A little Christmas bonus for every "stonemason" 😁

The stock market year 2024 is slowly coming to an end my dear investors!

I hope you were able to get the last-minute Christmas presents 👀 such as $NOVO B (+1,79%) ?🥹

Time to review the year. Normally it's not my strong point to write such texts, but I still wanted to say a few words ✍️📖

I thought the stock market year 2024 was very full of ups and downs geprägt🌦️ especially the European companies like $ASML (-0,34%) / $MC (-0,12%) did very well at the beginning of the year, but the returns were lost again over the course of the year and we are now back to the beginning of the year 📈+/-📉 0.

Of course, not "all" shares have performed as erratically as the above-mentioned shares. Some shares simply continue to perform consistently well like $BLK (-0,17%) or $MSFT (+0,17%) 📈

That's why I find "stock market life" so exciting, thrilling and interesting, because not everything always goes equally well or badly. Otherwise everything would be too "monotonous", wouldn't it? 🫣

I don't want to go into individual titles now, otherwise this article won't be finished in 2 years' time 😂

Nevertheless, I think / hope that most of you were able to take the dips in some stocks well👏

My expectations for 2025 ?

Everyone is talking about a crash/correction📉 for next year etc... but I personally don't know people 🤷🏼‍♂️ I'll take it as it comes. Of course I hope to see a dip in some stocks again 👀 or get a second chance to get in or build up my position further. But we will see 🫣

I would like to highlight 3 GQ users who have added a lot of value, at least for me🎊

@Tenbagger2024 I think through you, you really see what many and at the same time unknown companies with massive potential exist in the world! You live up to your name 🫶

@Michael-official For me, there's no way around you for all company news/earnings! You are so quick with the quarterly figures, news 📰 and much more! that's crazy🤯 🗞️

@BamBamInvest of presentations from companies, you are really amazing!

So much information about a company like $SOFI (-0,03%) you have to spend a lot of time 📖collecting information via various websites & so "short and informative" zusammenzufassen✍️ for the community here you first have to create 🙏🏽

You can expand your knowledge of the stock market considerably. "You never stop learning" 🤓 I think you have become a little inspiration on this platform for many investors here, including me🤙 Thank you for the inputbecause that's not a given.

I really enjoy reading your posts because it's just so interesting and informative at the same time!

I don't read that many posts and don't comment much on this platform. I'm more of a "silent observer" 🤫

Nevertheless, I would like to thank you for your day-to-day work, news, contributions etc. that you put together for us!

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU 🙏🏽♥️

At the end

I would like to wish all GQ users a Merry Christmas. Enjoy this wonderful time together. Reflect, think about the things that you have and that are really important to you in life. It's often the little things that matter, the things that you quickly forget in the rush of everyday life. Thinking about what you have, appreciating it and preserving it is what Christmas is all about.

Set priorities; fill your life with golf balls before you fill it with sand.

Happy New Year 2025! 🎇🎆

Above all, stay healthy!

🥂🍾Cheers to you! May your fortune continue to grow in 2025! 💥

Now a few questions for the group

How did you personally find the stock market year 2024?

What do you think the year 2025 will be like ?

Do you have any wishes, goals or ideas for next year?

Otherwise, have a nice evening!

Thanks for reading

See you 🫶

yours Aktienhauptmeister✌️

It's that time again. I need new suggestions for the Community Depot. The last vote was $BLK (-0,17%) won the last vote and was added to the depot on Monday.

I am looking forward to your suggestions.

And please remember. A maximum of 2 suggestions per person and a maximum of 10 shares can be selected.

The second vote went to $BLK (-0,17%)

A successful trading week to all

BlackRock $BLK (-0,17%)
: Record figures and strategic decisions in the fourth quarter of 2024

BlackRock has once again delivered impressive results in the fourth quarter of 2024 and continues its successful trajectory. The company recorded strong growth in assets under management (AUM), which increased to $11.7 trillionan increase of $2.5 trillion compared to the previous year. This development was driven by $475 billion net inflows and positive market developments. Sales grew by 14 % year-on-year, driven by strong organic growth and higher performance fees.

