SQ - Square, Inc.
64.45 +0.06 (0.09%)
After hours: 7:55PM EDT
| Previous Close | 65.31 |
| Open | 64.15 |
| Bid | 64.50 x 900 |
| Ask | 64.49 x 1400 |
| Day's Range | 63.58 - 64.70 |
| 52 Week Range | 49.82 - 101.15 |
| Volume | 6,565,279 |
| Avg. Volume | 10,173,238 |
| Market Cap | 27.235B |
| Beta (3Y Monthly) | 3.00 |
| PE Ratio (TTM) | N/A |
| EPS (TTM) | -0.13 |
| Earnings Date | Jul 30, 2019 - Aug 5, 2019 |
| Forward Dividend & Yield | N/A (N/A) |
| Ex-Dividend Date | N/A |
| 1y Target Est | 82.97 |
- InvestorPlace•13 hours ago
PayPal Stock Will Continue to Ring the Register for Investors
PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL) has been ringing the register for shareholders in 2019. And off and on the chart, that looks set to continue in PayPal stock. Let me explain.Source: Official Leweb Photos Via FlickrDoes the U.S. and China's trade war and its potential implications on consumers and businesses have you concerned? In Friday's trading, it certainly had Wall Street's attention.The S&P 500 fell by roughly 0.50%, while PayPal stock found itself under even more duress -- shedding about 1%. Peer-mobile payments play Square (NYSE:SQ) is off 1.25%. But the potential real losers are companies like Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) which is down a bit more than 2% or the 4.5% bashing in Deere (NYSE:DE).InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips * 7 High-Yield REITs to Buy (Even When the Market Tanks) Behind the market's U-turn is the optimism of the past couple days that the world's two largest economies could find a quick fix quickly faded after Chinese state media deferred expectations for a deal at next month's G-20 summit meeting in Japan. But don't think for a second this is what really matters for PayPal stock.Despite persistent and nagging uncertainties, it's important to focus on the big picture for PayPal stock and not quick-to-flip, daily-market-based, back-and-forth cheers and jeers. And bottom, top and squiggly price lines -- following last month's supportive quarterly confessional led by the company's sizzling digital wallet Venmo business and an equally beneficial price chart showing more than just hopeful promise, it's time to consider going long PayPal stock. PayPal Stock Weekly Price Chart Click to EnlargeIt's been a good year for PayPal stock. Shares are up 32% for 2019 and have captured 20% since breaking out of PYPL stock's year-long, base-on-base pattern in late January. So, what next? I see more upside potential.I believe technically shares can match the gains of the prior bullish leg from April 2017's breakout near $45 to the high of 2018's year-long congestive base. Some investors refer to this type of continuation action as a mirror move or two-step pattern. And in this instance, should it play out that way, PayPal stock should rally towards $140-$150.There's no guarantees of course. And PYPL stock's weekly stochastics are currently overbought. Still, if price and volume matter most, Thursday's relative strength breakout on increased volume to fresh highs from a short two plus week flat base does look compelling.For like-minded investors I'd recommend buying PayPal stock above $115.39. This entry is 1.5% through the pattern high and about .5% north of Thursday's high of $114.66.The purchase obviously sacrifices a tiny bit of upside. But if we're correct about the PYPL's trajectory, it's well worth the cost as this strategy looks to avoid buying a false breakout after the broader market's quick snap back from its trade war panic.Disclosure: Investment accounts under Christopher Tyler's management do not currently own positions in any securities mentioned in this article. The information offered is based upon Christopher Tyler's observations and strictly intended for educational purposes only; the use of which is the responsibility of the individual. For additional options-based strategies, related musings or to ask a question, you can find and follow Chris on Twitter @Options_CAT and StockTwits. More From InvestorPlace * 4 Top American Penny Pot Stocks (Buy Before June 21) * 7 High-Yield REITs to Buy (Even When the Market Tanks) * 5 Great Blue-Chip Stocks to Buy Today * 7 Tech Stocks to Buy That Are Also Perfect for Retirement Compare Brokers The post PayPal Stock Will Continue to Ring the Register for Investors appeared first on InvestorPlace.
Yahoo Finance•3 days agoSan Francisco's tech workers are flocking to this neighborhood
San Francisco is notorious for being the most expensive city in the U.S., but that hasn’t stopped affluent tech workers from snapping up real estate in this particular neighborhood.
