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Category: Investing

  • Three Top Renewable Energy Stocks for Long-term Investment

    Three Top Renewable Energy Stocks for Long-term Investment

    For all good reasons, you should jump in renewable energy stocks to invest in the long run.

    The 2020 year has shown a clear path to the investors that the future demands changes—specifically the mother nature. Over the past few decades, the evolution of technology and industrialization has destroyed the global environment.

    Now, the companies are focusing on green and clean energy and to save the natural resources that are diminishing swiftly. In that premise, the world is turning to renewable energy. The speed at which Electric Vehicle is growing is an example of it.

    Analysts believe that 2021 is going to be the year for renewable energy stocks, as they will revive following a downward period last year due to the economic crisis. Let’s have a look at the three top renewable energy stocks to invest in the long-term.

    First Solar (FSLR)

    First Solar (FSLR) is a leading manufacturer of solar panels and a provider of utility-scale PV power plants based in the US. One factor that makes First Solar stand out in the panel manufacturing sector is its strong balance sheet.

    The company is about to release its Q4 2020 results on Feb. 25. Increasing demand for its Series 6 modules is expected to record high quarterly shipments, thus helping in revenue increase. The company has been recording capacity utilization of almost 100% for this product, especially around the global factories recently.

    In that premise, the company reported an earnings surprise of 141.67% in Q3 2020. Whereas, in the preceding four quarters, First Solar has delivered a whopping 102.06%earnings surprise—on average. First Solar (FSLR) is one of the best to bet in renewable energy stocks.

    American Electric Power (AEP)

    American Electric Power (AEP) is a major investor-owned electric utility in the United States. The company has a presence in 11 states and provides electricity to approximately 5.5 million customers, making it one of the largest regulated utilities in the country.

    The company is focused to make a difference to environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) values. For instance, AEP is looking forward to obtaining a reduction of 42% in its coal capacity by 2030 and add green energy segments. By the next decade, the company anticipates adding around 3.8 gigawatts of solar power to its power portfolio and 4.2 gigawatts of wind power.

    For the current year, AEP expects to return around $2.96 per share to investors, which would reflect a 4.2% increase year-over-year. Looking at the firm’s long-term objective, AEP stands a fair chance as an investment option for the long run.

    NextEra Energy (NEE)

    NextEra Energy (NEE) is the world’s largest utility company. NEE supplies energy to almost 5.5 million customers in Florida across two different subsidiaries. Moreover, the company is emerging as the largest generator of wind and solar renewable power.

    As we head forward, NextEra will be among the leading renewable energy firms. The company is working with the combination of its highly regulated Florida utility business and fast-growing renewables arm. For investors, this is a key aspect that offers an industry-leading renewable energy growth potential stock. While, it also pays a dividend with a yield of 2.06%, as we write this.

    In the last year, in one of the quarterly reports, the CEO of NextEra Rebecca Kujawa said that producing “green” hydrogen presents a “potential significant opportunity for us.” So, NextEra Energy (NEE) can be another key stock for long-term investment.

  • The Three Best Hydrogen Stocks to Watch For in 2021

    The Three Best Hydrogen Stocks to Watch For in 2021

    Hydrogen technology is the next big thing that is part of the Go Green movement.

    In the recent few months, the emphasis on the use of hydrogen has increased with the greater significance of the technology in producing clean energy. Investors and analysts have been keenly following hydrogen stocks as they hold massive potential in the long-term.

    The key aspect to mention is the new US administration looks very focused and keen to work on clean energy development. For that reason, hydrogen will in the top priority list to be among the future tech to be used in the production of green and clean energy. We have already seen various organizations expanding their hydrogen ecosystem.

    So, it’s not surprising that hydrogen stocks are catching the headlines. The future lies in this technology. Let’s see the three best hydrogen stocks that hold the most potential.

    Bloom Energy (BE)

    Bloom Energy (BE) is a leading manufacturer and marketer of solid oxide fuel cells and is one of the first to join the hydrogen energy race. The company sees a bright future ahead with US President’s initiative for clean energy.

