Member Articles

Surveying Valuentum Buying Index Performance in the Restaurant Space

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The stock-selection methodology, the Valuentum Buying Index, is as simple as an efficacious stock-selection methodology can be. However, that doesn’t mean that the Valuentum Buying Index is simple. The Valuentum Buying Index considers the rigors of a discounted cash-flow process, the considerations of relative valuation techniques, and the transparency of pricing information via market indicators. Yet despite its straightforwardness, the Valuentum Buying Index casts a discerning eye on the equities it monitors. The Valuentum Buying Index does not make a ‘call’ on every company. It only views a 9 or a 10 on the measure to be actionable on the long side, and it only views a 1 or 2 on the measure to be actionable on the short side. … Read more

MLPs Breaking Out But More Questions

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As we stated when we added exposure to the energy sector October 6 (see here), we’d be fools not to acknowledge the technical breakout in units of master limited partnerships the past few weeks. The group still has a long way to go to get back to “even,” but for the sake of retirees who are “DRIPping” into these equities, we sincerely hope some losses can be recuperated. Our experience tells us, however, that the road won’t be an easy one, but we are hoping chartists will be piling into units in the coming days. Fundamental investors may not be aware of this “technical” catalyst to come, but the breakout could be a big one. MLP investors have lost so … Read more

GE Hikes Payout; Digital Transformation to Benefit Income Investors

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Image source: GE website Income investors cheered as Best Ideas and Dividend Growth Newsletter portfolios holding General Electric (GE) raised its quarterly per share dividend $0.01, or 4%, to $0.24 per share December 9. The move is consistent with its multi-year capital allocation strategy to have a dividend payout ratio of 45%-50% and then grow the payout in line with earnings once the targeted dividend payout ratio is hit. The increase, however, reflects a payout ratio above the upper bound of management’s target ratio based on consensus estimates for 2017. We like what the payout growth signals for income-minded investors, and management looks to be set in continuing its shareholder-friendly ways beyond its planned return of $30 billion in cash … Read more

Bristol-Myers: Now In Play?

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Image Source: Steve Davis Could activist investors force Bristol-Myers to break apart? Let’s walk through a potential scenario that could drive Bristol’s share price to new heights. Alexander J. Poulos We are pleased with the recent announcement of a $2 billion dollar accelerated share repurchase (ASR) program. In addition to the ASR, three new directors proposed by Jana Partners will be added to Bristol-Myers Squibb’s (BMY) board. The recent transactions by the famed activist investor have led many to believe the company is “in play” with a takeout potentially imminent. The article below will explore the potential along with our preferred solution. Oncology Franchise The crown jewel of Bristol’s product line-up remains Opdivo the programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) blocking antibody … Read more

Seeking Balance: What’s Happening in the Crude Oil and Iron Ore Markets

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Image Source: Sollven Melindo Commodity prices are notoriously volatile as the global markets often struggle to maintain a sustainable balance of supply-demand. Let’s take a look at some recent developments and coming events that are impacting the prices of crude oil and iron ore. By Kris Rosemann We’re not rushing to add any commodity-based exposure at the moment. We have some of course – but we’re not looking to add more to the newsletter portfolios. For starters, the iron ore pricing market appears to be setting itself up for another period of pain, and we’re preaching serious levels of caution for those considering the space as iron-ore prices have already begun to descend from the peak of the puzzling early-2017 … Read more

Nevro: An Exciting But Risky Medtech Idea in the Early Stages of Its Growth

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Image Source: Nevro Innovation continues to thrive in the medical field. The rapid aging of the industrialized world’s population bodes well for rising demand. Let’s look at a promising med tech idea, which we believe offers explosive growth in the field of Neuromodulation. It’s a risky one though. By Alexander J. Poulos Introduction We are interested in the growth prospects of Nevro (NVRO), a med tech idea specializing in the field of Neuromodulation. Neuromodulation is the use of electrical impulses to stimulate the nervous system. Nevro’s key product is the Senza Spinal Cord Stimulation (SCS) system, which offers relief from chronic pain by stimulating the nervous tissue found in the spinal cord to reduce or entirely block the perception of … Read more

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week Ending October 27

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Below we provide a list of firms that raised/lowered their dividends during the week ending October 27. 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 1st Constitution Bancorp (FCCY): now $0.06 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.05. Abaxis (ABAX): now $0.16 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.14. AbbVie (ABBV): now $0.71 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.64. AFLAC (AFL): now $0.45 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.43. Agnico Eagle (AEM): now $0.11 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.10. Alliance Holdings (AHGP): now $0.735 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.73. Alliance Resource … Read more

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week Ending February 23

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Below we provide a list of firms that raised their dividends during the week ending February 23. 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 Albemarle (ALB): now $0.335 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.32. Apollo Senior Floating Rate Fund (AFT); now $0.096 per share monthly dividend, was $0.09. Arbor Realty Trust (ABR): now $0.21 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.19. Armada Hoffler Properties (AHH): now $0.20 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.19. Assured Guaranty (AGO): now $0.16 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.1425. The Bank of N.T. Butterfield & Son … Read more

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week Ending March 9

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Below we provide a list of firms that raised their dividends during the week ending March 9. 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 American Eagle Outfitters (AEO): now $0.14 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.13. American Tower (AMT): now $0.75 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.70. AMERISAFE (AMSF): now $0.22 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.20. Anthem (ANTM): now $0.75 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.70. Armanino Foods of Distinction (AMNF): now $0.0225 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.02. BHP Billiton plc (BBL): now $1.10 per ADS semi-annual dividend, … Read more