Valuentum Exclusive Analysis for the Discerning Investor

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What Is Gold Really Worth?
Image: Gold prices have surged since 2020, and they recently hit an all-time high. What is the yellow metal really worth? Let's discuss the greater fool characteristics of the price of gold.

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week of August 8
Let's take a look at firms raising/lowering their dividends this week.

Meta Platforms Issues Third Quarter Revenue Guidance Well Above Consensus
Image: Meta’s free cash flow remains robust despite higher capital spending. Looking to the third quarter of 2025, Meta Platforms expects revenue to be in the range of $47.5-$50.5 billion (consensus was $44.8 billion), revealing sequential growth at the midpoint relative to second quarter numbers. The company’s guidance assumes a 1% tailwind to revenue growth from foreign currency, based on current exchange rates. Meta fell short of providing an outlook for fourth quarter revenue, but it noted that its year-over-year growth rate for the quarter will be slower than the third quarter as it laps a period of stronger growth in the fourth quarter of last year. Though Meta is not a large dividend payer, we think its dividend growth prospects are fantastic.

Salesforce Raises Full Year Revenue Guidance, Announces Plans to Acquire Informatica
Image: Salesforce’s shares have been choppy the past few years. Salesforce initiated second quarter fiscal 2026 revenue guidance calling for growth of 7%-8% in constant currency, while it raised its full-year revenue guidance to the range of $41-$41.3 billion, up 8% in constant currency and the range above the consensus forecast at the time of the report. Salesforce maintained its full year GAAP and non-GAAP operating margin guidance, as well as its full year operating cash flow guidance of approximately 10%-11% year-over-year growth. Free cash flow is targeted at 9%-10% year-over-year growth for the full year, while non-GAAP earnings per share is expected in the range of $11.27-$11.33 versus consensus of $11.17 per share at the time of the report. We liked Salesforce’s strong first quarter fiscal 2026 results and its raised full year revenue guidance. We have no qualms with its announced acquisition of Informatica, but we don’t include shares in any newsletter portfolio. Shares yield 0.6% at the time of this writing.

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week of May 9
Let's take a look at firms raising/lowering their dividends this week.

Magnificent 7 Earnings Reports Not Bad Thus Far
Shortly after Trump's Liberation Day, where the President unveiled lofty tariffs on numerous countries, we released our wait-and-see outlook for the equity markets, which thus far has proven to be the right move, with the markets largely recovering from the depths reached in April. The S&P 500, for example, is down just 3.3% year-to-date, excluding dividends. A lot has happened since Liberation Day, including easing of tariffs to a 10% baseline for most, if not all, countries, with the key exception of China, where tariffs remain extremely elevated and prohibitive. Many countries are now reportedly negotiating trade agreements with the White House, and we expect China to be added to that list soon, even if a full US/China trade agreement won't be completed in the near term, as full-scale trade deals take time to mold. Thus far, we have been impressed by earnings this season, particularly by the Magnificent 7.

Meta Platforms Posts Excellent First Quarter Results
Image: Meta’s free cash flow remains robust. Looking to the second quarter of 2025, Meta Platforms expects total revenue to be in the range of $42.5-$45.5 billion (consensus was $43.8 billion) and total expenses to be in the range of $113-$118 billion, down from its prior outlook of $114-$119 billion. Full year 2025 capital expenditures, including principal payments on finance leases, are targeted at $64-$72 billion, raised from its prior outlook of $60-$65 billion. Management noted that the updated outlook in part reflects additional data center investments to support artificial intelligence efforts. Though Meta is not a large dividend payer, we think its dividend growth prospects are stellar, and the company is included in the Dividend Growth Newsletter portfolio.

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week of March 14
Let's take a look at firms raising/lowering their dividends this week.

Oracle Raises Dividend 25%
Image Source: TradingView. Oracle reported third quarter fiscal 2025 results March 10 that missed the consensus estimates, but a strong Remaining Performance Obligation number and a dividend raise were enough for investors. Total revenue increased 6% in USD and 8% in constant currency for the fiscal third quarter. GAAP earnings per share advanced 20% year-over-year, while non-GAAP earnings per share increased 4%, to $1.47. Total Remaining Performance Obligations jumped 62% in USD (up 63% in constant currency), to $130 billion.

Dividend Increases/Decreases for the Week of February 14
Let's take a look at firms raising/lowering their dividends this week.