PEP

PepsiCo: Rare Opportunity to Buy at a Better Valuation: Part 6

PepsiCo (PEP) is a Dividend Aristocrat, Champion and blue-chip stalwart that has increased its dividend for 46 consecutive years.  Therefore, it should be no surprise that just as we saw with Procter & Gamble in part 5, this blue-chip stalwart has traditionally commanded a higher valuation (earnings multiple) than the average stock.  Over the past …

Suffering Stock Market Stress? Consider This Market with Negligible Volatility and Consistently Rising Values Instead!

Introduction It would be an understatement to call the recent stock market activity turbulent.  High stock price volatility makes investors anxious and some people even become downright frightened.  These emotional responses are often exaggerated for people in or near retirement.  Therefore, I contend that all investors need to find ways to keep their emotions in …

10 Undervalued Dividend Champions For 2016: Be Greedy When Others Are Fearful

Introduction Dividend Champions/Aristocrats are the go-to dividend paying stocks for prudent investors desirous of a safe, predictable and growing stream of income on the common stock portion of their retirement portfolios.  As most investors are aware, in order to be classified as a Dividend Champion/Aristocrat a company must meet the stern test of consecutively increasing their …

Retired Investors Don’t Buy Bonds Until?

Introduction The primary attractions supporting investing in bonds or other fixed income instruments have traditionally been high income and safety.  People invest their principal in bonds and receive a stated interest rate (coupon) over the life of the bond and are given the promise of having their principal returned at maturity.  Under normal times, bonds …

The Best Way to Judge Past Performance: Part Two

Introduction On virtually every financial website on the planet there is a never-ending daily stream of stock tips and recommendations.  Consequently, the investing public is literally flooded with information and advice regarding what stock to buy today or not to buy.  Some of what is offered is supported by factual information and logic, but unfortunately, …

An Important Discussion on the Nuances of Valuation

Can I Have a Hamburger and a Coke?  Sorry, is Pepsi Okay? When I was studying business marketing in college, I was introduced to the concept referred to as the first mover advantage.  In very simple terms, this refers to the advantages of being the first to develop a product and market.  For example, instead …

Trying To Beat The Market Is A Fool’s Errand

Introduction Proponents of indexing as the best investment strategy seemed to take great delight in reporting how the vast majority of professionally managed portfolios (mutual funds, separately managed accounts, hedge funds, ETFs, etc.) fail to outperform the S&P 500.  Therefore, they argue, it is best not to even try.  Investors should simply invest in index …

Are Blue-Chip Consumer Staples Worth Today’s Premium Valuations?

Introduction to the Consumer Staples Sector The Consumer Staples sector consists of companies that provide essential products.  In other words, Consumer Staples are products that people cannot or are unwilling to do without.  As a result of the essential nature of Consumer Staples, there are several attributes that distinguish this sector from most others.  First …