Housekeeping:
There is a reason why I require my approval before a comment can be posted. I receive anywhere from 5 to 15 spam comments per day that basically first tell me that my blog is great and then try to sell some product with a link. All of those comments are deleted.
The next post will be published next Monday.
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Portfolio Management:
T. Rowe Price Stock Mutual Funds Basket Strategy:
I manage this portfolio of fund by doing nothing. The management strategy is to buy and then hold until the DOD.
Once shares are bought, my only option is to reinvest dividends or to take the distributions in cash.
Last year, I changed all of the dividend options to payment in cash and will continue with that option until there is a stock market Catastrophic Event, which I define as a 45%+ decline in the S & P 500. Since I started to invest, I have been through three of those events.
Two of the following funds, PRWCX and RPGAX, are balanced funds weighted in stocks.The rest are pure stock funds. The following links provide performance information:
There is a reason why I require my approval before a comment can be posted. I receive anywhere from 5 to 15 spam comments per day that basically first tell me that my blog is great and then try to sell some product with a link. All of those comments are deleted.
The next post will be published next Monday.
+++
Portfolio Management:
T. Rowe Price Stock Mutual Funds Basket Strategy:
I manage this portfolio of fund by doing nothing. The management strategy is to buy and then hold until the DOD.
Once shares are bought, my only option is to reinvest dividends or to take the distributions in cash.
Last year, I changed all of the dividend options to payment in cash and will continue with that option until there is a stock market Catastrophic Event, which I define as a 45%+ decline in the S & P 500. Since I started to invest, I have been through three of those events.
Two of the following funds, PRWCX and RPGAX, are balanced funds weighted in stocks.The rest are pure stock funds. The following links provide performance information:
T. Rowe Price Capital Appreciation Fund (PRWCX)
T. Rowe Price Dividend Growth Fund (PRDGX)
T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Stock Fund (OTCFX)
T. Rowe Price Dividend Growth Fund (PRDGX)
T. Rowe Price Small-Cap Stock Fund (OTCFX)
T. Rowe Price Financial Services Fund (PRISX)
T. Rowe Price New Era Fund (PRNEX)
T. Rowe Price Spectrum Growth Fund (PRSGX)
T. Rowe Price Global Allocation Fund (RPGAX)
T. Rowe Price Spectrum International Fund (PSILX)
T. Rowe Price New Asia Fund (PRASX)
T. Rowe Price Emerging Markets Stock Fund (PRMSX)
T. Rowe Price New Era Fund (PRNEX)
T. Rowe Price Spectrum Growth Fund (PRSGX)
T. Rowe Price Global Allocation Fund (RPGAX)
T. Rowe Price Spectrum International Fund (PSILX)
T. Rowe Price New Asia Fund (PRASX)
T. Rowe Price Emerging Markets Stock Fund (PRMSX)
The two Spectrum funds are fund of funds.
+++++++
Economy:
The government reported that real disposable personal income fell .1% in September while real personal consumption expenditures rose .6%. That is just a disconnect. The personal savings rate was 3.1%.
News Release: Personal Income and Outlays
Why Americans have cut their savings to a 10-year low - MarketWatch
Personal Saving Rate Chart-St. Louis Fed
+++++++
Market Commentary:
Warren Buffett’s favorite market metric suggests investors are ‘playing with fire’ - MarketWatch
ECB has won this battle, but it’s out of ammo for the next one - MarketWatch
Long-time bull sees no sign of an end to the stock market rally - MarketWatch
+++++++++++
Home Ownership Trends:
Home ownership has been trending down since 2004, with a small bounce starting in 2016:
Census Bureau Quarterly Homeownership (7/27/17).pdf
The downtrend has occurred notwithstanding low interest rates and with homeowners able to deduct both property taxes and mortgage interest. New York Lawmaker Says Proposal to Keep Property Tax Break Is ‘Gaining Traction’ - Bloomberg I am assuming in the following calculations that property tax payments can still be deducted for those who itemize.
Under the GOP's tax plan, it is crystal clear that millions of middle class homeowners will lose the deductibility of both property taxes and mortgage interest payments due to an increase in the standard deduction amount. Then the GOP takes away most of the SD increase by eliminating all exemption deductions currently valued at $4,050 per exemption.
Then, it is obvious that another large segment, possibly smaller, will still be able to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes after losing the state and local income tax deduction, but the net effect will be an increase in taxable income arising from less deductions. This is just a simple example of how this works:
Couple with No Children:
Current Law:
State and Local Income Tax $15K
Property Tax $15K
Mortgage Interest $10K
Exemptions: $8.1K
Total Deductions $48.1K
GOP Plan:
State and Local Income Tax $0
Property Tax $15K
Mortgage Interest $10K
Exemptions $0
Total Deductions $25K (barely over the new SD of $24K)
Couple loses $13.1K in deductions
Same Numbers as Above Except the
Couple has 2 Children and are ineligible for the child tax credit
Current Law Deductions: $56.2
GOP Plan Deductions: $25K
I would suggest looking at your 2016 tax return and plug in the numbers. It is obvious that the GOP is using the middle class to fund tax cuts for the uber wealthy and corporations. Then ask yourself a simple question. How does the GOP plan to offset in part the lost tax revenue caused by slashing the tax obligations of the uber wealthy and corporations?
