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ConsumerHow to Invest Like Jeff Bezos: The Top Three Sectors to Watch
Jeff Bezos’s primary focus remains his role as the CEO of Amazon, but he’s made investments in many other industries and companies.
Company & Industry OverviewsGeneral Electric’s Transportation Business Has Been Sluggish
General Electric’s (GE) Transportation segment manufactures trains, marine diesel engines, and mining equipment.
Macroeconomic AnalysisManufacturing Workers’ Hours Slipped to 42.2 in May
The ISM manufacturing (VIS) index was close to the March high of 60.8 and was reported at 58.7 in June.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhy Fitch Lowered Its Rating on General Electric
On June 14, Fitch downgraded the long-term IDR (issuer default ratings) for General Electric (GE) and GE Capital to an “A” rating from an “A+” rating.
Company & Industry OverviewsHoneywell’s Debt Continues to Soar: Should Investors Worry?
Honeywell’s (HON) debt, which has been rising for the past five years, doubled between 2013 and 2017.
Macroeconomic AnalysisAre New Tax Rules Helping Capex Spending by Industries?
As per the latest Conference Board LEI report, the core capital goods orders for April were valued at $39.1 billion as compared to the downward revised March reading of $39.0 billion.
Macroeconomic AnalysisWhat Led to the Decline of the ISM New Orders Index in April?
The ISM New Order Index for April was reported at 61.2, which represented the fourth consecutive monthly decline for the index.
Earnings ReportWhat’s Helping Berkshire’s Manufacturing Segment
Currently, Berkshire has stakes in chemicals, metals, agriculture, and other industrials.
Earnings ReportWhat Boosted 3M’s Safety and Graphics Segment Revenue in 1Q18?
3M’s (MMM) Safety and Graphics segment accounted for 21.5% of overall revenue in 1Q18 compared to 20.2% in 1Q17.
Earnings ReportHoneywell’s Aerospace Revenue Flies High
Honeywell International’s (HON) Aerospace segment is the company’s most significant revenue contributor.
Macroeconomic AnalysisWhy US Manufacturing Activity Fell in March
The manufacturing sector continues to expand despite the minor drop recorded in March.
Earnings ReportBerkshire Hathaway’s Manufacturing Biz Could Expand in 2018
Berkshire Hathaway’s (BRK.B) investments in manufacturing could yield results amid the push for the sector by the Trump administration in recent quarters.
Macroeconomic AnalysisWhat Are the Reasons behind Improved Projections for US GDP?
Policy changes announced in the last six months may have led to the increased projection for economic growth.
Company & Industry OverviewsDeere’s Stock Performance in 2018
In 2018, Deere’s (DE) stock performance has been muted.
Macroeconomic AnalysisWhat to Make of the January Decline in ISM New Orders Index
This ISM New Order Index is a diffusion index, and the respondents are asked to rate the conditions of their industry as either good or bad.
Macroeconomic AnalysisWhat Drove the ISM New Orders Index to a 13-Year High?
The ISM publishes a monthly manufacturing report on changes in new orders, supplier deliveries, inventories, production, and employment.
Macroeconomic AnalysisWhat Boosted Durable Goods Orders to a 7-Year High in 2017?
Durable goods orders rose 2.9% in December, closing 2017 at a high.
Earnings ReportCan Honeywell’s 4Q17 Earnings Beat Estimates?
Honeywell (HON) is expected to post earnings per share (or EPS) of $1.84 in 4Q17, an increase of 37.3% on a year-over-year basis.
Earnings ReportAnalysts’ Views and Recommendations on 3M ahead of 4Q17 Earnings
The number of analysts tracking 3M in the past three months has been reduced to 14.
