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With car insurance rates soaring in recent years, drivers are looking for ways to save on their premiums. Many insurers offer safe driving discounts that incorporate telematics programs, also known as usage-based insurance (UBI), to record and evaluate your habits behind the wheel.
If the data shows you’ve been a responsible motorist, you could see your rate drop by as much as 40%.
While the discounts are appealing, some companies will raise your premiums if the results show you’re not considered a safe driver. Additionally, privacy advocates worry about where all that information could wind up.
“It comes down to consent,” said Hayley Tsukayama, associate director of legislative activism at the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a digital privacy nonprofit. “People get upset when their data is used in ways they don’t expect. Maybe you are willing to make some of those trade-offs — it’s all about clear communication.”
If you’re thinking about a safe driving discount — or you’ve already signed up for one — find out how they work, how much you could save and what the risks are.
Discounts for good driving are nothing new: Insurance companies often lower rates for drivers who take a defensive driving class or who haven’t had an accident in several years. But the advent of wireless technology has meant insurers can now collect, transmit and evaluate day-to-day driving behavior in real-time.
Signing up for a safe driving discount usually means installing a plug-in device or downloading an app on your mobile phone. (Some insurers offer either option or use data from both.)
Tracker: These widgets, known as telematics devices, are usually plugged into a port beneath the steering wheel and use your car’s sensors and diagnostic systems to track your performance.
Smartphone app: Instead of onboard diagnostics, data about your driving speed, hard braking and other behaviors is captured by your phone’s internal GPS and sensors. The apps typically analyze movements — like how your phone rotates when you enter your vehicle — to determine if you’re driving.
The system tracks metrics relating to your performance behind the wheel. The specifics vary, but they typically include:
Since each insurer collects, analyzes and weighs data differently, there is no one approach to getting the most out of a UBI plan. According to Progressive, limiting hard braking and acceleration, avoiding handheld phone activity and not driving between midnight and 4 a.m. will help you optimize its Snapshot program.
These are some of the top insurers offering discounts if you allow them to monitor your driving habits. Each state has different rules about how data can be used, however, and some restrict or prohibit UBI programs.
Allstate: Up to 25% off with Drivewise
American Family: Up to 20% off with DriveMyWay
Farmers: Up to 35% off with Signal
Geico: Up to 25% off with DriveEasy
Nationwide: Up to 40% off with SmartRide
Progressive: Customers who earn a discount with Snapshot save an average of $231 a year
State Farm: Up to 30% off with Drive Safe & Save
Travelers: Up to 30% off with IntelliDrive
USAA: Up to 30% off with SafePilot
Depending on your insurer, telematics information can be shared or used for other purposes, including marketing. In addition, a company that doesn’t share or sell your data may still be required by law to comply with a subpoena, court order or law enforcement request.
It can be difficult to decipher an insurer’s privacy policy to know exactly what is being done with your information.
“Unfortunately, it does require a little work — they don’t make it easy,” said Tsukayama. “Obviously, the insurance companies are incentivized to get people to sign up for these programs. So, [those agreements] are not always easy to decipher.”
Nationwide, State Farm and USAA told CNBC Select that driving data is not shared or sold with third parties.
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
Nationwide offers near-nationwide availability and personalized services, such as On Your Side® Review, a free annual insurance evaluation to ensure you are adequately protected and are taking advantage of any discounts available to you.
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
State farm is one of the largest auto insurers based on market share and has an excellent reputation for customer satisfaction. It offers 13 discounts, including ones for safe driving and young drivers.
Farmers Auto Insurance directed CNBC Select to its privacy notice, which indicates customer data from its Signal app may be shared with third parties, including “companies that perform marketing services on our behalf or to other financial institutions with which we have joint marketing agreements.”
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
Farmers sells car insurance in every state except Alaska, Delaware, Hawaii, Maine, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, D.C., and West Virginia and offers a whopping 22 discounts.
According to Progressive’s privacy statement, personally identifiable data from its Snapshot app may be shared with other companies “to service your insurance policy, detect or prevent fraud, perform research, market our or our affiliates’ products and services to you or as required or permitted by law.” (Users can limit some of the marketing of Progressive and affiliate products and services, however.)
