Should You Invest in Convertible Bonds?

by Fred Fuld III

A convertible bond (often referred to as a convertible note or a convertible debenture) is a type of corporate bond that gives the bondholder the option to convert the bond into a predetermined number of the issuing company’s common stock or other securities, typically at a predetermined conversion price. In simpler terms, it is a bond that can be converted into shares of stock.

Do not confuse convertible bonds with convertible preferred stocks, which are a completely different type of security, and the subject of another article.

Here’s how a convertible bond works:

  1. Issuance: The company issues the convertible bond to investors, typically at a fixed interest rate and with a maturity date.
  2. Bondholder receives interest payments: Similar to regular bonds, the bondholder receives periodic interest payments (coupon payments) based on the bond’s face value and the fixed interest rate.
  3. Conversion option: The bondholder has the right, but not the obligation, to convert the bond into a specified number of shares of the issuing company’s stock. The conversion price is the predetermined price at which the bond can be converted into stock.
  4. Stock price appreciation: If the company’s stock price rises above the conversion price, the bondholder can convert the bond into stock and potentially benefit from the stock’s price appreciation.

Advantages of convertible bonds:

  1. Potential for capital appreciation: Convertible bonds offer the potential for investors to benefit from an increase in the issuing company’s stock price. If the stock price rises significantly, the bondholder can convert the bond and profit from the capital appreciation.
  2. Income generation: Before conversion, the bondholder receives regular interest payments, providing a steady income stream.
  3. Reduced downside risk: Unlike pure equity investments, convertible bondholders have a bond floor or a minimum value. If the company’s stock price declines, the bond retains some value as a fixed-income instrument.
  4. Priority: If the company goes out of business, the bondholders get paid off before the stockholders.

Disadvantages of convertible bonds:

  1. Lower coupon rates: Convertible bonds typically have lower coupon rates compared to regular bonds due to the additional value derived from the conversion feature. This means the bondholder may receive lower interest income compared to non-convertible bonds with similar risk profiles.
  2. Dilution risk: When bondholders convert their bonds into equity, new shares are issued, which can dilute the ownership stakes of existing shareholders.
  3. Limited potential upside: While convertible bondholders can benefit from stock price appreciation, the conversion feature may limit their potential gains compared to holding the company’s stock outright.
  4. Interest rate sensitivity: Convertible bond prices can be sensitive to changes in interest rates. If interest rates rise, the value of the bond may decline, affecting its attractiveness to investors.
  5. Liquidity: They can be illiquid, with most not traded on any exchange. Not all brokers offer them.

It’s important to note that the specific terms and features of convertible bonds can vary, so investors should carefully review the bond’s prospectus.

Tesla (TSLA) issued 2.00% Convertible Senior Notes due May 15, 2024. The bonds, which were issued in 2019, had an Initial Conversion Price of approximately $309.83 per share of Common Stock and an Initial Conversion Rate of 3.2276 shares of Common Stock per $1,000 principal amount of Notes.

Since that time, Tesla had a three for one stock split in 2022, so based on the prospectus, it appears that the conversion rate would be adjusted.

It is very difficult to find these bonds or even get a price.

The utility Southern Company (SO) issued its Series 2023A 3.875% Convertible Senior Notes due December 15, 2025.

Interest on the Convertible Notes will be paid semiannually at a rate of 3.875% per annum.  The Convertible Notes will have an initial conversion rate of 11.8818 shares of Southern Company’s common stock per $1,000 principal amount of the Convertible Notes

PPL Capital Funding, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of PPL Corporation (PPL), issued 2.875% Exchangeable Senior Notes due 2028.

The notes will be senior, unsecured obligations of PPL Capital Funding and will be fully and unconditionally guaranteed on a senior, unsecured basis by PPL Corporation. The notes will bear interest at a rate of 2.875% per year, payable semi-annually in arrears on March 15 and September 15 of each year, beginning on September 15, 2023. The notes will mature on March 15, 2028, unless earlier exchanged, redeemed or repurchased.

