Cannabis Stocks

57% of Americans plan to attend or host a 4th of July BBQ as new coronavirus cases hit daily record

Americans still plan to attend or host a cookout this 4th of July weekend as the U.S. reported a record-setting 53,000 new coronavirus cases.

Why Altria Stock Lost 21% in the First Half of 2020

Shares of Altria Group (NYSE: MO) have gone up in smoke this year as the domestic Marlboro maker fell early in the year after it took another impairment on its Juul Labs stake and then got slammed by the coronavirus pandemic. According to data from S&P Global Market Intelligence, the stock has slipped 21% through the first six months of the year. Altria began the year with Juul facing stiff headwinds as regulators sought to ban flavored e-cigarette pods, the latest setback for the once-promising cigarette disruptor, with the e-cigarette brand embroiled in a number of lawsuits at the state level.

AbbVie (ABBV) Hits Fresh High: Is There Still Room to Run?

AbbVie (ABBV) is at a 52-week high, but can investors hope for more gains in the future? We take a look at the company's fundamentals for clues.

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  AbbVie Is Cheap and Pays an Attractive Yield

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Better Coronavirus Stock: Eli Lilly or AbbVie?

Eli Lilly (NYSE: LLY) is a veteran in the pharmaceutical community and has been in business for over 140 years. AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) is a relative newcomer and was established back in 2013 after spinning off parent organization Abbott Laboratories. Last year was a good one for Eli Lilly.

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  Better Buy: Eli Lilly vs. Johnson & Johnson

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  2 Top Diabetes Stocks to Buy Right Now

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5 High-Yield Dividend Stocks to Watch

One of the places they've found cash returns is in dividend stocks, particularly those that offer a relatively high payout. Fortunately, some high-yield dividend stocks remain well-positioned to sustain their dividends. AbbVie (NYSE: ABBV) spent most of its history as a subsidiary of Abbott Laboratories before becoming an independent company in 2013.

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  AbbVie (ABBV) Hits Fresh High: Is There Still Room to Run?

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  AbbVie Is Cheap and Pays an Attractive Yield

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This Cannabis Stock Trend May Hold Clues to the Industry's Future

There's been some significant buyer's remorse of late in the cannabis industry, with would-be acquirers backing out of deals or amending them. It's not uncommon for such deals to change between the time they're proposed and the day they close, but the frequency at which that's happening in the cannabis industry is raising eyebrows among investors. On June 25, Canopy Growth (NYSE: CGC) and Acreage Holdings (OTC: ACRGF) agreed to change the terms of their deal.

