Stock Watch Lists

Three Dividend Discounts for Passive Profits this Summer

Regardless of what your investing strategy is right now, ask yourself this: What’s something you’d like to enjoy this summer? If your answer is peace of mind, then you’re a lot like me. 

Dividend-payers show strength during economic shifts and policy changes, making them valuable during the summer, when a lot of everyday consumers are relaxing. Investors can relax too, because all it takes is some simple work to ensure that our portfolios generate a lucrative passive income stream. 

Of course, it’s all about picking the right dividend stocks, and that’s what I strive to do. Today, I’m looking at three discounted stocks with low beta scores (which measure volatility risk in relation to the broader market), and Warren Buffet even owns a couple of them

Join me as I look at three dividend stocks that pay very well and show great consistency:

Pembina Pipeline Corp (PBA) 

One pivotal player in Canada’s energy sector that has experienced significant dividend growth over the past six decades is Pembina Pipeline Corp. (PBA). Offering essential services to oil and gas producers, PBA has a strong track record of successful acquisitions and partnerships. With an expected upcoming turnaround in the energy infrastructure sector, PBA holds the potential for substantial returns. Also, PBA recently confirmed its confidence in future performance by increasing its dividend and providing a positive fiscal-year outlook. I like PBA’s commitment to rewarding its shareholders. 

A great “buy the dip” opportunity, PBA’s stock is currently down year-to-date by 9.13%, trading near its 52-week low, with a beta score of 0.63 PBA shows $10.87 billion in TTM revenue at $3.69 per share, and it profited $2.73 billion during the same period via its 26.20% net margin. Projected to show $1.8 billion in sales at $0.45 per share for the current quarter, PBA has an ROE (return on equity) of 18.90%, a P/S (price to sales) ratio of 2.12x, a P/B (price to book) ratio of 1.46x, and a $1.2 billion free cash flow. PBA has a 6.23% dividend yield, a quarterly payout of 50 cents ($2.00/year) per share, and a 61.61% payout ratio. With a 10-day average volume of roughly 841 thousand shares, PBA has a median price target of $38.95, with a high of $43.17 and a low of $34.97. This new price range represents a potential 40% price jump. Analysts recommend that we buy and hold stock in PBA

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Ares Capital Corp (ARCC) 

Dividend stocks to always be on the lookout for are those that represent a business development company, of which Ares Capital Corp. (ARCC) is a good example. BDCs, like ARCC, provide financing to small- to medium-sized businesses and must distribute at least 90% of their income to shareholders as dividends to be exempt from federal taxes. This is an appealing opportunity for income investors due to its sustainable dividend and promising growth prospects. As access to credit tightens, businesses are increasingly turning to BDCs, supporting ARCC‘s potential. Notably, Warren Buffett holds shares of ARCC through Berkshire’s subsidiary, New England Asset Management (NEAM). 

ARCC’s stock is up only slightly year-to-date by 0.32%, around the middle of its existing 52-week range. With an 0.84 beta, ARCC shows TTM revenue of $2.27 billion at $1.27 per share, from which it made $667 million in net income through its 29.33% profit margin. For its last earnings report, ARCC displayed EPS of

$0.63 per share vs. the $0.56 predicted by analysts (an 11.9% surprise), and for the current quarter, it is expected to post $621.5 million in sales at $0.57 per share. ARCC has an impressive dividend yield of 10.28%, a quarterly payout of 48 cents ($1.92/year) per share, and a 142.52% payout ratio. With a 10-day average volume of 4.96 million shares, ARCC has a median price target of $20.25, with a high of $24 and a low of $18, allowing room for a potential 29.5% price increase. Analysts say buy and hold. 

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Crown Castle Inc (CCI) 

Also a member of Warren Buffet’s portfolio is Crown Castle Inc. (CCI). As a real estate investment trust (REIT), CCI stands out as an excellent dividend stock due to its strategic focus on operating telecom towers and small cells, crucial for enhancing data capacity in high-traffic areas. With the ever-increasing growth of mobile data usage projected to continue for years, CCI‘s telecom assets hold significant value. Combine that with the fact that its valuation is cheaper than historic levels, and CCI remains an attractive choice for long-term income investors. 

