💰 Netflix, Ackman, Vinted and 🔍 Market Insights You Don't Want to Miss!

Investing Intel's weekly email newsletter offers stock picks, the latest investment news, and the week's hot topics.

Jan 15, 2024

Market Snapshot (Past Week)

S&P500: $4,783.83 (+1.70%)
Dow Jones Industrial Average: $37,592.98 (+0.71%)
Nasdaq Composite: $14,972.76 (+2.80%)
Russell 2000: $1,950.96 (+0.11%)
S&P/TSX Composite Index: $20,990.22 (+0.35%)
PHLX Gold and Silver Sector: $120.64 (+1.86%)

The Biggest Investing Stories From the Last 7 Days

This week, we've got Netflix’s revenue boost, a major energy merger, embarrassment for the SEC, GM’s changing consumer tastes, and a wave of M&A in biopharma.

🎥 Netflix Hits 23M Users with Ads

Discover how Netflix's NFLX 0.00%↑ innovative ad-based plan is reshaping its market position and revenue streams, now surpassing 23 million active users globally. This shift, fueled by a Microsoft partnership, offers key insights for retail investors on its impact on the streaming industry and investment strategies.

Netflix Ad-Based Plan Surges to 23 Million Users —>

🤝 Major Energy Merger

Learn about the $7.4 billion Chesapeake CHK 0.00%↑ Southwestern SWN 0.00%↑ major energy merger set to transform the natural gas industry. Incidentally, SWN stock featured in our Value Picks in December.

Chesapeake and Southwestern Merge in $7.4 Billion Deal —>

🔓 Cyber Attack Shakes SEC

Read the story behind the recent SEC cybersecurity breach that caused a stir in the Bitcoin market. This pivotal moment not only shook the crypto world but also highlighted significant vulnerabilities in online financial security.

X Account Hack Makes Mockery of SEC —>

📊 GM's Sales Pivot

See how a major sales shift at General Motors signals changing consumer tastes in China and could impact your investments. Click to learn more about the evolving car industry.

General Motors Sees Major Market Shift, US Outpaces China —>

💊 M&A Wave in Biopharma

The biopharmaceutical sector is experiencing a remarkable surge in mergers and acquisitions (M&A), signaling a revitalization of the industry.

Biopharmaceutical M&A Surge Revitalizes Industry —>

PRESENTED BY QYOU MEDIA

India's Youth Surge Fuels Digital Explosion

QYOU Media Inc. (TSXV: QYOU) (OTC: QYOUF) is an investment gateway into the future of digital entertainment and advertising. At its core, QYOU is an entertainment dynamo. The company's channels have not only grown at pace but have clinched awards and amplified social media influencers. Better still, QYOU Media is attracting high-profile advertisers. Brands don't just casually invest in platforms. They seek out winners. Nestle, Pepsi, Amazon, HP, Spotify, Google, Coca-Cola, and Unilever are just some of the industry titans that have selected QYOU Media.

Explore this growth investing opportunity —>

Hot Topics

Bill Ackman: Ackman, a renowned hedge fund manager, is backing four Harvard alumni for the university's board of overseers, aiming to reshape its governance. This move follows his role in the recent resignation of Harvard's president. Ackman criticizes Harvard for its handling of antisemitism and diversity programs. Meanwhile, Ackman is angry at Business Insider for publishing plagiarism accusations about his wife, Neri Oxman. Business Insider stands by its reports.

Recession and Inflation: Slowing growth and the potential for an inflation resurgence are two persistent themes that investors should keep in mind when shaping their investment strategies. However, bond traders are increasingly confident that US yields will decrease, anticipating a series of interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve.

Bond Market: The US, UK, and eurozone are set to issue a record $2.1 trillion in bonds in 2024, up 7% from last year, to fund high budget deficits. This has led to higher rates on US 10-year Treasuries due to a credit rating downgrade. With central banks buying fewer bonds, governments are offering higher yields to attract investors. Despite debates on the impact of this increase, the US Treasury is adjusting its strategy in response. This large bond issuance is impacting yields amid global growth slowdown and rising interest rates.

Boeing Criticized: Boeing continues to make headlines as the future of its 737-Max jets comes into question. The company is under fresh scrutiny over its 737 MAX following the emergency landing of an Alaska Airlines flight.

VTM Stock Picks

This week, VTM's stock screeners have identified several promising stocks, with a focus on value, growth, and dividend potential.

💎 Value Stock Picks 💎

Essent Group Ltd. (ESNT)

P/E Ratio: 8.6
PEG Ratio: 0.8

Essent Group ESNT 0.00%↑ stands out as a value stock due to its low P/E ratio, indicating it is potentially undervalued relative to earnings. The PEG ratio below 1 suggests growth potential, and the stock sports positive analyst sentiment. Essent Group serves the housing finance industry.

