Brazil: Sorry For Your Losses

The Brazilian equity markets are in free fall. “Brazil is in a deepening recession, which may grow into depression, as unemployment continues to rise and corporate credit quality deteriorates. Those that made a bundle investing in Brazil’s commodity-driven export boom have been looking to cash out, if they haven’t already, and the real continues to weaken on deteriorating sovereign credit and rampant inflation. Any interest rate hike by the US could have the unintended effect of sending Brazil’s local yields to the mid-teens to account for incremental currency risk and credit deterioration, which would only exacerbate debt service costs as a percentage of the country’s shrinking GDP. This, in turn, could be the catalyst for even more asset flight out … Read more

La Decada Perdida Revisitado? Brazil’s Economy Is Teetering on Disaster

The silhouette of Christ Redeemer in Rio de Janeiro. The 2014 World Cup and preparations for the 2016 Rio De Janeiro Olympic Games should have given a boost to Brazil’s (EWZ) economic health, but the country is facing its toughest times in decades. Once lauded for its tremendous economic growth prospects thanks to a rising middle class and a commodity boom, Brazil is now reeling from public discontent related to inflation, corruption, complicated regulations, and a burdensome debt load. The corruption scandal at state-run Petrobras (PBR) may only be the tip of the iceberg, and it has sent shockwaves within political circles going all the way to the top. Protests in the country have been recurring. Brazil, the world’s seventh-largest economy … Read more

Yikes! Brazil’s Real Plunges; Protests in Hong Kong

Recession worries in Brazil (EWZ) sent the Brazilian real to a five-year low after poll results showed President Dima Rousseff gaining a lead over candidate Marina Silva, according to Bloomberg. Dropping a couple percent versus the US dollar today, its biggest one-day drop in three years, the Brazilian real has fallen more than 10% during the third quarter. Many had hoped a new government would spur economic growth in the country. The Brazilian economy is an important one, a component of the faster-growing BRIC nations, and many firms in our coverage universe are dependent on its resilience. This could potentially compound problems in Latin America, with Argentina defaulting on its debt earlier this year. Fundamentals at PetroBras (PBR), Gol Linhas … Read more

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week of December 20

Below we provide a list of firms that raised their dividends during the week ending December 20. 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                          AMCON Distributing (DIT): Now $0.28 per share special dividend, was $0.18. Ameris Bancorp (ABCB): now $0.20 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.15. Apartment Investment (AIV): now $0.60 per share special dividend, was $0.02. ARC Resources (ARX:CA): now CAD 0.19 per share quarterly dividend, was CAD 0.17. Blue Owl Capital III (OBDE): now $0.52 per share special dividend, was $0.06. CenterPoint (CNP): now $0.22 per … Read more

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week of May 2

Below we provide a list of firms that raised their dividends during the week ending May 2. 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 International Group (AIG): now $0.45 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.40. American Water Works (AWK): now $0.8275 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.7650. Apple (AAPL): now $0.26 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.25. Apollo Global Management (APO): now $0.51 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.46. Atkore (ATKR): now $0.33 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.32. Bachem Holding AG (BCHMF): now CHF 0.85 per … Read more

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week of August 1

Below we provide a list of firms that raised their dividends during the week ending August 1. 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 States Water (AWR): now $0.5040 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.4655. Ardmore Shipping (ASC): now $0.07 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.05. Artisan Partners Asset Management (APAM): now $0.73 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.68. AudioCodes (AUDC): now $0.20 per share semi-annual dividend, was $0.18. Banco Bradesco S.A. (BBDO): now $0.0021 per share monthly dividend, was $0.0019. The Bank of N.T. Butterfield & … Read more

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week May 7

Below we provide a list of firms that raised their dividends during the week ending May 7. 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 $0.10 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.09. Algonquin Power & Utilities (AQN): now $0.1706 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.1551. Allied Motion Technologies (AMOT): now $0.025 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.020. Arbor Realty Trust (ABR): now $0.34 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.33. Armada Hoffler Properties (AHH): now $0.16 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.15. Atlantic Union Bank (AUB): now … Read more

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week August 6

Below we provide a list of firms that raised their dividends during the week ending August 6. 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 AllianceBernstein (AB): now $0.91 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.81. Altabancorp (ALTA): now $0.17 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.15. APA (APA): now $1.50 per share special dividend, was $0.025. Banco Santander (Brasil) S.A. (BSBR): now $0.145 per share dividend, was $0.135. Barings BDC (BBDC): now $0.21 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.20. Berry (BRY): now $0.06 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.04. BG Staffing (BGSF): … Read more

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week of April 5

Below we provide a list of firms that raised their dividends during the week ending April 5. 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                          AGF Management Limited (AGF.B:CA): now CAD 0.115 per share quarterly dividend, was CAD 0.110. Bank OZK (OZK): now $0.39 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.38. BBVA Compass Bancshares (BBVA): now $0.425 per share semi-annual dividend, was $0.333. CaixaBank, S.A. (CAIXY): now $0.1009 per share annual dividend, was $0.0509. Cathay Pacific Airways (CPCAY): now $0.254 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.100. Cobra Venture Corporation (CBVTF): … Read more