Down by 16.70% year-to-date and trading at discounted pricing, CCI has a safe 0.66 beta score and an ROE of 21.92%. CCI shows TTM revenue of $7.02 billion at $3.86 per share, and it generated same-period net income of $1.67 billion on the back of its 23.83% profit margin. With a P/B ratio of 1.01x, CCI most recently reported $0.97 per share vs. $0.91 per share as projected EPS by analysts (a 7.1% surprise), and for the current quarter, it is predicted to show $1.9 billion in sales at an EPS of $1.07 per share. CCI has an annual dividend yield of 5.46%, a robust quarterly payout of $1.56 ($6.24/year) per share, and a generous 159.72% payout ratio. With a 10-day average volume of 2.3 million shares, CCI has a median price target of $150, with a high of $165 and a low of $135, representing the potential for a 46% increase from where its price currently sits. Regarding CCI, analysts are telling us to buy and hold

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Navigating the Shift: Stocks to Watch in the De-Dollarization Era

Signs of de-dollarization are unfolding in the global economy. Here’s what you should know.

Efforts by the “BRICS” nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) as well as other major commodity exporters to loosen the dollar’s stranglehold on global commerce have ramped up amid the strains of steep U.S. interest rate rises and sanctions that have frozen Russia out of the global banking system. 

Saudi Arabia and China have begun negotiations to settle Chinese oil sales with the yuan. Brazil and China have announced the phase-in of an arrangement for some yuan-clearing trade between the two countries. Russia and China are also now doing a significant portion of their trade in yuan.

While the dollar’s share of FX trading volumes remains high at just shy of 88% the U.S. share of global exports is now estimated at a record low 9% compared to record high 13% for China. China’s yuan now accounts for a record 7% of FX trading volume, while the euro’s slice has shrunk 8% over the last decade to 31%. 

Although the greenback still holds the largest share of any global currency by far, a look at global trade shows a more bifurcated picture.  Experts say these signs point to the beginning of global de-dollarization. With this in mind we’ve compiled this list of stocks that may become increasingly popular as the global de-dollarization continues to unfold.   

Baidu Inc (BIDU) 

Baidu, Inc. (BIDU) is a tech firm mainly providing internet search and online marketing solutions. BIDU’s products include Baidu App, Baidu Search, Baidu Feed, Haokan, Quanmin, and more. BIDU offers search-based and feed-based online marketing services, while iQIYI is its online entertainment platform. BIDU was founded by Xu Yong and Yanhong Li in 2000 and is based in Beijing, China. BIDU is up YTD by 19% and has a safe 0.67 beta. With a $49.29 billion market cap, BIDU has $18.4 billion in TTM revenue at $5.63 per share, profiting $1 billion on a 16.60% margin. BIDU has a P/E ratio of 13.7x, a forward P/E (NTM) of 12.1x, a 0.39x PEG, a P/S ratio of 2.47x, a P/B ratio of 1.36x, and a 37.80% D/E measure. BIDU has beaten analysts’ EPS forecasts for the last 13 consecutive quarters, surprising by 29.1% for its MRQ. BIDU shows excellent YOY growth in revenue (+9.62%), net income (+458.19%), EPS (+652.78%), and net profit margin (+701.39%), with a free cash flow of $16.75 billion and a 10-day average volume of 3.53 million shares. BIDU has a median price target of $173.67, with a high of $230.93 and a low of $110.95, representing a potential 94% price upside. Buy Now and Hold.

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HDFC Bank (HDB)

As a major player in the digital payments space, India’s largest private sector lender, HDFC Bank, is in a favorable position to benefit from “the war on cash,” as the country’s economy continues to develop. The company has over 6,300 branches across more than 3,100 cities and towns. HDFC is also a player in the digital payments space and appears poised to benefit from “the war on cash.”

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Shell PLC (SHEL) 

British oil major Shell recently announced plans to boost returns to shareholders and keep oil output steady.  Shell said it would increase shareholder distributions to 30% to 40% of cash flow from operations, up from 20% to 30% previously.  This includes raising the dividend per share by an 15% and executing at least $5 billion of share buybacks in the second half of the year.

“Performance, discipline, and simplification will be our guiding principles as we allocate capital to enhance shareholder distributions while enabling the energy transition,” said Shell’s CEO Wael Sawan , who took office at the start of the year after serving as director of the company’s integrated gas, renewables, and energy solutions. “We will invest in the models that work – those with the highest returns that play to our strengths,” he continued.

