Latest news with #Popular
Express Tribune
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Amanda Seyfried reflects on her challenging Wicked audition experience
Amanda Seyfried has once again opened up about her intense audition process for Wicked, confirming that she auditioned six times for the role of Glinda and describing the experience as both grueling and transformative. Speaking on the June 19 episode of Backstage's In the Envelope podcast, the Oscar-nominated actress revealed that the auditions took place in 2021 while she was filming Hulu's The Dropout, a demanding schedule she nonetheless tried to navigate in pursuit of the part. 'I auditioned like six times for Wicked. I barely had time to do it, but I made it work,' she said. 'I worked my ass off for years and years on that music.' Seyfried shared that she trained with a vocal coach, attended weekend auditions, and recorded performances including the number 'Popular' which she submitted to director Jon M. Chu. She also previously recalled, during a Happy Sad Confused podcast appearance earlier this year, singing with Cynthia Erivo during one of the final stages of the process. 'That was a moment,' Seyfried said. 'Even though I didn't get the role, I felt the strongest I ever have vocally.' Despite not being cast, the Mamma Mia! star emphasized that the process was creatively rewarding. 'I didn't get the part, but I came out a better singer,' she told Backstage. 'It gave me the confidence I needed.' Ultimately, the coveted role of Glinda went to pop star and Broadway alum Ariana Grande, who also auditioned five times. Cynthia Erivo was cast as Elphaba. Both actresses were officially announced in late 2021. .
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Should Value Investors Buy Popular (BPOP) Stock?
The proven Zacks Rank system focuses on earnings estimates and estimate revisions to find winning stocks. Nevertheless, we know that our readers all have their own perspectives, so we are always looking at the latest trends in value, growth, and momentum to find strong picks. Of these, value investing is easily one of the most popular ways to find great stocks in any market environment. Value investors rely on traditional forms of analysis on key valuation metrics to find stocks that they believe are undervalued, leaving room for profits. On top of the Zacks Rank, investors can also look at our innovative Style Scores system to find stocks with specific traits. For example, value investors will want to focus on the "Value" category. Stocks with high Zacks Ranks and "A" grades for Value will be some of the highest-quality value stocks on the market today. One company value investors might notice is Popular (BPOP). BPOP is currently sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) and an A for Value. The stock has a Forward P/E ratio of 9.32. This compares to its industry's average Forward P/E of 10.50. Over the last 12 months, BPOP's Forward P/E has been as high as 11.26 and as low as 7.81, with a median of 9.38. BPOP is also sporting a PEG ratio of 0.58. This popular figure is similar to the widely-used P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also considers a company's expected EPS growth rate. BPOP's industry has an average PEG of 1.37 right now. BPOP's PEG has been as high as 0.92 and as low as 0.50, with a median of 0.62, all within the past year. Another valuation metric that we should highlight is BPOP's P/B ratio of 1.29. The P/B ratio is used to compare a stock's market value with its book value, which is defined as total assets minus total liabilities. This company's current P/B looks solid when compared to its industry's average P/B of 1.78. Over the past year, BPOP's P/B has been as high as 1.41 and as low as 0.98, with a median of 1.24. Value investors also use the P/S ratio. The P/S ratio is calculated as price divided by sales. This is a preferred metric because revenue can't really be manipulated, so sales are often a truer performance indicator. BPOP has a P/S ratio of 1.7. This compares to its industry's average P/S of 2. These are only a few of the key metrics included in Popular's strong Value grade, but they help show that the stock is likely undervalued right now. When factoring in the strength of its earnings outlook, BPOP looks like an impressive value stock at the moment. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Popular, Inc. (BPOP) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research Sign in to access your portfolio
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Here's What Makes Popular Stock a Solid Investment Option Now
