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This Unstoppable Stock Has Soared 1,550% Since Its IPO. It Could Be the Most Prominent Stock-Split Stock of 2026.
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-16 08:02
Core Viewpoint - Meta Platforms is positioned for significant growth due to its extensive user base, strong financial performance, and advancements in AI technology, making it a prime candidate for a stock split in 2026 [4][11]. Company Overview - Meta Platforms has a user base exceeding 3.5 billion daily users across its platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, and Threads, providing a vast audience for advertisers [5]. - The company is the second-largest digital advertiser globally, following Alphabet's Google, driven by its extensive user data that enhances targeted advertising [6]. Financial Performance - In Q3, Meta reported revenue of $51.2 billion, a 26% year-over-year increase, with adjusted earnings per share rising to $7.25, reflecting a 20% increase [6]. - Over the past decade, Meta's revenue has increased by 852%, and adjusted net income has surged by 959%, contributing to a stock price increase of 535% [10]. Market Trends - Global ad spending is projected to exceed $1 trillion by 2026, with social media advertising expected to grow by 16% in the coming year [7]. - Meta's advancements in AI, particularly with its Llama model, are enhancing content quality and user engagement, leading to a 10% increase in average ad prices [8][9]. Stock Split Potential - Meta has not conducted a stock split since its IPO in 2012, despite being the only stock among the "Magnificent Seven" that has not done so [10]. - With a current share price above $600 and a lower earnings multiple compared to its peers, Meta is seen as a strong candidate for a stock split [12]. Investment Case - The combination of consistent growth, industry leadership, and attractive valuation makes Meta an appealing investment opportunity ahead of a potential stock split [14].
This $15 Stock Could Be Your Ticket to Millionaire Status
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-16 06:18
Core Insights - The focus of investors is shifting towards agentic AI, with UiPath positioned as a potential long-term winner in this space [1][3]. Company Overview - UiPath is one of the few pure-play investment opportunities in agentic AI, which is still in its early stages [3]. - The company has a market capitalization of $8.2 billion, reflecting a 14% gain over the past year [3]. - UiPath's stock experienced volatility recently, influenced by the CEO's stock sales [3]. Market Position - UiPath is establishing dominance in robotic process automation (RPA), automating tasks traditionally performed by humans [4]. - The company has nearly 10,900 customers, with over 2,500 providing annualized renewal run rates (ARRs) of at least $100,000 [6]. Financial Performance - In the fiscal 2026 third quarter, UiPath reported an 11% year-over-year increase in ARR and a 16% rise in sales [7]. - The company boasts a gross margin of 83.16% [6]. - Notable clients include major companies like Alphabet, Microsoft, and OpenAI, indicating strong growth potential [7].
Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Just Delivered Fantastic News for Nvidia and Broadcom Stock Investors
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-16 06:00
The semiconductor foundry provided the clearest evidence yet that demand for AI remains robust.The release of ChatGPT in late 2022 kicked off an artificial intelligence (AI) boom that continues to this day. Advances in generative AI have fueled a tidal wave of adoption across consumer and business use cases. These advanced algorithms can generate original content, streamline repetitive tasks, write and debug computer code, target advertising, and more.Nvidia (NVDA +2.06%) and Broadcom (AVGO +0.92%) were amo ...
Could Investing $10,000 in Nvidia Stock Make You a Millionaire?