SHEL investors enjoy a dividend yield north of 4%. And the predicted payouts over the next couple of years are well covered by record historic earnings. So the near-term income prospects appear rock solid. In terms of valuation, the stock has a price-earnings ratio of 5.10, a price-sales ratio of 0.57 and an enterprise-value-to-sales ratio of 0.66. These numbers imply that Shell may be undervalued. The current consensus among 30 polled investment analysts is to buy stock in Shell. A  median 12 month price target of $73.60 estimate represents a 22% increase from its current price.

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Three Stocks to Capitalize on The Summer Shopping Surge

The summer season not only impacts consumer behavior but also influences investor behavior as well. Rather than hiding in the sand, we should be looking for lucrative retail stocks poised to flourish amidst the inevitable consumer and tourism rise that occurs each summer. 

The seasonal retail stocks that tend to do best are involved in the following: 

– Renewable energy 

– Recreation and leisure 

– Outdoor entertainment 

– Food and beverage 

– Gardening and home improvement 

These stocks offer excellent dividends while also holding the potential for long-term gains. Let’s have a look at what makes these three profitable portfolio picks: 

Pool Corp (POOL) 

One stock that’s considered a good summertime investment is Pool Corp. (POOL). As the leading distributor of swimming pool equipment and outdoor living products, POOL has it all. While other summer stocks struggled during COVID-19, POOL thrived. POOL’s profits soared in 2020, driven by increased home improvement spending, and the growth hasn’t stopped. POOL continued to climb with an impressive 35% net sales increase in 2021 and another 17% surge, reaching $6.2 billion in 2022. With 60% of consumer pool industry spending focused on maintenance and repairs, POOL is well-positioned to capitalize on its loyal customer base, even with fluctuating pool demand. 

POOL’s stock is up by 17.32% year-to-date and comes with a safe 0.94 beta score. POOL shows TTM revenue of $5.97 billion at $16.96 per share, from which it profited $667 million on its 11.23% net margin. POOL boasts an ROE (return on equity) of 55.03% and is forecasted to report $1.9 billion in sales with a $6.31 EPS for the current quarter. POOL has an annual dividend yield of 1.23% and a quarterly payout of $1.10 ($4.40/year) per share. With a 10-day average volume of roughly 434 thousand shares, POOL has a median price target of $387.50, with a high of $445 and a low of $315, allowing room for a potential price upside of over 25%. POOL has seven buy ratings and four hold ratings

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Home Depot Inc (HD) 

The largest retailer in the home improvement industry, Home Depot (HD), shines during the summer months, capitalizing on homeowners’ projects. HD consistently achieves its highest revenue figures in the second and third quarters. With robust sales growth of 14.4% in 2021 and 4.1% in 2022, HD is unstoppable. Its trajectory is set for further expansion, making HD a secure investment. Moreover, it’s an attractive option for dividend investors as Home Depot has consistently increased its dividend over many years, including an impressive 10% hike in 2023. 

In fiscal 2022 alone, HD raked in $157.4 billion in sales and achieved net earnings of $17.1 billion. With a sturdy 0.93 beta, HD stock is down year-to-date by 4.40%. Showing TTM revenue of $155.7 billion at $16,42 per share, HD made a same-period net income of $16.75 billion via its 10.75% profit margin. HD has a PEG

ratio of 1.96x, a P/S ratio of 1.9x, a stunning ROE of 1,465.49%, and is forecasted to post $42.2 billion in current-quarter sales at $4.45 per share. HD has an annual dividend yield of 2.77%, a quarterly payout of $2.09 ($8.36/year) per share, and a 47.44% payout ratio. With $9.95 billion in free cash flow and a 10-day average volume of 3.95 million shares, HD has a median price target of $320, with a high of $360 and a low of $266, indicating a potential 20% jump from the current pricing. HD has 21 buy ratings and 15 hold ratings

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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. (NKE). 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 a free 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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Investing with Impact: Today’s Most Promising Buy-Rated ESG Stocks

Here’s a question I once had, in case you do… What is ESG, and what does it have to do with stocks? 

ESG—which stands for Environmental, Social, and Governance—is a standard focused on a company’s prioritization of environmental and social responsibilities. Scores are assigned based on those factors, and they can be crucial indicators of a stock’s long-term sustainability and profitability. 

