Month: August 2024

Stocks Going Ex Dividend in September 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.

Nike, Inc. (NKE)9/3/20240.371.78%
Bank of America Corporation (BAC)9/6/20240.262.59%
Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (FIS)9/10/20240.361.97%
Macy’s Inc (M)9/13/20240.17374.46%
Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (HRZN)9/16/20240.1111.99%
Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (RCL)9/20/20240.400.96%
Mercer International Inc. (MERC)9/25/20240.0755.03%
Humana Inc. (HUM)9/30/20240.8851.01%

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 owns BAC.

Sky’s the Limit: Investing in the Hottest Stocks Fueling the Space Race

by Fred Fuld III

4 minute read time

The field of space exploration has seen remarkable advances in recent years, driven by a combination of technological innovation, private investment, and renewed interest from governments around the world. From reusable rockets to the development of space-based communication networks, the industry is rapidly evolving, opening up new possibilities for scientific discovery, commercial ventures, and even human settlement beyond Earth.

The rise in space exploration activities has also sparked interest in space-related stocks, offering investors a chance to participate in what many consider the next frontier of human achievement. In this article, we’ll examine some top space exploration stocks—AST SpaceMobile (ASTS), Momentus (MNTS), Rocket Lab USA (RKLB), and Virgin Galactic Holdings (SPCE)—each playing a unique role in the burgeoning space economy.

AST SpaceMobile (ASTS)

AST SpaceMobile, headquartered in Midland, Texas, is at the forefront of developing space-based communication networks. The company’s mission is to build the first space-based cellular broadband network, capable of connecting directly to standard mobile phones without the need for ground-based infrastructure. This groundbreaking technology has the potential to bring high-speed internet access to remote and underserved areas across the globe.

The stock has a $4.7 billion market cap, but generating negative earnings, and falling revenues.

AST SpaceMobile’s BlueWalker 3 test satellite, launched in 2022, represents a significant milestone in the company’s journey to revolutionize global communications. As demand for ubiquitous connectivity continues to grow, AST SpaceMobile is positioned to play a crucial role in expanding internet access worldwide.

Momentus (MNTS)

Momentus, headquartered in San Jose, California, is a space infrastructure company focused on providing in-space transportation and logistics services. The company’s Vigoride spacecraft is designed to transport satellites to their intended orbits after being deployed from a launch vehicle, as well as perform other in-space operations such as satellite repositioning and deorbiting.

Although quarterly revenue growth year-over-year is 752%, the company isn’t generating earnings at this time. However, annual sales growth is up an incredible 933%. The stock has an extremely low market cap of $10 million, and should be considered very speculative.

Momentus aims to address the growing need for flexible and cost-effective space transportation solutions as more small satellites and constellations are launched into orbit. With its innovative technology and strategic partnerships, Momentus is well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing demand for in-space logistics in the new space economy.

Rocket Lab USA (RKLB)

Rocket Lab USA, based in Long Beach, California, is a leader in small satellite launch services, providing reliable and cost-effective access to space for a wide range of customers, including commercial companies, government agencies, and research institutions. The company’s Electron rocket is designed specifically for launching small payloads into low Earth orbit (LEO), and it has successfully completed numerous missions since its first launch in 2017.

Although quarterly revenue growth year-over-year is 71%, the company isn’t generating earnings at this time. The stock has a market cap of $3.26 billion.

Rocket Lab’s advancements in reusable rocket technology and its development of the larger Neutron rocket, which is set to debut in the coming years, demonstrate its commitment to pushing the boundaries of space transportation. Rocket Lab’s ability to deliver rapid and responsive launch services has made it a key player in the growing small satellite market.

Virgin Galactic Holdings (SPCE)

Virgin Galactic Holdings, based in Las Cruces, New Mexico, is a pioneer in the emerging space tourism industry. Founded by Sir Richard Branson, Virgin Galactic aims to make space travel accessible to the public through suborbital flights that offer passengers a few minutes of weightlessness and a breathtaking view of Earth from space. The company’s SpaceShipTwo vehicle has already conducted several successful test flights, and commercial operations are expected to commence in the near future.

The stock is selling for 40% of book value and just 23% of cash. Sales growth year-over year was in excess of 175% and more than 125% quarter-over-quarter. However, the company currently isn’t generating earnings and has a high amount of debt. It has a very low market cap of $186 million.