    Considering the fundamentals, Bloom Energy looks solid with its cash position of $416.7 million, as of September 30, 2020. Whereas, the company ended last year with a debt reduction of $180.1 million, which now stands at $527.1 million of debt. The cash is still lower than the total debt, but the decrease in its debt shows that the company is moving in the right direction.

    By the end of the last quarter of 2020, the company reported a revenue of $249.4 million, an increase of 16.8% year-over-year. Four different investor events coming up in March 2021, so investors should keenly observe what Bloom Energy has to offer—heading forward.

    Ballard Power Systems (BLDP)

    Ballard Power Systems (BLDP) is a developer and manufacturer of proton exchange membrane fuel cell products for markets and uses hydrogen as a fuel. Ballard shares have over 217% during the last year. The company has still much in power and has upside that can push the stock further this year.

    Ballard Power has some big plans for the long-term. The company anticipates its annual revenue to be around $5.2 billion by 2030. This reflects a CAGR of 46% from its 2020 expected revenue of $115 million. In the past five years, the company’s revenue has grown at an average rate of 21%.

    With the hydrogen market evolving, Ballard may have to increase its future outlook—if the market grows faster than expected. In that premise, the company has expected a 20% margin for its earnings before interest and taxes aren’t supported by a concrete plan. So, Ballard Power System (BLDP) is another key hydrogen stock to watch for in 2021.

    Nikola Corp. (NKLA)

    Nikola Corp. (NKLA) is a leading EV maker and a pioneer in the zero-emission concept. The company has jumped into the hydrogen fuel cell market. The company is popular for its hydrogen-powered truck, Nikola One, and has been part of several other hydrogen projects.

    At the beginning of 2021, the company obtained an innovative electric rate schedule with Arizona Public Service Company. Based on the following deal, Nikola will work on the development of hydrogen-based fueling solutions for the transportation industry.

    Analysts are mostly bullish on Nikola and if it continues to be successful with its hydrogen projects, it could become a potential investment option for hydrogen stock investors.

  • Three Top Consumer Stocks for long-term Investment

    Three Top Consumer Stocks for long-term Investment

    Let’s see the best possible investment options in the consumer market during the pandemic crisis.

    The consumer market has been a bit shaky in most of the sectors due to uneconomical circumstances amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Still, many of the consumer stocks have performed remarkably well.

    Among the consumer stocks, there are two most prominent segments including consumer discretionary business and consumer staples. Both of these consumer segments have their pros and cons.

    As we move ahead into 2021, investors would be keen on what stocks they’re putting in their shopping carts. Consumer stocks are usually slow growth stocks and investors with the Buffet mindset are the perfect match for the long-term investment—in consumer stocks. So, let’s have a look at the three top consumer stocks for investment in the long-term.

    Qurate Retail (QRTEA)

    Qurate Retail (QRTEA) is an e-commerce service provider. The company partners with TV networks and e-commerce sites, mobile applications, social media, and similar outlets to provide video and digital commerce services worldwide.

    In the last quarterly reports, the company came up with strong and promising results. Qurate generated net retail revenue of $3.4 billion, jumping by 10% year-over-year. While the online sales grew 15% to $2.1 billion, which were almost 62% of the total revenue. The diluted earnings were $0.80per share.

    Moreover, the company delivered special dividends to its shareholders. The cash dividend of $1.50 per share was distributed on Sep. 14, 2020. Qurate also issued the newly preferred stock dividend of $3.00 per share. Following that, the company’s QVC has issued$500 million of 4.375% senior notes due 2028, and the proceeds will be used to tender for outstanding $500 million 5.125% senior notes due 2022.

    Looking into the long-term, Qurate Retail (QRTEA) can be a solid bet. The company will be taking part in the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media, and Telecom Conference on Monday, March 1st. So, keep an eye on that event, there might be some exciting news coming.

