LANSING — Jan Munk was drawn to her eastside neighborhood more than four decades ago by its diversity and affordability.
The neighborhood, just a mile and a half from the heart of downtown, isn’t as nice as it once was, she says, but she’s hoping that a new initiative to rehab nine older homes bought for possible expansion by Sparrow Hospital but recently donated to nonprofits will help revitalize streets around her home.
Habitat for Humanity Capital Region and the Ingham County Land Bank will renovate the homes.
“Houses in our neighborhood are over $200,000, that’s never happened here,” Munk said. “I know I could sell our house. But what kind of place could you move to? My kids grew up here and I’d like to stay.”
Michigan’s population is stagnant, and that isn’t likely to change unless the state’s housing crisis is addressed, experts say. In the Lansing region alone, officials estimate 7,500 housing units need to be built soon just to keep up with the demand. The pace of rehabilitation of the region’s older housing stock needs to quicken as well.
The lack of housing stock has sent home prices spiraling upward, at time when inflation has made rehabbing older homes expensive and, in some cases, nearly cost prohibitive.
It’s a real-world problem officials are grappling with now. With several major employers set to open in the next year — including an Ultium battery plant and Amazon fulfillment center in Delta Township — the Lansing area is expecting to get more new jobs in a shorter time period than it has in years.
But where those new workers will live could be a big problem, said Ken Fletcher, Delta Township’s supervisor.
There are just over 100 homes on the market with price points under $100,000, largely in Lansing, but experts caution many of those homes could need significant, expensive repairs. There’s another 111 priced between $100,000 and $200,000, and more than 80 of those are in Ingham County, primarily in Lansing. For residents wanting to buy homes in Eaton and Clinton counties, or the more affluent areas of Ingham County, the vast majority of homes will be priced between $200,000 and $400,000 or more.
The Amazon and Ultium developments are expected to create more than 2,200 jobs by the end of 2025.
There aren’t enough homes
Like the rest of Michigan, the low supply of quality housing is a big driver of increased housing costs, said Hillary Doe, Michigan’s chief growth officer.
She cited Federal Reserve Bank data, from Chicago’s branch, showing that Michigan needs to figure out housing before it can grow. That’s going to take fixing up old homes, building new single family homes and standing up new apartment buildings, Doe said. The downtown Lansing area added at least 600 housing units in the last two and a half years with hundreds more that are under construction.
There simply aren’t enough housing units, and that lack of options causes housing costs to rise, said Amy Hovey, CEO and executive director of the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, which offers programs for renters, owners and developers.
“The big issue we have in our state is supply, we don’t have enough housing to meet our needs and we can’t just build our way out of it without some incentives or subsidies,” she said.
State housing leaders announced earlier this month a new statewide grant program with $60 million to fix dilapidated homes or build new ones.
Doe came to Lansing a few days later, for a separate housing announcement for new apartments units at the REO Gateway Apartments, at Washington Avenue and Malcolm X Street, beside Interstate 496.
A fourth building at REO Gateway, that will rely on state funding, was announced. It will have two dozen new units, in addition to the complex’s 72 existing units, which started opening for lease last year.
The apartments took about a decade to build from the concept, said developer Brett Forsberg.
That timeline needs to be dramatically compressed, he said, if Michigan wants to build more housing.
How many houses do we need?
State data puts the number of new homes that need to be built at around 7,500 in Greater Lansing.
Alan Fox, Ingham County’s treasurer and a board member of the Ingham County Land Bank, said the number may be closer to 10,000, but coming anywhere close to either number would take many years and plenty of effort.
Fletcher said Delta Township has gotten serious, and creative, about opening up housing options in preparation for the township’s new employers.
The township has recently changed its ordinances to allow for more variety of homes — like smaller cottage homes and more permissive multi-family projects — and is working to expand sewer access to open development in the western parts, Fletcher said.
The township recently approved an expansion that would nearly double one of the area’s larger apartment complexes, adding another 354 units in 11 new buildings.
Developers have been more interested in apartments and multi-family units than neighborhoods of single-family homes, potentially because of the current interest and construction costs, he said.
Some of that may be changing soon.
Even as costs remain high, the number of new home permits in February was 38% higher than February 2023. That may be, in part, a one-time statistical blip because of potential new state regulations and a mild winter, said Bob Filka, CEO of the Home Builders Association of Michigan.
“There are too few housing options available and we’ve had a mild winter,” Filka said. “This, along with the potential of significant new housing costs being imposed by LARA (Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs) later this year, with new costly proposed code requirements, explains the acceleration we’re seeing.”
He said builders worry that sprinklers and other potential code requirements could increase costs for a single home by $20,000 or more.
Filka said regulatory and construction costs already make it “usually impossible to build a home for less than $350,000 or $400,000 and make money in the mid-Michigan market.”
Not even $15 billion would fix it
Fox said the housing shortage is a $15 billion problem, assuming 7,500 homes could be built for a likely unrealistic $200,000 each. But it would still be difficult, if not impossible, to find the people, the material and the land to do it in a reasonable time period.
The county doesn’t have billions. It does have $9 million remaining in pandemic money dedicated toward housing and county commissioners are starting to float a proposal to add a county millage to support housing.
The existing money won’t go far if the county builds homes; it’d be a few dozen houses.
So instead, Fox and county officials are planning to use it to fund educational programs, attract private investment and otherwise try to stretch the money.
Encouraging homeowners to keep up with repairs, connecting investors with local real estate options and helping renters to save up money are some of the ways the area’s housing situation will get better, he said.
And nonprofits will play a role.
It will take several years for the homes Sparrow Health System once bought for possible expansion of health facilities to be rehabbed, said Brent Taylor, executive director of Habitat for Humanity Capital Region, adding that his organization is about six months into that process. They are working on about half of the homes.
For the Sparrow homes, Taylor said it was important to renovate those as single-family homes. Having a broad mix of housing — rentals, single-family homes and others — is important, although one of the gaps in the market now is single-family homes, he said. Many of the homes Sparrow donated were split over the years into duplexes and will be converted back into large single-family homes.
The homes tick all the boxes for Josh Hamilton, who lives in the neighborhood and works for University of Michigan Health-Sparrow. As he waited for the school bus to drop off kids Monday, Hamilton said he wanted the vacant homes to be fixed up and owner-occupied so he’ll have some new neighbors soon.
“I’m excited to see it happen,” Hamilton said.
‘We can’t just build our way out of it’
The state has been in a housing crisis for years, Hovey said.
“We can’t just build our way out of it without some incentives or subsidies because of what it costs for people to build,” Hovey said. “Because what it costs to build, the average Michigander can’t afford to pay.”
The incentives and subsidies would come from a variety of state and federal programs, along with municipal and county-level programs. There are so many options that working with a local housing agency can help people find programs, Hovey said.
