D, GDO, FFBC, FIW, GDO, HOPE, IRM, KIO, MBT, OGE, RCII, SBSI, STAG, TPVG, VT, WPC

Economy: 

The ISM Manufacturing index for March rose to 64.7%, the highest reading since 1983. Surging U.S. manufacturers grow faster in March as key ISM index hits 38-year high - MarketWatch; March 2021 Manufacturing ISM® Report On Business® The new orders component rose to 68 from 64.8 in the prior month. 

Manufacturing boom brings more signs that inflation is building rapidly

Pending home sales fell over 10% in February; Pending Home Sales-National Association of Realtors This is in part pandemic related.

CDC study shows single dose of Pfizer or Moderna Covid vaccines was 80% effective Two weeks after the second dose, those vaccines were 90% effective. CDC: Pfizer and Moderna Covid vaccines found 90 percent effective in 'real-world' study

Home Price Growth Hit a Nearly 15-Year High In January. Here's What's Next. | Barron's The article is referring to the Case-Shiller home price index. S&P CoreLogic Case-Shiller Home Price Indices - S&P Dow Jones Indices; Report for January 2021, released on 3/20/21.pdf (11.2% annual gain through January 2021). One cure for high home prices is high prices as shown by what happened during the last decade. Abnormally low mortgage rates has distorted price, just like the improvident granting of mortgage loans to unqualified buyers did in the period leading up to 2008. 

Federal Reserve under fire as home prices soar

+++

Markets and Market Commentary: 

Masters of Disaster will always be with us. A hedge-fund liquidation has wiped billions from Chinese and US stocks-Markets Insider

The crisis that culminated in the 2008 Near Depression was caused in large part by Masters of Disasters plying their trade of incinerating money while making millions for themselves. 

Goldman, Morgan Stanley avoided losses after fund meltdown hit Nomura

Inflation comeback will push 10-year yields as high as 3%: Ed Yardeni

The Value Stock Rotation Isn’t Over—Not by a Long Shot | Barron's

Banks Should See Big Profits from the Recovery. Spend Wisely. | Barron's I have discussed here the reasons why bank profits will surge this year which are outlined by the author of this article: (1) the banks over reserved in 2020 for losses and recapturing some of those will flow directly into income; (2) the stimulus packages will send the economy into overdrive, producing more loan demand, fewer credit losses and more low cost deposits with the FED stuck on ZIRP; and (3) the net interest margin will expand some as deposit costs remain at or near zero and interest rates rise on newly purchased investments securities and loans. The author does not mention two potential negatives: (1) the Democrats may succeed this year in raising the corporate tax rate which would reduce net income; (2) last year's surge in profits from mortgage banking, including the profits from selling originated mortgages when rates were falling, will be lower in 2021. 

5 Consumer Stocks to Buy—and 1 to Skip | Barron's Of the 5 buy recommendations, I own only Clorox (CLX), which I discussed in my last post. I lack any enthusiasm for CLX at its current price. 

These infrastructure stocks could rise up to 41% in a year on Biden’s massive spending plan, analysts say - MarketWatch

++++

A six part series on HBO makes the cash that Ron Watkins, who along with his father Jim Watkins, run the conspiracy and hate filled website 8chan, is "Q". I would just call them Pure Trumpsters, twit and twat. Just a couple of A Holes. Is Ron Watkins Q? | The New Republic; QAnon HBO docuseries asks who is Q? And may have the answer - Los Angeles Times Who is Q? HBO documentary identifies QAnon leader as Ron Watkins - al.com; 8chan owner Jim Watkins: From helicopter repairman to leader of the Internet's 'darkest reaches' - The Washington Post Ron Watkins has denied that he is Q. 

Matt Gaetz (R-FL) Is Said to Be Investigated Over Possible Sexual Relationship With a Girl, 17; republished by MSN from Matt Gaetz Under Investigation Over Possible Sex Trafficking - The New York Times; DOJ Investigating If Matt Gaetz Misused Campaign Money to Fund Travel; Republicans Have Been Waiting for a Matt Gaetz Scandal to Break Gaetz denies the allegation. Rep. Matt Gaetz denies relationship with 17-year-old and claims extortion attempt I view him to be an obvious P.O.S. 