The notes will be exchangeable at an initial exchange rate of 29.3432 shares of PPL Corporation’s common stock per $1,000 principal amount of notes.

General Motors (GM) issued a mini-convertible bond at $25 par value. The General Motors, 5.25% Series B Convertible Senior Debentures due 3/5/2032 have a conversion rate of 0.3852. It appears that the bonds were formally exchange listed but have since been delisted, and from what I can tell, it appears that the bond interest payments have been suspended.

If you are considering converting a portion of your portfolio to convertibles, beware of the risks, and lack of liquidity.

Stocks Going Ex Dividend in February 2023

The following is a short list of some of the many stocks going ex dividend during the next month.

The following is a short list of some of the many stocks going ex dividend during the next month.

Many traders and investors use the stock trading technique called ‘Buying Dividends,’ also commonly referred to as ‘Dividend Capture.’ This is the strategy of buying stocks before the ex dividend date and selling the stock shortly after the ex date at about the same price, yet still being entitled to the dividend.

This technique generally works in bull markets and flat or choppy markets, but during bear markets, you may want to consider avoiding this strategy. In order to be entitled to the dividend, you have to buy the stock before the ex-dividend date, and you can’t sell the stock until on or after the ex date.

The actual dividend may not be paid for another few weeks. WallStreetNewsNetwork.com has compiled a downloadable list of the stocks going ex dividend in the near future. The list contains many dividend paying companies, lots with market caps over $500 million. Some of the stocks have yields over 2%. Here are a few examples showing the stock symbol, the ex-dividend date, the periodic dividend amount, and the annual yield.

Citigroup Inc. (C)2/3/20230.513.91%
MetLife, Inc. (MET)2/6/20230.502.77%
Paychex, Inc. (PAYX)2/8/20230.792.75%
Starbucks Corporation (SBUX)2/9/20230.531.95%
Consolidated Edison Inc (ED)2/14/20230.813.41%
Southern Company (SO)2/17/20230.684.08%
Scotts Miracle-Gro Company (SMG)2/23/20230.664.23%
Wendy’s Company (WEN)2/28/20230.254.53%

The entire list of over 100 ex-dividend stocks will be emailed to all subscribers next week. If you are not a subscriber, you can sign up at the signup box below. Don’t miss out. Remember, it’s free!

Dividend Definitions

Declaration date: the day that the company declares that there is going to be an upcoming dividend.

Ex-dividend date: the day on which if you buy the stock, you would not be entitled to that particular dividend; or the first day on which a shareholder can sell the shares and still be entitled to the dividend.

Record date: the day when you must be on the company’s books as a shareholder to receive the dividend. The ex-dividend date is normally set for stocks at two business days before the record date.

Payment date: the day on which the dividend payment is actually made, which can be as long at two months after the ex date.

Don’t forget to reconfirm the ex-dividend date with the company before implementing this technique.

Disclosure: Author did not own any of the above at the time the article was written; affiliate links are on this page.

Stocks Going Ex Dividend in November 2022

The following is a short list of some of the many stocks going ex dividend during the next month.

Many traders and investors use the stock trading technique called ‘Buying Dividends,’ also commonly referred to as ‘Dividend Capture.’ This is the strategy of buying stocks before the ex dividend date and selling the stock shortly after the ex date at about the same price, yet still being entitled to the dividend.

This technique generally works in bull markets and flat or choppy markets, but during bear markets, you may want to consider avoiding this strategy. In order to be entitled to the dividend, you have to buy the stock before the ex-dividend date, and you can’t sell the stock until on or after the ex date.

The actual dividend may not be paid for another few weeks. WallStreetNewsNetwork.com has compiled a downloadable list of the stocks going ex dividend in the near future. The list contains many dividend paying companies, lots with market caps over $500 million. Some of the stocks have yields over 2%. Here are a few examples showing the stock symbol, the ex-dividend date, the periodic dividend amount, and the annual yield.