She said the state’s efforts at attracting jobs are running into problems because potential recruits can’t always find housing. That means companies sometimes pull out of Michigan plans or don’t consider the state due to a lack of housing.
“You cannot imagine how frustrating it is for an employee to have to pull out of a job, and say they can’t find housing so they can’t take that job,” Hovey said. “That happens across our state, including in Lansing.”
Rawley Van Fossen, Lansing’s director of economic development and planning, said the Capital Area Housing Partnership, Habitat for Humanity Capital Region, the Ingham County Land Bank and Eastside Community Action Center are four of the groups doing the work on the former Sparrow homes. Together they can probably do dozens a year, welcome relief for some but it doesn’t go far enough.
Fixing up those homes — and others like them in Lansing, which has many homes 75 years old or older — will often cost more than they will be valued at afterward, said Van Fossen, who until recently was the executive director of the Capital Area Housing Partnership.
Van Fossen said it can cost a homeowner or a property developer a few hundred thousand dollars to buy a Lansing property, get the professional planning work necessary for the renovation, get permits, hire a contractor and pay for the renovation. At the end, the home may appraise for $170,000, on a good day, he said.
“There’s a gap,” he said, acknowledging a major factor that can keep people from improving homes in Lansing. “A private developer or someone who is not mission based, they’re not going to do that. We can’t rely on our nonprofits.”
Most people will need more financial support.
He said some of the city’s best tools are education and connections to a wide variety of financial supports: Teaching real estate and financial literacy at community centers and being able to walk people through the permitting and construction process. The state offers several programs to help fund repairs, renovations, new homeowners, early-stage developers and large-scale developments.
Utility companies can also offer incentives for appliances and modernizations, Van Fossen said.
Anyone who wants to do significant renovations for themselves, or even get into developing houses or flipping them, can go to Lansing’s offices and get some help with the wide variety of programs, Van Fossen said.
To get more affordable housing, Filka suggests density like smaller lots and multi-family options like townhomes or duplexes, as well as taking advantage of state subsidies like tax credits and construction subsidies.
Contact Mike Ellis at mellis@lsj.com or 517-267-0415
They say April showers bring May flowers. This month also unloads a deluge of movies to watch at home.
Netflix, Amazon’s Prime Video, Peacock, Max, Apple TV+, Paramount+ and others have a spring fiesta of streaming options for film lovers of all tastes, from breezy romantic comedies to bone-chilling horror. There are recent theatrical releases, like an acclaimed Oscar-nominated Holocaust drama and one of the most Disney-fied Disney movies ever, but also original flicks such as Zack Snyder’s latest sci-fi epic and a Sundance Film Festival documentary about politically savvy teen girls.
Here are 15 notable new movies you can stream right now:
‘Argylle’
In director Matthew Vaughn’s madcap adventure, Bryce Dallas Howard plays a best-selling novelist who discovers that the fictional exploits of her secret-agent character (Henry Cavill) are coming uncannily close to things happening in real life, leading her to partner up with a shaggy actual spy (Sam Rockwell).
Where to watch:Apple TV+
‘Bob Marley: One Love’
So good as Malcolm X in “One Night in Miami,” Kingsley Ben-Adir notches another biopic highlight as reggae superstar Bob Marley. He’s effective at capturing the musician even if the movie meanders with a narrative set during the 1970s, as Marley tries to use his songs to bring together a politically divided Jamaica.
Where to watch: Paramount+
‘You don’t mess with Bob’:How Kingsley Ben-Adir channeled Bob Marley for ‘One Love’ movie
‘Drive-Away Dolls’
Margaret Qualley and Geraldine Viswanathan co-star in director Ethan Coen’s gonzo crime comedy as lesbian pals needing a change of pace who wind up behind the wheel of a rental car with a mysterious briefcase in the trunk. What unfurls is a noir-spattered road trip full of sex toys, decapitated heads and dimwitted goons.
Where to watch: Peacock
‘Drive-Away Dolls’ review:Talented cast steers a crime comedy with sex toys and absurdity
‘Girls State’
Amanda McBaine and Jesse Moss’ compelling follow-up to 2020’s “Boys State” centers on teenage Missouri girls placed in competing political parties who create a mock state government. Abortion is a hot-button issue in the proceedings, which include a competitive gubernatorial race and an investigation into Girls State itself.
Where to watch: Apple TV+
‘The Greatest Hits’
The car accident that killed her boyfriend (David Corenswet) left Harriet (Lucy Boynton) with head trauma and the ability to time-travel to a past moment with him when she hears certain songs. But obsessively searching for the right tune to save him in the past might cost her a new chance at romance in the present of this intriguing but overly earnest drama.
Where to watch: Hulu
‘Late Night With the Devil’
David Dastmalchian has a hell of a role in this retro horror flick, starring as a 1970s late-night TV host in desperate need of ratings. For a Halloween special, he brings on a girl supposedly possessed by a demon in a gambit that brings in eyeballs but spirals supernaturally out of control for everyone involved.
‘Lisa Frankenstein’
A horror rom-com about reanimated undead love and body-robbing shenanigans, “Lisa” is a playful and bloody teen-movie reimagining of the “Frankenstein” mythos. Kathryn Newton plays a 1980s goth girl and Cole Sprouse is a Victorian corpse resurrected amid lively characters and clever, sardonic dialogue.
Where to watch: Peacock
‘Frankenstein’ forever:‘Lisa Frankenstein,’ Oscar fave ‘Poor Things’ reclaim Mary Shelley’s feminist mythos
‘Migration’
In the animated comedy, Mack (voiced by Kumail Nanjiani) is the overprotective dad of a duck family who reluctantly agrees to a Jamaican getaway with his wife (Elizabeth Banks) and kids. However, they get sidetracked and wind up in New York City, where they meet a streetwise pigeon (Awkwafina) and a vicious chef.
Where to watch: Peacock
‘Música’
Rudy Mancuso co-writes, directs and stars in this delightfully clever romantic comedy as a creative New Jersey man with synesthesia, experiencing melodies and rhythms around him in extraordinary fashion. It exacerbates problems with an ex (Francesca Reale) yet fascinates a new love interest (Camila Mendes).
Where to watch: Prime Video
‘Night Swim’
Thinking about putting in a pool in the backyard? Well, think again. Wyatt Russell plays an ex-baseball star who moves into a new house with his wife (Oscar nominee Kerry Condon) and kids and feels swimming could be good for their souls, but the outdoor pool contains a dark force that doesn’t have fun in its plans.
Where to watch: Peacock
‘Rebel Moon − Part Two: The Scargiver’
Do you live for slow-motion scenes of people harvesting grain? Then director Zack Snyder has the sci-fi sequel for you. The first “Rebel Moon” was derivative and the second one is just dull, with ex-warrior Kora (Sofia Boutella) leading a band of underdogs and farmers against the invading army of the villainous Imperium.
