Reports

Three Dividend Penny Stocks to Grab a Piece of NOW 

We already know dividend stocks can be among the best picks for income investors, but they can be even better investments when they: 

– Are low in price. It’s never a bad thing to grab shares while they’re inexpensive. – Show promising business metrics, earnings, and growth potential. 

– Have significant upside potential, leaving room for price appreciation. 

We have three that cover it, and you won’t believe how cheap these dividend stocks are…

Nordic American Tanker Ltd (NAT) 

Nordic American Tankers Ltd. (NAT) is a global tanker company specializing in the ownership and operation of Suezmax crude oil tankers. The company is based in Hamilton, Bermuda, with only a few dozen employees. NAT is an appealing option for investors seeking a cheap dividend stock. Since its inception, NAT has consistently provided regular dividend payments, highlighting its commitment to returning value to shareholders. Moreover, NAT’s position within the Marine Shipping industry places it at the forefront of the sector. As one of the leading companies in its field, NAT benefits from the growth potential and opportunities within that particular market. 

NAT is up year-to-date by 19.61%, with a positive SMA (simple moving average) and a very safe beta of 0.36. From $410 million in TTM revenue at $0.43 per share, NAT has generated a net income of $89 million via its 21.66% net margin. NAT has an ROE of 17% and a PEG (price/earnings/growth) ratio of 0.62x, showing year-over-year revenue growth (+461.14%), net income (+273.83%), and net profit margin (+130.98%). NAT has an annual dividend yield of 10.35%, a quarterly payout of 9 cents ($0.36/year) per share, and a 90.24% payout ratio. With a 10-day average volume of 2.38 million shares, NAT has a median price target of $4.80, with a high of $6 and a low of $4, representing a potential price leap of 64%. 

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ARC Document Solutions Inc (ARC) 

Based in California, ARC Document Solutions, Inc. (ARC) offers document management solutions and related services. ARC is a cheap dividend stock that has consistently made payments since 2019, providing reliable income for its shareholders. With a focus on efficient document handling and workflow optimization, ARC is well-positioned in the industry and poised for growth. 

ARC is up by 15.02% year-to-date and shows healthy pricing ratios: A PEG ratio of 0.85x, a P/S (price to sales) ratio of 0.47x, and a P/B (price to book) ratio of 0.86x. ARC shows TTM revenue of $285 million at $0.25 per share, and it made a same-period profit of $11 million through its 6.56% net margin. ARC has a 5.93% annual dividend yield, a quarterly payout of 5 cents ($0.20/year) per share, and a generous 80% payout ratio. With $27 million in free cash flow and a 10-day average trading volume of roughly 111 thousand shares, ARC has a median price target of $5.25, with a high of $6 and a low of $4.50, which represents a potential price upside of around 78% from its current position.

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VAALCO Energy Inc (EGY) 

Vaalco Energy Inc. (EGY) is a captivating choice and a gem among affordable dividend stocks. With its expertise in acquiring, developing, and producing oil, EGY offers a gateway to the alluring world of the crude oil industry. As the world’s oil demand persists, EGY stands to ride the wave. EGY paints a promising picture, teasing investors with the allure of generous returns. Ultimately, though, it’s no tease. There is both a nice dividend and significant price appreciation to be found here. 

EGY is currently down year-to-date by 16.12%, trading at the bottom of its existing 52-week range, making for an opportunity. EGY shows $366 million at $0.56 per share in TTM revenue, profiting nearly $43 million via its 11.80% net margin. EGY has a PEG ratio of 0.11x, a P/S ratio of 0.7x, and a P/B ratio of 0.86x, and shows year-over-year revenue growth of 17.11%. For the current quarter, EGY is forecasted to report $103 million in sales with an EPS of 19 cents per share. EGY has an annual dividend yield of 6.53% and a quarterly payout of 6 cents ($0.24/year) per share. With a 10-day average volume of 1.25 million shares, EGY has an average price target of $8.89, with a high of $9.50 and a low of $8.40; this represents a whopping potential price upside of almost 150% from its current position. 

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Navigating the Second Half: These Mid-Cap Tech Names Could Be The Sweet Spot

The S&P 500 is up 16.5% so far in 2023, but the lion’s share of that increase is due to the surging prices of a few of the largest companies. Without the combined gains of Apple (+54% YTD), Microsoft (+41% YTD), Alphabet (+34% YTD), Amazon (+52%), and Nvidia (+198%), the overall market would be up just 2.5% this year, according to data provided by Howard Silverblatt, senior index analyst at S&P Dow Jones Indices. Amid a more challenging outlook for large-caps, several experts point to mid-caps as the sweet spot for the year’s second half.

For innovation-focused investors, the potential of mid-cap tech stocks should not be ignored. While small-cap stocks are often fast-growing but volatile, and large-cap stocks tend to be slow growing and relatively stable, the best mid-caps tend to fall in between less volatile than fast-moving small caps but with more growth potential than mammoth large-cap companies. Top-ranked mid-cap stocks have a high potential to enhance their profitability, productivity, and market share.