While space tourism is still in its early stages, Virgin Galactic’s innovative approach and strong brand recognition position it as a leader in this exciting new market. As demand for space experiences grows, Virgin Galactic is poised to play a major role in shaping the future of commercial space travel.

Summary

The companies highlighted in this article—AST SpaceMobile, Momentus, Rocket Lab USA, and Virgin Galactic Holdings—represent some of the most innovative and promising players in the space exploration industry. Each company is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the growing interest in space, whether through propulsion technology, space-based communications, satellite services, in-space logistics, launch capabilities, or space tourism.

These top space stocks offer investors an opportunity to participate in the next great leap forward in human achievement. As advancements in technology continue to drive progress in space exploration, these companies are well-positioned to benefit from the expanding space economy.

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

A Stock That Will Pay You in Real Physical Gold

by Fred Fuld III

4 minute read time

VanEck, a well-known investment management firm, was founded in 1955 by John C. van Eck in New York City. From its inception, the firm focused on offering innovative investment strategies that centered around international markets and commodities, which were not commonly available to U.S. investors at the time. One of the firm’s early milestones came in 1968 when VanEck launched the first international mutual fund in the United States, known as the VanEck International Investors Gold Fund (INIVX). This fund provided exposure to gold-mining companies, anticipating the growing demand for gold investments as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty.

In the following decades, VanEck continued to expand and innovate. In 1985, the firm introduced one of the first emerging markets funds in the U.S., recognizing the growth potential in developing economies. This move further established VanEck’s reputation as a pioneer in offering investment opportunities in less conventional markets. By 1994, the firm had also expanded its offerings to include fixed income with the launch of its first bond mutual fund, broadening its appeal to a wider range of investors.

A significant milestone in VanEck’s history occurred in 2006 when the firm entered the rapidly growing ETF market with the launch of the Market Vectors ETF Trust. These ETFs quickly became some of the most popular in the industry, particularly for their targeted exposure to specific sectors, commodities, and emerging markets. VanEck’s ETFs were recognized for providing investors with access to niche markets that were otherwise difficult to reach, solidifying the firm’s leadership in the ETF space.

By 2011, the Market Vectors Gold Miners ETF (GDX) had become one of the most traded ETFs globally, underscoring VanEck’s expertise and influence in sector-focused ETFs. In 2016, VanEck rebranded its Market Vectors ETFs under the VanEck name, reflecting the firm’s strong identity and reputation in the investment industry.

In recent years, VanEck has been at the forefront of the cryptocurrency and digital assets space, launching cryptocurrency-focused ETFs and mutual funds. The firm has also been active in advocating for the approval of the first Bitcoin ETF in the U.S., although this endeavor has faced regulatory challenges.

Today, VanEck is recognized as a leading global investment management firm, offering a diverse range of investment products, including mutual funds, ETFs, and institutional accounts. The firm remains privately owned, with Jan van Eck, the son of the founder, serving as the current CEO. VanEck’s commitment to innovation and its global reach, with offices in the U.S., Europe, Asia, and Australia, continue to make it a significant player in the investment industry, particularly in areas like commodities, emerging markets, natural resources, gold, and alternative investment strategies.

VanEck has a unique ETF, the VanEck Merk Gold Trust (OUNZ), which allows you to exchange your shares for physical gold.

The stock, founded on May 16 of 2014, is up 18.81% year-to-date and has total net assets of $1.04 billion. The expense ratio is 0.25%. It even has options traded on it.

The official description of the fund is “VanEck Merk®Gold Trust seeks to provide investors with a convenient and cost-efficient way to buy and hold gold through an exchange traded product with the option to take physical delivery of gold.”

This gold trust has three major advantages:

Exchange for Bullion

The VanEck Merk Gold Trust holds its gold bullion in the form of allocated London Bars, offering a unique feature that allows investors to take physical delivery of the gold bullion in exchange for their shares.

Choice of Gold Coins or Bars

To facilitate this delivery, Merk has developed a proprietary process that converts London Bars into gold coins and bars in denominations that meet investors’ preferences.

Non-Taxable Event

Importantly, taking delivery of this gold is not considered a taxable event, as investors are simply taking possession of the gold they already own.

So for investors looking for a way of investing in gold, maybe not ready to take physical possession yet but may in the future, this may be an option worth looking at.

