Sinful 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.

All You Need to Know About Constellation Brands (STZ) Rating Upgrade to Buy

Constellation Brands (STZ) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy), reflecting growing optimism about the company's earnings prospects. This might drive the stock higher in the near term.

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  Can FormFactor (FORM) Run Higher on Rising Earnings Estimates?

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  All You Need to Know About TD Ameritrade (AMTD) Rating Upgrade to Buy

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Hasbro Boosts Transformer Lineup With New Character Gigawatt

Hasbro (HAS) reveals new toy and comic book based on the TRANSFORMERS and Back to the Future movie.

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.

Constellation Brands Finds a Way to Grow Without Bar Sales

Investors had good reasons to be cautious heading into Constellation Brands' (NYSE: STZ) earnings report this week. Constellation Brands also announced several big changes to its wine and spirits portfolio. Constellation Brands wasn't immune to this pressure, and sales to those on-premises partners plunged 75%.

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  Constellation Brands Inc (STZ) Q1 2021 Earnings Call Transcript

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  Constellation Brands buys direct-to-consumer Empathy Wines

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Penn National Gaming's Path Forward

Earlier this year, Penn National Gaming (NASDAQ: PENN) completed the first of two planned equity purchases of Barstool Sports. The deal gave Penn 36% of Barstool with warrants to acquire up to 50% of the company at a $450 million valuation. Shares have since cooled back off to roughly $32 per share amid casino shutdowns and the halting of professional sports.

Constellation Brands (STZ) Catches Eye: Stock Jumps 6.3%

Constellation Brands (STZ) saw a big move last session, as its shares jumped more than 6% on the day, amid huge volumes.

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  Are Investors Undervaluing Delek Logistics Partners, L.P. (DKL) Right Now?

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  ENB vs. WMB: Which Stock Is the Better Value Option?

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Here's Why You Should Hold on to Vail Resorts Stock for Now

Vail Resorts (MTN) banks on extensive marketing initiatives to revive top-line growth. However, stiff competition and the coronavirus pandemic pose concerns.

Constellation Brands CEO Talks New Corona Hard Seltzer, 'Pretty Good' Q1

Alcohol company Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ) has certainly felt its share of headwinds as of late, but it didn't "stop us from having a pretty good quarter," CEO Bill Newlands said on CNBC's "Mad Money."Constellation's Shift To Off-Premise: Constellation reported first-quarter results Wednesday that were highlighted by 20% growth in off-premise sales, Newlands said.The on-premise category as a whole declined by 75% -- but the CEO said investors shouldn't necessarily be worried.Constellation is over-indexed or overweighted to the off-premise arena and continues to benefit from consumers shifting their habits away from bars, restaurants and other venues, he said. Corona Hard Seltzer: The recently launched Corona Hard Seltzer already ranks as the fourth seltzer player, with a 6% IRI market share in the U.S., according to the company's earnings report.View more earnings on STZTo date, the company has shipped more than 3.5 million cases of Corona Hard Seltzer, 90% of which were incremental to Constellation Brands' revenue, the CEO said.Looking forward, Constellation expects to ship 10 million cases in the full fiscal year." "We are just scratching the surface, so we think the ceiling is pretty high."Related Links:Boston Beer Analyst Says It's Truly Well-Positioned In Hard Seltzer Category, Raises Price TargetConstellation Brands CEO Says Alcohol Company Had 'Superb' MarchSee more from Benzinga * FDA Gives Kroger Green Light For At-Home COVID-19 Tests * General Mills CEO Says Q4 Beat 'Built On The Back Of Three Good Quarters' * BofA Cuts Macau Estimates After 97% Year-Over-Year Drop In Gross Gaming Revenue(C) 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

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  Constellation Brands Inc (STZ) Q1 2021 Earnings Call Transcript

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  Constellation Brands buys direct-to-consumer Empathy Wines

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Nifty FAANG and Other 'One Decision' Investment Strategies

Looking at the stock market today, the first thought that comes to mind is that it is divorced from economic reality Continue reading...

