Sure thing, let’s dive into this chaotic mess of thoughts on what’s up with tariffs and markets and, well, everything. Here goes nothing.
🎯 Tariff Talks: What’s Even Happening?
Okay, so Simon Brown, you know him, right? He’s been keeping tabs on those Trump tariffs. Yeah, the ones that were all the rage. And now? Well, it’s like a wild ride with US-China deals smacking us with a 54% tariff on Chinese stuff. Oh, and 10% on our goodies. Why didn’t I buy that tea set earlier?
Then there’s the UK, Mexico, Canada, and Vietnam. They’re kinda chilling at around 10%. I mean, not really "chilling," but you get it. And places like the EU and Saudi Arabia? Who knows what they’re cooking up in those meetings. Maybe I should ask my friend who’s always jet-setting?
In the end, it looks like tariff madness isn’t totally eating us alive. Phew, right? Makes those recession nightmares feel a tad silly now. Are markets taking a breather? Feels like it.
💊 Trump and Big Pharma: A Showdown
Trump’s been going after those sky-high drug prices. He’s giving pharma companies 30 days to, you know, get it together and lower prices. Not sure what happens after the countdown, though. Price controls? Legal talks? Grab the popcorn.
And stocks? They dipped but then bounced. Like those rubber balls we had as kids. Simon’s not into healthcare investments. Too much drama, and who needs more of that?
💡 Lewis Group: Plot Twist in Trade
Surprise! Lewis is expecting a nice 55–65% EPS bump. Like, "whoa," right? Stock price shot up like 16%. Crazy times. They’re doing those share buybacks too, and dividends look sweet at 7.8%.
Their plan? Expand loans but keep tabs on debts. Sounds like adulting to me. They seem sturdy, and Simon’s got a positive vibe about them. 📈
🛒 Boxer’s Results: First Timers’ Club
Boxer popped up with first results post-listing. Earnings were…meh. Something about new shares messing with results. But hey, they’re opening loads of new stores, super and liquor alike. They have big dreams.
Margins? They’re hanging out around 5.5%, kinda like what Shoprite’s doing. Shares are priced fairly, it seems. But Simon, he still digs Shoprite more. 📦
🏅 *AngloGold Ashanti: Whoa, Cash Flow!**
They had a trading update and — hold on — free cash flow jumped 7-fold! Some new dividend policy too, $0.125 quarterly with half of FCF. Production up by 26% thanks to Egypt. Good stuff.
However, that strong rand and gold prices, not the best buddies right now. Simon still holds onto his stocks, loves those dividends but keeps an eye on their big moves. 🪙
🏘️ Calgro M3 vs. Balwin: A Real Fixer-Upper
Simon compares these two. Calgro’s building homes under R1m, moving from government help to open market. Meanwhile, Balwin’s into fancier digs, R1.1m and up, with extras like parks.
With elections and past issues lurking, they’re playing it safe. Simon owns Calgro and appreciates both for what they bring to the housing table. 🏡
Simon Brown’s update on the scene—if this doesn’t perfectly sum it up, I don’t know what will!
