1. Block plans to release its Q3 results on November 7th after market hours; 2. Valuations appear cheap due to management's OPEX control and healthy EBITDA dynamics; 3. SQ's earnings estimates have been lifted by 4% over the past 3 months, and the transition to the 40% rule improves cash conversion and buyback momentum.

1. Mastercard's upcoming Q3 results are crucial for validating its premium over Visa; 2. Key differences between Visa and Mastercard include size, focus, and profitability; 3. Mastercard's value-added services and new flows are growing faster than consumer payments.

1. Barings BDC offers an appealing 11% yield and is undervalued, making it a solid choice for passive income investors. 2. Improved credit trend, lower non-accrual ratio, and a 25% YoY increase in net investment income enhance dividend safety. 3. The stock trades at a 15% discount to NAV, presenting a potential upside if credit issues remain managed.

1. PayPal's Q2 results show strong revenue growth and maintained strong margins despite challenges from less profitable segments like Braintree. 2. Strategic initiatives focusing on branded checkout and digital advertising are expected to support future revenue and margin growth. 3. Expanding partnerships and solid free cash flow conversion support the company's buyback program, enhancing shareholder value.

1. Robinhood's recent product launches have significantly boosted stock prices and financial performance. 2. The company is well-positioned for continued growth with a planned futures offering and strong management. 3. Despite a higher stock price, Robinhood remains a compelling investment opportunity with potential for short, medium, and long-term gains.

1. Alibaba faces structural revenue growth and profitability issues, compounded by political risks. 2. Recent earnings indicate stagnation in key segments like Chinese eCommerce and declining profitability. 3. PDD Holdings, a newer competitor, has rapidly gained market share, presenting a more attractive investment case.

1. PayPal has potential for significant stock appreciation through share buybacks and multiple expansions. 2. Positive aspects include a strong brand, growing free cash flow, and aggressive share repurchases. 3. Concerns involve declining capital efficiency, increasing competition, and margin pressures.

1. Trinity Capital, a VC-focused BDC, has maintained performance in line with the overall BDC market despite a higher risk profile. 2. The Q2 2024 financials show strong metrics but reveal a decline in net investment income per share, barely covering the dividend. 3. The author remains skeptical due to thin dividend coverage, potential yield convergence, and rising debt costs.

1. Blue Owl Capital Corp III reported a good Q2 performance and announced a merger with its sister company, which is expected to benefit OBDE in terms of valuation uplift and higher net investment income. 2. The merger could also eliminate the last lock-up expiry, potentially supporting the stock price. 3. Portfolio quality remains strong with low non-accruals, and the merger is expected to save around $5m in expenses, boosting net investment income by roughly 2%.

1. Blackstone Secured Lending (BXSL) is a high-quality Business Development Company (BDC) with a strong portfolio of first lien senior secured loans. 2. The company benefits from diversification and a robust earnings profile, with over 93% of income from interest. 3. BXSL's dividend coverage is strong at 113%, and its premium trading status is justified by its high-quality structure and defensive characteristics.

1. Berkshire Hathaway reported a 1% YoY revenue increase and a 16% YoY operating income surge in Q2. 2. Warren Buffett has been aggressively converting equity holdings into cash and Treasuries, selling billions of dollars worth of stock. 3. The pace of share buybacks slowed significantly to $345 million for the quarter, indicating a cautious approach to capital allocation.

1. Ariel International Fund underperformed benchmarks in Q2 2024, trading -2.20% lower. 2. The fund is overweight in Consumer Discretionary, Utilities, Information Technology, Health Care, and Financials. 3. Four new positions were initiated during the quarter.

1. PayPal's Q2 2024 results show significant revenue growth, margin improvement, and strong net income. 2. The company is shifting focus from acquiring new users to enhancing utilization by existing users. 3. PayPal's stock is currently undervalued at 14x FY2024 earnings, with potential for growth driven by emerging markets and a generous shareholders' return policy.

1. SoFi Technologies is expected to outperform Q2 consensus forecasts due to continued growth acceleration and moderate market expectations. 2. The company has shown strong financial results in Q1, including a significant EPS beat, but the stock price has not responded positively. 3. Despite potential risks such as the impact of student debt forgiveness, the company's strategic vision and operational improvements suggest a positive outlook for future performance.

1. Visa Inc. is considered a superior investment option due to its strong franchise, sound balance sheet, cash-generating profits, and shareholder-friendly management. 2. Recent news has led to softer share prices, potentially offering an opportunity for investors. 3. The article discusses Visa's strong fundamentals, management effectiveness, and the potential for future growth.