The negative impact will be largely felt in states where there is a meaningful state and local income tax that could no longer be deducted and where the combined total of property tax and mortgage interest rate payments is less than the increased SD. State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets for 2017-PDF-UPDATE.pdf
I am assuming that media reports about the republicans changing their minds by keeping the property tax deduction are accurate. House GOP concedes on property tax deduction - Oct. 29, 2017
The GOP's intent is clearly revealed by the result which is not difficult to understand. It is purposeful because it is so blatantly obvious.
The negative impact on home prices from the GOP's tax plan, as currently outlined, is a clear cut issue as well. Demand for home purchases will be curtailed and prices will decline in localities most impacted by the removal of tax incentives connected to home ownership.
Then the affordability issue is further negatively impacted by taking away most of the increased SD through the exemption deduction elimination. The plan could not possibly be clearer on its intended negative impact on the middle class.
Related Issue: U.S. Household Formation Weakens to Slowest Pace in Seven Years - Bloomberg
+++++
Russia-backed content reached 126 million Americans, Facebook now says - MarketWatch
Ex-House Speaker Boehner unloads on former Republican colleagues - MarketWatch
Secret Guilty Plea of Ex-Trump Campaign Adviser George Papadopoulos Reveals Russian Ties - NBC News
Papadopoulos' guilty plea is much bigger problem for Trump than the Manafort indictment - CNN
Why George Papadopoulos Is More Dangerous Than Paul Manafort - The New York Times; Trump Campaign Adviser Met With Russian to Discuss ‘Dirt’ on Clinton - The New York Times
George Papadopoulos: The Mueller Probe's First Guilty Plea - The Atlantic ("The biggest revelation in the plea agreement concerns an April 26 meeting in London. Papadopoulos met with the Professor, who told him that the Russians had “dirt” on Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. The government filing says the Professor said that “the Russians had emails of Clinton,” and in fact “thousands of emails.”") It was not until June 14, 2016 that the DNC disclosed it had been hacked.
Text of Grand jury indictment against Manafort, Gates
Maryland investigating Kushner Companies over apartments - Oct. 29, 2017
++++
GOP's Tax Plan Will Likely Raise My Tax Obligation:
The GOP's detailed tax plan is scheduled to be released tomorrow. State, local income tax deductions to be repealed in House bill, Brady says - MarketWatch Note that Mr. Brady, as do all republican politicians, mentions only the increase in the standard deduction without mentioning the offset caused by eliminating the exemption deductions. If the exemption elimination is kept, Mr. Brady is deceiving the public by mentioning the SD increase and "forgetting" to mention the exemption elimination that takes away most of the SD increase. I have not heard a single republican mention the exemption eliminations which was in their draft plan released last month.
I expect that the republicans will be raising my federal tax obligation some, but nowhere near as much as upper middle income households in high tax states.
I am over 65 so I will lose the extra Standard Deduction for my age, the regular standard deduction and my personal exemption. Altogether those deductions are currently worth $11,900. I will receive an increase in the SD to $12K, netting a benefit of a $100 deduction.
I am currently single and retired with no debt and live in a low tax state. My 2017 property tax on my home was about $2,200 (over $420K in FMV) and my only state income tax is the current 5% levy on reportable interest and dividend income after a $1,250 SD. Reportable income excludes interest paid on Tennessee Municipal Bonds, U.S. government interest payments, interest paid by CDs/savings accounts, etc. What are examples of nontaxable dividends and interest?-Tennessee Department of Revenue There is no individual income tax on earned income, retirement account withdrawals, pension income, profits from security and asset sales, etc.
If the GOP keeps the proposal of raising the bottom rate to 12% from 10%, that will hit me as well, likely causing a tax increase since I am currently in a low tax bracket and have no earned income. (e.g. 2% of $40K is $800). My only pension is SS. I would also take a $1K+ hit in the event the GOP eliminates the foreign tax credit for individuals. I expect nothing positive and anticipate paying more.
The GOP will try to sell their plan to the middle class by arguing that their wages will increase by at least $4K per year as corporations trickle down their tax savings to workers. Sure, that is garbage but many Trump supporters will buy into it for now. Wait 4 years after the GOP passes this bill and ask them again, maybe some will remember the pledge and will compare the promise with the actual results.
The willingness to share income with worker bees is proven by republican and business support for unions seeking higher wages over the past 100+ years and workers' increasing share of income generated by their labor over the past 50 years. Maybe I got my history wrong there with my brain being polluted by too much GOP jive.
The GOP and businesses have been vehemently opposed to unions seeking higher pay over my entire lifetime and businesses are increasing their share of income generated by workers' productivity.
The Productivity–Pay Gap | Economic Policy Institute
Hopefully, I will know more tomorrow.
+++++++++
+++++++
Economy:
The government reported that real disposable personal income fell .1% in September while real personal consumption expenditures rose .6%. That is just a disconnect. The personal savings rate was 3.1%.