Where to watch: Netflix
‘The Stranger’
So, yeah, Quibi turned out to be pretty much a streaming disaster. Still, the content was pretty good and is now finding new homes as real movies, not a piecemeal experiment: Director Veena Sud’s thriller ratchets up the suspense with Maika Monroe playing a rideshare driver and Dane DeHaan as the creepiest passenger ever.
Where to watch:Hulu
‘Talk to Me’
The best horror movie of last year was this haunting Australian indie chiller that introduced a new top-tier scream queen, Sophie Wilde, and a memorable scary-movie artifact: a mysterious embalmed hand that teens use to livestream freaky possessions that, of course, go terrifyingly awry.
Where to watch: Paramount+
‘Wish’
A tune-filled, big-hearted storybook fantasy that’s chock-full of Disney references. The animated musical features Ariana DeBose as an idealistic youngster who runs afoul of her kingdom’s narcissistic ruler (Chris Pine) and befriends an energetic star to help rescue her people’s wishes.
Where to watch: Disney+
‘The Zone of Interest’
Director Jonathan Glazer‘s best picture nominee centers on a German family going about their daily business. This banality, though, happens next door to Auschwitz, where gunshots, screams and the industrial sounds of ovens are the unnerving soundtrack that the characters ignore but you simply can’t in this disturbing yet essential Holocaust drama.
Where to watch: Max
ClearBridge Investments, an investment management company, released its “ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Strategy” first quarter 2024 investor letter. A copy of the letter can be downloaded here. The Strategy underperformed the benchmark in the quarter. The small-cap growth universe revealed a stark dichotomy despite the positive performance of the benchmark Russell 2000 Growth Index, which returned 7.58% in the first quarter. The Strategy posted gains in 5 of the nine sectors in which it was invested on an absolute basis. Overall stock selection detracted from performance, partially offset by positive sector allocation effects on a relative basis. In addition, please check the fund’s top five holdings to know its best picks in 2024.
ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Strategy featured stocks Medpace Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MEDP) in the first quarter 2024 investor letter. Based in Cincinnati, Ohio, Medpace Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MEDP) is a clinical research-based drug and medical device development services provider. On April 9, 2024, Medpace Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MEDP) stock closed at $404.77 per share. One-month return of Medpace Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MEDP) was -3.02%, and its shares gained 108.66% of their value over the last 52 weeks. Medpace Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MEDP) has a market capitalization of $12.168 billion.
ClearBridge Small Cap Growth Strategy stated the following regarding Medpace Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MEDP) in its first quarter 2024 investor letter:
“Encouragingly, we are seeing underlying improvements from companies we do own in the portfolio, with several being recent portfolio additions or subjects of repositioning work executed in 2023.
The first quarter represented another period of fruitful new idea generation with nine new investments. Consistent with historical practice, these initial investments represent modest position sizes that we intend to build over time.
Medpace Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MEDP) provides outsourced clinical research drug development services to the pharmaceutical and biotechnology sectors. Medpace’s full-service focus on small-midsize biotech customers should allow it to post above-peer growth with strong profitability and cash flow generation.”
A clinical researcher in a lab, using cloud-based technology to analyze human biofluids.
Medpace Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MEDP) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. At the end of the fourth quarter, Medpace Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MEDP) was held by 38 hedge fund portfolios, compared to 36 in the previous quarter, according to our database.
We discussed Medpace Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:MEDP) in another article and shared The RiverPark/Next Century Growth Fund’s views on the company. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q1 2024 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors.
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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
In this article, we will take a look at the 12 best low-risk investments in April 2024. To skip our analysis of the recent market trends and market activity, you can go directly to see the 5 Best Low-Risk Investments in April 2024.
The stock market in 2024 presents a stark contrast to the landscape investors encountered at the onset of the coronavirus pandemic and in its immediate aftermath. Pre-pandemic, global stocks exhibited robust performance, fueling speculation that America’s reign as a global economic powerhouse might be waning, with emerging players like China poised to challenge U.S. dominance. More prevalently, inflation continued to rise in February, maintaining the Federal Reserve’s trajectory to delay any interest rate cuts until at least the summer.
In addition, a string of concerning developments began on March 11 with a New York Federal Reserve survey revealing an acceleration in consumer expectations over the longer term in February, with additional reports showing a 3.2% year-over-year increase in consumer prices. Finally, on March 14, concerns heightened further with the release of data indicating rising pipeline pressures at the wholesale level. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics report added to the inflation worries, revealing a 0.6% increase in the producer price index for February, double the Dow Jones estimate.
However, given the American economy’s continued outperformance compared to global peers, the Federal Reserve has greater flexibility to maintain higher rates. This strategy aims to temper Wall Street’s reliance on easy money, a trend that emerged following the 2008 Great Recession and the recent coronavirus pandemic. In February 2024, the flagship Wall Street stock index, comprising the pinnacle of the American stock market, reached a milestone by surpassing 5,000 points for the first time. This marks a significant departure from late 2022 when widespread speculation suggested an impending recession, prompting cautious preparations from investors.
That said, committed long-term investors tend not to focus too much on sudden changes like these. Rather than being swayed by rapid changes and uncertainties, they opt to invest in shares of reliable companies known for their consistent performance, assessed over extended periods often spanning years or even decades. While the allure of investing in entirely risk-free stocks may be enticing, the reality is that no stock can guarantee 100% safety. However, it’s worth noting that certain stocks, including names like Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST), Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT), and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B), are notably more secure than others, thus making them some of the best low-risk investments out these.
A close-up of a computer monitor displaying real-time financial data on the stock market.
Our Methodology
Our process for shortlisting stocks for April 2024 involved several criteria: we looked for stocks with a beta value of less than 1.0, strong fundamentals, positive analyst ratings, and positive analyst price targets as of March 27. We then narrowed down our selection by excluding midcap or lower companies and stocks lacking stable and resilient dividend payouts. The remaining stocks were evaluated using Insider Monkey’s database of elite hedge funds tracked as of the fourth quarter of 2023. The top 12 stocks based on hedge fund sentiment, ranked in ascending order of hedge fund shareholders, have been included on our list.
Hedge funds’ top 10 consensus stock picks outperformed the S&P 500 Index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). That’s why we pay very close attention to this often-ignored indicator.
12. General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 40
Beta Value: 0.14
General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS) is a prominent American multinational company renowned for its production and marketing of branded processed consumer foods, widely distributed through retail channels. The company’s origins can be traced back to its establishment near Saint Anthony Falls in Minneapolis, along the Mississippi River, where it initially gained prominence as a significant flour milling operation.
As of the end of Q4 2023, Insider Monkey’s database indicated that 40 hedge fund investors had allocated their investments to General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS). The largest shareholder of General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS) was John Overdeck And David Siegel’s Two Sigma Advisors, holding approximately 3.48 million shares valued at about $226.99 million.
