Five interesting things that Hodges Capital research analysts discovered this week...

#1 Metropolis Rising: The Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) Metroplex experienced the largest metropolitan population growth in the nation last year, adding approximately 418 residents per day, according to recent U.S. Census Bureau data. With a population increase of 152,598 people, DFW surpassed 8.1 million total residents—greater than the population of all but 12 states in the U.S. The DFW Metroplex accounts for 27% of Texas’ total population and contributed 32% of the state's population growth last year. Notably, the four counties that make up the Fort Worth-Arlington division comprise 33% of DFW's population, exceeding the populations of 14 states.

#2 Stuck in the Middle with You: A U.S.-based company recently reported that importing goods from China to the East Coast via the Panama Canal can take up to five weeks longer than shipping to a West Coast port. Despite being affected by tariffs on Chinese imports, the company stated it could not feasibly switch to sourcing goods from other Asian countries due to China’s significantly lower costs for energy and raw materials.

#3 Worth the Squeeze: The 2024 Commercial Citrus Inventory for Florida reveals a total citrus acreage of 274,705 acres, down 17% year-over-year. This marks a 67% decline from the 832,275 citrus acres reported in 2000. The USDA also highlighted that natural disasters and diseases have reduced Florida’s orange production by 92% since the 2003–04 season.

#4 No Leftovers: Feeding a family of 10 for Thanksgiving this year costs 5% less than last year, according to the American Farm Bureau Federation. However, at $58.08, the expense remains 19% higher than pre-pandemic levels.

#5 Seven Heavens: Over the past decade, the "Magnificent Seven" stocks have significantly influenced the S&P 500. According to NDR data, these stocks accounted for 8% of dividends, 37% of buybacks, and 39% of total net shareholder payments. (Source: RBC)

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