Tyson, ConAgra, Hershey, and Cal-Maine Lead the Pack

Stocks Featured: ADM, BG, CALM, CAG, FDP, GIS, HSY, K, KRFT, MKC, MJN, MDLZ, TSN, UN. As we survey recent performance across the Food Products industry (large, small), a number of firms continue to struggle to squeeze out modest growth, while others are putting up rather impressive organic top-line and adjusted earnings expansion. Perhaps the strongest fundamental performer in the group has been meat-processor Tyson Foods (TSN), which recorded impressive bottom-line growth in its fiscal third quarter, released August 5, as operating income in its ‘Chicken’ segment jumped 38% thanks to increased domestic/international production and strong pricing. The company’s fiscal 2014 outlook also speaks to robust chicken production and lower input costs, and we expect the strong top- and bottom-line performance to continue. Tyson Foods has been a 9 on our Valuentum Buying Index for some time and … Read more

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week August 20

Below we provide a list of firms that raised their dividends during the week ending August 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 American Financial’s (AFG): now $2.24 per share annual dividend, was $2.00. Aptiv PLC 5.5% CNV PFD A (APTV.PA): now $1.375 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.22. Brigham Minerals (MNRL): now $0.35 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.32. Cable One (CABO): now $2.75 per share quarterly dividend, was $2.50. Cboe Global Markets (CBOE): now $0.48 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.42. Dean Foods (DF): now $0.10 per … Read more

ICYMI — Video: Will Hasty Policy Facilitate the Next Leg Down, or Do We Have It Coming Anyway?

President of Investment Research and award-winning author of Value Trap: Theory of Universal Valuation Brian Nelson explains how US policymakers are stuck between a rock and a hard place, and how the market may be factoring in too high of a probability of a return to normalcy before 2021. This and more in the latest video report. Summary Make sure you review Value Trap on Amazon. Do so here. We think those that bought equities near the bottom of this swoon may be looking to take profits at present levels. The market is currently reflecting an 80%-85% probability of a return to normalcy before 2021, which we believe is too high at this time. Our main concern is that government … Read more

Update: Frequently Asked Questions About Valuentum Securities, Inc.

What is Valuentum Securities? Valuentum (val∙u∙n∙tum) [val-yoo-en-tuh-m] Securities Inc. is an independent investment research publisher, offering premium equity reports and dividend reports, as well as commentary across all sectors/companies, a Best Ideas Newsletter (spanning market caps, asset classes), a Dividend Growth Newsletter, modeling tools/products, and more. Independence and integrity remain our core, and we strive to be a champion of the investor. Valuentum is based in the Chicagoland area. Valuentum is not a money manager, broker, or financial advisor. Valuentum is a publisher of financial information. How do I subscribe to Valuentum’s investment research services? 1)    Click the following link: signup-page. 2)    Select your membership plan. 3)    Enter your contact details. 4)    Click ‘Sign Up.’ 5)    Complete your purchase. 6)   Your payment profile may be recurring, so please check … Read more

How to Think About Corporate Tax Reform

2,350-2,750 on the S&P? Could the Coronavirus Catalyze a Financial Crisis?

Image: We think a rather modest sell-off in the market to the target range of 2,350-2,750 on the S&P 500 is rather reasonable in the wake of one of the biggest economic shocks since the Global Financial Crisis. The chart above shows how far markets have advanced since 2011, and an adjustment lower to the target range of 2,350-2,750 is rather modest in such a context and would only bring markets to late 2018 levels (note red box as the target range). The range reflects ~16x S&P 500 12-month forward earnings estimates, as of February 14, adjusted down 10% due to COVID-19. When companies like Visa talk about a couple percentage points taken off of growth rates, one knows that … Read more