Much like Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST), Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT), and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B), General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS) is one of the best low-risk investments in April 2024.
11. Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 54
Beta Value: 0.41
Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) is a multinational corporation headquartered in Midtown Manhattan, New York City, situated on Park Avenue. The company specializes in manufacturing, distributing, and providing a diverse array of household, healthcare, personal care, and veterinary products.
With a dividend growth streak extending over 61 years, CL stands out as one of the premier low-risk investments in the market. Presently, it offers a quarterly dividend of $0.50 per share, boasting a dividend yield of 2.22% as recorded on March 27.
As of the close of Q4 2023, 54 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey reported having stakes in Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL), up from 52 in the previous quarter. These stakes are worth nearly $3 billion in total. First Eagle Investment Management owned roughly 11 million CL shares, becoming the company’s leading stakeholder in Q4.
10. Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 57
Beta Value: 0.77
Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) operates a global network of membership warehouses, primarily under the “Costco Wholesale” brand, offering high-quality, brand-name products at significantly lower prices compared to traditional wholesale or retail outlets.
As of March 27, Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) offers a quarterly dividend of $1.02 per share, resulting in a dividend yield of 0.56%. The company has demonstrated a consistent commitment to rewarding shareholders by increasing its dividend for the past 19 years.
According to data from Insider Monkey, Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST) was included in 57 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q4 2023, compared with 65 in the previous quarter. The stakes held by these hedge funds have a combined value of over $4 billion.
9. The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 62
Beta Value: 0.59
Widely recognized as one of the best low-risk investments, The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) stands as a renowned multinational American corporation renowned for its production of the iconic beverage, Coca-Cola. Beyond its flagship product, the company actively participates in the manufacturing, distribution, and promotion of a diverse range of non-alcoholic beverage concentrates, syrups, and notably, alcoholic beverages within the beverage industry.
On December 13, investment advisory firm Citi maintained a Buy rating on The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) stock and raised the price target to $67 from $65.
As of the end of the fourth quarter of 2023, 62 hedge funds had stakes in Coca-Cola Co (NYSE:KO).
Hayden Capital made the following comment about The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) in its third 2023 investor letter:
“It’s not just emerging markets either, where one could argue a “scarcity premium” given fewer quality public companies. Even in the US, The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO) trades at ~30x P/E despite having the same earnings as 10 years ago.
Both of these companies actually have lower revenues than 10 – 15 years ago too, indicating that their profit growth is mostly from margin expansion. This can only last for so long before there’s no more excess expenses left to cut.
I find it ironic that all these companies trade as “bond-equivalents” in the minds of investors – even commanding lower yields than US treasuries, the safest security in the world. But it’s clear that their businesses are not nearly as safe. Coca-Cola is facing disruption risk from consumers shifting to new, heathier beverage brands.
But these companies are ~35% more expensive than US Treasuries, despite the heightened risk. On a risk-adjusted basis, one could argue the implied premium is even higher.”
Perhaps the explanation is simply the price volatility difference between these stocks and treasuries over the last two years. For example, 10-year Treasury bonds are down ~-20% since the beginning of 2022. By comparison, KO and PG are remarkably down only -4 – 6% over that time frame.”
8. PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 64
Beta Value: 0.53
Headquartered in Purchase, Harrison, New York, PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) stands as a leading American multinational corporation operating in the food, snack, and beverage sector. Renowned for its financial resilience, the beverage giant has maintained a consistent pattern of dividend growth for over 51 years. Presently, it offers a quarterly dividend of $1.27 per share, translating to a dividend yield of 2.89% as of March 27.
According to Insider Monkey’s database of Q4 2023, 64 hedge funds reported holding stakes in PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP), compared with 65 in the preceding quarter. These stakes have a combined value of nearly $4.55 billion.
Along with Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST), Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT), and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B), PepsiCo, Inc. (NASDAQ:PEP) is a top low-risk investments in April 2024.
7. CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 67
Beta Value: 0.50
CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS) is a prominent healthcare entity with an extensive network of retail pharmacies and clinics across the nation. Operating under various brands, including CVS Pharmacy (a retail pharmacy chain), CVS Caremark (a pharmacy benefits manager), and Aetna (a health insurance provider), the organization plays a crucial role in the healthcare industry.
In the fourth quarter alone, CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS) announced total revenues of $93.8 billion, representing a notable 11.9% increase from the previous year. The net income for the quarter amounted to $2 billion. Additionally, the company experienced a substantial 72.8% surge in operating income for the fiscal year 2023.
As of the conclusion of the fourth quarter in 2023, data from Insider Monkey’s database, which monitors 933 hedge funds, indicated that 67 hedge funds held positions in CVS Health Corporation (NYSE:CVS). Notably, Marshall Wace LLP, led by Paul Marshall and Ian Wace, emerged as a significant investor with a substantial stake in the company valued at $382.67 million.
6. The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG)
Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 71
Beta Value: 0.43
Established in 1837 by William Procter and James Gamble, The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) stands as a global consumer goods corporation headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio. Renowned for its extensive range of branded consumer packaged goods, the company distributes its products globally across segments that include Beauty, Grooming, Health Care, Fabric & Home Care, and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. Presently, The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) offers a quarterly dividend of $0.94 per share, equating to a yield of 2.32% as of March 27.
According to Insider Monkey’s database of Q4 2023, 71 hedge funds in Insider Monkey’s database reported having stakes in The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG), compared with 75 in the previous quarter. The total value of these stakes is roughly $6 billion. With over 10.5 million shares, Fisher Asset Management was the company’s leading stakeholder in Q4.
The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG) joins the ranks of Costco Wholesale Corporation (NASDAQ:COST), Walmart Inc. (NYSE:WMT), and Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (NYSE:BRK-B) as one of the best low-risk investments in April 2024.
Click to continue reading and see 5 Best Low-Risk Investments in April 2024.
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Disclosure. None. 12 Best Low-Risk Investments in April 2024 is originally published on Insider Monkey.
UNION CITY, Calif. & NEW YORK, April 03, 2024–(BUSINESS WIRE)–D.A. Davidson & Co. announced today that it has served as exclusive financial advisor to Proficium, Inc. (“Proficium” or the “Company”), a California-based networking solutions provider, on its significant growth investment from Mill Point Capital LLC (“Mill Point”), a lower middle-market private equity firm based in New York.
“Our partnership with Mill Point comes at an exciting time for our employees and our company. With Mill Point’s support, we will be able to take advantage of the vast opportunities ahead of us, driven by the widespread and ongoing growth in demand for datacenter capacity,” said Dan Miranda, Proficium’s Founder and Chief Executive Officer, who will continue to lead the Company. “The team at D.A. Davidson was instrumental to this process and we are thankful for the guidance they provided throughout. D.A. Davidson’s deep industry knowledge in communications technology, extensive relationships in the sector and transaction expertise played a critical role in driving a terrific outcome for us.”