This kind of investment can be a personal one but a wise one as well. Today’s ESG stocks show upside potential and solid metrics. Oh, and they pay dividends, too. 

Now I’ll lay out what makes these ESG-strong tickers worth a look. Let’s have that look now:

Gildan Activewear Inc (GIL) 

One business that stands out for me is Montreal-based Gildan Activewear Inc. (GIL) for having a substantial positive impact on jobs, taxes, and physical diseases. Last year, GIL launched its groundbreaking “Next Generation ESG” strategy, meant to address environmental and social issues. GIL strives to contribute to improving lives, safeguarding the environment, and fostering a sustainable economy. The recent “Gildan Respects” campaign unifies ESG efforts, highlighting GIL‘s commitment. 

GIL’s stock is currently up by 10.02% year-to-date with a 0.93 beta. It shows $3.16 billion in TTM revenue at $2.70 per share, from which it made $493 million with a 15.55% profit margin. GIL has an ROE (return on equity) of 26.23%, a forward P/E of 9.5x, a PEG (price/earnings/growth) ratio of 0.79x, and a P/S (price to sales) of 1.72x GIL has an annual dividend yield of 2.47% and a quarterly payout of 19 cents ($0.74/year) per share. With a 10-day average volume of approx. 744 thousand shares, GIL has a median price target of $38, with a high of $42 and a low of $35.54, representing the potential for an almost 40% jump from its current pricing. GIL has 10 buy ratings and 1 hold rating

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J B Hunt Transport Services Inc (JBHT) 

If ESG is important to you, J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc.’s (JBHT) stock could be an excellent opportunity to seize. JBHT has set an ambitious emission reduction target for 2034, focusing on expanding the use of biogenic fuels, introducing more alternatively powered equipment to their fleet, and enhancing diesel fuel. JBHT‘s goal aligns with the famous Paris Climate Agreement’s objective of limiting global warming to 2°C, and it’s on an urgent mission toward a sustainable future. 

JBHT is up ever-so-slightly YTD by 0.01%, its stock has a safe 0.91 beta measure, and it has a solid 26.20% ROE. JBHT has TTM revenue of $14.5 billion at $8.81 per share, from which it profited $923.8 million in net income via its modest 6.35% net margin. JBHT has a PEG ratio of 1.39x, a P/S ratio of 1.22x, a D/E (debt to 

equity) ratio of 32.69%, and is forecasted to report $3.4 billion in sales at $2.02 per share for the current quarter. JBHT has a 0.96% dividend yield and a quarterly payout of 42 cents ($1.68/year) per share. With a 10-day average volume of roughly 712 thousand shares, JBHT has a median price target of $193.50, with a high of $210 and a low of $162. This range suggests a possible 20% or more price increase. JBHT has 15 buy ratings and 11 hold ratings.

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Merck & Co Inc (MRK) 

Merck & Co., Inc. (MRK) has achieved much recognition for its sustainability efforts. MRK has been named one of Barron’s 100 Most Sustainable U.S. Companies for the third consecutive year, securing the top position in the pharmaceutical industry. MRK’s overall ranking has notably advanced from 67th place in 2022 to an impressive 29th in 2023. MRK has been named an industry leader in the compilations “America’s Most JUST Companies” by JUST Capital and CNBC, as well as “America’s Most Responsible Companies” by Newsweek and Statista earlier this year. MRK’s stock is down slightly by 2.05% year-to-date and has a notably low 0.36 beta figure. MRK has TTM revenue of $57.8 billion at $5.11 per share, earning a net income of $13 billion via its 22.52% profit margin. MRK has an ROE of 29.71% and a PEG ratio of 1.10x, and it’s projected to report $14.4 billion in sales at $1.85 per share for the current quarter. MRK most recently beat analysts’ EPS and revenue projections by margins of 4.76% and 4.98%, respectively. MRK has a dividend yield of 2.69%, a quarterly payout of 73 cents ($2.92/year) per share, and a 55.47% payout ratio. With a 10-day average volume of 7.31 million shares, MRK has a median price target of $127, with a high of $135 and a low of $102, representing a potential 24% price jump (from where it currently sits). MRK has 20 buy ratings and 7 hold ratings.

