The Federal Reserve on Wednesday implemented its first rate cut in over four years, reducing the benchmark rate by 50 basis points to a range of 4.75%-5%.
The move surpassed Wall Street's expectations. Analysts had generally anticipated a 25 basis point cut, while the futures market had priced in a 61% probability of a 50 basis point cut and a 39% probability of a 25 basis point reduction.
Market Response to First Rate Cut
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Market's past overconfidence is evident in the steeper share price decline versus EPS slippage. Despite insider share purchases, future earnings are key for shareholder profit. The company's disappointing performance resulted in losses of 6.9% and 3% per year over the past year and five years respectively.

The company's declining earnings per share and high payout ratio may risk the sustainability of its dividends. Despite a 14% annual dividend increase over the past decade, the growing dividend amidst declining earnings is seen as unsustainable.

Insider Homer Scott's recent sale of shares accounting for half of his holdings raises concerns. Despite some insider buying in the past year, increased insider selling clouds the outlook, prompting caution among investors, despite company profitability.