++++

Interest payments received in Fidelity Taxable account on 4/1/21: 

Corporate Bonds = $203.75  

Tennessee Municipal Bonds = $793.76 

W.P. Carey (WPC) bonds are no longer interesting to me for new purchases. The interest snapshot above is from the 4.25% WPC maturing in 2026 that was bought at less than par value. The YTM on that bond now is currently hovering near 1.8%. Bond Detail  Instead of buying WPC bonds, I will add to my positions in the higher yielding common stock as discussed below in Item # 1.A. The current yield at my purchase price is 6.11%; and WPC has a history of raising the penny rate.   

+++++

1. Small Ball: 

A. Added 10 WPC at $68.31-Vanguard Taxable Account: 

Quote:  W. P. Carey Inc. (WPC)

Stock Information as of 4/1/21: 

"W. P. Carey Inc. (“W. P. Carey”), together with our consolidated subsidiaries and predecessors, is an internally-managed diversified REIT and a leading owner of commercial real estate, net-leased to companies located primarily in the United States and Northern and Western Europe on a long-term basis. The vast majority of our revenues originate from lease revenue provided by our real estate portfolio, which is comprised primarily of single-tenant industrial, warehouse, office, retail, and self-storage facilities that are critical to our tenants’ operations. Our portfolio is comprised of 1,243 properties, net-leased to 350 tenants in 25 countries. As of December 31, 2020, approximately 61% of our contractual minimum annualized base rent (“ABR”) was generated by properties located in the United States and approximately 37% was generated by properties located in Europe." 2020 Annual Report at page 3 

Portfolio Information: 

Homepage - W. P. Carey Inc.

Portfolio - W. P. Carey Inc.

SEC Filings 

Investment Category: Equity REIT Common and Preferred Stock Basket Strategy

Buy Discussions: Item # 1.A. Bought 10 WPC at $66.79; 2 at $65.9 in Fidelity Taxable Account (2/13/21 Post)Item # 3.F. Bought 5 at WPC at $43 in Schwab Taxable Account (4/25/20 Post); South Gent's Comment Blog # 7: Bought 30 WPC at $59.45 in Interactive Broker Account (12/10/16 comment) 

So far, I have not sold any WPC shares. I own positions in 6 of my accounts.

Last Bond Offering (2/2021): Prospectus (€525M of .95% SU notes maturing in 2030)

Dividend: Quarterly at $1.0428

The penny rate is nudged a bit higher every quarter. 

Dividend Information - W. P. Carey

Yield at $68.31 = 6.11% (assumes continuation of current penny rate) 

Last Ex Dividend: 3/30/21 (owned all as of)

Last Earnings Report (12/21/20): SEC Filed Press Release

Rent Collection: 99% for the 4th quarter

Occupancy: 98.5%

Weighted Average Lease Term: 10.6 years 

Reconciliation of Net Income to AFFO: 

B. Added 10 GDO at $17.03: 

Quote:  Western Asset Global Corp Defined Opportunity Fund Inc.  (GDO)- a leveraged bond CEF

Closing Price 4/1/21: GDO $17.80 +$0.19 +1.08% 

GDO SEC Filings

Sponsor's Website: WA Global Corporate Defined Opportunity Fund Inc. 

The fund will liquidate on or before 12/2/2024. I plan on selling out before that happens. 

Just buying back previously sold shares.  Item # 1.H. Pared GDO in Fidelity Taxable-Sold 5 at $18 (12/25/21 Post) 

GDO SEC Filings 

WA Global Corporate Defined Opportunity Fund Inc- Annual Report for the F/Y ending 10/31/20. 

Data Date of 3/9/20 Trade: 

Closing Net Asset Value Per Share: $18.38

Closing Market Price: $17.02

Discount: -7.4%

Sourced: GDO-CEF Connect (click "Pricing Information" tab)

Other Buy Discussions: Item # 1.A. Bought 100 GDO at $16.72 in Schwab Taxable Account (11/7/2020 Post); Item # 2.A. Added 35 GDO at $16.78; 5 at $15.6: 5 at $14.34; 5 at $13.75; 5 at $12.3; 5 at $11.4 (4/11/20 Post)

Last Elimination: Item # 1.B. Eliminated GDO-Sold 224+ at $16.47-Used Commission Free Trade (3/3/19 Post)(contains snapshots of prior trades)

Average Cost Per Share this Account:  $15.42 (66+ shares)

Dividend: Monthly at $.101 per share ($1.212 annually)

Yield at AC =  7.86%

Last Ex Dividend: 3/23/21 after purchase

Credit Quality as of 12/31/20: 

Effective duration as of 12/31/20: 5.99 years

I have turned off dividend reinvestment, though I will try to time open market purchases using small ball trading techniques.   

