Month: March 2024

Acquisitional Wealth: A Game-Changer for Financial Freedom

by Fred Fuld III

It is rare that I read a book cover-to cover. This is one of them.

Josh Tolley’s Acquisitional Wealth: The Fastest, Most Proven Way to Create Life-Changing Prosperity is a breath of fresh air in the personal finance genre. Forget the slow slog of traditional wealth-building advice. This book cuts to the chase, revealing the power of acquisition as the key to financial transformation.

Tolley argues convincingly that the wealthy have known this secret for ages, and Acquisitional Wealth unlocks it for you. The book lays out a clear, actionable plan for acquiring businesses, not just any businesses, but those primed for growth and profitability.

Here’s what truly impressed me:

  • Simple Yet Powerful: The core concept is deceptively simple, focusing on acquisition over time-consuming ventures like stock picking. But the practical steps to find and evaluate businesses are well-explained.
  • Actionable Strategies: Tolley doesn’t just provide theory. He offers a roadmap, complete with resources and guidance, to put his ideas into action.
  • Mindset Shift: This book is more than just strategies. It’s about challenging limiting beliefs and approaching wealth-building with a new perspective.

I like the fact that he goes into great detail without being boring. For example, after you buy a business and have your first meeting with the employees, he even tells you what type of food to serve at the meeting.

Whether you’re a complete novice or a seasoned investor, Acquisitional Wealth has something to offer. It’s not a get-rich-quick scheme, but a realistic and empowering path to financial independence.

If you’re ready to ditch the slow lane and take control of your financial future, this book is a must-read.

 

   

  

 

This page contains Amazon Affiliate links.

Stocks Going Ex Dividend in April 2024

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

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

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

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

New York Times Company (NYT)4/1/20240.131.19%
JP Morgan Chase & Co.  (JPM)4/4/20241.152.35%
Verizon Communications Inc.  (VZ)4/9/20240.6656.51%
American Eagle Outfitters, Inc.  (AEO)4/11/20240.1252.02%
Williams-Sonoma, Inc. (WSM)4/18/20241.131.47%
Krispy Kreme, Inc.  (DNUT)4/23/20240.0350.81%
Heineken N.V ADR (HEINY)4/29/20240.4535981.96%

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

Dividend Definitions

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

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

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

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

Disclosure: Author did not own any of the above at the time the article was written.

Unveiling Cathie Wood’s Top Stock Picks: Insights into ARK’s Portfolio

Cathie Wood, born Catherine Duddy Wood in 1955, is a prominent American investor and the founder, CEO, and CIO of ARK Investment Management, LLC. With a career spanning over three decades, Wood has become known for her pioneering work in thematic investing strategies. Before founding ARK in 2014, she co-founded Tupelo Capital Management, a hedge fund that managed approximately $800 million in global thematic investments.

Wood’s investment philosophy revolves around identifying disruptive innovation and investing in companies at the forefront of technological advancements. She gained widespread attention for her bold investment strategies and has been dubbed by some as the “Queen of the Bull Market”. 

ARK Investment Management focuses on capturing disruptive innovation in the public equity markets, offering investment solutions such as ETFs, mutual funds, managed accounts, model portfolios, and UCITS . ARK’s investment approach combines top-down and bottom-up research to identify innovation early and capitalize on opportunities.

ARK Invest gained prominence for its active management of thematic ETFs, notably the ARK Innovation ETF (ARKK). ARKK seeks long-term growth of capital by investing in companies at the forefront of disruptive innovation. The firm’s investment strategy encompasses innovative sectors such as artificial intelligence, genomics, fintech, and autonomous technology.

Regarding specific stocks, Wood has made bold predictions regarding Tesla’s (TSLA) stock price. Expressing optimism about Tesla’s future growth potential and has set ambitious price targets. Wood and her team at ARK Invest have a long-term price target of $2,000 for Tesla’s stock. Additionally, she has suggested that Tesla could potentially be worth more than $6,000 per share by 2027. Wood’s predictions are based on her belief in Tesla’s ability to dominate the market for “robotaxis” and the company’s potential to revolutionize various industries. Despite fluctuations in Tesla’s stock price, Wood remains optimistic about its long-term prospects and continues to invest in the company.

Price to Book Ratio: 8.69

PEG Ratio: 3.85

PE Ratio: 39.70

Price to Sales Ratio: 6.62

Forward PE Ratio: 42.48

ARK has invested in UiPath Inc. (PATH), a leading enterprise automation software company. As of the latest available data, UiPath is listed among ARK’s top holdings. This investment reflects ARK’s strategy of seeking opportunities in companies driving technological advancements and innovation in various sectors. UiPath’s position in ARK’s portfolio underscores its potential for long-term growth and disruption in the automation and robotics space.