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Dump These Overblown Tech Stocks and Try This Instead…

Tech stocks have come roaring back in 2023.  But after the stunning rebound, some tech names have little room to run.  In addition to industry-specific concerns, the technology sector faces headwinds from rising interest rates and a central bank that hasn’t finished its fight against inflation. As such, now seems like a good time to lock in gains on certain tech stocks that have rallied sharply this year. In particular, these three tech stocks look vulnerable, and may see severe downside in the coming days and weeks.

I’m going to give you the chance to learn about the tech company I think everyone should own instead.  But first, if you own any or all of these “toxic stocks,” sell them today.

SoFi Technologies (SOFI)

SOFI has stacked on 91% in 2023, but the rebound may be fleeting. Shares have already started to fall back toward pre-earnings price levels. In the months ahead, if current economic challenges worsen, or if further challenges arise regarding student loans, the impact on revenue could place additional pressure on the stock.

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Bigbear.ai Holdings (BBAI)

BBAI surged a startling 740% in the beginning of the year, with shares advancing from penny stock territory to more than $6 per share in response to the current hype cycle around consumer AI products. To the dismay of many who bought in during Bigbears’s moment in the sun, the stock quickly gave up most of early 2023’s gains.  The company has historically struggled to reach profitability from its operations so it may be some time before we see a turnaround for BBAI.

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Uber Technologies (UBER)

Uber shares surged higher immediately following its most recent earnings call. The ride-share giant reported strong numbers, and management provided an upbeat outlook for the current quarter.  UBER’s current valuation may be overly optimistic about subsequent quarterly results.  Another big run may not be in store for the ticker anytime soon.

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Now that you know which overbought stocks to get rid of, we’re going to let you in on a little-known tech opportunity the likes of which haven’t been seen since Microsoft went public in ’86.  This may be the #1 stock pick to ride the revolutionary AI  wave. And right now it trades for just $3…  

According to recent research, the share price on this name could soon explode to obscene levels… 

Word hasn’t gotten out about this stock and we wanted you to be the first to know.  But you better move quickly before this company takes off.

Click here to access the exclusive details on this mindblowing opportunity…

Don’t Be Fooled By These Overhyped AI Stocks

The tech market is being dominated by AI, which has suddenly become a lucrative trend. 

It is enormous. Due to ChatGPT’s success and intense competition, it is attracting the interest of investors. The AI market is expected to skyrocket to a staggering $2 trillion by 2030

Alphabet (GOOGL)’s CEO, Sundar Pichai, warned of its problems, stating that “society will need to prepare for rapid advancements in artificial intelligence that will affect every product across every company.” It is imperative to avoid certain tech stocks that may already be facing negative consequences. 

Now, I’ll list three AI-related stocks that should be either avoided or sold. Let’s have a look:

Affirm Holdings Inc (AFRM) 

Our first stock to avoid is Affirm Holdings (AFRM), 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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C3.ai Inc (AI) 

C3.ai (AI) may have a catchy ticker symbol that aligns with the market’s enthusiasm for artificial intelligence. Still, there really isn’t much else to say about AI when it comes to considering it for our portfolios. AI is slow-moving, unprofitable, and lacks the potential to benefit from the current excitement surrounding consumer-facing AI. It isn’t certain that C3.ai will capitalize on the opportunity, making it a stock to avoid; it is largely inflated at this point, and, unfortunately, many of us were late to the rally. 

AI’s stock is up year-to-date by an insane 285.52%, and the case for it being overvalued is an easy one to make when looking at the negative numbers. AI has a 2.61 beta and an ROE of -28.02% and shows $266 million in TTM revenue, from which it lost $268 million thanks to its crazy -100.77% profit margin. AI shows negative year-over-year growth in net income (-11.19%), net profit margin (-11.05%), and operating income (-29.65%). With a 10-day average trading volume of roughly 52 million shares, AI has a median price target of $23.50, with a high of $50 and a low of $14, suggesting the potential for a price decrease anywhere from -45% to -67%. AI has 6 buy ratings and 4 hold ratings.