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

Golden Streams: Top Gold Royalty Stocks to Cash In on Precious Metal Gains

by Fred Fuld III

Gold and silver royalty and streaming companies offer a unique way to invest in precious metals. Unlike traditional mining companies, royalty companies provide upfront capital to miners in exchange for a percentage of the revenue or the metal produced from a mine. Streaming companies, on the other hand, provide financing to mining operations in exchange for the right to purchase a percentage of the mine’s production at a predetermined price. These business models allow royalty and streaming companies to benefit from rising metal prices without the operational risks associated with mining, such as production costs and environmental challenges.

The price of gold has been on an upward trend due to several factors, including economic uncertainty, inflation concerns, and geopolitical tensions. Gold is often seen as a safe-haven asset during times of crisis, and with central banks around the world adopting loose monetary policies, the appeal of gold and silver as a hedge against inflation has increased. Additionally, declining real interest rates have made non-yielding assets like gold more attractive to investors. As these factors persist, the price of gold may continue to rise, benefiting companies in the royalty and streaming sectors. In this article, we’ll explore five top gold and silver royalty and streaming stocks—Osisko Gold Royalties (OR), Wheaton Precious Metals (WPM), Royal Gold (RGLD), Franco-Nevada (FNV), and Sandstorm Gold (SAND). Each of these companies has a market capitalization exceeding $1 billion and offers a dividend yield above 1%.

Osisko Gold Royalties (OR)

Osisko Gold Royalties, headquartered in Montreal, Canada, is a leading royalty company focused on precious metals. The company’s flagship asset is its 5% net smelter return royalty on the Canadian Malartic mine, one of the largest gold mines in Canada. Osisko has a diversified portfolio of over 160 royalties and streams, providing it with exposure to a wide range of precious metal projects across North and South America. The company’s strategic focus on low-cost, long-life assets has positioned it well to benefit from rising gold prices.

The stock, which has a low amount of long term debt, trades at 30 times forward earnings. With a market capitalization of over $2 billion and a dividend yield of approximately 1.5%, Osisko Gold Royalties is an attractive option for investors seeking exposure to the gold market.

Wheaton Precious Metals (WPM)

Wheaton Precious Metals, based in Vancouver, Canada, is one of the largest precious metals streaming companies in the world. The company has a diversified portfolio of streams on gold, silver, and palladium mines located in the Americas and Europe. Wheaton’s business model allows it to acquire metals at a fixed cost, providing significant upside potential in a rising price environment. The company’s high-quality assets and strong financial position have made it a leader in the streaming industry.

The company is debt free, has a price to earnings ratio of 46, and a forward P/E of 35. A market capitalization of over $20 billion and a dividend yield of around 1.2%, Wheaton Precious Metals offers a compelling investment opportunity for those looking to benefit from higher precious metal prices.

Royal Gold (RGLD)

Royal Gold, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, is a premier gold royalty and streaming company with a portfolio of over 180 properties across the globe. The company’s portfolio includes some of the most prolific gold mines in the world, including the Mount Milligan mine in Canada and the Peñasquito mine in Mexico. Royal Gold’s focus on high-quality, low-cost assets has allowed it to generate strong cash flows and consistently pay dividends to shareholders.

This company, with no long term debt, has a price to earnings ratio of 36, and a forward P/E of 22. The company’s market capitalization exceeds $8 billion, and it offers a dividend yield of approximately 1.2%. Royal Gold’s diversified portfolio and solid financials make it a top pick in the royalty and streaming space.

Franco-Nevada (FNV)

Franco-Nevada, based in Toronto, Canada, is the largest gold-focused royalty and streaming company in the world. The company has a diverse portfolio of over 400 assets, including gold, silver, and other precious metals, as well as oil and gas interests. Franco-Nevada’s business model is centered around low-risk, high-margin investments that provide long-term cash flow stability. The company’s strong balance sheet and disciplined approach to capital allocation have made it a favorite among investors.

The company is debt free and has a forward P/E of 31. With a market capitalization of over $30 billion and a dividend yield of about 1%, Franco-Nevada is a cornerstone investment for those seeking exposure to gold and silver.

Sandstorm Gold (SAND)

Sandstorm Gold, headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, is a growing gold streaming and royalty company with a portfolio of over 200 assets across the globe. The company has focused on acquiring streams and royalties on early-stage projects with significant exploration potential, providing it with exposure to future growth. Sandstorm’s management team has a strong track record of identifying and investing in high-quality assets, positioning the company for long-term success.

