Wednesday, October 30, 2024

Stocks Going Ex Dividend in November 2024


  Please note that this is a sister publication of WallStreetNewsNetwork ( https://WStNN.com ) and postings will end on this site shortly. Please go to https://WStNN.com for all future posts. 

The following is a short list of some of the many stocks going ex-dividend during the next month, which can be helpful for traders and investors interested in the stock trading technique known as “Buying Dividends” or “Dividend Capture.” This strategy involves purchasing stocks before the ex dividend date and selling them shortly after the ex-date at a similar price, while still being eligible to receive the dividend payment.

Although this technique generally proves effective in bull markets and flat or choppy markets, it is advisable to exercise caution and consider avoiding this strategy during bear markets. To qualify for the dividend, it is necessary to buy the stock before the ex-dividend date and refrain from selling it until on or after the ex-date.

However, it is important to note that the actual dividend may not be paid for several weeks, as the payment date can be delayed by up to two months after the ex-date.

For investors seeking a comprehensive list of stocks going ex-dividend in the near future, WallStreetNewsNetwork.com has compiled a downloadable list containing numerous dividend-paying companies. Here are a few examples showcasing the stock symbol, ex-dividend date, periodic dividend amount, and annual yield.

Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST)11/1/20241.160.52%
Citigroup, Inc. (C)11/4/20240.563.37%
Pfizer, Inc. (PFE)11/8/20240.425.82%
United Rentals, Inc. (URI)11/13/20241.630.79%
TJX Companies, Inc. (TJX)11/14/20240.3751.31%
Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT)11/21/20240.400.84%
Moody’s Corporation (MCO)11/22/20240.850.74%
Dow Inc. (DOW)11/29/20240.705.59%

To access the entire list of over 100 ex-dividend stocks, subscribers will receive an email in the next couple days with the full list. If you are not already a subscriber, you can sign up using the provided signup box below. Don’t miss out on this valuable information, and the best part is that it’s free!

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Dividend Definitions

To better understand the dividend-related terms, let’s define them:

Declaration date: This refers to the day when a company announces its intention to distribute a dividend in the future.
Ex-dividend date: On this day, if you purchase the stock, you would not be eligible to receive the upcoming dividend. It is also the first day on which a shareholder can sell their shares and still receive the dividend.
Record date: This marks the day when you must be recorded on the company’s books as a shareholder to qualify for the dividend. Typically, the ex-dividend date is set two business days prior to the record date.
Payment date: This is the day on which the dividend payment is actually made to the eligible shareholders. It’s important to note that the payment date can be as long as two months after the ex-date.

Before implementing the “Buying Dividends” technique, it is crucial to reconfirm the ex-dividend date with the respective company to ensure accuracy and avoid any unexpected changes.

In conclusion, being aware of the stocks going ex-dividend can be advantageous for traders and investors employing the “Buying Dividends” strategy. WallStreetNewsNetwork.com provides a convenient resource to access a comprehensive list of such stocks, allowing individuals to plan their investment decisions effectively. Remember to stay informed and consider market conditions before employing any investment strategy.

Disclosure: Author owns PFE

Are Democrats or Republicans or Libertarians Better Investors?


  Please note that this is a sister publication of WallStreetNewsNetwork ( https://WStNN.com ) and postings will end on this site shortly. Please go to https://WStNN.com for all future posts. 


by Fred Fuld III

Last year, I posted an article about the political ETFs, which track the investments of politicians based on the reporting of their transactions, which politicians are legally required to provide.

I mentioned in that article that year-to-date, Democrats were far outperforming the Republicans.

At the end of the year, I posted a followup article which showed that Democrats were still outperforming.

Let’s take a look at how these stocks are doing this year.

DJT

First of all, there is the Trump Media & Technology Group (DJT), which is a media and technology company founded by former U.S. President Donald Trump in 2021. DJT was established with the goal of creating an alternative to mainstream media and tech platforms, which Trump and his supporters claim limit conservative voices. The company’s flagship project is Truth Social, a social media platform that aims to provide a space for free speech and minimal content moderation.