    Altria Group (MO)

    One of the largest producers and markers of tobacco, Altria Group (MO) is one of the promising long-term bets in the consumer segment. For this year, the company has plans of investment to expand the availability and awareness of Altria’s non-combustible products.

    Based on different investments in 2021, the company has updated the outlook for this year. The company has reaffirmed its full-year guidance and expects the adjusted diluted earnings to be between $4.49 to $4.62 per share, which means a growth of 3% to 6% compared to that in 2020. Altria Group (MO) is working on some key projects and anticipates 2021 to be a good year. So, MO is one of the potential investment options from the consumer segment.

    General Mills (GIS)

    General Mills (GIS) is well-positioned to move forward and has some solid plans to make things look good for the company.

    During the first fiscal quarter of 2021, the demand for at-home food was on a rise. The company expects the demand to increase in the current and upcoming quarters, as the situations unfold. The CFO of General Mills, Kofi Bruce on Yahoo Finance Live told they are expecting high demand for the next quarter. He stated:

    “We are continuing to make investments in capabilities that will help us when we come out on the other side of COVID. So higher operating costs, but offset by higher leverage as we’re getting a lot more operating leverage out of our assets. We certainly feel confident that demand will remain elevated for at least the next quarter.”

    General Mills (GIS) has been one of the top-performing stocks in 2020 and seems to continue the bullish run this year.

  • Three Best Semiconductor Stocks to Investment in the long-term

    Three Best Semiconductor Stocks to Investment in the long-term

    The semiconductor stocks are bullish as we see the digital world move one step ahead.

    The semiconductor market is going to get bigger in the next few years. During the pandemic, the semiconductor stocks performed extremely well last year. Consumer electronics sales are increasing and trends such as cloud computing and e-gaming have created massive opportunities for semiconductors and their equipment market.

    Analysts believe that due to the rising bullish trends in the semiconductor sector, the stocks will have another high year in 2021. Moreover, the growth and infrastructural development of the 5G system will pave way for cloud services.

    So, let’s have a look at the three best semiconductor stocks for long-term investment.

    Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)

    Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is one of the most decorated and well-positioned semiconductor firms in the market. AMD has staged an amazing turnaround over the past five years, powered by new products and improved profitability.

    With the booming demand for semiconductors, AMD has been at the forefront of this profitable market. In Q4 2020, the company reported better-than-expected results surpassing Wall Street estimates. For the three months ended in Dec. 2020, AMD recorded sales of $3.24 billion, compared to estimates sales of $3.02 billion. While on the yearly basis, the sales were up by 53%. The massive spike in sales was driven by the strong demand for PC, gaming, and data center products.

    The company announced the portfolio of AMD Ryzen 5000 Series Mobile Processors. Whereas, on Oct. 8, AMD launched its next-generation Ryzen processors for desktop computers. The company describes its Ryzen 5000 series CPU as the “fastest gaming CPUs in the world.”

    Heading forward, the company expects its revenue of around $3.2 billion for the current, which would be 79% higher than last year. On the other side, Wall Street anticipates AMD to record sales of $2.73 billion.

    QUALCOMM (QCOM)

    QUALCOMM (QCOM) is another prominent stock in the semiconductor market with much potential in the long-term. The company continues to lead the way as 5G networks blanket cities far faster than expected. For most of 2020, QCOM was on the bullish side.

    In the recent Q1 2021 outcomes, the semiconductor firm produced mixed results. The company reported earnings of $2.17 per share compared to an estimated $2.10. While it lagged the revenues estimates by a little margin, with net revenue of around $8.23 billion. The overall sales grew 63% year-over-year while earnings soared over 119%.

    The news that may be hunting QCOM investors is the partnership deal of the company with Apple. There have been reports that the iPhone maker could cut out Qualcomm and make its own iPhone modem chips.

