Reports

Industry Uncovered: Which is the Top Choice in Natural Gas Stocks Now?

The natural gas industry features some high-quality businesses with profitable stocks. The top players are long-standing, competitive firms that often offer dividends

Among the big names in the natural gas space are Chesapeake Energy (CHK), NextEra Energy (NEE), and Occidental Petroleum (OXY). Many stocks can be found in the sector, though, and hedge funds love them. 

The top players aren’t always the most profitable, though, are they? 

One stock, in particular, excels as an income opportunity, boasting consistent dividends, a solid balance sheet, and the most competitive pricing among its peers… 

Coterra Energy (CTRA) is one of the strongest choices in the energy sector right now. CTRA stands out as a top player due to its large reserves and solid balance sheet, making it a reliable income play… However, a significant factor in its greatness lies in its beta score, which is 0.27. Any stock with a score under 1.00 is considered safe from broader market volatility—the lower the beta, the safer the stock. With a market cap of $21 billion, CTRA is also among the most prominent players in the industry. 

CTRA benefits from strong price realization, and with plans to redirect its activities, its projected oil production growth is 5% per year (without increasing capital spending). Also, by maintaining healthy business metrics, CTRA is in a great position to return cash to shareholders. It offers a 7.94% annual dividend yield with a $0.20 ($0.80/year) per share quarterly payout. 

Earnings seasons haven’t been a problem. Last on record: CTRA beat EPS and revenue by 24.11% and 13.09% margins, respectively. CTRA reported EPS of $0.87 per share vs. $0.70 per share as expected and revenue of $1.78 billion vs. $1.57 billion. CTRA also shows serious earnings gains for all of fiscal 2022

CTRA is projected to report $1.3 billion in sales at $0.37 per share for the present quarter. It is currently up by 10.44% year-to-date and trades close to the bottom of its existing 52-week range, which leaves room for growth. As assigned by analysts who give 12-month forecasts, CTRA has a median price target of $29, with a high of $39 and a low of $25, giving it an upside potential of almost 45% based on its current price

An Ideal PEG (price/earnings/growth) ratio is between 0 and 1, reflecting the stock’s viability while being undervalued. CTRA enjoys a PEG ratio of 0.29x, which suggests it is significantly undervalued. This is compared to the S&P 500’s -0.5x and -2.19x for the oil industry as a whole

Read Next –  Biden’s 2022 mistake to cost him election?

Will this ugly scandal doom Biden in 2024?

In February 2022, Joe Biden made the most dangerous mistake any President has made in the past 150 years.

If it all plays out like I’m predicting…

Biden’s blunder will soon cost good Americans EVERYTHING.

I’m serious.

Here’s what Monica Crowley, Trump’s Assistant Secretary of the Treasury…

…said to Fox News about Biden’s growing problem…

“It would be a complete implosion of…the American economic system.”

“If you think inflation is bad right now, just wait.

“We would lose our economic dominance…

“And we would lose our superpower status.”

There’s still time to protect your money.

But you can’t wait.

>>See Biden’s terrible mistake here<<

P.S. Biden’s mistake has kicked off what I believe will be the biggest wealth transfer in the history of our nation. Most will lose. But a few will gain – see how to protect yourself here.

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These Three Supercharged EV Stocks are Formidable and Profitable

Do you like Electric Vehicles? Are you as excited as I am that more and more automakers are adding EVs to their fleets? If you aren’t, oh well… You don’t have to be! 

As an investor, there isn’t much room for interpretation; the transition is underway. EVs will see great longevity, and before too long—how long exactly is difficult to say—they’ll be the only cars on the road

If that’s the case, wouldn’t it be a good idea to invest in EVs now? Analysts say absolutely…

ON Semiconductor Corp (ON) 

ON Semiconductor (ON) is a promising choice for EV investors with its focus on silicon carbide (SiC) chips, offering superior capabilities. ON’s ambitious growth plans include an annual growth rate target of 10–12% through 2027 and boosted profit margin targets. SiC semiconductors are ON‘s fastest-growing product line, projected to achieve a remarkable annual growth rate of 70% through 2027, aiming for a market share of 35–40% by 2027, up from the current 14%. ON‘s advantage lies in controlling the entire SiC device manufacturing process, making it a strong contender for those seeking a promising EV stock. 

