14420

Find Companies Improving Their Balance Sheets in Tough Markets

When stocks are rallying and interest rates are low, it’s easy for companies to expand by either selling more shares or taking on debt. But selling too many shares dilutes existing shareholders and may spark a backlash. And when debt comes due and has to be refinanced, markets may balk. So companies that are improving their balance sheet now could be big winners down the line. One area where balance sheet improvement could help boost shares are with big media companies. There’s ...
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14413

Look for Smaller Companies to Benefit From the AI Revolution

The market has been excited about AI stocks for six months now, since the release of ChatGPT. Dozens of companies have announced plans to integrate AI hardware and software into their businesses. And it’s one part of the market where investors have been more than happy to send cash now. That’s led to a big rally in tech, that’s helped unwind most of 2022’s bear market. At this point, it’s time investors looked for AI stocks with a smaller market cap. That’s ...
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14410

The Highest-Yielding Big Box Store Play Is Moving In the Right Direction

Most industries tend to consolidate over time. Retail is no exception, as many stores have gone by the wayside. Today, most big box stores compete with online retailers in some capacity, and those that run a niche tend to have the brick-and-mortar business to themselves. That’s allowed these companies to continue growing, which can benefit shareholders. It’s an even better benefit when they’re also generous with ever-increasing dividend payouts. Among the big box retailers, electronics chain Best Buy (BBY) offers the highest ...
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14404

Invest With Leaders That Have Pricing Power

One of the most valuable things a company can do is become a key provider of products or services to the point where they can raise prices without losing much, if any, market share. This pricing power can be crucial for beating inflation. And it can also mean a good investment for shareholders, as being able to raise prices ensures that profit margins stay high. One industry leader with pricing power is Corning (GLW). The specialty glassmaker just raised prices by 20 ...
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14395

Play the Renewed ‘Made in America’ Trend

Many companies were caught during the pandemic as borders shut down. Without reliable just-in-time delivery systems operating, they’ve been working to diversify their manufacturing operations. For higher-level goods such as semiconductors, this means reversing a multi-decade trend to once again make goods in America. Signs of this trend have just started to pop up, and they’ll likely increase in the years ahead. While there may be higher labor costs to manufacture stateside, most businesses see the development as a positive one. For ...
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14388

Back Companies Making Big Investments Now

It’s easy to say that there’s a lot of market uncertainty right now. But no matter what happens, there will always be uncertainty. And investors who wait for a clearer picture on how things develop don’t get great prices when buying assets. That’s why value investors start to buy during market panics, even if it’s not near the bottom. Today, investors can find companies that are making big investments now, even amid all the uncertainties facing markets today. While the economy looks ...
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14382

Controversy Can Lead to a Selloff – The Question Is Whether or Not It Lasts

Sometimes a company makes a misstep that can cost it customers in the short term. Other times, a misstep can be more permanent in nature. The question is how each specific opportunity plays out. Since each situation is different, it helps to look at the strength of the market reaction. And how competitors are faring as well. If a company faces trouble in a bear market, it may get overlooked. But it may also shine a favorable light on a competitor. Recently, ...
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14375

Consumers Remain Sluggish – Focus on Low Cost Leaders Now

The economic data in the past week shows a slowdown in consumer spending. As a major part of the economy, that’s a big deal. Yet retailers are reporting better-than-expected numbers. That suggests there may have been too much pessimism in the short term. It also suggests retailers with a cost advantage can likely fare well in today’s environment. That bodes well for most big box players. But one is king of them all. That winner is Walmart (WMT). Their earnings not only ...
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