Our research team has a few recommendations for mid-cap stocks that are poised to take off in the second half of the year.  

Microstrategy (MSTR)

Bitcoin is up 76% since the start of the year, and it may be just getting started as the highly anticipated 2024 “bitcoin halving” draws near. Cloud-based service provider, Microstrategy, has been gaining attention from institutional investors who cannot invest directly in cryptocurrencies.  

The bitcoin halving, which occurs every four years, reduces rewards for successfully mining new bitcoin by 50%. The aim is to reduce the supply of Bitcoin over time. Before the last halving, on May 11, 2020, the price of Bitcoin increased by 19% from the same day a year earlier. Bitcoin’s price reached record highs after each of the last three halvings; its price has tended to bottom out and start to rally 15 months before each halving. The next halving event is slated for April 2024.  

With a correlation of 0.90 to the crypto asset, mid-cap Microstrategy offers the most attractive means through which equity investors can take advantage of the event.

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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 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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Fasty Inc. (FSLY)

Cloud-computing platform provider Fastly has been getting a lot of attention this year, and this may be just the beginning. Despite an astonishing 96% increase already this year, FSLY’s share price remains significantly (88%) below its October 2020 ATH of $126.58.  

The company has yet to turn a profit. Nevertheless, over the past three years, revenue increased at an average rate of 23% per year. That’s well above most other pre-profit companies. Interestingly, the share price has fallen an average of 9% each year over the same period. This disconnect between valuation and revenue growth forms the foundation for an intriguing investment, especially for growth-oriented investors.  

Fastly posted solid earnings in early May. Management’s efforts to cultivate the conditions for long-term success were evidenced by a year-over-year gain in new customers and decreased capital expenditures, which has allowed for enhancements to the company’s technology and its business model. As it rolls out more straightforward product packaging and pricing tiers, customer acquisition and growth across the platform should be supported. Based on current free cash flows, the mighty mid-cap company has sufficient cash runway for more than three years. Its debt is well covered by its earnings, and management forecasts a reduction in losses over the next twelve months.  

Strong execution and favorable underlying fundamentals seem likely to continue to support this turnaround story. At less than $16 per share, FSLY looks worthy of consideration.

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Pump Up Your Returns with These High-Flying Growth Stocks

During these volatile and unpredictable times—while also being the case historically—the market has become a battleground where growth and value investing clash. Okay, so why growth stocks? 

Value stocks have solid balance sheets and low prices, but cheap pricing doesn’t guarantee long-term worth. Also, value stocks don’t tend to have much impact on the overall market. In contrast, growth stocks show expanding revenue and have the potential to conquer the industries they’re in. Profits are reinvested into research and development, and growth stocks prioritize share price appreciation over dividends. Either way, we investors crave wealth-creating returns, and this is a way to make it happen! 

Considering all market sectors, I’ve landed on three outstanding growth stocks that deserve credit for their excellent upside potential. Let’s look at these massive profit opportunities: 

PayPal Holdings Inc (PYPL) 

The optimism of analysts and investors surrounding fintech favorite PayPal (PYPL) has waned in recent years. Having ended its partnership with eBay, PYPL’s Vemmo platform has had to contend with Cash App and similar applications. Even tech giants such as Apple (AAPL) and Alphabet (GOOGL) have transitioned to using their own payment services. However, there is still hope for PYPL. Despite these recent challenges, PYPL saw a 55% revenue increase from $17.7 billion in 2019 to $27.5 billion in 2022. This tells us that PYPL has been growing and is poised for a comeback. The metrics impress. 

With its stock down by 15.46% YTD, PYPL just hit its 52-week low, showing quite a chart dip. PYPL has TTM (trailing twelve-month) revenue of $28 billion at $2.36 per share, from which it made a $2.7 billion profit. At its MRQ (most recent quarter) earnings report, PYPL beat analysts’ EPS and revenue forecasts and showed year-over-year growth in critical areas such as revenue (+8.59%), net income (+56.19%), EPS (+43.82%), and net profit margin (+43.82%). PYPL has $3.42 billion in free cash flow and a 10-day average volume of 19.42 million shares. Analysts give PYPL a median price target of $92, with a high of $160 and a low of $58; this represents a potential 165% jump from current pricing. Buy and Hold

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ETSY Inc (ETSY) 

A global leader in an exciting niche-like sector, ETSY Inc. (ETSY) brings sellers and buyers together through its online marketplace to swap vintage and handmade arts and crafts. ETSY has been popular in this area since its founding in 2005. As ETSY’s customer base expands, its marketplaces grow in value for merchants. With more shoppers, there is a greater demand for ETSY’s unique and handcrafted goods listed by sellers. As more sellers join, the selection of items increases, as does their value for buyers. 