    NXP Semiconductors (NXPI)

    The semiconductor manufacturer, NXP Semiconductors (NXPI) produces high-performance, mixed-signal chips for the auto, mobile payment, and other end markets. The company is well-positioned to benefit from the market share in both the mobile payment and auto markets in 2021.

    NXP will be a bigger part of the electric and autonomous vehicle technology and would also bring long-term investing opportunities. In the recent quarterly update, the company reported better-than-expected Q4 2020 results. The earnings per share were $2.68, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $2.11. This represents an 11.2% jump from the last year and 57.6% sequentially. While the net sales were $2.51 million, 1.7% higher than the estimates.

    As we head forward, analyst Angelo Zino anticipates NPX’s revenue growth of 12% and EPS growth of 30.9% during 2021. So, NXP Semiconductors (NXPI) is one of the long-term options for investors.

  • The Three Best Financial Stocks for Investment

    The Three Best Financial Stocks for Investment

    The financial stocks are expected to perform better in 2021.

    Since the evolution of the internet, the financial sector has grown and has become a much bigger and enhanced marketplace for payments and other financial services. Banks that are the bigger part of this industry haven’t had a good time in 2020, whereas, online banking services and payment firms have made gains.

    Analysts see financial stocks making a sharp rebound in 2021 and beyond with things getting better—in the longer run. But an investment in the market’s best financial stocks could pay off handsomely this year. So, let’s have a look at the three best financial stocks for investment in 2021.

    Goldman Sachs (GS)

    Goldman Sachs (GS) is one of the market leaders and is a strong financial firm that has some impeccable operations. The company has performed quite well compared to the rest of the industry firms.

    During the full-year 2020, the company remained focused on serving clients and executing strategic priorities and generated net revenues of $44.56 billion, up by 22% year-over-year. This marked the highest annual net revenues in 11 years, which is quite an achievement. While the diluted EPS was $24.74, the second-highest EPS reported by the company in its history.

    Goldman Sachs (GS) is well on track and this year things are expected to grow with continuous momentum. So, GS stock is for sure one of the best investment options in the financial sector.

    Nelnet (NNI)

    Nelnet (NNI) is a US-firm that deals in the administration and repayment of student loans and education financial services. Nelnet has been one of the top performers in the financial sector during the past year.

    As of the third quarter, the Company recorded GAAP net income of $71.5 million, which was higher than the prior year’s net income of $33.2 million. The increase in net income was primarily driven by the rise in loan spread and the recognition of a negative provision for loan losses during Q3 on Nelnet’s loan portfolio. Moreover, the company gained recognition from the sale of consumer loans.

    The company is continuing to perform well and has been making some strategic collaborations. The best part is that they have received customer-focused responses from their operating businesses during the pandemic, which has really boosted things up. In the long-term, the launch of Nelnet Bank and third-party investment received by ALLO will play a massive role in the firm’s growth. So, NNI is another prominent stock for investment.

    Credit Acceptance (CACC)

    Credit Acceptance (CACC) is an auto finance company that provides automobile loans and other related financial products. CACC operates its financial program via a network of national dealer-partners and the automobile dealers’ part of its programs.

    In the last quarter report, the company reported a net income of $166.3 million during Q4 2020, compared to $161.9 million in 2019. Whereas, for the full-year, the company recorded a net income of $421 million, on a lower side from last year which was $656.1 million.

    Recently, the company completed a $500 million asset-backed non-recourse secured financing. The company will use this financing to repay outstanding indebtedness. Earlier this year, Credit Acceptance completed similar financing worth $100 million.

    Credit Acceptance (CACC) shares have been on the downward side since mid-2020. However, with improvement in the Q4 results, thereis much upside expected as we head forward.

  • Acres Commercial Realty (ACRE): The new name brings new opportunities for ACRE

    Acres Commercial Realty (ACRE): The new name brings new opportunities for ACRE

    Formerly Exantas Capital Corp. is now known as Acres Commercial Realty Corp.

