Valuentum Exclusive Analysis for the Discerning Investor

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Feb 2, 2024

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week of February 2
Let's take a look at firms raising/lowering their dividends this week.

Feb 3, 2023

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week of February 3
Let's take a look at firms raising/lowering their dividends this week.

Dec 23, 2022

FedEx’s Revenue Falls, Operating Income Tumbles in Fiscal Second Quarter
Image: FedEx’s forecast for fiscal 2023 earnings have almost been halved since it gave guidance in June of this calendar year. Image Source: FedEx.We thought FedEx would be able to offset weakness in its business with yield and cost savings initiatives, but things have deteriorated even further than what we had been expecting. Revenue faced considerable pressure during the company’s second-quarter fiscal 2023 results, while operating income tumbled more than 60% in the period. The firm has now cut its fiscal 2023 earnings per share forecast practically in half since it gave updated guidance in June of calendar 2022, and its financial targets for fiscal 2025 may be in jeopardy. We’re no longer evaluating FedEx for inclusion in the Dividend Growth Newsletter portfolio, despite shares yielding ~2.6% at the time of this writing.

Dec 14, 2022

Union Pacific Outperforming North American Rail Traffic Trends But Facing Inefficiencies and Inflation Hurdles
Image Source: Union Pacific. The rail industry may have avoided a labor strike, but North American rail traffic remains under pressure, while many operators are struggling with inflationary pressures and operational inefficiencies. Union Pacific remains our favorite way to play the rails, but 2022 has been a difficult year for the firm, with free cash flow coming under pressure as capital investments have soared so far in 2022. Union Pacific garners an ‘A’ rating by Moody’s, Fitch and S&P, so we’re not too worried about its large net debt position. Shares yield ~2.4% at the time of this writing, but we’re not pulling the trigger.

Jan 28, 2022

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week January 28
Let's take a look at companies that raised/lowered their dividend this week.

Dec 19, 2021

FedEx Beats Estimates, Raises Guidance
Image Source: FedEx Corporation – Second Quarter of Fiscal 2022 Earnings Infographic. On December 16, the logistics giant FedEx Corp reported second-quarter earnings for fiscal 2022 (period ended November 30, 2021) that beat both consensus top- and bottom-line estimates. The firm also moderately raised its earnings guidance for fiscal 2022 in conjunction with its earnings update after previously reducing its full fiscal year guidance when reporting its fiscal first quarter earnings update. FedEx noted in its fiscal second quarter earnings press release that “higher revenue per shipment at all transportation segments” positively benefited its operating income performance and helped offset headwinds from labor shortages and related supply chain constraints. The company also recently announced a new $5.0 billion share buyback program that includes a $1.5 billion accelerated share repurchase program component.

Feb 8, 2021

Stock Market Outlook for 2021
2020 was one from the history books and a year that will live on in infamy. That said, we are excited for the future as global health authorities are steadily putting an end to the public health crisis created by COVID-19, aided by the quick discovery of safe and viable vaccines. Tech, fintech, and payment processing firms were all big winners in 2020, and we expect that to continue being the case in 2021. Digital advertising, cloud-computing, and e-commerce activities are set to continue dominating their respective fields. Cybersecurity demand is moving higher and the constant threats posed by both governments (usually nations that are hostile to Western interests) and non-state actors highlights how crucial these services are. Retailers with omni-channel selling capabilities are well-positioned to ride the global economic recovery upwards. Green energy firms will continue to grow at a brisk pace in 2021, though the oil & gas industry appears ready for a comeback. The adoption of 5G wireless technologies and smartphones will create immense growth opportunities for smartphone makers, semiconductor players and telecommunications giants. Video streaming services have become ubiquitous over the past decade with room to continue growing as households “cut the cord” and instead opt for several video streaming packages. We’re not too big of fans of old industrial names given their capital-intensive nature relative to capital-light technology or fintech, but there are select names that have appeal. Cryptocurrencies have taken the market by storm as we turn the calendar into 2021, but the traditional banking system remains healthy enough to withstand another shock should it be on the horizon. Our fair value estimate of the S&P 500 remains $3,530-$3,920, but we may still be on a roller coaster ride for the year. Here’s to a great 2021!

Jan 29, 2021

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week January 29
Let's take a look at companies that raised/lowered their dividend this week.

Oct 30, 2020

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week October 30
Let's take a look at companies that raised/lowered their dividend this week.

Jul 6, 2020

FedEx Indicates Its Outlook Is Improving
Image Shown: An overview of FedEx Corporation’s revenue generation by business segment in fiscal 2020. Image Source: FedEx Corporation – June 2020 IR Presentation. On June 30, FedEx Corp reported fourth quarter fiscal 2020 earnings (period ended May 31, 2020) that beat both consensus top- and bottom-line estimates. Shares of FDX rallied during normal trading hours on July 1 as the air freight and logistics company’s outlook looked better than feared. Management did not provide full year guidance for fiscal 2021 given the uncertainties created by the ongoing coronavirus (‘COVID-19’) pandemic.