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
Progressive offers a number of lines of insurance to allow for bundling, and convenient tools to help you keep your coverage in your budget.
“Make sure you’re comfortable if your insurer is reserving the right to sell your information to data brokers,” Tsukayama said. “Maybe you’re willing to make some of those trade-offs. It’s all about clear communication.”
While your car’s or phone’s sensors can detect driving behavior, they’re not infallible: They may register you were the driver when you were in the passenger seat or detect distracted driving when you’re not even behind the wheel.
Only 38% of customers who use safe-driving apps say the data collected is always accurate, according to J.D. Power. Most programs allow users to request corrections, but the process is time-consuming and the options are limited. Travelers Insurance, for example, gives Intellidrive users 10 days to update that they were a passenger, not a driver, on a given trip.
The best way to estimate your costs is to request a quote
Travelers auto insurance policies are affordable and backed by the sixth largest company for car insurance by market share according to the NAIC. The company also offers a number of discounts to customers, including discounts for bundling, owning a hybrid or electric car, and good student discounts.
In most cases, policyholders need to enroll in the safe driving discount within the first few weeks of their policy going into effect. The insurer then tracks their driving for the duration of their term (usually six or 12 months) and then applies any discount at the next policy renewal.
In some cases, you may need to complete a certain number of trips within that time frame to qualify.
The full discount usually isn’t available until you renew, but most companies offer a smaller discount just for signing up: Nationwide, for example, takes 10% off your rate when you enroll in its SmartRide program. At renewal, the overall discount can increase to as much as 40%.
| Insurer | Program | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| Allstate | Drivewise | Up to 25% off |
| American Family | DriveMyWay | Up to 20% off |
| Farmers | Signal | Up to 35% off |
| Geico | DriveEasy | Up to 25% off |
| Nationwide | SmartRide | Up to 40% off |
| Progressive* | Snapshot | Average of $231 a year for drivers who save |
| State Farm | Drive Safe & Save | Up to 30% off |
| Travelers | Intellidrive | Up to 30% off |
| USAA | SafePilot | Up to 30% off |
Source: Discount information from insurers. Progressive did not disclose a percentage discount
If you’re a responsible motorist, safe driver apps are a great way to lower your rates. But, depending on your insurer, you could risk a rate increase.
You also need to decide if it’s worth your insurance company having access to that much data.
“If there are reasons that you might want to keep that information more [private], you might say, ‘Oh no, this is not for me,'” Tsukayama said. “The top thing is knowing what you’re getting into. Try to understand what they collect and use that to evaluate how comfortable you are with it.”
Whatever you decide, Tsukayam said, it should be an informed decision.
“At the end of the day, it’s your information,” she said. “It’s not theirs. They may be collecting it and holding it, but it’s about you.”
Information about CreditWise has been collected independently by Select and has not been reviewed or provided by Capital One prior to publication.
The exact discount depends on your insurance company, your policy and where you live. Nationwide cited a maximum discount of 40%, the highest among the companies we reviewed.
Depending on the insurer, your rates could increase or your information could be shared with marketing companies and other third parties.
Safe driving apps use your phone sensors to analyze movements and behaviors — like how your phone rotates when you enter your vehicle — to determine if you are the driver. Mislabeling of trips can happen but users can submit corrections.
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At CNBC Select, we work with experts who have specialized knowledge and authority based on relevant training and experience. For this story, we interviewed Hayley Tsukayama, associate director of legislative activism at the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
At CNBC Select, our mission is to provide our readers with high-quality service journalism and comprehensive consumer advice so they can make informed decisions with their money. Every car insurance article is based on rigorous reporting by our team of expert writers and editors with extensive knowledge of insurance products. While CNBC Select earns a commission from affiliate partners on many offers and links, we create all our content without input from our commercial team or any outside third parties, and we pride ourselves on our journalistic standards and ethics.
Catch up on CNBC Select’s in-depth coverage of credit cards, banking and money, and follow us on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to stay up to date.
Editorial Note: Opinions, analyses, reviews or recommendations expressed in this article are those of the Select editorial staff’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any third party.