Proficium specializes in the design, manufacturing and delivery of innovative products and value-added services for commercial AI infrastructures, hyperscale data centers and enterprise companies. Since it was founded in 2003, Proficium has been a trusted partner of many of the world’s largest technology clients.
“Dan and the Proficium team have done an outstanding job building the Company into a market leader providing mission-critical solutions to data centers, especially in the area of AI clusters,” said Brad Gevurtz, Managing Director at D.A. Davidson. “We are thrilled to have advised the Proficium team in this transaction and expect this partnership between the Company and Mill Point to significantly accelerate the Company’s growth plans over the next several years.”
D.A. Davidson served as exclusive financial advisor to Proficium.
“Davidson’s technology investment banking group truly understands the communications technology sector. They attend our trade shows, know our customers and our products, and were instrumental in getting an outcome for Proficium that far exceeded the founder’s expectations,” said Dan Bowlin, industry veteran and executive advisor for Proficium.
D.A. Davidson’s Technology Investment Banking practice brings sector knowledge, transactional expertise, and full-service capabilities to our clients. This transaction highlights the ongoing success of the Technology practice, which has completed 110+ transactions representing approximately $21 billion in value since 2020.
About D.A. Davidson Companies
D.A. Davidson Companies is an employee-owned financial services firm offering a range of financial services and advice to individuals, corporations, institutions, and municipalities nationwide. Founded in 1935 with corporate headquarters in Great Falls, Montana, and regional headquarters in Denver, Los Angeles, New York, Omaha and Seattle, the company has approximately 1,600 employees and offices in 29 states.
Subsidiaries include D.A. Davidson & Co., a full-service investment firm providing wealth management, investment banking, equity and fixed income capital markets services, and advice; Davidson Investment Advisors, a professional asset management firm; and D.A. Davidson Trust Company, a trust and wealth management company.
For more information, visit dadavidson.com.
About Proficium
Founded in 2003, Proficium is an industry leader at the forefront of revolutionizing the digital landscape. Proficium’s commitment to quality, competitive pricing, unbeatable service, and rapid delivery times set it apart as a trusted partner in today’s fast-paced technological landscape. For more information, please visit www.proficium.com.
View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240403843482/en/
Contacts
Deal Team Contacts
Brad Gevurtz, Managing Director | Portland, OR | BGevurtz@dadco.com
Amy Johnson, Managing Director | New York, NY | ASJohnson@dadco.com
David Douglas, Director | Portland, OR | DDouglas@dadco.com
Joseph Tamburello, Associate | New York, NY | JTamburello@dadco.com
Media Contact
Emily Roy
Prosek for D.A. Davidson
(646) 818-9232
eroy@prosek.com
HOLLYWOOD, Fla., April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NV5 Global, Inc. (the “Company” or “NV5”) (Nasdaq: NVEE), a provider of technology, conformity assessment, and consulting solutions, announced today that it has acquired ASG Engineering Consultants (“ASG”), a provider of structural engineering, permitting, and compliance services in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). ASG’s talented team of engineers, BIM technicians, and technical professionals have delivered engineering design and oversight services for premier education, hospitality, stadium, and commercial structures throughout the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The acquisition of ASG takes advantage of the booming development in the region and serves as a catalyst for additional organic growth, bringing NV5’s total number of technical professionals in the Middle East to more than 150. The acquisition was made with a combination of cash and stock and will be immediately accretive to NV5’s earnings.
“NV5’s international business has generated double-digit organic growth by strategically targeting high-demand assets such as data centers and mega projects in high-growth regions,” said Dickerson Wright, PE, Executive Chairman of NV5. “ASG’s leadership team and technical experts expand our capabilities and our ability to contract work in the Middle East, and ASG’s expertise will be extended to our Asia Pacific operations to create competitive advantages across all of our international operations.”
NV5’s Buildings and Technology design group has a successful history of teaming with ASG and will benefit from ASG’s structural engineering capabilities. Furthermore, ASG’s Architect of Record certification will allow NV5 to become the prime consultant on design projects that would have been restricted in the past. NV5’s full-service capabilities now include MEP, technology, and structural engineering, and these uniquely comprehensive design solutions will provide a competitive advantage when pursuing projects throughout the Middle East and Asia Pacific, including data center projects.
“Having worked with NV5 for many years, we are excited to join the NV5 team and look forward to the expanded scope of services we can now offer to our clients,” said Derek Astbury, Managing Director of ASG Engineering Consultants.
About ASG Engineering Consultants
Since 2008, ASG has provided structural engineering and architect of record services for some of the most influential facilities throughout the Middle East and in the United Kingdom. In addition to structural engineering design, ASG’s team of experienced resident and structural engineers take site roles for the duration of a project, from verification and submission of all related consultants designs to issuance of building completion certificates. For additional information, please visit www.asgconsultants.com.
About NV5
NV5 Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: NVEE) is a provider of technology, conformity assessment, and consulting solutions for public and private sector clients supporting sustainable infrastructure, utility, and building assets and systems. The Company focuses on multiple verticals: construction quality assurance, infrastructure engineering, utility services, buildings & program management, environmental health sciences, and geospatial technology services to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions to complex issues and improve lives in our communities. NV5 operates out of more than 100 offices nationwide and abroad. For additional information, please visit the Company’s website at www.NV5.com. Also visit the Company on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company cautions that these statements are qualified by important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. Such factors include: (a) changes in demand from the local and state government and private clients that we serve; (b) general economic conditions, nationally and globally, and their effect on the market for our services; (c) competitive pressures and trends in our industry and our ability to successfully compete with our competitors; (d) changes in laws, regulations, or policies; and (e) the “Risk Factors” set forth in the Company’s most recent SEC filings. All forward-looking statements are based on information available to the Company on the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update such statements, except as required by law.
Investor Relations Contact
NV5 Global, Inc.
Jack Cochran
Vice President, Marketing & Investor Relations
Tel: +1-954-637-8048
Email: ir@nv5.com
HOLLYWOOD, Fla., April 03, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — NV5 Global, Inc. (the “Company” or “NV5”) (Nasdaq: NVEE), a provider of technology, conformity assessment, and consulting solutions, announced today that it has acquired ASG Engineering Consultants (“ASG”), a provider of structural engineering, permitting, and compliance services in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). ASG’s talented team of engineers, BIM technicians, and technical professionals have delivered engineering design and oversight services for premier education, hospitality, stadium, and commercial structures throughout the Middle East, particularly in Saudi Arabia and the UAE. The acquisition of ASG takes advantage of the booming development in the region and serves as a catalyst for additional organic growth, bringing NV5’s total number of technical professionals in the Middle East to more than 150. The acquisition was made with a combination of cash and stock and will be immediately accretive to NV5’s earnings.