    Shares of Acres Commercial Realty Corp. (ACRE) has been trading on a high following the change of the company name. The change of name from Exantas Capital Corp. to Acres Commercial Realty Corp. is a strategic move.

    The major reason behind the push in ACRE shares is the promising and strong fourth-quarter and full-year 2020 results. The company ended the year with strong Earnings, with Q4 its highest quarterly Distributable Earnings in the year. Moreover, the balance sheet was also strong with consistent interest collections and no credit-related losses. 

    What’s Next?

    Following the decision of the board, Acres Commercial Realty (ACRE) was the new name adopted after the approval of a 3-for-1 reverse split of the Company’s common stock.

    With this change, the company’s common stock and 8.625% Fixed-to-Floating Series C Cumulative Redeemable Preferred Stock will continue to be listed on the NYSE. The company’s common stock will be traded under the ticker symbol “ACR” and the preferred stock will be traded under the ticker symbol of “ACR PrC”.

    This decision was taken with the strategic transition of the Exantas management contract to the ACRES network. The company is looking forward to Acres’ growth as a full end-to-end solution for middle-market commercial real estate.

    Acres focuses on holding, originating, and managing commercial real estate mortgage loans and other commercial real estate-related debt investments.

    Furthermore, the company recently reported quarterly and annual financial updates. The GAAP net income was $14.4 million for Q4 and was $21.8 million for the full year. While the Distributable Earnings during Q4 and full-year were $13.7 million and $45.1 million, respectively.

    The company stands in a strong position as we head forward. So, the outlook for this year is also promising. The company has declared a quarterly dividend of $0.33 per share for Q2 2021 due to a high outlook for 2021 Distributable Earnings. Along with the regular dividend, the shareholders will enjoy a supplemental quarterly dividend of $0.02 per share.

    The company expects this year to be good for the overall performance. Acresbelieve that its Distributable Earnings will meet or exceed the dividends, including the supplemental dividends, for 2021.

    Conclusion

    Acres Commercial Realty (ACRE) has new beginnings with the old balance sheet growing and getting stronger. The company moves forward with much optimism and expects things to get bigger in the longer run.

  • The Three Best Tech Stocks to Buy and Watch in 2021

    The Three Best Tech Stocks to Buy and Watch in 2021

    The Teck stocks are highly surrounded by the bulls.

    The tech market is a vast market and is evolving every single day. Each industry is somewhat a part of the broader tech market, now. Technologies like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Blockchain, Augmented Reality (AR), Internet of Things (IoT), and other software-based companies have turned into big tech firms.

    With all the focus turning online, the tech firms are the first to benefit from this historic transformation in the digital world. The tech stocks, in general, are growth stocks such as Amazon (AMZN), Apple (APPL), and Facebook (FB).

    In the longer-run, the tech stocks will be getting bigger and there are several other tech firms that have much upside potential. Let’s see the three best tech stocks to buy and watch in 2021.

    Alphabet (GOOGL)

    Alphabet (GOOGL) the parent company that operates the internet deity, Google, is one of the biggest tech’s in the market. The company has delivered robust returns in the past and can continue with the same growth rate over the next decade.

    Google search engine has a global market share upward of 91.9%, which is breathtaking for any company to hold such a big market share. The company has the leadership that has evolved Google into a digital. That leadership is a big positive for the company that would generate healthy profits for several years.

    Another important segment of Google is its Cloud segment which is enhancing and still a relatively small part of the entire company. Google Cloud was able to brag 53%+ and 46%+ revenues in 2019 and 2020, respectively. The Cloud industry is growing at a rapid pace and the demand is increasing every single year. So, with time, this segment would bring massive profits to the company.

    salesforce.com (CRM)

    Saleforce.com (CRM) is a cloud-based software company that is shaping itself to be a part of the future digital world. The company owns the world’s largest cloud-based CRM platform and controls over 20% of the market.

