Valuentum Exclusive Analysis for the Discerning Investor

Symbol Keyword

Oct 25, 2017

Analysis of Marcus Corp (MCS) and Schneider National Trucking (SNDR)
Image Source: Dan. Marcus Corp has done well in establishing itself as a meaningful regional player in the movie theater market, and its ability to outperform the industry in terms of box office results and profitability in its movie theater operations--thanks in part to its solid portfolio of owned real estate--is impressive. However, inconsistent free cash flow generation and a notable debt load give us some reason for pause, as does its weak Dividend Cushion ratio, and we see little valuation opportunity present in shares at this time. Schneider National Trucking operates a broad portfolio of freight transportation and logistics solutions that appear to be positioned well for profitable growth thanks to a diversified customer base, the proliferation of e-commerce, and potential margin-expanding initiatives. We generally prefer the business models of more asset-light peers, however, as the company’s free cash flow generation suffers due to the capital intensity of maintaining of a fleet of owned transportation equipment. We’re expecting ongoing expansion in its cash flow generating capacity, as a result of ongoing cash flow from operations expansion and lower capital spending in the near term, but shares of Schneider are trading firmly in the upper half of our fair value estimate range at the moment.

Oct 24, 2017

Bellwethers Drive Dow Jones Past 23,450 – Cheers!
Image: The stock market is partying like it's 1999 or 1929, or 1987. You pick. Cheers! Creative Commons, Ruth Hartnup. The market is reacting positively to calendar third-quarter earnings reports during the trading session October 24, and the Dow Jones Industrial Average has now surpassed 23,450+. The rally in US equities ensues. Stocks mentioned in this note: General Motors, McDonald’s, and Caterpillar.

Oct 23, 2017

In August, We “Cut” Position in Hasbro in Dividend Growth Newsletter Portfolio
We still have a small “position” in the emerging licensing giant in the Dividend Growth Newsletter portfolio, having removed 75% of the “stake” in August.

Oct 23, 2017

Earnings Roundup: Unilever, Procter & Gamble, Kimberly-Clark
We love the business models of consumer staples, but recent fundamental performance hasn’t been great, and valuations are a bit stretched. Unilever is blaming natural disasters in the US for its underlying sales growth shortfalls, Procter & Gamble has to deliver now that it defeated Nelson Peltz, and Kimberly-Clark’s meager top-line expansion may not support its valuation. A good business does not always make a good stock.

Oct 23, 2017

Restasis Patent Protection Weighing on Shares of Allergan
Image Source: Allergan. We have witnessed numerous examples over the years of biotech/pharma companies selling-off over fears of the length of patent protection on an essential product. The concern is well-founded--if the company relies on the product for a significant portion of sales, it may be challenging to replace, especially if the clinical pipeline is relatively bereft of viable next-generation products. We believe the recent sell-off in the shares of Allergan may now be wholly factoring in the loss of patent protection of one of its core assets in Restasis, and the equity may not be getting enough credit for its highly diversified revenue stream.

Oct 20, 2017

GE Cuts Guidance, All Eyes Turn to November 13
Image Source: darkon_turaas. On October 20, General Electric slashed its guidance for earnings and cash flow from operating activities after reporting another weak quarter. Could the dividend be next on the chopping block? Management will update investors on company strategy and its 2018 framework Monday, November 13, an event to which we’ll be paying close attention.

Oct 20, 2017

The Market Loves PayPal; Shares Now $70+
Image Shown: PayPal's stock has been a huge winner in the Best Ideas Newsletter portfolio. Payments processor PayPal reported fantastic third-quarter results and raised its full-year guidance for the third time in as many quarters. Shares are surging.

Oct 19, 2017

Kinder Morgan’s Dividend Growth For Next Year Is Achievable; Here's Why
Image Source: Roy Luck. After its infamous dividend cut, Kinder Morgan is getting things back on track. We applaud management for its ability to bounce back from a tumultuous energy-resource pricing environment.

Oct 19, 2017

Reimbursement Uncertainty Weighs on DaVita
Image Source: DaVita. DaVita has been left out in the cold with its share price losing ground in 2017 due to continued fears over reimbursement of care.

Oct 19, 2017

IBM's Third Quarter Offers Some Relief
Image Shown: IBM rallies back after third-quarter results October 18. IBM has been shunned by investors since it bailed on its operating earnings per share target of $20 a few years ago. The market, however, was recently relieved that IBM reiterated its full-year 2017 expectations calling for operating earnings per share of at least $13.80. Many are hoping for a comeback.