- InvestorPlace•3 days ago
If Square Stock Starts to Fall It Might Be Hard to Stop
The technical outlook for Square (NYSE:SQ) isn't all that rosy, despite how well the company has done over the past few years. Indeed, Square stock has been a beast on the long side and has made many loyal investors a hefty sum of cash. But even with the stock market in rally mode for much of 2019, Square stock has been absent.Source: Chris Harrison via Flickr (Modified)What's going on?Shares have been rolling over as it appears there's been a bit of a "buyer's strike" regarding Square. While Square stock had a violent rally off its December lows, shares are actually flat since Jan. 15. Compare that to its peers and Square stock investors may be getting frustrated.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips * 6 Chinese Stocks That Could Pop On a Trade Deal PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL) is up 22.5% in the same timeframe, while the PowerShares QQQ ETF (NASDAQ:QQQ) is up 13%. Visa (NYSE:V) and MasterCard (NYSE:MA) are up 18% and 28%, respectively. The year-to-date numbers are even worse.Stock YTD Return SQ 17% QQQ 19.3% V 24% MA 33.6% PYPL 33.8% I know it's hard to complain about a 17% gain for the year, but considering the fourth quarter that we endured, a snap-back rally like that is to be expected. The fact that it's lagging the QQQs and has generated just 50% of the return from its most compared to competitor (PYPL), and SQ stock is frustrating.Will that underperformance continue? Trading SQ Stock Click to EnlargeAbove is the weekly chart for Square stock. You can clearly see that Square was enjoying a nice, solid uptrend (blue line) for the better part of a year. However, that uptrend came to an end in Q4 2018, when the markets took a painful fall. Square, which was already elevated from its uptrend by quite a bit, was no exception to this selloff.In October, SQ stock hit a 52-week high of $101.15. By mid-December, shares had fallen more than 50% at its lows when it hit $49.82.On the bounce, shares ran to that $77.50 to $80 area, which effectively capped SQ stock from January through April. At $81.56 is the 61.8% retracement for the 52-week range, which more or less acted as resistance. Unfortunately, the 38.2% retracement at $69.43 did not support SQ stock on the downside, nor did the 50-week moving average.I worry about Square in the short- to intermediate term if it can't get over some of these technical levels. Specifically, I want to see Square over the 10-week moving average and above the 38.2% retracement. Over downtrend resistance (purple line) would eventually be nice too.If it can't do that though, it's prone to more declines. Those declines are exacerbated in the event that U.S. stocks take a bigger hit. I have my sights on three potential downside levels: $60 is a notable level of both resistance and support and only gave way amid a flood of selling in December. At $55 is the 100-week moving average, which should provide a bounce should SQ stock test it.Finally, a retest of the lows near $50 should attract buyers. I don't expect this level without a larger flush in the broader market. Bottom Line on Square StockSquare has been a multi-year stud, but that action has not translated to 2019. The company still has a terrific growth profile, with analysts modeling revenue and earnings to grow 43.5% and 60% this year, respectively; 2020's forecast is solid too, at 35% and 49% growth, respectively.While management provided a solid full-year outlook on May 1, second-quarter guidance came up a bit short. At 88 times this year's earnings (after the earnings pullback), SQ stock doesn't have much room for error. Disappointing on guidance, however marginal, can sap momentum in a hurry.Let's see where Square stock can firm up and whether it can regain momentum. Over the 10-week will be the first sign of turning it around.Bret Kenwell is the manager and author of Future Blue Chips and is on Twitter @BretKenwell. As of this writing, Bret Kenwell is long V. More From InvestorPlace * 4 Top American Penny Pot Stocks (Buy Before June 21) * 7 Stocks to Buy that Lost 10% Last Week * Top 7 Dow Jones Stocks of 2019 -- So Far * 5 Service Stocks That Can Win the Trade War -- According to Goldman Sachs Compare Brokers The post If Square Stock Starts to Fall It Might Be Hard to Stop appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- Zacks•4 days ago
Here's Why it is Advisable to Avoid MoneyGram (MGI) Now
Weak revenues, low profitability and high leverage drain the stock of MoneyGram International (MGI).