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We spoke to Ellen Learmonth, program manager at Safe Affiliate Programs to see what she thinks about the latest advancements in the affiliate marketing industry.
A: Above all else, Safe Affiliate Program stands for providing a secure and reliable platform for affiliates to find programs that share the same ethics of a safe and transparent environment for affiliate partners to work with. We have had great feedback from our affiliate partners who have approached us for either help or information. They appreciate the secure and reliable platform/service we provide, as well as the resources and support we offer to help them to succeed or problem solve.
A: Our limited number of listed programs shows that this is an exclusive circle that has no automatic ‘join here’ button. It is not easy to be part of Safe Affiliate Program’s circle of friends. This is the basis of how we ensure integrity within our group. It takes time to become involved and we ask programs to be open and in-the-know with one another. We all need to be comfortable to share the stage with other programs in confidence. Once achieved, we can then offer practical affiliate support to our affiliate partners, within the program circle. An example would be mediation for affiliate partners with a program they are not too familiar with, or fail to connect with. We will provide resources and support to help affiliates to be better informed, to connect, and to escalate if need be.
A: So, in 2022 we started to re-access our brand perception. As we started out with a trusted corporate type branding, we found that a lot of affiliates were not necessarily associating iGaming with our brand. We started adding some graphical elements, which would hint at “casino & slots”. Still, we were faced with questions about being a network, which we are not. We also wanted to portray that we offer fun as well as being trustworthy.
In February this year, we exhibited with a much bigger stand completely branded like a ski lodge, with a slightly updated logo. This turned out to be a great success and we are finally on the right track to promote our intent in a way that it translates and is understood. We have also learned that adding a new partner to our circle can energise the team. It brings back our focus on our principles and our vision. We have learned that we have had the right idea to collaborate and share resources, and best practices between our programs, and we have learned our social events are awesome, with affiliate partners looking forward to making the attendee list in the following year.
These are the foundations on which we continue to build our relationships going forward, to the benefit of our affiliate programs and affiliate partners.
A: We saw that we had proof of concept, when we had a fabulous turnout at iGB Affiliate in London early this year. This was something we wanted to build on and we have, now that we can look back on an equally successful show at iGB Live Amsterdam. We are continuing to provide a friendly and open conference experience with a bigger and/or more unique presence and build on our social events. Finally, we have started our road shows in 2023, as delegations visited some of our affiliate partners this year already. The partners had the undivided attention from our program representatives at leisurely open Q&A sessions, while we gained more insight into their situation and business goals. Additionally, we plan to expand our reach and increase our presence in the affiliate marketing industry.
A: My advice to newcomers in the affiliate marketing industry would be to do your research and be prepared to put in the work. Affiliate marketing is very competitive, especially in the iGaming industry, and it takes dedication and hard work to be successful. It is important to understand the industry, the different strategies and tactics, and the different platforms available. Additionally, they want to stay up-to-date on the latest trends and developments in the industry. Compliance is a major factor and needs to be followed to the ‘T’, as not only operators are targeted with fines for non-compliance, but affiliates can be penalised too, as we have seen happen this year. This might make affiliates new to this industry wonder if it is still profitable and worth the hassle entering some of the highly regulated markets.
I personally believe affiliates can take advantage of the increased trust and security that comes with a highly regulated market, as customers are more likely to trust and engage with a brand that is compliant with regulations. Even if licensed operators are still outnumbered by grey market operators, concentrating on promoting regulated and licensed operators will pay out in the long-term.
A: I’m always excited for the potential of new technologies and strategies that will be available to help affiliates maximise their success. Something that is on the mind of many people, organisations, developers, media outlets and governments combined is Artificial Intelligence. For us, no doubt AI lends itself to play a major role in content creation. It makes it easier for affiliates, no matter the size. Smaller companies will be able to create more content with tools like ChatGPT by OpenAI and the larger companies with content teams will be able to create even more content. We have tested AI based content creation and it can be a great tool to produce quick articles, but it can also present numbers or scenarios that are completely wrong or incomplete and bias.