News Release: Personal Income and Outlays
Why Americans have cut their savings to a 10-year low - MarketWatch
Personal Saving Rate Chart-St. Louis Fed
+++++++
Market Commentary:
Warren Buffett’s favorite market metric suggests investors are ‘playing with fire’ - MarketWatch
ECB has won this battle, but it’s out of ammo for the next one - MarketWatch
Long-time bull sees no sign of an end to the stock market rally - MarketWatch
+++++++++++
Home Ownership Trends:
Home ownership has been trending down since 2004, with a small bounce starting in 2016:
Census Bureau Quarterly Homeownership (7/27/17).pdf
The downtrend has occurred notwithstanding low interest rates and with homeowners able to deduct both property taxes and mortgage interest. New York Lawmaker Says Proposal to Keep Property Tax Break Is ‘Gaining Traction’ - Bloomberg I am assuming in the following calculations that property tax payments can still be deducted for those who itemize.
Under the GOP's tax plan, it is crystal clear that millions of middle class homeowners will lose the deductibility of both property taxes and mortgage interest payments due to an increase in the standard deduction amount. Then the GOP takes away most of the SD increase by eliminating all exemption deductions currently valued at $4,050 per exemption.
Then, it is obvious that another large segment, possibly smaller, will still be able to deduct mortgage interest and property taxes after losing the state and local income tax deduction, but the net effect will be an increase in taxable income arising from less deductions. This is just a simple example of how this works:
Couple with No Children:
Current Law:
State and Local Income Tax $15K
Property Tax $15K
Mortgage Interest $10K
Exemptions: $8.1K
Total Deductions $48.1K
GOP Plan:
State and Local Income Tax $0
Property Tax $15K
Mortgage Interest $10K
Exemptions $0
Total Deductions $25K (barely over the new SD of $24K)
Couple loses $13.1K in deductions
Same Numbers as Above Except the
Couple has 2 Children and are ineligible for the child tax credit
Current Law Deductions: $56.2
GOP Plan Deductions: $25K
I would suggest looking at your 2016 tax return and plug in the numbers. It is obvious that the GOP is using the middle class to fund tax cuts for the uber wealthy and corporations. Then ask yourself a simple question. How does the GOP plan to offset in part the lost tax revenue caused by slashing the tax obligations of the uber wealthy and corporations?
The negative impact will be largely felt in states where there is a meaningful state and local income tax that could no longer be deducted and where the combined total of property tax and mortgage interest rate payments is less than the increased SD. State Individual Income Tax Rates and Brackets for 2017-PDF-UPDATE.pdf
I am assuming that media reports about the republicans changing their minds by keeping the property tax deduction are accurate. House GOP concedes on property tax deduction - Oct. 29, 2017
The GOP's intent is clearly revealed by the result which is not difficult to understand. It is purposeful because it is so blatantly obvious.
The negative impact on home prices from the GOP's tax plan, as currently outlined, is a clear cut issue as well. Demand for home purchases will be curtailed and prices will decline in localities most impacted by the removal of tax incentives connected to home ownership.
Then the affordability issue is further negatively impacted by taking away most of the increased SD through the exemption deduction elimination. The plan could not possibly be clearer on its intended negative impact on the middle class.
Related Issue: U.S. Household Formation Weakens to Slowest Pace in Seven Years - Bloomberg
+++++
Russia-backed content reached 126 million Americans, Facebook now says - MarketWatch
Ex-House Speaker Boehner unloads on former Republican colleagues - MarketWatch
Secret Guilty Plea of Ex-Trump Campaign Adviser George Papadopoulos Reveals Russian Ties - NBC News
Papadopoulos' guilty plea is much bigger problem for Trump than the Manafort indictment - CNN
Why George Papadopoulos Is More Dangerous Than Paul Manafort - The New York Times; Trump Campaign Adviser Met With Russian to Discuss ‘Dirt’ on Clinton - The New York Times
George Papadopoulos: The Mueller Probe's First Guilty Plea - The Atlantic ("The biggest revelation in the plea agreement concerns an April 26 meeting in London. Papadopoulos met with the Professor, who told him that the Russians had “dirt” on Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton. The government filing says the Professor said that “the Russians had emails of Clinton,” and in fact “thousands of emails.”") It was not until June 14, 2016 that the DNC disclosed it had been hacked.
Text of Grand jury indictment against Manafort, Gates
Maryland investigating Kushner Companies over apartments - Oct. 29, 2017
++++
GOP's Tax Plan Will Likely Raise My Tax Obligation:
The GOP's detailed tax plan is scheduled to be released tomorrow. State, local income tax deductions to be repealed in House bill, Brady says - MarketWatch Note that Mr. Brady, as do all republican politicians, mentions only the increase in the standard deduction without mentioning the offset caused by eliminating the exemption deductions. If the exemption elimination is kept, Mr. Brady is deceiving the public by mentioning the SD increase and "forgetting" to mention the exemption elimination that takes away most of the SD increase. I have not heard a single republican mention the exemption eliminations which was in their draft plan released last month.
I expect that the republicans will be raising my federal tax obligation some, but nowhere near as much as upper middle income households in high tax states.
