Valuentum Exclusive Analysis for the Discerning Investor

Symbol Keyword

Image: Unrealized losses continue to mount for banking entities due to the Fed's rate-hiking cycle. "Unrealized losses on securities totaled $683.9 billion in third quarter, up $125.5 billion (22.5 percent) from the prior quarter, primarily due to an increase in mortgage rates that reduced the value of mortgagebacked securities. Unrealized losses on held-to-maturity securities totaled $390.5 billion in the third quarter, while unrealized losses on available-for-sale securities totaled $293.5 billion." -- Image Source: FDIC Quarterly.

AbbVie is facing pressure from declining sales of Humira, but the company's long-term outlook looks fine to us bolstered by promising growth of Skyrizi and Rinvoq. Chevron put up mixed fourth-quarter 2023 results, but its free cash flow easily covers its dividend payout. We've grown cautious on Chevron due to its deal making, however. New York Community Bancorp is provisioning for greater credit losses, while its net interest margin is under pressure. The bank recently slashed its payout, and we continue to reiterate why we don't like the dividends of banking firms. Exxon Mobil put up an excellent 2023, and while the firm's dividend is in great shape, we no longer are pursuing new energy-related ideas in the newsletter portfolios at this time.