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Palantir Technologies Inc (PLTR) 

Palantir Technologies Inc. (PLTR), a black-box consulting company, has been scrutinized by The Bear Cave for allegedly posing as an AI powerhouse while primarily functioning as an overhyped data consultant. Despite notable contracts, PTLR‘s lack of innovative work raises concerns. The current valuation of PLTR stock at nearly 15 times revenues and 68 times forward earnings is high for a data management and consulting company. Without PLTR’s utilization of impressive AI applications, however, the recent 90% stock gain is expected to diminish rapidly. 

PLTR isn’t much different. It’s up year-to-date by a wild 149.07% but has a negative ROE of -10.04% and a risky 2.84 beta. PLTR showed TTM revenue of $1.98 billion and lost $225 million on its -12.87% profit margin. Clearly overvalued, PLTR is a stock that we would’ve been wise to grab a part of several months ago, much like AFRM and AI; this all happened so damn fast. With a negative cash flow of -$423.74 million and a whopping 10-day average trading volume of 120.48 million shares (people are on to this one), PLTR has a median price target of $8.25, with a high of $18 and a low of $5. This new range for PLTR indicates a downside of anywhere from -48% to -69%. PLTR has 6 hold ratings and 7 sell ratings

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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…

Ascent Solar Technologies (ASTI) 

The photovoltaic specialist obviously carries significant implications for the solar energy industry.  With society gravitating toward clean and renewable energy solutions, ASTI should be enjoying extraordinary relevance. Unfortunately, its narrative hasn’t been so fortunate. Year to date, ASTI share price is down 91%. In the trailing year, it’s down almost 96%.   Glaringly, its three-year revenue growth rate sits at 90.3% below parity. Profit margins have slipped to ridiculously negative rates while the balance sheet is a mess.  Gurufocus.com warns that Ascent solar is a possible value trap.  

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Lemonade (LMND)

Thus far, the self-proclaimed insurance industry disruptor has gained a healthy following.  But in all of the enthusiasm surrounding its  AI-based underwriting technology, investors may be turning a blind eye to its laundry list of flaws.

In 2022 generated a 116% increase in premiums.  By contrast, the company expects just 12% year-over-year growth in 2023.  Aside from the dramatic slow-down in overall business, the company is bleeding cash, posting an adjusted EBITDA loss of $225 million last year.  This year’s EBITDA loss is expected to come in around $242 million.

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Big Lots (BIG)

Shares in the big box retailer may be down by nearly 65% over the past 12 months.  Some investors are still being tempted by its 10.82% dividend yield.  However, with the company reporting a net loss of $7.30 per share, and expected to stay in the red through 2024, it’s highly questionable whether BIG’s high rate of payout will continue for long.

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Behold, the Dividend Kings: Ultimate Portfolio Protection

Are some dividend stocks more dedicated to their shareholders than others? 

You could make the case for “Dividend Kings,” regarded as an elite community of dividend-payers that have shown consecutive annual dividend increases for 50 or more years. They have: 

– Adapted to evolving consumer preferences and tech advancements, 

– Weathered severe economic challenges like inflation and market crashes, 

– Shown consistent, impressive business performance each fiscal year. 

I found three Dividend Kings in particular that are each currently down year-to-date, which leaves plenty of room to grow. Growth leads to price appreciation, which leads to shareholder profits

Now, let’s break down what makes these crowned dividend stocks so great. Check it out:

H.B. Fuller Company (FUL) 

From the industry/processing sector, first on the list is a specialist in adhesives, H.B. Fuller Co. (FUL), which have been used for over two thousand years, indicating a constant need. These versatile products are utilized by FUL in a number of markets and are continuously improving. FUL’s command of the adhesives market, coupled with low capital intensity, generates consistent cash flow. FUL has implemented annual dividend increases for 52 years. 

FUL is currently down YTD (year-to-date) by 8.39%, trading near the bottom of its 52-week range. With $3.7 billionmore than its market cap of $3.5 billion—in TTM revenue at $2.96 per share, FUL shows net income of $163.9 million through its 4.43% profit margin. FUL has a PEG (price/earnings/growth) ratio of 0.9x, forecasted quarterly growth in revenue (+19.98%) and EPS (+89.82%), and, for the current quarter, is expected to show over $970 million in sales at $1.24 per share. FUL’s current dividend yield is 1.25%, and it comes with a quarterly payout of $0.20 ($0.80/year) per share. With a 10-day average volume of just over 255 thousand shares, FUL’s median price target is $80, with a high end of $106 and a low end of $66, suggesting a possible 61% jump from its current price. FUL has 2 buy ratings and 2 hold ratings