- MarketWatch•5 days ago
Square is Buckingham's 'top pick by far' in payments on debit-card opportunity
Buckingham Research analyst Chris Brendler reiterated his bullish view of Square Inc.'s stock and called it his "top pick by far" in payments. "We think the market is missing what we view to be a key positive from 1Q results: the shockingly high [total payment volume] penetration in the new Square Card for Sellers," he wrote, referring to a debit card that lets Square merchants immediately spend their funds at stores. With TPV penetration at "already over 20%, we think this is much higher than anyone expected and our analysis suggests huge upside potential, ~12 ppt tailwind to 2021 revenue growth." Brendler rates the stock a buy with an $100 price target. Shares have dropped 14% over the past three months, as the S&P 500 has risen 2.7%.
- Motley Fool•5 days ago
Square and Markel Earnings: What Investors Need to Know
Two of our favorite financial-sector companies just released their latest results.
- InvestorPlace•5 days ago
Square Stock Is Moving Toward Buy Territory
It has been anything but hip to be a Square (NYSE:SQ) investor of late. But longer-term growth prospects and a supportive price chart mean it's time to buy SQ stock today at a favorable risk-adjusted price before other investors inevitably change their tune. Let me explain.Source: Via SquareTuesday aside, the broader market has quickly become a more difficult environment for bulls to buy stocks in with confidence. Elevated trade-war risks are basically holding Wall Street hostage. But SQ stock had already been marching to the beat of its own bearish drummer, with shares shedding 25% since late February.The good news for Square stock? It's our contention the dismissive price action is offering today's investors a solid opportunity to buy growth at a discount off and on the price chart.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips SQ Stock Weekly ChartAbout two weeks ago, Square's mixed quarterly confessional got the better of investors. Reduced, below-views guidance for the current quarter and a modest miss in gross payment volume sent shares sinking to fresh relative lows. * 10 Retirement Stocks That Won't Wilt in a Bear Market The dismissed upshot of the earnings report is SQ stock also delivered yet another strong top- and bottom-line beat. The company also raised its full-year outlook modestly above Street midpoint forecasts and continued to show overall solid-looking growth topped by the company's "outperformance in Cash App as well as continued strength across our seller business."As of Tuesday's close -- and nearly two weeks after SQ stock's initial fallout and the continuation of the downtrend -- Wall Street's near-term anxieties have put shares into a solid-looking technical spot for buying growth at a discount.Specifically, we can see SQ stock's 25% correction on the weekly chart is also testing the 62% retracement level tied to late December's ubiquitous bottom. The price action in Square has also put shares into the lower and pinching Bollinger Band. Lastly, stochastics is also oversold. The net result of Square's weekly chart are shares appear to be offering investors a technically well-supported purchase to go long the name. SQ Stock Buying StrategyThe suggestion for buying SQ stock is to allow the trading week to complete and look to go long as the shares confirm a weekly candlestick low. As of Tuesday's close (and if prices were to remain confined to the two-day range and finish in this area), the candle would look like today's weekly doji. Investors would then only purchase Square if shares moved through $65.24.Initially, I'd recommend simply setting a stop-loss below the weekly pattern low. On the upside, using a 2:1 ratio to peel off one-third of the SQ stock position is how I'd reduce exposure while taking profits.The objective of this type of entry is an attempt to avoid buying SQ stock during a potential two-to-three-day dead-cat bounce in the broader market and getting suckered in long during a temporary rally. More importantly, Square's weekly chart has done a good job of marching to the beat of its own bearish drummer. We're confident it is readying to change its tune for the better.Investment accounts under Christopher Tyler's management do not currently own positions in any securities mentioned in this article. The information offered is based upon Christopher Tyler's observations and strictly intended for educational purposes only; the use of which is the responsibility of the individual. . For additional market insights and related musings, follow Chris on Twitter @Options_CAT and StockTwits. More From InvestorPlace * 4 Top American Penny Pot Stocks (Buy Before June 21) * 10 Retirement Stocks That Won't Wilt in a Bear Market * 5 Consumer Stocks Ready to Push Higher * 3 of the Best ETFs to Buy for a Play on Gold Stocks Compare Brokers The post Square Stock Is Moving Toward Buy Territory appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- InvestorPlace•6 days ago
Is Visa Stock Too Expensive at $160 Or Is There Even More Upside Here?
