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El Salvador President Bukele poised for a landslide as voters cast ballots

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El Salvador President Bukele poised for a landslide as voters cast ballots
© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: El Salvador’s President Nayib Bukele speaks during the inauguration of the Vijosa pharmaceutical plant in Santa Tecla, El Salvador November 20, 2023. REUTERS/Jose Cabezas/File Photo

By Nelson Renteria and Sarah Kinosian

SAN SALVADOR (Reuters) -Salvadorans voted on Sunday in elections expected to hand President Nayib Bukele another landslide victory, with many happy to overlook the young leader’s authoritarian drift after he crushed gang violence that had paralyzed life in the poor Central American country.

Bukele, 42, appears poised to become the first Salvadoran president in more than a century to be re-elected.

Wildly popular, Bukele has campaigned on the success of his security strategy under which authorities suspended civil liberties to arrest more than 75,000 Salvadorans without charges. The detentions led to a sharp decline in nationwide murder rates and transformed a country of 6.3 million people that was once among the world’s most dangerous.

But some analysts have said the mass incarceration of 1% of the population is not a sustainable long-term strategy.

Five other presidential candidates are contesting the elections, including politicians from the former leftist guerrilla Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front (FMLN) and the right-wing Nationalist Republican Alliance (ARENA), which between them governed for 30 years until 2019.

Polls show most voters appear set to reward Bukele for decimating the crime groups that made life intolerable in El Salvador and fueled waves of migration to the United States.

Victor Lopez, a 65-year-old construction worker, was among the first 10 people lined up at a voting center on one of the capital San Salvador’s main avenues, where Bukele is scheduled to cast his vote later on Sunday.

“We have to continue the changes that are happening in our country – positive changes. We have no crime, tourism has skyrocketed and other positive things,” Lopez told Reuters.

“We cannot let the corrupt people from before have power again because then the projects that the government is executing could not be executed,” Lopez added, referring to the country’s two traditional parties, FMLN and ARENA.

Pre-election polling had put voter support in the single digits for the FMLN and ARENA candidates, with voters fed up after decades of traditional politics marked by violence and corruption.

A firebrand politician who often spars with foreign leaders and foes on social media, Bukele came to power in 2019 trouncing El Salvador’s traditional parties with a vow to eliminate gang violence and rejuvenate the country’s stagnant economy.

Since then, he has used his New Ideas party’s supermajority in the legislative assembly to reshape courts and institutions, solidifying his grip on key parts of the government. He also championed the introduction of as a legal tender, drawing criticism from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

El Salvador’s Supreme Electoral Tribunal last year permitted him to run for a second term even though the country’s constitution prohibits it. Opponents voiced fears Bukele would seek to rule for life, following President Daniel Ortega from next-door Nicaragua.

Rights groups have said that El Salvador’s democracy is under attack. Bukele has downplayed those concerns, at one point changing his profile on X, the social media platform, to say: “World’s coolest dictator.”

Salvadorans seem unfazed, with polls showing about 80% of them support him.

“There is still a huge amount to do but, step by step, we will resolve entire decades of looting and neglect,” Bukele wrote on X this week.

Once re-elected, Bukele’s biggest challenge is likely to be a sputtering economy, Central America’s slowest growing during his time in power. More than a quarter of Salvadorans live in poverty.

Extreme poverty has doubled and private investment has tumbled. There has not been much momentum on Bukele’s highly publicized plans for Bitcoin City, a tax-free crypto haven powered by geothermal energy from a volcano.

The IMF, which is negotiating a $1.3 billion bailout with El Salvador, in late 2023 described the country’s fiscal situation as “fragile.”

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PACS Group expands with acquisition of 53 healthcare facilities

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FARMINGTON, Utah – PACS Group, Inc. (NYSE: PACS), a prominent holding company in the post-acute healthcare sector, has completed the acquisition of 53 healthcare facilities from Prestige Care, notably expanding its operational footprint. The transaction introduces PACS to the Pacific Northwest and adds five new states to its portfolio, including Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

The acquired facilities encompass a mix of skilled nursing, assisted living, and independent living units, amounting to 2,511 skilled nursing beds and 1,334 assisted and independent living units across the eight states. This strategic move not only extends PACS’s geographical reach but also marks its entry into the senior living vertical, increasing its senior living communities from 16 to 37.

Jason Murray, Chairman and CEO of PACS, emphasized the company’s commitment to operational excellence and enhancing the quality of life for more individuals through their care model. The acquisition is seen as a synergy of cultural alignments between PACS and Prestige, aiming to leverage local knowledge and elevate healthcare services.