C. Pared TPVG-Sold 4 at $14.85: 

Quote: TriplePoint Venture Growth BDC 

Closing Price 4/1/21: TPVG $14.74 +$0.29 +2.01% 

TPVG SEC Filings

Website: TriplePoint Venture Growth

2020 Annual Report (risk factor summary starts at page 23 and ends at page 50)

5 Year Selected Financial Information (p. 53): 

Company Assessment of Asset Quality (p. 61):

BDCs will have investments go bad, which goes with the territory. The issues are the magnitude of the losses and the BDCs ability to generate capital gains through equity investments in private companies. Since going public, TPVG has done a good job so far in realizing capital gains from equity investments.  

Management: External

This sell includes the last fractional share purchase with a dividend and part of my highest cost lot. 

Last Substantive Buy Discussion: Item # 3.B. Added 5 TPVG at $11.1; 5 at $10.7; 5 at $8.2; 5 at $6.92; 2 at $5.35; 2 at $4.45; 2 at $4; 2 at $3.5; 2 at $2.99; 5 at $4.96  (4/11/2020 Post)

Profit Snapshot: $13.71 (3/9/21 sell only): 

Remaining Share Lot Details this account: 

New Average Cost Per Share this account = $7.66 (55+ shares)

Snapshot Intraday on 3/9/21 after pare

Dividend: Regular, Quarterly at $.36 per share ($1.44 annually)

TPVG  Dividend History 

Yield at New AC this account: 18.8%   (regular dividend only) 

Last Earnings Report (Q/E 12/31/20): 

TriplePoint Venture Growth BDC Corp. (TPVG) Announces Fourth Quarter and Fiscal Year 2020 Financial Results

NII per share of $.39 with consensus at $.378 according to Fidelity; 

"recorded $4.2 million from the realization of gains from the sale of CrowdStrike, Inc. shares, the sale of Medallia, Inc. shares and the acquisition of Freshly Inc. by Nestle USA"; "portfolio company View, Inc. announced plans to go public through a SPAC merger and subsequent to the fourth quarter, Hims, Inc. closed its SPAC merger and listed on the NYSE and GROOP Internet Platform, Inc. (d/b/a Talkspace) announced plans to go public through a SPAC merger"; 

"a 15.2% weighted average annualized portfolio yield on total debt investments for the quarter"; 

declared a first-quarter distribution of $0.36 per share, payable on March 31, 2021; 

net asset value per share = $12.97, a decline from $13.28 as of 9/30/20 due to negative fair value adjustments

Sell Discussions: Item # 3.K. Pared-Sold 9 at $13.13-Lots Bought with Dividend (1/30/21 Post)(profit snapshot = $26.95); Item #1.L. Pared TPVG in Vanguard Taxable Account-Sold 10 at $12.41 (8/22/20 Post)(profit snapshot = $17.1; contains snapshots of prior round-trip trade profits, new AC this account at $5.32 with dividend yield at 27.07%); Item # 2.L. Pared TPVG in Vanguard Taxable Account-Sold 10 at $12.6 (8/15/20 Post)(profit snapshot $9.99); Item # 1.J. Eliminated TPVG in Schwab Taxable Account-Sold 30 at $10.58 (8/8/20 Post)(profit snapshot = $94.3); Item # 2.A. Pared TPVG-Sold 14 shares at $15.61-Used Commission Free Trade (9/1/2019 Post)(profit = $46.33); Item # 2.A. Sold 74+ TPVG at $14.87 (7/20/19 Post)(profit snapshot= $246.43); Item # 4.C. Eliminated  TPVG in Roth IRA Account (4/17/19 Post)(profit snapshot = $88.87); Item # 3.B.(4/14/19 Post)(profit = $71.76); Item 3.A. Sold 40 TPVG at $13.44-Schwab Account and Item #3B Sold 50 TPVG at $13.39 Vanguard Roth  IRA (3/13/19 Post)(profit snapshots of $4.17 and $4.49 ); Item 2.B. Sold 50 TPVG at $13.39 (3/4/2017 Post)(profit snapshot = $153.08); Item # 3 Sold 50 TPVG at $12.33 (1/16/17 Post)(profit snapshot = $83.48) 

Goal: Any total return in excess of the dividend payments. 

TPVG Realized Gains to Date: $864.85   

D. Sold 1 SBSI at $39.8:

Quote: Southside Bancshares

SBSI Analyst Estimates

SBSI SEC Filings

Southside Bank - Corporate Profile 

SBSI "is a bank holding company for Southside Bank, a Texas state bank headquartered in Tyler, Texas that was formed in 1960.  We operate through 57 branches, 15 of which are located in grocery stores, in addition to wealth management and trust services, and/or loan production, brokerage or other financial services offices."