    The company’s revenue surged over 26% in the first nine months of the fiscal year 2021, which ended in January. Salesforce recorded double-digit percentage growth in its sales, service, and marketing, and commerce clouds. Moreover, in the longer run, the company has targeted to achieve over $50 billion in annual revenue by fiscal 2026. So, the company has big motives and is one of the safest bets in the tech market.

    Shopify (SHOP)

    Shopify (SHOP) is a multinational e-commerce firm based in Canada. The company runs one of the biggest e-commerce platforms. It’s a good time to buy Shopify on the dip, as the shares are trading downward around $1,391.25, as we write this.

    The company recently reported its fourth-quarter outcomes, recording revenue growth of 94% to $977.7 million. While the adjusted earnings per share soared by a whopping 267% year-over-year to $1.58 per share. The company surpassed analyst’s estimates on earnings of $1.28 per share and revenue of $910.2 million.

    Jefferies analyst Samad Samana after examining the quarterly report said that the Q4 results were largely in-line with high buy-side expectations. And, 2021 is also expected to continue with strong growth momentum.

    So, investors who are eyeing tech stocks, Alphabet (GOOGL), Salesforce.com (CRM), and Shopify (SHOP) are the stocks to buy and watch this year.

  • The Three Top Cruise Line Stocks to Watch For in 2021

    The Three Top Cruise Line Stocks to Watch For in 2021

    Cruise Line will have its time in the future. For now, let’s watch out for the best in the market.

    The cruise line industry has much to prove as the market has still enough potential. However, the bears are roaming around, as the pandemic seems to prolong. The fact that travel stocks, in general, have been bad bets for investors last year. It wouldn’t be fair enough to rule out that there were some notable performers from the industry, which kept up their progress.

    The cruise line companies operate across the globe and are part of various destinations, offering a variety of itineraries and themed cruises. People use to spend vacations and have parties and enjoy their time out. We might see the demand for such functions increase in the coming time, with the overall situation calming down. Let’s see the three top cruise line stocks to watch for in 2021.

    Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH)

    Norwegian Cruise Line (NCLH) is the third largest cruise line company in the world by passengers. NCLH stock has been on a roll since October last year. Overall, the company has been on the downward side, with a sequential-quarter increase in debts.

    The CFO of NCLH, Mark A. Kempa during the Q3 report noted that they are positioning the company to overcome the pandemic hurdles and clear its way for long-term financial recovery. Kempa added that they are working on reducing its cost and adapt a strategy to enhance its liquidity profile.

    The company intends to relaunch its vessels and over the longer run, optimize its balance sheet and keep things to move as they were post-pandemic. So, Norwegian being one of the biggest giants in the industry must be in your sight for a potential investment in the long-term.

    Lindblad Expeditions (LIND)

    Lindblad Expeditions (LIND) owns and operates cruise ships. The Company provides cruising and adventure travel to its customers. The company has been working with guests to amend travel plans and refund payments—following the circumstances.

    Lindblad’s ships are working with minimum crew on-board to ensure that the COVID-19 SOPs are being followed. During the past year, the company has focused to gather funds to ensure that they on keep on running smoothly during these stuff times.

    In mid-2020, the company announced that it raised $85 millionthrough private placement issuance of convertible preferred equity to prominent investors. This capital raise is expected to support LIND’s liquidity needs through this year, even if the global pandemic once again causes lockdown.

    Moreover, during Q3 2020, the company reported that it has implemented significant cost reduction strategies. So, investors must keep LIND in their investment book.

    World Fuel Services (INT)

    World Fuel Services (INT) is one of the leading firms that operate across three different segments which include aviation, land, and marine-centered businesses.  INT is part of the Fortune 100 companies.

    INT’s marine business has massively impacted by the pandemic but it has much potential to bounce back. The company has different partners other than cruise lines within its marine sector.

    For investors, the earnings growth rate of the company is 2.5%. The company’s anticipated EPS for this year subject to an increase by a whopping 59.1%. This compares to the industry average EPS growth of 58.5%, as per Zacks. So, INT is another key bet that could be beneficial in the long-term.