Payments processor Visa (NYSE:V) has been a gift that keeps on giving for investors who've held on to their shares. V stock is up roughly 21% so far this year and many believe the firm can keep going. The S&P 500 index is up 13.4% in the same period.Source: Shutterstock However, with a price-earnings ratio of 33.1 and a dividend yield that's below 1%, Visa stock is also an expensive buy. While the V stock price is up there, the company has a lot of room to keep on growing and that make the shares a solid addition to long-term investors' portfolios. Payments Processing GoldmineOne of the biggest reasons investors consider Visa stock at all is the fact that the firm is the largest payments processor in the world, as measured by the number of branded cards issued. That's a big deal because the industry itself has a huge growth runway, so owning the largest beneficiary of that trend has its perks. InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips * 7 Dangerous Dividend Stocks to Stay Far Away From People are abandoning cash and opting instead for credit/debit cards and digital payments. Back in 2016 we saw the number of non-cash purchases overtake cash for the first time, and since then the gap has only gotten wider. Visa has been on the receiving end of a great deal of that growth. In 2018, Visa processed 124 billion transactions on its network -- a step up from the 111 billion it facilitated in 2017.Those rising transaction figures are the reason Visa has been able to consistently produce double-digit growth over the past few years, a trend that most expect to continue throughout the medium term. Growth AheadWith the largest number of outstanding cards, Visa has a lot of power over the fees it can charge merchants and it's used that power to grow its margins. As one of the most widely accepted credit cards, Visa appeals to customers and that in turn makes merchants more willing to pay a premium to accept Visa payments.It's also important to recognize that Visa stock isn't just a credit card play anymore, either. V has also started branching out into the digital payments space with Visa Checkout, and the firm has also took a position in Square (NYSE:SQ), a smaller payments processor with a firm foothold in next-generation payment methods. Times They Are a' ChangingSome argue that Visa's dominance in the payments processing space is actually a negative. The firm's near duopoly with Mastercard (NYSE:MA) in the credit card space could make it a target for regulatory action, especially as cash payments continue to dwindle and it becomes more and more necessary to have a credit card on-hand. Plus, there's further to fall when you're already at the top. Investors aren't wrong in saying that Visa stock has high expectations to live up to. We saw that materialize in the second quarter when V announced its earnings results. Despite the fact that Visa beat earnings expectations and met revenue predictions, the stock declined as investors digested the news. For those investors who like the payments sector but looking for broader exposure than just one name, the ETFMG Prime Mobile Payments ETF (NYSEArca:IPAY) might be the way to play it, with V stock, MA and SQ among the top holdings in its 40-stock portfolio. Visa Stock's Worth The PriceSure, there are risks when it comes to buying Visa stock. If you're a value investor, it can be worrisome to invest in a stock that's trading near all-time highs. However, it's important to note that Visa is almost always trading near all-time highs because the firm delivers solid growth more often than not. * 7 Cloud Stocks to Buy on Overcast Days The buy case for Visa stock is a simple one: the firm has a commanding market share in an extremely scalable business. The growth opportunity is there and Visa doesn't have to work hard to get it. While some of its peers like American Express (NYSE:AXP) are considerably cheaper -- at a P/E of 14.9 -- Visa offers a level of stability and security that others can't simply because of its size and reach.As long as you believe that non-cash transactions will continue gaining momentum, V stock will be a worthwhile consideration. Don't let the company's price-tag scare you, it almost never trades at a huge discount. Visa is the kind of stock you buy and hold on to for years, so its worth a look for long-term investors. As of this writing Laura Hoy did not hold a position in any or the aforementioned securities. More From InvestorPlace * 4 Top American Penny Pot Stocks (Buy Before June 21) * 6 Trade War Stocks With a Lot of Risk * 7 Bond ETFs to Buy * 10 Stocks That Could Squeeze Short Sellers, Including CGC Compare Brokers The post Is Visa Stock Too Expensive at $160 Or Is There Even More Upside Here? appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- Motley Fool•6 days ago
Earningspalooza: Highlights From Berkshire, Square, and Markel
Berkshire’s elephant gun just keeps getting bigger, and Square just keeps getting it done.
