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Raymond Merola
RayMerola
Ray Merola has over 30 years’ investing experience. He advises investors to find securities selling below fair value and “Get Rich Slow.”
Recent Articles by Raymond Merola
Jul 13, 2014
by Raymond Merola
Annaly Capital Management, Inc. Shares Slip as Treasury Yields Rise: Should You Worry?
Shares of Annaly Capital Management took a hit this week. The trigger appears to be worries that the economic recovery is gaining steam and interest rates will spike. Last May, quickly rising rates tanked mREITs. These fears appear overblown.
Jun 27, 2014
by Raymond Merola
What Every Aflac Investor Needs To Know
Aflac generates three-fourths of its business in Japan. However, this U.S. based company must report earnings in USD. This confuses some investors, as financial results reflect currency exchange, while in reality very little yen are changed to dollars. Here's the lowdown.
Jun 18, 2014
by Raymond Merola
Wells Fargo & Co Is About to Reach a Major Milestone
Wells Fargo is knocking on the door to be the largest American bank ever as measured by market capitalization. It's a function of banking management that sticks to the basics: take customer deposits and make smart community loans.
May 29, 2014
by Raymond Merola
This Paper Laggard Is Worth a Look
International Paper Co stock has marked time for almost a year now. Meanwhile, the corporate storyline has come together. The company is set to dominate the paper and packaging business. A 3% dividend yield pays patient investors to wait.
May 22, 2014
by Raymond Merola
Which Billionaire Investor Has the Right Idea on The Big Banks?
Big money managers George Soros and Warren Buffett have split on their respective willingness to own mega-banking stocks. It may reflect the stark difference in the underlying business models of these institutions.
Apr 10, 2014
by Raymond Merola
Wells Fargo & Co: Earnings Preview
Wells Fargo is one of the first banks to report 2014 first-quarter earnings. This powerhouse performer has Warren Buffett as its largest investor. Fresh off a green light from the Feds for the recent bank "stress tests" and capital return plan, Wells is riding high into this earnings season.
Mar 21, 2014
by Raymond Merola
Annaly Capital Management, Inc.: Dead-Cat Bounce or Something More?
Annaly Capital Management is the biggest and oldest mREIT, sporting the most experienced management team in the business. While the shares have outperformed by a large margin in 2014, is this a dead-cat bounce after a terrible 2013, or the start of something better?
Mar 5, 2014
by Raymond Merola
1 Reason You're Wrong to Hate Aflac Incorporated
Some investors worry that Aflac Inc.will experience earnings declines and dividend troubles due to yen/dollar exchange rates. It's not an issue. A strong niche business model, consistent growth, and an outstanding dividend history make this a water-tight stock.
Dec 28, 2013
by Raymond Merola
General Mills May Need a Breather
General Mills has a long-standing record of solid shareholder returns. However, the most recent earnings report and related analysis indicate that the stock may be getting a bit ahead of itself. How does the future look for the company, and how does it stack up to competitors Kellogg and Post?
Nov 21, 2013
by Raymond Merola
Hybrid Bank Stocks Offer Investors Returns With a Twist
Wells Fargo and U.S. Bancorp are U.S.-centered banks showing strong and sustained earnings growth. Investors seeking an alternative to purchasing common shares may find Wells Fargo warrants or U.S. Bancorp Series B preferred shares appealing.
Oct 11, 2013
by Raymond Merola
Aflac Climbs the Wall of Worry
Despite long-standing investor jitters, Aflac's management continues to see results, and the stock follows along, logging a 17% gain so far this year, or about a percentage point better than the S&P 500. But shares still appear highly undervalued.
Oct 3, 2013
by Raymond Merola
A Safer Way to Invest in mREITs
Savvy investors choosing to wade into mREITS may find preferred shares a great alternative: substituting a bit of yield in exchange for a safer underlying security. We explore options at Annaly Capital Management, American Capital Agency, and Invesco Mortgage Capital.
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