  • The Three Best Pharmacy Stocks to buy Anytime Soon

    The Three Best Pharmacy Stocks to buy Anytime Soon

    Investors are always keen to jump into pharmacy stocks.

    The global pharmaceutical market is as wide as the sea. We have companies with large, middle, and small caps that have massive potential in their specific range. The global pharma industry makes more than $1.2 trillion in sales each year. Now, that’s a huge marketplace, and it creates massive opportunities for investors in the long-term—in specific.

    With the global pandemic prolonging, the world doesn’t know what’s coming up next. But one thing is for sure that the health crisis has created another pharma segment—in the shape of the vaccine.

    Every big pharma company has tried its luck in vaccine development and many have been successful in the initial stages and some in the final. In that premise, we can see pharmaceutical stocks having a big upside in the long run.

    However, with the global crises, nothing can be taken for granted, especially the stock market. Looking at the pharmacy stocks, here are the three best in the market.

    AbbVie (ABBV)

    In last decade, AbbVie (ABBV) has developed into a giant in the market being one of the finest biopharma’s. CNBC’s Mad Money host and the market guru, Jim Cramer recently passed some comments regarding AbbVie. Cramer said:

    “AbbVie (ABBV) is a bargain.”

    People are not using Botox as they used to, but Cramer finds its migraine franchise amazing.

    AbbVie has grown as a dividend titan in the industry. The company has a dividend of $1.3 per share, with a yield of 4.98%. This is more than double compared tothe Large Cap Pharmaceuticals industry’s yield of 2.35% and the S&P 500’s yield of 1.47%. Over the last ten years, the drugmaker has raised its current annualized dividend to 10.2% to $5.20.

    Moreover, AbbVie’s earnings growth looks solid for the current fiscal year. As per Zacks, the company is anticipated to record $12.17 per share in 2021, which reflects an increase of 15.25% year-over-year.

    Biogen (BIIB)

    Biogen (BIIB) is leading biotech firm that focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of pharmaceutical treatments. The company strongly remains committed to the fields of neurology, immunology, and oncology.

    Biogen has a pending application at the US FDA whose fate is yet to be decided by the regulatory body. The FDA is undergoing Biogen’s investigational Alzheimer’s drug. Investors see this as a critical and turning point for the company. The approval of aducanumab for the company would do wonders in the long-term growth. Why? Because generic competition is eroding Biogen’s billion-dollar multiple sclerosis businesses.

    With the potential approval of aducanumab, Biogen would surely make megabucks. As per Alzheimer’s Association, approximately 5 million Americans suffer from Alzheimer’s. However, Biogen’s product is lagging some data, which is making the FDA take longer to decide. The regulatory body now must issue a decision by June 7. Till then keep following Biogen, it could be a massive win or big loss.

    Novartis (NVS)

    The Swiss pharma titan, Novartis (NVS) could be a decent bet in the near-term. The company has been involved in a couple of developments, lately.

    On Feb 11., Reuters reported that the Swiss drugmaker’s generics division is buying a GlaxoSmithKline antibiotics business which includes GSK’s brands Zinacef, Fortum, and Zinnat. The deal is expected to be worth $500 million.

    According to GSK, these three brands that are part of the deal made $140 million in sales across relevant markets in 2020. And, currently, they are out of patent protection.

    Moreover, the CEO of the company, Vas Narasimhantalking to Bloomberg TV said that they are in talks with different players to help them produce the COVID vaccines. That sounds interesting and the company claims it canfulfill the market demand to some extent—which is colossal since day one. 

    On top of all these developments, Novartis’ novel investigational treatment specifically targeting the ABL myristoyl pocket (STAMP), asciminib, has obtained the Breakthrough Therapy designation (BTD) by the FDA.

    The company has been granted to treat adult patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia (Ph+ CML) in the chronic phase (CP). This is a great breakthrough for the company and it plans for submission in the first half of this year.