Investment Category: Regional Bank Basket Strategy

Profit Snapshot = +$12.82 (includes subsequent fractional shares purchased with 2 dividend payments)

Average Cost After Pare: $26.16 (14+ shares)

Snapshot Intraday 3/9/21 after pare

Dividend: Regular Quarterly at $.32 per share ($1.28 annually), raised from $.31 effective for the 2021 1st quarter. 

Southside Bancshares, Inc. Declares Cash Dividend (2/4/21)

SBSI Dividend History 

SBSI has in the past paid a special dividend in the 4th quarter. 

The regular dividend for the 2020 4th quarter was $.31 per share, and SBSI paid out an additional 6 cents. Southside Bancshares, Inc. Increases Quarterly Cash Dividend and Declares Fourth Quarter and Special Cash Dividends (10/10/20)

The special dividend amounts have been variable. 

The largest special dividend per share was 33 cents per share paid in 2012.

Yield at New AC this account: 4.89% (regular dividend only)

When calculating dividend yield, I normally do not include variable special dividends. If a 6 cent per share special dividend was paid in December 2021 in addition to the $.32 regular, the actual dividend yield would be increased to 5.81% based on my AC per share.     

Last Ex Dividend: 2/17/21

5 Year Financial Data: 

Sourced: 2020 Annual Report at page 37 

Last Earnings Report (Q/E 12/31/20): SEC Filed News Release

"Southside reported net income of $29.6 million for the three months ended December 31, 2020, an increase of $12.2 million, or 70.6%, compared to $17.3 million for the same period in 2019. Earnings per diluted common share increased $0.38, or 74.5%, to $0.89 for the three months ended December 31, 2020, from $0.51 for the same period in 2019. The annualized return on average shareholders’ equity for the three months ended December 31, 2020 was 13.77%, compared to 8.42% for the same period in 2019.  The annualized return on average assets was 1.64% for the three months ended December 31, 2020, compared to 1.03% for the same period in 2019."

NIM = 3.2%

Efficiency Ratio = 47.36% 

NPL Ratio = .21%

NPA Ratio = .25%

Charge Off Ratio = .02%

Coverage Ratio = 280.35%

Total Risk Based Capital Ratio = 21.78%

"Net interest income for the year ended December 31, 2020 was $187.3 million, compared to $169.8 million during the same period in 2019, an increase of $17.5 million, or 10.3%."

E. Restarted D-Bought 4 at an AC of $71.64: 

Quote: Dominion Energy Inc 

Stock Information as of 4/1/21: 

Website: Dominion Energy

Investor Relations | Dominion Energy

Last Sell Discussions: Item # 1.D. Eliminated D-Sold 3 at $74.04 (8/8/20 Post); Item #1.D. Sold 13 D at $78.17 (6/20/20 Post)(profit snapshot = $51.81) 

Last Buy Discussion: Item # 1.D. Added 1 D at $73.8, 1 at $71.96; 1 at $71; 1 at $68.53; 1 at $68 and 1 at $60.6 (4/18/20 Post) 

Dividend: Quarterly at $.63 per share ($2.52 annually), reduced from $.95 effective for the quarter. There were two primary causes for this dividend slash. First, Dominion sold a significant part of its assets: Dominion Energy Agrees to Sell Gas Transmission, Storage Assets to Berkshire Hathaway Energy-- Strategic Repositioning Toward 'Pure-Play'; Dominion Energy Closes on Sale of Majority of Gas Transmission & Storage Assets - Nov 2, 2020 Second, Dominion had to take a big hit on canceling a pipeline project due to long delays caused by environmental groups. Dominion Energy and Duke Energy Cancel the Atlantic Coast Pipeline - Jul 5, 2020  

Dominion Energy Declares Quarterly Dividend of 63 Cents - Jan 22, 2021

Dividends & Splits | Dominion Energy

Yield at AC = 3.52%

Last Ex Dividend: 3/4/21 (owned as of )

Last Earnings Report (Q/E 12/31/20): Dominion Energy Announces Fourth-Quarter and Full-Year 2020 Earnings - Feb 12, 2021

GAAP E.P.S. = $.82

2021 Operating E.P.S. Guidance = $3.7 to $4

"The difference between GAAP and operating earnings for the 12 months ended Dec. 31, 2020, was primarily attributable to a net loss from discontinued operations associated with the sale of the Gas Transmission & Storage segment and the cancellation of the Atlantic Coast Pipeline project and charges associated with the planned early retirement of electric generation facilities in Virginia." The charges were substantial and set out in the earnings release. 