I am over 65 so I will lose the extra Standard Deduction for my age, the regular standard deduction and my personal exemption. Altogether those deductions are currently worth $11,900. I will receive an increase in the SD to $12K, netting a benefit of a $100 deduction.
I am currently single and retired with no debt and live in a low tax state. My 2017 property tax on my home was about $2,200 (over $420K in FMV) and my only state income tax is the current 5% levy on reportable interest and dividend income after a $1,250 SD. Reportable income excludes interest paid on Tennessee Municipal Bonds, U.S. government interest payments, interest paid by CDs/savings accounts, etc. What are examples of nontaxable dividends and interest?-Tennessee Department of Revenue There is no individual income tax on earned income, retirement account withdrawals, pension income, profits from security and asset sales, etc.
If the GOP keeps the proposal of raising the bottom rate to 12% from 10%, that will hit me as well, likely causing a tax increase since I am currently in a low tax bracket and have no earned income. (e.g. 2% of $40K is $800). My only pension is SS. I would also take a $1K+ hit in the event the GOP eliminates the foreign tax credit for individuals. I expect nothing positive and anticipate paying more.
The GOP will try to sell their plan to the middle class by arguing that their wages will increase by at least $4K per year as corporations trickle down their tax savings to workers. Sure, that is garbage but many Trump supporters will buy into it for now. Wait 4 years after the GOP passes this bill and ask them again, maybe some will remember the pledge and will compare the promise with the actual results.
The willingness to share income with worker bees is proven by republican and business support for unions seeking higher wages over the past 100+ years and workers' increasing share of income generated by their labor over the past 50 years. Maybe I got my history wrong there with my brain being polluted by too much GOP jive.
The GOP and businesses have been vehemently opposed to unions seeking higher pay over my entire lifetime and businesses are increasing their share of income generated by workers' productivity.
The Productivity–Pay Gap | Economic Policy Institute
Hopefully, I will know more tomorrow.
+++++++++
1. Small Ball:
Small Ball is a baseball term that I use to describe the investing equivalent: What is Small Ball? Definition from SportingCharts.com
Small Ball is a baseball term that I use to describe the investing equivalent: What is Small Ball? Definition from SportingCharts.com
A. Bought 10 AT & T at $33.5-Used Commission Free Trade:
As with my other 10 share purchases, I will average down in 10 share lots using commission free trades, but will not average up.
This purchase was made on the first trading day after AT & T reported its third quarter results which was not well received by investors:
Closing Price Day of Purchase (10/25/17): T $33.49 -$1.37 -3.93%
Volume 96.165+ M
Average Volume 26.675+ M
52 Week Range: $33.33 to $43.03
The stock was trading below its 50, 100 and 200 day SMA lines when I made this purchase. Chart In early October 2017, the stock was trading at over $39 and closed at $39.51 on 10/5/17, the day before the quarterly ex dividend date.
At the current quarterly rate of $.49 per share, the dividend yield at a total cost of $33.5 is about 5.85%.
I currently own 70 AT & T shares, a totally immaterial allocation.
In September, I used the proceeds from selling 2 AT & T SU bonds in part to buy 30 AT & T common shares. The common shares yield more than the bonds. Stocks, Bonds & Politics: Item # 1.A. Sold 2 AT & T 3.4% SU Bonds at 100 and Item # 7 Bought 30 AT & T common at $35.95
That bond will go down with a rise in interest rates.
The stock may go down for that reason and others including the problems highlighted in the last earnings report. As to interest rate sensitivity, the AT & T common shares are in part a bond substitute; and its debt is huge and in need of constant refinancing.
B. Bought 10 GIS at $50.7-Used Commission Free Trade:
Closing Price Day of Trade 10/30/17): GIS $50.66: -$0.91 -1.76%
Packaged food stocks were generally down that same day:
K $58.87 -$1.39 -$2.31%: Kellogg Company (new 52 week low set)
CPB $46.36 -$1.77 -3.68% : Campbell Soup Company
POST $81.57 -$1.09 -1.32% : Post Holdings, Inc.
KHC $75.27 -$2.03 -2.63% : The Kraft Heinz Company
THS $66.19 -$2.15 -3.15% : Treehouse Foods, Inc.
Trades Since 1/1/2006:
I eliminated my GIS position in 2016 and have not bought a share back prior to this 10 share buy.
2016: 52+ Shares +$1,285.31
2009: 30 Shares +$342.45
2007: 200 Shares +$182.23
When I discussed selling 2 GIS SU bonds maturing in 2027, I indicated than an intent to buy the common shares "provided the price declines below $52 and preferably below $50. Stocks, Bonds & Politics: Item # 4.B. I compromised by buying 10 at $50.7 and then averaging down in 10 share lots using commission free trades. The next 10 share buy range would be between $48 to $49.5.
The company has paid a dividend continually without interruption for 119 years. General Mills - Dividends and Stock Splits
The current quarterly dividend is $.49 per share and was last raised from $.48 last July. The yield would be about 3.87% at a total cost per share of $50.7.
The stock is trading below its 50, 100 and 200 SMA lines, using a two year YF chart, and has been in a waterfall decline since 7/3/16 when the stock closed at $72.46. GIS Interactive Stock Chart The five year chart shows support in the $49-$50 during 2013-2014.