Popular, Inc. BPOP is gaining from revenue stability, net interest income (NII) growth, a strong liquidity profile, and consistent capital distributions. Analysts seem optimistic regarding the company's earnings growth prospects. Over the past 60 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for BPOP's earnings has been revised upward for 2025 and 2026. Estimate Revision Trend Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Solid Organic Growth: The company continues to make steady progress toward improving its top line. The company's total revenues have witnessed a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.6% over the past four years (2020–2024). Further, net loans grew at a four-year CAGR of 6.8%, and deposits saw a CAGR of 3.4% during the same period. In the first quarter of 2025, the trend of revenue, loans, and deposits continued to increase on a year-over-year basis. Thus, BPOP's strong loan pipeline and healthy deposit base position it well for continued organic growth. Rising NII & NIM: Popular's NII witnessed a four-year (ended 2024) CAGR of 5.3%. The NIM rose to 3.24% in 2024 from 3.13% in 2023, up from 3.11% in 2022 and 2.88% in 2021. Both NII and NIM increased year over year in the first quarter of 2025. Looking ahead, management anticipates seeing continued growth in NII and NIM, driven by the repricing of its investment portfolio and new loan originations and lower deposit costs. Furthermore, with the Federal Reserve expected interest rate cuts this year, Popular is poised to benefit from additional improvements in NII and NIM in the coming period. For full-year 2025, management expects NII to increase 7–9% from the reported 2024 level. Earnings Strength: In the last three to five years, BPOP witnessed EPS growth of 6.05%, higher than the industry average of 5.27%. Further, the company's earnings are expected to show an upswing in the near term, as its projected EPS growth rate is 17.11% compared with the industry average rate of 14.07% in 2025. Apart from this, BPOP has an impressive earnings surprise history. Its earnings surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the trailing four quarters, the average beat being 11.82%. Specifically, for 2025 and 2026, its earnings are estimated to rise 17.11% and 19.97%, respectively. Earnings Estimates Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Strategic Initiatives: Popular launched a multi-year transformation initiative in 2022 to address evolving client needs and maintain competitiveness. The company focused on investing in its tech infrastructure and adopting agile practices to enhance the digital client experience, streamline employee processes, and drive efficiency and profitability. As part of this effort, BPOP acquired key customer channels from Evertec in 2022 to accelerate digital transformation. In 2023, it invested $300 million in technology infrastructure to support secure and innovative digital banking platforms. Through these efforts, Popular is targeting a return on tangible common equity (ROTCE) of 14% by 2025. Strong Liquidity Position: The company maintains a solid liquidity profile. As of March 31, 2025, the company's liquidity stood at $6.6 billion. Its total debt aggregated to $1.4 billion, maintaining a conservative balance sheet. Given substantial liquidity, we believe that Popular is not likely to face problems repaying its borrowings in the near term, even if the economic situation worsens. Impressive Capital Distribution: Popular continues to return value to shareholders through dividends and buybacks. In November 2024, the company increased its quarterly dividend by 12.9% to 70 cents per share. The company has increased its dividend four times in the past five years, with a 29% dividend payout ratio. It has a current dividend yield of 2.6%. In addition, it has a share repurchase program. In August 2024, the company announced a $500 million share repurchase authorization. As of March 31, 2025, $160 million shares were available under this authorization. Given the favorable payout ratio and solid liquidity, such capital distribution activities seem sustainable. Over the past year, shares of BPOP have gained 25.1% compared with the industry's growth of 16.2%. One Year Price Performance Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Currently, the company sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). Other Stocks to Consider Some other top-ranked stocks in the same space are United Bankshares UBSI and First BanCorp. FBP, each flaunting a Zacks Rank of 1. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. United Bankshares's earnings estimates have been unchanged at $2.97 per share over the past 30 days. UBSI's share price has increased 15.1% over the past year. FBP's earnings estimates have been unchanged at $1.93 per share over the past 30 days. Its share price has increased 13.4% during the same period. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Popular, Inc. (BPOP) : Free Stock Analysis Report United Bankshares, Inc. (UBSI) : Free Stock Analysis Report First BanCorp. (FBP) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research
The Star
19-06-2025
- Business
- The Star
JB team-up for the books
Teo (second from left) receiving a gift from Siew (left) and SUC board of governors chairman Mok Chek Hou during the launch of the reading project. With them is Prof Chuah (third from right). Retailer's outlets in the city raising funds for university college via sale of publications, artworks A LOCAL bookstore chain has started a year-long initiative in Johor Baru to support a tertiary institution's 50th anniversary. The collaboration between Popular Bookstore and Southern University College (SUC) kicked off in conjunction with World Book Day. Since April 1, all Popular outlets in the city have been selling SUC publications and up to 180 titles donated by affiliated authors. Customers have also been offered RM10 sets of five bookmarks featuring scenes from SUC's campus which was established in Skudai in 1990. Sale proceeds have been set aside to fund book purchases and literary activities of the university's Malaysian Chinese Literature Centre (MCLC). SUC president Prof Chuah Joon Huang said the institute was honoured to work with Popular. 