The stock’s trailing P/E is fairly high at 54, but the forward P/E is 34. Sporting a market capitalization of over $1 billion and a dividend yield of approximately 1%, Sandstorm Gold is an emerging player in the royalty and streaming sector.

Summary

As a group, these top gold and silver royalty and streaming stocks—Osisko Gold Royalties, Wheaton Precious Metals, Royal Gold, Franco-Nevada, and Sandstorm Gold—offer investors a unique and low-risk way to gain exposure to the rising prices of precious metals.

With market capitalizations exceeding $1 billion and dividend yields above 1%, these companies provide a combination of stability, income, and growth potential.

Their business models, which focus on acquiring royalties and streams from high-quality assets, position them well to benefit from ongoing economic uncertainty and the continued rise in gold prices. For investors looking to capitalize on the strength of the gold market, these stocks are worth serious consideration.

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

Liquid Assets: The Best Water Utility Stocks to Quench Your Portfolio’s Thirst

by Fred Fuld III

4 Minutes Read Time

The water utility industry is an essential sector within the broader utilities industry, providing one of the most vital resources—clean water—to millions of people across the country. Water utilities, much like their electric counterparts, are known for their stability and reliable dividend payouts, making them an attractive option for income-seeking investors.

In a low-interest-rate environment, dividend-paying utilities become even more appealing as their yields offer a better return compared to bonds and other fixed-income investments. In this article, we’ll focus on four top water utility stocks—American Water Works Co. Inc. (AWK), American States Water Co. (AWR), California Water Service Group (CWT), and Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG). Each of these stocks has a market capitalization exceeding $3 billion and offers a dividend yield of over 2%.

American Water Works Co. Inc. (AWK)

American Water Works Co. Inc., headquartered in Camden, New Jersey, is the largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility in the United States. Serving more than 14 million people in 24 states, American Water Works has a vast and diversified customer base. The company’s focus on operational efficiency, infrastructure investment, and regulatory compliance has helped it achieve steady growth over the years.

With a market capitalization exceeding $27 billion, American Water Works is a leader in the industry. The company’s strong financial performance is complemented by a dividend yield of around 2%, making it a reliable choice for income-focused investors.

The stock has a trailing price to earnings ratio of 29 and a forward P/E of 25.

American States Water Co. (AWR)

American States Water Co., based in San Dimas, California, provides water and electricity services to customers in California and through its subsidiary, Golden State Water Company. With a history dating back to 1929, American States Water has a long track record of stability and consistent dividend payments. The company’s regulated water utility operations are its primary revenue driver, serving approximately 260,000 customers across the state.

American States Water has a market capitalization of over $3 billion and offers a dividend yield of over 2.2%. The company’s commitment to sustainable water management and infrastructure development positions it well for long-term growth.

The stock has a trailing price to earnings ratio of 28 and a forward P/E of 24.

California Water Service Group (CWT)

California Water Service Group, headquartered in San Jose, California, is the third-largest publicly traded water utility in the United States. The company provides water utility services to approximately 2 million people across California, Washington, New Mexico, and Hawaii. California Water Service Group is known for its customer-centric approach and dedication to maintaining high water quality standards.

The company’s market capitalization is over $3.5 billion, and it offers a dividend yield of more than 2.1%. California Water Service Group’s ongoing investments in infrastructure and water conservation efforts underscore its commitment to long-term sustainability and growth.

The stock has a trailing price to earnings ratio of 17 and a forward P/E of 22.

Essential Utilities Inc. (WTRG)

Essential Utilities Inc., formerly known as Aqua America, is a water and natural gas utility company based in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. Essential Utilities serves more than 5 million customers across 10 states, making it one of the largest water utilities in the country. The company’s strategic acquisitions and investments in infrastructure have driven its growth and expansion.

Essential Utilities has a market capitalization exceeding $11 billion and offers a dividend yield of over 3%. The company’s diversified utility operations, coupled with its focus on environmental stewardship, make it a strong contender in the water utility sector.

The stock has a trailing price to earnings ratio of 19 and a forward P/E of 18.

Summary

As a group, these top water utility stocks—American Water Works, American States Water, California Water Service Group, and Essential Utilities—offer a compelling combination of stability, income, and growth potential. With moderately favorable earnings ratios, market caps over $3 billion, and dividend yields above 2%, they are well-positioned to provide reliable returns in a low-interest-rate environment. These companies’ focus on infrastructure investment, sustainability, and regulatory compliance ensures their long-term viability and growth. For investors seeking to add high-quality water utility stocks to their portfolios, these four companies are worth serious consideration.