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

Constellation Brands, Inc. (NYSE: STZ) seems poised to come out of the pandemic in a stronger position, as depletions in beer remain robust and the company moves past overhangs like the Gallo transaction, according to BofA Securities.The Constellation Brands Analyst Bryan Spillane maintained a Buy rating on Constellation Brands and raised the price target from $190 to $220.The Constellation Brands Thesis Constellation Brands reported first-quarter adjusted earnings for fiscal 2021 at $2.30 per share, beating the BofA estimate of $2.10 per share, with the upside being driven by better operating margins in both the beer and wine and spirits segments, Spillane said in the Thursday note. (See his track record here.)The beverage company has done a good job managing beer production through COVID-19, "with a focus on keeping top performing SKUs including Modelo & Corona in-stock."Spillane expressed optimism regarding Constellation Brands continuing to gain market share during the upcoming July 4 weekend, "as in-stocks in the off-premise channel will be increasingly important as consumer shift drinking occasions to at home."The analyst raised his earnings estimates for fiscal 2021, 2022 and 2023 from $8.11 per share to $8.80 per share; from $8.84 to $9.65; and from $9.85 to $10.74, respectively.STZ Price Action Shares of Constellation Brands were nearly flat at $186.01 at the time of publication. Related Links:Constellation Brands: Q1 Earnings Insights10 Biggest Price Target Changes For ThursdayLatest Ratings for STZ DateFirmActionFromTo Jul 2020JefferiesMaintainsBuy Jul 2020CitigroupMaintainsNeutral Jul 2020JP MorganMaintainsOverweight View More Analyst Ratings for STZ View the Latest Analyst Ratings See more from Benzinga * Constellation Brands Has 'Very Real' Beverage Production Risks, MKM Says In Downgrade(C) 2020 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

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  Constellation Brands Inc (STZ) Q1 2021 Earnings Call Transcript

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  Constellation Brands buys direct-to-consumer Empathy Wines

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[video]Constellation Brands Is Ready to Break a Long-Term Downtrend

For his final "Executive Decision" segment of Mad Money Wednesday night, Jim Cramer checked in with Bill Newlands, president and CEO of Constellation Brands , the wine and spirits maker whose shares rose 6.2% after reporting strong sales on Wednesday. Newlands said despite many headwinds in the quarter, Constellation was still able to deliver great results. Constellation is overweight toward off-premise, Newlands said, which led to their strong sales.

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  Constellation Brands Inc (STZ) Q1 2021 Earnings Call Transcript

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  Constellation Brands buys direct-to-consumer Empathy Wines

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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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  3 High-Yield Dividend Stocks to Buy for the Second Half of 2020

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Remark Stock Keeps Looking Less and Less Speculative Every Day