ETSY has been trading near the bottom of its 52-week range, and its stock is down by 28.59% year-to-date. However, ETSY’s Q1 2023 results exceeded Wall Street’s expectations, beating analysts’ EPS and revenue projections by 7.61% and 3.21%, respectively. Also notable is that ETSY’s active buyers increased by 1% to 89.9 million, marking the first quarterly growth in that area since Q4 2021. ETSY shows year-over-year revenue growth (+10.64%), primarily driven by transaction fees and improved “Etsy Ads” products. For the 2nd quarter, ETSY is forecasted to show $619.2 million in sales at $0.43 per share. ETSY has a median price target of $120, with a $170 high and a $46 low, representing an almost 99% leap from its current price. Analysts are warming back up to ETSY, telling us to Buy and Hold.

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Constellation Energy Corp (CEG) 

A grower for sure, Constellation Energy (CEG), a Baltimore-based clean energy company, has recently expressed its desire to utilize its unallocated capital for mergers and acquisitions. If the Inflation Reduction Act limits such opportunities, CEO Joe Dominguez stated that CEG’s focus would mainly be on share buybacks. CEG has already implemented a $1 billion share repurchase program and has doubled its shareholder dividend compared to last year. CEG’s stock is down slightly year-to-date but boasts a solid 0.98 beta, making it safe from volatility compared to the broader market. 

For its most recent quarterly earnings call, CEG reported $7.56 billion in revenue vs. $5.73 billion predicted by analysts, making for a 32.06% surprise; during the same time, it showed year-over-year revenue growth (+35.31%). CEG, for the current quarter (Q2 2023), is forecasted to post $4.5 billion in sales at $0.74 per share. CEG has an annual dividend yield of 1.35% and a quarterly payout of 28 cents ($1.12/yr) per share. With a 10-day average trading volume of 2.4 million shares, CEG has a median price target of $96, with a high of $115 and a low of $81, representing a potential price upside of over 37%. With momentum on its side and a bright future growth outlook, bullish analysts recommend that we buy CEG

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AI Booster: Watch These Three Healthcare Stocks Get an Edge

It’s been said that what is now called personal computing will soon be called personal intelligence… AI will likely play a meaningful role in crucial parts of life, including our health. 

For instance: As we speak, the medical device market exceeds $500 billion globally, and it is projected to reach nearly $800 billion by 2030, attracting significant interest on Wall Street. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that approximately 2 million types of medical devices are available today

These healthcare stocks, in particular, stand to benefit from technological innovations, are safe from market volatility, and pay steady dividends… 

Abbott Laboratories (ABT) 

A prominent biotechnology company, Abbott Laboratories (ABT), was established in the late 1800s. ABT leverages technology to enhance healthcare outcomes. From eliminating finger pricks for people with diabetes to addressing chronic pain and monitoring vital signs, their focus has yielded success. As one of the nation’s largest healthcare companies, ABT’s sustained growth and longevity make it a compelling and robust opportunity worth watching. 

ABT is down slightly year-to-date by 1.14% and has a safe beta score of 0.77. ABT shows TTM revenue of $41.5 billion at $3.29 per share, from which it has made $5.78 billion in net income through its 13.98% profit margin. At ABT’s last earnings call, it reported EPS of $1.03 per share vs. $0.99 per share, as expected by analysts, beating their projections by 4.31%. ABT has an annual dividend yield of 1.88%, a quarterly payout of 51 cents ($2.04/year) per share, and a 58.36% payout ratio. With $6.41 billion in free cash flow and a 10-day average volume of 5.68 million shares, ABT has a median price target of $122, with a high of $136 and a low of $103; this represents a potential upside of over 25% from where it sits currently. ABT has 18 buy ratings and six hold ratings

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CVS Health Corp (CVS) 

CVS Health Corp. (CVS) is a household name across the United States, boasting over 9,000 locations as the largest pharmacy chain in the country. Despite facing a decline in the stock market over the past year, this dip is a potential opportunity to invest in one of the nation’s strongest companies. With its established presence and market leadership, considering CVS stock for a potential rebound could be a compelling 

move for investors seeking growth in the healthcare sector. 

CVS has a very safe 0.53 beta score. It shows TTM revenue of $330 billion—significantly more than its market valuation—at $3.04 per share, making a same-period profit of $3.93 billion via its modest 1.19% net margin. CVS most recently exceeded analysts’ EPS and revenue forecasts, beating them by margins of 5.16% and 5.71%, respectively, while showing year-over-year revenue growth of 10.81%. CVS has a 3.50% annual dividend yield, a quarterly payout of 60 cents ($2.40/year) per share, and a 74.92% payout ratio. With a 10-day average volume of 10.31 million shares, CVS has a median price target of $93, with a high of $143 and a low of $76, indicating the potential for an over 107% price jump. Down by over 25% YTD, this is a great “buy the dip” opportunity. CVS has 20 buy ratings and nine hold ratings.