ON stock is up year-to-date by 56.02%, has a positive 20/200 SMA (simple moving average), a high ROE (return on equity), a 1.63x PEG (price/earnings/growth) ratio, and a 20.19% TTM (trailing twelve-month) asset growth measure. At its last earnings call, ON reported EPS of $1.19 per share vs. $1.08 (+9.75%) per share as expected by analysts, and revenue of $1.96 billion vs. $1.93 billion as predicted. ON is projected to report $2 billion in sales at $1.21 per share, with a 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 33.1%. Having a free cash flow of $1.1 billion and a 10-day average volume of 5.65 million shares, ON has a median price target of $99, with a high of $120 and a low of $80; this represents the potential for a 23% jump or higher from its current pricing. ON has 21 buy ratings and 10 hold ratings

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Allegro Microsystems Inc (ALGM) 

Allegro (ALGM) is a fast-growing company specializing in magnetic sensing and power management chips. Notably, 69% of its sales come from the automotive market. As vehicles continue to adopt electrification and advanced safety features, ALGM‘s chip content in automobiles has grown and continues to grow significantly. ALGM CEO Vineet Nargolwala predicts a significant content, or volumetric, if you will, opportunity in EVs, nearly double that of internal combustion engine-driven vehicles, which could reach approximately $100 per vehicle. This positive trend drives robust earnings and sales growth for the company, making ALGM an attractive option among chipmakers. 

ALGM’s stock is up year-to-date by 65.46%. At its most recent earnings call, it beat analysts on both EPS and revenue projections, reporting $0.37 per share vs. $0.36 per share (+2.73%) as expected, and $269.44 million vs. $265.02 million (+1.67%). ALGM is predicted to report $275.9 million in sales at $0.37 per share for the current quarter and has also shown year-over-year growth in revenue (+34.53%), net income (+141.95%), EPS (+146.15%), and net profit margin (+79.83%). With a 10-day average trading volume of 1.69 million shares, ALGM has an average price target of $54, with a high of $60 and a low of $52, representing an upside potential of over 20%. ALGM has 6 buy ratings and 1 hold rating.

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Li Auto Inc (LI) 

Recent China-based start-up Li Auto (LI) shines in the EV market, outperforming rivals Nio and XPeng after a successful 2022. Focused on premium electric SUVs, LI‘s forte lies in “extended range” EVs, utilizing a small gasoline engine for extended driving time. LI‘s new L7 SUV shows promising early results, and they are set to release their first all-electric unit by year-end. Remarkably, unlike many EV start-ups, LI is profitable, albeit with some fluctuations. Lately, though, the positive factors have combined powerfully. 

LI is up remarkably by 83.77% year-to-date, shows trailing asset growth of 31.49%, and a volatility-safe beta score of 0.79. LI, for the current quarter, is predicted to show $25.9 billion in sales at $1.72 per share. For its most recent earnings report, it surpassed Wall Street analysts’ expectations on both EPS and revenue; it most notably reported EPS of $0.19 per share vs. $0.09 per share as expected (+114.78%). LI also shows year-over-year growth in key areas such as revenue (+96.48%), net income (+8,655.75%), EPS (+4,550%), and net profit margin (+4,600%). LI has a free cash flow of $11.63 billion and a 10-day average volume of 6.41 million shares. LI has a median price target of $39.27, with a high of $64.64 and a low of $26.82, suggesting a potential price jump of over 72%. LI has 7 buy ratings and 1 hold rating

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Is CTRA the Best Natural Gas Stock?

There very well may be a bullish market ahead for natural gas stocks, and analysts most definitely see it… 

Enter Coterra Energy (CTRA), a formidable player in the natural gas realm where vast reserves, cost-effective operations, and strong financial standing come together to offer up a confident performer. 

Coterra masterfully distributes its free cash flow to shareholders through a mix of regular dividends, buybacks, and occasional special dividends. CTRA’s performance history is also a sign of reliability. 

Coterra Energy will attract any income-focused investors who enjoy high future returns… 

Coterra Energy (CTRA) is one of the strongest choices in the energy sector right now. CTRA stands out as a top player due to its large reserves and solid balance sheet, making it a reliable income play. With a market cap of $21 billion, CTRA is among the biggest players in the industry, primarily generating revenue from natural gas sales, supplemented by oil and NGLs (natural gas liquids). 

CTRA‘s reserves are expected to last between 15 and 20 years, and it continues to explore new discoveries to replenish its inventory. Additionally, CTRA benefits from strong price realization, capturing around 100% of the WTI price and approximately 90% of natural gas in the Marcellus basin. With plans to reduce activity 

in the Marcellus and redirect resources to the promising Permian and Anadarko basins, this can contribute to CTRA’s projected oil production growth of 5% per year without increasing capital spending

By successfully maintaining healthy business metrics, CTRA is in an excellent position to return cash to shareholders. It offers a 7.94% annual dividend yield with a $0.20 per share quarterly payout. Moreover, CTRA repurchased 11 million shares totaling $268 million, representing 76% of the free cash flow returned to shareholders. It has also done a hell of a consistent job of beating analysts’ earnings projections. 