Given the dramatic slowdown in earnings growth, future dividend increases will likely be in much smaller percentage increments than in the past. For example, GIS more than doubled its penny rate from between July 2007 ($.195) to April 2014 ($.41). I would not expect that to happen again in the ten year period ending in April 2024 or even come close.
GIS is in disfavor now, as are other packaged food companies, and recent earnings reports have served only to reinforce the negativity.
The last GIS report was met with discernible negative reactions by institutional investors.
First Fiscal Quarter Earnings Report Q/E 8/27/17: General Mills Reports Fiscal 2018 First-Quarter Results - Sep 20, 2017
Look at the negative Y-O-Y numbers:
2018 Fiscal Year Forecast:
Possibly the worst part of this report was in the North American segment:
"First-quarter net sales for General Mills' North America Retail segment totaled $2.44 billion, down 5 percent from the prior year, reflecting low single-digit declines in contributions from volume and net price realization and mix. Organic net sales also declined 5 percent. Net sales were down double-digits in the U.S. Yogurt operating unit, driven by continued declines for Yoplait Greek and Yoplait Light products, partially offset by benefits from the new Oui by Yoplait product launch. Net sales in the U.S. cereal operating unit were down 7 percent, reflecting a reduction in customer inventory levels and unfavorable trade expense phasing, though cereal retail sales performance was much stronger, with sales in Nielsen-measured outlets down 1 percent. U.S. Snacks net sales declined 2 percent in the quarter, with declines on Fiber One partially offset by growth on Lärabar and Nature Valley. Segment operating profit of $533 million was down 15 percent due primarily to lower volume, unfavorable trade expense phasing, higher input costs, and an increase in advertising and media expense."
In prior comments, which I will not repeat here except in summary, I have noted that GIS has used more cash to pay dividends and to buy back stock than its free cash flow. Cash Flow for General Mills Inc (GIS) from Morningstar.com
I doubt that the Oui Yogurt will be a barnburner product after trying all of the varieties and taking into account the cost.
IMO, GIS is doing what it can to prosper, principally in acquiring other companies that have organic products like Cascadian Farms and Annie's.
Other Major Brands: Cheerios, Wheaties, Pillsbury, Haagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Totinos/Jeno's pizza, Fiber One, Nature Valley, Gold Metal, Betty Crocker, Chex, Yoki
General Mills: Brands overview
The better than expected earnings report from Kellogg this morning has caused packaged food company stocks to rise in price today.
2. REGIONAL BANK BASKET STRATEGY:
A. Sold 109+ BDGE After Earnings Report:
Profit Snapshot: +$1,782.46
9+ Shares purchased with dividends with the last being in 2013
two 50 Share lot purchases (1) 50 shares bought on 8/14/12 and (2) 50 shares bought on 10/21/11
Stocks, Bonds & Politics: Item # 1 BOUGHT 50 BDGE AT $18 (10/25/11 Post)
Stocks, Bonds & Politics: Item # 4 Bought Back 50 BDGE at $19.65 (8/17/2012 Post)
Quote: Bridge Bancorp Inc.
Last Discussion: Stocks, Bonds & Politics: Item # 2.A. Sold 50 BDGE at $35.03 (4/23/17 Post)(profit snapshot = +$372.06).
BDGE Trading Profits to Date: +$2,512.37 (prior trades = +$729.91-see snapshots at REGIONAL BANK BASKET STRATEGY GATEWAY POST
I did not like the 3rd quarter earnings report: Bridge Bancorp, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2017 Results
My two primary concerns was the flatlining in E.P.S. Y-O-Y and the issues highlighted in this excerpt:
While net interest income increased, the quarterly net interest margin, reported on a GAAP basis, declined to 3.29% from 3.57% for the comparable quarter last year. Factors affecting the margin include Fed Fund rate increases, lower purchase accounting accretion income on acquired loans, loan pricing floors on a portion of floating rate loans, and the elimination of costs associated with the junior subordinated debentures. While increases in rates have, to date, impacted the margin negatively this compression has been somewhat amplified by the impact of the aforementioned purchase accounting accretion. The tax equivalent margin, excluding this accretion, was 3.14% in the third quarter of 2017 versus 3.31% in comparable period in 2016." (emphasis added)
E.P.S. was reported at $.49 per share down from $.5 in the 2016 third quarter. While there were more shares in the 2017 third quarter, the bulk of those shares were from a share offering completed in November 2016.
Another problem was the increase in non-interest expenses: "Non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2017 increased to $21.3 million from $19.2 million in 2016. The increase reflects growth in salaries and benefits expense, other operating expenses, and occupancy and equipment".
While still excellent, there was a notable percentage increase in the NPL ratio to .26% from .08%.
BDGE had been adding some branches through acquisition. The company announced a "branch rationalization" plan to close a number of locations that will result in a pre-tax charge in the 2017 4th quarter of "no more than $6.6 million". Given the history, I did not care for that either.
ROA and ROE remain below the national averages at .88% and 8.41% respectively.
Return on Average Assets for all U.S. Banks-St. Louis Fed = 1.07%
Return on Average Equity for all U.S. Banks-St. Louis Fed = 9.56%
And, lastly, the dividend has not been increased since I first bought shares.
