Friday, December 10, 2021

ARI, COWZ, CRM, CTRA, ENBPRP:CA; FDN, FNB, IRM, OHI, QQQJ, SEM, SKYY, TECB

Economy

Over the past 12 months through November, CPI increased by 6.8% on a non-seasonally adjusted basis. Core CPI rose 4.9%. Consumer Price Index Summary 

Labor productivity rate falls at the fastest pace since 1960 Labor productivity fell 5.2% in the third quarter compared to the 2nd quarter. Y-O-Y productivity declined by .6%, the largest decrease since 1993.  

Jobless claims sink to 184,000, hitting lowest level since 1969-MarketWatchDOL News Release.pdfU.S. weekly jobless claims-CNBC

Omicron reduces Covid antibody protection in small study of Pfizer vaccineFirst lab results show omicron has ‘much more extensive escape’ from antibodies than previous variants - The Washington Post 

Omicron Covid variant may have picked up a piece of the common-cold virusOmicron coronavirus variant possibly more infectious due to sharing genetic code with common cold, study says - The Washington Post

Omicron variant has "robust ability" to evade COVID vaccines, but Pfizer says booster shots "neutralized" it - CBS News The results were from a lab test only. 

Omicron’s Rapid Case Growth Is a Warning - The Atlantic

The U.K. currently expects that the Omicron variant will account for most Covid infections within 2 to 3 weeks. The U.K. has a first rate genomic sequence system in place and that system has detected the omicron doubling every 3 days in a county where 70% of the population is fully vaccinated and 32% have received booster shots. Omicron Wave Heads for U.K., but It’s Not Clear How Bad It’ll Be - The New York Times 

Overall, I have seen enough to engage in more net selling of stocks and stock ETFs, particularly those that pay almost no dividends. In this post, I discuss eliminating the following small ball stock ETF positions: FDN, QQQJ, SKYY, and TECB.

It is too early to draw any firm conclusions IMO about the transmissibility of Omicron compared to past variants and the effectiveness of existing vaccines in neutralizing Omicron or preventing serious illness and death. My best guess, based on what I read so far, is that Omicron will be the most contagious variant to date and will cause more breaththrough infections in fully vaccinated people. The jury is still out on whether Omicron will result in more hospitalizations and deaths.   

Federal Reserve Release 11/9/21:  Financial Accounts of the United States - Z.1


Household debt increased at a 6.2% annualized rate in the third quarter. 

Household Debt: Now over $15T

Sourced: Household Debt and Credit Report - FEDERAL RESERVE BANK of NEW YORK

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Markets and Market Commentary

Buy These Stocks to Play the Housing Boom That Could Last for a Decade | Barron's I own only 5 shares of Beazer Homes USA Inc. (BZH) which is not mentioned in the article. Item #1.E. Bought 5 BZH at $17.52 (8/20/21 Post) The author of that article recommends the usual list including D.R. Horton Inc. (DHI)Toll Brothers Inc.  (TOL)Lennar Corp. Cl A (LEN) and PulteGroup Inc. (PHM). Home builders have historically experienced repetitive boom and bust cycles. The crashes can be devastating for the stock prices. Between 2000 to January 2006, a boom period, Beazer's stock went from a reverse split adjusted price of around $31 to $387 and then crashed to about $2 in early March 2009. The reverse split was 1 for 5 in 2012. 

All of the stocks in Cathie Wood's Ark Innovation fund are in a bear market except for 2

Apple hit by supply crunch, saw iPhone 13 production drop 20% in recent months: report - MarketWatch

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Earnings Reports Owned Stocks

In this section, I briefly discuss earnings reports for some individual stocks that I own. The following summaries include companies that report using fiscal quarters. 

BOM Financial Group (BMO) SEC Filed Press Release (4th fiscal quarter; all amounts in Canadian dollars; Net income  = $2.159B; reported E.P.S. = $3.23; adjusted E.P.S. = $3.33 with the consensus at $3.237 per Fidelity; ROE = 16%, adjusted to 16.5%; adjusted ROTE = 18.5; adjusted efficiency ratio = 57.4%; total capital ratio  =17.6%; adjusted dividend payout ratio = 31.7% with unadjusted at 32.7%; dividend increased by 25% to $1.33 per share; Dividend Information

Campbell Soup (CPB) SEC Filed Press Release (first F/Q Ending 10/31/21; GAAP E.P.S. = $.86; non-GAAP E.P.S.  $.89 with the consensus at $.811 per Fidelity; revenues and organic revenues decreased by 4% Y-O-Y reflecting decreased demand relating to the pandemic)

Scientific Applications International (SAIC) SEC Filed Press Release (3rd fiscal quarter ending on 10/29/21; GAAP E.P.S. = $1.22; adjusted to $1.85 per share with the consensus at $1.502; revenues up 4% to $1.898B; free cash flow = $124M; guides 2022 Fiscal year adjusted E.P.S. to $6.75- $6.95, up from $6.5-6.7; guides 2022 FY free cash flow to $450-$470M; "Net bookings for the quarter were approximately $1.4 billion, which reflects a book-to-bill ratio of 0.7 and a trailing twelve months book-to-bill ratio of 1.1. SAIC’s estimated backlog at the end of the quarter was approximately $24 billion. Of the total backlog amount, approximately $3.4 billion was funded.")

Toronto Dominion (TD) SEC Filed Press Release (Q/E 10/31/21; all amounts are in CADs; adjusted net income of $3.866B or $2.09 per share with the consensus at $1.984 per Fidelity; adjustments of $.05 per share, of which $.04 consisted of amortization of intangibles and $.01 for acquisition related expenses adjusted ROE = 16.1%; adjusted ROTE = 21.4%; adjusted efficiency ratio = 53.9%; dividend payout ratio = 38.7%; declared a $.89 per share dividend for the 2022 first quarter, increased from $.79, TD Bank Financial Group - Investor Relations - Dividends) After several pares, I am down to owning 38 TD shares with an average cost of US$51.33 per share. I have sold all shares purchased with dividends and have turned off dividend reinvestment. 

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Attorneys Jeffrey Clark and John Eastman are pleading the Fifth. Congress can still make them talk. - The Washington PostEastman takes the Fifth with Jan. 6 committee - POLITICOTrump-allied lawyer says he'll take the Fifth with Jan. 6 committee

‘If you’re innocent, why are you taking the Fifth?’ Trump said — years after invoking it himself - The Washington Post (5/23/17)

Tucker Carlson, a prime time Fox anchor, is defending Alex Jones, which is not surprising of course. Carlson:  “Jones is often mocked for his flamboyance, but the truth is he has been a far better guide to reality in recent years—in other words, a far better journalist—than, say, NBC News national-security correspondent Ken Dilanian or Margaret Brennan of CBS.” Why Tucker Carlson Is Defending Alex Jones - The Atlantic Recently, Jones was found liable for claiming that Sandy Hook, where 20 children were murdered, was a false flag operation carried out by crisis actors. Alex Jones, Infowars found liable by default in Connecticut defamation case : NPR In Trump's America, the children did not die and the entire event was part of a liberal conspiracy to take away people's guns. 