Most recently, CTRA beat EPS and revenue by margins of 24.11% and 13.09%, respectively. CTRA reported EPS of $0.87 per share vs. $0.70 per share as expected and revenue of $1.78 billion vs. $1.57 billion as expected. CTRA also boasts significant earnings beats for all of fiscal year 2022

For the present quarter, CTRA is projected to report $1.3 billion in sales at $0.37 per share. It is currently up by 9.28% year-to-date and trades around the bottom of its existing 52-week range, which leaves room for growth. CTRA has a volatility-safe beta score of 0.27 and a 10-day average trading volume of 6.54 million shares. As assigned by analysts, CTRA has a median price target of $29, with a high of $39 and a low of $25, giving it an upside potential of more than 45% of its current price. 

Considering its strategic buybacks and dividends, the company is clearly committed to its shareholders, and given the positive outlook on natural gas prices and CTRA‘s strengths as a top-tier player, it is a compelling buy for investors with a bullish view of the energy sector. 

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Weekly Hotlist: Watch These Stocks in the Coming Days

Picking the wrong stocks can decimate your portfolio.

They’re pure portfolio poison.  

But the right stocks…

If you pick the right stocks, you could find yourself jumping for joy on top of an enormous pile of cash.

With over 4000 tickers to choose from, picking the right stocks can prove to be nearly impossible… 

Unless you’re spending hours each day combing the markets.  

That’s why we’ve done it for you.  

We sort through thousands of stock ideas and narrow them down to a few that are primed for solid price action in the near future.  

This week, we’ve narrowed it down to three stocks that could skyrocket in the coming weeks.

Click here for the full story on the stocks we’re watching this week… 

Snapchat Inc. (SNAP) 

Facing a slowdown in the ad market, social networks are looking to make more money from subscriptions and licensing. But getting users to pay for social media services they’ve grown accustomed to getting for free is not easy. Snapchat proves it can defy the odds by working with the right offering at the right price.

Released in June 2022 as a way to offer its most loyal users access to experimental and exclusive features, Snapchat+ has been gaining popularity. One year later, the platform has more than 4 million paid subscribers at $3.99/ month. There’s still plenty of upside potential, considering that figure represents just 1% penetration of the platform’s daily active user base.

Snapchat stock is having a phenomenal year so far, with a 47% gain. Nevertheless, the share price remains 84% below its ATH. The company plans to roll out new features to Snapchat+ subscribers in the coming weeks and is scheduled to report quarterly earnings this Tuesday, July 25th.

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PayPal Holdings Inc. (PYPL)

Unlike many fintech companies, digital payments giant Paypal is incredibly profitable. Yet its stock is down more than 80% from its July 2021 ATH, and it trades at a reasonable 29 times price to earnings, well below its historical average P/E of 50.  

With e-commerce activity on the decline since the thick of the pandemic, PayPal is seeing slower growth. Unrelenting high levels of inflation have put a dent in discretionary spending, which has hurt PayPal. Still, thanks to its firm financial footing, the company has plenty of room to handle a possible prolonged economic downturn.   

Despite estimates calling for roughly 20% earnings growth this year, PayPal stock trades below 16 times free cash flow and about 14 times operating cash flow, indicating that investors may be underestimating its recovery potential. Among 48 polled analysts, 33 say to Buy PYPL, and 15 call it a Hold. There are no Sell ratings for the stock. A median 12-month price target of $86 represents an 18% increase from today’s price. The company is scheduled to report Q2 earnings on August 2nd.

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Albany (AIN)

While the textile market can be fiercely competitive and subject to rapid changes, industry bellwether Albany International has proved its ability to adapt and thrive. Thanks to its substantial presence in the textiles and aerospace materials space, AIN effectively defies market volatility with its diversified revenue stream and robust balance sheet.

In its most recent quarterly earnings release, the textile maker reported earnings per share (EPS) of $0.91, surpassing analysts’ consensus estimates of $0.85 by an impressive $0.06 margin. Quarterly revenue stood at $269.10 million, outperforming the consensus estimate of $255.14 million – indicating a substantial increase of 10.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Albany International has shown consistent growth with a return on equity (ROE) of 14.14% and a net margin of 8.96%.

Looking ahead, analysts predict that Albany International will post an EPS of 3.57 for the current fiscal year – further solidifying its position as a leader in the textile industry.

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Three Risky Stocks to Avoid Like the Plague

The right stocks can make you rich and change your life.