Facebook Under Fire as Companies Pause Social Media Ads: List

(Bloomberg) -- Here’s a list of companies that are planning to halt spending on social media. Some have joined a boycott of Facebook Inc. after critics accused the social network of inadequately policing hateful and misleading content on its platform:Harley Davidson Inc. -- The motorcycle maker said in an email it was pausing Facebook ads in July “to stand in support of efforts to stop the spread of hateful content.”Pernod Ricard SA -- The French distiller of Jameson whiskey and Absolut Vodka, which spends more than 1.5 billion euros ($1.69 billion) on advertising annually, is boycotting Facebook and some other U.S. sites through July 31 and working with partners on an app to help victims of online abuse.Daimler AG -- The Mercedes-Benz maker is pausing its paid advertising on Facebook platforms in July, while adding that it expects to the relationship to resume because it’s confident the social-media company will take “necessary steps.”Molson Coors Beverage Co. -- The brewer is choosing to pause advertising on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter while it reviews its own standards and ways to protect the brands and guard against hate speech, Chief Marketing Officer Michelle St. Jacques said in an internal email.Constellation Brands -- The maker of Corona beer and Kim Crawford wines is pausing Facebook ads for the month of July.Dunkin’ Brands Group -- The donut chain is temporarily pausing its paid media on Facebook and Instagram, a spokesperson says, adding that it’s in discussions with Facebook about efforts to stop hate speech and thwart “the spread of “racist rhetoric and false information.”Lego A/S -- Stopping all advertising on social media for at least 30 days to review its standards and will “invest in other channels” during that time.The Body Shop -- The beauty chain says it’s halting paid activity on all Facebook channels and asking the social-media company to enhance and enforce its content-moderation policies.Starbucks Corp. -- Pausing advertising on all social media platforms. Will post on social media without paid promotion.Microsoft Corp. -- Paused global advertising spending on Facebook and Instagram because of concerns about ads appearing next to inappropriate content, according to a person familiar with the matter.Unilever Plc -- Halting advertising on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter in the U.S. through Dec. 31.Volkswagen AG -- The ad stop on Facebook affects the direct ad accounts of the German manufacturer’s brands, including Porsche, Audi and Lamborghini. VW, its ad agencies and the Anti Defamation League will enter talks with Facebook over how to deal with hate speech, discrimination and false information, according to an emailed statement.Mars -- Starting in July, a pause on paid advertising globally across social-media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat.Target Corp. -- Pausing ads on Facebook in July.Coca-Cola Co. -- Pausing advertising on all social media platforms.Clorox Co. -- Will stop advertising spending with Facebook through December.Conagra Brands Inc. -- Will stop advertising in U.S. on Facebook and Instagram through the rest of the year.Ford Motor Co. -- Halting U.S. social media for 30 days, won’t purchase social media ads for Bronco unveiling.Honda Motor Co. -- “For the month of July, Honda will withhold its advertising on Facebook and Instagram, choosing to stand with people united against hate and racism.” Acura, a Honda brand, said in a tweet that it was “choosing to stand with people united against hate and racism.”Hershey Co. -- Will halt spending on Facebook in July and cut its spend on the platform by a third for the remainder of the year, according to Business Insider.Diageo Plc -- Pausing paid advertising globally on major social media platforms beginning in July.PepsiCo Inc. -- Pulling ads on Facebook from July through August.Verizon Communications Inc. -- “We’re pausing our advertising until Facebook can create an acceptable solution that makes us comfortable and is consistent with we’ve done with YouTube and other partners,” said John Nitti, chief media officer for Verizon.SAP SE -- “We will suspend all paid advertisements across Facebook and Instagram until the company signals a significant, action-driven commitment to combatting the spread of hate speech and racism on its platforms.”Levi Strauss & Co. -- Pausing all paid Facebook and Instagram advertising globally and across all brands through July.Diamond Foundry Inc. -- Pulling all of advertising from Facebook, including Instagram, for the month of July.Patagonia Inc. -- Will pull all ads on Facebook and Instagram, effective immediately, through at least the end of July, pending meaningful action from Facebook.Viber Media Inc. -- The messaging service, owned by Japanese conglomerate Rakuten, plans to cut ties with the social network entirely, according to the Guardian.VF Corp. -- The North Face will pause ads on Facebook for the month of July. Vans, another VF brand, will also pull ad dollars from Facebook and Instagram next month, and said it will use the money to support Black communities through empowerment and education programs.REI -- “For 82 years, we have put people over profits. We’re pulling all Facebook/Instagram advertising for the month of July.”Upwork Inc. -- No Facebook advertising in July.Eileen Fisher Inc. -- Pulling ads from Facebook through July.Adidas AG -- Will stop ads on Facebook and Instagram internationally through July, according to Adweek.Puma SE -- Will stop all advertisements on Facebook and Instagram throughout July.Madewell Inc. -- Will pause ads on Facebook and Instagram through July.Pfizer Inc. -- Removing all advertising from Facebook and Instagram in July, calls on Facebook to heed the concerns of the StopHateForProfit boycott campaign “and take action.”Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. -- To pause Facebook advertising beginning July 1, according to an email.Chobani -- The Greek-yogurt company paused all paid social-media advertising.Peet’s Coffee -- Paused advertising on Facebook.Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. -- ”In support of the StopHateForProfit campaign, we have globally suspended our Facebook and Instagram activity, including advertising and non-paid content, until the end of July.”(Updates with Sony Interactive Entertainment)For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.©2020 Bloomberg L.P.

Aurora Cannabis Inc. (ACB) Upgraded to Buy: Here's Why

Aurora Cannabis Inc. (ACB) might move higher on growing optimism about its earnings prospects, which is reflected by its upgrade to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy).

