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2 Fintech Stocks to Buy Hand Over Fist in 2026 and Hold for 10 Years
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-20 09:50
Industry Overview - The fintech market is projected to expand rapidly over the next decade, driven by factors such as the growth of e-commerce [2] - Investors are encouraged to consider shares of leading companies in the fintech sector for long-term performance [2] Company: Adyen - Adyen simplifies payment systems for companies, allowing them to accept payments for online and in-person transactions through a single integrated platform, attracting major clients like Etsy, Spotify, and McDonald's [3] - Despite struggling in recent years, Adyen's net revenue increased by 20% year over year to 1.1 billion euros ($1.3 billion) in the first half of 2025, with an EBITDA margin of 50%, up from 46% [5] - The company reported a net income of 481 million euros, reflecting a 17% year-over-year increase [5] - Adyen maintains a strong economic moat due to high switching costs for clients, and its expansion into the U.S. market and focus on large-format retail clients present attractive growth prospects [7][8] Company: PayPal - PayPal has faced challenges with subpar financial results and user growth, processing $458.1 billion in payment volume, which is an 8% year-over-year increase, with 438 million active accounts [9] - The company is entering the digital advertising sector, leveraging transaction and consumer preference data to enhance its ad platform [10][12] - PayPal's strong brand recognition and trust position it well to benefit from the growing popularity of digital wallets, making it a potential leader in the fintech market over the next decade [13]
Is Walmart Stock Built to Withstand the Next Economic Downturn?​
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-20 09:45
Core Viewpoint - Walmart's business strategy focuses on maintaining low prices and convenience, positioning the company to perform well even during economic downturns [1][6][10] Company Overview - Walmart operates a global network of retail stores and a membership warehouse club, Sam's Club, with the U.S. division contributing the majority of its revenue [2][5] - The company has a long history of offering low prices, which it achieves through stringent cost control [3] Technology and Investment - Walmart invests in technology to enhance customer convenience, including same-day pickup and delivery, with significant capital expenditures directed towards supply chain and customer-facing initiatives [4] Sales Performance - In the fiscal third quarter, Walmart's U.S. same-store sales increased by 4.5%, driven by higher customer traffic and increased spending [5] - The company attracted higher-income consumers during this period, similar to trends observed during previous economic downturns [6] Stock Performance - Walmart's stock has performed well, gaining 31.2% over the past year, surpassing the S&P 500 index's 19% increase [8] - The current market capitalization is $954 billion, with a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 42, higher than the S&P 500's P/E of 31 [9] Valuation Perspective - Given Walmart's historical success and resilience in various economic conditions, a higher valuation multiple is considered justified [10]
Best Dividend Stock to Buy Right Now: Realty Income vs. BP
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-20 09:25
Core Viewpoint - Realty Income is considered a better dividend stock compared to BP despite BP having a slightly higher dividend yield, due to differences in dividend reliability and business strategies [1][6][14] Dividend Examination - BP has a dividend yield of 5.6%, while Realty Income has a yield of 5.3% [1][2] - Realty Income has increased its dividend for 30 consecutive years, whereas BP cut its dividend in 2020 [3][6] - BP's dividend cut was part of a strategic shift towards renewable energy, but it has since reversed its commitment to clean energy [4][6] Business Model Analysis - Realty Income operates as a real estate investment trust (REIT) focusing on single-tenant retail properties with a net lease approach, which minimizes operational risks [7][8][9] - Realty Income has a portfolio of over 15,500 properties and maintains a reliable dividend supported by an investment-grade-rated balance sheet [9] - BP operates in the volatile oil sector, leading to fluctuations in earnings and potential dividend instability [10][12] Comparative Analysis - BP's higher yield does not equate to a reliable dividend stock, as evidenced by its dividend history and high debt-to-equity ratio [12][13] - TotalEnergies, another integrated energy company, has maintained its dividend without cuts, contrasting BP's approach [5][14]
5 Tangible Risks That Can Upend Nvidia's Parabolic Climb in 2026
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-20 09:06
Core Insights - The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has significantly impacted Nvidia, with its market cap increasing by over $4.1 trillion since the beginning of 2023, making it a leader in the AI revolution [2] - Nvidia's GPUs are the preferred choice for AI-accelerated data centers, and the company is expected to maintain its competitive edge with annual releases of advanced chips [3] Group 1: Risks to Nvidia's Growth - The potential for an AI bubble to burst poses a significant risk to Nvidia, as historical trends show that rapid technological adoption can lead to market corrections [5][8] - Internal competition from Nvidia's top customers developing their own AI solutions could undermine Nvidia's pricing power and gross margins [10][12] - Regulatory challenges in China, including export restrictions and tariffs, threaten Nvidia's sales in a key market, although there is potential for revenue if regulatory issues are resolved [13][15][16] Group 2: Innovation and Market Valuation Concerns - CEO Jensen Huang's aggressive innovation strategy, while successful, risks rapid depreciation of older GPU models, which could affect future sales and upgrade cycles [17][19][20] - Nvidia's price-to-sales (P/S) ratio has reached levels historically associated with market bubbles, raising concerns about sustainability in a potentially overvalued stock market [22][24]
Quantum Computing Stocks IonQ, Rigetti Computing, D-Wave Quantum, and Quantum Computing Inc. Served Up a $4.15 Billion Reality Check for Wall Street -- but Are Investors Paying Attention?