Price to Book Ratio: 6.64

PEG Ratio: NA

PE Ratio: NA

Price to Sales Ratio: 9.94

Forward PE Ratio: 33.88

ARK has been notably bullish on Square Inc. (SQ), a financial services and mobile payment company. While specific details about ARK’s investment in Square may vary over time due to market fluctuations and portfolio adjustments, Square has been a significant holding in ARK’s portfolio. ARK has expressed confidence in Square’s potential for growth, particularly through its Cash App, which ARK believes could become a leading global consumer financial services provider.

Price to Book Ratio: 2.66

PEG Ratio: 240.39

PE Ratio: 13925.86

Price to Sales Ratio: 2.27

Forward PE Ratio: 18.95

ARK has been actively involved in investing in Roku Inc. (ROKU). According to SEC filings, ARK Investment Management LLC has periodically adjusted its holdings in Roku, indicating interest in the company. For instance, in December 2023, ARK reduced its stake in Roku by 12.7% during the third quarter of that year. Additionally, an SC 13G/A filing in January 2024 revealed that ARK Investment Management LLC held a 7.62% beneficial ownership in Roku Inc. While specific details about ARK’s current investment strategy and outlook for Roku may vary, these filings indicate ARK’s ongoing interest and activity in the company.

Price to Book Ratio: 3.92

PEG Ratio: NA

PE Ratio: NA

Price to Sales Ratio: 2.62

Forward PE Ratio: NA

ARK has shown interest in investing in Zoom Video Communications Inc. (ZM). In August 2023, Wood’s Ark Investment Management LLC funds acquired an additional 122,831 shares of Zoom, indicating a bullish stance on the company. Additionally, in June 2023, ARK funds purchased 53,958 shares of Zoom Video Communications, valued at $3.8 million. While specific details about ARK’s current investment strategy and outlook for Zoom may vary, these acquisitions suggest a positive sentiment toward the company.

Price to Book Ratio: 2.53

PEG Ratio: 21.41

PE Ratio: 32.11

Price to Sales Ratio: 4.48

Forward PE Ratio: 13.12

Wood is also known for her bullish predictions on Bitcoin’s price and has reiterated her belief that Bitcoin could reach $1.5 million by 2030. Wood’s optimistic outlook stems from her conviction in Bitcoin’s disruptive potential and its role as a hedge against inflation and currency debasement. She has previously stated that the base case for Bitcoin is $600,000, with a bullish case of $1.5 million by 2030. Wood’s predictions have drawn attention in the cryptocurrency space, with some investors closely monitoring her forecasts as they assess Bitcoin’s long-term potential. She continues to advocate for Bitcoin as a significant investment opportunity and a hedge against traditional financial risks.Bitcoin is currently priced above $60,000.

As a testament to her success, Wood has received numerous accolades and recognition for her contributions to the investment industry. She continues to actively manage ARK’s investment portfolios while also sharing her insights through various media appearances and presentations. She remains a key figure in the world of finance, admired for her innovative approach and dedication to disruptive technologies.

Throughout her career, Wood has demonstrated a keen ability to identify emerging trends and capitalize on them, leading to impressive returns for ARK’s investors. Despite occasional periods of volatility, she remains steadfast in her conviction about the long-term potential of innovation-driven companies. Wood’s influence extends beyond the financial world, as she is seen as a thought leader in innovation and technology investing.

Disclosure: Author had no positions in any of the above at the time the article was written.

Stay ahead of the game and subscribe to our newsletter now to unlock the hottest investment opportunities!

Subscribe Here

Exploring the Insights of Bill Ackman: A Deep Dive into Pershing Square Capital Management

Bill Ackman, born on May 11, 1966, stands as a prominent figure in the realm of American finance, renowned for his multifaceted roles as an investor, hedge fund manager, and philanthropist. 

Ackman was born to a family where his father served as a mortgage financier and his mother held a prestigious position in New York. His academic pursuits led him to Harvard University, where he excelled, graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of Arts in 1988, followed by further studies at Harvard Business School for his MBA.

Embarking on his professional career, Ackman established Pershing Square Capital Management, positioning himself as its CEO. He achieved widespread recognition for his investment approach, characterized by substantial stakes in companies and assertive calls for organizational reform. 