I strongly advise to air with caution, scrutinise and fact-check the content for its accuracy, informative value, and uniqueness, and here is why:
Will this impact the larger affiliates that employ a team of content creators? I am not sure, maybe ultimately it will lead to reductions in staff levels. But human supervision of content is still necessary.
If you ask Open AI if Google can detect AI generated content the answer is:” Yes, Google can detect if an article has been AI generated. Google uses a variety of techniques to detect AI-generated content, including natural language processing, machine learning, and other algorithms. Google also uses human reviewers to manually review content for signs of AI-generated content.”
However, does that mean the content is penalised by Google, AI will answer: “Google may penalise AI generated content if it is deemed to be of low quality or not providing value to users. Google may also penalise AI generated content if it is found to be plagiarised or copied from other sources.”
As brilliant as AI is, there is still some manual work necessary, and we should absolutely be thankful for that.
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NOTE: New York Sports Day’s parent company, Catena Media, has sports betting affiliate marketing arrangements with operators.
New York’s sports betting market has rapidly grown into the largest in the United States. The cost of doing business is high, but sportsbooks have relied on affiliates to assist in acquiring customers.
A recent decision by the New York State Gaming Commission imposes restrictions on those affiliates. However, that decision does not shut down their ability to do business.
Based on rhetoric from regulators, sports betting affiliate marketers were fearful that they may be eliminated entirely in New York. Instead, the NYSGC imposed a few restrictions on affiliates, but allowed them to maintain working relationships with sports betting operators.
Neighboring state Massachusetts has been diligent in careful oversight of affiliate marketers in its state. The Massachusetts Gaming Commission prohibited affiliate marketing companies from being paid on a revenue share basis. The MGC also eliminated the use of terms such as “risk-free” when referring to sports betting.
Following the lead of Massachusetts, NYSGC chair Brian O’Dwyer has spearheaded New York’s efforts to regulate affiliates. The goal? To protect consumers and eliminate confusion in the New York sports betting market.
The NYSGC ruled that affiliates must disclose that they have affiliate arrangements and must not be misleading. The organization also limited the messaging that can be used to consumers.
The NYSHC ruled that New York sports betting affiliate marketers cannot use language that may be “false, deceptive, or misleading” in its content or advertisements. For example, claiming that a bet is “free of risk” or has some sort of “guarantee.”
Often, NY sportsbook bonuses give out bet credits in the amount of a customer’s first wager if it loses. A sportsbook or its affiliate must explain that promotional money is required to be played and may not be withdrawn as winnings until the customer does so a certain number of times, says the New York regulatory body.
Lastly, the NYSGC passed language which cracks down on the publication of content that urges consumers to re-invest more money following failed bets. This is commonly known as “chasing losses” in the industry.
Through much of its efforts, it’s clear the NYSGC wishes to protect citizens in New York from potential marketing tactics that could lead to problem gambling. Affiliates can deliver many customers to sports betting operators, and be paid handsomely for it.
O’Dwyer stated the commission could revisit sanctions on affiliates if it finds tactics used by the companies lead to addiction. New York could even bar affiliates from operating, O’Dwyer warns.
“If I find that within the next six months to a year that there have been significant problems with the type of advertising that’s coming down I will come back to the staff, [and] to my fellow Commissioners and ask that we revisit that rule and prohibit third-party advertising,” O’Dwyer said.
Yet, the NYSGC did not explain what methods it could use to determine if affiliate marketing strategies were increasing instances of gambling addiction.
An affiliate marketer is defined as an “entity or person who promotes, refers potential customers to, or conducts advertising, marketing or branding on behalf of, or to the benefit of, a casino sports wagering licensee or sports pool vendor pursuant to an agreement with such licensee or vendor.”