In addition to Truth Social, DJT has announced plans for other ventures, such as a subscription-based video-on-demand service called TMTG+, which would feature a mix of entertainment, news, and documentary content catering to a conservative audience. The company has faced both praise and controversy, navigating legal and regulatory challenges while securing funding and building partnerships to expand its media footprint. The company aims to position itself as a significant player in the conservative media landscape and a counterbalance to established tech giants.

In regards to the return on the stock, it is up over 201% so far this year, as of the time this article is being written. The company’s a market cap of $10 billion, is debt free, and is currently generating negative earnings. 

Congressional Investors

The Democrats, based on the return of the Unusual Whales Subversive Democratic Trading ETF (NANC), is up over 25.8% so far this year. The ETF invests in companies that sitting Democratic members of United States Congress and/or their families also have reported to have invested in. The expense ratio is 0.75%. 

As for the Republicans, Unusual Whales Subversive Republican Trading ETF (KRUZ), trailing far behind, up only 14.85%. It invests in stocks that sitting Republican members of United States Congress and/or their families also have reported to have invested in. The expense ratio is 0.75%.

Political Contributions

There is also the Political Contribution Comparison, which shows the returns of companies that make political contributions to Democratic versus Republican candidates and political action committees.

This analysis shows the following returns.

The Democratic Large Cap Core ETF (DEMZ) invests in large cap companies that make political contributions to Democratic Party candidates and political action committees above a certain threshold. Total return so far for the year is 22.1%.

The Point Bridge America First ETF (MAGA) has a goal of investing in companies  that are highly supportive of Republican candidates. The return so for is just 16.8%.

Semi-Political EFTs

Also, there are the semi-political ETFs. These ETFs are somewhat different in that they leave the politicians out of the analysis, both as investors and political donees. These ETFs have very different returns.

The God Bless America ETF (YALL) is an ETF that screens out companies that support liberal political activism and social agendas. It was up an incredible 36.7% for the year. 

The American Conservative Values ETF (ACVF) invests in stocks that meet its politically conservative criteria. The annual return was a positive 23.1%.

One ETF that is considered by many to be a “liberal” ETF is the SPDR MSCI ACWI Climate Paris Aligned ETF (NZAC). It is for “investors seeking to implement net-zero strategies and address climate change in a holistic way”. The ETF is up 17.8% year-to-date.

Libertarians

Libertarian play is the Global X MSCI Argentina ETF (ARGT) due to the fact that Argentina now has a libertarian president. This fund is up about 45% this year, far outpacing the S&P 500, which is up 22.4%. ARGT has a market cap of $394 million, a price to earnings ratio of 20.45, and even pays a dividend with a yield of 1.12%. The expense ratio is 0.59%.

Finally, there is the Freedom 100 Emerging Markets ETF (FRDM)which seeks to invest in countries with higher personal and economic freedom scores. The ETF is up 8.32% this year.

Most of the above have extremely low market caps of less than $200 million, and wide bid and asked spreads, with limited liquidity.

The next couple weeks should be interesting, not just for politics and the election, but for the political ETFs. So now, not only do you have many choices of presidential candidates, you also have many political ETF choices.

Disclosure: Author owns ARGT.

Investing in Silver and Silver Mining Stocks


  Please note that this is a sister publication of WallStreetNewsNetwork ( https://WStNN.com ) and postings will end on this site shortly. Please go to https://WStNN.com for all future posts. 

by Fred Fuld III

Estimated Reading Time: 5 Minutes

Silver has long been regarded as a valuable commodity for investors seeking to diversify their portfolios, particularly during times of economic uncertainty. Often dubbed “poor man’s gold,” silver serves as both an industrial metal and a safe-haven asset, providing a unique blend of utility and stability. In addition to physical silver, many investors look to silver mining stocks as a way to gain exposure to the metal’s price movements, potentially amplifying returns. This article delves into the merits of silver as an investment, and profiles three prominent silver mining companies: First Majestic Silver, MAG Silver, and Silvercorp Metals.