Pershing Square Holdings, Ltd., operating under the laws of Guernsey, stands as a cornerstone in the investment realm, meticulously managed by Bill Ackman’s Pershing Square Capital Management. Ackman’s adept oversight has propelled the firm’s assets to soar into the billions, solidifying its stature as a leading investment vehicle. In a strategic move to broaden its investor base, Pershing Square recently unveiled a new fund tailored to entice retail investors across the United States, marking a pivotal step in its growth trajectory.

While initial plans to list its hedge fund publicly in the U.S. were shelved, Pershing Square Holdings remains unwavering in its commitment to navigating the intricate investment landscape, ensuring its enduring influence. With forward-thinking strategies, Pershing Square Holdings continues to shape the future of finance, offering unparalleled opportunities for investors worldwide.

Here are three stocks in the Pershing Square Capital Management portfolio.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG)

Ackman’s interest in Chipotle dates back to at least 2016 when Pershing Square first invested in the company. Chipotle has remained a significant holding in Pershing Square’s portfolio, representing a substantial portion of their assets. While there have been instances of Pershing Square reducing its stake in Chipotle, as reported in 2020, the fast-casual restaurant chain continues to be one of their key investments. Currently, Chipotle Mexican Grill holds a significant position in Pershing Square’s portfolio, valued at approximately $2.27 billion, making it their largest holding at 23.68% of their stock portfolio.

Price to Book Ratio: 7.66

PEG Ratio: 2.69

PE Ratio: 62.16

Price to Sales Ratio: 6.40

Forward PE Ratio: 42.57

Alphabet Inc: (GOOG) (GOOG)

In the third quarter of 2023, Pershing Square nearly doubled its ownership of Alphabet’s Class A shares. As of the end of 2023, Alphabet’s Class A and Class C shares combined constituted 18.5% of Pershing Square’s portfolio assets. Ackman’s investment in Alphabet aligns with his strategy, as he has made significant gains, with estimates suggesting profits of approximately $370 million from his Alphabet investment.

Price to Book Ratio: 6.25

PEG Ratio: 1.27

PE Ratio: 24.49

Price to Sales Ratio: 5.75

Forward PE Ratio: 18.11

Universal Music Group N.V. (UNVGY)

His interest in Universal Music Group dates back to at least 2021 when Pershing Square acquired 7.1% of Universal Music from Vivendi for $2.8 billion, with an option to buy an additional 2.9%. Ackman’s bullish stance on Universal Music Group continued, as evidenced by Pershing Square’s ownership of 105,325,592 shares in Universal Music Group N.V. by the end of 2022. Additionally, Ackman’s involvement in Universal Music Group extends to his nomination as a director on the board of the company. Ackman’s optimism about Universal Music Group’s prospects is underscored by Pershing Square’s continued bullish stance on the company, considering its stock to be trading at a discount to its intrinsic value. The stock trades Over-the-Counter in the U.S.

Trailing P/E: 42.69

Forward P/E: 27.86

PEG Ratio: 2.66

Price/Sales: 4.62

Price/Book: 19.45

Ackman’s endeavors extend beyond financial markets, with his philanthropic endeavors garnering significant attention, showcasing his commitment to various causes and charitable organizations. As a testament to his financial acumen, Ackman’s net worth is currently estimated at a staggering $3.4 billion.

Disclosure: Author had no positions in any of the above at the time the article was written.

Stay ahead of the game and subscribe to our newsletter now to unlock the hottest investment opportunities!

Subscribe Here

Unveiling Warren Buffett’s Time-Tested High-Yield Stocks

by Fred Fuld III

Warren Buffett, renowned as the Oracle of Omaha, is celebrated for his long-term investment strategy, which often centers around high-quality, dividend-paying stocks in the Berkshire Hathaway (BRK-A) (BRK-B) portfolio. While Buffett’s portfolio encompasses a diverse array of investments, several high-yield stocks have consistently stood out. Listed below are three of his highest yielding stocks in his portfolio. 

Kraft Heinz Company (KHC)

The dividend yield for The Kraft Heinz Company (KHC) stands at 4.59%. With a payout ratio of 68.83%, close to 69% of KHC’s earnings are disbursed to shareholders through dividends. KHC’s annual dividend payout amounts to $1.60 per share. The Price to Book ratio is an excellent 0.86, and the Price to Sales ratio is right in the mid range at 1.71, but the Price to Earnings Growth ratio (PEG ratio) is on the high side at 3.55. The stock makes up 3.47% of Berkshire’s total portfolio.