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Medtronic PLC (MDT) 

Medtronic (MDT) is another leading global medical device company that operates in diverse areas, such as neuroscience, medical-surgical, cardiovascular, and diabetes care. While facing challenges during the pandemic and slow revenue growth, MDT plans to divest its dialysis, respiratory interventions, and patient monitoring units to focus on high-growth opportunities. MDT sees potential growth in robotic-assisted surgery with its “Hugo RAS” system. Leveraging AI for operational improvements is another avenue MDT explores. These strategic moves and innovative offerings position MDT for long-term potential. 

MDT is up year-to-date by 13.57%, has a positive 200-day SMA (simple moving average), and has a safe 0.65 beta score. From its TTM revenue of $31.23 billion at $2.82 per share, MDT profited $3.76 billion in net income on the back of its 12.03% net margin. MDT most recently beat analysts’ projections on EPS and revenue by 1.01% and 3.51%, respectively. MDT has an annual dividend yield of 3.13%, a quarterly payout of 69 cents ($2.76/year) per share, and a generous 96.45% payout ratio. With $4.55 billion in free cash flow and a 10-day average volume of 5.39 million shares, MDT has an average price target of $90, with a high of $104 and a low of $77. This suggests a potential price upside of nearly 18%. MDT has 15 buy ratings and 13 hold ratings

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Stock Hotlist: Strong Conviction Buys

Picking the wrong stocks can decimate your portfolio. The wrong stocks will eat away at your long-term profits. They’re pure portfolio poison. But the right stocks can make you rich. 

With over 4000 stocks to choose from, the task of selecting 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 seem primed for solid price action in the near future.  

We strongly believe that these three tickers are poised to move in the coming days and weeks. To learn more about these stocks and what makes them stand out among the rest, continue to the full article.  

ON Semiconductor Corp (ON)

Semiconductor giant Onsemi is firing on all cylinders with a large market footprint in exciting growth sectors like automotive computing. ON share price is up nearly 300% in the three years since the summer of 2020, and revenue has grown 28.3% over the past twelve months. The US-based chipmaker has solidified its reputation as a top player among its auto/industrial peers. However, several factors support the case that plenty of runway is left for this bet on an electric future.  

Following ON’s stellar performance of the past few years, the stock still looks undervalued at just 15.8x earnings and 19.3x 12-months forward earnings. In fact, it’s currently one of the cheapest tech names in the S&P 500.  

Onsemi recently initiated a $3 billion share repurchase plan at its final 2022 financial update. The new shareholder return policy is good through 2025. Management targets about 50% of free cash flow to be returned to stockholders each year. If the company uses up all $3 billion in authorized buybacks through 2025, that would equate to nearly 10% of the current market cap or roughly 3% a year in cash returns to shareholders over the next three-year stretch. Not too shabby.  

Bank of America sees ON as a top-3 global/top US vendor of smart power and sensing chips for EVs, and they’re alone. Onsemi holds a highly attractive 1.37 (overweight) rating from the Wall Street pros who cover it.  

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Nike Inc (NKE) 

There are compelling reasons to invest in one of the most well-known sports apparel brands ever put on the market; the company I’m talking about is Nike Inc. With solid demand on its side, NKE’s direct, wholesale, and digital sales have all grown over the years. NKE also has control over its inventory levels, which increased in line with the company’s sales. Also, a benefit for NKE is its market share expansion and its dominance over its competitors. Adidas and UnderArmour, NKE’s two biggest challengers, have faced difficulties, only solidifying NKE’s market position. 

NKE’s stock is down year-to-date by 4.50%, it shows TTM revenue of $50.68 billion at $3.57 per share, and it made a same-period net income of $5.5 billion via its 10.82% profit margin. NKE has a PEG ratio of 1.88x, an ROE of 37.34%, and year-over-year revenue growth+13.97%). For the most recent quarter, NKE reported an EPS of $0.79 per share vs. the $0.55 projected by analysts (a 44.57% surprise), and it reported $12.39 billion in sales vs. the $11.48 expected (a 7.92% beat). NKE has an annual dividend yield of 1.21% and a quarterly payout of 34 cents ($1.36/year) per share. With fra ee cash flow of $2.87 billion and a 10-day average volume of 9.91 million shares, NKE has a median price target of $138, with a high of $160 and a low of $95, allowing the potential for a 43% price increase. NKE has 22 buy ratings and ten hold ratings. 

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PayPal Holdings Inc. (PYPL)

Unlike many fintech companies, digital payment giant Paypal is incredibly profitable. Yet its stock is down more than 80% from its July 2021 ATH a, 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, but 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 $89.50 represents a 35% increase from today’s price. 

