GEO INSIGHTS

WaFd, Inc. has authorized a new share repurchase program to buy back an additional 10 million shares, increasing the total buyback authorization to 11.8 million shares as of March 31, 2024. The company also declared a regular quarterly cash dividend of 26 cents per share, with a current dividend yield of 3.62%, outperforming the industry's average. Additionally, WaFd's acquisition of Luther Burbank Corporation is expected to be 8% accretive to its earnings in fiscal 2025, and the company maintains a strong balance sheet with $5.3 billion in total borrowings and $1.51 billion in cash and cash equivalents.

Despite being one of the most marketable athletes in the world, Caitlin Clark will earn a modest $76,535 in her first year with the WNBA's Indiana Fever, which is standard for top rookies but starkly contrasts with the multimillion-dollar contracts of NBA counterparts. The WNBA players receive only about 10% of "basketball related income" compared to the NBA's 50%, leading many to play overseas to supplement their earnings. Although Clark’s high profile is drawing attention to these disparities, her substantial endorsement deals, including a potential $28 million contract with Nike, ensure a lucrative financial future.

A new study by S&P Global reveals that over a third of S&P 500 companies have monetary incentives tied to emissions reduction, though fewer have climate-related compensation for senior executives, particularly CEOs. Notably, energy companies stand out, with 48% linking CEO compensation to emissions reductions. However, while net zero commitments are increasing, particularly in the Utilities sector, there's a lack of ambitious near-term goals, raising challenges for rapid decarbonization.

Saudi Arabia is experiencing a surge in IPO activity, with more than ten companies waiting to go public and over 50 firms applying for listings, signaling continued momentum in the kingdom's stock exchange. Mohammed Al-Rumaih, CEO of Tadawul stock exchange, highlighted the diversity of these upcoming IPOs, spanning different sectors and sizes. Recent offerings, including Dr. Soliman Abdul Kader Fakeeh Hospital, have seen strong demand, with the hospital group's IPO becoming the kingdom's largest of 2024.

Chipotle Mexican Grill is proposing a 50-for-1 stock split to make shares more accessible to its workers, aiming to enhance employee ownership and retention. With the company's stock price soaring, offering rewards like restricted stock units has become challenging due to the high share price, prompting the move towards a split. The planned split, subject to shareholder approval, could not only benefit employees but also potentially improve operational metrics like throughput, contributing to the company's long-term success.

Microsoft has taken a proactive step in addressing cybersecurity concerns by linking executive compensation to the company’s security performance, following recent high-profile attacks. The initiative, known as the Secure Future Initiative (SFI), aims to prioritize security and hold leaders accountable for meeting security plans and milestones. This strategic move reflects Microsoft's commitment to enhancing cybersecurity and fostering a culture of continuous improvement, as highlighted by Executive Vice President Charlie Bell and Chief Information Security Officer Igor Tsyganskiy.

Entrepreneur Sohail Prasad launched the Destiny Tech100 fund to provide access to shares in hot tech startups like Stripe, SpaceX, and OpenAI, which are typically not openly traded. However, controversy arose when some startups disputed the fund's ownership of their shares, leading to criticism and restrictions from platforms like Robinhood. Despite tensions, the market for private company stocks is booming, with platforms like Hiive and Augment facilitating billions in transactions, reflecting a growing interest in owning stakes in Silicon Valley startups despite the risks and challenges.

Joseph Blasi, Director of the Institute for the Study of Employee Ownership and Profit Sharing at Rutgers University, provides invaluable insights into the politics and potential of employee ownership within the contemporary economy.

Paytm's board approved the allotment of 87,373 stock options under its ESOP 2019 plan, with each option priced at INR 9, totaling INR 63,57,92,534 in share capital. This move aims to retain talent and boost productivity amidst controversies and top-level reshuffling, with the company's stock experiencing a significant decline. Paytm joins other Indian tech firms in strengthening its ESOP scheme, reflecting a trend in the industry.