Earnings ReportBerkshire’s Manufacturing Could Gain Traction
Manufacturing growth Berkshire Hathaway’s (BRK.B) manufacturing investments have reaped benefits over the past few quarters, backed by portfolio additions Duracell and Precision Castparts. The division has continued to strengthen and will likely benefit from reforms such as tax rate cuts. Players in the manufacturing space will likely garner larger market share, at least in the interim, due to cost competitiveness. In 4Q17, the […]
Company & Industry OverviewsHow 3M’s Short Interest Is Trending
MMM’s stock price reached an all-time high on November 30, 2017, with an RSI (or relative strength index) of 76, which indicates that the stock has moved into an overbought position temporarily.
Macroeconomic AnalysisHow the Recent Tax Cuts Could Affect Industries’ Investments
Non-defense capital goods drop in November Non-defense capital goods orders exclude aircraft and defense purchases. The US Census Bureau releases a monthly report that tracks new orders for machinery, tools, and equipment for US industries. Defense and aircraft (ITA) orders are excluded from this report because they are usually large and distort the monthly reading. […]
Macroeconomic AnalysisAnalyzing the Institute of Supply Management’s New Orders Index
The Institute of Supply Management’s New Orders Index The ISM’s (Institute of Supply Management) New Orders Index is a monthly report on changes in new orders, supplier deliveries, inventories, production, and employment. New orders are a measure of future activity in any industry (VIS), as companies’ production depends on incoming orders. The ISM’s New Orders […]
Macroeconomic AnalysisStrength of the Manufacturing Sector: Purchasing Managers’ Index
This has been one of the best years since 2004 for manufacturing activity, viewed through the Purchasing Managers’ Index (or PMI).
Company & Industry OverviewsHoneywell’s Valuation Premium over Its Peers
Honeywell’s (HON) fiscal 2018 earnings guidance pushed its one-year forward PE (price-to-earnings) multiple from 19.80x to 20.10x as of December 13, 2017.
Company & Industry Overviews3M’s Latest Valuations and What They Suggest
As of December 6, 2017, 3M’s (MMM) one-year forward PE (price-to-earnings) multiple was 24.9x compared to its peer Honeywell International’s (HON) multiple of 19.8x.
Company & Industry OverviewsManufacturing Could Be Main Driver for Berkshire in 2018
Berkshire (BRK.B) has expanded its manufacturing portfolio with the addition of Duracell, Precision CastParts, and a stake in Apple (AAPL).
Energy & UtilitiesThe Only Negative Component of the Conference Board Index
According to the November Conference board LEI, the core capital goods orders for October totaled ~$38.4 billion, compared to a revised September reading of ~$38.7 billion.
Macroeconomic AnalysisThe Conference Board Leading Economic Index and Why We Track It
The October 2017 reading for the Conference Board LEI was released on November 20. The LEI rose 2.9% in the six-month period ended in October 2017.
Macroeconomic AnalysisWhat Caused the Fall in Manufacturing Activity in October?
The US Manufacturing PMI (purchasing managers’ index) for the month of October fell to 58.7, compared with 60.8 in September.
Energy & UtilitiesMore Positive News about New Orders
According to the October Conference Board LEI, core capital goods orders for September were valued at $37.85 billion compared to a revised reading of $38.0 billion in August.
Company & Industry OverviewsDoes UTC Reward Its Investors with Higher Returns?
UTC (UTX) stock has generated more than 130% returns over the last decade. This is nearly double the S&P index returns during the same time period.
Industrials Stay tuned for this must-know manufacturing report this week
Since the manufacturing sector is a major source of cyclical variability in the economy, this report has a big influence on markets.
Energy & UtilitiesIndustries’ New Orders Fall for the First Time in 6 Months
Non-defense capital goods data Data on core capital goods orders, which exclude aircraft and defense purchases, is released by the US Census Bureau monthly. Investments in machinery, tools, and equipment by industries require capital outlay, and companies make them only when there is an expectation of increased demand. All new orders, shipped goods, and company inventories […]
Company & Industry OverviewsHow Much Upside Do Analysts See for Honeywell?
For Honeywell, 79% of the analysts recommended a “buy,” 21% recommended a “hold,” and none of the analysts recommended a “sell” as of September 6.