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Dump These Stocks Now

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’m going to run down the list and give you the 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

Affirm Holdings Inc (AFRM) 

Our first 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 93.74%; 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 $16, with a high of $20 and a low of $6; this suggests a potential -68% drop from its current price. AFRM has 10 hold ratings and 3 sell ratings. 

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Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc (WBA)

Wallgreens this week cut its fiscal fourth-quarter earnings guidance and reported a weaker-than-expected fiscal third-quarter profit. Guidance for the company’s burgeoning Health segment which was expected to flip to profitability in the third quarter was slashed.  

Walgreens now expects fiscal 2023 adjusted EBITDA between losses of $380 million and $340 million. The company’s previous guidance called for a profit at the top end of the range.  Management also lowered preliminary 2024 guidance amid lingering “operational challenges.”  The current consensus among 19 polled analysts is to Hold WBA stock. 

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Abrdn Income Credit Strategies Fund (ACP)

Closed-end fund, Abrdn Income Credit Strategies Fund offers a high forward dividend yield of 14.35%.  However, Over the past year, ACP shares have fallen by more than 20%.  Further declines may be ahead for two reasons.

First, higher interest rates have had an inverse effect on the value of ACP’s portfolio of low-rated debt securities.  Second, the current economic downturn could increase the default risk of ACP’s holdings. This may also result in another dividend cut, like the one 16.7% cut implemented in 2020. 

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The A.I. Advantage: Three Stocks in Position to Benefit Greatly

Today, top analysts are not just looking at AI stocks alone—some of which have skyrocketed; a perfect example is Nvidia (NVDA), which is up year-to-date by 178.07%—but also at information technology (IT) stocks that are set up to benefit from the technology. 

Many companies directly involved in AI may have risen too high and too quickly, making them risky buys at this point. The stocks I’ll be focusing on today each have the following: 

– The ability to utilize and invest in AI quickly 

– Digital and cloud computing offerings 

– A history of adjustability during market turbulence 

– Past, current, and future profitability 

Additionally, these three stocks have some of the lowest debt-to-equity ratios I’ve ever seen…

Globant SA (GLOB) 

One stock that stands out as a top choice is Globant SA (GLOB), due to its position as a prominent player in digital transformation (DX) and its strong partnerships with established blue-chip clients. GLOB‘s success in the global DX market can be attributed to expanding its services into new industries and benefiting from clients’ increased IT outsourcing. These factors contribute to GLOB‘s growing market share and make it an appealing stock to consider while it flies slightly under the radar. 

GLOB, slightly up year-to-date by 3.89%, is trading near the bottom of its range, leaving plenty of room. GLOB has a TTM revenue of $1.85 billion at $3.34 per share, from which it has profited $149 million on the back of its 8.03% net margin. GLOB has an ROE (return on equity) of 10.03%, a PEG ratio of 1.58x, revenue growth of +17.7% year-over-year, and a great D/E (debt to equity) measure of 8.31%. GLOB recently beat analysts’ projections on both EPS and revenue. With a 10-day average volume of roughly 410 thousand shares, GLOB has a median price target of $205, with a high of $240 and a low of $180, representing the potential for a 37.5% jump from its current price. GLOB has a consensus Strong Buy rating. 

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Accenture PLC (ACN) 

Accenture plc (ACN) presents a compelling investment opportunity due to its robust data and AI practices, boasting a workforce of roughly 40,000 experts across 50 delivery centers. With plans to expand to over 80,000 delivery professionals, ACN is clearly committed to growth. ACN‘s strategic partnerships with hyper-scalers and emphasis on AI acquisitions position it as a prominent AI beneficiary. Along with a juicy dividend, ACN is an attractive stock to keep a close eye on. 

ACN’s stock is currently up by 11.47% YTD and is trading around the middle of its existing 52-week range. From $63.5 billion in TTM revenue at $11.22 per share, ACN has made a net income of $7.16 billion via its 11.27% profit margin and has an ROE of 30.02%. At its latest earnings call, ACN reported $3.15 per share 

vs. $3.00 per share expected to beat analysts’ EPS projections by 5.08%, and it shows year-over-year growth in revenue (+2.51%) and net income (+12.54%), with a stunningly low 0.21% debt-to-equity figure. ACN has a 1.51% annual dividend yield and a quarterly payout of $1.12 ($4.48/year) per share. With a 10-day average volume of 3.5 million shares, ACN’s median price target is $340, with a high of $377 and a low of $290; this represents an almost 27% price upside. ACN has 17 buy ratings and 10 hold ratings.

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Epam Systems Inc (EPAM) 

EPAM Systems Inc. (EPAM) emerges as an excellent stock choice due to its distinct focus on high-end engineering. By diligently constructing and maintaining the essential infrastructure to facilitate widespread AI implementation across enterprises, EPAM leverages its exceptional talent pool with a digitally focused approach. This positions EPAM as a prime contender to capitalize on the growing demand for AI solutions. 