Josh Jergensen, President and COO of PACS, highlighted the mission-driven approach and the goal to provide resources to empower local leaders and staff. Scott Mortensen, Vice President of Ancillaries at PACS, reiterated the company’s value on the legacy of care established by Prestige and the intention to maintain the foundational ethos of love in care provision.

The integration process is being managed with a focus on continuity of operations, as PACS works closely with Prestige leaders. The expansion is a significant step for PACS as it continues to grow as a legacy company and a leader in post-acute care.

Investors should note that statements regarding the anticipated benefits of the acquisition and its strategic fit contain forward-looking projections and are subject to risks and uncertainties. These may include challenges in integration and potential expenses related to the acquisition. PACS has not provided any endorsement of the forward-looking statements and encourages investors to review its filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission for a more comprehensive understanding of risks involved.

This article is based on a press release statement from PACS Group, Inc.

In other recent news, PACS Group has initiated a public offering of 13.9 million shares, with the completion contingent on market conditions. The offering is managed by several financial institutions, including Citigroup, J.P. Morgan, and Truist Securities. Recent developments also include an upward revision of PACS Group’s 2024 guidance following a second-quarter adjusted EBITDA of $99.7 million, surpassing expectations. This performance has been attributed to successful mergers and acquisitions, with projections to add over 50 facilities in the third quarter of 2024. Analyst firms Oppenheimer, Stephens, and Macquarie have raised their share price targets for PACS Group, maintaining positive ratings. Additionally, PACS Group has made significant changes to its board committees, including the appointment of Evelyn Dilsaver as a Class II director. These updates provide insight into the latest activities at PACS Group.

InvestingPro Insights

In light of PACS Group’s recent expansion through the acquisition of healthcare facilities, the company’s financial metrics and analyst outlook provide a clearer picture for investors. With a market capitalization of $5.94 billion, PACS is positioning itself as a significant player in the post-acute healthcare sector. The company’s revenue growth is notable, with a 29.08% increase in the last quarter, reflecting its aggressive expansion strategy and potential for increased market share.

InvestingPro Tips suggest a positive outlook for PACS, with net income expected to grow this year and four analysts having revised their earnings upwards for the upcoming period. This optimism is mirrored in the company’s stock performance, with a strong return over the last year, including a significant 66.3% price total return. Moreover, PACS’s strategic moves seem to be well-received by the market, as indicated by the large price uptick over the last six months.

However, investors should be aware of the company’s valuation multiples. PACS is currently trading at a high earnings multiple with a P/E ratio of 47.51 and a Price/Book ratio of 10.45, which may suggest a premium price for its shares. Additionally, while PACS does not pay a dividend, the company’s growth trajectory and profitability may compensate for the lack of direct income return for shareholders.

For those seeking more in-depth analysis and additional insights, there are 13 more InvestingPro Tips available for PACS at https://www.investing.com/pro/PACS, which could help investors make more informed decisions.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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Cintas stock soars to all-time high, reaches $812.58

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Cintas Corporation (NASDAQ:), a leader in the professional uniform and business supplies industry, has reached an all-time high, with its stock price soaring to $812.58. This milestone reflects a significant surge in the company’s market value, marking a remarkable 63.07% increase over the past year. Investors have shown growing confidence in Cintas’s business model and its ability to expand its services across various sectors, contributing to the company’s robust financial performance and this record-setting price level. The all-time high serves as a testament to Cintas’s strategic initiatives and operational excellence, which have consistently driven shareholder value and solidified its position in the market.

In other recent news, Cintas Corporation reported higher-than-expected earnings per share for the fourth fiscal quarter, with net income reaching $414.3 million. The full-year revenue hit an unprecedented $9.6 billion, marking a significant milestone for the company. Looking ahead, Cintas has projected it will surpass $10 billion in annual revenue for fiscal 2025.

Several analyst firms have updated their assessments of Cintas. Redburn-Atlantic initiated coverage with a Neutral rating and a price target of $670, citing the company’s consistent growth and high incremental returns on capital. Meanwhile, Truist Securities reaffirmed its Buy rating, increasing its price target to $850, and Baird downgraded the stock from Outperform to Neutral but raised the price target to $775.

In other corporate developments, Cintas announced a four-for-one split of its common stock, marking the company’s first stock split since 2000, aimed at increasing share ownership accessibility. The company also announced that two of its board members, John Barrett and Gerald Adolph, will not be seeking re-election at the company’s 2024 annual meeting of shareholders.

