iShares MSCI USA Minimum Volatility
Latest iShares MSCI USA Minimum Volatility News and Updates
Verizon Best of Top 4 US Wireless Carriers in Network Performance
Verizon commanded the best customer retention rate among the top four carriers in the US in 2Q15.
Verizon’s Focus on Broadband through Wireline
Verizon is managing the secular challenges of the pay-TV space by focusing on its broadband offering in FiOS.
Why UnitedHealth Group Plans to Reduce Its Public Exchange Exposure
Given the high-risk profile of individual exchange enrollments, UnitedHealth Group has decided to offer plans only on a few public exchanges in 2017.
Will VF Corporation’s Vans Brand Spur Higher Growth in 3Q15?
VF Corporation saw sales of $2.5 billion in 2Q15, up 4.7% year-over-year. Its performance was boosted by top brands The North Face, Timberland, and Vans.
USMV: A Passive Smart Beta Fund with Active Management
The iShares MSCI USA Minimum Volatility ETF (USMV) tries to mimic the performance of the MSCI USA Minimum Volatility Index. It includes US stocks with low volatility.
Wireless is Verizon’s Core Focus Area
Wireless is the key segment of Verizon’s business. It generated revenue and EBITDA of ~$22.6 billion and ~$9.9 billion, respectively, in 2Q15.
Why Target Is Focusing on Its Signature Categories to Drive Sales
Target has identified four signature categories it’s concentrating on to provide higher store and web traffic and sales: Baby, Style, Wellness, and Kids.
Target’s Strengths and Weaknesses Are Balanced
Target’s business model has been tested over several economic cycles. Even during the recession in 2008–2009, it managed to raise its dividend per share.
Will Varian Medical Systems’ Sales Decline Again in 1Q18?
According to Wall Street analysts’ estimates, Varian Medical Systems (VAR) will report revenues of $636.8 million in 1Q18, a YoY decline of 16.6%.
How Might BSX’s Delayed LOTUS Edge Impact Its Performance?
According to Boston Scientific, the delay will have no material impact on the company’s fiscal 4Q17 and 2017 results.
What’s Driving BD’s Operating Margin Expansion
Overview BD (BDX) has registered strong operating margin expansion in recent years. Its margin improved by 100 basis points in fiscal 2015 and 200 basis points in fiscal 2016. In fiscal 2017, BD’s margin expanded by ~180 basis points. In 4Q17, BD’s operating margin grew ~14.6% YoY (year-over-year), limited by 700 basis points due to the divestiture of BD’s […]
What’s BD’s Latest News in the Diabetes Management Market?
On September 19, 2017, Becton, Dickinson, and Company (BDX), or BD, introduced a new pen needle for its pen injection devices.
Management Changes at Baxter International: What You Should Know
Baxter International (BAX) has been going through a cost transformation and reorganization process for some time. The initiative includes some leadership and management changes.
Why the US Government Has Been Shut Down Before
A failure to raise the debt ceiling will likely result in a US government shutdown and a default by the US, which would be catastrophic for the global economy and financial markets (VTI) (USMV).
International Monetary Fund Downgrades US Growth Forecast
US growth forecast In its July 23 update to its WEO (World Economic Outlook) report, the IMF (International Monetary Fund) downgraded its US growth forecast. Growth for 2017 has been revised to 2.1% from 2.3%, and to 2.1% from 2.5% in 2018. The IMF’s reasons for the downgrade included lackluster growth in the first quarter and […]
Why Fed’s Yellen Feels Gradual Rate Hikes Are Warranted
The tone of Yellen’s responses before the committee confirmed that the Fed is set to stay its course on monetary tightening, leading to policy normalization.
The S&P 500 Is above 2,400: Will Traders Continue to Buy?
US markets (ITOT) have continued to rise since the US election and have remained in positive territory in the last six months.
Why Charles Evans Thinks It’s Important to Reach Inflation Goals
Charles L. Evans, president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago, said it’s extremely important that the Fed reach its inflation (VTIP) goal.
Your May FOMC Meeting Update
The FOMC has stuck to the script written by markets (SPY) and left interest rates unchanged at its May meeting.
Your Update on the FOMC March Meeting Minutes
The minutes from the FOMC meeting on March 14 and 15 were reported on April 5 and revealed the tone of the conversation among members to be hawkish.
How the Economy and Markets Could React to Tax Reforms
The US Fed has gradually increased interest rates without spooking the fixed income markets and continues to project future hikes.
BD’s Diversified Geographic Footprints: What Will Drive Growth?