Tucker Carlson and the right’s embrace of Alex Jones-style politics - The Washington Post

Congressman Massie (R-KY) Posts Gun-Laden Christmas Photo 4 Days After School Shooting 

With deaths from Covid approaching 800,000 in the U.S. and over 5 million worldwide, Senator Ron Johnson (R-WIS) said that Dr. Fauci over hyped this virus. Anthony Fauci Rips GOP Sen. Ron Johnson's 'Preposterous' Accusation He's 'Overhyped' COVID Senator Johnson's most recent Covid remedy is to gargle Listerine. Listerine says no to Sen. Ron Johnson: Mouthwash won't prevent COVID Johnson is just one of the many prominent Republicans who has made significant contributions IMO to Covid infections, hospitalization and deaths.  Their actions and words are consistent with what I would expect from psychopaths and those who believe in freedom from responsibility. 7 Characteristics of the Modern Psychopath | Psychology Today To call the GOP a party of individual responsibility is a canard.  

US Sen. Ron Johnson continues to push republican state lawmakers to take over federal elections in Wisconsin Johnson, a prominent leader in Trump's growing anti-democracy movement who is up for reelection in 2022, wants to replace Wisconsin's  bipartisan election commission with partisan republicans who will do what they are told to do when it comes to counting votes. 

After Donald tested positive for Covid, and one week before his near death experience, he had close contact with other 500 people without mentioning the positive test. Seven days: Following Trump?s reckless coronavirus trail - The Washington Post ("Trump and Meadows hid Trump’s positive test not just from the public, but also from his inner circle and from his top public health officials. He took part in a debate with Democratic rival Joe Biden three days later, never revealing the test result to Biden or event organizers.") That behavior is consistent with what I would expect a psychopath to do.  

Congressman Gaetz (R-FL) Slammed for Saying Getting COVID Is Best Protection Against It

The GOP’s disregard for doctors on the coronavirus - The Washington Post This is not surprising of course. Reality creations, lies and fact free conspiracy theories are what passes for facts and science in Trump's America. Pro-Trump counties now have far higher COVID death rates- NPRRepublicans Less Trusting of Doctor's Advice Than in the Past-Gallup  

Companies Linked to Russian Ransomware Hide in Plain Sight - The New York Times The criminal gains operate with impunity in Russia's Kleptocracy. Putin's Kleptocracy: Who Owns Russia? Amazon.com"Putin's Kleptocracy - Who Owns Russia?" - YouTube

Putin blamed the U.S. and NATO for Russia's massive military buildup along the Ukrainian border, asserting that Ukraine was threatening Russia's security and would use the weapons provided by western countries to launch an offensive against Moscow.  This argument makes a lot of sense to Fox "news". Tucker Carlson Sides With Putin Over Ukraine, Right to Defend BordersUkraine Commanders Say a Russian Invasion Would Overwhelm Them - The New York Times

Historian Doris Kearns Goodwin On The Future Of U.S. Democracy - YouTube  

As I have said many times here, I am now a one issue voter.  

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1. Canadian Reset Equity Preferred Stocks


A. Sold 100 out of 400 ENBPRP at C$20.20 (IB C$1 commission)

Quote: ENB-PP.TO

Investment Category:  I include the Canadian reset equity preferred stocks with my U.S. floating rate equity preferred stocks. 

Last DiscussedItem # 1.A. Added 100 ENBPRA:CA at C$17.14 (4/24/21 Post) I still own that lot. 

I sold my second highest cost lot that was bought first. Item # 4.A. Bought 100 ENBPRP:CA at C$16.5 (3/20/19 Post)

Profit Snapshot: +$C368


5 year chart: Points to patience and waiting for the bottom to fall out. 

As of 11/19 Intraday

Remaining Shares: 300 with an average cost per share of C$15.04


Snapshot as of close on 11/19 after pare

This pare reduced my AC per share from C$15.41. 


Current Yield at C$15.04 = 7.23%

This pare increased my dividend yield for the remaining shares from 7.06%.  

Last Ex Dividend: 11/12/21 (owned 400 shares as of)

Security Description

Par Value: C$25

Current Coupon: 4.35% to but excluding 3/1/24 when the coupon resets unless redeemed at that time by the issuer

Dividends: Quarterly and Cumulative 

Reset: 2.5% Spread to the 5 year Canadian government bond. 

Canada 5 Year Government Bond Overview | MarketWatch

The prospectus can be found here: Preferred Shares and Hybrid Securities - Enbridge Inc.

Prior ENBPRP:CA Round TripsItem # 4.A. Sold 200 ENBPRP at C$19.91 (3/25/17 Post)(realized gain snapshot= C$963). The IB reportable profit in 2017 was US$606.07. That post also contains a snapshot of a 300 share round-trip that netted U.S.$1,458.25 which is after Fidelity converted the CAD profit into USDs for tax reporting purposes. That 300 share lot was bought at C$12.39. Update For Exchange Traded Bond And Preferred Stock Basket Strategy As Of 2/29/16 - South Gent | Seeking Alpha  

ENBPRP:CA Realized Gains to Date: 
USDs: $2,064.32
CADs: $368 (USD reportable profit calculation will be made in my 2021 1099)    

2. Small Ball

A. Eliminated CRM-Sold 1.879 Shares at $310.73

Quote: Salesforce.com Inc.  (CRM)

CRM Annual Report for the F/Y Ending 1/31/21

I had all of the fun that I could stand with this one. I mentioned eliminating my CRM position in a 11/30/21 comment. 

Profit Snapshot: +$184.45

Buy DiscussionsItem # 2.L Multiple Small Dollar Buys of CRM (3/27/21 Post)Item # 1.J.  (1/9/21 Post) As I mentioned in those posts, I viewed the stock as overvalued at my purchase prices. 

Dividend: None and none expected 

Last Earnings Report (Q/E 10/31/21): SEC Filed Press Release 

Diluted GAAP E.P.S. = $.47 

Non-GAAP E.P.S. = $1.27

Consensus at $.92

Revenues = $6.863B

Guidance: 

GAAP to Non-GAAP: 

I am not willing to ignore stock based compensation when it amounts to $.81 per share-just for one quarter. Even if I was willing to base a multiple on the non-GAAP E.P.S. number, the multiple at $310.73, using the $4.68 guidance for fiscal 2022, is about 66.4; and at 431.57 using the GAAP fiscal year E.P.S. guidance of $.72. 