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Nordson Corp (NDSN) 

Nordson Corp. (NDSN) has built a strong customer base over the years. Many of NDSN’s solutions are installed at customer facilities, creating loyalty. With a significant portion of recurring revenue from parts and consumables, NDSN enjoys a steady cash flow that is resistant to economic downturns—a true model of stability. NDSN offers a compelling growth profile among its crowned peers and, so far, has seen 59 years of consecutive dividend increases

Down only slightly year-to-date by 1.72%, NDSN actually works well as a value stock, although it’s near the middle of its existing price range. With a safe-from-voltility beta score of 0.93, NDSN shows $2.6 billion in TTM revenue at $8.91 per share, from which it profited $514.8 million via its 19.75% net margin. At its last earnings call, NDSN beat analysts’ EPS forecasts by a margin of 6.78%, reporting $2.26 per share vs. the $2.12 predicted. NDSN also shows year-over-year growth in key areas: revenue (+2.32%), net income (+16.35%), EPS (+17.35%), and net profit margin (+13.74%). NDSN has an annual dividend yield of 1.12% and a quarterly payout of 65 cents ($2.60/year) per share. With an ROE (return on equity)

of 21.97% and a 10-day average volume of approximately 240 thousand shares, NDSN has a median price target of $257, with a high of $270 and a low of $225; this represents a possible 15% increase from where its price currently sits. NDSN has 5 buy ratings and 3 hold ratings

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Federal Realty Investment Trust (FRT) 

The only real estate investment trust (REIT) in the exclusive Dividend Kings club is Federal Realty Investment Trust (FRT), with 55 consecutive years of dividend increases. With a tight focus on high-end, mixed-use properties in affluent areas across nine markets, including Southern California, Silicon Valley, Phoenix, Miami, Chicago, Philadelphia, Boston, New York, and Washington, D.C., FRT has enjoyed notable stability throughout and beyond the pandemic. FRT’s properties have always maintained high occupancy rates, solidifying its reputation as one of the oldest publicly traded REITs. Shareholders have little reason to worry about any changes to FRT’s reliable dividend stream. 

FRT’s stock is down by 5.86% year-to-date, is near its existing 52-week low, and enjoys a safe 0.95 beta figure. FRT shows TTM revenue of $1.09 billion at $4.67 per share, and during the same period it made $379.46 million in net income on the back of its solid 35.47% profit margin. With an ROE of 13.93% and a 3x PEG ratio, FRT most recently surpassed analysts’ EPS forecasts by 7.6%, reporting $0.65 per share vs. the $0.60 per share expected. FRT currently has an annual dividend yield of 4.53% and a quarterly payout of $1.08 ($4.32/year) per share, using a generous 91.12% payout ratio. With a 10-day average volume of roughly 529 million shares, FRT’s median price target is $109, with a high of $125 and a low of $91, allowing for a potential 31.5% jump from its current price. FRT has 9 buy ratings and 9 hold ratings

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Three Must-Have Stocks to Capitalize on the Unstoppable AI Revolution

Let me start by saying that, from where I’m sitting, it’s a safe assumption that Artificial Intelligence isn’t going anywhere anytime soon. If there was anything truly “here to stay,” AI is it, and in seemingly endless ways. While AI isn’t brand new, there’s no question that technology has reached a pivotal moment in our culture and has captured the minds of just about every person not living off the grid. So, we already know how cool AI platforms such as ChatGPT are, but what makes AI such a good investment? 

Simply put, AI’s disruptive and transformative nature leaves many opportunities across many industries. As businesses adopt AI to innovate and improve their performance, demand for AI-related products and services will inevitably grow, leading to massive returns. Traditional business models will have to face adjustments or take a back seat to the advancements in machine learning. As AI continues to grow, it’s attracting many long-term investors. It’s catching on quickly, too, so now is the time to hop on board. 