“NV5’s international business has generated double-digit organic growth by strategically targeting high-demand assets such as data centers and mega projects in high-growth regions,” said Dickerson Wright, PE, Executive Chairman of NV5. “ASG’s leadership team and technical experts expand our capabilities and our ability to contract work in the Middle East, and ASG’s expertise will be extended to our Asia Pacific operations to create competitive advantages across all of our international operations.”
NV5’s Buildings and Technology design group has a successful history of teaming with ASG and will benefit from ASG’s structural engineering capabilities. Furthermore, ASG’s Architect of Record certification will allow NV5 to become the prime consultant on design projects that would have been restricted in the past. NV5’s full-service capabilities now include MEP, technology, and structural engineering, and these uniquely comprehensive design solutions will provide a competitive advantage when pursuing projects throughout the Middle East and Asia Pacific, including data center projects.
“Having worked with NV5 for many years, we are excited to join the NV5 team and look forward to the expanded scope of services we can now offer to our clients,” said Derek Astbury, Managing Director of ASG Engineering Consultants.
About ASG Engineering Consultants
Since 2008, ASG has provided structural engineering and architect of record services for some of the most influential facilities throughout the Middle East and in the United Kingdom. In addition to structural engineering design, ASG’s team of experienced resident and structural engineers take site roles for the duration of a project, from verification and submission of all related consultants designs to issuance of building completion certificates. For additional information, please visit www.asgconsultants.com.
About NV5
NV5 Global, Inc. (NASDAQ: NVEE) is a provider of technology, conformity assessment, and consulting solutions for public and private sector clients supporting sustainable infrastructure, utility, and building assets and systems. The Company focuses on multiple verticals: construction quality assurance, infrastructure engineering, utility services, buildings & program management, environmental health sciences, and geospatial technology services to deliver innovative, sustainable solutions to complex issues and improve lives in our communities. NV5 operates out of more than 100 offices nationwide and abroad. For additional information, please visit the Company’s website at www.NV5.com. Also visit the Company on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The Company cautions that these statements are qualified by important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those reflected by the forward-looking statements contained in this news release. Such factors include: (a) changes in demand from the local and state government and private clients that we serve; (b) general economic conditions, nationally and globally, and their effect on the market for our services; (c) competitive pressures and trends in our industry and our ability to successfully compete with our competitors; (d) changes in laws, regulations, or policies; and (e) the “Risk Factors” set forth in the Company’s most recent SEC filings. All forward-looking statements are based on information available to the Company on the date hereof, and the Company assumes no obligation to update such statements, except as required by law.
Investor Relations Contact
NV5 Global, Inc.
Jack Cochran
Vice President, Marketing & Investor Relations
Tel: +1-954-637-8048
Email: ir@nv5.com
ClearBridge Investments, an investment management company, released its “ClearBridge Small Cap Value Strategy” fourth quarter 2023 investor letter. A copy of the same can be downloaded here. The strategy underperformed the benchmark Russell 2000 Value Index in the fourth quarter. The strategy generated gains across eight of the 11 sectors in which it was invested during the quarter, on an absolute basis. Overall sector allocation and stock selection effects detracted from the performance on a relative basis. In addition, please check the fund’s top five holdings to know its best picks in 2023.
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Strategy featured stocks like AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. (NYSE:AMN) in the Q4 2023 investor letter. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. (NYSE:AMN) is a healthcare workforce solutions and staffing services provider. On March 14, 2024, AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. (NYSE:AMN) stock closed at $57.33 per share. One-month return of AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. (NYSE:AMN) was -7.07%, and its shares lost 31.31% of their value over the last 52 weeks. AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. (NYSE:AMN) has a market capitalization of $2.172 billion.
ClearBridge Small Cap Value Strategy stated the following regarding AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. (NYSE:AMN) in its fourth quarter 2023 investor letter:
“We added AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. (NYSE:AMN), which provides health care workforce solutions and staffing services to hospitals and health care facilities. We believe the company’s current stock price represents a compelling investment opportunity as it overestimates a level of cyclical decline in staffing, particularly when compared to the normalization of health care service demand, the relatively high age distribution of existing health care providers and the company’s exciting new initiatives in areas such as language services.”
A healthcare professional in scrubs, busy at work at a hospital.
AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. (NYSE:AMN) is not on our list of 30 Most Popular Stocks Among Hedge Funds. At the end of the fourth quarter, AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. (NYSE:AMN) was held by 27 hedge fund portfolios, compared to 20 in the previous quarter, according to our database.
We discussed AMN Healthcare Services, Inc. (NYSE:AMN) in another article and shared the list of mid-cap stocks with insider purchases. In addition, please check out our hedge fund investor letters Q4 2023 page for more investor letters from hedge funds and other leading investors.
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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
In this article, we will take a look at 13 Countries with the Best Citizenship by Investment Program in the World. You can skip our detailed analysis and go directly to the 5 Countries with the Best Citizenship by Investment Program in the World.
The growing trend of increased international mobility has fueled the desire to expand not only one’s cultural experiences but also financial ones. With the evolving dynamics of dual citizenship, the appeal for acquiring a second citizenship has intensified, prompting individuals to explore viable options. This is particularly true for investors and high-net-worth individuals. Citizenship-by-investment programs offer one such method, creating a win-win situation for all parties involved. By investing in the host country’s economy, investors can secure a second citizenship and passport, while the host country benefits from the influx of foreign direct investment, thereby strengthening its economy.
Citizenship By Investment Programs: Host Country Advantages
Citizenship-through-investment programs have experienced increasing popularity over time. According to the Investment Migration Council, approximately 5,000 individuals are granted citizenship through investment, annually. It is estimated that citizenship and residence by investment programs contribute between 2% and 30% to the GDP of the host country. The European Parliament Research Service reported earnings of 9.2 billion euros from 2008 to 2018 through investment programs. Similarly, other regions have also reported impressive revenue generation. For instance, Vanuatu earned $40.5 million from citizenship-by-investment programs from January 2022 to June 2022.
In 2022, approximately 1,375 applications were submitted for citizenship through investment programs in the three most sought-after Caribbean Islands—Antigua & Barbuda, Saint Lucia, and Grenada. While the 2019 pandemic initially dampened the upward trend, its reversal led to a subsequent revival. However, even in the face of the pandemic, revenues from the investment programs in 2019 exceeded those of 2018 for most countries. Notably, Turkey’s citizenship-by-investment program generated US $1,343 million in 2019, compared to $106 million in 2018, and the country issued the highest number of passports in citizenship-by-investment programs—9,962. Similarly, revenues for other countries, such as Vanuatu ($105 million), Antigua and Barbuda ($99 million), and Grenada ($61 million), also surpassed their 2018 figures in 2019.