Remark Holdings (NASDAQ:MARK), an artificial intelligence (AI) and digital media specialist has witnessed a 162% jump in MARK stock year-to-date.Source: Shutterstock The company is in the news for its touch-free equipment, which could help in the detection of coronavirus and limit infection rates. The equipment uses thermal cameras to scan facial temperatures without the need for close contact effectively. Additionally, the company's stake in the potential IPO of an innovative digital health platform in Sharecare has investors buzzing about MARK stock.However, the Remark's growth is not without its fair share of risks. A lot of the risk pertains to the regulatory environment, especially in countries such as China, which severely impacted revenues.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading TipsThe U.S.-China trade war is another area of concern that is affecting the mobility of capital between the two countries. Additionally, its profitability is a significant concern for the company with its operating margins in the negative for the past decade. * 7 Utility Stocks to Buy Keeping Lights On And Dividends Flowing However, strong demand for AI, effective cost control, and immense future potential make MARK stock a buy. Let's look into some of these aspects in more detail. A Closer Look at MARK StockThere's a lot to cheer about of late if you own shares in Remark. It recently introduced touch-free equipment that utilizes thermal imaging cameras to detect coronavirus and in limiting infection rates. Through integration with AI capabilities, it can perform automated scans almost ten times faster than manual systems.CEO Kai-Shing Tao is delighted by the progress of Remark 's solutions as part of the reopening of the US economy. This is encouraging, but regulatory risks of using such devices on a large scale need to be considered as well.Furthermore, the company's stake in Sharecare is also being touted as another feather in its cap. Sharecare is a digital health company that enables its user to manage their personalized health profiles, which can easily be connected to healthcare professionals and evidence-based programs.The company has a 4.5% stake in Sharecare in a "hot" IPO with television personalities such as Dr. Oz and Oprah Winfrey as investors. Financial HighlightsRemark recently reported its financial results for the year ended December 31, 2019. Overall the results were lackluster, primarily because of the crackdown on Fintech by the Chinese authorities.Revenue for fiscal 2019 was $5.0 million, which is down roughly 51% compared to 2018. This naturally increased the net loss from continuing operations by $3.4 million for the year.However, on a positive note, the company was able to reduce its total costs and expenses from $54.6 million to $27.8 million in 2019. The reduction is mainly attributable to a $12.4 million decrease in stock-based compensation expense and reduced cost of sales attributable to the Fintech sector.Its liquidity position is far from ideal at this point. The cash balance has declined further from an already meager $1.4 million to $0.3 million in 2019. Naturally, its current ratio has declined by 58% in the year.Remark paid off MGG approximately $12.7 million, which is weighed in on its financial flexibility. Going forward, the company must pull up its socks to improve the pristineness of its balance sheet. Revenue Repositioning and FutureThe intense scrutiny on Fintech by the Chinese authorities and its crippling impact on Remark's Fintech revenues has shifted the focus of its efforts on its AI capabilities. The company has won several contracts, a lot of which are in China, which involve the development of Smart retail stores, pharmacy terminal systems, AI biosafety system for African swine flu, and others.One of the core benefits of AI is that it's a software-based product carrying higher gross margins due to the replicability of software. The company is witnessing strong demand for its AI products, some of which are being seen as critical components.For example, its AI-enabled thermal cameras are being used in the United Medical Center for screening patients and in casino businesses such as those operated by Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ:WYNN).Marketing and selling costs are also limited to AI which is only going to expand margins. This is already apparent in the company's gross margin for 2019, which is at 30% improving from -30% in the previous year. Going forward, its AI solutions will be at the heart of its revenue model. Final Word on MARK stockRemark is leveraging its AI competencies to develop solutions that can potentially prove to be game-changers for the company. The company is positioning its efforts towards AI-related technologies after seeing the erosion of its Fintech revenues from China. However, consolidated efforts in that area could help get things back up and running on the Fintech side as well.At the same time, the tensions between the U.S. and China could complicate the regulatory environment and impact the company's products. In protecting itself from the regulatory action from Chinese authorities, the company is performing General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) audits on its AI solutions.As of this writing, Muslim Farooque did 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 Remark Stock Keeps Looking Less and Less Speculative Every Day appeared first on InvestorPlace.

Constellation Brands Inc (STZ) Q1 2021 Earnings Call Transcript

STZ earnings call for the period ending May 31, 2020.

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  Constellation Brands buys direct-to-consumer Empathy Wines

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

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MGM Resorts (MGM) Stock Sinks As Market Gains: What You Should Know

MGM Resorts (MGM) closed at $16.77 in the latest trading session, marking a -0.18% move from the prior day.

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  InMode (INMD) Gains But Lags Market: What You Should Know

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  Home Depot (HD) Stock Sinks As Market Gains: What You Should Know

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Gary Vaynerchuk: Most advertisers don't know what they want Facebook to do about hate speech

Marketing veteran and entrepreneur Gary Vaynerchuk weighs in on the controversy swirling around Facebook.

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  Zuckerberg Tells Facebook Employees He's Not Going To Change Policies In Response To Advertiser Boycott

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  Zuckerberg says ad boycotters 'will be back' as more companies join movement: RPT

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How FedEx and Constellation Brands Lifted the Whole Stock Market Wednesday

Wednesday morning began another good day for Wall Street, as major market benchmarks managed to claw upward by modest amounts. FedEx (NYSE: FDX) often acts as a bellwether for the global economy, as it takes financially healthy businesses and consumers to ship goods from place to place. Constellation Brands (NYSE: STZ) has a much different view, but the beer and spirits giant has a useful perspective on how people are dealing with the pressures of the pandemic.

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  Constellation Brands Inc (STZ) Q1 2021 Earnings Call Transcript

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  Constellation Brands buys direct-to-consumer Empathy Wines

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