How Much Further Can These Profitable AI Stocks Companies Climb?

October 2, 2023

In 2023, tech stocks are on fire, with the S&P 500 IT (information technology) index up by 33% year-to-date. Obviously, AI stocks are leading the charge, driving the urgency to invest in big tech.

It’s vital to remember that these stocks won’t climb endlessly. Based on the overall sentiment from Wall Street experts, we should expect corrections and a probable second rally. Some of the top AI stocks have been slowing down, leaving an opportunity for investors to hop on board.

AI’s global economic impact is projected to be worth approximately $15.7 trillion by 2030. I, for one, think that sounds like a profitable proposition, and I suspect it sounds to you, too.

Given how fast the tech industry has grown, these big AI players are set to deliver huge returns in the next five years, while technology only continues to advance in the meantime…

NVIDIA Corp (NVDA)

Nvidia (NVDA) stands out as a prime AI stock choice as it comes to mind right away. With shares recently stabilizing a little under the stock’s high of $502, there’s an opportunity for gradual accumulation and potential averaging down. NVDA’s vast addressable market, estimated by executives to be worth $600 billion, positions it for substantial growth in the expanding AI sector. NVDA is making strategic moves into markets like India, partnering with Reliance Industries and Tata Group to tap into AI’s burgeoning potential on a global scale. Already surging more than sixfold since early 2020, NVDA’s GPUs remain in high demand for generative AI applications (which aren’t going away), making it a compelling AI stock.

NVDA is currently up year-to-date by 194.72%, has a PEG (price/earnings to growth) ratio of 1.55x, a positive 20/200 day SMA (simple moving average), and a TTM (trailing twelve-month) momentum growth measure of 242.33%. For Q2, NVDA reported EPS and revenue that exceeded analysts’ estimates by 30.31% and 21.78%, respectively; it also posted year-over-year revenue growth (+101.48%), net income (+849.23%), EPS (+853.85%), and net profit margin (+367.93%). With a low D/E (debt to equity) measure of 35.29%, NVDA carries a free cash flow of nearly $10 billion. NVDA has a modest 0.04% annual dividend yield and a quarterly payout of 4 cents ($0.16/year) per share. With a 10-day average trading volume of 43.14 million shares, NVDA has a median price target of $625, with a high of $1,100 and a low of $525; this range represents the potential for a price increase of over 155% from its current position.

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Alphabet Inc (GOOGL)

Alphabet (GOOGL), the parent company of Google, has the potential to one day be seen as the most significant contributor to the AI revolution. Like Tesla, GOOGL’s potential role in the “robotaxi” market is substantial, particularly with its Waymo unit actively operating autonomous ride-hailing services and expanding to more locations. Moreover, like NVDA, Google is advancing in AI chip development, showcasing its cutting-edge tensor processing unit (TPU) chip that boasts superior speed and energy efficiency compared to Nvidia’s A100 GPU. GOOGL’s Cloud is excelling in the realm of generative AI integrated with different platforms, outpacing competitors like Azure and AWS in sales growth. The highly anticipated upcoming release of Gemini, a powerful generative AI tool, could position GOOGL as a strong contender against Microsoft (MSFT) and OpenAI, further accentuating its potential in the AI domain.

GOOGL is up year-to-date by 49.95%, has a positive 20/200 day SMA, a positive TTM momentum growth measure of 33.88%, a PEG ratio of 1.24x, and a very low D/E measure of 5.25%. For its Q2 2023 earnings call, GOOGL beat analysts’ on EPS by 7.29% and revenue by 2.54%, or approximately $2 billion; during this same period, it also reported year-over-year revenue growth (+7.06%), net income (+14.79%), EPS (+19.01%), net profit margin (+7.23%), and operating income (+12.27%). Scheduled to report Q3 earnings on October 24th, GOOGL is expected to post $74.7 billion in sales at $1.36 per share, with a 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 21.8%. With a 10-day average volume of 26.23 million shares, GOOGL has a median price target of $150, with a high of $200 and a low of $121; this implies over 51% price upside potential.

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Meta Platforms Inc (META)

Meta Platforms (META) presents a strong case as an AI stock to consider. They’ve successfully implemented AI to boost user engagement on Facebook. META AI-driven content recommendations lead to a 7% increase in user time spent on the platform, enhancing monetization through Reels. Notably, almost all advertisers are leveraging AI-powered tools, which include audio creation, ad performance prediction, and improved targeting. META CEO Mark Zuckerberg hints at forthcoming groundbreaking AI products. With AI adoption in digital marketing poised to grow by nearly 27% annually through 2030, META is well-positioned to expand its digital ad market share. Analysts anticipate annual earnings growth of 30%, with META’s stock price reaching around $1,100 in five years. Up year-to-date by 152.64%, META’s stock has a PEG ratio of 0.75x, a low D/E figure of 14.78%, a positive 20/200 day SMA, and a whopping 121.53% in TTM momentum growth. META carries a free cash flow of $20.25 billion and a positive ROE of 17.35%. For its Q2 earnings, META reported EPS and revenue that surpassed analysts’ projections by 3.20% and 3.12%, respectively; at the same time, it showed critical year-over-year growth in revenue (+11.02%), net income (+16.46%), EPS (+21.14%), net profit margin (+4.91%), and operating income (+21.70%). For Q3, META is expected to report $31.2 billion in sales at $3.04 per share, with a 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 6.2%; we’ll see that come November 1st. With a 10-day average volume of 21.85 million shares, META has a median price target of $380, with a high of $435 and a low of $100; this suggests the potential for a price increase of more than 43% over its current price.