Citizenship By Investment Programs: Financial Allure for Investors
In contemporary times, acquiring second citizenship offers numerous benefits. One key advantage is the enhanced sense of security that comes with being a national of two or more states. Additionally, the concept of visa-free global mobility has taken on new significance, proving to be particularly advantageous for investors. Beyond that, individuals can enjoy various tax benefits and increased opportunities for business advancement, as well as personal development through an improved quality of life, encompassing education and healthcare.
It is, therefore, unsurprising that a growing number of millionaires are seizing this opportunity. According to Henley & Partner, the number of millionaires relocating to another country reached 128,000 by 2024, a substantial increase from 51,000 in 2013. Notably, 6,705 Americans renounced their citizenship in 2020 to move to other countries, with tax avoidance emerging as a primary motivation for some of these millionaires.
Given this need for better finances, it is not surprising that companies like Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) and Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR) have gained significance for entrepreneurs. Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) is a multinational business software company that provides top-notch financial software services. Here’s what Baron Fintech Fund had to say about Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) in their fourth quarter 2023 investor letter:
“Intuit Inc. (NASDAQ:INTU) is the leading provider of accounting software for small businesses and tax preparation software for individuals and tax professionals. Shares increased after the company reported quarterly financial results that exceeded Street expectations, with 15% revenue growth and 49% EPS growth. Intuit is benefiting from the sale of higher-value services and is well positioned to capitalize on increasing adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) given its vast data sets. The company recently launched Intuit Assist, a generative AI-powered digital assistant that improves productivity and unlocks valuable insights for customers. We continue to own the stock due to Intuit’s strong competitive position and numerous growth opportunities.”
Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR) is a leading provider of investor communication and helps financial services firms by providing technology-driven solutions, including tax reporting services. Continuously upgrading their solutions, Broadridge Financial Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:BR) has recently introduced NYFIX Fill Matching platform, aimed at helping high asset managers with high volumes.
Methodology
In order to compile our list for 13 Countries with the Best Citizenship by Investment Program in the World, we start off by scouring through various sources to extract citizenship by investment programs being offered around the world. We then used our article 10 Cheapest Residency or Citizenship by Investment Programs in Europe, as well as other sources, to find and rank these countries according to the minimum required investment and the time to citizenship. We then further check their political stability and absence of violence/terrorism percentile rank from The World Bank databank, 2022 and rank our selected countries according to those scores. We also use Human Development Index Ranking, 2022. To present a consolidated final ranking, we average the ranks for the four metrics on the weighted-average concept, with cost awarded the highest rank (0.5), followed by time (0.3) and then equal values for the other two metrics (0.1 each). We also talk about The Henley Citizenship Program Index, 2024 scores and rankings for these countries.
By the way, Insider Monkey is an investing website that uses a consensus approach to identify the best stock picks of more than 900 hedge funds investing in US stocks. The website tracks the movement of corporate insiders and hedge funds. Our top 10 consensus stock picks of hedge funds outperformed the S&P 500 stock index by more than 140 percentage points over the last 10 years (see the details here). So, if you are looking for the best stock picks to buy, you can benefit from the wisdom of hedge funds and corporate insiders.
Now that we have made a thorough analysis, we present to you 13 Countries with the Best Citizenship by Investment Program in the World.
13. Austria
Minimum Investment Rank: 13
Time to Citizenship Rank: 6
Political Stability Rank: 6
Human Development Index Rank: 2
Insider Monkey Weighted-Average Ranking: 9.4
Austria’s citizenship-by-investment program stands out as one of the initiatives requiring a significant investment in either joint ventures or direct business investments, with the goal of creating jobs and fostering new export sales. The selected businesses are expected to possess an international reputation and demonstrate growth potential. Under this citizenship program, the minimum required investment is €2 million, with the possibility to invest up to €10 million. The application process typically takes 24 to 36 months.
While the investment required is indeed substantial, the benefits of obtaining Austrian citizenship are manifold. Austria, being a politically stable, safe, and developed nation, offers a high quality of life to its citizens. Austrian passport holders enjoy the privilege of visa-free travel to approximately 190 countries and the freedom to reside anywhere within the European Union and Switzerland. Notably, Austria holds the 2nd position on the Henley and Partner Citizenship Program Index for 2024, achieving top scores in attributes such as quality of life, visa-free travel, residence requirements, and relocation flexibility. It’s essential to note, however, that except for certain specific cases, acquiring Austrian citizenship entails renouncing one’s previous nationality.
12. Jordan
Minimum Investment Rank: 12
Time to Citizenship Rank: 4
Political Stability Rank: 3
Human Development Index Rank: 9
Insider Monkey Weighted-Average Ranking: 8.4
As a Middle-Eastern nation offering citizenship through investment, Jordan presents a unique opportunity for investors seeking to establish strong ties with the country and capitalize on lucrative economic prospects. Geographically situated between Asia, Africa, and Europe, Jordan provides a secure, politically stable, and business-friendly environment for potential investors. The minimum investment required is US $750,000, directed towards a productive economic sector project located outside of Amman, which should generate at least 10 jobs for Jordanians. Citizenship is typically granted within a span of 3 to 6 months, with a higher likelihood of approval within the shorter timeframe. The program extends to the individual investor and their immediate family members, encompassing children under 18, widowed or divorced daughters, as well as parents.
The citizenship of this Middle-Eastern country opens doors to numerous opportunities, particularly as it grants citizenship in a region known for its stability and safety, coupled with visa-free travel to 50 destinations. According to the Henley and Partner’s Citizenship Program Index for 2024, the country is ranked 6th overall. The program received a higher score for processing time, residence requirements, and physical visit requirements. In summary, Jordan emerges as one of the countries offering one of the best citizenship programs in the world.
11. Malta
Minimum Investment Rank: 11
Time to Citizenship Rank: 7
Political Stability Rank: 8
Human Development Index Rank: 1
Insider Monkey Weighted-Average Ranking: 8.2
Citizenship through investment in Europe has become increasingly common in contemporary times. While the aforementioned Austrian citizenship is also European, the high associated costs can sometimes be beyond the reach of certain individuals. Malta, however, offers an alternative with a slightly more accessible investment requirement. The process involves a minimum donation of €600,000 to the National Development and Social Fund, securing a minimum residence of 36 months through the Malta Citizenship for Exceptional Services by Direct Investment program. Additionally, applicants have the flexibility to include family members, extending eligibility to include grandparents.
Ranked among the top 25 countries on the Human Development Index and recognized for its political stability, Malta offers a high quality of life for its residents. With the privilege of visa-free travel to over 180 destinations, Malta stands at the pinnacle of Henley & Partner’s Citizenship Index, boasting the highest scores in various aspects, including visa-free travel, compliance, and relocation flexibility.