The wrong stocks, though… They can do a whole lot more than just “underperform.” If only! They can eviscerate your wealth, bleeding out your hard-won profits.

They’re pure portfolio poison.

Surprisingly, not many investors want to talk about this. You certainly don’t hear about the danger in the mainstream media – until it’s too late.

That’s not to suggest they’re obscure companies – some of the “toxic stocks” I’m going to name for you are, in fact, regularly in the headlines for other reasons, often in glowing terms.

I will run down the list and give you a chance to learn the names of three companies I think everyone should own instead.

But first, if you own any or all of these “toxic stocks,” sell them today…

Boeing (BA)

At first glance at Boeing’s chart, it might appear that the share price is recovering, up 8.5% this year. But zoom out, and you will see that Boeing is still trading 42% below where it was five years ago.  

Higher inflation in recent years has resulted in increased costs for Boeing, which saw its G&A expenses surge 51% in Q1. Supply chain issues also weighed on the operating margin expansion. The commercial aircraft manufacturer saw a sharp decline in operating margin from -3% in 2019 to -22% in 2020 due to the impact of the pandemic, and it has struggled to recover to -5% in 2022. 

The underperforming stock has been plagued with long-term problems, and multiple high-profile crashes that the commercial aircraft manufacturer would rather put behind them haven’t inspired any confidence. Most recently, technical issues forced the company to halt deliveries of some of its marquee 737 MAX airplanes. Considering all this, we’re sticking to the sidelines for BA ahead of its Q2 2023 earnings call on Wednesday, July 26. 

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Affirm Holdings Inc (AFRM) 

Our following stock to avoid is Affirm Holdings, a fintech firm specializing in “buy now, pay later” services, and it faces significant hurdles. Despite an initial surge in growth facilitated by AFRM’s partnership with Peloton (PTON), there has been a struggle to sustain momentum. AFRM’s most recent quarter saw results that confirmed its lack of profitability. Also, being a consumer credit business, AFRM will likely experience mounting challenges amid a dim economic outlook. 

AFRM’s stock is up year-to-date by 88%; you’ll notice a trend where, after seeing a YTD gain, you’ll see negative numbers from there on. For instance, AFRM has an ROE (return on equity) of -37.97% and a 3.65 beta, which indicates how prone the stock is to volatility. AFRM has a TTM revenue of $1.51 billion, yet it lost $965 million thanks to its -64.12% profit margin. AFRM shows negative year-over-year growth in net income (-276.21%), EPS (-263.16%), and net profit margin (-250.36%). With a 10-day average volume of roughly 24 million shares, AFRM has a median price target of $14.50, representing a loss of 15% over the next 12 months. 

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Check Point Software Technologies (CHKP)

Check Point develops a range of cybersecurity products and services globally. In terms of financial performance, the company has delivered mixed results. Although it has maintained bottom-line profitability for over two decades, Check Point’s revenue growth over the past five years has settled in the low single-digit range. 

CHKP shares are down 1% YTD and are only up a fraction of a percent over the past twelve months. “Amid a tech sub-vertical characterized by rapid growth, this lukewarm share performance stands out like a blemish.

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Mark Your Calendar: This Biotech Stock Could Surge Next Week

A single positive or negative announcement from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) can send shares of a biotech firm soaring.  

On February 28th, the U.S. FDA approved Reata Pharmeceuticals’ (RETA) lead candidate Skyclarys for treating patients with an inherited neuromuscular disease called Friedreich’s ataxia. 

The next day, Reata’s share price skyrocketed 199% to around $93, and its trading volume rose to 15x the average of the previous 90 days.

This is just one recent example of how explosive biotech stocks can be for patient, risk-tolerant investors willing to wait for the next big headline.

The rewards in biotech can change the game completely, which is why our team scours industry news looking for potential catalysts. And boy, do we have a story for you…

We’ve got our finger on one name that’s up for priority review by the FDA next week. We can’t say whether or not this company’s stock will surge on FDA approval in the coming days, but we wanted to share the details behind this potential millionaire-minting catalyst with you first… 

Verrica Pharmaceuticals Inc (VRCA)

Dermatology therapeutics company Verrica Pharmaceuticals’ lead product candidate, VP-102, is up for priority review by the FDA on Monday, July 23rd. VP-102 is in development to treat molluscum, common warts, and external genital warts, three of the most significant unmet needs in medical dermatology. 

VRCA’s share price is up 13% this week, 25% over the past month, and a whopping 163% this year. Will the stock surge following the FDA’s decision? We’ll have to wait and see. 

