Valuentum Exclusive Analysis for the Discerning Investor

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Nov 1, 2023

Caterpillar's Pricing Power Remains Phenomenal
Image: Price realization remains a key driver behind Caterpillar’s strong performance. On October 31, Caterpillar reported better-than-expected third-quarter results, with revenue advancing 12% and non-GAAP diluted earnings per share handily beating the consensus forecast. Caterpillar continues to benefit from significant pricing power, but the firm is also experiencing volume increases. The firm's adjusted operating profit margin expanded to 20.8% in the third quarter compared to 16.5% for the third quarter of 2022. Caterpillar ended the third quarter with $6.5 billion in cash and cash equivalents, short-term borrowings of ~$4.2 billion, and long-term debt of ~$1 billion and ~$7.6 billion in its ‘Machinery, Energy & Transportation’ and ‘Financial Products’ divisions, respectively. Its balance sheet, while not showcasing a net cash position, remains very healthy, in our view, especially in the context of its free cash flow generation. Through the first nine months of 2023, the maker of mining and construction equipment’s cash flow from operations soared to ~$8.9 billion, as it shelled out just ~$1.06 billion in capital expenditures, a number that excludes equipment leased to others (~$1.2 billion). Free cash flow generation at the firm remains excellent, and we like that it continues to focus on dividend growth. We continue to like the pricing power witnessed within Caterpillar’s operations of late, and we’re sticking with our above-market $262 fair value estimate for now.

Oct 22, 2023

There Will Be Volatility
Image: An ETF tracking Russell 1000 "growth" stocks has outperformed an ETF tracking Russell 2000 "value" stocks since the beginning of 2021. To us, the market remains hypersensitive to almost every economic data point that hits the wires, and we’re just not going to play that game. The macro headlines and never-ending news flow are what many quant and algorithmic traders are trading on, and to a very large extent, for investors with a long-term horizon, these macro data points just don’t factor into the equation. When valuing equities, we’re always after mid-cycle expectations, not peak or trough performance, so our valuations implicitly embed a "normal" recession. Warren Buffett didn’t become a billionaire buying and selling on macro data points, and volatility is simply to be expected given the proliferation of price-agnostic trading these days. Instead of panicking over higher interest rates, we think investors should view the Fed’s work thus far as future potential dry powder to stimulate both the economy and the markets. Whenever you feel like stocks are no good, have a read of Warren Buffett’s classic piece written during the Great Financial Crisis, “Buy American. I Am.” To us, we still like stocks for the long run. Happy investing!

Sep 20, 2023

ICYMI: Questions for Valuentum’s Brian Nelson
Valuentum's President Brian Nelson, CFA, answers your questions.

Sep 1, 2023

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week of September 1
Let's take a look at firms raising/lowering their dividends this week.

Aug 28, 2023

Stock Report Updates
Check out the latest report updates on the website.

Aug 28, 2023

Our Reports on Stocks in the Industrial Leaders Industry
Our reports on stocks in the Industrial Leaders industry can be found in this article. Reports include: MMM, DHR, GE, HON, BA, GD, LMT, NOC, RTX, WM, RSG, CAT, DE, CNI, CSX, UNP, FDX, UPS, FAST, APH, GLW, TEL, ETN, ITW, EMR, ROP, PH.

May 19, 2023

Earnings Roundup: DE, WMT, CSCO, HD, FL
Let's get Nelson's thoughts on five stocks recently reporting their first-quarter fiscal 2023 results: DE, WMT, CSCO, HD, FL.

Feb 24, 2023

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week of February 24
Let's take a look at firms raising/lowering their dividends this week.

Dec 27, 2022

Exclusive Call: What To Expect From Valuentum in 2023
Video: 2022 was a successful year by almost every measure from the simulated Best Ideas Newsletter portfolio and simulated Dividend Growth Newsletter portfolio to the simulated High Yield Dividend Newsletter portfolio and Exclusive publication and beyond. There were some disappointments in 2022, of course, but the year showed the value of a Valuentum membership. Join President of Investment Research Brian Nelson on this year's Exclusive conference call to learn what to expect from Valuentum in 2023. Cheers!

Dec 24, 2022

Raising Our Fair Value Estimate of Dividend Aristocrat Caterpillar
Image: Caterpillar’s financial momentum is impressive. Image Source: Caterpillar. Things are looking good for Caterpillar, and the company’s free cash flow strength continues to support its payout and Dividend Aristocrat status. Caterpillar’s results are cyclical and exhibit operating leverage, which cuts both ways, but the firm’s pricing power is working wonders on its financials at the moment. Higher dealer inventories due in part to timing and labor shortages, foreign currency headwinds, and weakening dynamics in the residential construction market and in Europe and China are concerns, but the company’s strong performance warrants a fair value estimate increase, in our view. Though we like Caterpillar quite a bit, we’re not looking to add shares to any simulated newsletter portfolio at this time, however.