Pfizer, Inc. (PFE)11/3/20220.403.56%
Intel Corporation (INTC)11/4/20220.3655.41%
Starbucks Corporation (SBUX)11/9/20220.532.39%
Target Corporation (TGT)11/15/20221.082.71%
Southern Company (SO)11/18/20220.684.22%
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ)11/21/20221.132.68%
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS)11/30/20222.503.08%

The entire list of over 100 ex-dividend stocks will be emailed to all subscribers next week. If you are not a subscriber, you can sign up at the signup box below. Don’t miss out. Remember, it’s free!

Dividend Definitions

Declaration date: the day that the company declares that there is going to be an upcoming dividend.

Ex-dividend date: the day on which if you buy the stock, you would not be entitled to that particular dividend; or the first day on which a shareholder can sell the shares and still be entitled to the dividend.

Record date: the day when you must be on the company’s books as a shareholder to receive the dividend. The ex-dividend date is normally set for stocks at two business days before the record date.

Payment date: the day on which the dividend payment is actually made, which can be as long at two months after the ex date.

Don’t forget to reconfirm the ex-dividend date with the company before implementing this technique.

Disclosure: Author did not own any of the above at the time the article was written; affiliate links are on this page.

Stocks Going Ex Dividend in August 2021

The following is a short list of some of the many stocks going ex dividend during the next month.

Many traders and investors use the stock trading technique called ‘Buying Dividends,’ also commonly referred to as ‘Dividend Capture.’ This is the strategy of buying stocks before the ex dividend date and selling the stock shortly after the ex date at about the same price, yet still being entitled to the dividend.

This technique generally works in bull markets and flat or choppy markets, but you need to avoid the strategy during bear markets. In order to be entitled to the dividend, you have to buy the stock before the ex-dividend date, and you can’t sell the stock until after the ex date.

The actual dividend may not be paid for another few weeks. WallStreetNewsNetwork.com has compiled a downloadable and sortable list of the stocks going ex dividend in the near future. The list contains many dividend paying companies, lots with market caps over $500 million, and some with yields over 2%. Here are a few examples showing the stock symbol, the ex-dividend date, the periodic dividend amount.

ConAgra Brands, Inc. (CAG) 8/2/2021 0.313 3.62%
Intel Corporation (INTC) 8/5/2021 0.347 2.47%
Starbucks Corporation (SBUX) 8/11/2021 0.45 1.51%
Walmart Inc. (WMT) 8/12/2021 0.55 1.56%
Southern Company (SO) 8/13/2021 0.66 4.20%
Target Corporation (TGT) 8/17/2021 0.90 1.41%
Molson Coors Beverage Co. (TAP) 8/27/2021 0.34 0.67%
Allstate Corporation (ALL) 8/30/2021 0.81 2.53%

The additional ex-dividend stocks can be found HERE . (If you have been to the page before, and the latest link doesn’t show up, you may have to empty your cache.) If you like dividend stocks, you should check out some of the other high yield stock lists at WSTNN.com HERE .

Dividend definitions:

Declaration date: the day that the company declares that there is going to be an upcoming dividend.

Ex-dividend date: the day on which if you buy the stock, you would not be entitled to that particular dividend; or the first day on which a shareholder can sell the shares and still be entitled to the dividend.

Record date: the day when you must be on the company’s books as a shareholder to receive the dividend. The ex-dividend date is normally set for stocks at two business days before the record date.

Payment date: the day on which the dividend payment is actually made, which can be as long at two months after the ex date.

Don’t forget to reconfirm the ex-dividend date with the company before implementing this technique.

Disclosure: Author did not own any of the above at the time the article was written; affiliate links are on this page.

Stocks Going Ex Dividend in August 2020

The following is a short list of some of the many stocks going ex dividend during the next month.