The ex-dividend date for The Kraft Heinz Company (KHC) is March 7, 2024. Investors purchasing shares on or after this date will not qualify for the upcoming dividend payment. The company follows a quarterly dividend payment schedule, with the next distribution planned for March 29, 2024. 

CLICK HERE FOR DIVIDEND HISTORY

Coca-Cola Company (KO)

The dividend yield for The Coca-Cola Company (KO) currently stands at 3.26%. With a payout ratio of 74.22%, approximately three-quarters of KO’s earnings are allocated to shareholders in the form of dividends. Coke’s annual dividend payout amounts to $1.94 per share. The Price to Book ratio is on the very high side at 9.88. The Price to Sales ratio is also very high at 5.56, along with the Price to Earnings Growth ratio (PEG ratio) at 3.88. The stock currently makes up 6.79% of Warren Buffett’s total portfolio.

The ex-dividend date for The Coca-Cola Company (KO) is March 14, 2024. Investors purchasing shares on or after this date will not qualify for the forthcoming dividend payment. The company follows a quarterly dividend payment schedule, with the next distribution scheduled for April 1, 2024. 

CLICK HERE FOR DIVIDEND HISTORY

Chevron Corporation (CVX)

The dividend yield for Chevron Corporation (CVX) currently sits at 4.35%. CVX has a payout ratio of 53.05%. Slightly more than half of CVX’s earnings are allocated to shareholders in the form of dividends The annual dividend payout amounts to a whopping $6.52 per share. The Price to Book ratio is a reasonable 1.74. The Price to Sales ratio is right in the mid range at 1.41, but the Price to Earnings Growth ratio (PEG ratio) is on the low side at an excellent 0.81. The company represents 5.41% of Berkshire Hathaway’s total portfolio.

The ex-dividend date for Chevron Corporation (CVX) is February 15, 2024. Investors purchasing shares on or after this date will not qualify for the upcoming dividend payment. The company follows a quarterly dividend payment schedule, with the next distribution planned for March 11, 2024. 

CLICK HERE FOR DIVIDEND HISTORY

Overall, high-yield stocks play a crucial role in income generation, portfolio diversification, and long-term wealth accumulation strategies, making them important considerations for investors with varying financial goals and risk tolerances.

Remember, as a rule of thumb, if the P/B ratio, the P/S ratio, and the PEG ratio, is below one, that is good, if it is between one and two is considered average, and above two, it may be on the high side. Some of these ratios may be irrelevant for high growth stocks.

Stay ahead of the game and subscribe to our newsletter now to unlock the hottest investment opportunities!

Subscribe Here 

Taylor Swift Stock Index: A Great Performer

by Fred Fuld III

Taylor Swift, the name synonymous with chart-topping hits and captivating performances, has also quietly built herself into a savvy business mogul. Her journey extends far beyond the recording studio, encompassing strategic branding, fan engagement mastery, and a fierce fight for artistic ownership.

Taylor Swift’s success goes beyond just being a talented musician. Here are some of her notable business decisions that have contributed to her empire:

1. Reclaiming her music: Swift’s decision to re-record her first six albums was a bold move. While motivated by a desire to own her masters, it also proved to be a successful business strategy. The re-recordings, titled “Taylor’s Versions,” topped charts and reminded fans of her music, leading to increased sales and streaming.

2. Strategic partnerships: Swift has partnered with various brands like Diet Coke and Apple Music, creating mutually beneficial campaigns. These partnerships not only generate revenue but also expand her reach and connect her with new audiences.

3. Building a strong brand: From her signature songwriting style to her nostalgic album themes, Swift has built a strong and consistent brand identity. This allows her to connect deeply with her fans (affectionately called “Swifties”) and fosters a sense of community around her music.

4. Mastering fan engagement: Swift’s social media presence and interaction with fans are legendary. Through online interactions, surprise appearances, and Easter eggs in her music and videos, she fosters a loyal and engaged fanbase, which translates into success in ventures like tours and merchandise sales.

5. Utilizing technology: Swift’s embrace of technology has been crucial. She understands the evolving music landscape and leverages streaming platforms, online exclusives, and digital marketing strategies effectively.

6. Advocating for artists’ rights: Swift has been a vocal advocate for artists’ ownership of their work, influencing industry conversations and inspiring other musicians to fight for their rights. This not only benefits her personally but also contributes to a fairer music industry for all creators.

These are just a few examples of Taylor Swift’s successful business decisions. Her combination of artistic talent, business acumen, and dedication to her fans has made her a true force to be reckoned with in the music industry and beyond.