Purchase Restriction: Each subsequent purchase must be at the lowest price in the chain. I will not be reinvesting the dividend. 

F. Started KIO-Bought 10 at $15.75: 

Quote: KKR Income Opportunities Fund Overview 

Closing Price 4/1/21: KIO $15.82 0.00 0.00% 

Leveraged: yes, near 30%

KIO SEC Filings 

Holding as of 1/31/21-SEC Filing 

Annual Report for the period ending 10/31/20 (leverage costs discussed at pages 26-27) 

Owns a lot of junk rated securities: Note that investment grade weighting is a 1% of the total. 

As of 12/31/20

Data date of 3/10/20 Trade: 

Closing Net Asset Value per share: $16.5

Closing Market Price: $15.7

Discount: -4.85%

Sourced: KIO-CEF Connect 

Dividend: Monthly at $.105 per share ($1.26 annually), reduced from $.125 effective for the November 2020 payment. 

Yield at $15.75 = 8%

Last Ex Dividend: 3/11/21

Maximum Position : 20 shares given the risk/benefit analysis. Will probably liquidate at the first sign of the economy turning south. 

G. Pared STAG in Schwab Taxable Account-Sold 4 at $33: 

Quote: STAG Industrial Inc. (STAG)

Stock Information as of 4/1/21: 

SEC Filings 

Website: STAG Industrial

492 buildings with 92.2M square feet as of 12/31/20 

Investment Category: Equity REIT Common and Preferred Stock Basket Strategy

Profit Snapshot: +$32.49

3+ shares were purchased with monthly dividend payments and the remaining fractional share was sourced from a 50 share purchase made last March. I have taken almost all dividend payments in cash and have turned off dividend reinvestment based on valuation. 

Last Buy Discussion: Item # 2. Bought 50 STAG at $20.9 (3/28/2020 Post) 

New Average Cost this account = $17.56 (100+ shares)

Snapshot as of close on 3/10/21

Lot Details Remaining Shares: 

Snapshot as of close on 3/11/21 

Dividend: Monthly at $.1208 per share($1.4496 annually)

Dividends | STAG Industrial

Yield at AC = 8.26%

Last Ex Dividend: 3/30/21

Last Earnings Report (Q/E 12/31/20): SEC Filed Press Release 

"$0.49 of Core FFO per diluted share for the fourth quarter of 2020, an increase of 4.3% compared to fourth quarter 2019 Core FFO per diluted share of $0.47. Generated Core FFO of $75.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2020 compared to $65.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2019, an increase of 15.4%. Achieved $1.89 of Core FFO per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2020, an increase of 2.7% compared to $1.84 of Core FFO per diluted share for the year ended December 31, 2019."

"Cash Available for Distribution of $64.0 million for the fourth quarter of 2020, an increase of 16.4% compared to the fourth quarter of 2019 of $55.0 million. Produced Cash Available for Distribution of $243.8 million for the year ended December 31, 2020, an increase of 21.7% compared to the year ended December 31, 2019 of $200.4 million."

Total Portfolio Occupancy Rate at 96.9% 

4th Quarter Acquisitions: 

Some Sell Discussions: 

Item # 7-Pared STAG Sold 42 at $25.2: Update For Equity REIT Basket Strategy As Of 7/28/16 | Seeking Alpha (profit snapshot = $271.32); Item # 2. Pared STAG-Sold 54 Shares at $23.81: Update For Equity REIT Basket Strategy As Of 7/1/16- South Gent | Seeking Alpha (profit snapshot = $318.54); Item # 2. Pared STAG -Sold 50 of 240 at $22.74: Update For Equity REIT Basket Strategy As Of 6/24/16 - South Gent | Seeking Alpha

STAG Realized Gains to Date: +$826.98

Most of the realized gains occurred in 2016 when I sold down to a 50 share lot that had the lowest cost basis that I still own in this Schwab account. 

