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3 S&P 500 Stocks That Could Soar 49% or More in 2026, According to Wall Street
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-14 08:45
Core Viewpoint - Analysts predict significant rebounds for certain S&P 500 stocks, with potential gains of 49% or more by 2026, despite recent underperformance in the market [1]. Group 1: Charter Communications - Charter Communications provides broadband, cable TV, mobile, and voice services across 41 U.S. states, owning over 30 local TV news and digital networks [3]. - The stock has seen a decline of approximately 50% from its peak, with a current price of $206.60 and a market cap of $27 billion [4][5]. - Despite the downturn, analysts project a 49% upside in the next 12 months, with a low forward price-to-earnings ratio of 4.8 and $1.6 billion in free cash flow reported in the latest quarter [6][6]. Group 2: Oracle - Oracle has transitioned from a relational database platform to a leading provider of cloud applications and services [7]. - The stock has faced pressure due to concerns over debt for AI expansion and disappointing fiscal Q2 results, yet it remains up double digits year-to-date [8]. - The consensus price target suggests a potential increase of around 70%, with 30 out of 43 analysts rating it as a "buy" or "strong buy" [9][10]. Group 3: The Trade Desk - The Trade Desk operates a leading platform for digital ad buyers, but its stock has dropped over 65% in 2025 due to slowing growth and competitive pressures [11][12]. - The current price is $36.65, with a market cap of $18 billion, and analysts forecast a potential upside of around 67% in the next 12 months [13][14]. - The connected TV market is expected to drive growth, along with opportunities outside North America [14].
1 Major Catalyst That Could Send Applied Digital Stock Higher
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-14 08:25
Core Insights - Applied Digital is experiencing significant growth, with shares surging 295% year to date due to rising demand for data center capacity driven by artificial intelligence infrastructure [1][2] - The company is expected to announce more leasing deals in the coming year, which will act as a catalyst for stock performance [2] Industry Context - Publicly traded hyperscalers are projected to spend $350 billion on AI data centers this year, while McKinsey estimates a need for $6.7 trillion globally by 2030 to meet compute power demands [4] - Current lead times for new data centers are at least five years, creating urgency for hyperscalers to secure immediate capacity [5] Company Developments - Applied Digital has signed a long-term lease with CoreWeave for its Polaris Forge 1 campus, expected to generate $11 billion in revenue over 15 years by supplying 400 megawatts (MW) of data center load [6] - A second 15-year lease with an undisclosed hyperscaler, valued at $5 billion, was announced, with plans to supply 200 MW of data center load [7] - The company has a robust development pipeline with 4 gigawatts (GW) of data center load in active projects [7] Financial Position - Applied Digital's current market cap is approximately $7.8 billion, with a gross margin of 14.46% [9] - The company has secured $5 billion in funding from Macquarie Asset Management, which mitigates financing risks associated with construction [11] - Despite a net loss of $28 million last quarter, the company has reduced data center build times from 24 to 12 months, enhancing operational efficiency [10][11] Market Outlook - The current market cap appears to fairly value existing deals, suggesting potential upside for investors with each new lease agreement [12]
3 HSA Mistakes to Avoid in 2026
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-14 08:18
Group 1 - The article emphasizes the importance of maximizing contributions to tax-advantaged accounts such as HSAs, IRAs, and 401(k) plans to benefit from tax breaks [1][3] - In 2026, the maximum contribution limits for HSAs will increase, with $4,400 for self-only coverage and $8,750 for family coverage [7][11] - Individuals aged 55 and older can contribute an additional $1,000 as a catch-up contribution to their HSA [4] Group 2 - It is advised to avoid treating HSAs as regular spending accounts, as the funds can grow tax-free if left untouched [5][8] - Eligibility for HSAs can change annually based on health plan rules, and individuals should verify their eligibility before contributing [9][10] - Funding an HSA when not eligible can lead to tax penalties, highlighting the need for strategic management of HSA accounts [10]
Will the Stock Market Soar in 2026? The Federal Reserve Has Good News for Investors.