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Top Ranked Income Stocks to Buy for July 2nd

Top Ranked Income Stocks to Buy for July 2nd

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  Is Mazda Motor Corporation (MZDAY) Stock Undervalued Right Now?

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Were Hedge Funds Right About Piling Into AbbVie Inc (ABBV)?

We at Insider Monkey have gone over 821 13F filings that hedge funds and prominent investors are required to file by the SEC The 13F filings show the funds' and investors' portfolio positions as of March 31st, near the height of the coronavirus market crash. We are almost done with the second quarter. Investors decided […]

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AbbVie Is Cheap and Pays an Attractive Yield

AbbVie (NYSE:ABBV) stock is both cheap and has a very attractive dividend yield. In addition, this pharmaceutical company's growth prospects are high, now that its purchase of Allergan is closed.Source: Piotr Swat / Shutterstock.com For example, the stock trades on a forward earnings ratio of just 9.2 times 2020 expected earnings. It is even lower with 2021 earnings prospects.In addition, the $4.72 per share annual dividend is very attractive to most investors for several reasons. For one, the dividend yield for ABBV stock is much higher than the average stock.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading TipsSecondly, the dividend is likely to keep on growing at a nice pace. For example, on June 17 AbbVie declared a $1.18 quarterly dividend for the third time. After the fourth quarterly dividend at this rate, I suspect the company will raise the dividend in Q4. According to Seeking Alpha, AbbVie has had a 20.86% dividend growth rate annually on a compounded basis. * 7 Utilities Stocks to Buy With Reassuring DividendsLastly, the dividend is still well covered by the company's earnings. For example, Seeking Alpha's poll of 15 analysts' estimates of 2020 is $10.46 per share. But the dividend rate right now is $4.72. So the dividend is more than 100% covered by earnings. Why Is AbbVie Stock So Cheap?AbbVie's main revenue driver, up until its recent acquisition of Allergan, was Humira, a rheumatoid arthritis drug. It also acts as an anti-inflammatory drug for other conditions including Crohn's disease, psoriasis, ulcerative colitis, etc. It is the world's best-selling drug.But adalimubab, the actual name of the drug, went off-patent in 2016. Recently, generic versions of the drug have become available.The problem for AbbVie is that up until Q1 2020, Humira accounted for 54.5% of its revenue. AbbVie said its Q1 sales were $8.619 billion, up 10.7% year-over-year. But Humira sales were $4.703 billion, up 6.4%.This is the most likely reason for AbbVie's low valuation. It is too reliant on one drug and that drug is now off-patent. The market assumes that generic drugs will eventually overtake that revenue stream for AbbVie. But things are not as bad as that. Why Investors Need Not Be So WorriedFirst of all, Humira does not go completely off-patent in the U.S., even though in some other countries this has happened. Its core U.S. patents went off-patent in 2016, but it has a "patent thicket" that extends its exclusivity to as late as 2034, according to one source. Another source says its exclusivity extends to 2023.Second, the company will now have a much lower reliance on Humira. On May 8, AbbVie closed on its acquisition of Allergan for about $63 billion in cash and stock. Allergan made $3.6 billion in sales in its latest quarter and $378 million in profits.So you can see that on a pro-forma combined basis, Humira will now account for a lower amount of total sales. They would total $12.2 billion on a combined basis in Q1. But Humira's $4.7 billion would account for only 38.4%. Given that other drugs in the portfolio are likely growing faster than Humira, that portion will continue to fall.So the risk is falling for the over-reliance on one drug. But some analysts point out that AbbVie's other drugs and its pipeline are very attractive as growth drivers. Valuing AbbVie StockGiven that management clearly seems intent on growing its dividend, we can use this aspect of the return of capital to value AbbVie stock. Let's assume the dividend next rises 10% next year, just like it did this year. That would put the annual dividend at $5.20 per share.The historical dividend yield for AbbVie stock has been 4.22% over the past four years, according to Seeking Alpha. Therefore, by taking the $5.20 dividend per share and dividing it by 4.22%, the target price is $123.22 per shareThat represents a significant gain over the current price of about $98. So not only is AbbVie stock cheap with an attractive dividend yield, but it also has good upside potential.Mark Hake runs the Total Yield Value Guide which you can review here. As of this writing, Mark Hake, CFA does not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. More From InvestorPlace * Why Everyone Is Investing in 5G All WRONG * America's 1 Stock Picker Reveals His Next 1,000% Winner * Revolutionary Tech Behind 5G Rollout Is Being Pioneered By This 1 Company * Radical New Battery Could Dismantle Oil Markets The post AbbVie Is Cheap and Pays an Attractive Yield appeared first on InvestorPlace.