Furthermore, Cintas announced a significant increase in its quarterly cash dividend and a new share repurchase program, authorizing the repurchase of up to $1.0 billion of its common stock. These are among the recent developments for Cintas Corporation.

InvestingPro Insights

Cintas Corporation’s (CTAS) recent stock price achievement is complemented by a host of positive indicators that underline the company’s financial health and market position. According to InvestingPro data, Cintas boasts a substantial market capitalization of $81.81 billion, underscoring its significant presence in the industry. Furthermore, the company’s gross profit margin stands at an impressive 48.83% for the last twelve months as of Q1 2023, highlighting its efficiency in managing costs and generating revenue.

Investors considering Cintas will find that the company has maintained a consistent record of dividend payments for 32 consecutive years, showcasing its commitment to returning value to shareholders. Additionally, the stock has experienced a high return over the last year, with a 63.96% price total return, aligning closely with the increase mentioned in the article. These financial strengths are reflected in the company’s robust operating income margin of 21.56% for the same period, which indicates strong operational performance.

For those seeking deeper insights, there are 21 additional InvestingPro Tips available, which provide a comprehensive analysis of Cintas’s performance and future outlook. Among these, the company’s ability to cover interest payments with its cash flows and its liquid assets exceeding short-term obligations suggest a stable financial footing. Moreover, analysts have revised their earnings upwards for the upcoming period, reflecting optimism about the company’s prospects. To explore these further, interested readers can visit InvestingPro for a detailed perspective on Cintas’s financial metrics and expert analysis.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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JPMorgan stock slumps as interest income warning rattles market

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By Nupur Anand and Pritam Biswas

NEW YORK (Reuters) -JPMorgan Chase shares fell more than 7% after the president of the largest U.S. bank tempered the outlook for its earnings from interest payments as interest rates are expected ease.

President and Chief Operating Officer Daniel Pinto said forecasts for net interest income (NII), or the difference between what the bank makes on loans and pays out on deposits, were overly optimistic.

The Federal Reserve is widely expected to lower its key policy rate by at least 25 basis points at its Sept. 17-18 meeting, kicking off a monetary easing cycle that would lead to smaller-than-expected increases in banks’ interest income.

“NII expectations are a bit too high,” Pinto told investors at a conference in New York, without providing a revised estimate. “Next year is going to be a bit more challenging.”

JPMorgan had forecast in May its NII would rise to $91 billion this year as interest rates remained elevated, excluding its markets division.

“The commentary about too much optimism on NII for 2025 from the management has rattled the market,” said Chris Marinac, director of research at financial adviser Janney Montgomery Scott.

“There are incremental worries around the economy and the political climate,” which are likely to contribute more volatility in shares over the next two months, he said.

JPMorgan shares fell as much as 7.5%, their worst daily drop since June 2020. The stock is at its lowest in over a month, at $202.45.

JPMorgan’s total investment banking fees could climb by 15% in the third quarter, Pinto added.

The bank’s profit rose to a record in the second quarter, buoyed by a 46% jump in investment banking revenue. Rivals including Citigroup and Wells Fargo also reported strong gains in investment banking.

Revenue from JPMorgan’s newly merged commercial and investment bank unit also jumped to a record $35.5 billion in the first half.

Trading revenue is expected to be flat or rise 2% in the third quarter, while volumes for mergers and acquisitions will probably stay steady, Pinto said. That compares with a 10% trading revenue increase in the second quarter.

The prediction echoes more subdued guidance from Goldman Sachs for trading revenue to likely fall 10% in the third quarter. Citigroup estimated on Tuesday that markets revenue would probably drop about 4%.

Bank shares fell after the Fed outlined on Tuesday a sweeping overhaul to ease two major draft bank capital rules following intense industry lobbying against the U.S. central bank’s proposal to set aside more capital for different businesses.

The draft rules required the biggest U.S. lenders to hike their capital by around 19%. A major rewrite lowered the level to 9%, but analysts said that failed to meet market expectations.

© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: A person enters the JPMorgan Chase & Co. New York Head Quarters in Manhattan, New York City, U.S., June 30, 2022. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo

“I thought these changes will be positive for the bank, but clearly the street was looking for a bit more,” said Stephen Biggar, banking analyst at Argus Research.

“Banks are down across the board, but the larger the bank, bigger the hit and that could also be impacting the JPMorgan stock.”

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