The earnings report is discussed at Salesforce earnings beat in first full quarter with Slack, but forecast slaps stock - MarketWatch

B. Bought 5 SEM at $34.8; 5 at $34.4, 5 at $34.08; 5 at $33.25; 5 at $32.5; 5 at $30.89; 5 at $29.95; 5 at $29.6









"Select Medical is one of the largest operators of critical illness recovery hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and occupational health centers in the United States based on number of facilities. Select Medical’s reportable segments include the critical illness recovery hospital segment, the rehabilitation hospital segment, the outpatient rehabilitation segment, and the Concentra segment. As of September 30, 2021, Select Medical operated 100 critical illness recovery hospitals in 28 states, 30 rehabilitation hospitals in 12 states, and 1,850 outpatient rehabilitation clinics in 39 states and the District of Columbia. Select Medical’s joint venture subsidiary Concentra operated 519 occupational health centers in 41 states. At September 30, 2021, Select Medical had operations in 46 states and the District of Columbia." 

SEM Analyst Estimates-MarketWatch (As of 12/8/21, the consensus estimates are as follows: $3.05 in 2021; $2.93 in 2022; $3.55 in 2023). Earnings in 2020 were adversely impacted by the pandemic. With the new omicron variant, the trend is to sell this stock without regard to valuation IMO. There is also omnipresent concerns about changes in Medicare reimbursements. 

If this stock keeps falling, I will keep buying in 5 share increments until I hit 100 shares. If and when the stock recovers, and I am able to sell the highest cost lots profitably, I will likely do so. 

Chart: Bear Market Trend started in June 2021 with no indication yet IMO of bottoming. 

10-Q for the Q/E 9/30/21 

Last Discussed

Current Average Cost per share: $32.40 (40 shares)

Dividend: Quarterly at $.125, recently instituted

I would prefer that SEM use those funds to pay down debt. 

Yield at AC = 1.54%

Last Ex Dividend: 11/15/21

Last Earnings Report (Q/E 9/30/21): SEC Filed Press Release 

Adjusted Net Income = $72.38M

Adjusted E.P.S. = $.57

Consensus at $.52 per Fidelity 

Revenues = $1.534+B

Adjusted E.P.S. Nine Months 2021 = $2.61 

SEM also provides income numbers that include comprehensive income from non-controlling interests.  The total from that source was $23.289M in the 2021 third quarter.  

"During the quarter ended September 30, 2021, Select Medical repurchased 1,383,508 shares at a cost of approximately $47.5 million, or $34.34 per share, which includes transaction costs. Since the inception of the common stock repurchase program through September 30, 2021, Select Medical has repurchased 39,964,416 shares at a cost of approximately $404.1 million, or $10.11 per share, which includes transaction costs."

Debt was at $3.4B as of 9/30/21. I am not comfortable with this debt load. 

Cash was at $748M as of 9/30/21. 

Operating expenses as a percentage of revenue rose to 84.6% from 82.9%. "The increase in our operating expenses as a percent of revenue was primarily driven by increased staffing costs in our critical illness recovery hospitals and rehabilitation hospital segments."

SEM revised up its guidance for 2021 adjusted E.P.S. to $2.98-$3.09 from $2.91-$3.08. 

Select Medical Holdings (SEM) Q3 2021 Earnings Call Transcript | The Motley Fool

Earnings discussed at Select Medical (SEM) Q3 Earnings Beat, Hikes '21 EPS View - November 5, 2021 - Zacks.com

After this earnings report was released, RBC raised its PT to $50 from $48 and maintained its outperform rating. I do not have access to that report or any other on SEM. 

C. Bought 10 ARI at $15.04; 5 at $14.43; 5 at $14.15; 10 at $13.7





Quote: 
Apollo Commercial Real Estate Finance Inc.

I would classify ARI as an externally managed mortgage REIT that invests in commercial real estate loans. 

After my first purchase, this stock has continued to decline due to concerns about omicron variant's impact on commercial real estate. 

I view mortgage REITs with disfavor, but the 13 year FED Jihad Against the Savings class has made me less picky. Trading is subject to the small ball rules, and positions will be immaterial.  

ARI SEC Filings 

10-Q for the Q/E 9/30/21 

2020 Annual Report

5 year financials: Note the poor results in 2020 that would be pandemic related

Page 35 Annual Report

Dividend: Quarterly at $.35 per share ($1.4 annually)

Average cost per share$14.34 (30 shares)

Yield at AC = 9.76%

Last Ex Dividend: 9/29/21

Last Earnings Report (Q/E 9/30/21):  SEC Filed Report 

Diluted E.P.S. = $.38

Distributable E.P.S.  $.35 

Property Type: 


D. Added to OHI-Bought 2 at $28.57; 2 at $28.10


Quote: Omega Healthcare Investors Inc. (OHI)

With news about the omicron variant disseminated after my OHI purchases, I have decided to wait until the price breaks below $25 before adding more shares.  

Investment Category: Equity REIT Common and Preferred Stock Basket Strategy

OHI SEC Filings

2020 Annual Report

Average Cost per share$30.58 (15+  shares) 

Dividend: Quarterly at $.67 per share ($2.68 annually)

Dividends – Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc.

Yield at AC  = 8.76%

Last Ex Dividend:   (owned 11 shares as of)

Last DiscussedItem # 2.C. Added to OHI-Bought 1 at $30.92; 1 at $30.49, 1 at $29.86; 2 at $29.81 (11/5/21 Post) I discussed the third quarter earnings report in that post and have nothing further to add here. 

OHI Trading Profits to Date =  $1,503.51

E. Eliminated TECB in Vanguard Taxable-Sold 5 at $42.8:

Quote: iShares U.S. Tech Breakthrough Multisector ETF Overview

Sponsor's Website: iShares U.S. Tech Breakthrough Multisector ETF

Expense Ratio = .4%

Profit Snapshot: $58.67

Last Buy DiscussionsItem # 4.E. Started TECB in Schwab Account-Bought 10 shares at an Average Cost per share of  $31.45 (8/20/20 Post)Item # 1.E. Started TECB in Fidelity Account-Bought 5 at $29.76 (8/1/20 Post)

Some Top Holdings as of 12/2/21: 

Dividends: Quarterly in insignificant amounts

Last 4 Dividends = $.18 per share rounded up

Yield at $42.8 = .4%

I have been selling for weeks now small ball ETF positions that have no meaningful dividend support. 

TECB Portfolio-Morningstar (note the P/E ratios provided on this page) Of the top 25 holdings, I have small ball positions in GILD, QCOM, REGN, and TXN.  The P/E ratios for most of the other stocks remind me of 1999. 

F. Eliminated TECB in Schwab Account-Sold 10 at $43.57:  

See Item # 1.F. above

Profit Snapshot: $121.17


G. Eliminated SKYY in Schwab Account-Sold 2 at $114.96

Quote: SKYY | First Trust Cloud Computing ETF Overview

Sponsor's Website: First Trust Cloud Computing ETF (SKYY)

Expense Ratio: .6%

Number of Holdings: 66

Holdings Weighted at 1+% as of 12/3/21

First Trust Cloud Computing ETF (SKYY)-Morningstar (currently rated 3 stars)

Profit Snapshot: +$89.86

Last Buy DiscussionItem # 1.N. Bought 1 SKYY at $71.88; 1 at $71.31, 1 at $70.83, 1 at $68 (6/20/21 Post)

Last Sell DiscussionItem # 1.C. Eliminated SKYY in Fidelity Account-Sold 4 at $109.89 (10/22/21 Post)(profit snapshot = $157.53).  

