Coal in your stocking this past Christmas? Not a bad investment

If you found coal in your stocking Christmas morning it may have nothing to do with the way you behaved the past year. Santa could be giving you a hint, invest in coal.

Investors are flocking to coal stocks right now, highlighting the sector as one of the best places to invest right now. One coal stock on a positive upward trend, with a dividend, is Natural Resource Partners LP.

Natural Resource Partners LP (NYSE: NRP)

Based in Houston, Texas, Natural Resource Partners L.P. is a diversified natural resource company that owns, manages, and leases a diversified portfolio of properties in the United States. The properties include coal, industrial minerals, and other natural resources. The company also has rights to conduct carbon sequestration and renewable energy activities.

In addition, NRP owns an equity investment in Sisecam Wyoming LLC, one of the world’s lowest-cost producers of soda ash.

Some of the company’s positive upward trend was provided during NRP’s third quarter 2023 results in November.

"NRP had another robust quarter with $80 million of free cash flow generated in the third quarter of 2023 as a result of continued strong performance from our mineral rights assets and a significant cash distribution from our soda ash investment," said Craig Nunez, NRP's president and chief operating officer, in a company press release.

In addition, NRP’s board of directors declared a third-quarter 2023 cash dividend in November of $0.75 per share. The dividend was paid on Nov. 21. The board also declared a $2.15 million cash distribution on NRP's outstanding preferred units.

Shares of NRP stock are up 106.87% over the past year. This year alone the stock is up 9.29%, closing Friday at $101.16 per share, up 3.40% for the day.

NRP shares have a 52-week low of $44.68 and a high of $102.00.

NRP 2023 Dividend History

• 11/13/2023       Cash      $0.75
• 08/15/2023       Cash      $0.75
• 05/15/2023       Cash      $0.75
• 03/13/2023       Cash      $2.43
• 02/13/2023       Cash      $0.75

Disclaimer: This post is provided for information purposes only and should not be used as the basis for any investment decision. I am neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. Keith Stein has no position in any stocks mentioned in this post. DCNewsroom has no position in any of the stocks mentioned in this post.

Delta Air Lines adds A350-1000 to fleet

Delta Air Lines has placed a first order for 20 A350-1000 aircraft with Airbus. The A350-1000 will be a new aircraft type in Delta’s fleet.

Delta currently operates more than 450 Airbus aircraft from all of the product lines from the A220 to the A350-900, with more than 200 additional on order. The airline also operates Boeing, Bombardier, and Embraer jets.

“We are thankful for Delta’s continued confidence in Airbus’ solutions to meet its fleet needs,” said Christian Scherer, chief executive officer of the Commercial Aircraft business at Airbus. “Delta was the first U.S. airline to operate the A350-900.”

Once added to the fleet, Airbus said Delta will benefit from the A350-1000’s operational efficiency, which results in reduced fuel burn and emissions and lower operating and maintenance costs. Passengers will enjoy the comfort of the Airbus Airspace cabin with its spacious and quiet cabin, wide seats, high ceilings, and customizable ambient lighting designed to reduce fatigue and jet lag on long flights.

Airbus says the A350 is the world’s most modern and efficient widebody aircraft and the long-range leader in the 300–410-seater category, flying efficiently on any sector from short-haul to ultra-long-haul routes up to 9,700 nautical miles.

The A350 has more than 1,206 orders from 58 customers from around the world.

The Delta order announcement comes just days after Taiwan’s EVA Air finalized a firm order with Airbus for the purchase of 18 long-range A350-1000s and 15 single-aisle A321neo aircraft.

First hydrogen-powered Vertical Take-Off and Landing aircraft

Swiss aviation startup Sirius Aviation AG unveiled its revolutionary Sirius Jet on Wednesday.

The plane dubbed the world's first hydrogen-powered Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) aircraft is crafted and designed in collaboration with BMW's Designworks and Sauber Group.

The Sirius Jet, an aviation game-changer, is a high-performance, zero-emission VTOL aircraft, propelled by a hydrogen-electric propulsion system.

The jet redefines excellence with cutting-edge technology, unique design, and precision engineering, setting a new industry standard.

The company plans to fly two versions of the Sirius Jet starting in 2025: Sirius Business Jet, tailored to private jet needs, and Sirius Millennium Jet, crafted for commercial aviation. A revolutionary leap that will reshape the global transportation industry.

Leveraging jet aerodynamics with airplane and helicopter versatility, it achieves extended flight distances, impressive speeds, and high altitudes at near-silent levels.

Sirius Jet Specifications: 

Sirius Business Jet: A zero-emission, hydrogen-powered VTOL business jet, featuring a 1,150-mile flight range, cruise speed of 323 miles per hour, altitude capability of 30,000 feet, ultra-quiet noise levels of 60dBa, and accommodates three passengers.