Other potential catalysts may come later this year as a result of the company’s recent partnership with Lytix Biopharma AS to develop and commercialize VP- 315 (formerly LTX-315 and VP-LTX-315) for dermatologic oncology conditions. 

The analyst community is increasingly enthusiastic about the stock. As it stands now, 5 of the six analysts offering recommendations say to Buy VRCA, with only one recommending to Hold. There are no Sell recommendations for the stock. A median price target of $11 implies a nearly 50% upside for the stock over the next 12 months. 

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Under the Radar: Uncovering Three Lesser-Known Tech Gems

You probably know who the big tech players are by now. But how big can they really get? Today we’ll explore some lesser-known tech names that show a promising future. 

Amidst the AI frenzy, the tech sector has performed extraordinarily well this year. However, with the likes of NVDA and MSFT commanding the space, it’s becoming increasingly harder to find good deals. For now, it’s most wise to seek out attractively priced smaller stocks with growth potential. 

Let’s make the smart play and secure these growing tech tickers that the analysts love…

Sprout Social Inc (SPT) 

Sprout Social (SPT) is an excellent stock to buy for its robust social media platform that appeals to younger audiences. With a steadily growing customer base of over 30,000 in 100 countries, SPT has consistently achieved revenue growth, exceeding 35% for three consecutive years. SPT’s annual recurring revenue (ARR) has grown significantly by 35% since Q1 2020, driven by a substantial increase in its customer base. SPT’s positive performance has led to increased guidance, as the company expects revenue to continue growing through 2023 and beyond. 

SPT’s stock is down slightly year-to-date by 2.21%, has a beta score of 0.88, and has positive TTM (trailing twelve-month) asset growth of 14.47%. At its last earnings call, SPT surprised Wall Street analysts’ projections on both EPS and revenue, most notably reporting $0.06 per share vs. -0.01 per share as expected, a +925.31% surprise. Expected to report $78.7 million for the current fiscal quarter, SPT shows year-over-year revenue growth (+30.97%), net profit margin (+19.78%), and EPS (+100%). SPT’s 10-day average volume is roughly 685 thousand shares. Trading near the middle of its 52-week range, SPT has an average price target of $60, with a high of $78 and a low of $46, representing a potential price upside of over 41%. SPT has 11 buy ratings and two hold ratings

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PubMatic Inc (PUBM) 

PubMatic (PUBM) is a promising stock to consider as it aims to become the leading company on the sell side of the advertising ecosystem, complementing The Trade Desk’s dominance on the buy side. While PUBM’s revenue growth has slowed recently, some encouraging signs exist. In the first quarter of 2023, ad impressions (or views) increased by an impressive 42% year-over-year to 46.5 trillion, following remarkable growth from 2021 to 2022. These positive factors emphasize PUBM’s potential. 

PUBM, trading near the middle of its existing range, is impressively up year-to-date by 49.80% and comes with a safe 0.85 beta and a PEG (price/earnings/growth) ratio of 0.4x, with positive TTM asset growth of 16.05%. PUBM is projected to post $59.8 million in sales for the current quarter; at its last call, it beat analysts’ predictions for EPS by a 115% margin, reporting $0.02 per share vs. the $-0.13 expected. PUBM also surprised on revenue by 8.57%, reporting $55.41 million vs. $51.04 million as predicted. With a free cash flow of $29.41 million, PUBM has a median price target of $18, with a high of $26 and a low of $14; this indicates a potential 35.5% jump from current pricing. PUBM has eight buy ratings and two hold ratings.

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Endava PLC (DAVA) 

Endava (DAVA) is a compelling choice; It excels in helping other businesses modernize their technology for the sake of agility and relevance. With a remarkable track record, DAVA shows revenue growth of 32% from 2018 to 2022, driven by customer acquisitions and a retention rate of almost 90%. DAVA experienced a rapid increase in sales from its most prominent clients. While diversifying its customer base, DAVA is also pursuing a market opportunity that could be valued in the trillions by 2026. With significant further growth potential, DAVA presents itself as an enticing long-term prospect. 

DAVA is down year-to-date by 22.95% and is trading near the bottom of its 52-week range, leaving some room for an opportunity to “buy the dip.” Expected to report $188.5 million in sales at $0.45 per share for the current quarter, DAVA most recently beat analysts’ estimates on both EPS and revenue by margins of 10.98% and 0.98%, respectively. With TTM asset growth of 16.83%, DAVA also shows year-over-year growth in critical areas such as revenue (+20.28%), net income (+21.17%), EPS (+20%), and operating income (+18.44%). DAVA has $99.19 million in free cash flow and a modest 10-day average volume of around 327 thousand shares. From analysts, DAVA has an average price target of $72.50, with a high of $103.91 and a low of $55.77, suggesting an upside potential of over 76%. DAVA has six buy ratings and one hold rating

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Just a Reminder: Buying Gold is Still a Great Investment

Investing in gold feels out of style, doesn’t it? You’d think that we’d forgotten how vital gold has historically been as an asset. It’s also a tangible asset, as opposed to digital currencies, for instance. 