Energy & UtilitiesThis Industry’s New Orders Have Grown in 6 of the Last 7 Months
Nondefense capital goods increase three months in a row Nondefense capital goods exclude aircraft and core capital goods. The census bureau releases a monthly report that includes data on core capital goods. All machinery, equipment, and tools used by industries requiring large capital investments are collectively known as core capital goods. The durable goods order […]
Company & Industry OverviewsHoneywell’s GoDirect Expanded Its Client Portfolio
Honeywell bagged two new airline clients with its GoDirect software. Brussels Airlines and Air Serbia will use Honeywell’s connected aircraft software.
Earnings ReportHoneywell’s Aerospace Segment: Margin Improves with Lower Revenue
Honeywell’s (HON) Aerospace segment continued to be the highest revenue contributor in 2Q17, accounting for 36.5% of overall revenue.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhat the Advisory Board’s Health Business Expects from Technology Sales
In 1Q17, the Advisory Board earned a major part of its healthcare business revenues from consultancy services, but it expects to see higher demand for health tech.
Company & Industry OverviewsWord on the Street: Analysts’ Latest Recommendations on 3M
On July 3, 2017, 17 different brokerage companies were actively tracking 3M Company (MMM) stock. Among them, 41% of analysts had recommended “buys” on the stock.
Company & Industry OverviewsThe Future of Canadian National Railway’s Dividend Payout
For 2Q17, Canadian National Railway (CNI) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.4125 Canadian dollars per common share to be paid on June 30, 2017.
Company & Industry OverviewsUnderstanding Union Pacific’s Cash Dividend Prospects
On an annualized basis, Union Pacific’s expected yearly dividend for 2017 turns out to be $2.42 per share.
Earnings ReportHow HON’s Home and Building Technologies Revenue Trended in 1Q17
Honeywell’s (HON) Home and Building Technologies (or HBT) segment is a new segment that began reporting in 3Q16.
ConsumerBerkshire Hathaway’s Manufacturing Rose on Precision Castparts, Duracell in 2Q
Berkshire Hathaway reported revenues of $12.0 billion and profits of $129 million for McLane in 2Q16, as compared to revenues of $12.2 billion and profits of $147 million in 2Q15.
ConsumerHow Did UniFirst’s Fiscal 3Q16 Earnings Turn Out?
UniFirst Corporation (UNF) has a market cap of $2.3 billion. Its stock rose by 9.0% to close at $114.89 per share on June 29, 2016.
MiscellaneousHow Post-Brexit Trade Deals Impact US Multinationals in Europe
If the United Kingdom doesn’t strike a deal with EU, tariffs on industrial goods and services would range between 0% and 16%, depending on the nature of the products.
Company & Industry OverviewsUnderstanding 3M Company’s Profitability in Key Regional Markets
The United States is 3M Company’s (MMM) largest regional market. Its US sales rose from 33.9% of its total sales in 2011 to 39.8% of its total sales in 2015.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhy the China Growth Story Isn’t Over Yet for 3M Company
The Asia-Pacific region is 3M Company’s (MMM) second-largest market, and it’s also the region with the best operating margins on offer.
Company & Industry OverviewsIs 3M Allocating Capital Efficiently among Its Businesses?
3M’s Industrials and Consumer segments are its largest and smallest segments in terms of revenue and operating income, respectively.
Company & Industry OverviewsHow Has 3M Company’s Asset Composition Changed over Time?
In this part, we’ll be examining 3M Company’s (MMM) asset base by analyzing the change in the composition of 3M’s balance sheet over time.
Company & Industry OverviewsHow Burdensome Are 3M Company’s Liabilities?
3M’s long-term debt, excluding the current portion, rose from 14.2% ($4.4 billion) of total capital in 2011 to 26.8% ($8.7 billion) of total capital in 2015.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhy You Should Expect 3M to Persist with Its Share Buybacks
3M Company (MMM) has an ongoing streak of 58 years of dividend increases. It has paid dividends without interruption for the last 99 years.