- InvestorPlace•6 days ago
10 Retirement Stocks That Won’t Wilt in a Bear Market
In prior generations, figuring out the best retirement stocks to buy was a relatively straightforward proposition. You take a good company with a solid business (one that hopefully pays a consistent dividend) and put it in automatic mode in your portfolio. Over time, these "sure bets" provided enough stability to keep you going.But that was then. Today, the best stocks for retirement don't necessarily follow a clean, linear path. Many economists argue that we're in the midst of the fourth industrial revolution. In a nutshell, the first two phases involved accelerating human efficiency. The internet sparked the third revolution. Now, with human capacity maxed out, we're exploring machine learning and automation.I'm not suggesting, though, that machines will replace human workers entirely. We'll still have a need for commerce, education, transportation and other social functions. The future will look very similar to what we see now, at least from the outside. But the nature of work and employment will change. This shifting tide necessitates a different approach toward stocks for retirement.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading TipsFor example, rather than looking strictly at dividends, visionary investors should consider relevancy. That is, the best stocks to buy underline organizations that will likely be around for the next few decades. Obviously, there's no point in acquiring income-generating investments if they'll collapse five years from now. * 7 Dividend Stocks to Buy as the Trade War Reignites So with that backdrop, here are ten of the best retirement stocks to buy now. Square (SQ)Source: Via SquareAdmittedly, tech firm Square (NYSE:SQ) doesn't classify as one of your typical retirement stocks to buy. For now, it's purely a growth name. Although returns have been monstrous, cyclicality; therefore, volatility is a major concern. Obviously, SQ stock does not pay a dividend.So why include it among the best stocks for retirement? Because few investments have a legitimate chance for long-term relevancy quite like SQ stock. As I've explained many times before, small business represents the somewhat underappreciated engine of the U.S. economy. I expect this trend to continue forward, which is why you'll want exposure to SQ shares.The days of giant corporations are coming to an end. Market revolutions such as e-commerce have put these names on the firing line. Instead, the future economy will be built upon small, agile businesses. Square's payment-processing products and services give these next-generation companies the ability to compete effectively. Twitter (TWTR)Source: Shutterstock Although I might look like a younger version of him, I'm no Michio Kaku. Logically, this also means that I'm no futurist. But looking decades ahead, I'm certain that social media will likely play a critical part in how we live.With its two-billion plus user base and investments in multiple technology-based ventures, Facebook (NASDAQ:FB) appears to be the best long-term bet. However, I'm going to go out on a limb and give the nod to Twitter (NYSE:TWTR).A major reason why is the changing nature of fame and stardom. Recently, I had a chance to speak with actress Catherine Bell and her son. Instead of merely asking for a photo, I also requested an autograph. That must have been a throwback moment for them, and in the process, I witnessed a very cool mother-son exchange. * 10 'Buy-and-Hold' Stocks to Own Forever Today, regular folks aren't impressed with autographs. Instead, they expect interactions with their favorite celebrities. I think this dynamic will only grow in magnitude, which is why I like TWTR as one of the longer-term retirement stocks to buy. H&R Block (HRB)Source: Mike Mozart via FlickrFor the longest time, I considered H&R Block (NYSE:HRB) an anomaly. Obviously, most Americans are employees. Furthermore, most of this group are clock-punchers, or those who get paid hourly. Therefore, their tax preparation is straightforward. Even if a young worker had some questions, you learn it once and you'll never forget.With such simplicity, this does not support H&R Block's inclusion among retirement stocks to buy. Even if a clock-puncher acquires assets like real estate, a Schedule A isn't that difficult to complete. Plus, President Trump's tax reforms providing generous standard deductions almost moots Schedule A.So why discuss HRB stock? Because the country's labor force is rapidly shifting toward the gig economy. With automation on the rise, we'll see more independent contractors, not employees. As it stands, an independent contractor's taxes are much more complicated than a typical worker bee's taxes.Therefore, don't neglect HRB among your best stocks to buy for retirement. Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL)Source: Shutterstock Similar to Square, Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG, NASDAQ:GOOGL) doesn't typically slot its name among retirement stocks to buy. Its focus is on internet technologies and disrupting old platforms with more efficient digital ones. Plus, it doesn't currently pay a dividend, which attracts criticism for wasting its cash hoard.Perhaps in the future, GOOG stock will become an income-generating investment. But that's not why I'm pegging Alphabet as a long-term bet. Instead, I love its dominant position in the search-engine space. With the internet having quickly matured, I don't expect Google to follow in Netscape's path: Alphabet is too ingrained to give up the No. 1 spot. * 10 Monthly Dividend Stocks to Buy to Pay the Bills But I'm also digging management's drive to expand their revenue sources beyond just digital advertisements. For example, automated-taxi service Waymo is more or less an experiment. But a decade down the line, this could very well be the future of personal transportation. Therefore, I think you can trust GOOG stock for the long haul. Verizon (VZ)Source: Shutterstock In recent months, I've written extensively about telecommunications giant AT&T (NYSE:T). To avoid overplaying the same song, I'm going to switch things up and discuss Verizon (NYSE:VZ). It's an easy switch, though, because the same principles apply.Regarding best stocks to buy for retirement, VZ hits the right notes. Like its rival AT&T, Verizon is an industry behemoth. Most likely, it's not going to give you the crazy returns you'd expect from an upstart tech firm. At the same time, it probably won't leave you devastated during a downturn. Plus, you can bank on that 4.2% dividend yield.But the overriding reason to seek exposure to VZ stock is 5G. The next-gen wireless network will form the backbone of future technologies. In fact, some experts believe that if integrated properly, no need will ever exist for 6G technology.I'd take that forecast with a grain of salt since tech never sleeps. But if it does turn out that way, you'll want exposure to VZ stock (or AT&T) now. Target (TGT)Source: Mike Mozart via Flickr (Modified)With Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) and the e-commerce revolution contributing to decaying malls across America, proposing Target (NYSE:TGT) as one of the retirement stocks to buy appears rather strange. TGT is a behemoth of a brick-and-mortar organization. Such business models are on the way out, so why recommend it here?Target has found a brilliant way to remain relevant in the 21st-century economy. All Target stores have one thing in common: massive parking lots. Prior to the rise of electric vehicles, most of these spaces would go unused (save for Black Friday). * 7 Bond ETFs to Buy But with EVs, management recognized an opportunity: install charging stations, allowing shoppers to peruse their stores while charging their vehicles. It's brilliant for many reasons, but I'll list two. First, the charging stations incentivize shoppers to come to the stores. Second, those shoppers will likely spend more time in the stores while they "fill up" their EVs. Kimberly Clark (KMB)Source: Shutterstock Most of the names on this list of retirement stocks to buy have some connection with technology. Of course, this is an inevitability: barring a few exceptions, societies always progress. But despite the push to ever-increasing innovations, some things will always stay the same. That's why I like Kimberly Clark (NYSE:KMB) for those with a very long-term view.Let's take for instance toilet paper. Dr. Kaku once made a remark that in the future, toilets will replace many medical-diagnostic centers. Every day, our toilets collect valuable biological information about us via "number one" and "number two." It's a stunning concept among several that Kaku has envisioned or forecasted.But I'll propose that the way we clean ourselves will still incorporate good ole fashioned paper products. In that sense, KMB stock will never go out of style. And if you don't find that argument convincing, you can always look to its 3.2% dividend yield. Tilray (TLRY)Source: Shutterstock Few, if any, have suggested cannabis firm Tilray (NASDAQ:TLRY) be considered a contender among the best stocks to buy for retirement. For one thing, TLRY stock is incredibly volatile, contrasting sharply with typical retirement investments. The other detracting point is that the marijuana segment is the market's wild west.All of these things are true if you're retiring tomorrow and need consistent income. However, if you're able to accommodate some patience, TLRY stock is a surprisingly viable name. That's because the legalization momentum is not just a matter of individual liberties. Instead, it speaks to the effectiveness of natural therapies, and the indictment of artificial, pharmaceutical concoctions.I've mentioned before about how big pharma played a big role in the current opioid crisis. But recently, professional athletes are pressuring their leagues to adopt cannabis friendly protocols. The issue makes sense: cannabis products like cannabidiol, or CBD, provide pain relief with no known side effects. * 7 Forever Stocks to Buy for Long-Term Gains With so much evidence favoring full marijuana legalization, I think you can trust TLRY stock longer term. Aqua America (WTR)Source: Shutterstock Utility companies often represent some of the best stocks for retirement. Usually, they generate consistent, stable revenues due to their secular demand. After all, when you flip the switch, you expect the light to turn on. As a result, utility companies tend to pay dividends.In that regard, Aqua America (NYSE:WTR) classifies as a traditional retirement-friendly investment. With the exception of 2017, top-line sales have consistently increased in recent years. Furthermore, WTR pays an okay dividend of 2.2%. A bonus is that shares have performed well in the markets.Although they're all good points, that's not the reason why I'm particularly interested in WTR. Rather, water is the most precious commodity that we have. As a water-utility services specialist, Aqua America will likely experience a surge in demand.It really comes down to simple math. Internationally, we're witnessing a rise in