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Stock Hotlist: Top Picks to Watch Now

Editorial Staff

October 1, 2023

Picking the wrong stocks can decimate your portfolio.

They’re pure portfolio poison.

But the right stocks…

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

With over 4,000 tickers to choose from, finding the right stock at the right time can prove to be nearly impossible…

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

That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you.

We sort through thousands of stock ideas and whittle them down to a few top choices that are primed for solid price action in the coming days, weeks and months.

This week, we’ve narrowed it down to three stocks that could be getting significant attention in the near future.

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

Palo Alto Networks (PANW)

Palo Alto Networks is an unsurprising entry in the list of trending stocks, as it’s a multinational cybersecurity company. With a focus on advanced firewalls and cloud-based services that extend security coverage, PANW has gained over 64% in equity value since the beginning of the year.

According to Cybersecurity Ventures, global cybercrimes might result in a staggering $10.5 trillion cost by 2025. Furthermore, the average data breach cost in 2022 was $4.35 million, reflecting a 2.6% increase from the previous year. Given our interconnected society’s wide range of vulnerabilities, Palo Alto’s relevance remains consistent.

As one of the top-rated strong buy stocks, analysts’ average price target is $275, indicating a potential upside of more than 19%.

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Entravision (EVC)

Entravision holds ownership of television and radio stations, as well as outdoor media, across prominent Hispanic markets. It is the largest affiliate group for Univision and UniMas TV networks while managing a few English-language TV and radio stations.

Currently, EVC boasts a market capitalization of $319.4 million and a per-share value of $3.63. However, before considering it, it’s essential to recognize that Entravision stock also carries significant risk. With a nearly 22% decline since the year’s start and a more than 19% drop in the past year, EVC’s performance has been challenging.

Despite the volatility, Entravision might pique interest due to its connection to the growing diversity in the U.S. Additionally, it’s showcasing rapid expansion, evidenced by a three-year revenue growth rate of 50.2% and an EBITDA growth rate of 51.7% within the same timeframe. Notably, analysts rate EVC as a moderate buy, offering a $11.50 price target that suggests a substantial 210% upside potential.

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CONSOL Energy (CEIX)

The energy sector stands out as one of the most undervalued areas in the market. Consequently, CONSOL Energy is currently trading at an exceptionally low valuation, positioning it as a prime candidate among value stocks to consider.

ESG factors have significantly influenced how investors distribute their capital, particularly as the energy landscape evolves. While renewable energy sources like solar and wind receive increased attention and investment, fossil fuels, particularly coal, have faced capital scarcity.

However, the underlying fundamentals of thermal coal remain robust. Despite the shift to cleaner energy sources in developed economies, emerging markets continue to rely on coal for energy. As per the International Energy Agency, global coal demand will remain at record levels in 2023, driven by increased demand from Asian economies. Even in 2022, coal consumption saw a 3.3% rise, indicating continued strong demand.

Benefiting from this demand, CONSOL is poised for growth. In the second quarter, the company sold 6.4 million tons, generating $521 million in revenue compared to 6.2 million tons and $518 million in the previous year.

Management disclosed that coal production for 2023 is nearly fully contracted. Additionally, they have secured contracts for 17.6 million tons in 2024 and an additional 4.4 million tons through 2026. The company boasts significant free cash flow, reporting $180.8 million in the second quarter alone. During the second-quarter earnings call, management announced plans to allocate 75% of free cash flow primarily through buyback initiatives. Given its currently depressed valuation, CONSOL has the potential to repurchase its entire market capitalization within three years.

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Tap Into Warren Buffett’s Riches With These Stocks

Editorial Staff

September 27, 2023

Warren Buffett’s success over the years is no accident. It’s been proven (with his lucrative Berkshire Hathaway portfolio) that he has a good eye for the market and that he’s a natural investor whose wisdom and experience are both invaluable—especially in economically uncertain times.

Unlike some YouTube finance gurus, Buffett has weathered bear markets, bull markets, inflation, stagflation… the whole lot. When he’s kind enough to share his insights, it’s prudent to pay attention.

Within Buffett’s portfolio lies many options, and you obviously can’t invest in all of them.

I’ve found a few Warren Buffett-owned stocks in particular that I think are appropriate for today’s list for various reasons, and rest assured that the analysts are on board…

Louisiana-Pacific Corp (LPX)

Based in Nashville, TN, Louisiana-Pacific (LPX) is a building materials manufacturer specializing particularly in engineered wood building products. If you heed Mr. Buffett’s advice to not bet against America, if you will, then LPX could be considered one of his more promising stock picks. Since the beginning of the year, LPX has only shown a slight return to date but is trading near the bottom of its existing range, leaving plenty of room for its price to appreciate. LPX’s handsome dividend related to its pricing is also appealing from an income-investing standpoint.