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  AbbVie (ABBV) Hits Fresh High: Is There Still Room to Run?

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2 “Strong Buy” Dividend Stocks Yielding Over 8%

With markets volatile – bouncing around the 3,000 to 3,200 range for the last two weeks – and fears rising that a second wave of coronavirus cases will force a new round of economic shutdowns, investors are giving a second look to some strong defensive stocks. We’re talking about stocks with classic defensive profiles: high yielding dividends, combined with a high upside potential. Using TipRanks database, we’ve pinpointed two such stocks. Both offer investors a fine combination of defensive traits: dividends yielding over 8%, an upside potential starting at 25%, and ‘Strong Buy’ consensus rating from Wall Street’s analyst corps. Archrock, Inc. (AROC)We’ll start with Archrock, a natural gas midstreaming company. The midstream sector connects gas extraction with the final customer; midstream companies control the pipelines, transport, and storage facilities that the natural gas industry depends on. Archrock has operations in the lower 48 states, providing the compression equipment that liquifies natural gas for transport and storage.The economic shutdowns in Q1 forced a decline in demand, and Archrock’s Q1 EPS was a down sharply sequentially, from 27 cents to 12 cents. At the same time, revenues beat both the estimates and the year-ago number. At $249.7 million, the top line was up 5.7% year-over-year.A strong free cash flow and heavy-handed actions to cut costs and shore up liquidity allowed AROC to maintain its dividend payment for Q1, and the company paid out 14.5 cents per share common share back in May. This was unchanged from Q4, and up 10% from the first quarter of 2019. It’s a measure of Archrock’s underlying soundness and commitment to the dividend that the company has kept up the payment even during the corona crisis. At 58 cents per share annualized, AROC's dividend yield is an impressive 8.54%.5-star analyst T J Schultz, of RBC Capital, believes AROC has a firm foundation to move forward. He writes of the stock, “We expect lower associated gas production to have an impact on AROC utilization into 2021, but we think manageable debt leverage and ample dividend coverage provide some flexibility… we think the riskreward is decent at current levels given AROC’s liquidity, lack of near-term debt maturities, and ability to pull additional levers to manage liquidity further if needed.”Schultz’ Buy rating on the stock is supported by an $11 price target, which suggests an impressive 68% upside potential for the year. (To watch Schultz’ track record, click here)Overall, the Strong Buy analyst consensus rating on AROC is unanimous, based on 3 recent Buy reviews. Shares are priced at $6.55, and the $9.17 average price target implies a one-year upside of 40%. (See Archrock stock analysis at TipRanks)Altria Group, Inc. (MO)The next stock on our list is a classic ‘sin stock.’ Altria is a tobacco company, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes. Tobacco companies have a long history of outperforming market downturns, and the reason is psychological. People will make big changes when financial hardship hits. They’ll give up luxuries and large purchases, and even delay home and repairs – but they’ll keep buying small pleasures like cigarettes. It’s a quirk that has helped make MO a strong defensive play even as overall smoking rates decline.A look at the Q1 numbers bears out Altria’s solid position. Revenues and earnings – the top and bottom lines – both beat the estimates. Revenues, at $5.05 billion, were 9% above forecasts, and 15% over the year-ago number. EPS came in at $1.09, 12% higher than expected and up almost 7% year-over-year.Wise diversification from the company has also helped. Altria has taken strong positions the cannabis industry, the vaping sector, and in alcohol, with large-scale investments in Cronos Group, JUUL Labs, and AB InBev. These moves mark a shift for Altria, from pure-play tobacco to the full spectrum of vices.Altria’s sound niche has allowed the company to keep its solid dividend – with a 12-year history of reliable payments and steady growth – up to date. The company declared its next payment for July 10, of 84 cents per common share. This gives and annualized rate of $3.36 per share, and a yield of 8.56%. The 77% payment ratio is high, showing a commitment to returning profits to shareholders – but it also shows that the company can sustain the dividend at current income levels.Piper Sandler analyst Michael Lavery sees Altria’s overall position as favorable, even during the pandemic. He states his belief that “We believe consumption may have actually increased during the pandemic, as smokers spend more time away from offices, restaurants, and places with smoking bans. Lower income consumers have also benefited from increased unemployment benefits and the government stimulus... Altria has a vast database of adult US smokers, and it has data at the zip code level to inform pricing and couponing strategies. Altria can monitor and manage mix with its revenue management system on a very targeted basis.”Lavery’s Buy rating on the stock is backed by his $57 price target, which implies a robust upside for MO shares of 45%. (To watch Lavery’s track record, click here)With 6 Buy ratings set in recent weeks, MO shares have a Strong Buy from the analyst consensus rating. The $54.50 average price target suggests an upside of 39% from the $39.24 current trading price. (See Altria stock-price forecast on TipRanks)To find good ideas for dividend stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks’ Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks’ equity insights.