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Organic Fenugreek Seed Powder, Organic Dandelion Root Powder, Organic Fennel Seed Powder, Organic Ginger Root Powder, Organic Parsley Leaf Powder, Amylase Complex, Protease Complex, Pepsin Complex, Lipase Complex, Biomelain Complex, Papain Complex Other Ingredients: Hypromellose Capsule, Microcrystaline Cellulose, and Magnesium Stearate
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
Package Dimensions : 4.09 x 1.81 x 1.73 inches; 2.72 Ounces
Date First Available : September 27, 2018
Manufacturer : Love Wellness
ASIN : B07TCQS4QJ
How it Works: Digestive enzymes help break down fats, proteins, and carbs so you can feel your best after meals, while organic fennel, dandelion, and fenugreek team up to help calm upset stomach and other digestive troubles like excess water weight.* Digestive enzymes and organic fenugreek also work with organic ginger root to help support normalized water retention from food, hormonal bloating, and more.*
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Love Yourself Well: At Love Wellness, we create natural solutions for natural problems because we experience them too (Yes, really!). Discover clean, doctor-developed products that fit your body’s needs and remember, you’re never alone here.
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QUICK, EASY & EFFECTIVE – 15-day cleanse. Just 2 capsules per day. The digestive system is the foundation of your health. Many ailments, disorders, increase of fat, loss of energy, bad skin and more can begin in the gut. Research Labs 15 Day Colon Cleanser and Detox supplement was scientifically designed to remove waste and toxins like a broom and help build the foundation of a healthy digestive system with probiotics. Our supplement will help you lose pounds, have more energy and reduce bloating. Great for kidney cleanse, liver detox. Easier and no terrible taste like juice cleanse, detox tea or prune juice.
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Date First Available : January 25, 2020
Manufacturer : Research Labs
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HELPS KICK START LOSS OF LBS – The colon can accumulate up to 10 lbs of waste and toxins over the years and can contribute to constipation. Our detox supplement will help remove the excess waste and toxins. This is a great way to kick start your slimming goals
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BOOSTS ENERGY LEVELS BY BURNING MORE FUEL. REDUCES BLOATING – With the extra pounds of waste removed and toxins expelled, your body functions more efficiently meaning you will have more energy burning more fuel to stop feeling sluggish and also drop a size.
You may experience some temporary cramping. This is normal as the built up toxins are being removed like a broom. A healthy digestive system reduces bloating. Made in the USA in a Registered, GMP Certified Facility.
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Statements regarding dietary supplements have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease or health condition.
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer : No
Package Dimensions : 6.57 x 3.07 x 1.65 inches; 4 Ounces
Item model number : FBA_PN617407268720
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Chromium Picolinate (Picolinato de Cromo) is an essential mineral which supports a wide range of bodily processes and is found in small amounts in some foods such as beef and poultry, grains, some fruits, and dairy products. One of Chromium’s main functions in the body is to help support the metabolism of fat, protein, and carbs. Double Wood’s Chromium is in the Picolinate form to allow for high absorption, making our Chromium Picolinate supplement highly bioavailable. Double Wood Supplement’s Chromium Picolinate is Vegan Safe, Manufactured in the USA, Non-Gmo, and Gluten Free. It contains 300 capsules and each serving is two 500mcg capsules (1,000mcg).
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Date First Available : December 2, 2020
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Manufactured in the USA, Gluten Free, Non Gmo: DoubleWood Supplement’s Chromium Picolinate capsules are Manufactured in the USA, Gluten Free and Non Gmo
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The Fed’s potential higher-than-expected interest rate hikes have fueled concerns among investors about a mild recession. Hence, fundamentally stable and dividend-paying stocks Walmart (WMT), BHP Group (BHP), and American Vanguard (AVD) could be particularly enticing for those nearing retirement and seeking security in their investment approach. Read more….
With concerns mounting over the Fed’s capacity to counter inflation without concurrently undermining the economy and triggering a mild recession, it could be wise to consider the suitability of dividend-paying and stable stocks Walmart Inc. (WMT), BHP Group Limited (BHP), and American Vanguard Corporation (AVD) for a retirement portfolio.
The past year has seen the Fed raising its benchmark interest rates eight times, the last being by 25 basis points in January. This brought the borrowing rate into a targeted range of 4.5%-4.75%. Despite the Fed’s efforts, inflation is still well above its 2% target.
