Now a Trade War on Multiple Fronts!

This article appeared as the introduction to the June edition of the Dividend Growth Newsletter. By Callum Turcan and Brian Nelson, CFA On May 5, President Trump announced via Twitter (TWTR) that he planned to raise American tariffs on $200 billion of Chinese imports from 10% to 25%, stepping up pressure on Beijing in what we initially saw as a bid to get a trade deal over the finish line. By May 10, the new tariff rates had gone into effect and it became clear that neither side was any closer to reaching an agreement, unfortunately.  Just a few weeks ago, state-sanctioned rumors were coming out of Beijing (particularly, the editor-in-chief of the influential Global Times) that China was considering … Read more

Mall Retail Armageddon?

We think investors should be extremely cautious if they are interested in any mall retailers. Mall REITs are starting to feel some of the pain, too. By Brian Nelson, CFA Our latest channel checks at the malls foreshadowed what eventually turned into a terrible showing during the first quarter for the department stores such as J.C. Penney, Kohl’s and Nordstrom, but the apparel names and other niche shops are feeling the pain, too. It is becoming eerie when visiting the malls these days. In some of the locations we’re visiting, hardly anyone is there! Generation Z may not pick up the slack from the millennial generation, and it is showing up in the numbers big time. Here’s a run down … Read more

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week Ending May 31

Below we provide a list of firms that raised their dividends during the week ending May 31. The dividend reports of covered firms on this list will be updated shortly with the new information. To access our dividend reports use the ‘Symbol’ search box in our website header. Firms Raising Their Dividends This Week Bank of Montreal (BMO): now CAD 1.03 per share quarterly dividend, was CAD 1.00. Cleveland-Cliffs (CLF): now $0.06 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.05. Donaldson (DCI): now $0.21 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.19. Exchange Bank (EXSR): now $1.10 per share quarterly dividend, was $1.05. First Trust Enhanced Short Maturity ETF (FTSM): now $0.128 per share monthly dividend, was $0.126. Frontera Energy (FECCF): now CAD 0.205 … Read more

From Nano Cap to Big Cap in Biotech

We cover some very interesting technologies in this piece, from a nano-cap company with a call option on survival, a stroke therapy firm that may improve the lives of millions, to a big-cap genomic sequencing leader that has exposure to the development of a liquid biopsy test for cancer. By Brian Nelson, CFA NeuroMetrix May Not Survive NeuroMetrix (NURO) is a nano-cap entity, a rarity when it comes to our commenting on ideas, and it comes with some unusual risks even beyond those inherent to the healthcare/biotech space. The company has incurred accumulated losses of $191 million since inception, and while it held $6.8 million in cash at the end of 2018, it may need to raise additional capital to support … Read more

Our Reports on Stocks in the Healthcare Products Distributors Industry

Images Source: Express Scripts Structure of the Healthcare Products/Distributors Industry The healthcare distributors industry is made up of wholesale medical equipment products distributors, serving the dental, medical and animal health markets, and wholesale drug providers, which distribute pharmaceuticals, medical products/services, and other healthcare technologies. Both sub-spaces are highly competitive and continue to experience growth as a result of the aging population, increased healthcare awareness, and the proliferation of medical technology and testing. Participants face pricing pressure from both customers and suppliers as a result of competition. We’re neutral on the group. We have dropped coverage of the Healthcare Products/Distributors Industry.

Investors Are Paying a Hefty Premium for NextEra Energy’s Great Dividend Growth Story

Image Source: NextEra Energy Inc – IR Presentation By Callum Turcan NextEra Energy (NEE) is one of the largest electric utility companies in North America. Management’s long-term strategy involves building out renewable energy power generation facilities all across America and Canada, namely wind farms and solar plants, while also making the necessarily investments in baseload generating facilities like nuclear power plants, natural gas-fired power plants and gas pipeline networks. Battery storage is increasingly becoming a key focus as well, as that’s what should enable renewable energy facilities to shift from intermittent to baseload power generators over time. We like NextEra’s strong growth trajectory and commitment to dividend growth, but like all utilities, a key part of its business model relies … Read more

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week Ending May 24

Below we provide a list of firms that raised their dividends during the week ending May 24. The dividend reports of covered firms on this list will be updated shortly with the new information. To access our dividend reports use the ‘Symbol’ search box in our website header. Firms Raising Their Dividends This Week Advanced Drainage Systems (WMS): now $0.09 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.08. American Tower (AMT): now $0.92 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.90. Ashland (ASH): now $0.275 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.25. AXA Equitable Holdings (EQH): now $0.15 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.13. Canadian Banc Corp (CNDCF): now CAD 0.0948 per share monthly dividend, was CAD 0.09. Cineplex (CPXGF): now CAD 0.15 per share … Read more

Subscribe — Limited # Remaining for Exclusive, Retail Reports as Expected

The Exclusive publication is limited to only 1,000 members. Make sure that you reserve your spot. You receive one income idea, one capital appreciation idea, and one short-idea consideration in each monthly edition.  Through March 2019, for capital appreciation ideas highlighted in the Exclusive publication, the success rate is nearly 82% (81.8%). For short-idea considerations highlighted in the Exclusive publication, the success rate is nearly 79% (78.8%). Adjusted for currency, not one income idea has cut its payout. That’s after 33 monthly editions!!! —  The Valuentum Exclusive highlights one income idea, one capital appreciation idea, and one short-idea consideration each month. The success rates have been absolutely fantastic since its inception. Each idea is highlighted in thesis form, and our … Read more

Hardcore: Tesla’s Stock May Collapse to Double Digits

Image: The Valuentum Buying Index almost called the top in Tesla’s shares. Whenever a CEO comes out saying that the company must engage in “hardcore” cost cutting, bad things happen. Morale is likely in the pits at the car company, and cost takeouts will probably cut more than just some excess fat. The downward spiral at Tesla has been in the works for many months now, but the writing is on the wall for a major disappointment that truly resets reality for shareholders. — By Brian Nelson, CFA — I’ve given CEO Elon Musk the benefit of the doubt. As a fellow founder and entrepreneur with skin in the game, I can understand some of the challenges that leaders face. … Read more

Our Reports on Stocks in the Health Care Providers & Services Industry

Structure of the Healthcare Providers & Services Industry Firms in the healthcare providers/services industry provide a range of services: help pharma/biotech companies develop prescription medicines; perform various diagnostic testing services to patients, physicians, payors, and employers; and offer healthcare information technology solutions to hospitals and other organizations, which is supported by the sector’s focus on cost containment and improving outcomes. Drug development entities benefit from outsourcing of R&D by pharma/biotech firms, diagnostic testing companies benefit from the growing/aging population and the increasing need for clinical testing, which is an essential service. US healthcare reform will present both opportunities and challenges. We’re neutral on the group. We have dropped coverage of the Healthcare Providers & Services Industry.