Valuentum Exclusive Analysis for the Discerning Investor

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Aug 2, 2024

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

Dec 8, 2023

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week of December 8
Let's take a look at firms raising/lowering their dividends this week.

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!

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.

Dec 9, 2022

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week of December 9
Let's take a look at firms raising/lowering their dividends this week.

Jul 22, 2022

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week of July 22
Let's take a look at firms raising/lowering their dividends 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.

Dec 10, 2021

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week December 10
Let's take a look at companies that raised/lowered their dividend this week.

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!

Dec 11, 2020

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week December 11
Let's take a look at companies that raised/lowered their dividend this week.