Dividends: Quarterly and insignificant 

Last 4 Dividends: $.14 per share rounded

Yield at $114.96 = .1%

SKYY Portfolio-Morningstar (look at the P/E ratios for the top 25 holdings)

When a lot more air is taken out of this sector, I will start a position in the Fidelity Cloud Computing ETF (FCRD) that has a lower expense ratio at .39%.  

I have also eliminated my positions Global X Cloud Computing ETF (CLOU)Item #1.K.Eliminated CLOU in Fidelity Account-Sold 10 at $31.4 (10/1/21 Post) 

H. Pared IRM Again in Fidelity Account-Sold 1 at $47.58

Quote: Iron Mountain Inc (IRM)

Iron Mountain - Investor Relations

SEC Filings

2020 IRM Annual Report

10-Q for the Q/E 9/30/21 

Investment Category: Equity REIT Common and Preferred Stock Basket Strategy

Profit Snapshot: $21.6 (11/3 sale only)

Remaining Shares AC this account: $23.44 (16 shares)

Snapshot Intraday on 11/3/21 after pare

Dividend: Quarterly at $.6185

Iron Mountain - Stock - Dividend History and Tax Treatment

Yield at new AC = 10.55% rounded

Next Ex Dividend: 12/14/21

Last Earnings Report (Q/E 9/30/21): Iron Mountain (IRM) SEC Filed Press Release 

AFFO = $263M or $.90 per share; 

revenue = $1.13B, up 9% Y-O-Y; 

guides 2021 AFFO to $3.33-$3.45

GAAP to FFO and AFFO Calculations: 


I own IRM in 2  other taxable accounts.  

The average cost per share in my Schwab account is $25.7 (19+ shares). Item # 2.M. The AC is my Vanguard account is at $21.75 (3 shares). Item # 2.L 

Most Recent Buy DiscussionsItem # 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)

Other Sell DiscussionsItem #1.A. Sold 3 IRM in Fidelity Taxable-Sold 3 at $49.12 (10/1/21 Post)Item # 2.K. Pared IRM in Fidelity Taxable Account-Sold 5 at $44.18; Item #2.L. Pared IRM in Vanguard Taxable-Sold 1 at $46.19; and Item # 2.M. Pared IRM in Schwab Taxable-Sold 1 at $46.93  (6/19/21 Post)Item # 1.K. Sold 5 IRM at $37.69 (4/30/21 Post)Item #1.B. Sold 2 IRM at $35.63; 5 at $36.8 (2/27/21 Post)Item # 1.L. Sold 5 IRM in Schwab Account at $36.42  and Item #1.M. Sold 2.731 in Fidelity Account at $36.86 (4/1/21 Post)Item #1.B. Sold 2 IRM at $35.63; 5 at $36.8 in Fidelity Taxable (2/27/21 Post)Item # 1.B. Pared IRM-Sold 15 at $33.04 (2/22/20 Post)Item # 1.C. Sold 10 IRM at $33.91-Used Commission Free Trade (12/26/18 Post)Item # 3 Sold 50 IRM at $33.82 Update For Equity REIT Basket Strategy As Of 4/6/16 - South Gent | Seeking Alpha

IRM Realized Gains to Date: $915.31

The goal in all accounts for this stock is a total return in excess of the dividend payments before the ROC adjustments to the tax cost basis.

I. Pared FNB Again in Schwab Account-Sold Highest Cost 12 Shares at $12.41

Quote: F.N.B. Corp.

FNB SEC Filings

FNB 2020 Annual Report

FNB Analyst Estimates | MarketWatch

Investment Category: Regional Bank Basket Strategy

Profit Snapshot = $32.89

Average cost per share this account after pare = $7.47  (65+ Shares) 

Remaining Lots: 

Price as of 11/15/21

Dividend: Quarterly at $.12 per share 

FNB slashed its dividend from $.24 effective for the 2009 second quarter and has not raised the penny rate since that slash. FNB Dividend Channel This is easily the most unfavorable dividend history of regional bank stocks that I own. 

The dividend history is extremely negative IMO. 

Yield at $7.47 AC = 6.43%

Last Ex Dividend: 12/2/21 

Last Buy DiscussionsItem # 1.C. Added to FNB-Bought 3 at $7; 5 at $6.47; 10 at $6.81 (6/20/20 Post)Item # 4.B. Added 5 FNB at 8.8; 5 at $8.43; 5 at $7.62; 5 at $6.6 (4/30/20 Post)

Last Earnings Report (Q/E 9/30/21): F.N.B. Corporation (FNB) SEC Filed Earnings Press Release

E.P.S. = $.34 with the consensus at $.299 per Fidelity; 

net income of $109.5M; 

NIM = 2.99%, down from 3.34% in the 2020 third quarter; 

efficiency ratio = 55.43%; 

Charge off ratio = .03%; 

NPL ratio = .72%; 

ROA = 1.14%; 

ROTE = 16.77%; 

tangible book value per share = $8.42

dividend payout ratio = 35.43%

Some Sell Discussions

Item # 2.C Sold 31 FNB at $12.17 and Item # 2.D Sold 100 FNB at $12.17 (11/2/19 Post)Item # 5.A Sold 20 FNB at $11.42 (9/28/19 Post)Item # 3.A. Sold 30 FNB at $11.95-Used Fidelity Commission Free Trade (5/18/19 Post)Item # 1.A. Sold 50 FNB at $13.65-Used Commission Free Trade (9/5/18 Post)Item # 1.D. Sold 50 FNB at $13.9-Used Commission Free Trade (6/18/18 Post)Item 2.A. Sold 60 FNB at $14.59  (3/5/2018)Item # 4.A. Sold 100 FNB at $13.94-Satellite Taxable Account (10/23/17 Post)

I do not view FNB to be a quality bank or managed for the benefit of shareholders. 

To date, the growth through acquisition strategy has not resulted in any meaningful benefit to shareholders IMO. 

I also own shares in my Fidelity and Vanguard taxable accounts:

Fidelity Taxable 15+ shares; average cost p.s. = $6.75/ Price as of 12/9/21 

Vanguard Taxable/ AC at $7.7/ Price as of close on 12/9/21

The next pare will probably come from the Vanguard account and would be the highest cost 13 shares that can be sold profitably.  The last fractional share bought with a dividend, and paid in the 2021 first quarter, can not be sold profitably now.  

Dividend reinvestment has been turned off in my taxable accounts and in 1 Roth IRA account.  

I will generally own many of the same stocks in my Roth IRA accounts. I own 5+ FNB in 1 Roth with an AC of $6.04 (dividends reinvested and assigned by Fidelity with a zero cost basis). I own 10 shares in another Roth IRA account with an AC at $7.32. 

FNB Realized Gains to Date: $1,620.85  

J. Started CTRA-Bought 5 at $21.53; 2 at $21.1; 2 at $20.75 and 2 at $20.4; 2 at $20; 1 at $19.56





Quote: Coterra Energy Inc. 

