technologies for the shipping and energy markets, and Konecranes $KCR (-12.34%) a manufacturer of industrial cranes and drive technology, Finnish companies are also on the list of potential peace beneficiaries - as are Italian companies such as the cement and building materials manufacturer Buzzi $BZU (-2.57%) The list is long. There is a great need for building materials, steel and cables to restore the destroyed infrastructure and energy supply. There is still no thematic fund or ETF on the beneficiaries of the reconstruction in Ukraine. Investors who want to benefit from this are therefore well advised to combine several securities into a portfolio themselves.

Banks: Erste Group Bank $EBS (-3.51%) Powszechna K. Osz $PKO (-1.16%) Santander Polska $SPL (-2.93%) Polska K. Opieki $PEO (-1.19%) Raiffeisen Bank Int.$RBI (-3.51%)

Construction: Wienerberger $WIE (-2.7%) Sniezka Construction $SKA Strabag $STR (+1.35%)

Insulation: Kingspan Group $KRX (-0.55%) Rockwool $ROCK B (-1.48%)

Glass: Cie de Saint-Gobain $SGO (-2.05%)

Cranes: Konecranes $KCR (-12.34%)

Cement: CRH $CRH (-5.04%) Buzzi $BZU (-2.57%) Holcim $HOLN (-1%) Heidelberg Mat. $HEI (-3%)

Construction machinery: Caterpillar $CAT (-3.82%)

Mining: Ferrexpo $FXPO (-4.39%) Metso $METSO (-4.05%)

Chemicals: BASF $BAS (-1.12%)

Industrial gases: Air Liquide $AI (-0.27%)

Infrastructure: Schneider Electric $SU (-3.52%) Rexel $RXL (-0.89%) Wärtsilä $WRT1V (-0.29%) Weir Group $WEIR (-1.63%)

Infrastructure (E): Siemens Energy $ENR (-4.76%) Prysmian $PRY (-1.44%) NKT $NKT (+0.11%) Nexans $NEX (-1.3%)

Agriculture: Kernel $KER (-0.95%)

Logistics(warehouse): Kion $KGX (-3.19%)

Steel: Arcelor Mittal $MT (-3.48%) and for stainless steels Outukompu $OUT1V (-1.38%)

Sanitary technology: Geberit $GEBN (-1.89%)

Specialty chemicals: Evonik $EVK (-1.37%) Arkema $AKE (-2.58%) Wacker Chemie $WCH (-1.65%) Lanxess $LXS (-1.88%)

BASF $BAS (-1.12%) cleans up and sells its building paints business in Brazil to Sherwin-Williams for 1.15 billion US dollars. Why? Because the division hardly fitted in with the rest of the group and was mainly active in Brazil. In short: not a big loss for BASF - but a step in the Group's reorganization.

The chemical giant wants to concentrate more on its core business. What does that mean? Car paints & Co. could be the next to be sold. At the same time, BASF is struggling with high energy costs and weak demand, especially in China. In Ludwigshafen, further cuts are therefore imminent: Plants closed, jobs gone, 1 billion euros to be saved by 2026.

Is this all a clever strategy update or a sign of tougher times ahead? What do you think? 💬

Source: dpa, company information

Berenberg downgrades BASF to 'Hold' + Norma needs new CEO + Valneva expects sales between EUR 180-190m for 2025 + CTS EVENTIM with record earnings in 2024

Berenberg downgrades BASF $BAS (-1.12%)to 'Hold' because 'peace is almost priced in'

• The private bank Berenberg has raised its price target for BASF from EUR 50 to EUR 52, but downgraded the shares from "Buy" to "Hold".
• Peace in Ukraine would be favorable for falling gas prices, but is already largely priced in after the rally of recent weeks, wrote analyst Sebastian Bray in his reassessment on Monday evening.
• There would also not necessarily be a rapid return to the price level before Russia's attack.
• In addition, the silence of the weapons would not change the sluggish growth in China, where the Ludwigshafen-based company is particularly active

Norma $NOEJ (-1.79%)needs a new boss - Grandi resigns over strategy differences

• The automotive supplier and fastening technology specialist Norma Group has to look for a new boss.
• CEO Guido Grandi has resigned from his position on the Management Board at the end of February 17, 2024 due to strategic differences regarding the future direction of the company, the company announced late Monday evening.
• The current Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Mark Wilhelms, will lead Norma for the transitional period of a maximum of one year.
• His position will be temporarily filled by Kerstin Müller-Kirchhofs.

Valneva $VLA (-2.37%)expects sales of between EUR 180-190 million for 2025

• Reports preliminary unaudited revenues and cash for 2024 and provides outlook for 2025
• Has achieved growth targets for 2024 with revenues (+13% vs. 2023) and total revenues (+10% vs. 2023)
• Outlook for 2025: revenue to increase to EUR 170-180 million
• Reports cash and cash equivalents of EUR 168.3 million at the end of the year
• Total revenue amounted to EUR 169.6 million for the year ending December 31, 2024
• Cash and cash equivalents of EUR 168.3 million as at December 31, 2024
• Outlook 2025: Total revenue expected to be between EUR 180 million and EUR 190 million, investments in research and development between EUR 90 million and EUR 100 million
• Expected research and development investments between 90-100 million in 2025

CTS EVENTIM $EVD (-8.55%): Record result 2024

• Based on the preliminary figures for the 2024 financial year, CTS EVENTIM AG & Co. KGaA continues to record dynamic growth in all business segments.
• The very strong fourth quarter of 2024 ensured that the Group achieved new record figures for revenue and earnings.
• Group sales increased by 19.1% to EUR 2.809 billion in the 2024 financial year compared to the previous year (EUR 2.359 billion).
• This strong growth was driven by both the Ticketing and Live Entertainment segments.
• Adjusted Group EBITDA for 2024 amounted to EUR 542.2 million, compared to EUR 444.8 million in the same period of the previous year.
• A significant increase of 21.9%.

Tuesday: Stock market dates, economic data, quarterly figures

• ex-dividend of individual stocks
• Archer Daniels Midland Company USD 0.51
• EQT USD 0.16
• United Parcel Service Registered (B) USD 1.64

• Quarterly figures / company dates USA / Asia
• 00:30 BHP Group half-year figures

• Quarterly figures / Company dates Europe
• 07:00 Capgemini | Elmos Semiconductor Quarterly figures
• 08:00 Jost Werke preliminary annual results
• 10:00 Siemens Healthineers AGM

• economic data

08:00 UK: Labor market data January unemployment rate 3 months (ILO) FORECAST: 4.5% previous: 4.4%

11:00 DE: ZEW Economic Sentiment Index February FORECAST: 20.0 points previously: 10.3 points Economic situation FORECAST: -89.2 points previously: -90.4 points

14:30 US: Empire State Manufacturing Index February FORECAST: -1.0 previous: -12.6

15:00 EU: ECB Director Cipollone, speech at MNI conference on "The ECB's Balance Sheet Policies and Implications" in the Current Economic Context

19:00 US: Fed Vice-Chairman Barr, interview on "Artificial Intelligence in the Economy and Financial Stability"