EPAM’s stock is down year-to-date by 32.78% and is at the bottom of its 52-week range, despite having a positive SMA (simple moving average). EPAM has a TTM revenue of $4.86 billion at $7.23 per share, from which it has profited a net income of $432 million through its margin of 8.88%. With a PEG ratio of 1.81x, EPAM has a 30.67% ROE with a D/E (debt to equity) measure of 0.90%. At its last earnings report, EPAM’s EPS was $2.47 vs. the $2.34 expected by analysts (a 5.36% surprise), and it shows YOY growth in revenue (+3.36%) and net income (+14.01%). With a 10-day average volume of almost 900 thousand shares, EPAM has a median price target of $240, with a high of $300 and a low of $215, representing a potential price jump of more than 36% from where it currently sits. EPAM has 8 buy ratings and 8 hold ratings

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Dividend Excellence: What Makes These High Yielders So Great?

The Federal Reserve—the nation’s central bank in charge of monetary policies—began raising the federal funds rate (to combat inflation) from 0.75% to 1% in May 2022, which was already a concern… 

That same rate is now up to 5.15% as of June 15th, 2023. 

The era of low interest rates is coming to an end. Inflation is surging. Investors are seeking higher returns from the stocks in their portfolios. The smart move is to turn to reliable income stocks, and it’s important to hold positions in dividend stocks that compete well with the rest of the marketplace. 

Why? Capital gains and price appreciation. And these are among the very best…

OneMain Holdings Inc (OMF) 

Right off the bat, an unconventional opportunity among the bunch is OneMain Holdings (OMF). As a mid-cap financial firm valued at over $5 billion, OMF offers a unique proposition. Specializing in personal loans and insurance, particularly auto loans, credit cards, and life insurance, OMF benefits from the upward trend in interest rates. This favorable market condition allows OMF to enjoy increased profit margins. Notably, OMF is attractively priced, and investors are rewarded with a very nice dividend. 

OMF has been doing well, currently up by 28.82%, with a positive SMA (simple moving average) and a solid ROE (return on equity) of 24.41%. OMF has a TTM revenue of $2.65 billion at $6.19 per share, and it profited $754 million via its 29.45% net margin in the same period. With a PEG (price/earnings/growth) ratio of 0.27x and a forward P/E (price to earnings) ratio of 6.3x, OMF is forecasted to report $1 billion in sales at $1.31 per share for the current fiscal quarter. OMF has an annual dividend yield of 9.32%, a quarterly payout of $1.00 ($4.00/year) per share, and a 60.91% payout ratio. As assigned by analysts, OMF has a median price target of $50, with a high of $62 and a low of $41, representing the potential for a 44.5% price jump from where it currently sits. OMF has 11 buy ratings and 3 hold ratings

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Ambev SA (ABEV) 

Regarding high dividends, the reliability and stability of the underlying business are crucial. ABEV acts as an excellent example in this case. Shareholders of ABEV can find reassurance in the enduring demand for alcohol, making it an attractive investment option. A subsidiary of Anheuser-Busch, ABEV boasts a remarkable portfolio of renowned brands, including Budweiser, Stella Artois, and Corona. Analysts anticipate 12.5% earnings growth for ABEV in 2023

ABEV is currently up year-to-date by 16.91% and has a beta score of 0.65, deeming it safe from market volatility. ABEV has a TTM revenue of $81.8 billion at $0.20 per share and has made a profit of $14.75 billion through its 18.02% net margin. With a 0.99x PEG ratio, ABEV most recently beat analysts’ EPS and revenue forecasts by 20.57% and 2.07%, respectively, also showing year-over-year growth in revenue (+11.35%), net income (+8.40%), and EPS (+4.55%). ABEV has an annual dividend yield of 3.83%, a quarterly payout of 12 cents ($0.48/year) per share, and a 67.21% payout ratio. With a 10-day average volume of 15.39 million shares, ABEV has an average price target of $3.50, with a high of $5 and a low of $2.70; this represents the potential for a more than 57% price jump. ABEV has 11 buy ratings and 5 hold ratings.

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Chevron Corp (CVX) 

Amidst the cyclical nature of the energy industry, Chevron (CVX) shines as a dependable dividend stock. While the industry experiences fluctuations, CVX‘s production of oil and natural gas remains in consistent demand, even amidst the rise of renewable power. Notably, CVX boasts an exceptionally strong balance sheet, and during periods of market weakness, it strategically takes on debt to sustain its operations and dividend payments. CVX‘s ability to navigate this intricate market landscape while consistently rewarding investors with a strong dividend payment is a testament to its proficiency. 