Six months ago, I wrote about how the Taylor Swift stock index as outperformed the S&P 500. Her index is made up of the publicly traded companies that Swift is a spokesperson for, such as Coca-Cola (KO) and Apple (AAPL).

Her index is up over 319% during the last ten years, versus 261% for the S&P 500, based on the SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY).

Swift’s boyfriend, Travis Kelce, has done a ton of celebrity sponsorships. It will be interesting to see how well his index does. Subscribe to our newsletter so you will be notified when it is available.

Disclosure: Author owns AAPL and has a short SPY position.

How to Spot Potential Short Squeeze Opportunities on the NASDAQ

Ever found yourself shorting a stock only to see a sudden spike, prompting an urgent need to cover your position as soon as possible?

What happened was called a Short Squeeze. Even the most seasoned traders have experienced this phenomenon. But do they really know what happened? 

A short squeeze happens when a heavily shorted stock has a shape increase in buying volume causing short sellers to close out their positions, which drives the prices higher from the covers. As you have read in a previous article about NYSE Squeezes, NASDAQ is home to many short squeezes as well. 

The most famously known NASDAQ short squeeze is GameStop (GME) in 2021. GameStock is a brick and mortar gaming merchandise retailer that had declining sales, which caused investors to heavily short the stock. GameStop had more shares sold short than the total number of shares available for trading (a situation known as a “short interest”). 

A group of retail investors on the Reddit forum r/WallStreetBets noticed that GameStop was heavily shorted and began buying the stock which started driving up the stock price. As the aggressive buying started to surge, this put pressure on the short sellers to cover their positions (buying back at higher prices to limit the losses). 

The unprecedented surge in GameStop’s stock price caused extreme volatility and attracted widespread media attention. The GameStop short squeeze had significant repercussions in the financial markets, leading to losses for some hedge funds that had heavily shorted the stock and prompting scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers. It also sparked a broader interest in retail trading and the democratization of investing. 

Some traders utilize this situation by looking for stocks to buy that may have a potential short squeeze. Here is what a short squeeze trader should take into consideration:

Short Percentage of Float refers to the proportion of shares held short divided by the total float, where the float represents freely tradable shares. A short percentage exceeding 10% to 20% is typically regarded as high and may indicate potential short squeeze opportunities.

The Short Ratio, also known as Days to Cover or Short Interest Ratio, is a crucial metric in identifying potential short squeeze opportunities. It represents the number of days it would take for short sellers to buy back their positions based on the average daily trading volume of shares. This ratio is significant because it indicates the level of difficulty short sellers face when attempting to cover their positions without significantly impacting the stock price. However, for short sellers, a higher number of days to cover implies a greater and more prolonged squeeze, increasing their potential losses.

Short Percentage Increase refers to the percentage growth in the number of short sellers compared to the preceding month.

The following are some heavily shorted NASDAQ stocks that may be worth considering for a short squeeze.

CompanyCompany SymbolShort InterestShort % ChangeShort Interest Ratio
Novavax IncNVAX41.58%5%6.4
Beyond Meat IncBYND37.86%1%7.8
Immunitybio IncIBRX36.07%7%11.4
Upstart Holdings IncUPST35.63%-11%2.6
Luminar Technologies IncLAZR35.28%13%11.6
Prime Medicine IncPRME34.06%-7%3.9
Blink Charging CoBLNK32.27%-1%2.3

The first stock on the list, Novavax Inc (NVAX) has over 41% of its float shorted, an increase of 5% over last month. The short interest ratio is 6.4, which means that it would take the short sellers over six days to cover their position, based on recent average volume. Take a look at the chart below, you can see increased volume in the past few days…

The second stock on the list, Beyond Meat Inc. (BYND) has over 37% of its float shorted, an increase of 1% over last month. The short interest ratio is 7.8, which means that it would take the short sellers over seven days to cover their position, based on recent average volume. As you can see here, it looks like BYND may have been squeezed.

The last stock on the list, Blink Charging Co. (BLNK) has over 32% of its float shorted, an decrease of 1% over last month. The short interest ratio is 2.3, which means that it would take the short sellers over two days to cover their positions, based on recent average volume. 

Although a stock may exhibit favorable ratios and attract significant short interest, it’s crucial to recognize that these factors alone do not guarantee an upward movement in its price, particularly in a bear market. Additionally, high levels of short interest in a stock could signal underlying issues or concerns that have prompted investors to bet against its performance.

Don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter in order to become aware of the latest investment opportunities.

Disclosure: Author had no positions in any of the above at the time the article was written.