Summary This Home Depot Stock Analysis is based on Q3 results reported November 14, 2017 which includes increased diluted EPS guidance to $7.36 which is growth of approximately ~14% from fiscal 2016. It is one of a handful of companies with monster share buyback programs. A $15B share buyback program was authorized in early 2017. [...]
Summary This Paychex stock analysis is based on Q1 2018 result as at August 31, 2017. Paychex is a leading provider of payroll processing, human resources and benefits services. It is expensive at current the current price of ~$64.50. A price in the low $50s or below is more reasonable and is not totally out [...]
Summary Praxair reported strong Q3 2017 results on October 26, 2017 and provided an update on its proposed merger with Linde. The successful completion of the Praxair Linde merger in the 2nd half of 2018 will make the combined entity the largest player in the industry. Air Products reported strong Q4 and FY2017 results from [...]
Summary This Cintas Corporation stock analysis is based on Q1 2018 results released September 26, 2017. Cintas completed the transformative acquisition of one of its largest competitors (G&K Services, Inc.) earlier this year and integration is proceeding as planned. Valuation is stretched with a forward PE of ~27 versus the historical ~20 – 21 level. [...]
Summary This Emerson Electric stock analysis is based on Q4 and FY2017 results released November 7, 2017. FY2017 marks the 3rd year of EMR’s multi-year transformation. EMR has continuously increased its annual dividend for ~60 consecutive years. A $0.02 annual dividend increase announced November 7th marks the 3rd consecutive year with a ~1% increase. A [...]
Summary This Church & Dwight analysis is based on Q3 results released Nov 2nd and its September 7th Barclays Back to School Conference presentation. CHD’s ability to be a serial acquirer is the result of its strong free cash flow. It has tripled its free cash flow to ~$0.6B in a span of 10 years. [...]
Summary This MasterCard stock analysis is based on Q3 2017 results released October 31, 2017 and the September 7, 2017 Investor Day presentation. MA and V are the two highest convictions stocks amongst the ~50 companies in which my wife/I own shares. MA likely gets overlooked by many investors because of its sub 1% dividend [...]
Summary On October 27th Chevron reported Q3 earnings of $2B versus $1.3B in Q3 2016. Results included a $0.675B gain on an asset sale and a $0.22B asset write-off. Q3 sales and other operating revenues were $34B compared to $29B in Q3 2016. In FY2016, CVX indicated its intent to sell $5B - $10B of [...]
Summary On October 27th Exxon Mobil reported estimated Q3 results of $4B ($0.93/diluted share) versus $2.7B a year earlier. YTD cash flow from normal business operations plus $1.7B of asset sales has enabled XOM to support its distributions and funds investments. Investors are wise to hold some oil & gas stocks in their portfolio despite [...]
Summary On October 25th Visa reported strong Q4 and 2017 earnings. Growth was experienced in payments volume, cross-border volume, and processed transactions. V reported a broad list of accomplishments and initiatives in process including the integration of the European operations which is proceeding ahead of plan. While V increased the quarterly dividend ~18% to $0.195/share/quarterly, [...]