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-16 05:33
Core Insights - Nvidia is rapidly advancing in AI technology, solidifying its position as a leader in AI infrastructure through new product releases [1][2] Product Development - Nvidia has introduced the Vera Rubin platform, described as its "first extreme-codesigned, six-chip AI platform," aimed at enhancing efficiency and reducing costs in data centers, which are crucial for AI development [3] - The company is also working on various new programs, including Alpamayo, an open-source model for autonomous vehicles [4] Market Position - Nvidia maintains strong relationships with major tech companies, particularly hyperscalers like Microsoft and Amazon, which rely on Nvidia's technology to support their AI ambitions [5] - The introduction of vertically integrated product lines is expected to deepen client engagement and create higher barriers for competitors [5] Financial Performance - In the fiscal third quarter of 2026, Nvidia reported a 66% year-over-year revenue increase, with a gross margin of 73.4% and earnings per share rising to $1.30 from $1.08 [7] - The company's market capitalization stands at $4.5 trillion, with a current stock price of $187.05 [9] Growth Prospects - Despite impressive past performance, there are concerns about Nvidia's ability to sustain high growth rates as it becomes a larger company [6][10] - Even with a hypothetical compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 50% over the next decade, Nvidia's sales would only reach $10 trillion, indicating challenges in maintaining growth [10][11] Investment Considerations - While Nvidia has shown significant returns for early investors, the potential for turning a $10,000 investment into $1 million appears less likely moving forward [12]
Prediction: This Will Be the Most Valuable Company by the End of 2026
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-16 05:00
Core Viewpoint - Nvidia is currently the most valuable stock globally with a market cap of $4.5 trillion, primarily due to its dominance in the AI chip market, but it may soon be overtaken by Alphabet, which is gaining traction in AI and is considered undervalued [2][3][12] Nvidia - Nvidia's market cap stands at $4.5 trillion, and its stock has seen a recent increase of 2.06% [2][8] - The company reported a 62% increase in sales for the October quarter, showcasing its strong growth [7] - Nvidia's gross margin is 70.05%, and it has a dividend yield of 0.02% [8] - The stock is trading at an estimated 24 times its future earnings, which is based on optimistic analyst projections [9] Alphabet - Alphabet's market cap is approximately $4 trillion, and its stock has risen over 70% in the past year, yet it is still considered undervalued compared to Nvidia [5][12] - The company has developed a competitive chatbot named Gemini, which is gaining recognition in the AI space [5][4] - Alphabet's gross margin is 59.18%, and it offers a higher dividend yield of 0.25% [11] - The stock is trading at around 30 times its forward earnings, indicating a higher valuation compared to Nvidia [9] Comparative Analysis - Alphabet is viewed as a safer investment due to its diversified business model, which may make it less vulnerable to market fluctuations compared to Nvidia [10][12] - If Alphabet's stock had not been underestimated in terms of its AI opportunities, it could have already surpassed Nvidia in market value [12] - The potential for Alphabet to overtake Nvidia as the most valuable company is anticipated as the year progresses [12]
UnitedHealth at an Inflection Point: Margin Recovery or Prolonged Challenges?
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-16 04:30
Core Viewpoint - UnitedHealth Group is facing significant challenges due to rising medical costs and has had to adjust its earnings guidance, leading to a substantial decline in stock value. The company is now focused on restoring profit margins through rate increases, but the sustainability of this recovery remains uncertain [1][4][5]. Financial Performance - In 2025, UnitedHealth's medical care ratio (MCR) increased to nearly 90% from around 85% in Q2 2024, indicating rising claims and profitability challenges [4]. - Net margins fell sharply to 2.1% in Q3 2025 from 6% in Q3 2024, highlighting the extent of the profitability issues [5]. Management Strategy - The company has initiated aggressive repricing across its Medicare Advantage, individual, and commercial risk-based plans to improve margins, prioritizing profit over growth despite expected membership attrition [6]. - Stephen Hemsley, who returned as CEO, is focusing on restoring margins through strategic rate increases [2][4]. Market Position - UnitedHealth's competitive advantage lies in its vertical integration, which includes insurance, care delivery, pharmacies, and data infrastructure, providing it with negotiating power and cost advantages [8]. - The company has over 50 million members, allowing it to negotiate lower rates with hospitals and drug manufacturers [8]. Investment Sentiment - Berkshire Hathaway's investment of approximately $1.6 billion in UnitedHealth during Q2 2025 reflects confidence in the company's long-term durability [9]. - The stock is currently trading at 18.8 times earnings estimates for 2026, below its five-year mean of 25.2, making it an attractive option for long-term investors [16]. Future Outlook - The upcoming earnings call is expected to provide detailed guidance for 2026, offering insights into margin improvement and membership attrition [15]. - The company anticipates a reduction in Medicare Advantage reimbursements by approximately $6 billion, but expects to offset about half of this shortfall [12]. - Ongoing challenges in the Medicaid business and a Department of Justice investigation add uncertainty to the company's outlook [13].