2016 Round-TRIP STAG Transactions: 

I also still own 50 shares in my IB taxable account and in 2 Roth IRAs. Item # 2. Added to STAG in IB Account-Bought 50 at $17.55-Update For Equity REIT Basket Strategy As Of 1/21/16 - South Gent | Seeking Alpha The tax cost basis is down to $16.05 due to ROC adjustments: 

Snapshot as of Close on 3/31/21

Other Recent News: 

STAG Industrial Acquires Three Warehouse Distribution Properties For $61 Million (3/3/21);

Stag Industrial Announces Redemption of 6.875% Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock (3/1/21)

H. Pared HOPE in Fidelity Taxable Account-Sold 22 at $15.52 and 14 at $15.96 -highest cost lots: 

Quote: Hope Bancorp Inc. 

HOPE Analyst Estimates | MarketWatch

SEC Filings 

2020 Annual Report

Profit Snapshot: +$44.82

Average Cost per share this account: $11.15 (51+ shares)

Snapshot Intraday 3/12/21 after last pare

Dividend: Quarterly at $.14 per share ($.56 per share), last raised from $.13 per share effective for the 2018 third quarter. 

Dividend reinvestment has been turned off due to valuation and relatively poor earnings reports compared to my other regional bank holdings. 

Yield at New AC this Account:  5.02%

Last Ex Dividend: 2/4/21

Last Earnings Report (Q/E 12/30/20): SEC Filed Press Release Overall, this was a poor report IMO. 

2020 4th quarter E.P.S. declined to $.23 from $.34 in the 2019 4th Q, and non-performing loans are trending up. There was also a sequential decline in E.P.S. from the 2020 3rd Q. ROA and ROE ratios are well below average.  

I am far more likely to eliminate my position than to buy more shares at the current price.  

I. Bought 10 MBT at $8.66; 5 at $8.35; 5 at $8.18: 

Quote: Mobile TeleSystems PJSC ADR 

Stock Information as of 4/1/21: 

Investment Category: Lottery Ticket Basket 

MBT E.P.S. Average Estimates : US$.88 in 2021 and US$.93 in 2022

MBT is "Russia’s largest mobile operator and a leading network-native provider of media and digital services".

Ordinary Shares: Price in Russian Rubles-MTSS.ME 

1 ADR = 2 Ordinary Shares

MBT SEC Filings (for foreign issuer)

SEC Filed 2020 Annual Report  (5 year financial summary at page 6)

2020 Earnings Per Diluted Share = RUB34.51

For the ADR  = RUB 69.02

Assuming a RUB/USD of .013, the USD equivalent per ADR would be $.90. 

I would describe the Russian Ruble as a very weak currency against the USD: RUB / USD Currency Chart. Russian Ruble to US Dollar Rates 

The RUB/USD was at .036 in early May 2011 and is now near .013 or about a 64% depreciation in 10 years. The RUB is showing no intention yet of meaningfully gaining value against the USD.  

Some support comes into play near .0125. 

Normally I would not invest in a US priced ADR of a Russian stock for a variety of reasons, including the Ruble's weakness. IMO, the last competent ruler in Russia was Peter the Great, though he had many faults. Peter the Great: His Life and World (excellent biography); but see Why Peter the Great Tortured and Killed His Own Son-HISTORY I decided to give MBT a test drive as a Lotto notwithstanding my concerns. 

Dividends: Variable and semi-annually for regular dividend

In 2020, MBT paid a special dividend. 

Last Earnings Report (Q/E 12/31/20): SEC Filed Earnings Report 

FY 2020 Net Profit + 13.2% to RUB61.4B 

Full-Year Guidance of at least 4% revenue growth, at least 4% OIBDA growth, and Cash CAPEX of approximately RUB 100-110B. 

OBIDA = Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortization

J. Pared OGE-Sold 5 at $32.2-highest cost lot: 

Quote: OGE Energy Corp

OGE SEC Filings

Corporate Profile | OGE Energy Corp.

OGE Analyst Estimates | MarketWatch

OGE Energy Corp. Profile | Reuters

OGE Energy Corp. Key Developments | Reuters

Investment Category: Bond Substitute

Buy Discussion: Item # 1.I. Started OGE-Bought 5 at $32.15; 1 at $31.63; 4 at $31.31; 5 at $30.7; 5 at $30.31 (1/30/21 Post)

Profit = $.24 (highest cost lot)

I will  forego this profit snapshot. 

New Average Cost: $30.79 per share (15 shares)

Dividend: Quarterly at $.4025 per share ($1.62 annually)

Yield at AC = 5.26%

Next Ex Dividend: 4/9/21

Last Earnings Report (Q/E 12/31/20): SEC Filed Press Release 

"For the three months ended December 31, 2020, OGE Energy reported earnings of $0.27 per diluted share compared with $0.18 per diluted share in the fourth quarter of 2019. The increase in earnings is primarily due to the asset impairment incurred at Enable Midstream in 2019. The Company also had higher earnings at the utility due in part to lower operations and maintenance expense, offset by higher depreciation and amortization."

