SMP

The Real Reason Why Moats Matter

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  Image Source: Ray in Manila Valuentum: We’re here today with Valuentum’s President of Investment Research Brian Nelson to talk about the concept of an economic moat. You think the concept of an economic moat is one of the most misunderstood topics in finance. Can you elaborate? Nelson: Sure, of course. An economic moat was first coined by the Oracle of Omaha, Warren Buffett, to describe significant and sustainable competitive advantages. Now, if you ask any business, they’re going to tell you that they have an economic moat of some sort, whether it’s some low-cost position or intangible asset or an impenetrable network effect. Investors today are at a disadvantage of misinformation given just how widespread the term moat or … Read more

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week Ending February 7

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Below we provide a list of firms that raised their dividends during the week ending February 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 3M (MMM): now $1.47 per share quarterly dividend, was $1.44. Activision Blizzard (ATVI): now $0.41 per share annual dividend, was $0.37. Aflac (AFL): now $0.28 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.27. Allegion (ALLE): now $0.32 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.27. Amdocs (DOX): now $0.3275 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.2850. Angel Oak Financial Strategies Income Term (FINS): now $0.1112 per share monthly dividend, was $0.1097. … Read more

2015 Marks Record Year for US Auto Industry

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The US auto industry set a sales record in 2015, as the largest automakers finished the year on a high note and pushed the full-year sales tally above the 17.4 million units sold mark set in 2000. 17.5 million light-vehicle sales were made in the US in 2015, which represents an increase of nearly 6% from 2014. December’s unit sales growth rate of 8.9% was one of the highest marks of any month during the year. December was a strong month for each of the major automakers in our coverage universe, as the lowest unit sales growth rate among the group was the 5.7% growth reported by General Motors (GM). Fiat Chrysler (FCAU) reported the highest growth in the month … Read more

Stock Market Outlook for 2021

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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 February 4

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Below we provide a list of firms that raised their dividends during the week ending February 4. 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 $1.62 per share quarterly dividend, was $1.50. Allegion (ALLE): now $0.41 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.36. ALLETE (ALE): now $0.65 per share quarterly dividend, was $0.63. Artisan Partners Asset Management (APAM): now $1.03 per share variable quarterly dividend, was $1.00. AudioCodes (AUDC): now $0.18 per share semi-annual dividend, was $0.17. Bank of Botetourt (BORT): now $0.185 per share quarterly … Read more