Financial highlights

• AUM: $11.7 trillion (up $2.5 trillion year-on-year)
• Revenue growth: 14 %
• Adjusted EPS: $8.62
• Operating profit: +22 %
• Operating margin: 46,3 %

Strategic successes

• Global growth: BlackRock achieved net inflows of $250 billion in the fourth quarter, with both active and index-based strategies contributing equally to growth.
• Technology: The digital platform Aladdin and the eFront-technology achieved an increase in the contract price (ACV) of 17 % YoY. The integration of technology to improve operational efficiency and customer access remains a strategic focus.
• Private Markets: The acquisition of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP) contributed $125 billion to AUM and strengthened BlackRock's position in infrastructure and private markets.
• Sustainability: BlackRock continues to focus on sustainable investing, with a growing number of ESG products that support its strategic focus on responsible financial solutions.

Outlook for 2025

BlackRock raises its forecast for 2025 and expects revenue growth of 6,5-7,0 % and an increase in adjusted operating profit of 9-10 %.

CEO Laurence Fink emphasized that BlackRock's sustainable growth strategy, coupled with technological progress and a clear focus on ESG investing, will equip the company for future challenges and opportunities in the long term:

"Our vision of expanding global access to financial solutions and investing responsibly for the future remains a critical part of our corporate strategy."

With this dynamic blend of technology, innovation and a clear focus on sustainable investing, BlackRock remains a leading player in the global financial sector.

Source: https://s24.q4cdn.com/856567660/files/doc_financials/2024/Q3/BLK-3Q24-Earning-Release.pdf

Do you have Blackrock in your portfolio?👇🏻

BlackRock $BLK (-0,17%) buys credit company for 12 billion dollars

BlackRock is acquiring the credit company HPS in a deal worth billions. This strengthens a business area in which the investment company was previously lagging behind the competition.

BlackRock and HPS Investment Partners have agreed on a takeover. The investment company is paying around 12 billion dollars in a share deal. With the acquisition, the world's largest asset manager is moving into the upper echelons of the private credit business.

HPS manages client assets of 148 billion dollars, according to a press release issued on Tuesday. Founded in 2007, the company is now one of the largest independent managers in the growing private credit market. BlackRock expects the acquisition to increase assets under management in the private markets by 40 percent and management fees by 35 percent.

Management remains on board

The founders of HPS, Scott Kapnick, Scot French and Michael Pattersonwill head a new business unit for private financing solutions at BlackRock. This will offer clients the full range of fixed income mutual funds and alternative credit funds, according to the statement.

"We offer both public and private markets, equities and bonds," said Larry FinkChief Executive Officer of Blackrock, according to Bloomberg in a call following the announcement. "The blending of public and private markets is a reality today." HPS was the only company in the fast-growing private credit industry that Blackrock had considered acquiring.

The purchase would make it one of the top five companies in private credit, with about $220 billion in assets, and still have room for growth in insurance clients and investment-grade private debt.

Performance dependent

The transaction is expected to be completed in the middle of next year. Around a quarter of the purchase price will be paid over five years, and further Blackrock shares are possible depending on performance. The deal also includes a retention package of up to 675 million dollars for HPS employees. BlackRock anticipates that approximately 400 million dollars of existing HPS debt will need to be repaid in cash or refinanced.

A few months ago, Blackrock had already made a major acquisition in the field of alternative investments with the purchase of Global Infrastructure Partners. In this deal with a price tag of 12.5 billion dollars, Blackrock became one of the largest managers of infrastructure assets with around 170 billion dollars.

Source: finews.ch

Depotupdate November - A successful month with a clear focus

November was a strong month, both in terms of returns and strategic realignment. The current portfolio value is 48.745,46 €with a solid monthly return of 6,86 %which corresponds to a price gain of 3.131,04 € . It is a further step towards a long-term and growth-oriented portfolio.

Activities in November: purchases and sales

Purchases:

S&P 500 $VUSA (+0,15%)
via savings plan

The regular savings plan with 930 € in the S&P 500 was executed as usual. This basis offers stability and long-term diversification in the portfolio.