LPX is up slightly by 0.84% year-to-date, carries a PEG (price/earnings to growth) ratio of 0.5x, has a positive ROE (return on equity), positive TTM (trailing twelve-month) momentum growth of 13.55%, and it has a nice low D/E (debt to equity) measure of 26.57%. LPX, for the current fiscal quarter, is projected to report $758 million in sales at $1.26 per share, with a 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 46.8%. LPX shows a TTM operating free cash flow of $206 million and a 1.57x P/S (price to sales) ratio. LPX has a 1.81% annual dividend yield and a quarterly payout of 24 cents ($0.96/year) per share. With a 10-day average volume of roughly 886 thousand shares, LPX has a median price target of $77, with a high of $88 and a low of $60; this suggests that there is potential for a 47.5% price leap from its current trading position.

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Coca-Cola Co (KO)

Coca-Cola Co. (KO), the iconic soft drink giant, embodies American capitalism and aligns with Warren Buffett’s investment principles. Despite a challenging 2023 so far, the good news is still there for KO in that the stock is trading around the middle of its existing range and has plenty of room for its price to climb. Volatility for the stock is considered low-risk in contrast to the broader market. Furthermore, it’s worth mentioning that analysts currently give KO a consensus strong buy rating. I’ll spotlight it below.

Adding to the above comment regarding volatility, you can see it clearly in KO’s low 0.55 beta score. While it’s down year-to-date by 7.44%, KO has an ROE of over 40%, a positive TTM asset growth measure, and $9.31 billion in free cash flow. For Q2 2023, KO exceeded analysts’ expectations on EPS and revenue by margins of 8.14% and 1.83%, respectively; during the same time, the beverage-maker unveiled crucial year-over-year growth in revenue (+5.71%), net income (+33.70%), EPS (+34.09%) and net profit margin (+26.46%). KO has an annual dividend yield of 3.13%, a quarterly payout of 46 cents ($1.84/year) per

share, and a 74.69% payout ratio. With a 10-day average volume of 11.58 million shares, KO has a median price target of $70, with a high of $76 and a low of $63, representing a potential 30% upside.

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Nu Holdings Ltd (NU)

Nu Holdings (NU), a financial technology (fintech) expert headquartered in Sao Paulo, Brazil, stands out as one of the potentially more volatile choices among the top Warren Buffett stocks to consider. As indicated in its public profile, NU has established itself as one of the globe’s leading independent digital banks. It has also been evident that Wall Street has a strong appetite for NU, as its shares have surged since the start of the year. Also, NU is in remarkable shape compared to where it was this time last year.

NU is currently up by 81.33% year-to-date, has a 0.82x PEG ratio, a positive 20/200 day SMA (simple moving average), an operating free cash flow of just over $2 billion, and shows positive TTM growth in assets (+33.43%) and momentum (+34.58%). At its Q2 2023 earnings call, NU reported EPS and revenue that beat analysts’ estimates by 42.20% and 5.26%, respectively; the firm also reported year-over-year growth in critical areas like revenue (+100.40%), net income (+857.20%), EPS (+600%), and net profit margin (+477.56%). With a 10-day average trading volume of 35.04 million shares, NU has a median price target of $8.85, with a high of $11 and a low of $4; this indicates the potential for an almost 50% price upside.

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Protect Your Portfolio: These Speculative Stocks Should Be Avoided or Sold Now

Editorial Staff

September 27, 2023

Right now, we’re not experiencing what you’d call a broad market sell-off, but the market’s future remains uncertain, as we can agree that it’s certainly been a wild year on Wall Street. There are concerns:

❖ High, seemingly increasing inflation

❖ Overseas conflicts

❖ Increased cost of living

❖ A potential 2024 recession

If there was ever a good time to trim some unnecessary fat from your portfolio, this may as well be it.

Despite the unpredictability, we should be prepared for a turbulent near-term stock market, and lowering exposure to debt-ridden, volatile stocks is a prudent step…

Lucid Group Inc (LCID)

Perhaps a little more deceptive than the others on this list, or at least misguided, is Lucid Group Inc. (LCID), which has a market capitalization and public attention akin to Rivian Automotive (RIVN). However, rather than becoming a formidable Tesla (TSLA) competitor, RIVN looks like it’s headed for an unfortunate downfall. Investors are well aware of LCID’s letdown, hence the decline of its trading price, no longer being seen as a “Tesla killer” and dangerously close to penny stock status. While some argue for LCID’s potential in tech licensing, given the sales declines, significant cash burn, and ongoing price depreciation, it’s probably wise to steer clear. I’ll highlight a few of LCID’s downsides.

LCID is down year-to-date by 22.04% and has a 1.69 beta score (anything over 1 indicates vulnerability). With an ROE (return on equity) of –78.61%, LCID has a disproportionately high P/S (price to sales) ratio of 12.59x. For Q2 2023’s earnings call, LCID reported an EPS of –$0.42 per share vs. –$0.33 per share as expected by analysts, a –28.55% defeat, and it lost to analysts’ revenue estimates by a –26.41% margin. During the same period, LCID showed negative year-over-year growth in net income (-246.71%), EPS (-21.21%), and net profit margin (-123.68%). With a 10-day average trading volume of 25.3 million shares, LCID has a median price target of $7.25, with a high of $10 and a low of $5.

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AMC Entertainment Holdings (AMC)

AMC Entertainment (AMC) has lost its once-renowned “meme king” status, experiencing a significant share decline since August. Despite hopes for stabilization, the ongoing trend suggests that further sharp price drops for AMC could be on the horizon. The recent sell-off is primarily attributed to AMC’s substantial shareholder dilution strategy. Unfortunately for AMC, CEO Adam Aron’s attempts to present this as a positive move have not convinced investors. With the persistent issue of cash burn at AMC, which I’ll highlight next, the probability of more problems remains high, making this stock one to avoid.