Persistently high inflation has followed the economy into 2023, with the Consumer Price Index (CPI) accelerating by 0.5% for the month in January and 6.4% from a year ago, surpassing economists’ expectations of 0.4% and 6.2%, respectively. Elevated inflation levels indicate that the Fed has more work to do. Minutes from the Fed’s latest meeting warn of more interest rate hikes.
Democratic legislators, in particular, are increasingly worried that the Fed could drag down the economy with its commitment to fight inflation. This has left markets on edge, with apprehension mounting as to whether Fed chair Jerome Powell can lower inflation without simultaneously weakening the broader economy.
Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers has warned, “The process of bringing down inflation will bring on a recession at some stage.” He continued, “The economy could hit an air pocket in a few months.”
Thus, investors nearing retirement could check out stocks with a strong foundation of stability. Let’s discuss why WMT, BHP, and AVD could be solid picks on that front.
Walmart Inc. (WMT)
WMT runs retail, wholesale, and other units across the globe. Its segments include Walmart U.S.; Walmart International; and Sam’s Club. The company runs membership-only warehouse clubs, supermarkets, discount stores, and cash and carry facilities. Furthermore, it operates online under 46 different banners.
On March 2, 2023, WMT announced the opening of 28 additional WMT Health center locations in 2024. This is expected to expand WMT Health’s footprint in Missouri and Arizona and strengthen its foothold in Texas. Moreover, with 90% of the U.S. population living within 10 miles of a WMT, the company should benefit from expanded operations and increased customers.
On February 28, WMT and Citigroup (C) announced their partnership to introduce the Bridge built by Citi platform to WMT’s 10,000 small- and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) in their U.S.-based supplier network. With this platform, WMT’s suppliers would get better access to the capital required to grow their businesses and meet and surpass their objectives. This should strategically contribute to the company’s growth.
Also, on February 21, WMT approved an annual cash dividend of $2.28 per share for 2024, a rise of approximately—2% over the $2.24 per share paid for the previous fiscal year. The company has a record of 49 years of consecutive dividend growth.
Its annual dividend of $2.28 yields 1.62% on the current price level. Its four-year average yield is 1.67%, and its dividend payouts have grown at a 1.9% CAGR over the past three years.
WMT’s total revenues increased 7.3% year-over-year to $164.05 billion in the fiscal 2023 fourth quarter that ended January 31. Its income before income taxes rose 86.2% from the previous year’s quarter to $8.90 billion. In addition, the company’s consolidated net income grew 59.9% year-over-year to $5.81 billion, while its adjusted EPS came in at $1.71, up 11.8%year-over-year.
The consensus revenue estimate of $648.85 billion for the fiscal year ending January 2025 reflects a 3.4% year-over-year improvement. The consensus EPS estimate of $6.79 for the same year indicates an 11.4% rise from the previous year. Moreover, WMT surpassed its consensus EPS estimates in three of the four trailing quarters.
Shares of WMT have gained 6.3% over the past six months to close the last trading session at $140.65. Moreover, the stock has a beta of 0.53.
WMT’s POWR Ratings reflect its strong outlook. The stock has an overall rating of A, which equates to a Strong Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 different factors, each weighted to an optimal degree.
The stock has an A grade for Stability and a B for Quality and Value. In the A-rated 38-stock Grocery/Big Box Retailers industry, it is ranked #3.
Beyond what we stated above, we also have WMT’s ratings for Growth, Sentiment, and Momentum. Get all WMT ratings here.
BHP Group Limited (BHP)
Headquartered in Melbourne, Australia, BHP is a global resources corporation. Its international operations encompass potash development, nickel mining, smelting, and refining.
On February 21, 2023, Mike Henry, BHP’s Chief Executive Officer, said, “We are positive about the demand outlook in the second half of FY23 and into FY24.” He continued, “The long-term outlook for our commodities remains strong given population growth, rising living standards, and the metals intensity of the energy transition, including for steel-making raw materials.”
On January 24, BHP announced that production at the Jansen potash project in Saskatchewan, Canada, is expected to begin in late 2026, yielding 4.35 million tonnes of potash annually. BHP’s partnerships would offer it the edge needed to expand operations and grow in Saskatchewan and across Canada.