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-20 08:51
Core Insights - Quantum computing stocks have surged significantly, with some companies experiencing gains of up to 6,200% in 2025, highlighting both excitement and inherent risks in next-big-thing technology investments [2][10] - The potential economic value of quantum computing is estimated to be between $450 billion and $1 trillion by 2040 and 2035 respectively, indicating a substantial market opportunity for investors [6] - Major financial institutions, such as JPMorgan Chase, are recognizing quantum computing as a critical area for investment, further driving interest in the sector [7] Company Performance - Companies like IonQ, Rigetti Computing, D-Wave Quantum, and Quantum Computing Inc. have shown high double-digit or triple-digit annual sales growth potential, but are expected to continue losing money for the foreseeable future [14] - In 2025, these companies collectively raised $4.15 billion through various share offerings, indicating a reliance on external capital to fund operations and development [15][17] - The financial performance of these companies is contrasted with larger tech firms, which have more robust financial resources and established operating segments [19] Market Dynamics - Quantum computing technology is positioned to enhance AI algorithms and optimize drug development processes, showcasing its real-world applications [4][5] - The market for quantum computing is still in its infancy, with analysts suggesting it will take several years for these technologies to become commercially viable compared to classical computing [12] - The competitive landscape includes significant players like Microsoft and Alphabet, which have the financial strength to invest in quantum technologies, posing challenges for smaller pure-play companies [19][20]
Billionaires Buy 2 Artificial Intelligence (AI) Stocks Up 830% and 1,180% Since 2023
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-20 08:30
Core Insights - Several top hedge fund managers have purchased shares of Nvidia and Western Digital in Q3, indicating confidence in these stocks despite their significant price increases since January 2023 [1][2]. Nvidia - Nvidia has seen a remarkable return of 1,180% since January 2023, driven by its leadership in graphics processing units (GPUs) and a full-stack strategy that includes data center hardware and software development tools [3][4]. - The company optimizes data center performance by integrating GPUs with CPUs and networking gear, which simplifies infrastructure for customers [5]. - Nvidia's total cost of operation (TCO) is competitive, making it difficult for cheaper alternatives to gain traction, suggesting sustained dominance in AI infrastructure [6]. - Wall Street estimates Nvidia's adjusted earnings will grow at 67% annually through the fiscal year ending January 2027, with a median target price of $250 per share, implying a 33% upside from the current price of $187 [8]. Western Digital - Western Digital has increased by 830% since January 2023, focusing on data storage devices across various markets, particularly hard disk drives (HDDs) [9][12]. - The company leads in HDD shipments, with data center HDD sales projected to grow at 22% annually through 2030, driven by AI infrastructure demand [11]. - In Q1 of fiscal 2026, Western Digital reported a 27% revenue increase to $2.8 billion, with non-GAAP earnings rising 137% to $1.78 per diluted share [12]. - Wall Street estimates adjusted earnings will grow at 26% annually through the fiscal year ending July 2027, with a current valuation of 34 times earnings appearing reasonable [13]. - However, concerns exist regarding the cyclical nature of the HDD market, with potential oversupply following the current shortage, which could lead to lower future earnings expectations and a median target price of $200 per share, indicating a 10% downside from the current price [14].
Could This Nuclear Stock Turn $1,000 Into $100,000?