Charges related to OGE' interest in Enable Midstream Partners, L.P. hurt 2020 GAAP earnings:

OGE is selling its interest. Energy Transfer to Acquire Enable Midstream in $7 Billion All-Equity Transaction 

K. Started FIW as a Placeholder-Bought 1 at $77.5; 1 at $75.5.: 

Quote: First Trust Water ETF Overview 

Information as 0f  4/1/21: 

This ETF tracks a market weighted capitalization index called the ISE Clear Water that includes companies that "derive a substantial portion of their revenues from the portable and wastewater water industry". The top 36 stocks by market capitalization are selected for inclusion and the index is rebalanced semi-annually. 

Sponsor's Website: First Trust Water ETF (FIW)

Expense Ratio: .55%

2020 Dividends: Quarterly and viewed as immaterial based on share cost. 

Holdings as of 3/26/21:

I do not currently have a position in any of those stocks. 

First Trust Water ETF (FIW)-Morningstar (rated 5 stars as of 3/26/21)

L. Pared IRM in Schwab Taxable Account-Sold 5 at $36.42: 

History this Account

Quote: Iron Mountain Inc (IRM)

Closing Price 4/1/21: IRM $37.30 +$0.29 +0.78% 

SEC Filings

Website: Iron Mountain Inc (IRM)

Investment Category: Equity REIT Common and Preferred Stock Basket Strategy

Last Discussion: Item #1.B. Sold 2 IRM at $35.63; 5 at $36.8 (2/27/21 Post)(profit snapshot = $54.15). I discussed the last earnings report in that post. 

Recent Buy Discussions: Item # 2.E. Started IRM in Schwab Taxable Account-Bought 10 at $26.8; 5 at $25.8; 5 at $25.25; 5 at $24.9 (12/5/20 Post); Item # 1.B. Added 3 IRM at $22.99; 2 at $22.31 (6/20/20 Post);Item # 2.F. Added to IRM in Fidelity Taxable-Bought 1 at $26.88; 2 at $26.2; 1 at $25.7; 1 at $25.52; 1 at $24.96 (12/5/20 Post)(substantive discussion); Item # 2.A. Added 1 IRM at $26.46; 1 at $26.07; 1 at $25; 2 at $23.95; 1 at $23.3; 1 at $23.76; 1 at $24.33; 1 at  $22.61; 1 at $24.33; 1 at $22.6 and 1 at $21.79 (5/2/20 Post)

I turned off dividend reinvestment based on valuation. 

I sold on the ex dividend date. 

Profit Snapshot: +$48.12

New Average Cost Per Share this Account = $25.76 (20+ shares)

Dividend: Quarterly at $.618 per share ($2.472 annually)

Iron Mountain - Stock - Dividend History and Tax Treatment

Yield at New AC = 9.6%

M. Continuing Paring IRM in Fidelity Taxable Account-Sold 2.731 Shares Bought with Dividends: 

See Item 1. L above. 

Profit Snapshot = $25.26 (3/24/21 sell only)

New AC this Account = $25.68 (31+ shares)

Snapshot Intraday 3/24/21 after pare

 

Yield at New AC = 9.63%

Other Sell Discussions: Item # 1.B. Pared IRM-Sold 15 at $33.04 (2/22/20 Post); Item # 1.F. Sold 10 IRM at $32.1 (2/12/20 Post); Item # 3 Sold 50 IRM at $33.82 Update For Equity REIT Basket Strategy As Of 4/6/16 - South Gent | Seeking Alpha

Goal: Total return in excess of dividend payments 

IRM Realized Gains to Date:  $602.58  ($529.2 in prior trades) 

N. Pared FFBC in Fidelity Taxable Account-Sold 25 shares at $26.2 (highest cost lots): 

Quote: First Financial Bancorp (Ohio)

Closing Price 4/1/21: FFBC $23.94 -$0.06 -0.25% 

"First Financial Bancorp. is a $16.0 billion financial holding company headquartered in Cincinnati, Ohio, which operates through its subsidiaries primarily in Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois. These subsidiaries include First Financial Bank, an Ohio-chartered commercial bank, which operated 143 full service banking centers as of December 31, 2020."