CTRA SEC Filings 

10-Q for the Q/E 9/30/21 

CTRA Analyst Estimates-MarketWatch (as of 12/8/21, consensus E.P.S. is at $3.59 for 2022, falling to $2.81 in 2023).  

Website: Coterra Energy 

Cotera was recently formed from the merger of Cimarex and Cabot Oil that was completed on 10/1/21. Cabot Oil & Gas and Cimarex Energy Complete Combination, Forming Coterra Energy Cabot was the surviving company. 

Discussed at A New Contender in Natural Gas | Barron's (11/20/21)

Average cost per share  = $20.92 (15 shares)

Dividend: Quarterly, currently at $.125 per share ($.50 annually)

CTRA paid a special dividend of $.50 per share in the current quarter. 

Yield at AC = 2.39%

Last Ex Dividend: 11/12/21

Last Earnings Report (Q/E 9/30/21): SEC Filed Press Release 

GAAP net income of $62.7M or $.16 per share

Non-GAAP net income of $207M or $.52 per share

Non-GAAP numbers excludes infrequent and non-cash items. Those include stock based compensation, merger related expenses and a unrealized loss on derivative instruments. 

GAAP to Non-GAAP: 


Free Cash Flow Combined = "$387.3 million (non-GAAP), and included $100.1 million of merger-related expenses."

Maximum Position: 100 shares
I have never owned Cabot Oil. I did own Cimarex at some point in the distant past. 
K. Bought 2 COWZ at $46.94

Quote:  Pacer U.S. Cash Cows 100 ETF Overview 

This ETF starts with the Russell 1000 and selects the 100 companies that have the highest, trailing 12 month free cash flow yields. The stocks are weighted by free cash flow yields with each stock's weighting capped at 2% when the fund is rebalanced. 

I like the methodology used by this ETF. The soundness of this approach, however, does not mean that the stocks are fairly valued now, however. 

Sponsor's website:  COWZ | Pacer ETFs

Expense Ratio: .49

Dividends: Quarterly at a variable rate

Last 4 dividends: $.66 per share (rounded up)

Yield at $46.94 = 1.42% rounded

Some Holdings as of 12/3/21: 

I have moved in and out of stocks owned by this fund and currently own the following: ABBV, BMY, CC, CTRA (discussed in this post), DGX, DISCA, FCX, GILD, HOLX, IP, LUMN, OGN, PFE, SAIC, and T.  

L. Eliminated QQQJ in Schwab Taxable-Sold 5 at $35.77

Quote: Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF Overview

Sponsor's Website: Invesco NASDAQ Next Gen 100 ETF

Expense ratio = .15%

In my last post, I mentioned eliminating QQQJ in another account and forgot to mention this elimination there. 

Profit Snapshot: $45.79

Last Sell Discussion: Item # 2.D. Eliminated QQQJ in Fidelity Account-Sold 10 at $35.05 (12/3/21 Post)(profit snapshot = $86.74) 

Last Buy Discussion: Item # 2.E. Bought 5 QQQJ at 26.50; 5 at $26.25  (11/13/20 Post)

QQQJ Portfolio -  Morningstar (contains P/E ratios for top 25 holdings)

M. Eliminated FDN in Schwab Account-Sold 1 at $247.59

Quote: First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index ETF Overview

Sponsor's website: First Trust Dow Jones Internet Index Fund (FDN)

Holdings Greater than a 2+% Weighting as of 12/3/21: 

Of those stocks, I currently have a position only in CSCO. 

Expense Ratio = .51

Profit Snapshot: +$82.68 


Last Sell Discussion: Item # 1.F. Eliminated FDN in Fidelity Account-Sold 2 at $244.75 (10/15/21 Post)(profit snapshot  = $160.19) 

FDN Realized Gains to Date: $242.87 (3 shares)

Current Position: None

Dividends: None

FDN Portfolio-Morningstar (contains P/E ratios for top 25 holdings, rated 3 stars)

DisclaimerI 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 sale 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 my family members.

30 comments:

  1. I've been digging into yield accounts since I can't bring myself to buy into this market much.

    Seems uncertain. Will ponder some more.

    After much effort, I found a few good deals. Yet even with that it merely increases my yield from 1% to 1.95%. And that's with plenty of work opening accounts, etc.

    I'd have been better off focusing on market investments/sales. Hindsight...

    FNB is offering 1% on regular money up to 100k (non-retirement.) Plus 3% on 20k. If you do 12 point of sales purchases w/their debt card every month.

    A couple of rewards deal, with citibank (up to $1500 for keeping money for 3-4 months) and the M1 Finance brokerage. Haven't researched enough to know if it's safe yet.

    The HMBradly deal has gone well so far. 3%, with 3.5% next quarter on up to 100k.

    For interest on IRA's it seems like being over 59 1/2 matters in their setup of whether you can get the $ out quickly to put back into the market. So I need to wait for that.


    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Land: Middle Tennessee suffered through some bad storms last night, and my power was restored only a few minutes ago. Just a few tree limbs in my yards.

      I am not looking to open new accounts and probably need to consolidate what I now have some. The issue with multiple brokerage accounts is that I have a problem with all of them, but not the same problem.

      I am not going to open a new account to achieve a minor yield advantage.

      My dividend income will up next year compared to 2021 and will probably more than offset the decline in interest income caused by bond redemptions.

      The question that I have yet to answer is how much risk am I willing to assume when I have no need to take any risks.

      It is an extraordinary time for investment allocation decisions. The FED has the federal funds rate near zero with the annual CPI rate at 6.8% through November. Treasury yields throughout the maturity spectrum are below the average annual inflation rates embedded in TIP prices.

      The FED owns over $8.1T in U.S. treasuries and mortgage backed securities.

      https://www.newyorkfed.org/markets/soma-holdings

      Household, federal government and corporate debt is rising in various parabolic decrees.

      Vast amounts of money have been created that have no economic reason to exist.

      The stock market is at an all time high.

      I do not find comfort in those facts.

      Delete
    2. Glad it was only minor impact. The news had stories...
      There were big warnings here. Barely any rain or winds happened.

      I think it's a psychological thing. I'm used to making sure my money's earning something. The zeros or near it on my funds in cash, feels unsettling. I just had to do something.

      Problem is once I was done with all the figuring, I'd increased my yield by ... nearly nothing.

      Since I did the work already, I'll open the accounts / money the funds. But can't say I'm suggesting it to anyone.

      ---

      I've noticed that the problems with each brokerage is different.

      SnP make new highs. So the others may follow. Or not. If they do, I'll be in luck to sell some indices. Some of my individual stocks may not hit ATHs that quickly again.

      There's no indication this is the top. It's not even deep pullbacks with lower highers. Nor huge gullies before the next ATHs. So it doesn't look like the 2000 and 2008 setups. Rates aren't inverted.

      But this is much more unsettling than the wall of worry was. Even the employment market is in unusual flux.