Sirius Millenium Jet: A zero-emission, hydrogen-powered VTOL commercial aircraft, offering a 650-mile flight range, cruise speed of 323 mph, altitude capability of 30,000 ft, sound footprint of 60dBa, and accommodates up to five passengers.

On Jan. 17, Sirius Aviation AG will host a monumental event at Payerne Airport in Switzerland, unveiling the aircraft's groundbreaking Hydrogen-Electric Ducted Fan Propulsion System with the first public inaugural ignition. The event will feature a press conference and insightful remarks from esteemed global leaders.

First two Slovakian F-16 Block 70 fighter jets arrive

Lockheed Martin announced on Wednesday the first two F-16 Block 70 fighter jets for Slovakia have been delivered.

OJ Sanchez, vice president and general manager of the Integrated Fighter Group at Lockheed Martin, said the delivery is a crucial starting point in bolstering the country’s defense capabilities.

“We are proud to be part of this endeavor and are committed to delivering a total of 14 jets to Slovakia,” Sanchez said. “The integration of this proven platform will allow the Slovak Air Force to effectively safeguard its borders and partner with allies across Europe, NATO, and the world.”

Manufactured in Greenville, S.C., the F-16 Block 70 fighters are a testament to advanced engineering and technology, the company said in a press release. “With a current backlog of 135 jets, the production line serves as a cornerstone of national security, offering state-of-the-art F-16 fighter jet capabilities to allies worldwide.”

Six countries are expecting delivery of Block 70/72 aircraft.

Bulgaria has signed a Letter of Offer and Acceptance for an additional eight jets for its fleet. Once the agreement is finalized, the backlog will increase by eight.

Deliveries for Slovakia will continue through 2025, and the first group of jets, known as a ferry cell, is expected to arrive in Slovakia in mid-2024.

The first F-16 Block 70 performed its maiden flight a year ago in Greenville. That jet was the first of 16 to be delivered to Bahrain.

The F-16 is a strategic and valuable choice for many customers around the world seeking advanced fighter aircraft capabilities. More than 3,100 F-16s are operating today in 25 countries. The F-16 has flown an estimated 19.5 million flight hours and at least 13 million sorties.

Transavia France takes delivery of its first Airbus A320neo jet

Transavia France, part of the Air France-KLM Group, has taken delivery of its first A320neo aircraft from Airbus manufacturing site in Toulouse. The plane is on lease to the low-cost carrier from Avolon.

The delivery flight to Paris-Orly used a sustainable aviation fuel blend, Airbus said in a company press release.

The new aircraft features 186 seats in a single-class layout. Selected for its outstanding operational efficiency, reduced emissions, and comfort, the A320neo will be deployed by Transavia France on its services on its domestic network as well as across its European and Mediterranean markets.

The introduction of its first A320neo aircraft marks the beginning of Transavia France' transition to become an all-Airbus operator, powered by efficient A320neo Family aircraft.

By incorporating new generation CFM International LEAP-1A engines and Sharklets, the A320neo brings a 50% noise footprint reduction and 20% fuel savings and CO2 reduction compared to previous generation single-aisle aircraft.

The cabin features Airbus’ Airspace XL bins. The larger bins provide 40% more stowage space compared to conventional bins. In addition, USB-C ports are available for passengers at each seat.

The Airbus A320neo Family has won nearly 9,800 orders from nearly 140 customers in all markets.

Thirty-three Airbus planes ordered by Taiwan’s EVA Air

Taiwan’s EVA Air has finalized a firm order with Airbus for the purchase of 18 long-range A350-1000s and 15 single-aisle A321neo aircraft.

“We have selected the Airbus aircraft following a thorough evaluation of the various models in each market segment,” said Clay Sun, president of EVA Air.

The airline feels they have selected the most modern and fuel-efficient types, that offer the highest levels of passenger comfort. The aircraft also brings significant reductions in carbon emissions.

“This order marks a new phase in our relationship with EVA Air,” said Benoît de Saint-Exupéry, Airbus EVP Sales, Commercial Aircraft. “In the long-range market, it’s another major endorsement for the A350-1000 as the natural replacement for previous generation aircraft in the larger widebody size category. The A350 is setting new standards across the board in terms of range, payload, fuel efficiency, and passenger comfort.”

The A350 is available in two sizes, with the A350-900 typically seating up to 350 passengers in a standard three-class configuration and the larger A350-1000 seating up to 410 passengers.

Powered by versions of the latest generation Rolls-Royce engines, the aircraft can fly up to 9,700 nautical miles (18,000 kilometers) non-stop, using 25% less fuel than previous generation types.

The A350 Family has won over 1,000 firm orders from 60 customers worldwide, with more than 570 aircraft currently in the fleets of 39 operators, flying primarily on long-haul routes.

The A321neo is part of the A320neo Family, incorporating the latest technologies including new generation engines, Sharklets, and cabin efficiency enablers, delivering 20% fuel savings.