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Canopy Growth Corporation (CGC) Outpaces Stock Market Gains: What You Should Know

Canopy Growth Corporation (CGC) closed the most recent trading day at $16.47, moving +1.92% from the previous trading session.

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Buy Pharma Giant AbbVie Stock for Growth, Income & Coronavirus Safety

All of this might make investors want to consider AbbVie for the second half of 2020 with coronavirus fears and volatility likely to linger...

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What Makes AbbVie (ABBV) a New Strong Buy Stock

AbbVie (ABBV) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting growing optimism about the company's earnings prospects. This might drive the stock higher in the near term.

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Which of These 2 Ultra-Growth Stocks Is Best?

The best defense during a market downturn is usually a good offense. Here are two high-growing cannabis companies that are likely to continue their momentum.

Zacks.com featured highlights include: Kroger, AbbVie, W.W. Grainger, West Pharmaceutical Services and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company

Zacks.com featured highlights include: Kroger, AbbVie, W.W. Grainger, West Pharmaceutical Services and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company

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Ollie's Bargain Outlet, Designer Brands, AbbVie, Microsoft and Lockheed Martin highlighted as Zacks Bull and Bear of the Day

Ollie's Bargain Outlet, Designer Brands, AbbVie, Microsoft and Lockheed Martin highlighted as Zacks Bull and Bear of the Day

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  Lindsay (LNN) Q3 Earnings Beats Estimates, Revenues In Line

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2 Marijuana Stocks With the Most Cash in 2020

At a time when cash is king, which cannabis company is better suited to cover its losses without the expense of diluting shareholders?

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Constellation Brands buys direct-to-consumer Empathy Wines

Constellation Brands inks a splashy deal with a well known, up and coming wine brand. Yahoo Finance speaks to the two people behind the transaction.

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  BofA Raises Constellation Brands Target, Says It's Positioned To Exit COVID-19 Stronger

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3 Reasons to Buy Canopy Growth Instead of Aurora Cannabis

Year to date, shares of the two largest companies in the cannabis sector, Canopy Growth (NYSE: CGC) and Aurora Cannabis (NYSE: ACB), have not been performing well. Since the beginning of the year, Canopy Growth stock has declined by more than 20%, while Aurora's stock has fallen by as much as 50%. In fiscal year 2020, Canopy Growth generated more than $399 million in net revenue, representing a growth of 76% compared with last year.

The 3 Marijuana Stocks You'll Want to Own for the Second Half of 2020

These pot stocks offer a budding opportunity in a high-growth, but still relatively nascent, industry.

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  Why Cannabis Stock IIPR Returned 19% in the First Half of 2020

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  Why Wingstop Stock Was Up 61% in the First Half of 2020

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