Many traders and investors use the stock trading technique called ‘Buying Dividends,’ also commonly referred to as ‘Dividend Capture.’ This is the strategy of buying stocks before the ex dividend date and selling the stock shortly after the ex date at about the same price, yet still being entitled to the dividend.

TOP DIVIDEND STOCKS

This technique generally works in bull markets and flat or choppy markets, but you need to avoid the strategy during bear markets. In order to be entitled to the dividend, you have to buy the stock before the ex-dividend date, and you can’t sell the stock until after the ex date.

The actual dividend may not be paid for another few weeks. WallStreetNewsNetwork.com has compiled a downloadable and sortable list of the stocks going ex dividend in the near future. The list contains many dividend paying companies, lots with market caps over $500 million, and many with yields over 2%. Here are a few examples showing the stock symbol, the ex-dividend date, the periodic dividend amount.

MetLife, Inc. (MET) 8/3/2020 0.46 4.77%
Starbucks Corporation (SBUX) 8/6/2020 0.41 2.18%
Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) 8/13/2020 0.965 4.60%
Southern Company (SO) 8/14/2020 0.64 4.61%
Consolidated Edison Inc (ED) 8/18/2020 0.765 4.01%
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) 8/24/2020 1.01 2.70%
Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS) 8/31/2020 1.25 2.46%

The additional ex-dividend stocks can be found HERE . (If you have been to the page before, and the latest link doesn’t show up, you may have to empty your cache.) If you like dividend stocks, you should check out some of the other high yield stock lists HERE . Most of the lists are free.

Dividend definitions:

Declaration date: the day that the company declares that there is going to be an upcoming dividend.

Ex-dividend date: the day on which if you buy the stock, you would not be entitled to that particular dividend; or the first day on which a shareholder can sell the shares and still be entitled to the dividend.

Record date: the day when you must be on the company’s books as a shareholder to receive the dividend. The ex-dividend date is normally set for stocks at two business days before the record date.

Payment date: the day on which the dividend payment is actually made, which can be as long at two months after the ex date.

TOP DIVIDEND STOCKS

Don’t forget to reconfirm the ex-dividend date with the company before implementing this technique.

Disclosure: Author did not own any of the above at the time the article was written; affiliate links.

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Top Dividend Stocks
Top 100 Dividend Stocks, Ex-dividend Ratings, High Yield Ratings, Monthly Reports And More

 

Stocks Going Ex Dividend February 2020

The following is a short list of some of the many stocks going ex dividend during the next month.

Many traders and investors use the stock trading technique called ‘Buying Dividends,’ also commonly referred to as ‘Dividend Capture.’ This is the strategy of buying stocks before the ex dividend date and selling the stock shortly after the ex date at about the same price, yet still being entitled to the dividend.

TOP DIVIDEND STOCKS

This technique generally works in bull markets and flat or choppy markets, but you need to avoid the strategy during bear markets. In order to be entitled to the dividend, you have to buy the stock before the ex-dividend date, and you can’t sell the stock until after the ex date.

The actual dividend may not be paid for another few weeks. WallStreetNewsNetwork.com has compiled a downloadable and sortable list of the stocks going ex dividend in the near future. The list contains many dividend paying companies, lots with market caps over $500 million, and many with yields over 2%. Here are a few examples showing the stock symbol, the ex-dividend date, the periodic dividend amount.

NortonLifeLock Inc. (NLOK) 2/3/2020 0.12 1.82%
American Electric Power (AEP) 2/7/2020 0.70 2.75%
Schlumberger (SLB) 2/11/2020 0.50 5.59%
Amgen Inc. (AMGN) 2/13/2020 1.60 2.87%
Southern Company (SO) 2/14/2020 0.62 3.56%
Consolidated Edison Inc (ED) 2/18/2020 0.765 3.27%
Target Corporation (TGT) 2/18/2020 0.66 2.28%
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) 2/24/2020 0.95 2.55%
Interactive Brokers Group (IBKR) 2/27/2020 0.10 0.85%

The additional ex-dividend stocks can be found HERE . (If you have been to the page before, and the latest link doesn’t show up, you may have to empty your cache.) If you like dividend stocks, you should check out some of the other high yield stock lists HERE . Most of the lists are free.