Becton Dickinson (BDX) has a diversified presence around the world. The company’s sales contribution in 2016 from the United States, however, rose to 55% from around 50% in 2015.
How Should Fund Investors Approach the US Presidential Election and the Fed’s Impending Rate Hike?
If you’ve reached your investment horizon and have seen substantial gains, it would be wise to liquidate or reallocate to more conservative funds.
Buyback Achievers Strategy Significantly Outperforms Benchmark
Historically, we have seen Buyback does perform very well across all interest rate environments. Looking at the data back to the mid-80s, it does well.
The AlphaDEX® Methodology: The Quintessential Smart Beta Product
So let’s move on to the AlphaDEX suite of products. Walk us through the construction of these products.
What Happens to Minimum Volatility Funds When Volatility Spikes?
The potential for a downside protection and upside participation is how minimum volatility strategies have delivered strong risk-adjusted returns over the long term.
Growth Strategies Driving Varian Medical Systems’ Revenue
Varian Medical Systems has ventured into the proton therapy business and has a huge product pipeline in this area. The company generated approximately $300 million through its proton therapy business in 2015.
Why Bill Gross Thinks the Era of High Returns Is Over
Bill Gross thinks that the era of double-digit stock returns (SCHB) (USMV) and high single-digit investment-grade bond returns is over.
Innovation Drove Baxter’s Hospital Products Sales in 1Q16
Baxter International (BAX) reported ~$2.4 billion in total revenues in 1Q16. Of that, ~$1.5 billion was contributed by the company’s Hospital Products business.
Why Quest Diagnostics’ Five Point Business Strategy Matters in 2016
If Quest Diagnostics succeeds in implementing its five-point business strategy going forward, it should boost the company’s share price and USMV.
Revenue Growth Initiatives Drove LabCorp’s Performance in 1Q16
In 1Q16, LabCorp (LH) reported strong revenue and earnings growth due to the effective implementation of multiple strategic initiatives. LabCorp is the world’s leading healthcare diagnostics company.
Growth of Abbott’s Nutrition Segment Driven by Sales
Abbott Laboratories (ABT) reported ~$5.2 billion of revenues worldwide in 4Q15. Of that, ~$1.8 billion was generated through the company’s Nutrition segment, which accounts for about 35% of Abbott’s total revenues.
Understanding Stryker’s Neurotechnology and Spine Segment
Stryker’s Neurotechnology and Spine segment reported an increase of 5% in net sales in 2014, driven by increased demand for neurotechnology products.
Nike’s Free Cash Flow Outlook and Projected Growth Investments
Nike expects to grow its Free Cash Flow, or FCF, at a faster pace compared to net income over the next five years through fiscal 2020. In fiscal 2015, FCF grew by ~74%.
Analyzing AT&T’s New Segment Reporting Structure
AT&T changed its segment reporting structure. Its new segments are Business Solutions, Entertainment and Internet Services, Consumer Mobility, and International.
Internet Speeds: Verizon versus Select Large Providers
Verizon’s FiOS Internet speeds are compared to those of some key players by using Netflix’s ISP (internet service provider) Speed Index as a measure.
Verizon Sees Demand for Skinny Bundles
Verizon launched its Custom TV service in April. A skinny bundle service, it gives more choices to customers, allowing them to select their TV channels
Sale of Verizon’s Wireline Assets in 3 States Gets FCC Nod
Verizon’s wireline assets in California, Florida, and Texas should significantly expand Frontier Communication’s geographic reach in the US.
USMV: A Strong Performer with Low Risk
Despite having a low-risk approach, USMV has performed strongly over the years, despite having a low-risk approach, thanks to its choice of stocks and indexing method.
AT&T’s Mobility and Business Solutions
In this series, we will look at AT&T’s mobile and wireline strategies, as well as the company’s short- to medium-term guidance.
AT&T’s All in One Plan Offerings
Since the merger, AT&T has extended bundled video and wireless offerings, such as its All in One Plan, which is being offered to DIRECTV and AT&T customers.
AT&T Gets NFL Sunday Ticket from DIRECTV Deal
The DIRECTV (DTV) merger adds some rich sports content to AT&T’s (T) offerings, including NFL Sunday Ticket and several regional sports networks.
AT&T’s Wireless Revenue Shows Low YoY Growth in 2Q15
AT&T’s wireless revenue grew by ~2.1% YoY to ~$18.3 billion during the second quarter.
Verizon’s Postpaid ARPU Is Expected to Fall in 2Q15
Verizon’s estimated postpaid ARPU (average revenue per user) has followed a YoY falling trend since 3Q14. Its postpaid ARPU is expected to fall YoY even in 2Q15.