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-14 08:06
Economic Growth Forecast - The Federal Reserve raised its economic growth forecast for 2026, projecting GDP to increase by 2.3%, up from a previous forecast of 1.8% [2] - Strong GDP growth is often associated with strong stock market returns, which is positive news for investors [3] Stock Market Performance - Wall Street anticipates another strong performance from the S&P 500 in 2026, with a projected index level of 7,968, indicating a potential upside of about 17% from its current level of 6,827 [8] - The S&P 500 has historically shown muted returns following interest rate cuts, averaging only 3% in the year after such cuts, compared to a long-term average return of about 10% [6][5] Earnings Growth Expectations - Analysts expect S&P 500 earnings to grow by 13.1% in 2025 and 14.7% in 2026, driven by strong results from the information technology and materials sectors [9] - Factors contributing to this optimistic outlook include reductions in corporate taxes due to new deductions for R&D spending and equipment purchases, as well as the positive impact of artificial intelligence on revenue and operating margins [10] Valuation Concerns - The S&P 500 is currently trading at 22.5 times forward earnings, which is above its five-year average of 20 and ten-year average of 18.7, indicating that stocks are historically expensive [7]
Prediction: 1 Unstoppable Stock to Buy Before It Soars 369%, According to a Certain Wall Street Analyst
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-14 07:59
Core Viewpoint - Despite some investor caution regarding AI stocks, a Wall Street analyst has significantly increased their price target for Nvidia, predicting it could become a $20 trillion company by 2030 [1][3]. Company Performance - Nvidia has experienced remarkable growth over the past decade, with revenue and net income increasing by 3,970% and 15,320%, respectively, leading to stock price gains of 21,640% [5]. - In the fiscal 2026 third quarter, Nvidia reported record revenue of $57 billion, a 62% year-over-year increase and a 22% sequential increase, with earnings per share (EPS) of $1.30, up 67% [6]. - The data center segment is a key growth driver, with sales reaching $51.2 billion, a 66% increase, indicating strong ongoing demand for AI [7]. Market Outlook - Nvidia's management forecasts fourth-quarter revenue of $65 billion, representing a 66% year-over-year growth at the midpoint of guidance [7]. - Initial projections for AI spending in 2025 were $250 billion, which have now increased to $405 billion, suggesting a bullish outlook for Nvidia's growth [8]. - Nvidia commands an estimated 92% market share in the data center GPU space, positioning it well to benefit from increased AI capital expenditures [9]. Growth Projections - Nvidia's current market cap is approximately $4.3 trillion, requiring a 369% stock price increase to reach the $20 trillion target [10]. - Wall Street projects annual revenue growth of 31% for Nvidia over the next five years, with a need for 34% growth to achieve $1 trillion in revenue by 2030 [11]. - Analyst Beth Kindig has doubled her market cap expectations for Nvidia to $20 trillion, citing a projected 36% annual growth in data center revenue over the next five years [12]. Investment Considerations - Nvidia is currently trading at 23 times next year's sales, with expected revenue growth of 48% to $316 billion [14].
What to Watch With Chewy Stock in 2026
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-14 07:35
Core Viewpoint - Chewy's stock has been stagnant since the 2022 bear market, but improvements in business conditions and new revenue streams may lead to a recovery in 2026 [1][2][10] Current Position of Chewy - Chewy competes with larger online retailers like Amazon, leveraging low prices, fast shipping, supplier relationships, and data analytics to offer competitive products [4] - The company stands out due to its excellent customer service, fostering customer loyalty and enhancing the popularity of its Autoship service, which provides a steady revenue stream [5] Financial Performance - In the first nine months of fiscal 2025, Chewy reported over $9.3 billion in net sales, an 8% increase from the same period in fiscal 2024 [6] - Costs and expenses grew at a slower pace than revenue, but a $216 million income tax benefit in 2024 resulted in a net income of $184 million, significantly lower than the $371 million from the previous year [7] - Chewy's forward P/E ratio is approximately 28, slightly below the S&P 500 average P/E of 31, indicating potential for profit growth despite recent challenges [8] Future Outlook - Analysts forecast an 8% revenue increase in fiscal 2027, suggesting that as investors recognize these improvements, the likelihood of a stock recovery in 2026 increases [9] - Chewy's efforts to develop new revenue sources have positioned the company for growth, with financials on a positive trajectory [10][11]
The Smartest High-Yield Dividend Stocks to Buy With $2,000 Right Now
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-14 07:15
Core Viewpoint - The current low dividend yield of the S&P 500 at approximately 1.2% makes it challenging for investors to find attractive dividend stocks, but master limited partnerships (MLPs) present lucrative income opportunities [1][2]. Group 1: MLPs Overview - MLPs like Energy Transfer, Enterprise Products Partners, and MPLX offer significantly higher yields compared to traditional stocks, with a combined investment of $2,000 generating an annual dividend income of $151.07 at an average yield of 7.6% [2]. - Energy Transfer has generated nearly $6.2 billion in cash flow in the first nine months of the year, covering $3.4 billion in distributions, allowing for further investments [4]. - Enterprise Products Partners boasts a strong financial position with an A-/A3 bond rating and a low leverage ratio of 3.3 times, comfortably covering its distribution by 1.5 times [7][10]. - MPLX maintains a conservative leverage ratio of 3.7 times and has a stable cash flow that supports its high-yielding payout, recently increasing its distribution by 12.5% [11][13]. Group 2: Financial Metrics and Growth Prospects - Energy Transfer plans to invest $4.6 billion in growth capital projects this year and an additional $5 billion in 2026, aiming for a 3% to 5% annual growth in its payout [6]. - Enterprise Products Partners is set to place $6 billion in expansion projects into service in the latter half of the year, which will enhance cash flow in the following year [9][10]. - MPLX has made significant acquisitions, including a $2.4 billion purchase of Northwind Midstream, and has a pipeline of growth projects expected to come online through 2029 [13]. Group 3: Tax Advantages and Investment Appeal - MLPs provide stable cash flows that enable them to pay high distributions while also investing in growth, making them attractive for income-seeking investors [14]. - The tax structure of MLPs allows investors to receive a Schedule K-1 Federal Tax Form, which can offer tax advantages compared to traditional dividend stocks [14].
