23 Aug 2024
AUTHOR | Douglas Scott
The Olympics – where athletes defy gravity, national pride soars, and corporate sponsors dream of stock market glory. Despite the first modern Olympics being held in Athens in 1896 the man responsible for the rebirth was a Frenchman called “Pierre”.
As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, let’s peek behind the curtain and see which companies are secretly practicing their victory dances:
Broadcom is the unsung hero of connectivity. They’re supplying the chips that power everything from smartphones to smart refrigerators. During the Olympics, their 5G technology will make sure your livestream of rhythmic gymnastics doesn’t glitch. Because nothing ruins a ribbon routine like a frozen screen.
Microsoft is the brainiac in the Olympic classroom. They’re providing cloud services, data analytics, and AI to keep the games running smoothly. Word is, they’ve even trained an AI referee for synchronized swimming. It never blinks, never misses a beat and I am sure would award Harry Kane a penalty …
Pepsi is all about hydration – and not just for athletes. They’re launching a limited-edition “Gold Medal Cola”. It’s like regular cola, but with extra bubbles of ambition. Plus, they’ve convinced Usain Bolt to endorse it. His tagline? “Quench your thirst, break world records.
Samsung is the official smartphones, tablets, and smartwatches for athletes. Picture gymnasts checking their heart rates mid-flip or swimmers timing their laps underwater. And if a phone accidentally falls into the pool, it’s waterproof up to 10 meters – perfect for synchronized selfie-taking.
J&J is the ultimate team player. They’re supplying medical supplies, bandages, and antiseptics. But they’re also thinking ahead. Their new product? Olympic-themed Band-Aids. Imagine a tiny Usain sprinting across your scraped knee. It won’t heal faster, but it’ll boost morale.
Ahold is the supermarket to be considered the “most valuable player”. They’re stocking up on energy bars, protein shakes, and electrolyte drinks for athletes. But they’re also catering to fans. Their Olympic-themed snack aisle includes “Gold Medal Gummies” and “Podium Popcorn.
These companies are chasing Olympic gold like sprinters on caffeine. Whether it’s streaming, chips, or bandages, they’re all hoping for a podium finish. So, grab your remote, cheer for your favorite athletes, and remember: Investing is a marathon, but the Olympics are a sprint.
All stocks listed above are currently held within the Aegon Global Equity Income Fund as at 29.07.2024.
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