Now, let’s pretend for a moment that a recession is on its way. Bear with me… 

In this context, gold mining stocks are a wise choice. While interest rate hikes from the Federal Reserve may pose challenges for pricing, last year showed us that instability fears can drive gold prices higher

Given post-pandemic uncertainties, gold provides a recession-proof investment option…

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd (AEM) 

Agnico Eagle Mines (AEM) is a top Canadian gold mining company with a long-established history dating back to 1957. AEM operates mines in Canada, Finland, and Mexico, with exploration and development activities in several other countries. Despite some choppiness in the market this year, AEM’s shares have shown a nearly 8% increase in the trailing year. Financially, AEM presents an enticing case for gold stocks during a recession with its substantial profit margins, ranking in the top 86% of the industry

AEM stock is up slightly by 1.85%, has a 0.54 beta score, a positive ROE (return on equity), a P/B (price to book) ratio of 1.32x, and a trailing twelve-month asset growth of 27.07%. For the current fiscal quarter, AEM is projected to report $1.7 billion in sales with an EPS of $0.55 per share and a 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 80.8%. At its latest earnings call, AEM defeated analysts’ EPS predictions, reporting $0.57 per share vs. $0.49 per share as expected, a 15.9% surprise. With an operating free cash flow of $2.24 billion, AEM also shows year-over-year growth in crucial areas like revenue (+13.88%), net income (+1425.82%), EPS (+1145.16%), and net profit margin (+1240.20%). AEM has a 3.02% annual dividend yield and a quarterly payout of 40 cents ($1.60/year) per share. With a 10-day average volume of 2.17 million shares, AEM has an average price target of $67.48, with a high of $75.13 and a low of $55; this represents a potential 42% leap from its current pricing. AEM has 18 buy ratings and two hold ratings

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Wheaton Precious Metals Corp (WPM) 

Wheaton Precious Metals (WPM) stands out as one of the top gold mining stocks to consider due to its predictability and reliability as a metals streaming enterprise. Unlike traditional miners, WPM provides upfront cash to miners in exchange for a predetermined share of the metal production, reducing investment volatility. Financially, WPM exhibits consistent profitability, with a trailing-year net margin of 64.23%, surpassing 95.1% of the metals and mining industry. Additionally attractive for investors, WPM boasts a three-year sales growth rate of 34.2%, outperforming 78.96% of its sector peers

WPM has a very safe 0.46 beta score, is trading around the middle of its existing 52-week range, and is up year-to-date by 14.12%. WPM has a PEG (price/earnings/growth) ratio of 2.77x, a positive SMA (simple moving average), a positive ROE, and positive asset growth of 6.77%. For the current quarter, WPM is projected to report $256.7 million in sales at $0.29 per share, with a 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 24.4%. WPM has an annual dividend yield of 1.34%, with a quarterly payout of 15 cents ($0.60/year) per share. With a 10-day average volume of 1.59 million shares and almost $500 million in free cash flow, WPM has a

median price target of $56.12, with a high of $62 and a low of $41; this indicates a possible 39% price jump from where it currently sits. WPM has 13 buy ratings and five hold ratings

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Rio Tinto PLC (RIO) 

Rio Tinto (RIO) presents an intriguing opportunity for those seeking a balanced risk-reward profile in gold mining stocks. As a stalwart in resource extraction, RIO boasts a market cap of over $107 billion and significant relevancies beyond gold. While shares have experienced an 11% decline since the beginning of the year, they have shown a nearly 10% increase in the past 365 days. RIO offers value, with a net margin of 22.31%, surpassing 86% of the field. RIO’s profitability contributes to its impressive dividend, particularly relative to its pricing. This compelling combination makes RIO an excellent gold mining stock to consider. 

RIO’s stock is down year-to-date by 3.08%, is trading near the bottom of its existing range (which leaves room for growth), and has a surprisingly volatility-safe beta measure of 0.73. RIO has a positive ROE (return on equity), a P/S (price to sales) ratio of 2.02x, and a P/B (price to book) ratio of 2.23x. For the current fiscal quarter, RIO is expected to show an EPS of $3.96 per share, quarterly EPS growth of 34.97%, and a 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 21.4%. RIO has a free cash flow of $7.36 billion and a 10-day average trading volume of 2.61 million shares. With a 13.17% annual dividend yield, RIO distributes a quarterly payout of $2.27 ($9.08/year) per share and a generous 89.75% payout ratio. As assigned by analysts, RIO has a median price target of $76.85, with a high of $92 and a low of $74; this suggests a potential price upside of 33.3%. RIO has three buy ratings and one hold rating.