AMC is currently down year-to-date by 77.95%, trading at the very bottom of its existing 52-week range. With a 2.02 beta score, AMC has a stunningly backward ROE of –1,913.03%, a negative free cash flow of –$460 million, and perhaps most surprising, a total of $9.5 billion in debt, which is more than $8 billion

higher than its market capitalization. AMC shows negative quarterly EPS growth (-202.35%) and revenue growth (-20.85%). With a 10-day average trading volume of 26.09 million shares, AMC has a median price target of $7.38, with a high of $45 and a low of $4.41; this suggests a 7% decrease from its current price.

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Hudson Pacific Properties Inc (HPP)

Particularly among REITs (real estate investment trusts), Hudson Pacific Properties (HPP) has found itself in a precarious position. The ongoing work-from-home trend continues to impact HPP’s office portfolio, and Hollywood union strikes present major financial challenges for its sound stages and film and TV production facilities. Despite a temporary climb in shares, HPP’s stock is once again declining, triggered by the decision to halt dividend payments. Even if the Hollywood strikes were to end soon, other concerns, such as HPP’s growing debt and increasing interest expenses, pose substantial risks. Considering these factors and that it no longer offers a dividend, HPP is a stock that should be dumped.

HPP is down year-to-date by 30.65%, has a 1.16 beta score, a negative ROE, a TTM (trailing twelve-month) momentum growth figure of –33.60%, and a D/E (debt to equity) measure of 141.12%. HPP currently holds shy of $5 billion in debt, more than five times higher than its $950 million market capitalization. For Q2 2023, HPP reported negative year-over-year growth in revenue (-3.46%), net income (-1,483.99%), EPS (-420%), net profit margin (-1,550%), and operating income (-55.32%). Scheduled to report Q3 earnings on November 2nd, HPP is projected to post $239 million in sales at –$0.20 per share. With a 10-day average volume of 4.75 million shares, HPP has a median price target of $6.50, with a high of $11 and a low of $4; this implies a price drop of almost 4% from where it currently trades.

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A Closer Look: What You Should Know About Ford (F) and the UAW Strike

Editorial Staff

September 27, 2023

Renowned automaker Ford Motor Co. (F) recently decided to stop its $3.5 billion project to construct an EV battery plant in Marshall, MI. This decision wasn’t a simple one to make and was influenced by financial challenges caused by the autoworker strikes and mounting political pressure from lawmakers.

Earlier this year, Ford unveiled ambitious plans for the plant, aiming to employ 2,500 workers dedicated to producing EV batteries. F‘s choice to collaborate with the Chinese giant, Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. (CATL), the world’s largest battery manufacturer, was a significant factor in its plans.

However, there have since been allegations of CATL being involved with forced labor, which saw Ford (F) catch heat from Congress. The U.S. government had already passed legislation that deemed imports from China subject to verification that they were, or are, NOT associated with forced labor.

With this not only being a socio-political issue but a financial burden, it’s natural for investors to wonder how this will affect Ford’s stock in the near future. Let’s explore this together…

While CATL claims to have rid itself of all its holdings in Xinjiang, a region of China where forced labor is known to be a widespread problem, committee investigators maintain that the company still has ties to mining activities in the area. Ford Motors (F) has clarified that it isn’t procuring materials from CATL but is solely utilizing its technology. Additionally, the U.S.-based automaker has expressed its intention to collaborate with CATL to address human rights issues through its supply chain.

T.R. Reid, a spokesperson for Ford (F), conveyed the company’s stance, stating, “We are pausing work and limiting spending on construction on the Marshall project until we’re confident that we’ll be able to competitively operate the plant.” He also emphasized, though, that a final decision has not yet been made.

In response, Rep. Mike Gallagher, chair of the Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, welcomed F‘s decision to reevaluate its partnership with CATL and suggested that it should reconsider the entire Marshall plant project due to CATL‘s alleged ties to forced labor.

The situation has also been on the Senate Finance Committee’s radar. It’s had no problem scrutinizing Ford and other Western automakers for their relationships with Chinese firms (in the context of forced labor in the auto industry).

However, some lawmakers caution against prematurely passing judgment or reacting unreasonably, arguing that it could jeopardize a facility that is pivotal in helping the U.S. compete with China in EV production and bringing much-needed manufacturing jobs to the state of Michigan. These developments come at a time when UAW (United Auto Workers) members are on strike at a Ford plant in Michigan.

President Joe Biden has expressed significant support for the UAW members and the strike’s cause, going so far as to show up at the plant and actually join the workers on the picket lines. This is something that, at least as far as records can tell, has not been done before by a sitting U.S. President.

F had previously underscored the importance of collaborating with CATL with its ambitious global expansion plans for electric vehicle production. However, this relationship is now under a microscope, being watched closely by congressional investigators as policymakers debate which vehicles —

particularly those incorporating Chinese technology — should be eligible for the tax incentives provided by the Inflation Reduction Act, aimed at promoting EV production in the U.S.