The Investment Appeal of Silver

Silver offers a dual-purpose investment strategy. On one hand, it plays a critical role in various industrial applications, from electronics to solar panels and medical devices, which ensures a steady demand. On the other hand, silver is often seen as a store of value, much like gold, during times of inflation, currency devaluation, or global economic instability. This unique characteristic positions silver as a hedge against both market downturns and inflationary pressures.

If you are thinking of investing in silver coins, you should check out my previous article Unveiling the Precious Metal’s Potential in Your Portfolio, which covers how to tell if your coins are real or counterfeit.

Silver mining stocks, in particular, present an attractive investment option. These stocks are typically more volatile than the price of silver itself, meaning they can offer greater upside potential when silver prices rise. However, they can also carry higher risks, as they are subject to operational challenges, geopolitical risks, and fluctuating commodity prices. For investors with a higher risk tolerance, silver mining stocks can be an exciting way to gain leveraged exposure to the metal.

First Majestic Silver (AG)

First Majestic Silver Corp (NYSE: AG) is a Canadian company primarily focused on the production of silver in Mexico. It operates three producing silver mines: the San Dimas, La Encantada, and Santa Elena mines. First Majestic is known for being one of the few pure-play silver miners, with the majority of its revenue coming from silver production, making it particularly attractive to investors who want exposure to the metal. 

The company’s focus on high-grade silver assets and its operational efficiency has helped it maintain competitive production costs, which is critical in a low-price environment. Moreover, First Majestic has shown a strong commitment to expanding its production capabilities through exploration and acquisition, positioning itself for future growth if silver prices rise.

First Majestic has a market capitalization of $2.21 billion, and trades at 40 times forward earnings. Earnings per share growth next year is anticipated to be up 259%. The company pays a dividend of 0.34%.

MAG Silver (MAG)

MAG Silver Corp (NYSE AMEX: MAG) is another Canadian silver-focused miner with a strong growth profile. Its flagship asset is the Juanicipio Project in Mexico, which it operates as a joint venture with Fresnillo Plc, the world’s largest primary silver producer. The Juanicipio mine is considered one of the highest-grade silver projects globally and is expected to be a major driver of production growth for MAG Silver in the coming years. 

Although MAG Silver is not yet a significant producer, the potential output from Juanicipio offers substantial upside for investors seeking exposure to an emerging silver producer. The company’s low debt levels and robust project pipeline make it a solid option for those with a longer-term view on silver’s growth potential.

The stock, with a $1.74 billion market cap, has a trailing price to earnings ratio of 28.7 and a forward P/E of 20.4. Earnings per share growth next year is anticipated to be up 16.7%. The company does not pay a dividend.

Silvercorp Metals (SVM)

Silvercorp Metals Inc (NYSE AMEX: SVM) distinguishes itself from other silver miners by being the largest silver producer in China. The company operates multiple mines in the Ying Mining District, a historically significant silver-producing region. Silvercorp’s business model is built on high-margin operations, focusing on controlling costs while maintaining consistent production levels. 

One key advantage for Silvercorp is its ability to generate profits even in a low silver price environment due to the by-product credits from its lead and zinc production, which helps offset operational costs. Silvercorp also has a solid balance sheet, making it an attractive option for investors looking for a relatively lower-risk play within the silver mining sector.

The stock has a $1.09 billion market cap, has a trailing price to earnings ratio of 18.5 and a forward P/E of 13.8. Earnings per share growth this year was up 76.5%, but expected to be flat next year. The company pays a dividend of 0.95%.

The Case for Silver Mining Stocks

Silver mining stocks offer an appealing combination of growth potential and leverage to the price of silver. Unlike physical silver, which simply tracks the metal’s price, mining stocks can benefit from operational efficiencies, exploration success, and production growth. 

However, they also come with additional risks, including management performance, political stability in mining regions, and fluctuating production costs. For investors who believe in the long-term outlook for silver, investing in silver mining companies can provide outsized returns, particularly if silver prices rally.