Bitcoin $BTC (-1,69%)
The individual purchases with a value of 2.361,92 € reflect the conviction that Bitcoin will continue to gain in importance as an asset class in the long term. With a current weighting of 5,47 % it remains a tactical addition.

Sales:

Altria Group $MO (-0,17%)
The position was sold with a plus of just under 30 % which corresponds to a volume of 1.340 € corresponds to a volume of €1,340. The tobacco giant no longer fits in with the growth strategy, which focuses on innovative and future-oriented companies.

LVMH $MC (-0,12%)
This position was also sold, with a total value of 800 € and a loss of 280,74 €. Despite the quality of the company, the focus is now more on growth-oriented stocks, which is why LVMH no longer fits the strategy.

Portfolio structure and weighting

Security type weighting:

• 49.47 % ETFs - A stable anchor, particularly through the S&P 500.
• 45.05 % equities - The focus remains on individual stocks with potential for growth.
• 5.47 % Bitcoin - A small but increasingly relevant addition.

Top 5 sectors:

IT (25.19 %) - Driver in the portfolio, led by NVIDIA $NVDA (+0,64%) and Apple $AAPL (+0,12%)
Financial services (23.89 %) - Reliable returns with Allianz $ALV (-0,03%) and BlackRock $BLK (-0,17%)
Defensive consumer goods (16.05%) - Stability through P&G $PG (-0,12%) and Walmart $WMT (+0,02%)
Cyclical consumer goods (7 %) - Moderate exposure with potential.

Industrial goods (6.32%) - A diversifying addition.

Country allocation:

• USA (80 %): The dominant market in the portfolio.
• Germany (6.6%): Local stocks such as Allianz and Siemens.
• Other countries (5.54%): Global diversification.
• UK (1.08 %) and France (0.90 %): Smaller positions.

Deep Dive: The top 5 positions

NVIDIA (7.72 %):

Leader in AI development and graphics processors. NVIDIA remains the largest position and a key stock in the portfolio.

Allianz (6.16%):

A defensive anchor with stable dividends and strong market position in the insurance and wealth sector.

Apple (6.03%):

With a focus on services, wearables and technological innovation, Apple remains an essential holding.

Microsoft $MSFT (+0,17%)
(5,65 %):

Leader in cloud services and AI solutions. Microsoft remains a long-term favorite.

BlackRock (5.63%):

The world's largest asset manager benefits from rising capital inflows and remains a mainstay.

Top movers in November

Winner:

• Walmart (+15.55%): Convincing quarterly figures and strategic e-commerce expansion.
• Costco $COST (+0,16%)
  (+14,14 %): Solid performer thanks to strong member retention.
• P&G (+10.89 %): Resilience to crisis pays off.
• S&P 500 ETF (+8.38 %): Benefits from the general market upswing.
• Waste Management $WM (+0,61%)
  (+8,27 %): Stable income from a defensive business model.

Loser:

• Hercules Capital (-2.38%): The BDC specialist had a weak month. A strategic review of this position is imminent.

Conclusion and outlook

November was a very successful monthboth in terms of returns and the strategic realignment.

Key decisions:

• The focus remains on long-term growth through technology and quality stocks.
• The sales of Altria and LVMH show that the portfolio is being consistently adapted to the strategy.
• Hercules Capital is under review and could soon be removed from the portfolio as it no longer fits the growth strategy.

Long-term perspective:

With the savings plan and targeted individual purchases, the portfolio is running on "autopilot". The combination of patience, strategic adjustment and a clear focus on growth stocks strengthens the foundation for a successful future.

The portfolio remains on course - an exciting month with a clear direction!

Citigroup $C (+0,05%) has Kate Moore from BlackRock $BLK (-0,17%) as Chief Investment Officer (CIO) for the Wealth Management division. Moore brings extensive experience in strategic investments and market analysis and will play a key role in Citigroup's wealth management business. Her expertise will help strengthen the firm's investment strategy and further expand client solutions.

Further information can be found in the article on MarketScreener.

The news is based on what I personally consider to be reputable sources. No investment advice. Follow me for more updates!