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Three Stocks to Get Excited About in the Second Half

Whether we like it or not, we are still looking at the possibility of a recession. Despite lower inflation and a strong first half for stocks, there are concerns about inflation winning out against the Fed… 

But! There’s good news. The Street’s brightest analysts see plenty of high-quality stocks to be had, particularly ones that performed well in the first half of 2023. 

Attractively valued stocks with solid balance sheets and earnings growth will pay off long-term. Simple. These incredibly timely stocks can both eliminate risks to your portfolio and build wealth…

FMC Corp (FMC) 

There have been recent notable successes for FMC Corp. (FMC), such as a significant 28% growth in North American revenue, including exceptional growth of over 100% in Canada sales. Considering the long-term perspective, FMC is positioned to benefit from the steady increase in emerging market food consumption. Additionally, FMC’s new biological products are expected to gain market share, and the development of pipeline products can help mitigate the impact of patent expirations. With rising demand for crop chemicals and FMC’s strategic initiatives, the stock presents a compelling opportunity. 

FMC is currently down by 22.88% year-to-date yet carries a volatility-safe beta score of 0.76. Trading near the bottom of its existing 52-week range, FMC has a PEG (price/earnings/growth) ratio of 0.64x and a P/S (price to sales) ratio of 2.08x, with a positive ROE and trailing twelve-month asset growth of 7.59%. FMC has an annual dividend yield of 2.14%, with a quarterly payout of 58 cents ($2.32/year) per share. FMC is projected to report $1 billion in sales at $0.76 per share for the current fiscal quarter. FMC recently beat analysts’ EPS estimates, reporting $1.77 per share vs. $1.75 as expected. With a 10-day average volume of roughly 2 million shares, FMC has an average price target of $121, with a high of $142 and a low of $101; this suggests a potential price upside of 47.5%. FMC has 15 buy ratings and four hold ratings

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Alphabet Inc (GOOGL) 

Alphabet (GOOGL), the parent company of Google and YouTube, leads the online search market and excels in online advertising and AI innovation. GOOGL also operates a substantial cloud services business. Recent success with the Bard AI chatbot has boosted GOOGL’s stock, highlighting the immense potential of AI for long-term growth. Furthermore, its core businesses yielded a remarkable $59.9 billion in profits in 2022. With dominance in online advertising and internet search, both promising sectors, GOOGL is well-positioned. The company’s focus on AI and self-driving vehicles also presents significant future growth opportunities. 

GOOGL is up year-to-date by 41.09%, has a positive SMA (simple moving average), and has a PEG ratio of 1.48x. With a positive ROE and positive asset growth of 3.47%, GOOGL carries a free cash flow of almost $60 billion. GOOGL is projected to report $72.8 billion in sales at $1.34 per share for the current fiscal quarter; at its last earnings call, it beat analysts’ EPS forecasts, reporting $1.17 per share as opposed to the $1.07 per share expected. With a 10-day average volume of 25.8 million shares, GOOGL has a median price target of $130, with a high of $190.32 and a low of $115; this allows room for a leap of 53% from where pricing currently rests. GOOGL has 43 buy ratings and eight hold ratings.

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Solaredge Technologies Inc (SEDG) 

SolarEdge Technologies (SEDG) is a leading solar power technology company recognized for its direct current inverter systems used in solar panel installations. With a strong market presence, SEDG effectively reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 31 million metric tons annually. In the first quarter, SEDG reported record-breaking revenue of $943.9 million, reflecting a 44% increase compared to last year. As renewable energy gains traction as a long-term investment theme, SEDG’s profitability and market leadership in the solar power industry make it an attractive choice. The global push for climate change mitigation through policy measures offers potential demand and financial incentives for solar installations. At the same time, the SEDG’s expansion into energy storage and e-mobility will broaden its horizons. 