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-20 08:05
Core Viewpoint - The U.S. power demands related to AI are expected to grow tenfold by 2030, while the aging power grid poses challenges for meeting these demands [1] Group 1: Company Overview - Nano Nuclear Energy (NNE) aims to deploy small, portable nuclear reactors to provide continuous power to AI data centers, differentiating itself by focusing on portability [2] - The company currently lacks regulatory approval from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) to deploy its reactor design commercially, resulting in no revenue generation [3] Group 2: Market Potential - For Nano Nuclear to achieve a 100-fold gain from a current market cap of approximately $1.8 billion to a valuation of $180 billion, it must secure NRC approval and dominate the energy sector [4] - Achieving even a tenfold gain would require significant progress in the NRC approval process, agreements for technology deployment, and revenue generation, which is likely several years away [5]
Is 2026 the Year to Buy UWM Holdings?
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-20 07:00
Core Viewpoint - UWM Holdings is positioned for a potential recovery due to macroeconomic changes and a pending merger, despite past declines in performance and share price [1][2]. Macroeconomic Factors - The housing market is showing signs of recovery, with mortgage rates at a three-year low, which could enhance UWM's operating performance [3]. - A potential repurchase of $200 billion in mortgage bonds by representatives of President Trump could further influence mortgage rates positively [4]. Company-Specific Catalysts - UWM is undergoing a significant shift towards AI and automation, which could result in cost savings exceeding $100 million [8]. - The planned acquisition of Two Harbors Investment could yield annual growth synergies of up to $150 million [9]. Stock Performance and Valuation - UWM Holdings has seen a nearly 40% increase in stock price since the beginning of the year, currently trading at approximately 13.5 times forward earnings, indicating it is fairly priced compared to other mortgage-focused financial stocks [10]. - Upcoming Q4 2025 earnings report could further elevate expectations and stock price, especially if strong results and promising guidance are provided [11].
Amazon vs. MercadoLibre: Which Stock Will Make You Richer?
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-20 06:33
Core Insights - MercadoLibre is positioned to dominate the e-commerce and fintech landscape in Latin America, drawing comparisons to Amazon's growth trajectory in North America [1] - Amazon remains unmatched in global e-commerce size and scale, with diversified revenue streams including AWS and advertising [2] - MercadoLibre is experiencing significant growth, particularly in its fintech arm, Mercado Pago, which has seen a 29% year-over-year increase in monthly active users and an 83% growth in its credit portfolio [5] Company Performance - Amazon's stock has underperformed the S&P 500 over the past year and five years, indicating a potential shift from a growth stock to a value stock as the business matures [3] - MercadoLibre's market capitalization stands at $105 billion, with a current price of $2076.83 and a gross margin of 45.14% [4] - Mercado Pago's user base has reached 72 million monthly active users, reflecting the region's increasing adoption of digital banking and e-commerce technology [5] Market Trends - Latin America is identified as the fastest-growing e-commerce market globally, leading to an increase in digital payment methods among consumers [7] - MercadoLibre has maintained 27 consecutive quarters of growth above 30% year-over-year, highlighting its strong market position [6]
2 Artificial Intelligence Stocks to Buy in 2026 That Could Be Better Picks Than Nvidia
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-20 06:00
Core Insights - Nvidia is the leader in the AI accelerator market, which is projected to grow at a CAGR of 29% through 2030, indicating continued strong performance for Nvidia [1] - With a market cap of $4.6 trillion, achieving significant stock price growth becomes increasingly challenging, prompting investors to consider smaller companies with higher growth potential [2] Company Analysis Micron Technology - Micron develops high-bandwidth memory (HBM), which is in high demand due to the AI data center boom, positioning it favorably in the market [3] - In Q1 of fiscal 2026, Micron reported revenue of $13.6 billion, a 57% increase year-over-year, with net income reaching $5.2 billion compared to $1.9 billion in the same quarter last year [4] - The stock price has risen by 250% over the past year, leading to a market cap of over $340 billion, with a P/E ratio of 34, slightly above the S&P 500 average [6] Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) - AMD is well-positioned to compete with Nvidia, with a market cap around $380 billion and plans to release the MI450 AI accelerator, which may outperform Nvidia's offerings [7][8] - In Q3 of 2025, AMD's revenue was $9.2 billion, reflecting a 36% year-over-year growth, with net income of $1.2 billion and a profit growth rate of 61% [9] - Despite a P/E ratio of 115, AMD's forward P/E of 35 suggests potential for rapid profit growth, making it an attractive investment opportunity [11]