Company transformations and separations are not an uncommon occurrence. The goal of so-called spin-offs is to grow by shrinking first. Such special situations can create shareholder value that is uncorrelated to broader markets. Over the past days, I started to think through possible coming spin-offs. The iconic Marlboro maker Philip Morris came to my mind, as it could slowly start to make sense for them to start a divorce to focus on their growing business unit, throwing off ballast and cashing out, soon.
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Is the stock of M&T Bank the best pick among regional US-banks?
After the first wave of banking collapses last March and some subsequent calming down, the last few weeks have again been dominated by fears about who’s next. The California based First Republic Bank was the next to fall. Its assets were sold to JPMorgan. Stocks of other regional banks got hammered by even 50% in single trading days, as if this were nothing unusual. The search for the next victim is running. M&T Bank so far held up rather well (and managed to stay under the radar). Is it worth a closer look?
Continue readingUS shale production is peaking – what it means for oil and gas prices
You can read everywhere that due to the “coming recession” in Western countries, energy demand is going to take a hit and push prices down. Likewise, you also find headlines that Chinese recovery demand might come in below expectations. It is a foregone conclusion that prices of energy will go down – everything circles around demand. But is this the big picture? What would happen if a massive supply shock took market participants by surprise? You won’t be surprised, but prepared, with this latest Weekly.
Continue readingCommodity stocks and recessions – clearing up a common misconception
As many commodity prices – being economically sensitive resources – have dropped massively over the last months (and even more so over the last weeks) as well as a recession being expected by the consensus, the question is whether equities of commodity producers in general are about to crash. At least this was the procedure during the last Great Recession of 2008–2009. However, this is too simplified, completely ignoring history.
Continue readingBig Pharma to destroy shareholder value? + new research report for Premium Members
Stocks of big pharmaceutical companies have been core holdings in many portfolios for as long as I can remember, probably even beyond that. The reasons are crystal-clear: an ever aging population, more chronic diseases also among younger generations, stable to slightly rising demand throughout the business cycle, relative price stability of those stocks and reliable dividends. What’s not to like?
Continue readingMegatrend of this decade: Dividend cuts + an update to my most popular article so far
Even though I know that I certainly won’t make many new friends with this article, especially not from the ranks of dividend investors, it is a duty for me to address this topic. I also think, it’s no coincidence that my most popular article to date has been about looming dividend cuts. Simply put, it’s too important to be ignored.
Continue readingA king is falling – why Altria’s butt is burnt down
Altria is a stock from the illustrious circle of the “dividend kings”. It is even so special that it has actually raised its dividend more than once a year over the past half century – 57 increases over 53 consecutive years. However, the last few years have been disappointing in operational terms. Recent results, in particular, have shown the direction this company is likely to take. There are still a few puffs left, but don’t be surprised by the impending dividend cut at this darling of many dividend investors.
Continue readingDividend Investing – high yield or high growth?
A never ending discussion in the field of dividend investing is whether you go for high yielding stocks or dividend growth stocks. Recently, I had a few discussions on Twitter about this topic. Because it is a question many investors have – amateurs and experienced investors alike – I decided to write a Weekly to compare both strategies.
Continue readingThe Dogs of the Dow – top dividend stocks for 2023?
The turn of every year is a special time. Not only because it feels like the old and especially bad is left behind and something new starts. There is also a well-known stock-picking strategy that promises you to beat the Dow Jones Index by only doing a few transactions at the start of each year. Did this low-maintenance strategy deliver in the past? And what are the picks for 2023 according to this strategy?
Continue readingThe funeral business: dead money or under-looked opportunity?
Last week, I wrote about farmland and farmland stocks. But land can also be used for other purposes. While being asked about land, the most common answers will be farmland or land for housebuilding. Maybe also forestry. However, there is another sector that could prove to be a more valuable investment opportunity due to being less followed, but obvious in hindsight.
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