My consider to repurchase price would be less than $27.65, the price paid for my last purchase made on 10/26/16. That lot was later sold at $35.03.
Regional Bank Basket Net Trading Profits since 2009 = $40,480.12 (all small lots)
3. Equity REIT Common and Preferred Stock Basket Strategy:
A. Sold Remaining BRG-50 Shares at $11.45:
B. Bought 10 GIS at $50.7-Used Commission Free Trade:
Closing Price Day of Trade 10/30/17): GIS $50.66: -$0.91 -1.76%
Packaged food stocks were generally down that same day:
K $58.87 -$1.39 -$2.31%: Kellogg Company (new 52 week low set)
CPB $46.36 -$1.77 -3.68% : Campbell Soup Company
POST $81.57 -$1.09 -1.32% : Post Holdings, Inc.
KHC $75.27 -$2.03 -2.63% : The Kraft Heinz Company
THS $66.19 -$2.15 -3.15% : Treehouse Foods, Inc.
Trades Since 1/1/2006:
I eliminated my GIS position in 2016 and have not bought a share back prior to this 10 share buy.
2016: 52+ Shares +$1,285.31
 |
2007: 200 Shares +$182.23
When I discussed selling 2 GIS SU bonds maturing in 2027, I indicated than an intent to buy the common shares "provided the price declines below $52 and preferably below $50. Stocks, Bonds & Politics: Item # 4.B. I compromised by buying 10 at $50.7 and then averaging down in 10 share lots using commission free trades. The next 10 share buy range would be between $48 to $49.5.
The company has paid a dividend continually without interruption for 119 years. General Mills - Dividends and Stock Splits
The current quarterly dividend is $.49 per share and was last raised from $.48 last July. The yield would be about 3.87% at a total cost per share of $50.7.
The stock is trading below its 50, 100 and 200 SMA lines, using a two year YF chart, and has been in a waterfall decline since 7/3/16 when the stock closed at $72.46. GIS Interactive Stock Chart The five year chart shows support in the $49-$50 during 2013-2014.
Given the dramatic slowdown in earnings growth, future dividend increases will likely be in much smaller percentage increments than in the past. For example, GIS more than doubled its penny rate from between July 2007 ($.195) to April 2014 ($.41). I would not expect that to happen again in the ten year period ending in April 2024 or even come close.
GIS is in disfavor now, as are other packaged food companies, and recent earnings reports have served only to reinforce the negativity.
The last GIS report was met with discernible negative reactions by institutional investors.
First Fiscal Quarter Earnings Report Q/E 8/27/17: General Mills Reports Fiscal 2018 First-Quarter Results - Sep 20, 2017
Look at the negative Y-O-Y numbers:
Possibly the worst part of this report was in the North American segment:
"First-quarter net sales for General Mills' North America Retail segment totaled $2.44 billion, down 5 percent from the prior year, reflecting low single-digit declines in contributions from volume and net price realization and mix. Organic net sales also declined 5 percent. Net sales were down double-digits in the U.S. Yogurt operating unit, driven by continued declines for Yoplait Greek and Yoplait Light products, partially offset by benefits from the new Oui by Yoplait product launch. Net sales in the U.S. cereal operating unit were down 7 percent, reflecting a reduction in customer inventory levels and unfavorable trade expense phasing, though cereal retail sales performance was much stronger, with sales in Nielsen-measured outlets down 1 percent. U.S. Snacks net sales declined 2 percent in the quarter, with declines on Fiber One partially offset by growth on Lärabar and Nature Valley. Segment operating profit of $533 million was down 15 percent due primarily to lower volume, unfavorable trade expense phasing, higher input costs, and an increase in advertising and media expense."
In prior comments, which I will not repeat here except in summary, I have noted that GIS has used more cash to pay dividends and to buy back stock than its free cash flow. Cash Flow for General Mills Inc (GIS) from Morningstar.com
I doubt that the Oui Yogurt will be a barnburner product after trying all of the varieties and taking into account the cost.
IMO, GIS is doing what it can to prosper, principally in acquiring other companies that have organic products like Cascadian Farms and Annie's.
Other Major Brands: Cheerios, Wheaties, Pillsbury, Haagen-Dazs, Old El Paso, Totinos/Jeno's pizza, Fiber One, Nature Valley, Gold Metal, Betty Crocker, Chex, Yoki
General Mills: Brands overview
The better than expected earnings report from Kellogg this morning has caused packaged food company stocks to rise in price today.
2. REGIONAL BANK BASKET STRATEGY:
A. Sold 109+ BDGE After Earnings Report:
Profit Snapshot: +$1,782.46
9+ Shares purchased with dividends with the last being in 2013
two 50 Share lot purchases (1) 50 shares bought on 8/14/12 and (2) 50 shares bought on 10/21/11
Stocks, Bonds & Politics: Item # 1 BOUGHT 50 BDGE AT $18 (10/25/11 Post)
Stocks, Bonds & Politics: Item # 4 Bought Back 50 BDGE at $19.65 (8/17/2012 Post)
Quote: Bridge Bancorp Inc.