      Last week FG's description was that it's an unclear market. This weeks is more positive again. Google shows my Cramer's articles. Based only on the headlines, he changes tunes very few hours. So he agrees, it's not a clear market.

      Next task, figure out how much I can sell or convert before it's a problem, or raises taxes more than it's worth. Hope for a Santa Rally to sell into. The week after Christmas is usually too late.

      Delete
  2. S&P 500 Index
    4,673.04 -38.98 -0.83%
    Last Updated: Dec 13, 2021 at 11:28 a.m. EST
    https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/index/spx?mod=home-page

    The small decline today was probably triggered by news relating to the omicron.

    Several European countries predicted over the weekend that omicron would become the dominant variant in a matter of days.

    https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/europe/omicron-dominant-europe-covid/2021/12/10/7ec14c42-59df-11ec-8396-5552bef55c3c_story.html

    At least 1 death was confirmed in the U.K. where the government is currently estimated 1M Omicron infections by 12/31, with the rate doubling every 2 or 3 days.

    https://www.theguardian.com/world/2021/dec/08/omicron-cases-could-exceed-1m-by-month-end-sajid-javid

    The variant has been confirmed in 30 states and in D.C.

    It is reasonably certain now that omicron will be more transmissible than previous variants including Delta.

    Possibly some of the downside today is due to worries about what the FED will do this week.

    The Bond Ghouls are not worried however:

    U.S. 10 Year Treasury Note
    1.425% -0.061%
    Last Updated: Dec 13, 2021 11:30 a.m. EST
    https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/bond/tmubmusd10y?countrycode=bx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Omicron spreads faster, but appears to infect more mildly, or at least if vaccinated.

      The market has worries about business slow down/ lockdown due to the new variant. But the Fed should stop some of it's slowing of qe/zirp extension programs. That should make the variant a wash at this point, or even a positive.

      Inflation should ease if people aren't out shopping (though if they shop from home during a shutdown, it will continue.)

      Delete
  3. I'm a new owner of a 10k i-series savings bond at 7.12% annually.

    Is that about double what the rate was last period (3.54% then)?

    Looks like it gets fed taxed but is state exempt.

    Article in Forbes or Kiplinger was about how this is a good deal right now. Including buying in Jan again if you bought in Dec. That was long after you'd written about it here.

    You can buy 10k per person & per business.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Land: The IBonds bought starting in November pay a semi-annual rate of 3.54%. On May 1, 2022, the coupon will reset based on an updated CPI rate for all items, including food and energy. The annual rate for an IBOND purchased on 11/1/21 will may be higher than 7.12% through 11/2/22, since the inflation component on 5/1/22 could easily be higher than on the 11/1/21 reset date.

      The 7.12% number is just an annualized rate which assumes that the 3.54% rate was in effect for 1 year rather than 6 months. The coupon will change on 5/1/22. The actual 1 year rate for a purchase on 11/1/21 will depend on the next reset coupon.

      You do not have to pay federal income taxes on the interest until the bond is redeemed (or ownership transferred for some reason), which distinguishes IBonds from TIPs which I have owned only in Roth IRA accounts.

      see my 2016 SA Post which I previously linked here:

      https://seekingalpha.com/instablog/434935-south-gent/4886289-buying-ibonds-through-treasury-direct

      Buying TIPs requires IMO a specialized knowledge set. I discuss some of the issues in two other 2016 posts:


      https://seekingalpha.com/instablog/434935-south-gent/4886072-mechanics-purchasing-tip-secondary-market

      https://seekingalpha.com/instablog/434935-south-gent/4901042-update-on-buying-tips-in-secondary-market

      If the treasury did not put a $10K limit on calendar year purchases, the government would not be able to sell any treasury bills, notes or bonds. Everyone would just buy the IBONDS. Why would anyone buy a non-inflation protected 5 year Treasury at a 1.213% yield or a 5 year TIP at a -1.51% yield.

      https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/interest-rates/Pages/TextView.aspx?data=realyield

      https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/bond/tmubmusd05y?countrycode=bx

      As to omicron's health impact vs. Delta, there is currently IMO insufficient data to draw a conclusion. There is sufficient data to draw a reasonable conclusion that it will be more contagious.

      "Two-dose COVID-19 vaccine regimens do not induce enough neutralising antibodies against the Omicron coronavirus variant, British scientists found, indicating that increased infections in those previously infected or vaccinated may be likely."

      https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/two-dose-vaccines-induce-lower-antibodies-against-omicron-study-finds-2021-12-13/

      Delete
    2. Didn't know you can buy gov't bonds in an IRA. Good to know for when bonds have interest again.

      Also helpful to know the taxes aren't until liquidated.

      I'll have to look at the TIPS info. I've never bought them.

      If I'm reading the charts right, the semiannual rate on ibonds was 1.77 in the last time period (1/2 year) and is up now to 3.56% for this 1/2 year. So waiting until after the Nov price adjustment was worth it. (I can't remember which months, but my topic is that current rate is nearly 2xs the rate during the early fall when I first started considering them.)

      Good info on Omiron. Will have to see how it plays out as it spreads.

      Delete
    3. Land: For TIPs, the increase in principal amount resulting from the CPI adjustment every 6 months is subject to federal income taxes, even if the bond is not sold, which is why I will own them only in retirement accounts.

      https://www2.investinginbonds.com/learnmore.asp?catid=5&subcatid=22&id=255

      The accretion in the principal amount of IBonds from CPI is not taxed until the bond is redeemed or ownership is otherwise transferred. That makes them acceptable IMO for ownership outside of a retirement account.

      I have no interest in buying TIPs now. TIP rates are negative.

      I view the negative interest rates as crazy. I sold some TIPs back in 2012 that produced to the buyer a negative interest rate of -.89%:

      1. Sold 3 Treasury Inflation Protected Bonds at 120.45 Last Tuesday-ROTH IRA
      Profit snapshot = $838.87
      https://tennesseeindependent.blogspot.com/2012/05/sold-3-tip-bonds-maturing-in-2019-at.html

      A buyer of the 10 year TIP yesterday would receive a -.98% yield based on the closing price.

      https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/interest-rates/Pages/TextView.aspx?data=realyield

      The buyer of the 10 year non-inflation protected treasury would have a +1.42% yield.

      https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/data-chart-center/interest-rates/Pages/TextView.aspx?data=yield

      For the buyer of the 10 year TIP to breakeven with the buyer of the 10 year non-inflation protected treasury, CPI would have to rise at an average annual rate of 2.4%.

      If CPI rose at a faster annual average rate than 2.4%, then the buyer of the TIP would be better off, but worse off with a lower annual average CPI rate.

      As far as I am concerned, both buyers are losing.

      Delete
  4. I too bought an I-Bond in Dec and am considering another buy in Jan.

    My question is, what if inflation continues its upward trend? Will the I-Bond rate be adjusted upward in May? I can't imagine it would go down...so maybe wait and see until May for that second purchase?

    ReplyDelete
  5. Another question, somewhat related to inflation vis a vis the I-Bond rate.