We have three AI-involved companies whose stocks are each performing well, thanks largely to the big strides we see in ChatGPT. I’m eager to break ‘em down, so join me here for a look: 

Amazon.com Inc (AMZN) 

Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) is a multinational online retail company. AMZN offers consumer products through online and physical stores, both domestically and internationally. AMZN also provides cloud computing services on a global scale. Founded by Jeff Bezos in 1994, AMZN is headquartered in Seattle, WA. AMZN is up YTD by 39.02%, with a positive SMA. AMZN has a $1.08 trillion market cap, a PEG ratio of 2.25x, a P/B ratio of 2.06x, and YOY growth in key areas such as revenue (+9.37%), net income (+182.52%), EPS (+181.58), and net profit margin (+175.43). For its MRQ earnings call, AMZN beat analysts’ projections for EPS and revenue by 43.26% and 2.21%, respectively, and it has a free cash flow of just over $9 billion. AMZN has a TTM revenue of $524.9 billion at $0.42 per share, from which it profited $4.29 billion through its 2.54% margin. With a 10-day average volume of 67 million shares, AMZN has an average price target of $135, with a high of $220 and a low of $85; this represents a potential 41% price increase from where it sits at the moment. AMZN has 49 buy ratings and 4 hold ratings.

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NVIDIA Corp (NVDA) 

NVIDIA Corp. (NVDA) designs and manufactures GPUs, chipsets, and multimedia software for computers. NVDA’s brands like GeForce, Quadro, DGX, and GRID each apply computing capabilities for various uses, including autonomous systems and gaming devices. NVDA was founded in 1993 by Jen Hsun Huang, Curtis Priem, and Chris Malachowsky and is headquartered in Santa Clara, CA. On a rally with room to breathe, NVDA is up by 109.02% YTD. NVDA has a $755.25 billion market cap, and its MRQ earnings report showed an EPS of $1.09 vs. $0.92 expected (+18.80% surprise) and $7.19 billion in sales vs. $6.52 billion predicted (+10.26% surprise). NVDA reports $27 billion in TTM revenue at $1.75 per share, and it made $4.37 billion via its 16.69% net profit margin. NVDA has a 0.05% annual dividend yield and a quarterly payout of 5 cents ($0.20/yr) per share. With a 10-day average trading volume of 40.91 million shares, NVDA has been given a median price target of $455, with a $600 high estimate, representing a potential 30% price jump. NVDA has 36 buy ratings and 12 hold ratings.

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Baidu Inc (BIDU) 

Baidu, Inc. (BIDU) is a tech firm mainly providing internet search and online marketing solutions. BIDU’s products include Baidu App, Baidu Search, Baidu Feed, Haokan, Quanmin, and more. BIDU offers search-based and feed-based online marketing services, while iQIYI is its online entertainment platform. BIDU was founded by Xu Yong and Yanhong Li in 2000 and is based in Beijing, China. BIDU is up YTD by 4.14% and has a safe 0.67 beta. With a $41.64 billion market cap, BIDU has $18.4 billion in TTM revenue at $5.63 per share, profiting $1 billion on a 16.60% margin. BIDU has a P/E ratio of 13.7x, a forward P/E (NTM) of 12.1x, a 0.39x PEG, a P/S ratio of 2.47x, a P/B ratio of 1.36x, and a 37.80% D/E measure. BIDU has beaten analysts’ EPS forecasts for the last 13 consecutive quarters, surprising by 29.1% for its MRQ. BIDU shows excellent YOY growth in revenue (+9.62%), net income (+458.19%), EPS (+652.78%), and net profit margin (+701.39%), with a free cash flow of $16.75 billion and a 10-day average volume of 3.53 million shares. BIDU has a median price target of $173.67, with a high of $230.93 and a low of $110.95, representing a potential 94% price upside. Buy Now and Hold.

Read Next – #1 AI stock trading for $3

AI is by far the biggest tech investing trend of 2023. But Ross Givens says the #1 artificial intelligence stock is NOT Microsoft, Google, Amazon or Apple.

Nope – his research is pointing to a tiny, under-the-radar stock that’s trading for just $3 right now…

And could soon shoot to the moon, handing early investors a windfall.

This company already has 98 registered patents for cutting-edge voice and sound recognition technology… And has lined up major partnerships with Honda, Netflix, Pandora, Mercedes Benz and many, many others.

So if you missed out on Microsoft when it first went public back in 1986… This could be your shot at redemption.

Click here now for the full details of this $3 stock that’s set to rocket in the AI revolution…

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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 outstanding 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 also 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 the fact 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 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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