ESG Matters: KMB, ADM, CC

Image: Chemours stock has been pummeled recently over an accounting probe. By Brian Nelson, CFA A lawsuit was filed against Kimberly-Clark (KMB) on February 28, 2024, alleging that the company used per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as “PFAS” or forever chemicals, in a facility in Connecticut where it makes Kleenex tissues. The lawsuit claims that the chemicals could have been released into the air and seeped into groundwater as paper waste was disposed of at a local landfill. The hazards of PFAS, which do not easily break down in nature, gained significant prominence in the media of late given recent lawsuits targeting 3M (MMM). Though the outcome of any lawsuit remains uncertain, Kimberly-Clark maintains the allegations are “unfounded.” Regardless, … Read more

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week Ending August 3

Below we provide a list of firms that raised their dividends during the week ending August 3. 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 $0.275 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.255. Andeavor Logistics (ANDX): now $1.03 per share quarterly dividend, was $1.015. Ares Capital (ARCC): now $0.39 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.38. Astec (ASTE): now $0.11 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.10. BP (BP): now $0.615 per ADS quarterly dividend, was $0.595. BP Midstream Partners (BPMP): now $0.2725 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.2675. … Read more

Prepared Remarks From Nelson Exclusive Conference Call June 30

Read President of Investment Research Brian Nelson’s prepared remarks for the yearly roundup conference call, held for Nelson Exclusive members. If you would like to subscribe to the Nelson Exclusive publication, please learn more about the publication here. The Nelson Exclusive publication does not reflect real performance. Performance is hypothetical and does not represent actual trading. Ladies and Gentlemen, Thank you very much for joining us on the first conference call for members of the Nelson Exclusive publication. The first year of the publication has surely been an exciting one for all involved. When I first wrote the introductory letter of the Nelson Exclusive on July 1, 2016, we were well-aware the market had laid down the gauntlet for this publication. … Read more

Valuentum’s 3 Breakthroughs in the Field of Finance and More

Valuentum’s President Brian Nelson pauses for a picture before speaking at the CFA Society of Houston in March 2017. By Valuentum Editorial Staff Let’s cover Valuentum’s 3 major breakthroughs in the field of finance. The first one is big and may challenge you to rethink everything you think you know about investing. 1. On a logical framework, Valuentum has debunked John C. Bogle’s landmark syllogism that has paved the way for the concept of index investing. Index investing has been built on a logical shortcoming, whether supported by evidence or not. We think it is important that the investment community know of this. Read (pdf): The “Luck” and “Randomness” of Index Funds (2018), Brian Nelson, CFA See video documentation: /FALLACY_of_Index_Funds To … Read more

The Story of Chemical Giants: Sales Down, Margins Up

Chemical bellwethers’ second-quarter results reflect the impact of unfavorable commodity prices and demand, but cost cutting efforts and savvy execution are driving margins higher. Let’s go around the horn for incremental industry insights across the space. Dow Chemical is executing the best at the moment. DuPont (DD), Dow Chemical (DOW), and Eastman Chemical (EMN) all reported negative impacts from pricing on their top lines in the calendar second period. DuPont’s Performance Chemicals segment, which was spun-off into The Chemours Company (CC) on July 1, reported the largest negative impact for the company with pricing lowering sales by 6% in the period. Each of Dow Chemical’s operating segments experienced sales falling due to pricing, the largest of which came in its … Read more

Nelson: The 16 Most Important Steps To Understand The Stock Market

A previous version of this article appeared on our website July 21, 2013. Refreshed and updated throughout, as of July 2018. By Brian Nelson, CFA After earning my MBA at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and training stock and credit analysts from large organizations over the past decade or so, I have heard just about every question (though I admit I am still surprised by many things and remain a very humble student of the markets). I’ve also spent years perfecting the discounted cash flow process for large research organizations such as Morningstar and studied under one of the most famed aggressive growth investors of all time, Richard Driehaus. My knowledge runs the gamut from value through … Read more

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week Ending February 16

Below we provide a list of firms that raised their dividends during the week ending February 16. 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 AbbVie (ABBV): now $0.96 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.71. AllianceBernstein (AB): now $0.84 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.51. Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT): now $0.30 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.29. Apollo Global Management (APO): now $0.66 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.39. Arch Coal (ARCH): now $0.40 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.35. Auburn National (AUBN): now $0.24 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.23. … Read more

Stock Market Outlook for 2021

By Valuentum Analysts February 8, 2021 2020 was one for the history books. We covered our thoughts and reflections on the past year in our “2020 Won’t Soon Be Forgotten” article (link here), and now we are looking towards the future. Global health authorities should be able to bring an end to the ongoing coronavirus (‘COVID-19’) pandemic sooner than many had expected as several vaccines have already been improved for emergency use and several others appear increasingly likely to get approved. Global vaccine distribution activities are currently underway, and this should allow the world to slowly return to pre-pandemic activities. Before then, immense stimulus measures launched primarily in developed nations should support global economic activities until the public health crisis … Read more

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week of May 9

Below we provide a list of firms that raised their dividends during the week ending May 9. 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                          Annaly Capital Management, Inc. PFD SER G (NLY.PR.G): now $0.5518 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.5476. Annaly Capital Management, Inc. PFD STK I 6.75% (NLY.PR.I): now $0.6034 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.5987. Artesian Resources Corporation (ARTNB): now $0.3074 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.3014. Ashland (ASH): now $0.415 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.405. Azelis Group NV (AZLGF): now EUR 0.23 per share … Read more