    BLS announced: "Starting in January 2022, weights for the Consumer Price Index will be calculated based on consumer expenditure data from 2019-2020. The BLS considered interventions, but decided to maintain normal procedures."

    Does this mean that using the consumer expenditure data from 2019-2020 is normal procedure? Or are they changing the way inflation is calculated?

    Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The weightings per expenditure category are based on historical data. It looks to me that the BLS is using its normal procedure for changing the weightings.

      The weightings per item can be found in Table 1 of each CPI release:

      November 2021:
      https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.t01.htm

      If you bought an IBOND today, you would receive the current rate through April 2022, but that would be for less than 5 months.

      The inflation component of the coupon resets every 6 months based on CPI.

      For the six months starting on 5/1/22, the coupon may go up or down, probably up IMO, but then that coupon will last for only 6 months.

      For a long time, the treasury also had a fixed rate in addition to the inflation component. But the government is not doing that now given the favorable competitive rate offered just by the inflation component compared to other treasuries, including TIPS.

      When I bought in 2016, as I discussed in that old SA post, the fixed rate was .1% but it has been as high as 3.6% if you had bought one in 2000.

      https://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/research/indepth/ibonds/res_ibonds_iratesandterms.htm

      It is only the fixed rate that stays the same for the life of the bond. Waiting until May 2022 to buy accomplishes nothing really unless you believe that the treasury was going to offer a nice fixed rate then, as opposed to none now.

      Delete
  6. Thank you. That is exactly the information I was looking for!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Table 2 of each CPI release contains the weightings by detailed expenditure category.

    https://www.bls.gov/news.release/cpi.t02.htm

    Most of those categories are irrelevant to me and consequently my inflation rate is lower than than the 6.8% non-seasonally annual rate through November.

    ++

    The most positive sector today for me was electric utility stocks. All of the ones that I own had decent percentage gains in a down day.

    E.G.
    AEP +1.17%
    BKH +1.75%
    DUK +1.5%
    EVRG +.95%
    OGE +1.11%
    PEG +2.17%
    SO +1.69%
    WEC +1.74%

    ETF FUTY +1.14%
    https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/fund/futy?mod=over_search

    Most of my consumer staple stocks were up, except for ORKLY, UL and NOMD that were down fractionally and all are foreign based:

    E.G.
    CAG +1.21%
    CL +2.1%
    CLX +2.1%
    CPB +1.18%
    FLO +1.62%
    GIS +1.8%
    K +1.37%
    KHC + .97%
    KMB +2.35%
    MDLZ +1.46%
    REYN + .73%

    Consumer Staple ETF FSTA +1.02%
    https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/fund/fsta?mod=over_search

    Covid Testing and Covid Vaccine Stocks rose:
    DGX: +1.99%
    HOLX: +.85%
    PFE: +4.58%

    Most drug (except for Lotto clinical stage) and equity REIT stocks were up that I own, but Mortgage REITs, particularly those that own commercial real estate paper, were down.

    E.G.

    Major Drug stocks
    ABBV + .82%
    BMY: +4.77% (raised dividend)
    INCY +3.68%
    MRK +1.10%
    NVO +1.18%
    NVS + .22%
    OGN + .45%

    Equity REITs:
    CUBE: +1.16%
    GTY + .56
    HTA: +1.18%
    IRM: +2.35%

    Energy and financial stocks (banks, BDCs, insurance) were broadly down with a few minor exceptions.

    All of this fits together and is explained by omicron.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Turns out, Ford reinstated it's div on Oct 27th. That's part of why it's been rallying. So was a beat in that report. It was already in a strong upswing.

    https://www.cnbc.com/2021/10/27/ford-to-reinstate-dividend-in-the-fourth-quarter.html

    ReplyDelete
  9. SIPC - the cash in a brokerage that's covered by them, is insured against the company going under. I always check for FDIC, but never gave SIPC a thought.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Land: The FDIC's reserves are grossly inadequate to cover insured losses when and if there is one major bank failure (Citigroup or Bank of America) and a host of other failures due to something worse than what happened in 2008.

      The FDIC's reserve ratio will generally be below 2%, though 2% is the current goal. The minimum is 1.35%.

      https://www.fdic.gov/resources/deposit-insurance/deposit-insurance-fund/dif-fund.html

      As of 6/30/21, the reserve ratio was below the minimum at 1.27%:

      https://www.fdic.gov/analysis/quarterly-banking-profile/fdic-quarterly/index.html


      The reserve ratio is the amount of money held reserve to cover losses as a percentage of insured deposits.

      While the FDIC has been able to increase assessments against healthy banks when it reserves run too close to the minimum provided by law, that may not be possible when the losses are just so great that increasing assessments on healthy banks would just cause more bank failures.

      Perhaps Congress would provide funds sufficient for the FDIC to fully honor its obligations, but that may not happen, either by choice or necessity under the circumstances.

      Generally on my list of worries the failure of the FDIC to honor its obligations is present as a potential concern when and if circumstances warrant, but way down the list.

      Another possible scenario would involve some money market funds that invest in corporate, unsecured commercial paper breaking the buck due to widespread defaults among investment grade issuers. Something like that could happen when and if the previous scenario is unfolding. That one is way down on my worry list too. In 2008, there was a massive run on money market funds that required the government to step in and offer guarantees.

      https://www.treasury.gov/press-center/press-releases/pages/hp1147.aspx

      Broker sweep accounts are now invested in treasuries and/or mortgage backed securities issued by GNMA, FANNIE, Freddie or some other government sponsored entity. A loss from that kind of investment, like a stock or bond loss, would not be covered by SPIC insurance.

      Most of the time, SPIC does not come into play much since the assets can simply be transferred to another broker. There may be some issues when the failed broker has loaned out the securities to a short seller. Since I have only cash accounts, where the broker does not have that option, I have never looked into that potential issue, though I suspect it mostly be more of a delay than a potential insured loss.

      Small brokers that go out of business because of widespread theft of client securities would be a SIPC insured event.

      The only open SIPC cases involve Lehman Brothers and Bernie Madoff.

      https://www.sipc.org/cases-and-claims/open-cases/

      Delete
    2. Hum, so FDIC is useful for smaller or newer banks that are well rated but you're not totally confident. But if there's a real run, it's possible to lose quite a bit.

      SIPC only covers to 500k per account category. So best to diversify if you've got more in a brokerage. Something to keep an eye on.

      Instead you can spread out and find out what each broker's shortcomings are :).

      So sweep accounts are no longer cash. So if the company folded you might regain. But if it's a loss due to poor handling, it's a problem. Not good.

      My worry about insurance was that I'm taking chances on a few banks that are well rated, but a bit new or iffy. HMBradley and M1 Finance. (M1 has a different type of setup with auto buying of stocks, that would get my attention if I a much longer horizon.) I'm there for the $500 reward in a month & a half.