This whole situation certainly presents an interesting dynamic for investors to monitor closely, given the potential implications for F‘s future endeavors in the EV market—how ambitious will they be? For now, let’s at least take a look at how the stock has been performing:

F is currently up year-to-date by 6.96%, yet comes with reasonable pricing as it trades between the bottom and middle of its existing 52-week range. With a positive ROE (return on equity), momentum growth, and asset growth on a TTM (trailing twelve-month) basis, F carries an operating free cash flow of $12.82 billion. F has a PEG (price/earnings to growth) ratio of 0.65x, a forward P/E (price to earnings) ratio of 6.33x, a P/S (price to sales) ratio of 0.3x, and a P/B (price to book) ratio of 1.15x. F has a 4.83% annual dividend yield, with a quarterly payout of 15 cents ($0.60/year) per share and a 58.35% payout ratio.

For its Q2 2023 earnings call, F reported an EPS of $0.72 per share vs. $0.54 per share, beating analysts’ estimates by 34.28%, and revenue of $42.43 billion, which was over $1 billion more than what the analysts projected (a 2.68% win). F also reported year-over-year growth in revenue (+11.85%), net income (+187.41%), EPS (+193.75%), and net profit margin (+156.63%). For Q3, F is expected to post $44 billion in sales at $0.36 per share, with a 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 15%; the firm is scheduled for October 25th. With a 10-day average volume of 48.35 million shares, F has a median price target of $14.80, with a high of $23 and a low of $11, representing the potential for an upside potential of nearly 85%.

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Rising Stars: Three “Unicorns” Set to Disrupt the Market

Editorial Staff

September 26, 2023

The term “unicorn” refers to a privately owned startup valued at over $1 billion. Reaching unicorn status is a rare feat. In order to become one, a company must have an innovative idea, a clear vision for growth, and a solid business plan, as well as a viable way to get its message to venture capitalists and private investors.

The term was coined by Aileen Lee, who noted that only a mere 0.07% of 2000s software startups reached this status. She likened finding one to spotting a mythical unicorn. The concept emerged in the 1990s, with Google standing out as a “super-unicorn,” boasting a $100 billion valuation. The 2000s also witnessed the rise of unicorns, but only Meta (formerly Facebook) achieved super-unicorn status. Other notable U.S. unicorns include Airbnb, Epic Games, Robinhood, and SoFi.

In this list, we’ll look at three private companies that are chasing some of the market’s biggest opportunities and growing despite a tough capital markets environment and a slowing economy.

Investors who track the growth of these innovators as they journey towards their IPOs stand the best chance for exponential gains once the company becomes public. So ride the wave of opportunity with us, and watch for your chance to get in on the ground floor of the next Google or Meta.

Wiz

Founders: Assaf Rappaport (CEO), Ami Luttwak, Yinon Costica, Roy Reznik

Launched: 2020

Headquarters: New York City

Funding: $900 million

Valuation: $10 billion

Key technologies: Cloud computing

Industry: Enterprise technology

From the heart of Tel Aviv, hyper-growth sensation, Wiz, is setting an ambitious course to achieve a remarkable $100 million in revenue within a mere 18-month span. Wiz stands at the forefront as a trailblazer in the realm of cybersecurity, introducing an innovative approach that swiftly identifies and addresses cyber risks, all while paving the way for a novel category of cloud-centric security solutions.

Wiz’s recent exponential growth surge can be attributed to a constellation of factors, including the strategic launch of new cutting-edge products, strategic partnerships with heavyweight names like BMW and Salesforce, and the privilege of serving a substantial segment of the Fortune 100 echelon.

This unfolding narrative coincides with the cloud’s transformation, transcending the confines of mere computing access and storage to profoundly influence the cybersecurity landscape. Consequently, the surge in demand for cloud-centric security is a palpable testament to the evolving cyber landscape.

Spring Health

Founders: April Koh (CEO), Adam Chekroud

Launched: 2016

Headquarters: New York City

Funding: $300 million

Valuation: $2.5 billion

Key technologies: Artificial intelligence

Industry: Health care

In the ever-evolving landscape of workplace dynamics, the spotlight has shone resolutely on mental health and worker well-being, catalyzed by the pandemic’s transformative impact on remote work trends. With a keen eye on the tight labor market, where optimal employee productivity stands as a vital linchpin, employers are increasingly channeling their focus towards addressing stress, anxiety, depression, and the looming specter of burnout. Stepping into this narrative is Spring Health, a herald of the new generation of mental health providers poised to extend their support to employers and health plans.

Spring Health’s journey began as an academic research endeavor over at Yale University. From there, it transformed into something truly remarkable. Armed with clinically validated data, Spring Health emerged as a force to reckon with. They’re tapping into the precision medicine trend, leveraging their platform to deliver exactly what each person needs. Whether it’s meditation, coaching, therapy, medication, or a mix of these, they’re all about personalized solutions.

April Koh, the co-founder and CEO, has a powerful story behind this approach. After witnessing loved ones struggling with different providers, programs, and medications without success, she decided to take a bold, data-driven route. And you know what? She’s absolutely onto something. In her own words, “Every setback chips away at one’s courage and hope. In five to ten years, the landscape of mental health care will undergo a paradigm shift. It will evolve from the realm of uncertainty to one marked by precision, driven by data, tailored to each individual,” as she shared on the company’s website.