Air Lease Corporation Class A (AL)

P/E Ratio: 8.9
PEG Ratio: 0.9

Air Lease Corporation AL 0.00%↑ is a promising value pick, with its 'Buy' rating signifying strong analyst confidence. The P/E ratio under 9 aligns with value investing criteria and a PEG ratio just below 1 point to growth prospects. Air Lease has been thriving in the recovering air travel sector. It has a fleet of 541 aircraft, ordered 334 more to deliver through 2029, invested $1.2 billion in new aircraft, sold seven for $440 million, and recently enhanced its financial capacity to $7.4 billion.

Webster Financial Corporation (WBS)

P/E Ratio: 9.5
PEG Ratio: 0.6

Webster Financial Corporation WBS 0.00%↑ also sports attractive value investing metrics, indicating potential for growth. The 'Overweight' analyst consensus further underscores its potential as a solid investment choice. Webster recently agreed to acquire Ametros Financial Corp, a firm specializing in managing medical settlement funds, from Long Ridge Equity Partners.

🚀 Growth Stock Picks 🚀

Weatherford International plc (WFRD)

ROE: 65.2%
Mean Sales Growth Rolling 12 Months: 19.8%

Weatherford International plc WFRD 0.00%↑ stands out as a strong growth stock due to its impressive ROE and impressive EPS growth. This indicates the company's efficiency in generating profits and its potential for rapid earnings growth.

Cinemark Holdings, Inc. (CNK)

ROE: 94.6%
Mean Sales Growth Rolling 12 Months: 20.8%

Cinemark Holdings, Inc. CNK 0.00%↑ metrics suggest a robust profitability and earnings expansion, positioning it as a potentially attractive growth stock. Management remains cautiously optimistic about the 2024 film supply despite potential actor strikes. It is maintaining conservative capital allocation to strengthen its balance sheet and consider dividend reinstatement. The company sees growth in premium amenities and the recovering Latin American movie industry, with consumer spending on premium experiences and concessions remaining strong despite economic challenges.

HCI Group, Inc. (HCI)

ROE: 25.2%
Mean Sales Growth Rolling 12 Months: 4.4%

HCI Group, Inc. HCI 0.00%↑ is an attractive pick due to its substantial ROE and a positive trajectory in revenue generation. The company appears to have strong profit-generating capability and potential for significant earnings growth. HCI Group, Inc. operates in various sectors like insurance, IT, real estate, and reinsurance, aiming to ensure consistent profits, high margins, and long-term value for shareholders.

🏦 Dividend Stock Picks 🏦

Saratoga Investment Corp. (SAR)

Dividend Yield: 11.9%
Dividend Payout Ratio: 118.3%

Saratoga Investment Corp. SAR 0.00%↑ offers a high dividend yield, making it an attractive option for income-focused investors. Despite a high payout ratio, its consistent performance in the finance sector underscores its potential as a reliable dividend stock. Saratoga is an externally-managed Business Development Company (BDC) that focuses on providing debt solutions to middle-market companies in the United States.

Propel Holdings, Inc. (PRL)

Dividend Yield: 3.3%
Dividend Payout Ratio: 66.2%

Propel Holdings, a Canada-based fintech company focused on credit inclusion using AI, stands out with a moderate dividend yield coupled with a sustainable payout ratio. Its significant growth in earnings per share and high return on equity highlight its financial strength, supporting its ability to maintain dividend payments. Propel was ranked as one of the fastest-growing companies in North America on the 2023 Deloitte Technology Fast 500™.

AltaGas Ltd. (ALA)

Dividend Yield: 4.2%
Dividend Payout Ratio: 74.7%

Canadian-listed energy infrastructure company AltaGas Ltd. $ALA balances a respectable dividend yield with a manageable payout ratio. Its position in the energy sector, combined with a solid financial foundation and stable cash flow, suggests a robust dividend stock choice. The company is focused on growth and expansion.

Stocks Trending on Google Search

Google Search trends can help you see what stocks investors are interested in, guiding you to research these stocks and decide if they're good investments for you.

IBIT Stock

IBIT 0.00%↑

Google Search Interest: Breakout

The iShares Bitcoin Trust (IBIT) is in the spotlight since the SEC began to approve Bitcoin ETFs last week.

JNPR Stock

JNPR 0.00%↑

Google Search Interest: +1,050%

Juniper Networks, Inc JNPR 0.00%↑ is trending as Hewlett Packard Enterprise HPE 0.00%↑ nears deal to acquire the company for $14bn.

Investing Intel