FFBC Analyst Estimates | MarketWatch

FFBC SEC Filings 

2020 Annual Report 

Investment Category: Regional Bank Basket Strategy

Profit Snapshot: +$30.91

New Average Cost Per Share this account:  $17.29 (80+ shares)

Snapshot Intraday 3/12/21 after pare

The AC before this pare was at $19.12. 

Dividend: Quarterly at $.23 per share ($.92 annually), last raised from $.22 effective for the 2019 third quarter payment. 

Yield at New AC : 5.32%

Last Ex Dividend: 2/26/21

Selected 5 Year Financial Data: 

Last Earnings Report (Q/E 12/31/20): SEC Filed Press Release 

"For the three months ended December 31, 2020, the Company reported net income of $48.3 million, or $0.49 per diluted common share. These results compare to net income of $41.5 million, or $0.42 per diluted common share, for the third quarter of 2020 and $48.7 million, or $0.49 per diluted common share, for the fourth quarter of 2019. For the twelve months ended December 31, 2020, First Financial had earnings per diluted common share of $1.59 compared to $2.00 for the same period in 2019."

This is a mediocre report. The NPL ratio is trending up. Tangible book value per share was relatively flat Y-O-Y. The charge off ratio has been trending higher but is still below the national average. NIM declined Y-O-Y from 3.89% to 3.45%, though the 3.45% is still higher than the average. E.P.S. was flat Y-O-Y at $.49. I own several bank stocks where E.P.S. increased substantially.  

I am more likely to eliminate my position than to buy another share. 

Last Elimination: Item # 3.A. Sold 84+ FFBC at $28.1 (3/24/17 Post)(profit snapshot = $1,129.21)

Other Sell Discussions: Item # 4 Sold 52 FFBC at $21.25-Update For Regional Bank Basket Strategy As Of 8/18/2016 - South Gent | Seeking Alpha; Item # 1 Sold 50 FFBC at $20.11-Update For Regional Bank Basket Strategy As Of 7/12/16 - South Gent | Seeking Alpha; Item # 3 Sold 50 FFBC at $19.25 Update For Regional Bank Basket Strategy As Of 5/4/16 - South Gent | Seeking Alpha; Item # 4 Sold 57 FFBC at $17.03-Highest Cost Shares (12/23/13)

FFBC Realized Gains to Date: $1,972.38

O. Pared RCII-Sold 2 at $63.6 (highest cost lot):

Quote: Rent-A-Center Inc. (RCII)

RCII  Analyst Estimates | MarketWatch

RCII SEC Filings

Investor Overview - Rent-A-Center

2020 Annual Report 

Closing Price 4/1/21: RCII $58.98 +$1.32 +2.29% 

Profit Snapshot: +$32.63

Item # 1.B. Started RCII-Bought 2 at $47.33; 3 at $46.5; 2 at $44; 1 at $43.5; 2 at $43; 2 at $42.5 (2/20/21 Post) 

Average cost after pare = $44.2 (10 shares)

Snapshot Intraday 3/12/21 after pare

Dividend: Quarterly at $.31 per share, increased from $.29 effective for the 2021 1st quarter payment (ex dividend in December 2020)

Yield at New AC =  2.81%

Next Ex Dividend: 4/5/21

Last Earnings Report (Q/E 12/31/20): SEC Filed Press Release 

Diluted E.P.S. = $1.00, up from $.72 in the 2019 4th Q.  

2021 Guidance: Non-GAAP E.P.S. $5.00 to $5.55

P. Bought 1 VT at $96.19 as a Placeholder in Vanguard Taxable Account:

Quote: Vanguard Total World Stock ETF Overview 

Closing Price 4/1/21: VT $98.57 +$1.28 +1.32% 

Sponsor's website: VT - Vanguard Total World Stock ETF

Expense Ratio: .08%

Holdings: 8,925 stocks as of 2/28/21 

The Placeholder status simply means that I will monitor the ETF more closely for better entry points.     

Last Discussions: Item 1.D. Bought 1 VT at $59.99 in my Fidelity Taxable Account (5/30/20 Post)(still own); Item # 3.D. Sold 5 VT at $79.01 (12/18/19 Post)-Item # 3.B. Bought 5 VT at $73.1 (4/7/19 Post)

I have deemphasized foreign stocks outside of Canada in my portfolio for over a decade now. My weighting in international stocks now is probably at less than .1% ex Canada.  

I have started to increase the foreign stock allocation some based on the possibility that international stocks may outperform U.S. stocks in the coming decade or two.  

VT is a foot in both worlds since U.S. stocks will  have over a 50% weighting in that ETF. 

Some Top Holdings as of 2/28/21: 

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.