      Delete
  10. I guess this is what's pleasing the market:

    "keep the target range for the federal funds rate at 0 to 1/4 percent"

    There's some reduction in money slushing (bond buying) so that could help slow the rates/inflation. Maybe.

    https://www.cnbc.com/2021/12/15/federal-reserve-statement-december-2021-heres-what-changed.html

    -----

    This tweet thread may be entertaining. About the Eastman case, analysis by a lawyer.

    https://mobile.twitter.com/AkivaMCohen/status/1471137431487488018


    All those Meadow's emails are something else. So FOX is exposed as part of the admin. And not in support of the lies they tell publicly.

    All the objections by everyone may be used to show lack of intent for the full violent results on Jan 6th.

    But they also show Trump had plenty of advice to cut it out, i.e. his intent at least once it started. The big question (3 trillion debt question) is whether there'll be consequences for him. Or new law to stop this type of traitor-ism.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Land: As to monthly QE purchases, the guidance is that the purchases may end in March rather than in June 2022, but the FED left itself some leeway: "Beginning in January, the Committee will increase its holdings of Treasury securities by at least $40 billion per month and of agency mortgage‑backed securities by at least $20 billion per month. The Committee judges that similar reductions in the pace of net asset purchases will likely be appropriate each month, but it is prepared to adjust the pace of purchases if warranted by changes in the economic outlook."

    The federal funds rate was kept at zero bound, currently in the 0 to .25% range, usually near the midpoint on a daily basis.

    The FED dropped the word "transitory" to describe inflation. Dinosaurs were also transitory.

    Currently, a clear majority of FED members expect three .25% basis points increases in the FF rate next year, up from 2 in the previous estimate. If done the FF range would be at .875% to 1% before 2023 which is meaningless as a practical matter for the economy. That number comes from the "dot plot" released with the policy statement today.
    https://www.federalreserve.gov/monetarypolicy/fomcprojtabl20211215.htm

    While commentators are calling this response aggressive, the correct characterization would be less ridiculously accommodative. Becoming actually aggressive would freak the Stock Jocks out, but that fear is for a later day.

    Some increase in short term rates will be beneficial to savers who currently have over $11T in savings accounts.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Headshaking -- market isn't reacting like the words on the page.

      Inflation isn't transitory any more in their estimate... and adding more small hikes.

      But the market loves that all they've committed to, is slightly less support and slight baby-sized increase in rates.

      That's good for the market, but the two ideas don't jive (inflation with low rates).

      Oh I get it. There's no place else to go to keep up with inflation. Rates are staying low. So only the market is fluid enough to keep up with economic conditions.

      It's back to TINA but now it's not just low rates, but inflation with them.

      "commentators are calling this response aggressive"
      Seriously? It's like having soft bumpers all around a car, that's driving 5 mph, and increasing to 5 1/2.

      Media's lost me. I just skimmed a CNN article that claims the pandemic is a huge drag on Biden and Boris. As though...we all don't remember the Trump cause of all this. Completely missing that the frustration is on the lack of action to fix the prior admin's violations of...everything.

      Delete
    2. typo: *frustration is on the CURRENT lack of action to fix the prior admin's violations. Not blaming over the pandemic.

      Delete
  12. Total ibond per year is 15k according to this (and someone online who said they did.) Not how I'd read it?

    "Each year, you can purchase up to $10,000 in electronic I bonds at treasurydirect.gov, plus up to $5,000 in paper bonds with your federal tax refund."

    Need to pay excess of 5k to IRS in the month before filing taxes...

    https://www.kiplinger.com/personal-finance/banking/savings/603848/earn-712-with-series-i-bonds

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Land: That is my understanding. I would personally never bother to do the paperwork to buy a paper IBond with my tax refund which I invariably apply to my next year's tax obligation.

      https://www.treasurydirect.gov/indiv/research/faq/faq_irstaxfeature.htm

      Delete
    2. It's till hard to believe there's some gov't program to buy bonds, that depends on the timing of when you submit your return and it's processed. Also that it uses ONLY income tax refund money. Then separately you can convert to online by sending it in.

      The arrangement is so capricious in the bigger scheme.

      Delete
  13. Indices aren't looking good. (Many of my stocks are green.)

    UK raised rates. First bank to. But that's at 10. Noteworthy! Not see what triggered the pullback that was at 11.

    11:30am UK set a record number of new cases.
    Ghislain Maxwell wanted anonymous defense witnesses. They want protection from Maxwell? A strange request.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Land: The 14 day change in U.S. Covid infections is up 40%, so the trend is worrisome even before omicron becomes the dominant variant. There have also been several reports of mass infections at colleges.

      E.G. George Washington University in D.C. reported more than 400 new infections:
      https://www.marketwatch.com/story/george-washington-university-cancels-in-person-events-and-moves-exams-online-following-more-than-400-covid-19-cases-11639596144


      Georgetown, also located in D.C., has the highest positive rate since the pandemic started.

      https://wtop.com/dc/2021/12/georgetown-u-reports-highest-covid-19-positivity-rate-since-pandemic-began/

      The signals being sent by what stocks are moving up and down today are consistent with Covid being the dominant issue. (e.g. ten year treasury yield down currently 2 basis points, packaged food companies up, Covid testing firms up, high multiple stocks down, gold up, utilities up, major drug stocks up, etc)

      I am up as the Stock Jocks rotate into value names and out of high multiple growth stocks.

      The DJIA is up .24%, with a value tilt, while the Nasdaq is down 1.93%.

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    2. I had the news on tonight (Erin Burnett.) It's sounding bad. That 40% was mentioned again.

      At least by CNN's reporting, it's heavily unvaccinated. Including those isolated communities with less easy access such as immigrants.

      I'm flying right at the end of the year. Right in time for this. Was already planning to wear the N95 that kills viruses, and not to eat. Drink through a straw. Planes supposedly recirculate their air every 1/2 hour. So are tested as more safe than grocery stores.

      Right now CNNs covering the CDC's preference not to get J&J's among blood clot risks and less effectiveness. That's got to bite their stock.

      Walmart was a darling in the first round March 2020. It's diving on covid news now.

      My dad's age puts him at risk. His dislike of rules (that's life long) also makes it harder to get him to follow rules. I'm glad I don't have to worry about my mom getting this.

      News is covering ongoing damage from the tornadoes and storm. It sounds big. Glad you missed that.

      -----

      HMBradley changed their rules for getting the 3% already. Luckily I'm set up for them already.

      I've opted to do the M1 Finance and Citibank bonus moves for opening accounts. It's apart of doubling my yield while staying liquid to a whopping 2%.

      It was striking that as covid omiron is raging in UK, they're expecting heating up and rate increases to me needed and inflation to stay. I'd expect slow down. But that's not the assessment.

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  14. VYM's been doing well. Dividend High Yield.

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  15. I have published a new post:

    https://tennesseeindependent.blogspot.com/2021/12/bhb-cduaf-cxp-fbio-ifra-mmm-nomd-qqq.html

    I was up today in my taxable accounts. The largest gain was about $500 in my Schwab account before the third party pricing of my high quality bonds.

    There was, however, a several thousand dollar fade in the total portfolio daily profit number as the day wore on.

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