Disclosure: Author owns CWT.

Get a Charge Out of Electric Utility Stocks

by Fred Fuld III

The electric utility industry is a cornerstone of the global economy, providing essential services that power homes, businesses, and industries. These companies are typically characterized by their stability and consistent dividend payments, making them a popular choice among income-seeking investors. In particular, dividend-paying utilities tend to benefit from lower interest rates, as their relatively high yields become more attractive compared to bonds and other fixed-income investments. In this article, we’ll examine five top electric utility stocks—Avangrid Inc. (AGR), Evergy Inc. (EVRG), Exelon Corp. (EXC), NorthWestern Energy Group Inc. (NWE), and Portland General Electric Co. (POR). Each of these stocks boasts a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of less than 20, a forward P/E ratio of under 15, and a dividend yield of over 3%.

Avangrid Inc. (AGR)

Avangrid Inc. is a diversified energy and utility company headquartered in Orange, Connecticut. It operates through two primary business segments: Networks and Renewables. The Networks segment provides electric and gas distribution services to customers in New York and New England, while the Renewables segment is a leader in wind and solar energy generation in the United States. Avangrid’s commitment to renewable energy positions it well for growth, especially as the world shifts towards cleaner energy sources. The company’s P/E ratio and forward P/E ratio indicate it is attractively valued, and with a dividend yield exceeding 4%, it provides a solid income stream for investors. Quarterly revenue growth year-over-year increased by over 19% while earnings per share skyrocketed by more than 98%.

Evergy Inc. (EVRG)

Evergy Inc., based in Kansas City, Missouri, serves approximately 1.6 million customers in Kansas and Missouri. The company was formed through the merger of Westar Energy and Great Plains Energy in 2018, creating a significant regional utility player. Evergy is focused on modernizing its grid infrastructure and increasing its investment in renewable energy. The company’s stable cash flows and commitment to returning capital to shareholders are reflected in its strong dividend yield of over 3.5%. With a forward P/E ratio below 15, Evergy offers both value and income potential. Quarterly sales grew by 3% but earnings tanked by over 13%, but are expected to grow by 6.4% next year.

Exelon Corp. (EXC)

Exelon Corp., headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, is one of the largest utility holding companies in the United States. It operates through several subsidiaries, providing electricity to millions of customers across Illinois, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and other states. Exelon’s diverse energy mix includes nuclear, natural gas, wind, and solar power, making it a leader in low-carbon electricity generation. The company has a strong track record of operational excellence and financial stability, with a P/E ratio under 20 and a forward P/E ratio under 15, indicating its shares are reasonably priced. Exelon’s dividend yield, hovering around 3.5%, adds to its appeal for income-focused investors. Quarterly revenue growth year-over-year went up by over 11% while earnings per share jumped about 30%.

NorthWestern Energy Group Inc. (NWE)

NorthWestern Energy Group Inc. provides electricity and natural gas to customers in Montana, South Dakota, and Nebraska. The company, headquartered in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, has a strong regional presence and a focus on serving rural communities. NorthWestern Energy is known for its consistent performance and steady dividend payouts, which currently yield over 4%. The company’s P/E and forward P/E ratios suggest it is undervalued relative to its earnings potential, making it an attractive option for investors seeking both growth and income.

Portland General Electric Co. (POR)

Portland General Electric Co., based in Portland, Oregon, is an integrated electric utility that serves residential, commercial, and industrial customers in the Portland metropolitan area. The company has been a leader in transitioning to renewable energy, with a significant portion of its electricity generated from hydroelectric, wind, and solar sources. Portland General Electric’s strategic focus on sustainability and innovation has positioned it well for future growth. The company offers a dividend yield of over 3.5% and trades at a forward P/E ratio below 15, making it a compelling choice for value-oriented investors.

Summary

As a group, these top electric utility stocks—Avangrid, Evergy, Exelon, NorthWestern Energy, and Portland General Electric—offer a combination of value, income, and growth potential. With solid ratios and yields, they present attractive opportunities for investors seeking stability and reliable income in a low-interest-rate environment. Moreover, their focus on renewable energy and infrastructure modernization positions them well for long-term growth as the world transitions towards cleaner energy solutions. For those looking to add high-quality utility stocks to their portfolios, these five companies are worth considering.

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