  • The Three Top Ammunition Stocks for long-Term Investment

    The Three Top Ammunition Stocks for long-Term Investment

    In the past few quarters, the demand for ammunition and guns has increased across the US.

    It was surprising to see a lot of ammunition stocks outperform some of the biggest tech stocks in the market in recent times. The new US administration led by President Joe Biden is a big supporter of gun control. Especially, Vice President Kamala Harris has much faith in the ammunition market. And she would love to work hard on achieving the Second Amendment. This will surely boost the gun market and help the ammunition stocks to skyrocket.

    Why should ammunition stocks be a long-term investment option? As we know that the social and economic crisis has begun all over the world. And the global pandemic has aired such crises. Moreover, the killing of George Floyd was a big turn for the US community to be driven into social crises. So, people are insecure about their privacy and security and for protection, the demand for guns has spiked in the past few months. Moreover, people are spending more time in recreational activities—more. So, let’s see which three ammunition stocks are best for the long-term investment.

    Sturm, Ruger (RGR)

    Sturm, Ruger (RGR) is a US-based firearm manufacturing company, which has steadily grown over the past five years. RGT stock prices are usually aligned with a company’s financial performance in the long-term, which makes it a good long-term investment.

    Since bottoming out at $35.54, RGR shares skyrocketed to as high as $90.74. The stock has pulled back to $68.34, which nears it to the buy point and could you big bucks in the long-term.

    The company is set to announce its fourth-quarter earnings report on Feb. 17, 2021. It’s anticipated that RGR would likely have a strong quarterly outcome, which makes the stock have an upside of 17%.

    In Q3, the company reported net sales of $145.7 million and diluted EPS of $1.39, which was massively above compared to last year’s $95 million and $0.27, respectively. With all the bulls on the RGR side, the company stands a solid chance to grow in both the short and long-term.

    Vista Outdoor (VSTO)

    Vista Outdoor (VSTO) is a well-known firm that manufactures shooting sports products and other sports goods. VSTO stock has jumped from the lows of $6 to $36.23, as we write this. In early 2020, when the market started to become more uncertain, surprisingly, VSTO shares began to push higher—thanks to increasing demand for guns. 

    In last 2020, Cowen analyst Gautam Khanna upgraded the VSTO stock to an “outperform” rating with a price target of $33. He highlighted that the stock is influenced by the increase in outdoor recreation, Biden’s presidency, and the global pandemic. Moreover, the earnings were also impressive.

    Recently, the company reported its third-quarter results. The CFO Sudhanshu Priyadarshi highlighted that the growth during the surge has allowed the company to further gain share, reach new levels of influence and buying power, reduce debt and build cash. 

    The gross profit soared up to $164 million, which reflects a rise of 84% year-over-year. While the adjusted net income was $62 million, resulting in adjusted earnings of $1.03 per share, up from $0.21 per share in the last quarter. Vista Outdoor (VSTO) has a strong balance sheet with $104 million in free cash flow and $294 million year-to-date. With the growing trend and strong financial performance, Vista seems a good bet in the long run.

    American Outdoor Brands (AOUT)

    American Outdoor Brands (AOUT) is a leading provider of outdoor products which includes hunting, shooting, personal security, and defense products. The company is growing with the continuous surge in demand for outdoor hunting and shooting products.

    AOUT stock has been impressive in the market jumping up to $23.31 from $14 in late 2020. The company recently reported second-quarterresultswhich were on a higher side.

    The company’s net sales were $79.1 million, up by a whopping 65.7% year-over-year. While the gross margins improve by 690 basis points to 46.9%. The company has been working hard on its e-commerce channel and it has started to see the outcomes, already. The traditional channel sales soared by 34.3%, whereas, the e-commerce sales surged over 213.4%. This is amazing for AOUT as we head into the era of the digital world.

    American Outdoor Brands (AOUT) has nearly $100 million in available capital to support organic growth and potential future acquisitions. Thus, it expects the fiscal year 2021 to end on a higher note.