per-capita income levels. This dynamic translates to increased resource consumption, most notably water. Once basic supply and demand have their way, I anticipate WTR skyrocketing. Therefore, don't neglect to consider it among your stocks to buy. Uber (UBER)Source: Shutterstock Inarguably, the most controversial name in the markets in the here and now is Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER). Since its initial public offering, UBER stock has dropped more than 17%. Even before this disastrous introduction, critics blasted the company for its exploitative business practices. And for years, the company has absorbed devastating PR crises.No question, Uber is a risky play, which is why I'm putting this name dead last on my list of stocks to buy. But despite all the noise, the tech firm's core idea is a compelling one: funnel taxi services into a single, centralized platform that crosses all international borders.As I discussed previously, Uber gives me the opportunity to explore regions without having to worry about language or customs. With this platform, I only have to concern myself with one language: money. Give me good service, and you'll get rewarded. Don't and you won't see me or my wallet ever again. This naturally incentives good behavior, even in notoriously brutish countries. * 10 'Buy-and-Hold' Stocks to Own Forever Plus, Uber is more than just ride-sharing. The company is levering its acumen toward other viable channels of the sharing economy. Sure, UBER is risky, but over the long run, I think it's a risk worth taking.As of this writing, Josh Enomoto is long T stock. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 7 Dividend Stocks to Buy as the Trade War Reignites * 10 Stocks That Could Squeeze Short Sellers, Including CGC * 5 Tech Stocks Getting Crushed Compare Brokers The post 10 Retirement Stocks That Won't Wilt in a Bear Market appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- InvestorPlace•6 days ago
Why the Outlook of Square Stock Is Still Bright
After nearly reaching $75 per share, Square, (NYSE: SQ) stock is changing hands for around $65 per share. Markets became less bullish on SQ stock after SQ provided weak Q2 guidance.Source: Via SquareEven though its Q1 results beat analysts' consensus outlook, the payment processing firm needs to demonstrate that its initiatives such as its latest partnership with Postmates will be fruitful. With a market capitalization of $28 billion and a forward price-earnings ratio of almost 60, SQ stock is more suitable for growth investors. So how significant is its latest partnership announcement? * 6 Trade War Stocks With a Lot of Risk Deal with PostmatesPostmates is a network of couriers who deliver food, groceries, and alcohol locally. Following the deal with Postmates, Square customers can use Postmates' couriers to get goods to customers who place orders with SQ.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading TipsSquare is no stranger to the delivery business. It owns food delivery services firm Caviar, a company it bought in 2014. Yet Postmates will catapult Square's addressable market size because Postmates has a presence in more than 1,000 cities.After raising $100 million in January, Postmates is valued at $1.85 billion. Second-Quarter GuidanceSquare needs to grow its addressable market because it lowered its Q2 outlook. It forecast earnings of $0.14 - $0.16 per share of SQ, below the consensus forecast of 18 cents per share of SQ stock . But the top end of the company's full-year revenue guidance range was raised to $2.28 billion from $2.25 billion previously.Many investors clearly sold SQ stock following the guidance because they felt uncertain about SQ's near-term outlook. Yet the company's full-year EPS guidance of $0.74- $0.78 per share was unchanged, indicating that SQ lowered its Q2 EPS guidance because it expects to delay recognizing some of its revenue by a quarter or two. Strong Momentum in Q1Despite the deceleration of Square's business in Q2, the company's growth in Q1 still justifies the valuation of SQ stock. Specifically, its seller and cash app ecosystem drove total year-over-year revenue growth of 43%. The Valuation of SQ StockThe 22 analysts covering SQ stock are very bullish on it and have an average price target that is about 20% above the stock's recent $66 share price (per Tipranks). If investors think that the company's revenue will grow between 25% and 45% annually for the next five years, a 5-year DCR Revenue Exit model suggests SQ stock could have a fair value that is about 30% above its current price. The Bottom Line on SQThe downtrend of Square stock is puzzling because its peers, namely PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL), Visa (NYSE:V), and MasterCard (NYSE:MA) have all traded higher recently. But the company's near-term slowdown is scaring buyers away and creating selling pressure on SQ stock.Investors who missed the rally that took Square stock to $100 in October 2018 have another chance to pick up SQ at a decent level. Consider initially buying a small number of shares of SQ. And from there, average down or up over the next few months.As of this writing, the author did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 6 Trade War Stocks With a Lot of Risk * 7 Bond ETFs to Buy * 10 Stocks That Could Squeeze Short Sellers, Including CGC Compare Brokers The post Why the Outlook of Square Stock Is Still Bright appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- Markit•6 days ago
See what the IHS Markit Score report has to say about Square Inc.