Last Discussion: Stocks, Bonds & Politics: Item # 2.A. Sold 50 BDGE at $35.03 (4/23/17 Post)(profit snapshot = +$372.06).
BDGE Trading Profits to Date: +$2,512.37 (prior trades = +$729.91-see snapshots at REGIONAL BANK BASKET STRATEGY GATEWAY POST
I did not like the 3rd quarter earnings report: Bridge Bancorp, Inc. Reports Third Quarter 2017 Results
My two primary concerns was the flatlining in E.P.S. Y-O-Y and the issues highlighted in this excerpt:
While net interest income increased, the quarterly net interest margin, reported on a GAAP basis, declined to 3.29% from 3.57% for the comparable quarter last year. Factors affecting the margin include Fed Fund rate increases, lower purchase accounting accretion income on acquired loans, loan pricing floors on a portion of floating rate loans, and the elimination of costs associated with the junior subordinated debentures. While increases in rates have, to date, impacted the margin negatively this compression has been somewhat amplified by the impact of the aforementioned purchase accounting accretion. The tax equivalent margin, excluding this accretion, was 3.14% in the third quarter of 2017 versus 3.31% in comparable period in 2016." (emphasis added)
E.P.S. was reported at $.49 per share down from $.5 in the 2016 third quarter. While there were more shares in the 2017 third quarter, the bulk of those shares were from a share offering completed in November 2016.
Another problem was the increase in non-interest expenses: "Non-interest expense for the third quarter of 2017 increased to $21.3 million from $19.2 million in 2016. The increase reflects growth in salaries and benefits expense, other operating expenses, and occupancy and equipment".
While still excellent, there was a notable percentage increase in the NPL ratio to .26% from .08%.
BDGE had been adding some branches through acquisition. The company announced a "branch rationalization" plan to close a number of locations that will result in a pre-tax charge in the 2017 4th quarter of "no more than $6.6 million". Given the history, I did not care for that either.
ROA and ROE remain below the national averages at .88% and 8.41% respectively.
Return on Average Assets for all U.S. Banks-St. Louis Fed = 1.07%
Return on Average Equity for all U.S. Banks-St. Louis Fed = 9.56%
And, lastly, the dividend has not been increased since I first bought shares.
My consider to repurchase price would be less than $27.65, the price paid for my last purchase made on 10/26/16. That lot was later sold at $35.03.
Regional Bank Basket Net Trading Profits since 2009 = $40,480.12 (all small lots)
3. Equity REIT Common and Preferred Stock Basket Strategy:
A. Sold Remaining BRG-50 Shares at $11.45:
Profit Snapshot: $150.85
Quote: Bluerock Residential Growth REIT
The price will have to fall below $9 before I will consider repurchasing shares.
Over the short and intermediate term, I do not view the management internalization to be a positive simply because a boatload of stock will be paid to the current external manager to relinquish their management agreement. Bluerock Residential Growth REIT (BRG) Announces Agreement to Internalize Management
Of course, there are no proceeds realized by the company which would be the case for a stock offering sold to the public, and consequently no proceeds can be used to buy more properties to generate cash flow to support the current dividend, let alone dividend growth.
As a result of more shares and no cash paid for those shares that could be used to buy properties, the dividend will be reduced in 2018 to an anticipated range of $.65 to $.75. Bluerock Residential Growth REIT (BRG) Announces Potential Range of Anticipated Class A Common Stock Dividend for 2018 I would go with the low end number until proven otherwise. The current annual rate is $1.16 per share paid in monthly installments of $0.096667 per share .
I discussed reducing that common share position in three posts from 2016:
South Gent's Comment Blog # 4: Sold Another 100 BRG
Item # 5. Eliminated BRG in One Taxable Account-Sold 220+ at $13.22: Update For Equity REIT Basket Strategy As Of 8/27/16 - South Gent | Seeking Alpha
Item # 5. Sold 100 BRG at $13.52 Update For Equity REIT Basket Strategy As Of 7/28/16 - South Gent | Seeking Alpha
The remaining 50 common shares were bought at $9.36 in my IB account on 2/16/16: Item # 2 Update For The Equity REIT Basket Strategy As Of 2/22/16 - South Gent | Seeking Alpha
I doubt that individual investors are attuned to the upcoming common share dividend slash.
Total BRG Trading Gains To Date: $963.77 (prior trades = $812.92)
Snapshot at Stocks, Bonds & Politics: Gateway Post: Equity REIT Common and Preferred Stock Basket Strategy
4. Short Term Bond/CD Ladder Basket Strategy:
A. Bought 2 Wells Fargo 1.7% CDs (monthly interest payments) Maturing on 11/8/19:
In my Schwab account, I had $4K in treasury bills mature on 10/31/17 and $9K in short term CDs maturing on 10/30 and 10/31. I elected to buy this CD with some of the $13K in proceeds. The WFC CD pays more than any of the maturing CDs. The T Bills had a .75% coupon.
B. Bought 2 ZB Bank 1.55% CDs (semi-annual interest payments) Maturing on 2/4/19 (16 month CD):
In this account, I received $8K in redemption proceeds from short term CDs and a treasury bill between 10-27 and 10-31:
More redemption proceeds was received on 11/1.