In summary, silver remains an attractive option for investors looking to hedge against economic uncertainty and benefit from the metal’s industrial demand. Companies like First Majestic Silver, MAG Silver, and Silvercorp Metals provide a range of investment profiles, from established producers to emerging players with high-growth potential. As with any investment, conducting thorough due diligence is essential, but for those with a bullish view on silver, these stocks offer a promising opportunity to participate in the metal’s future price movements.

Disclosure: Author didn’t own any of the above at the time the article was written

Sunday, September 15, 2024

Warren Buffett Adds New Stocks to Berkshire Hathaway’s Portfolio


 Please note that this is a sister publication of WallStreetNewsNetwork ( https://WStNN.com ) and postings will end on this site shortly. Please go to https://WStNN.com for all future posts. 

by Fred Fuld III

3 minutes read time

Warren Buffett, often referred to as the “Oracle of Omaha,” has long been regarded as one of the most successful and astute investors in modern history. As the chairman and CEO of Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-A) (BRK-B), Buffett has built a reputation for making strategic, long-term investments that have paid off handsomely. His investment philosophy revolves around purchasing undervalued companies with strong fundamentals and holding onto them for the long haul. 

Each year, investors eagerly await Buffett’s moves, as his decisions have the potential to signal broader market trends. In a surprising turn of events earlier this year, Buffett made new additions to Berkshire Hathaway’s vast portfolio by purchasing shares in two companies—Ulta Beauty (ULTA) and HEICO Corporation (HEI) (HEI-A).

Ulta Beauty, a leading retailer of cosmetics, skincare products, and salon services, is a particularly interesting choice for Buffett. Known for its wide selection of both high-end and mass-market beauty products, Ulta has managed to carve out a dominant space in the beauty industry. Despite the broader economic challenges affecting retail businesses, Ulta has continued to show resilience, driven by strong consumer demand for beauty products and an innovative omni-channel strategy that integrates online shopping with in-store experiences. 

The company’s focus on customer loyalty through its popular rewards program has also helped to secure a dedicated customer base. For Buffett, a renowned value investor, the decision to invest in Ulta may reflect his confidence in the beauty industry’s growth potential and the company’s ability to withstand market fluctuations.

Ulta stock has a trailing and forward price to earnings ratio of 15. Although quarterly earnings per share tanked by 12% year-over-year, annual earnings are expected to grow by 7.9% next year. The return on equity is about 55%. The stock, with a market cap of $17.8 billion, does not pay a dividend.

HEICO Corporation, on the other hand, represents a different sector altogether. Specializing in aerospace and defense technology, HEICO is a leading producer of parts for aircraft, satellites, and defense equipment. The company has established a strong reputation for providing cost-effective and innovative solutions to the aerospace industry, an area of increasing importance given the ongoing global demand for air travel and advancements in space exploration. 

HEICO’s unique position as a supplier to both commercial and military sectors makes it an appealing investment for long-term growth, particularly as governments and private companies alike invest in expanding their aerospace capabilities. For Berkshire Hathaway, HEICO fits the mold of a company with strong fundamentals and a clear path to future growth.

The stock has a trailing P/E of 76 and a forward P/E of 61, and pays a small dividend of 21 cents a share. This $36 billion market cap company sports earnings per share growth this year of over 25% with a growth rate next year of almost 17%. Sales growth jumped 43% year-ver-year. Return on equity is currently 14.8%. 

Buffett’s investments in Ulta Beauty and HEICO Corporation are notable not just because of the companies themselves, but because they signal a broader strategy of diversification within Berkshire Hathaway’s portfolio. By investing in a beauty retailer and an aerospace company, Buffett appears to be hedging against risks in the broader economy, while also tapping into industries with significant growth potential. As always, Buffett’s moves have sparked considerable interest, with investors eager to see how these new additions will perform in the years to come. While only time will tell whether these investments will yield the same success as some of his previous picks, it’s clear that even at 93 years old, Warren Buffett remains as sharp as ever in identifying promising opportunities.

Disclosure: Author didn’t have any positions in any of the above stocks at the time the article was written.