Dividend definitions:

Declaration date: the day that the company declares that there is going to be an upcoming dividend.

Ex-dividend date: the day on which if you buy the stock, you would not be entitled to that particular dividend; or the first day on which a shareholder can sell the shares and still be entitled to the dividend.

Record date: the day when you must be on the company’s books as a shareholder to receive the dividend. The ex-dividend date is normally set for stocks at two business days before the record date.

Payment date: the day on which the dividend payment is actually made, which can be as long at two months after the ex date.

TOP DIVIDEND STOCKS

Don’t forget to reconfirm the ex-dividend date with the company before implementing this technique.

Disclosure: Author did not own any of the above at the time the article was written, and affiliate links.

OptionPop

Try the Warren Buffett-style Stock Analyzer for FREE!

 

Top Dividend Stocks
Top 100 Dividend Stocks, Ex-dividend Ratings, High Yield Ratings, Monthly Reports And More

 

Highest Yielding Lowest PE Utility Stocks

by Fred Fuld III

Many investors are looking for high income and are finding it hard to find, especially with the average interest rate on savings accounts is less than one tenth of one percent, according to the FDIC.

One alternative is utility stocks. Utilities are a way of receiving income from dividends along with capital gains potential. There are a few that actually pay yields in excess of 4% and have price to earnings ratio of less than 15.

PPL Corporation (PPL) is an electric and natural gas utility that serves the UK, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, and Virginia. The stock trades at 13.1 times trailing earnings and 12.7 times forward earnings. It pays a dividend yield of 5.2%.

Southern Company (SO) is an Atlanta, Georgia based electric utility that also distributes natural gas. The trailing P/E ratio is 14.4 and the forward P/E is 19.2. The yield is 4.1%.

The Cedar Rapids, Iowa based Interstate Power and Light Company (IPLDP) is a gas and electricity provider that pays a dividend yield of 4.9%. The PE is 1.3.

Maybe one of these electric utilities will spark your portfolio.

Disclosure: Author didn’t own any of the above at the time the article was written.

Upcoming Stock Earnings Announcements

If you are looking to do some earnings trades, here are some corporate earnings announcements that will be taking place during this week.