With over 5,600 orders by more than 100 customers since its launch in 2016, the A321neo has captured some 65 percent market share.

Dream Finder Homes stock shares follow market struggles into 2024

Stock shares of Florida-based homebuilder Dream Finder Homes Inc. (NYSE: DFH) have been highly positive for the past year, up 226%. But shares of DFH have followed overall market struggles into the new year.

On Tuesday, the Dow dropped 300 points in earlier trading as market struggles continued into the new year. DFH shares have followed, dropping -8.11% in January, so far.

Founded in 2008, Dream Finders Homes Inc. builds and sells single-family entry-level, and first-time and second time move-up homes. Their projects are placed across eight U.S. states, over 20 different markets, and close to 150 unique communities, with over 5,000 homes closed. Its communities are in Florida, Colorado, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Texas, Maryland, and Virginia.

In recent developments, the company plans on delivering more than 1,300 housing units to Florida’s Horizon West, a new community located in southwest Orange County, Fla. Horizon West is located near Disney theme parks.

DFH Share Performance

January 2024 - Down -8.11% (-$2.88)

One Year – Up 226.83% ($22.66)

Two Years – Up 74.32% ($13.92)

Five Years – Up 52.64% ($11.26)

During the company’s third quarter 2023 report in November, Dream Finders Homes CEO Patrick Zalupski addressed highlights and a plan moving forward.

“Home closings of 1,798 and net new orders of 1,535 increased 17% and 38%, respectively, compared to the year-ago quarter,” Zalupski said. “Our performance in a difficult interest rate environment reflects our ability to generate sales and successfully deliver on our growth strategy. We continue to focus on managing construction times and increasing inventory turnover.”

Zalupski continued, “Although uncertainty remains for the remainder of 2023 and beyond, we have set ourselves up for another successful year and have increased guidance to approximately 6,750 closings for the fiscal year.”

DFH shares are up 22.88% since July 17, 2023; Residential and commercial builder stocks top the charts

Disclaimer: This post is provided for information purposes only and should not be used as the basis for any investment decision. I am neither licensed nor qualified to provide investment advice. Keith Stein has no position in any stocks mentioned in this post. DCNewsroom has no position in any of the stocks mentioned in this post.

Work begins to transform MD-90 into NASA’s X-66 Sustainable Flight Demonstrator

Boeing has begun extensive modifications of an MD-90 airplane that will become the X-66 Sustainable Flight Demonstrator. The company has removed its engines and completed 3D metrology scans to inform the plane’s design and build plan.

The MD-90’s original wings will soon be removed to test the Transonic Truss-Braced Wing (TTBW) design with new ultrathin wings braced by struts with larger spans and higher aspect ratios. The TTBW’s wider wingspan and aerodynamic efficiency could significantly accelerate opportunities to reduce fuel use and emissions.

The X-66 is NASA's first experimental plane project focused on helping the U.S. achieve its net-zero aviation greenhouse gas emissions goal. Ground and flight testing is expected to begin in 2028.

With the scanning data, Boeing will use 3D modeling software to overlay the existing MD-90 structure with the new X-66 components, enabling more accurate spatial integration and the opportunity to identify and mitigate risks early in the modification process.

AUDIO: DC Air Traffic Control deals with an unknown aircraft in restricted area

On Saturday, at 11:30 p.m. EST, DC Air Defense and DCA Potomac Approach air traffic controllers had to deal with an unknown aircraft near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.

The Air Force attempted to hail the unknown multiple times to no avail.

As the unknown was traveling at only 30 knots, the suspicion was a flock of geese, a balloon, or a drone.

New Bridgetown and Kingston non-stop flights by interCaribbean Airways

interCaribbean Airways announced on Friday they plan to launch a new non-stop flight service connecting Bridgetown, Barbados, and Kingston, Jamaica. The new service will start on Feb. 6.

The airline says the service will mark a new chapter in the connectivity between these two major Caribbean destinations.

Bridgetown, the Southern Caribbean hub for interCaribbean, will see flights to Kingston on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, with return flights on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays.

Operated by interCaribbean's CRJ700 jet aircraft, this route will be the only non-stop service between Bridgetown and Kingston.

interCaribbean CEO Trevor Sadler says there is a growing need for improved travel connectivity in the Caribbean.

"This new route is set to enhance both business travel and tourism, bringing these two vibrant cities closer,” Sadler said in a company press release.

The new service also introduces convenient one-stop connections for passengers traveling from southern destinations such as Grenada, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, Georgetown, Antigua, and Dominica, further expanding the reach and impact of the route.

interCaribbean Airways is a privately-owned and operated airline, headquartered in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The UK-flagged airline operates 50-seat Embraer ERJ145 Regional Jets, a Bombardier CRJ700 and a fleet of turboprops, comprising 68-seat ATR72, 48-seat ATR42s, 30-seat EMB120s, and 19-seat Twin Otters.