The Best Stocks to Invest $10,000 in Right Now
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-16 04:00
Investment Opportunities - The market is currently at all-time highs, but there are still significant investment opportunities available [1] - Three stocks are highlighted as excellent buys for 2026: Nvidia, MercadoLibre, and The Trade Desk, each representing different market approaches [2] Nvidia - Nvidia is the world's largest company by market capitalization, primarily due to its leading graphics processing units (GPUs) that support artificial intelligence workloads [3] - The company has a market cap of $4.5 trillion, with a current stock price of $186.92 and a gross margin of 70.05% [4][5] - Analysts project a remarkable 50% revenue growth for Nvidia in fiscal year 2027, driven by increased AI spending and the launch of its new architecture, Rubin [6] MercadoLibre - MercadoLibre is often referred to as the "Amazon of Latin America," with a strong e-commerce platform and logistics network enabling rapid delivery [7] - The company has a market cap of $107 billion, with a current stock price of $2098.85 and a gross margin of 45.14% [8][9] - MercadoLibre has built a digital payment infrastructure from scratch, giving it a competitive edge in two significant growth areas, and the stock is currently down nearly 20% from its all-time high, presenting a buying opportunity [9][10] The Trade Desk - The Trade Desk operates an ad technology platform that connects ad buyers with optimal ad placements, excluding major platforms like Facebook and Google [11] - Despite facing challenges with its new AI-powered ad platform, The Trade Desk has retained 95% of its customer base and achieved 18% growth, although this is the lowest growth rate in its history [12][14] - The company is expected to grow at an above-average pace, with a forward earnings price of 18 times, compared to the S&P 500's 22.4 times, making it an attractive investment opportunity [14][15]
This Payments Stock Is Down 24% but One Value Fund Just Lifted Its Bet on Shares to $15 Million
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-16 03:46
Core Viewpoint - Value Holdings Management has increased its stake in Euronet Worldwide by purchasing 98,289 shares, valued at approximately $7.66 million, indicating confidence in the company's long-term earnings potential despite recent stock underperformance [2][3]. Company Overview - Euronet Worldwide operates a global network of over 50,000 ATMs and numerous POS and money transfer locations, providing electronic payment solutions and transaction processing services [5][8]. - The company reported a market capitalization of $3.03 billion and generated revenue of $4.18 billion with a net income of $304.30 million over the trailing twelve months [4]. Recent Financial Performance - In the most recent quarter, Euronet's revenue increased by 4% year-over-year to approximately $1.15 billion, with operating income rising by 7% and adjusted EBITDA climbing by 8% [10]. - Adjusted earnings per share grew by 19% to $3.62, and the company ended the quarter with over $1.1 billion in unrestricted cash and access to about $1.8 billion in revolving credit capacity [10]. Market Position and Strategy - Euronet's diversified business model includes electronic fund transfers, prepaid product distribution, and consumer money transfer, which supports consistent fee-based revenue streams [5][8]. - The company serves a wide range of clients, including financial institutions, retailers, and individual consumers, across international markets [8]. Investor Insights - The recent purchase by Value Holdings Management brings Euronet's position to 2.5% of the fund's 13F reportable assets under management, reflecting a strategic investment in a company with a solid operational foundation [3][9]. - Despite the stock's 24.6% decline over the past year, the investment signals confidence in the company's earnings durability rather than short-term price momentum [3][9]. Future Outlook - Management anticipates full-year adjusted EPS growth of 12% to 16%, although it acknowledges potential impacts from unforeseen factors such as foreign exchange rates and interest rates [11].
What a New $6.2 Million Corporate Bond Allocation Signals for Investors in 2026
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-16 03:05
Core Viewpoint - Capital Asset Advisory Services has increased its stake in the Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF, indicating a strategic shift towards stability and income in the current market environment [2][6]. Group 1: Transaction Details - On January 9, Capital Asset Advisory Services disclosed the purchase of 79,178 shares of the Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF, valued at approximately $6.19 million based on the average closing price during the fourth quarter [2]. - The quarter-end value of the position increased by $5.76 million, reflecting both trading activity and market price changes [2]. Group 2: Fund Overview - The Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF tracks the Bloomberg U.S. Corporate Bond Index, providing diversified exposure to investment-grade corporate bonds [5][8]. - As of January 8, the ETF's price was $77.69, with an assets under management (AUM) of $1.51 billion and a yield of 4.75% [4][5]. Group 3: Investment Strategy and Market Context - The ETF aims to deliver consistent income and risk-adjusted returns within the corporate bond segment, appealing to institutional investors seeking efficient fixed-income allocation [5][9]. - The current investment strategy reflects a focus on locking in yield amid market volatility, rather than making directional bets on equity markets [6][10].
Nvidia H200 and AMD MI325X Got Hit With New Tariffs
The Motley Fool· 2026-01-16 02:47
Core Viewpoint - The recent updates regarding semiconductor tariffs may indicate a potential reopening of the Chinese market for companies like Nvidia and AMD [1] Group 1: Company Impact - Nvidia's stock price increased by 2.06% following the news [1] - Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) saw a stock price rise of 1.87% in response to the developments [1] Group 2: Industry Context - The discussion centers around the implications of new semiconductor tariffs on the AI sector and related stocks [1]