'This partnership has allowed us to promote the world of reading, by showcasing SUC's publications, academic programmes and student artworks. 'I extend my gratitude for the sponsorship from the calligraphy and art communities, and the business sector.' Speaking at the opening ceremony for the 13-month cultural event celebrating SUC's 50th anniversary at a Johor Baru mall, Prof Chuah said, 'This is our first large-scale joint cultural event of its kind. 'It is a significant collaboration between our library, MCLC, Faculty of Chinese Studies, Faculty of Art and Design and industry partners.' He hopes this will inspire excellence in the city's art scene and become a model of cross-sector collaboration. 'Let us work hand in hand to enrich the arts scene of Johor Baru and Malaysia.' Comprising cultural performances and book sales until April 30, 2026, the event has been designed to attract public interest. Popular Malaysia general manager (business development) Siew Sheue Liang said, 'At Popular, we believe books are powerful tools for learning and cultural growth. 'In Johor Baru, we have promoted reading by giving back to the community through knowledge and culture.' Siew said Popular was proud to mark SUC's golden jubilee by launching a reading project titled 'Celebrating the Art of Calligraphy and Cultural Heritage – A New Chapter Begins'. He said Popular had raised RM16,100 for SUC and thanked contributors who helped to keep cultural heritage strong in Johor. The opening ceremony also marked the 70th anniversary of Chao Foon literary magazine, the oldest Chinese literary publication in Malaysia and Singapore, and is currently issued bi‑annually by MCLC. Meanwhile, Deputy Communications Minister Teo Nie Ching said she was happy to see publishers and universities teaming up to bring local stories, books and campuses closer to the public. The Kulai MP said the ministry had long promoted reading and aimed to build a stronger reading culture through programmes such as the Madani Malaysia book voucher. She said the programme offered RM50 and RM100 book vouchers to those from primary school to university levels. 'This year, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim announced that the programme will include 400,000 teachers. 'We are also driving the 2025 Book Loving Nation Voucher Programme through the National Library. 'Under this programme, RM1mil has been allocated to support local publishers,' she said.
Calgary Herald
17-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Calgary Herald
Vancouver talent agency that launched careers of Ryan Reynolds, Carly Pope celebrates 35th anniversary
Back in 1997, Vancouver 's Carly Pope was a high school student who signed up for the school play. Article content Pope, who is best known for the TV series Pretty Little Liars, Arrow, Suits and Popular, was cast as the cop in Lord Byng Secondary School's all-female version of Neil Simon's classic comedy The Odd Couple. Article content Article content 'I'm sure there's a very revealing, you know, VHS tape somewhere of that performance, which I never want to see in my waking life,' said Pope, who is currently living in Brooklyn. Article content Article content While Pope didn't necessarily see potential in her early performance, Vancouver talent agent Tyman Stewart did. He approached the adults involved with the play and asked about her. Nearly three decades later, Pope is still one of Stewart's top clients at The Characters Talent Agency Vancouver. Article content 'If I do some quick math on that, that makes it 28 years. Wow, which, inarguably, makes it my longest relationship,' said Pope with a laugh. 'It happened, I suppose you know, organically in that sense, and as a surprise gift to me … everything started to kind of snowball after that point.' Article content Article content That long relationship is just one of many that Stewart, who also helped to launch the careers of Ryan Reynolds and Sarah Chalke, has developed over the years. Article content A Hollywood North staple, The Characters Talent Agency Vancouver is celebrating a milestone anniversary this year. Article content Article content 'While, mathematically, this is The Characters Talent Agency Vancouver's 36th year, we are calling it our 35th year because no one counts the year of COVID, kind of like the 13th floor in an elevator,' said Stewart, who is president of the company that also represents directors, voice-over talent, producers, designers, editors, casting directors and writers. Article content Article content The Characters Talent Agency Vancouver currently has 17 agents who handle around 80 clients each. Article content Co-founded by Larry Goldhar (who started Characters in Toronto in the late 1960s) and Sam Feldman, the Vancouver office bought out Marie Morton of Morton Talent, one of only four agencies in the city at the time. Article content Stewart got hired out of Toronto in July of 1989 and worked his way up the ladder, becoming a partner in 1995, and then the president in 2016, when he replaced Leonard Bonnell. Stewart signed his first client in 1992.