Company & Industry OverviewsHow 3M Company’s Acquisition Strategy Has Changed
3M Company’s (MMM) acquisition strategy for the last ten years can be classified as “BI” (before Inge) and “AI” (after Inge).
Company & Industry OverviewsWhat Are the Financial Objectives of 3M Company’s 5-Year Plan?
In February 2016, 3M Company (MMM) set financial objectives for the five-year period from 2016 to 2020 that were slightly below its previous expectations.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhat Strategy Is 3M Company Using to Increase Cost Savings?
Realizing that its capital structure was sub-optimal and was leading to a high cost of capital, 3M Company started adding leverage.
Company & Industry OverviewsHow Good Is the Quality of 3M Company’s Earnings?
3M Company’s (MMM) accruals ratios using the balance sheet and the cash flow methods rose considerably in 2015.
Company & Industry Overviews3M Consumer Products: Your Everyday Kitchen and Office Companions
3M Company’s (MMM) Consumer Solutions segment is made up of four diverse businesses, which garnered a combined annual revenue of $4.4 billion in 2015.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhy 3M Industrials Is a Conglomerate in Itself
The Industrial segment is 3M Company’s (MMM) largest segment. It accounted for 32%–34% of the company’s total annual revenue in the 2011–2015 period.
Company & Industry OverviewsWhat Strengths Differentiate 3M Company from the Competition?
3M Company is generating a massive 30%–32% of its annual revenue from products it’s introduced in the last five years.
Company & Industry OverviewsKey Takeaways from the Analysis of 3M Company’s Return on Equity
3M Company has racked up impressive returns over the years. It has a mean annual return on equity of 30.1% for the ten-year period between 2005 and 2015.
Company & Industry OverviewsBerkshire Hathaway’s Growing Manufacturing Portfolio
In 1Q16, Berkshire Hathaway’s manufacturing business reported revenues of $10.6 billion, as compared to $8.9 billion during the same quarter in 2015.
Earnings ReportInside Flowserve’s Margins: Can the Cost Savings Continue?
In 1Q16, Flowserve (FLS) was just able to keep its gross margins at 33.3%, which is 170 basis points lower than its 35.0% in 1Q15.
Company & Industry OverviewsEssentials of the SaaS Business Model in Honeywell’s ACS Unit
Honeywell’s ACS unit uses the software-as-a-service (or SaaS) business model. In the SaaS model, software is licensed on a subscription basis to users.
Earnings ReportDespite Slow Growth, Berkshire Expands Manufacturing Portfolio
In 3Q15, Berkshire Hathaway’s manufacturing business reported revenues of $9.1 billion, compared with $9.5 billion during the same quarter last year.
Earnings ReportRevenues Expand for McLane, Fall for Manufacturing
Berkshire Hathaway’s manufacturing business reported revenues of $9.1 billion as compared to $9.5 billion in the prior year’s quarter.
Company & Industry OverviewsA Look at United Parcel Service’s Strong Financial Standing
United Parcel Service has grown its revenues steadily over the past few years, from $49,545 million in 2010 to $58,232 million in 2014, with a four-year CAGR of 4.12%.
Company & Industry OverviewsUPS: How the World’s Largest Package Delivery Service Began
United Parcel Service (UPS), originally called American Messenger Company, was founded in 1907 by 19-year-old James E. Casey with $100 borrowed from a friend.
Earnings ReportWhy L-3’s Aerospace Systems Saw a Decline in 2014
L-3’s Aerospace Systems segment was hit the hardest due to the defense budget cuts. The segment saw a 5% year-over-year decline in 2014.
Earnings ReportIs Raytheon an Attractive Investment Option?
An investment in Raytheon stock would have generated about 94% returns in the past five years. This is just slightly more than the 88% returns from the S&P Index.
Earnings ReportRaytheon’s Space and Airborne Systems Segment’s Performance
Raytheon’s Space and Airborne Systems, or SAS, fourth quarter performance was a mixed bag. The segment saw growth in revenue and its operating margins.