Prediction: This AI Stock Could Lead the Market in 2026
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-14 06:33
Core Insights - Alphabet's stock has experienced significant growth, rising over 80% since July 1, 2025, and is expected to continue this momentum into 2026 [1][2] - The company is positioned to potentially become the world's largest company, currently holding a market cap of $3.9 trillion, closely trailing Nvidia and Apple [4] - Alphabet's growth is driven by strong earnings growth, particularly in its core Google Search and cloud computing divisions [6][10] Google Search Performance - Google Search, Alphabet's primary business, has shown a 15% revenue growth in Q3 2025, despite facing a monopoly case earlier in the year [7] - The resolution of the monopoly case in September has positively impacted the stock, allowing for continued solid growth [7] Generative AI and Competitive Position - Alphabet has made significant strides in the generative AI space, reportedly causing OpenAI to declare a "code red" due to Alphabet's competitive advancements [8] - The Gemini model is highlighted as a strong contender in the AI race, indicating Alphabet's potential to lead in this sector [8] Cloud Computing Growth - Google Cloud has seen a 34% year-over-year revenue increase in Q3, benefiting from the demand for AI-focused data centers [10] - The operating margin for Google Cloud improved from 17% to 24% year-over-year, showcasing enhanced profitability [10] Future Growth Opportunities - Alphabet is exploring new revenue streams through the potential sale of its Tensor Processing Units (TPUs) to Meta Platforms, which could further boost its stock price [12][13] - The company is also investing in quantum computing, having run the first verifiable algorithm on its Willow chip, positioning itself for future advancements in computing technology [14] Overall Outlook - Alphabet is excelling across multiple business units and is seen as a promising investment in the AI sector, with expectations of continued market leadership into 2026 and beyond [15]
Meet the Newest Stock-Split Stock in the S&P 500. It's Soared 80,730% Since Its IPO, and It's a Buy Heading into 2026, According to Wall Street.
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-14 06:30
Core Viewpoint - Netflix has successfully completed a 10-for-1 forward stock split, indicating strong business performance and stock price growth, with an impressive 80,730% increase since its IPO in 2002 [1][9]. Company Performance - In Q3, Netflix reported a revenue increase of 17% year-over-year to $11.5 billion, with adjusted earnings per share (EPS) rising 27% to $6.87 [6]. - The company anticipates continued growth, projecting Q4 revenue of $11.96 billion and EPS of $5.45, reflecting a 28% increase [6]. Acquisition Plans - Netflix announced plans to acquire certain assets from Warner Bros. Discovery in a deal valued at $82.7 billion, which includes Warner Bros. film and television studios and HBO streaming services [9]. - The acquisition has been unanimously approved by both companies' boards but is pending regulatory approval [9]. Market Position and Analyst Sentiment - Despite concerns regarding the acquisition's price and integration risks, 67% of Wall Street analysts maintain a buy or strong buy rating for Netflix, with an average price target of $129, suggesting a potential upside of 34% [13]. - Netflix's stock is currently trading at a premium of 39 times earnings, which is lower than its average multiple of 45 over the past three years, making it more attractive [14]. Historical Context and Industry Trends - Netflix has transitioned from a DVD-by-mail service to a leading streaming platform, capitalizing on the decline of traditional broadcast and cable television [5]. - The company has a wealth of viewer data and a sophisticated recommendation algorithm, which will be leveraged to maximize the value from the Warner Bros. acquisition [12].
Build-A-Bear Workshop Stock: Keep an Eye on Tariff Impact in 2026
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-14 05:30
Core Insights - Build-A-Bear Workshop has experienced a total return of nearly 15% in 2023, with shares reaching an all-time high of $75.85 in mid-September before declining to just under $53 by December 10 [1] - Over the past five years, Build-A-Bear has rewarded shareholders with a total return of 1,300%, driven by a successful business strategy focused on expansion and diversification [2] - The company reported mixed third-quarter results, with diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $0.62 exceeding analyst expectations, but revenue of $122.7 million fell short of the anticipated $124 million [4][5] Financial Performance - Build-A-Bear's pre-tax income decreased by 18% to $10.7 million, attributed to a $4 million impact from tariffs and related costs [5] - The company expects to incur an $11 million hit from tariffs in fiscal year 2025, which has already been factored into its guidance [7] - Despite the challenges, Build-A-Bear reaffirmed its full-year outlook, aiming for a fifth consecutive year of record revenue and profitability [7] Strategic Focus - CFO Voin Todorovic indicated that the third quarter marked the first significant expenses from tariffs, with expectations for continued elevated impacts into the next fiscal year [6] - The company plans to manage tariff impacts by working with suppliers to reduce costs, adjusting prices strategically, and managing promotions more stringently [8] - Build-A-Bear is diversifying its business model, exemplified by the success of its Mini Beans collection, which has sold nearly 3 million units [8]