CVX is in a great “buy the dip” position, as it’s currently down year-to-date by 14.47%. With TTM revenue of $234 billion at $18.53 per share, CVX’s same-period profit has been $35.78 billion on the back of its 15.28% net margin. CVX has a 13.42% ROE, a PEG ratio of 1.8x, and a remarkably low 4.46% D/E (debt to equity) measure. Reporting $3.55 per share vs. $3.39 as expected by analysts, CVX beat them out by 4.71% and also beat revenue projections by a 2.64% margin. CVX has a 3.87% annual dividend yield, with a quarterly payout of $1.51 ($6.04/year) per share. With a 10-day average volume of roughly 10 million shares, CVX has a median price target of $188, with a high of $212 and a low of $167, suggesting the potential for a price upside of more than 35%. CVX has 14 buy ratings and 12 hold ratings

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Exclusive Content: Blue-Chip Dividend Stocks Trading Drastically Below Fair Value

Within the realm of investment strategies and emerging market trends, blue-chip dividend stocks stand out. These industry leaders boast stability, renowned brands, and generous dividends, making them a low-risk option when seeking profitability. 

Opportunities await the astute investor, and I’ve found a few that meet the criteria I laid out above. These popular buy-rated stocks are undervalued, and each shows a promising price upside…

General Dynamics Corp (GD) 

General Dynamics (GD) is a prominent defense contractor that has solidified its position within its industry. GD’s primary focus is the operation of its “Gulfstream” commercial jet program, which excels in manufacturing high-quality, long-range private jets. The luxury goods market has experienced a global upswing in recent years, propelling demand for GD’s planes. Additionally, the allure of private jets has grown further since the pandemic, with more affluent folks hopping on board. 

GD’s numbers are substantial. Its stock is down year-to-date by 14.89%, is trading near the very bottom of its existing 52-week range, and has a safe 0.83 beta score. GD shows TTM revenue of $40 billion at $12.22 per share, from which it has profited $3.39 billion in net income via its 8.50% profit margin. GD has an ROE of 18.27%, a PEG ratio of 1.77x, a P/S (price to sales) ratio of 1.47x, and a D/E (debt to equity) of 63.38%. GD most recently bested analysts’ projections on EPS and revenue by 1.84% and 6.20%, respectively. GD has a 2.50% annual dividend yield and a quarterly payout of $1.32 ($5.28/year) per share. With roughly $2 billion in free cash flow, GD has a median price target of $252.50, with a high of $325 and a low of $218, suggesting a price leap of over 54% from where it is now. GD has 19 buy ratings and six hold ratings

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Danaher Corp (DHR) 

Another one to consider is Danaher Corp. (DHR), a top blue-chip stock focused on healthcare that was initially an industrial conglomerate but had since strategically navigated mergers and acquisitions, resulting in remarkable returns. As it concludes the spin-off of its water division, DHR will solely concentrate on healthcare, particularly in the growing bioprocessing market. While sales dipped after the pandemic, this presents an attractive entry point for investors to get a piece of DHR

Down by 11.57% year-to-date, DHR is at the bottom of its 52-week range with a beta score of 0.80. DHR shows a TTM revenue of $30.95 billion at $9.29 per share, and it has made a net income of $6.85 billion on the back of its 22.40% profit margin. DHR has a PEG ratio of 2.17x, an ROE of 14.17%, and a D/E (debt to equity) of 40.66%. At its last earnings call, DHR reported EPS of $2.36 per share vs. $2.26 as predicted by analysts, beating their forecasts by 4.36%; it also beat revenue by a 1.59% margin. DHR has an annual dividend yield of 0.46% and a quarterly payout of 27 cents ($1.08/year) per share. With a 10-day average volume of 3.35 million shares, DHR has a median price target of $273, with a high of $328 and a low of $220, representing a potential price jump of nearly 40%. DHR has 21 buy ratings and seven hold ratings

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Goldman Sachs Group Inc (GS)

I don’t shy away from reality in the markets. This year, Goldman Sachs (GS) has faced some challenges. The banking industry crisis and concerns over GS’s performance have contributed to slower operations, particularly affected by sluggish capital market conditions in 2022. However, there are reasons to remain optimistic about GS. Market conditions are rebounding, and the resurgence of high-profile IPOs, like Cava (CAVA), is expected to revive demand for GS’s services. Furthermore, Goldman is positioned for significant growth in its consumer business. GS’s dividend certainly sticks out: 

GS’s stock is currently down by 8.60% and is near the bottom of its range. From $44.67 billion in TTM revenue at $28.08 per share, GS has profited $1.97 billion via a 22.63% net margin. With a PEG ratio of 0.7x, GS most recently reported EPS at $8.79 per share vs. $8.06 per share, as projected by analysts, beating their forecasts by a 9.08% margin. GS has an annual dividend yield of 3.19% and a quarterly payout of $2.50 ($10.00/year) per share. With $37 billion in operating free cash flow and a 10-day average volume of 2.65 million shares, GS has a median price target of $385, with a high of $470 and a low of $305; this indicates the potential for a nearly 50% price upside. GS has 17 buy ratings and nine hold ratings

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These Three Cheap Energy Earners Offer Incredible Returns

We’ve been talking about stocks lately that are obviously important in the world of marketplace happenings and trends, with AI being a prime example. The market moves fast, and while others have profited, some of us feel like we can’t find our way in. That’s okay! There are always other options

Not all of us chase the “next big thing,” but instead try to invest safely, find a comfort zone, and take only calculated risks. Energy is an excellent space for this. 