10. Cambodia
Minimum Investment Rank: 9
Time to Citizenship Rank: 3
Political Stability Rank: 9
Human Development Index Rank: 5
Insider Monkey Weighted-Average Ranking: 7.1
As one of the rapid citizenship programs, Cambodia offers investors the opportunity to acquire citizenship by making a minimum donation of approximately US $320,000, including fees, to the Royal Government. The country boasts beautiful scenery, rich heritage, and friendly people. Citizenship can be obtained in a relatively short period, typically within 3-4 months. While passport holders from Cambodia enjoy visa-free travel to 53 countries, the nation maintains a politically stable environment. Notably, Cambodia secures the 9th position in the Henley & Partner Citizenship Index, earning high scores for residence and physical visit requirements. It also makes to the 10th position in our list of countries with the best citizenship by investment program in the world.
9. Turkey
Minimum Investment Rank: 10
Time to Citizenship Rank: 4
Political Stability Rank: 1
Human Development Index Rank: 3
Insider Monkey Weighted-Average Ranking: 6.6
Turkey’s citizenship-by-investment program stands as one of the most renowned programs globally. Since the reduction of their minimum investment requirements in 2018, over 13,000 investors and their families have seized this opportunity. The program offers a diverse range of options, with the minimum required investment set at $400,000 in real estate. This investment must be maintained for a minimum of three years after obtaining citizenship. The citizenship application process typically takes 3-6 months and extends to family members, including children below 18 years or children of any age with disabilities.
This citizenship offers numerous benefits, including visa-free travel to over 110 countries and access to a financially sound, stable, and safe country with a high quality of life. The investors can also become eligible for E-2 Investor Visa for the US after being domiciled in Turkey for three years. Turkey holds the 5th position on the Henley & Partner Citizenship Index, boasting high scores in physical visit and residence requirement rules.
8. Saint Kitts and Nevis
Minimum Investment Rank: 7
Time to Citizenship Rank: 4
Political Stability Rank: 9
Human Development Index Rank: 6
Insider Monkey Weighted-Average Ranking: 6.2
As the world’s first formal citizenship-through-investment program, Saint Kitts and Nevis has welcomed numerous investors since its establishment in 1984, offering them the opportunity to become residents of one of the most beautiful Caribbean Islands. The program remains a top choice for many investors, naturalizing over 1,000 investors and their families annually. Among its two investment options, the minimum-cost route involves a US $250,000 investment in a Sustainable Island State Contribution. Citizenship can be attained in approximately 3-6 months.
Citizenship in Saint Kitts and Nevis offers a multitude of benefits, including visa-free travel to approximately 157 destinations, the inclusion of family members such as parents and dependents, and the option of citizenship by descent for future generations. The country holds the 4th position in the Henley & Partner Index, earning high scores in the physical visit and residence requirement categories.
7. Egypt
Minimum Investment Rank: 7
Time to Citizenship Rank: 5
Political Stability Rank: 1
Human Development Index Rank: 8
Insider Monkey Weighted-Average Ranking: 5.9
Considered one of the world’s newest citizenship-through-investment programs, Egypt offers investors five different options. The option with the minimum investment involves making a non-refundable contribution to the CIU account in the central bank of the country, totaling US $250,000. The process for obtaining citizenship typically takes 6-9 months.
Ranking high on the political stability index, Egypt offers a rich cultural experience within the Middle East. Residents can enjoy visa-free travel to 51 destinations. The country secures the 6th place in the Henley & Partner Index, scoring notably high on various attributes, including travel destinations, compliance, process time, and physical visit, as well as residence requirements. It is thus, no surprise that Egypt is one of the countries with the best citizenship by investment program in the world.
6. Grenada
Minimum Investment Rank: 5
Time to Citizenship Rank: 4
Political Stability Rank: 12
Human Development Index Rank: 4
Insider Monkey Weighted-Average Ranking: 5.3
Grenada has emerged as a popular choice among investors seeking citizenship through investment programs. With a stable economy and political environment, the country offers lucrative options for investors. The minimum investment entails a donation of US $150,000 to the National Transformation Fund for a single applicant, with citizenship available in 3-6 months.
This investment option in Grenada comes with various benefits. Investors have the opportunity for an E2 visa for the US, thanks to the country being a signatory to the United States E2 Treaty. Grenadian citizens can also enjoy visa-free travel to over 140 countries, transfer their citizenship to future generations, and include family members such as parents and grandparents. The program’s appeal is reflected in Grenada’s 3rd position on the Henley & Partner Index, where it scored high on various attributes.
Click to continue reading and see our 5 Countries with the Best Citizenship by Investment Program in the World.
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Disclosure: None. 13 Countries with the Best Citizenship by Investment Program in the World is originally published on Insider Monkey.
A teen from Illinois is speaking out on the importance of early investing after she said smart financial choices allowed her to purchase her first car, a Tesla, at just 17 years old.
Sophia Castiblanco, now a junior in high school, started making money as a social media influencer at age 14, mostly producing lifestyle content like self-care tutorials showcasing her favorite products and purchases.
“I primarily generate income from TikTok brand deals and YouTube ad revenue,” Castiblanco told USA TODAY this week.
Upon witnessing her success, Castiblanco’s parents encouraged her to invest in Vanguard and Berkshire Hathaway index funds to start building long-term wealth. The teen also chose a couple of her favorite companies to purchase stock in. First, it was Tesla and Apple. “I’ve also invested in Amazon and NU,” Castiblanco shared.
That investing has really paid off: Castiblanco said she has earned over 6-figures in returns.
Here’s her advice for teens wanting to invest.
Investing advice for teens
“My content area revolves around lifestyle, focusing on sharing insights into my daily life as a homeschooled teen creator,” Castiblanco told USA TODAY.
Though most of her vlogs center around beauty and shopping, Castiblanco also produces content for teens wanting to learn investing.
“There is no minimum age to start investing,” she said, adding that investing even a little at a time will add to long-term success.
Castiblanco advises teens to open custodial accounts under a parent’s name. In her TikTok videos, she goes over which index funds to start with and also things like choosing a broker and which stocks to buy.
As for where to start, “investing in index funds diversifies your risk and gives you a more balanced portfolio,” she shared with her audience of over 383,000 followers.
As for purchasing stocks? “It’s a long-term game,” Castiblanco shared.
“You’re investing in your future. Remember to be patient. Let your investments grow over time.”
Never too young to save for retirement:Why a custodial Roth IRA may make sense.
The young investor’s future plans
When asked about her future plans, Castiblanco shared that she is focused on content creating in the lifestyle space and will continue investing as she continues to earn.
“My goals also include venturing into real estate investing and starting my own business this year,” she said.
The publicity around her success has been “a positive experience,” Castiblanco shared. Though there are privacy concerns as she continues to grow, the teen said she is “grateful for the supportive community [she’s] built online.
“I’ve enjoyed being able to inspire other teens to invest and pursue their dreams.”