In the here and now, Spring Health has seamlessly woven its expertise into the fabric of over 800 companies spanning startups to global Fortune 500 stalwarts, counting General Mills, Bain, and Instacart among its beneficiaries. Notably, 2022 witnessed its portfolio welcoming the likes of Microsoft, JPMorgan Chase, and Trinity Health. The acquisition of family wellness platform Weldon, unveiled in May, was a strategic stride to offer more holistic services, touching aspects such as sleep, behavior, conflicts, grief, developmental challenges, and neurodiversity within families. The canvas of its influence expanded across 40 countries and 20 languages, and the company raised $71 million in April, constituting a quarter of its overall capital raised.

Relativity Space

Founder: Tim Ellis (CEO), Jordan Noone

Launched: 2015

Headquarters: Long Beach, California

Funding: $1.3 billion

Valuation: $4.2 billion

Key technologies: Artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, digital twins

Industry: Aerospace, transportation

Relativity Space has made its mark by launching a 3D-printed rocket from Cape Canaveral, Florida this March. Now, while the initial test flight didn’t quite reach orbit, this space startup isn’t slowing down. Their mission? To revolutionize rocket manufacturing, making it cheaper and faster for upcoming journeys to the moon and Mars.

Billionaire investor and entrepreneurial virtuoso Mark Cuban has backed Relativity since its initial round of funding 2016, extending his patronage in successive funding rounds. This symphony of support harmonizes with the backing of Tiger Global, BOND, and Fidelity Research and Management, all conducted under the baton of Relativity Space’s magnetic allure. In a crescendo of investment, the startup resonated with a $650 million raise in its fifth funding cycle during June 2021, magnifying its valuation to the exalted echelons of $4.2 billion.

While Relativity Space’s spotlight spans from commercial pioneers to the resolute arm of the U.S. government, the apex of recognition comes courtesy of NASA. In 2022, this pioneering entity penned a twenty-year partnership with NASA’s Stennis Space Center in Mississippi, unfurling a new chapter in growth.

Stock Hotlist: Top Picks to Watch Now

Editorial Staff

September 22, 2023

Picking the wrong stocks can decimate your portfolio.

They’re pure portfolio poison.

But the right stocks…

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

With over 4000 tickers to choose from, finding the right stock at the right time can prove to be nearly impossible…

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

That’s why we’ve done the legwork for you.

We sort through thousands of stock ideas and whittle them down to a few top choices that are primed for solid price action in the coming days, weeks and months.

This week, we’ve narrowed it down to three stocks that could be getting significant attention in the near future.

Curaleaf Holdings (CURLF)

If marijuana receives reclassification as Schedule III, it could usher in a new era for medical cannabis, aligning it with pharmaceutical regulations. This transformation would be particularly advantageous for companies like Green Thumb and Curaleaf, both of which operate in this space.

Curaleaf, boasting a market cap of $4.8 billion, has experienced a remarkable 64% surge since late August. Much like Green Thumb, Curaleaf operates as a multi-state operator, with a presence in 20 states. The company manages 22 cultivation sites and 152 retail outlets, positioning itself for international expansion through strategic acquisitions. For instance, in the fourth quarter of 2022, Curaleaf secured a 55% equity stake in Four 20 Pharma, a leading medical cannabis company in Germany. With annual sales in Europe estimated at US$248 billion, Curaleaf is well-positioned to drive sales growth over the next decade, especially given its 2022 revenue of $1.77 billion. If rescheduling moves forward, Curaleaf could see its stock sustainably surpass the $5 mark, firmly establishing itself among the top cannabis stocks.

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The GEO Group, Inc. (GEO)

The global government secure facilities specialist owns significant prison real estate and an extremely valuable tech platform called BI, which monitors prisoners and illegal migrants.

BI provides a GPS technology intended to enhance compliance. The electronic monitoring program tracks immigrants and prisoners via cell phones and other electronic devices. GEO has an exclusive five-year contract with ICE that ends in 2026 but will likely be renewed post-2026. This allows the company to capture 100% of the ICE market for immigrants who are under this system.

The GEO Group’s owned real estate is estimated to be worth multiples of the current enterprise value in private market transactions and BI could be worth the entire enterprise value in a spin-off or sale of the segment.

The margins are also impressive with 55% EBITDA margins and the company putting up over $270M of EBITDA in 2022 alone from the BI segment. With a share price of $7.22, GEO has a market cap of $903 million and an enterprise value of only $2.7 billion.

Citron Research thinks GEO is cheap, and the pros on Wall Street agree. The analysts covering the stock give a median 12-month target of $15, representing a 102% increase from the current price.

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Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM)

Trading at a significant 37% discount from its peak in January 2022, Taiwan Semiconductor has faced challenges stemming from a decline in smartphone demand and other factors impacting PC sales. Additionally, geopolitical tensions have added an air of uncertainty. Despite concerns raised, many analysts remain optimistic, labeling TSM as a strong buy. With an average price target of $125, there’s potential for an impressive 36% upside.

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Dividend All-Stars: Smart Buys for October

Editorial Staff

September 21, 2023

The best dividend stocks belong to stable, well-established companies with a history of distributing profits to shareholders. We already know this, and I will focus on that point while also highlighting three specific dividend stocks in today’s list. Additionally, these three stocks are an attractive buy right now when you consider the most critical metrics to dividend stocks, such as:

– Dividend payout ratio: A higher ratio affirms the company’s ability to return profits to investors.

– Debt-to-equity percentage: A measure below 50% suggests healthy debt management.

– Beta score: A beta under 1.00 deems the stock safe from broader market volatility.

