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Tag: impressive growth

  • 2 Stocks That Deserve to Join the Magnificent 7

    2 Stocks That Deserve to Join the Magnificent 7

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    The Magnificent Seven group, which was crafted by Mad Money host Jim Cramer, is renowned for its impressive growth potential and its ability to roll with the economic punches. With shares of Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) now on the outside looking in (Cramer removed it from the Magnificent Seven) following its brutal quarterly flop, questions linger as to which other growth companies are more deserving of a spot in the group.

    Therefore, in this piece, we’ll check in with TipRanks’ Comparison Tool to stack up two candidates that I believe are deserving of consideration now that Tesla is no longer magnificent enough to stay in the Magnificent Seven.

    Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX)

    Remember the days when the FAANG (also a term and cohort created by Jim Cramer) group was dominating the financial headlines, powering broader markets higher? If you’re a new investor who jumped into the market waters within the past two years, you’re probably more familiar with the Magnificent Seven group. Either way, I do think the “N” — Netflix — in the original FAANG is starting to prove its potential once again, and this has me incredibly bullish about its future.

    The stock took a massive beating back in late 2021 and early 2022, crashing by around 75% from peak to trough. The implosion caused Netflix stock to be scratched out of the conversation, ultimately marking the beginning of the end of FAANG and the beginning of the Magnificent Seven group.

    Today, Netflix is making an epic comeback, proving its doubters wrong, with a handful of impressive quarters that have helped fuel a more than 220% gain off its 2022 lows. Indeed, competition in the streaming space was getting intense, and as the pandemic lockdown winners reversed course in violent fashion, it was natural to think that Netflix was on its way out of the conversation.

    After the latest impressive number, though, Netflix has proven to us all that it is still magnificent and that the 2021-22 crash was a blunder made by Mr. Market. The original streaming kingpin remains king, with its impressive content that’s kept users coming back, even following substantial price hikes. Additionally, the ad-based tier and gaming expansion have made the firm more of a growth stock again.

    Only time will tell if Netflix is headed for new heights as it continues adding to its strength in the new year. Unbelievably, shares are down around 18% from their peak in 2021. With co-founder Reed Hastings slashing his stake by $1.1 billion, gains will be harder to come by in the new year. The stock’s already endured quite a bit of multiple expansion in recent quarters. So much so that some analysts have been downgrading it due to valuation concerns.

    At 46.8 times trailing price-to-earnings (P/E), the stock is pricier than its historical average and that of its peer group. While Netflix stock deserves a premium, I believe the company will need to keep releasing high-quality content and experience more success with its gaming push if it’s to keep growth at the level that warrants inclusion into the “Magnificent Seven.”

    Can it be done? I think it can. Management has really executed, and the stock reflects a massive rebound in investor confidence.

    What Is the Price Target for NFLX Stock?

    Netflix stock is a Moderate Buy, according to analysts, with 27 Buys, 13 Holds, and one Sell assigned in the past three months. The average NFLX stock price target of $574.01 implies 1.8% upside potential.

    Adobe (NASDAQ:ADBE)

    Adobe stock is another tech titan that’s been scorching hot in 2023, blasting off nearly 70% in the past year. Generative artificial intelligence (AI) is a huge reason why Adobe stock has been able to turn the tide so fast. With impressive AI technologies (think Firefly and Sensei) ingrained into the company’s already impressive creative suite, the firm may have the means of charging its users even more.

    If it’s adding more value, users should be more than willing to pay the higher price. As Adobe continues embracing the AI age, I can’t help but stay bullish on the stock.

    In fact, I view AI as the catalyst that could propel ADBE stock right back to all-time highs. Recently, BakerAvenue’s King Lip stated that the company’s AI business is “extremely compelling.” With such a sizeable and loyal installed user base, upselling AI offerings is likely to be no issue for the firm.

    It’s not just about putting profound AI power into creative hands that has me most intrigued. Given the horrific headlines surrounding AI-generated deep fakes of Taylor Swift that went viral, I believe more attention ought to be placed on AI guardrails to ensure the responsible use of AI products.