Humana Inc HUM 5/1/19 Before Open
Garmin Ltd GRMN 5/1/19 Before Open
Iqvia Holdings Inc IQV 5/1/19 Before Open
Harris Corp HRS 5/1/19 Before Open
Estee Lauder Companies EL 5/1/19 Before Open
CVS Corp CVS 5/1/19 Before Open
L-3 Communications Holdings LLL 5/1/19 Before Open
Yum! Brands YUM 5/1/19 Before Open
Southern Company SO 5/1/19 Before Open
Willis Towers Wts WLTW 5/1/19 Before Open
Molson Coors Brewing Company TAP 5/1/19 Before Open
Idexx Laboratories IDXX 5/1/19 Before Open
Sealed Air Corp SEE 5/1/19 Before Open
Hilton Inc HLT 5/1/19 Before Open
Entergy Corp ETR 5/1/19 Before Open
Pinnacle West Capital Corp PNW 5/1/19 Before Open
Automatic Data Procs ADP 5/1/19 Before Open
CME Group Inc CME 5/1/19 Before Open
Clorox Company CLX 5/1/19 Before Open
Amtek Inc AME 5/1/19 Before Open
Johnson Controls Intl JCI 5/1/19 Before Open
NiSource Inc NI 5/1/19 Before Open
Qualcomm Inc QCOM 5/1/19 After Close
HCP Inc HCP 5/1/19 After Close
Hologic Inc HOLX 5/1/19 After Close
Equinix Inc EQIX 5/1/19 After Close
Public Storage PSA 5/1/19 After Close
Ansys Inc ANSS 5/1/19 After Close
Hartford Financial Services Group HIG 5/1/19 After Close
Allstate Corp ALL 5/1/19 After Close
Host Marriott Financial Trust HST 5/1/19 After Close
American Water Works AWK 5/1/19 After Close
Realty Income Corp O 5/1/19 After Close
Metlife Inc MET 5/1/19 After Close
Mid-America Apartment Communities MAA 5/1/19 After Close
Prudential Financial Inflation Retail PRU 5/1/19 After Close
Marathon Oil Corp MRO 5/1/19 After Close
Apache Corp APA 5/1/19 After Close
Lincoln National Corp LNC 5/1/19 After Close
Williams Companies WMB 5/1/19 After Close
Cigna Corp CI 5/2/19 Before Open
Teleflex Inc TFX 5/2/19 Before Open
Public Service Enterprise Group Inc PEG 5/2/19 Before Open
Amerisourcebergen Corp ABC 5/2/19 Before Open
Hanesbrands Inc HBI 5/2/19 Before Open
Abiomed Inc ABMD 5/2/19 Before Open
MSCI Inc MSCI 5/2/19 Before Open
Kimco Realty Corp KIM 5/2/19 Before Open
Huntington Ingalls Industries HII 5/2/19 Before Open
Church & Dwight Company CHD 5/2/19 Before Open
Under Armour Inc Class C Comm UA 5/2/19 Before Open
Ball Corp BLL 5/2/19 Before Open
Macerich Company MAC 5/2/19 Before Open
Aptiv Plc APTV 5/2/19 Before Open
Kellogg Company K 5/2/19 Before Open
Zoetis Inc Class A ZTS 5/2/19 Before Open
Vulcan Materials Company VMC 5/2/19 Before Open
Under Armour UAA 5/2/19 Before Open
Global Payments Inc GPN 5/2/19 Before Open
Discovery Comm A DISCA 5/2/19 Before Open
Parker-Hannifin Corp PH 5/2/19 Before Open
Hollyfrontier Corp HFC 5/2/19 Before Open
Dowdupont Inc DWDP 5/2/19 Before Open
NRG Energy NRG 5/2/19 Before Open
S&P Global Inc SPGI 5/2/19 Before Open
Discovery Comm Inc DISCK 5/2/19 Before Open
PPL Corp PPL 5/2/19 Before Open
Xylem Inc XYL 5/2/19 Before Open
Intercontinental Exchange ICE 5/2/19 Before Open
Resmed Inc RMD 5/2/19 After Close
Skyworks Solutions SWKS 5/2/19 After Close
Expedia Group Inc EXPE 5/2/19 After Close
Fortinet Inc FTNT 5/2/19 After Close
Motorola Solutions MSI 5/2/19 After Close
Activision Blizzard ATVI 5/2/19 After Close
Federal Realty Investment Trust FRT 5/2/19 After Close
Cognizant Tech Sol CTSH 5/2/19 After Close
Fluor Corp FLR 5/2/19 After Close
Apartment Investment and Management AIV 5/2/19 After Close
Alliant Energy Corp LNT 5/2/19 After Close
Gilead Sciences Inc GILD 5/2/19 After Close
Arista Networks Inc ANET 5/2/19 After Close
Consolidated Edison Company of New York ED 5/2/19 After Close
Flowserve Corp FLS 5/2/19 After Close
CBS Corp CBS 5/2/19 After Close
Eog Resources EOG 5/2/19 After Close
Regency Centers Corp REG 5/2/19 After Close
Dentsply Sirona Inc XRAY 5/3/19 Before Open
American Tower Corp AMT 5/3/19 Before Open
Newell Rubbermaid Inc NWL 5/3/19 Before Open
CBOE Global Markets Inc CBOE 5/3/19 Before Open
Noble Energy Inc NBL 5/3/19 Before Open
Dominion Resources D 5/3/19 Before Open