By choosing dividend stocks wisely, investors will enjoy a regular income stream and long-term growth potential, adding extra security and peace of mind to their portfolios…

Pioneer Natural Resources Co (PXD)

First, let’s consider investing in Pioneer Natural Resources (PXD), an established oil and gas exploration company operating primarily in the Permian Basin region of the U.S. While PXD’s Q1 revenue declined by approximately 26% year-over-year and earnings per share (EPS) also saw a significant drop, the company

managed to raise its quarterly base-plus-variable dividend by 14%. This increase indicates PXD’s commitment to rewarding its shareholders despite challenging market conditions.

PXD’s stock is only slightly down year-to-date by 0.24% and shows comforting numbers within its balance sheet. PXD comes with a positive SMA (simple moving average), positive momentum, a volatility-safe beta of 0.84, and a PEG (price/earnings to growth) ratio of 0.72x. With a D/E (debt to equity) measure of 27.05%, PXD recently beat analysts’ EPS and revenue projections by 6.01% and 0.51%, respectively. PXD has an annual dividend yield of 10.18%, a quarterly payout of $5.80 ($23.20/year) per share, and a 92.3% payout ratio. With a 10-day average volume of 1.91 million shares, PXD has a median price target of $245, with a high of $311 and a low of $196; this represents a potential 36.5% upside from where its price currently sits. PXD has 17 buy ratings and 14 hold ratings.

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Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd (GNK)

Another strong income stock to consider investing in is Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd. (GNK). The ocean transport company, with 44 vessels for dry bulk cargo, has a strong dividend history, paying out for the 15th time consecutively, showing consistency. Despite a year-over-year sales decline in Q1 2023, GNK’s Board of Directors suggested setting aside fewer earnings for investment to sustain its dividend. This, along with what you’ll read below, makes GNK a promising option for those seeking a dividend grower.

GNK’s stock is down 8.40% year-to-date and is trading near the bottom of its existing range, yet it carries a solid 0.65 beta, a low D/E of 16.51%, and a PEG ratio of 0.07x. GNK, for the current fiscal quarter, is projected to report $62.7 million in sales at $0.26 per share, with a 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 65%. GNK has a 4.26% annual dividend yield, a quarterly payout of 15 cents ($0.60/year) per share, and a 91.3% payout ratio. With a 10-day average volume of approximately 644 thousand shares, GNK has a median price target of $23, with a high of $28 and a low of $17, representing a potential 99% price jump. GNK has nine buy ratings (zero holds).

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Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc (EGLE)

Eagle Bulk Shipping (EGLE) is an integrated shipowner and operator of midsize dry bulk vessels catering to various industries, including miners, producers, and traders. Despite facing a challenging Q1 in 2023 with a YOY revenue decline due to a downturn in the dry bulk market and lower charter rates, EGLE remains a strong contender for investors. With a diverse customer base and a resilient approach to navigating market fluctuations, EGLE presents an appealing opportunity for income investors.

EGLE is down by 11.33% year-to-date and is trading near the bottom of its existing price range; however, the stock boasts an impressive 0.18x PEG ratio, a 0.27 beta score, a positive ROE, and a 39.74% D/E measure. At its last earnings call, EGLE exceeded analysts’ EPS and revenue projections handily, most notably reporting EPS of $0.26 per share vs. $0.07 per share as predicted, a whopping 282.35% win. For the current quarter, EGLE is forecasted to show $75.7 million in sales at $0.77 per share, with a 3-5 year EPS growth rate of 59.7%. EGLE has a 0.90% annual dividend yield, a quarterly payout of 10 cents ($0.40/year) per share, and a 43.8% payout ratio. With a 10-day average volume of a modest 171 thousand shares, EGLE has a median price target of $59.55, with a high of $84 and a low of $52, which represents the potential for an almost 90% price upside. EGLE has ten buy ratings (zero holds).

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Meta Platforms (META): Know the Pros and Cons Before You Decide to Buy

Editorial Staff

September 20, 2023

When we think of the big names in tech, Meta Platforms (META) obviously comes to mind—it was even quick to come to mind before it changed its name from Facebook… Remember “FAANG” stocks?

META has a great track record and is at the forefront of tech innovations today. As with most successes, though, META presents investors with various pros and cons, and one tends to outweigh the other.

While the allure of a high-stakes cage fight between big-time CEOs Elon Musk (TSLA) and Mark Zuckerberg (META) might capture our attention, we should ignore the quick headlines and instead focus on business performance. How the balance sheet looked last quarter always matters.

Looking at META’s overall performance before being swayed by market trends is prudent. Having the most precise understanding of our portfolio options can only maximize future profits…

What are META’s downsides?

It’s worth acknowledging that the current valuation of Meta Platforms could be stretched, making the stock appear overvalued in price. META’s P/E (price to earnings) ratio is about 33.2x, which contrasts with the overall sector; however, its forward-looking pricing ratios are looking brighter. I bring attention to META’s valuation discrepancy because that’s what I, for example, would tend to look at early on when reviewing stocks, and such a thing can sway investors from consideration. As with META, there’s always more going on underneath. For example, despite the elevation in META’s market capitalization throughout much of 2023, its stock price has managed to sustain its upward trajectory. It could’ve been worse.

META’s current price within its 52-week range:

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What are META’s upsides?