    In that regard, I believe Adobe is a firm that can put the appropriate guardrails in place to prevent (or minimize) misuse of AI tools. As the company moves on from its abandoned Figma acquisition, look for the firm to become as much of an AI innovator as it is a major player in AI safety and ethics.

    All things considered, Adobe stock stands out as a magnificent tech firm worthy of more investor (and Cramer) praise.

    What Is the Price Target for ADBE Stock?

    Adobe stock is a Moderate Buy, according to analysts, with 24 Buys, four Holds, and two Sells assigned in the past three months. The average ADBE stock price target of $653.43 implies 5.8% upside potential.

    The Takeaway

    Undoubtedly, there are a slew of high-growth companies that are doing incredibly well, with drivers that could help keep growth elevated for some time. That alone doesn’t guarantee a spot with the now six magnificent companies (the so-called Super Six, if you will).

    However, I do think Netflix and Adobe are companies worthy of the most exclusive and enviable high-growth cohort out there. Between the two, analysts expect more upside from Adobe (5.8%) for the year ahead.

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  • Stock-Split Watch: 3 Red-Hot Tech Stocks That Could Split Their Shares in 2024

    Stock-Split Watch: 3 Red-Hot Tech Stocks That Could Split Their Shares in 2024

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    One of the most intriguing developments for investors over the past few years has been the return to popularity of stock splits. By and large, these moves have come on the heels of strong business performance, leading to equally strong stock price appreciation. Since stock splits don’t have any effect on the underlying value of the business, the primary reason cited by companies is the desire to keep their shares affordable for the average retail investor.

    A look back at the past couple of years helps highlight this trend as numerous high-profile companies split their shares. These included:

    • Amazon: 20-for-1 split June 3, 2022

    • DexCom: 4-for-1 split June 10, 2022

    • Shopify: 10-for-1 split June 28, 2022

    • Alphabet: 20-for-1 split July 15, 2022

    • Tesla: 3-for-1 split Aug. 24, 2022

    • Palo Alto Networks: 3-for-1 split Sept. 13, 2022

    • Monster Beverage: 2-for-1 split March 27, 2023

    • Celsius Holdings: 3-for-1 split Nov. 15, 2023

    A look at a few of the top-performing stocks of last year suggests there could be more stock splits on the docket in 2024.

    A person staring intently at a stock chart.

    Image source: Getty Images.

    1. Nvidia

    Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) is best known for pioneering the graphics processing units (GPUs) that render lifelike images in video games. Over the years, the company has adapted its chips to provide the computational horsepower necessary for cloud computing and data center uses and, most recently, generative artificial intelligence (AI).

    According to data compiled by New Market Research, Nvidia currently controls roughly 95% of the market for processors used in machine learning — an earlier branch of AI. This suggests the company is well positioned to lead the generative AI market as well.

    Recent financial results seem to support that view. For its fiscal 2024 third quarter (ended Oct. 29), Nvidia delivered record revenue of $18.1 billion, up 206% year over year, while its diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $3.71 surged 1,274%. Tepid results from the prior year skewed the comparison, but it helps illustrate the long runway ahead.

    Nvidia has a long history of impressive growth, but excitement regarding its AI-fueled results drove the stock up 239% in 2023. Its performance is even more pronounced when considered over the past 10 years. Revenue has soared 1,480%, driving net income up 6,190%. This growth has fueled Nvidia’s surging stock price, which is up more than 13,650%, with a price of $531 as of Tuesday’s market close. Despite its performance, Nvidia still trades for a reasonable price-to-earnings-to-growth (PEG) ratio of less than 1 — the benchmark for an inexpensive stock.

    The company’s most recent stock split was announced in May 2021 when the stock was trading at about $600 per share, just 13% above its current price. If things continue along the current trajectory — and history is any indication — it won’t be long before Nvidia announces its next stock split.

