Tales from the Rails

Since rails are heavily tied to weakening coal shipments, there was a great deal of skepticism about the industry’s strength during the back half of 2012. However, we saw evidence (AAR data) that indicated an altering freight mix (auto sales, intermodal, petroleum shipments, crushed stone, gravel and sand) could compensate for coal shipment weakness. Let’s dig into how the group is performing now that fourth-quarter results for a few of them have come in. On Thursday, Union Pacific’s (click ticker for report: ) fourth-quarter report revealed that its performance during the period was solid. Despite the weak coal shipments, revenue grew 3% year-over-year to $5.3 billion, roughly in line with consensus expectations. Earnings were better than anticipated, growing 10% year-over-year, to $2.19 a share. … Read more

No Coal? No Problem for the Rails

In the third quarter of 2012, we highlighted weak rail traffic as being driven by weaker coal shipments, and the trend continued throughout the fourth quarter. According to the Association of American Railroads (AAR), coal shipments for the week ending on December 22 fell 11.1% year-over-year. Given the wealth of railroads that were heavily leveraged to coal, including Norfolk Southern (click ticker for report: ), CSX (click ticker for report: ), and Union Pacific (click ticker for report: ), it would be natural to assume the entire segment is ripe for decline. Yet, that doesn’t appear to be the case. The AAR also reported that total rail traffic for that same week increased 0.9% compared to the previous year and … Read more

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week Ending January 24

Below we provide a list of firms that raised their dividends during the week ending January 24. 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 Air Products and Chemicals (APD): now $1.34 per share quarterly dividend, was $1.16. Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT): now $0.32 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.31. Bank of the James Financial Group (BOTJ): now $0.07 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.04. Cambridge Bancorp (CATC): now $0.53 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.51. Capital Products Partners (CPLP): now $0.35 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.315. CNX Midstream Partners … Read more

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week Ending January 25

Below we provide a list of firms that raised their dividends during the week ending January 25. 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 Source (SRCE): now $0.27 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.22. Air Products and Chemicals (APD): now $1.16 per share quarterly dividend, was $1.10. Alaska Air (ALK): now $0.35 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.32. Allergan (AGN): now $0.74 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.72. Applied Industrial Technologies (AIT): now $0.31 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.30. Berkshire Hills Bancorp (BHLB): now $0.23 per share quarterly … Read more

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week January 29

Below we provide a list of firms that raised their dividends during the week ending January 29. 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 Source (SRCE): now $0.29 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.28. Air Products and Chemicals (APD): now $1.50 per share quarterly dividend, was $1.34. Allegiance Bancshares (ABTX): now $0.12 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.10. Anthem (ANTM): now $1.13 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.95. Apartment Income REIT (AIRC): now $0.43 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.41. Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM): now $0.37 per share quarterly dividend, was … 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

Valuentum: Now Bearish, We’ve Been Here Every Step of the Way

Valuentum Has Been Here Every Step of the Way   From the COVID-19 top in February 2020 to the COVID-19 bottom to the massive bull run through the end of 2021, we’ve been here for you.    2022 started out to be a rough year, catching many by surprise.   But Valuentum stayed positive. When the markets headed south in June, Valuentum stood its ground. On June 14, Valuentum said that “we still believe stocks could make a “huge rebound” in the near term.   We reiterated our views a few days later and on June 19, we said that “investors shouldn’t panic during this bear market” and that “stocks remain an attractive proposition at the moment and a very attractive consideration … 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

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week Ending July 27

Below we provide a list of firms that raised their dividends during the week ending July 27. 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 Access National (ANCX): now $0.16 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.15. Alliance Resource Partners (ARLP): now $0.52 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.515. Archrock (AROC): now $0.132 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.12. Ares Commercial Real Estate (ACRE): now $0.29 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.28. Arrow Financial (AROW): now $0.26 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.25. BancorpSouth (BXS): now $0.17 per share quarterly dividend, was … Read more