SEDG’s stock is in an exciting spot. Its stock is down year-to-date by 4.97% and is trading around the middle of its 52-week range. SEDG boasts a positive ROE, a PEG ratio of 0.93x, and a positive trailing twelve-month asset growth of 22.09%. With an operating free cash flow of $202 million, SEDG is predicted to report $991.9 million in sales for the current quarter with an EPS of $2.51 per share. At its last earnings call, SEDG beat analysts’ estimates on both EPS and revenue, most notably reporting EPS of $2.90 per share vs. $1.95 per share as expected by analysts, a +48.90% difference. SEDG also shows year-over-year growth in critical areas such as revenue (+44.09), net income (+317.77%), EPS (+291.67%), and net profit margin (+189.72%). With a 10-day average volume of roughly 960 thousand shares, SEDG’s average price target is $377.50, with a high of $445 and a low of $103.95; this represents the chance for a price upside of over 65% from where it currently sits. SEDG has 27 buy ratings and seven hold ratings

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Stock Hotlist: Conviction Buys

Picking the wrong stocks can decimate your portfolio.

They’re pure portfolio poison.  

But the right stocks…

If you pick the right stocks, you could find yourself jumping for joy on top of an enormous pile of cash.

With over 4000 stocks to choose from, picking the right ones can be nearly impossible… 

Unless you’re spending hours each day combing the markets.  

That’s why we’ve done it for you.  

We sort through thousands of stock ideas and narrow them down to a few primed for solid price action soon.  

For this list, we’ve narrowed it down to three stocks that could skyrocket in the coming weeks.

Click here to get the full story on the stocks we’re watching this week… 

NextEra Energy Inc. (NEE) 

Most stocks from the utility sector are slow-growing income plays. As such, an electric utility stock wouldn’t typically be considered a growth stock.   However, Wall Street expects NextEra Energy to grow its earnings by an annual average of around 9% over the next five years. This comes on the heels of averaging more than 8% adjusted earnings growth since 2007. For all intents and purposes, NextEra Energy is a growth stock within the utility sector.

The biggest differentiator that has helped NextEra achieve this stellar growth rate is its focus on renewable energy. NextEra is currently generating 31 gigawatts (GW) of capacity from renewable energy sources, including 23 GW from wind and 5 GW from solar – which has helped substantially lower electricity generation costs for the company and its customers. 

NextEra Energy pays an annual dividend of 2.47% and is currently trading at its lowest 12-month forward price-to-earnings ratio in five years, making it a superior growth opportunity. Overall, NEE gets a Strong Buy rating from the consensus based on 19 recent reviews, including 15 Buys and 4 Holds. An average price target of $90 represents a 20% upside.  

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Canadian Natural Resources LTD (CNQ)  

When it comes to energy, Canada stands out with its expansion of fossil-fuel production. Oil giant Canadian Natural Resources has the largest undeveloped base in the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, is the largest independent producer of natural gas in Western Canada, and is the largest producer of heavy crude oil in Canada.  

Higher oil and gas prices substantially improved energy companies’ earnings in 2022. CNQ utilized the excess cash to return to shareholders and improve its balance sheet. The company lowered its debt from around $35 billion in 2021 to $12 billion at the end of Q1 2023. 

Valued at some $58.4 billion, the Canadian energy behemoth has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of roughly 7.4%, on average. Considering the potential tailwinds for the industry and for CNQ itself, it would make sense for the massive oil company’s stock to trade at a premium price. Potential investors will be glad to know that the stock has a forward P/E ratio of 7.4, better than the industry average of 8.  

The pros on Wall Street agree that CNQ shares are ripe for the picking. Of 21 analysts offering recommendations, 14 rate the stock a Buy, and 7 give it a Hold rating. There are no Sell recommendations. CNQ also boasts an attractive 4.9% dividend yield. A median price target of $67.37 represents a 25% increase from the current price.  

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DexCom (DXCM)

Diabetes is increasing at an alarming rate in the United States. According to the CDC’s National Diabetes Statistics Report, for 2022, cases of diabetes have risen to an estimated 37.3 million – about 1 in 10 people. Mid-cap medical device manufacturer, DexCom is responding with innovative solutions that are gaining popularity among the masses, so much so that the company has recently reconsidered and raised its outlook.

In April, Medicare officials expanded reimbursement for continuous glucose monitors or CGMs to all patients who require insulin to manage their diabetes. It is the most significant expansion ever in the history of the CGM category providing access to a number of people who will benefit greatly. And it’s the tailwind leading CGM manufacturer DexCom has been waiting for.

Management now expects to reach $4.6 billion to $5.1 billion by 2023. That’s an increase of $600 million from the previous range for the year. DexCom’s sales last year rose 19% to $2.91 billion. Analysts polled by FactSet predict sales will rise 20% to $3.5 billion in 2023.

DexCom stock is highly rated across the board. According to Investor’s Business Daily, DexCom’s fundamental and technical measures warrant a place in the top 3% of all stocks. The 22 analysts covering the stock resoundingly agree, giving it a Strong Buy recommendation.   

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