    2. Microsoft

    Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is best known for its Office suite of productivity tools and ubiquitous Windows PC operating system. Last year, however, the company made a big splash in the field of generative AI. After taking a big stake in ChatGPT parent OpenAI, Microsoft released Copilot, a suite of AI-infused assistants designed to streamline mundane, time-consuming tasks. These moves kicked off the current AI arms race.

    Strong demand for Microsoft’s AI tools helped kick-start growth for Azure Cloud, its “Big Three” cloud infrastructure service. Not only did growth outpace its rivals in the calendar third quarter, but Microsoft also attributed three percentage points of that growth directly to demand for AI.

    For its fiscal 2024 first quarter (ended Sept. 30), Microsoft’s revenue grew 13% year over year, while EPS climbed 27%. However, Copilot wasn’t made available for general release until November, which means the impact hasn’t yet hit the financial statements.

    Microsoft has a long, distinguished track record of enviable growth, but the company’s prescient AI moves helped drive the stock price up 57% in 2023. The results are even more compelling if we take a step back. Over the past decade, revenue has grown 177%, driving net income up 294%. This has pushed Microsoft’s stock price higher, up nearly 817%, with a price of about $376 as of Tuesday’s market close. The stock is selling for 33 times forward earnings but, considering its history, deserves a slight premium.

    The company conducted nine stock splits between 1987 and 2003, rarely letting its stock price exceed $175. While Microsoft hasn’t split its shares since 2003, the stock is now trading at a new all-time high of more than twice that price. And the company has only just scratched the surface of its AI opportunity, which suggests more stock price gains are ahead.

    Microsoft hasn’t indicated any plans for a stock split, but given its robust growth, this may be the year it joins its tech peers in splitting its high-priced shares.

    3. Meta Platforms

    2023 was a banner year for Meta Platforms (NASDAQ: META), with a number of catalysts helping lift the stock. The company’s cost-cutting campaign showed dramatic results, digital advertising began to recover from its historic drought, and AI went viral. Each of these factors helped Meta regain its footing, which sent its stock up 194%.

    Meta’s long history with AI helped the company pivot to capitalize on that expertise. Meta quickly developed Llama AI, which was released on all the major cloud services — for a fee. Llama AI 2 was introduced late last year, and rumors suggest Llama 3 will debut in early 2024.

    In the third quarter, Meta’s revenue of $34.1 billion climbed 23% year over year, while its EPS of $4.39 surged 168% — even as digital ad spending grew just 7.8% last year. As ad spending ramps back up, Meta’s growth will get a boost.

    Then there’s Advantage+, AI tools designed to empower advertisers on Meta’s social media platforms. It has quickly become “one of the fastest-growing ad products” in Meta’s history. A recent trial generated a 35% increase in return on ad spending and a 58% decrease in incremental costs per purchase. By streamlining and automating ad campaigns, Meta is simplifying the process, making it more profitable, and attracting more advertisers.

    Meta’s growth last year was notable, but the past decade has been even more impressive. Revenue has grown by 1,260%, while net income surged 1,700%. This has fueled Meta’s robust stock price gains of 493%, with the stock price of roughly $357 as of Tuesday’s market close — within 6% of a new all-time high. Not bad, considering Meta’s stock is selling for a PEG ratio of less than 1.

    Given its history of consistent growth and its ties to AI, 2024 could be the year Meta joins its big tech peers in conducting a stock split.

    Should you invest $1,000 in Nvidia right now?

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    John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Randi Zuckerberg, a former director of market development and spokeswoman for Facebook and sister to Meta Platforms CEO Mark Zuckerberg, is a member of The Motley Fool’s board of directors. Danny Vena has positions in Alphabet, Amazon, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Monster Beverage, Nvidia, Shopify, and Tesla. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Amazon, Celsius, Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Monster Beverage, Nvidia, Palo Alto Networks, Shopify, and Tesla. The Motley Fool recommends DexCom. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

    Stock-Split Watch: 3 Red-Hot Tech Stocks That Could Split Their Shares in 2024 was originally published by The Motley Fool

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