I am waiting for higher rates on shorter maturities. About 25% of the redemption proceeds from short term bonds and CDs are currently being reinvested in higher yielding CDs. About 10% of the proceeds are being used to fund my 10 share lot buying spree of out-of-favor stocks, with the remainder remaining in a sweep fund for later disposition.
Notwithstanding my statements made in my last post, I bought two separate Tennessee Municipal Bonds this morning, buying $10K in principal amount (Aa2 and AAA rated), and spending $4,370 for one $5K lot and $4,788 for the other. I will discuss those trades later. These purchases are being financed with proceeds from stock dispositions.
In making those purchases, I am looking at my personal financial situation and a lack of any need to grow capital. So I decided to place a little more emphasis on high quality Tennessee municipal bonds that generate a current tax free yield of 3.02+% in the aggregate. I will be using the income generated by those bonds solely to buy more. The current principal amount is now at $260K.
Quote: Bluerock Residential Growth REIT
The price will have to fall below $9 before I will consider repurchasing shares.
Over the short and intermediate term, I do not view the management internalization to be a positive simply because a boatload of stock will be paid to the current external manager to relinquish their management agreement. Bluerock Residential Growth REIT (BRG) Announces Agreement to Internalize Management
Of course, there are no proceeds realized by the company which would be the case for a stock offering sold to the public, and consequently no proceeds can be used to buy more properties to generate cash flow to support the current dividend, let alone dividend growth.
As a result of more shares and no cash paid for those shares that could be used to buy properties, the dividend will be reduced in 2018 to an anticipated range of $.65 to $.75. Bluerock Residential Growth REIT (BRG) Announces Potential Range of Anticipated Class A Common Stock Dividend for 2018 I would go with the low end number until proven otherwise. The current annual rate is $1.16 per share paid in monthly installments of $0.096667 per share .
I discussed reducing that common share position in three posts from 2016:
South Gent's Comment Blog # 4: Sold Another 100 BRG
Item # 5. Eliminated BRG in One Taxable Account-Sold 220+ at $13.22: Update For Equity REIT Basket Strategy As Of 8/27/16 - South Gent | Seeking Alpha
Item # 5. Sold 100 BRG at $13.52 Update For Equity REIT Basket Strategy As Of 7/28/16 - South Gent | Seeking Alpha
The remaining 50 common shares were bought at $9.36 in my IB account on 2/16/16: Item # 2 Update For The Equity REIT Basket Strategy As Of 2/22/16 - South Gent | Seeking Alpha
I doubt that individual investors are attuned to the upcoming common share dividend slash.
Total BRG Trading Gains To Date: $963.77 (prior trades = $812.92)
Snapshot at Stocks, Bonds & Politics: Gateway Post: Equity REIT Common and Preferred Stock Basket Strategy
4. Short Term Bond/CD Ladder Basket Strategy:
A. Bought 2 Wells Fargo 1.7% CDs (monthly interest payments) Maturing on 11/8/19:
In my Schwab account, I had $4K in treasury bills mature on 10/31/17 and $9K in short term CDs maturing on 10/30 and 10/31. I elected to buy this CD with some of the $13K in proceeds. The WFC CD pays more than any of the maturing CDs. The T Bills had a .75% coupon.
B. Bought 2 ZB Bank 1.55% CDs (semi-annual interest payments) Maturing on 2/4/19 (16 month CD):
More redemption proceeds was received on 11/1.
I am waiting for higher rates on shorter maturities. About 25% of the redemption proceeds from short term bonds and CDs are currently being reinvested in higher yielding CDs. About 10% of the proceeds are being used to fund my 10 share lot buying spree of out-of-favor stocks, with the remainder remaining in a sweep fund for later disposition.
Notwithstanding my statements made in my last post, I bought two separate Tennessee Municipal Bonds this morning, buying $10K in principal amount (Aa2 and AAA rated), and spending $4,370 for one $5K lot and $4,788 for the other. I will discuss those trades later. These purchases are being financed with proceeds from stock dispositions.
In making those purchases, I am looking at my personal financial situation and a lack of any need to grow capital. So I decided to place a little more emphasis on high quality Tennessee municipal bonds that generate a current tax free yield of 3.02+% in the aggregate. I will be using the income generated by those bonds solely to buy more. The current principal amount is now at $260K.
Disclaimer: I am not a financial advisor but simply an individual investor who has been managing my own money since I was a teenager. In this post, I am acting solely as a financial journalist focusing on my own investments. The information contained in this post is not intended to be a complete description or summary of all available data relevant to making an investment decision. Instead, I am merely expressing some of the reasons underlying the purchase or sell of securities. Nothing in this post is intended to constitute investment or legal advice or a recommendation to buy or to sell. All investors need to perform their own due diligence before making any financial decision which requires at a minimum reading original source material available at the SEC and elsewhere. A failure to perform due diligence only increases what I call "error creep". Stocks, Bonds & Politics: ERROR CREEP and the INVESTING PROCESS Each investor needs to assess a potential investment taking into account their personal risk tolerances, goals and situational risks. I can only make that kind of assessment for myself and family members.