Earnings ReportRTN’s Integrated Defense Systems Segment’s Financial Performance
Raytheon’s Integrated Defense Systems, or IDS, segment had a strong performance in 4Q14. The segment’s net sales were $1,627 million.
Macroeconomic AnalysisPMI surveys show that manufacturing activity slowed in December
The ISM issued its monthly “Manufacturing ISM Report On Business” on January 2, 2015. A reading above 50% means a general expansion in manufacturing activity.
Earnings ReportBoeing’s strategy for the new market
Part of Boeing’s strategy in Asia-Pacific will be to offer its reengineered 737 MAX, which the company says is 14% more fuel-efficient than competing jets.
Industrials Why Markit’s PMI reading dipped on slowing export orders
Markit PMI Manufacturing Index Markit Economics’ release of its PMI for the month of July released on Friday, August 1. Markit’s U.S. Manufacturing PMI is based on monthly questionnaire surveys of a selected panel of over 600 companies from all areas of U.S. manufacturing activity. Markit PMI July reading The flash (indicative) index for […]
Industrials Why did the Chicago PMI take its largest dip since October 2008?
The Institute for Supply Management (or ISM) was the first supply management institute in the world. ISM aims to enhance the value and performance of procurement and supply chain management practitioners and their organizations worldwide.
Industrials Why the Dallas Fed report shows manufacturing continues to recover
The Dallas Fed conducts a monthly survey of manufacturers in Texas regarding their operations in the state to come out with the production index and the business activity index.
Financials Why durable goods trends affect key wholesale trade releases
The Monthly Wholesale Trade Survey gives you nationwide estimates of monthly sales, end-of-month inventories, and inventories-to-sales ratios by businesses for wholesale firms.
Financials Overview: Chicago Fed’s National Activity Index report, May, 2014
Unlike the regional manufacturing surveys conducted by the Federal Reserve Banks of other districts, the CFNAI is a nation-wide measure.
Industrials Can manufacturing activity in the northeast increase the pace?
The Philadelphia Fed will release the results of its Business Outlook Survey for June, on Thursday, June 19.
Financials ADP jobs report: Why large firms added the least number of jobs
The ADP-NER for the month of May, released on Wednesday, June 4.
Healthcare Must-know: Why did firms report a sharp spike in wages in May?
Manufacturing growth appears to be steady in the Fifth District. Although new orders declined sharply month-on-month, firms remained upbeat for business prospects.
Industrials Why follow employment Friday and other key jobs releases?
These releases provide guidance on the course of the economy, and they’re crucial to understanding the financial health of the economy.
Industrials Why average hourly earnings in the US disappointed analysts
Job growth is improving, but not quite as much as forecast. Total non-farm payroll jobs rose 192,000 in March after a 197,000 boost in February and a 144,000 increase in January.
Financials A guide to purchasing managers’ indexes for ETF investors
As we’ve seen in this series, there are three major Purchasing Managers Index (or PMI) reports issued in the U.S.
Industrials The ADP jobs report: A must-know guide for ETF investors
The ADP National Employment Report (also popularly known as “the ADP Jobs Report” or “ADP Employment Report”) is a monthly report summarizing the employment situation.
Industrials Why do key purchasing managers’ index readings move markets?
In this series, we’ll focus on the manufacturing PMI issued by three major institutions, measuring manufacturing activity in the U.S.
Industrials Why courage fights unemployment: Fed Chair Janet Yellen explains
Yellen highlighted the fact that according to research, employers are less willing to hire the long-term unemployed and often prefer other job candidates.
Healthcare This week’s releases could benefit Danaher and United Technologies
The Chicago Business Barometer is a closely watched leading indicator of U.S. economic activity, and it’s based on a survey panel of purchasing or supply-chain professionals.
IndustrialsWhy the bond market is affected by the Industrial Production Index
Although the industrial sector accounts for less than 20% of GDP, it creates much of the cyclical variability in the economy.