BHP’s financial income rose 744% year-over-year to $211 million during the half-year that ended December 31, 2022. As of December 31, 2022, the company’s total non-current assets stood at $67.72 billion, compared to $66.50 billion as of June 30, 2022, while BHP’s total current liabilities were $11.89 billion, versus $16.92 billion as of June 30, 2022.
BHP pays an annual dividend of $7.00, which translates to a 10.63% yield on the current price level. The company’s dividend payments have grown at a 37.6% CAGR over the past three years, and its four-year average yield is 7.84%.
The consensus EPS estimate of $5.08 for the fiscal year (ending June 2024) reflects a 32.5% year-over-year improvement. Shares of BHP have gained 28.5% over the past six months to close the last trading session at $64.04. Also, BHP has a beta of 0.81.
BHP’s solid fundamentals are apparent in its POWR Ratings. The stock has an overall rating of B, which equates to Buy in our proprietary rating system. The stock has a Quality grade of A and a Stability grade of B. In the 36-stock Industrial – Metals industry, it is ranked #2.
Beyond what we stated above, we also have BHP’s ratings for Value, Growth, Sentiment, and Momentum. Get all BHP’s ratings here.
American Vanguard Corporation (AVD)
AVD develops and markets specialized chemicals for agricultural, commercial, and consumer applications. Additionally, the business offers biological and end-use chemical solutions for crop applications, and chemicals for the turf and ornamental industries.
On January 17, 2023, AMGUARD™ Environmental Technologies, the specialty markets division of AMVAC Chemical Corporation, a fully owned subsidiary of AVD, announced the acquisition of American Bio-Systems’ product and trademark assets. American Bio-Systems’ proprietary-formula microbial cleaning products BioMop-Plus® and DrainGel® are great additions to AMGUARD’s portfolio.
For the fiscal third quarter that ended September 30, 2022, AVD’s net sales increased 3.3% year-over-year to $152.12 million, while its gross profit grew 7.6% from the prior year’s period to $61.38 million. The company’s operating income rose 25.7% from the year-ago value to $11.24 million.
Additionally, AVD’s adjusted EBITDA grew 11.4% from the prior-year period to $18.91 million. The company’s net income and EPS increased 22.6% and 27.8% year-over-year to $6.74 million and $0.23, respectively.
The company pays an annual dividend of $0.12, translating to a 0.56% yield on the current price level. AVD’s dividends have grown at an 11.8% CAGR over the past five years, and its four-year average yield is 0.44%.
Analysts expect AVD’s revenue to increase 8.2% year-over-year to $657.70 million for the fiscal year ending December 2023. The company’s EPS for the ongoing year is expected to rise 41.6% from the previous year to $1.23. The stock has gained 25.3% over the past year to close the last trading session at $20.48. In addition, AVD has a beta of 0.92.
AVD’s POWR Ratings reflect its strong prospects. The stock has an overall rating of A, equating to a Strong Buy in our proprietary rating system.
AVD has a B grade for Quality, Stability, Value, and Sentiment. It ranks #2 in the B-rated 84-stock Chemicals industry.
In addition to the POWR Ratings I’ve just highlighted, you can see AVD’s ratings for Growth and Momentum here.
Consider This Before Placing Your Next Trade…
We are still in the midst of a bear market.
Yes, some special stocks may go up. But most will tumble as the bear market claws ever lower.
That is why you need to discover the brand new “Stock Trading Plan for 2023” created by 40-year investment veteran Steve Reitmeister. There he explains:
You owe it to yourself to watch this timely presentation before placing your next trade.
WMT shares were trading at $138.86 per share on Tuesday afternoon, down $1.79 (-1.27%). Year-to-date, WMT has declined -2.07%, versus a 4.14% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.

Aanchal’s passion for financial markets drives her work as an investment analyst and journalist. She earned her bachelor’s degree in finance and is pursuing the CFA program.
She is proficient at assessing the long-term prospects of stocks with her fundamental analysis skills. Her goal is to help investors build portfolios with sustainable returns.
The post Close to Retiring? These 3 Stocks Are as Safe as They Come appeared first on StockNews.com
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