It should be noted that META, amidst its progressive success with Facebook and Instagram, looks like it might have a concern on its hands regarding its “Threads” short-form message app. Tech analysts have highlighted the fact that Threads is facing the challenge of being late to the party, as I’ll put it. META has to contend with the pressure of carving a niche for itself in the presence of already established and

accomplished competitors such as X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. Not only is that an issue, but META has to take Threads and essentially go above and beyond what’s already been achieved with Instagram’s expansion. To put it plainly, Threads really, really needs to prove itself. That’s a tall order. Optimism continues to linger, however, due to a little thing called AI.

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While acknowledging the downsides and the “bearish” perspective on META stock, investors should remember that the hype might just be real. It’s now crucial to highlight the robust bullish case favoring META, which ultimately seems to win out against its pessimistic counterpart.

META CPO (Chief Product Officer) Chris Cox has affirmed a proactive approach by exploring the use of more “retention-driving hooks” to enhance a user’s engagement with Threads. One example of this would be integrating the ability to enable Instagram and allowing users to access critical Threads content more efficiently. That being said, I think it remains premature to brand META’s Threads as unsuccessful.

META continues to derive substantial revenue streams from Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. Its growth potential extends to the metaverse segment, encompassing sales of VR (virtual reality) headsets. It’s also crucial to point out that META is resolute in its pursuit of advancements in AI technology. Analysts are pleasantly hopeful, too, as many anticipate the introduction of innovative generative AI capabilities across all of META’s apps by September of this year. Whether or not we have another brand of ChatGPT with a few extras remains to be seen. The aforementioned “pros” or “upsides” all help bolster META’s viability as an investment opportunity. Let me try to put a spotlight on that:

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META’s 1 year performance chart

META’s stock performance has absolutely lived up to the hype surrounding it. Currently, META is up year-to-date by a whopping 138.22%, with a positive 20/200 day SMA (simple moving average) and significant TTM (trailing twelve-month) growth in momentum and assets—82.63% and 21.74%, respectively. At its Q2 2023 earnings call, META exceeded analysts’ projections, reporting EPS of $2.98 per share vs. $2.89 per share as expected and revenue of $32 billion vs. $31 billion as expected. META also posted year-over-year growth in revenue (+11.02%), net income (+16.46%), EPS (+21.14%), net profit margin (+4.91%), and operating income (+21.70%). META boasts a PEG (price/earnings to growth) ratio of 0.89x and a low 14.78% D/E (debt to equity) measure. With a free cash flow of $55.5 billion and a 10-day average volume of 18.76 million shares, META has a median price target of $380, with a high of $435 and a low of $238; this suggests the potential for an almost 52% jump from where its price sits currently. META has 20 “strong buy” ratings, 32 “buy” ratings, and 5 “hold” ratings.

Three Tech Stocks Still Down 30% or More

Editorial Staff

September 20, 2023

There has been a remarkable resurgence in 2023 following last year’s bear market tumble.

The Nasdaq Composite, a key indicator for tech-focused investments, has shown a robust 32% increase year-to-date.

Nevertheless, there’s still untapped potential before it reaches its previous all-time high, and there are intriguing opportunities among stocks that have yet to fully recover from the challenges of the pandemic era.

Today, we’ll focus on three compelling tech companies with stocks that are still down more than 30%.

Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM)

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Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)

Amidst the ebb and flow of chipmakers’ fortunes following a surge in PC sales during the pandemic, Advanced Micro Devices has seen its stock price recede by 34% since its peak in November 2021. However, as the AI industry gains momentum, AMD is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for AI chips. The company’s chips are increasingly sought after as cloud infrastructure giants expand their data centers to accommodate AI-related workloads. With AMD poised to release the MI300 GPU, a formidable competitor in the AI infrastructure space, the future appears promising. Although the company has encountered challenges in specific market segments, the broader chip demand is set to rebound, making AMD an enticing prospect for investors.

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CrowdStrike (CRWD)

Founded in 2011, CrowdStrike Holdings has been a pioneer in integrating AI and machine learning into cybersecurity. Today, it stands as a leader in cloud-based endpoint protection, using AI and machine learning to detect and thwart cyber threats. While the company has consistently delivered strong business results, its stock has weathered volatile swings due to macroeconomic pressures and a slowdown in growth. Even after substantial gains this year, CrowdStrike’s shares remain approximately 41% below their peak in November 2021.

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1...434445...67 Page 44 of 67

NVIDIA Corp (NVDA)

Alphabet Inc (GOOGL)

Meta Platforms Inc (META)

Palo Alto Networks (PANW)

Entravision (EVC)

CONSOL Energy (CEIX)

Louisiana-Pacific Corp (LPX)

Coca-Cola Co (KO)

Nu Holdings Ltd (NU)

Lucid Group Inc (LCID)

AMC Entertainment Holdings (AMC)

Hudson Pacific Properties Inc (HPP)

Wiz

Spring Health

Relativity Space

Curaleaf Holdings (CURLF)

The GEO Group, Inc. (GEO)

Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM)

Pioneer Natural Resources Co (PXD)

Genco Shipping & Trading Ltd (GNK)

Eagle Bulk Shipping Inc (EGLE)

What are META’s downsides?

META’s current price within its 52-week range:

What are META’s upsides?

META’s 1 year performance chart

Taiwan Semiconductor (TSM)

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)

CrowdStrike (CRWD)

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