Today, I’m looking at three energy stocks that are down year-to-date, and the below-fair-value pricing leaves plenty of room for price appreciation. These are each in an ideal position to turn a profit. 

I’ll now dive into these three energy stocks to expose their profitability. So, let’s check it out:

Vertex Energy Inc (VTNR) 

A forward-thinking refining company, Vertex Energy (VTNR) specializes in the production and distribution of a diverse range of fuels, exploring both traditional and alternative sources. VTNR recently wrapped up its ambitious renewable diesel (RD) conversion project, marking a significant milestone for the business. 

As a result, revenue soared, showcasing remarkable growth in VTNR’s products and refined treasures during Q1 2023. By embracing sustainable practices, VTNR may be at the forefront of the transition. 

VTNR is down slightly year-to-date by 0.48%, has a 1.05 beta score, and shows 187.32% in TTM (trailing twelve-month) asset growth. VTNR’s TTM revenue is $3.4 billion, more than six times higher than its market cap of $517 million. With a PEG (price/earnings/growth) ratio of 0.44x, VTNR, during its last earnings call, reported EPS of $0.68 per share vs. the $0.15 expected, beating analysts’ forecasts by a whopping 341.6%. VTNR shows year-over-year growth in critical areas like revenue (+827.25%), net income (+1,284%), EPS (+950%), and net profit margin (+227.75%). With an operating free cash flow of $105 million and a 10-day average volume of 2.11 million shares, VTNR has a median price target of $11.50, with a high of $15 and a low of $8; this represents the potential for a more than 143% price increase from VTNR’s current position. 

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Sunrun Inc (RUN) 

Sunrun Inc. (RUN) is a top energy stock with a compelling valuation and, from what I can see, a lot of growth potential. RUN leads the untapped U.S. residential solar energy market, boasting a projected 15.3% annual growth rate until 2030. There have been concerns regarding short-term profitability, but longer-term forecasts are very bright for RUN. This is a great example of one of those “calculated risks” I mentioned in my introduction; don’t forget that there’s a lot of potential here. 

RUN’s stock is currently down by 20.02% year-to-date, and there’s an argument to be made for it being undervalued—especially given the forecasts. RUN has TTM asset growth of 14.33% and TTM revenue of $2.42 billion at $0.10 per share. RUN has a P/S (price to sales) ratio of 1.76x and a P/B (price to book) ratio of 0.64x. Although missing on EPS, RUN reported $589.85 million in revenue vs. the $517.78 million projected by Wall Street analysts, surprising by a 13.92% margin and showing revenue growth (year-over-year) of 18.87%. For the current fiscal quarter, RUN is projected to report $621.6 million in sales with quarterly EPS growth of 78.58%. With a 10-day average trading volume of 7.92 million shares, RUN has a median price target of $33.53, with a high of $66 and a low of $25, suggesting a price increase of anywhere from 61% to 212%. Take a look at how RUN’s dip is rising back up. 

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Plug Power Inc (PLUG) 

With its unique expertise in hydrogen fuel cells, which generate power from hydrogen and oxygen while emitting only water vapor, Plug Power Inc. (PLUG) utilizes them to surpass the reliance on lithium batteries in electric vehicles. For PLUG, supplying EV manufacturers is a little easier, given that there are costly regulations on lithium and its use. Despite any drawbacks, it is considered a leader in the space, and right now, PLUG shows the most potential out of all of its clean energy counterparts for long-term price appreciation… and it’s a substantial difference

PLUG is down by 23.04% year-to-date and sits near the bottom of its existing 52-week range, showing that it might just be due for a comeback. With a TTM revenue of $770 million, PLUG’s current-quarter revenue is expected to come in at $251.9 million. Until reporting again on August 10th, PLUG could have

done a lot worse with its last earnings call, when it reported revenue of $210.29 million vs. the $207.76 million expected, beating analysts’ forecasts by 1.21%; it also shows year-over-year revenue growth of 49.35%, in addition to net profit margin growth of 11.62%. PLUG has a P/B (price to book) ratio of 1.57x and a refreshing D/E (debt to equity) measure of 15.15%. Showing forward 1-year EPS growth of 48.1% and a 10-day average volume of 26.91 million shares, PLUG has a median price target of $18.54, with a high of $78 and a low of $7.50. This represents a price upside of anywhere from 57% to 719% (as in seven hundred and nineteen) from its current position. Analysts are mostly bullish on PLUG; I can see why.

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