Square Inc NYSE:SQView full report here! Summary * ETFs holding this stock are seeing positive inflows * Bearish sentiment is low Bearish sentimentShort interest | PositiveShort interest is low for SQ with fewer than 5% of shares on loan. The last change in the short interest score occurred more than 1 month ago and implies that there has been little change in sentiment among investors who seek to profit from falling equity prices. Money flowETF/Index ownership | PositiveETF activity is positive. Over the last month, ETFs holding SQ are favorable, with net inflows of $3.31 billion. Additionally, the rate of inflows is increasing. Economic sentimentPMI by IHS Markit | NeutralAccording to the latest IHS Markit Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data, output in the Technology sector is rising. The rate of growth is weak relative to the trend shown over the past year, however. Credit worthinessCredit default swapCDS data is not available for this security.Please send all inquiries related to the report to score@ihsmarkit.com.Charts and report PDFs will only be available for 30 days after publishing.This document has been produced for information purposes only and is not to be relied upon or as construed as investment advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, IHS Markit disclaims any responsibility or liability, whether in contract, tort (including, without limitation, negligence), equity or otherwise, for any loss or damage arising from any reliance on or the use of this material in any way. Please view the full legal disclaimer and methodology information on pages 2-3 of the full report.
- InvestorPlace•7 days ago
Square’s AI Platform Could Transform SQ Stock
Less than a week after payments player Square (NYSE:SQ) served up a lackluster outlook for the quarter currently underway, the company added another item to its menu. Via its acquisition of Eloquent Labs, Square can now offer an artificial-intelligence powered chat solution to its payment customers.Source: Via SquareThe news didn't revive SQ stock, which was already weakening heading into last week's first-quarter report. Later, that bearishness accelerated despite shares topping Q1 estimates. Admittedly, the acquisition isn't apt to make a major, measurable impact on the top or bottom lines anytime soon.Adding an AI-chat platform to its mix, however, is no small matter when you view this in the proper context.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips Elle at Your ServiceEloquent Labs is the developer of Elle, which can converse intelligently with a customer through a conventional online-chat platform without any human input from the service provider. While resolving complex customer-service needs remain currently out of reach, Elle can easily handle simpler-but-distracting tasks like returns and product-tracking. * 7 Dividend Stocks to Buy as the Trade War Reignites The deal bolsters what Square can do for its merchants, which analysts believe number well over two million. Invariably, it also boosts the investment profile of SQ stock.Although founded as a simple payment middleman, Square has evolved into a one-stop solution provider for small businesses that must accept credit-card payments. Its point-of-sale systems can also act as inventory-management systems as well as customer relationship management solutions. Square has even developed restaurant-specific tools and apps. This notably includes the integration of Caviar, which facilities online ordering and delivery of food.The aim, of course, is to add so much value that small vendors see little choice but to delegate the back-office work to Square. This allows proprietors to focus on their core businesses.Square has built such a potent product, however, that larger businesses are signing up as well.Square is generally elusive with details about its business, even with owners of SQ stock. But CFO Sarah Friar was willing to at least concede some information last year. "We have merchants that do $100 million-plus on Square today," Friar stated, adding that the company "doesn't see a cap anymore" in terms of merchant size.The advent of Elle jibes with that philosophy. Square's corporate blog post explains that "Eloquent's conversational AI services are exactly the kind of technology that can level the playing field for businesses of all sizes by providing sellers efficient ways to interact with their customers." Strong but Competitive Market for Square StockAlthough they've been around for years, AI-powered "chatbots" haven't become reliable business tools until recently.Pavel Dmitriev, VP of Data Science for Outreach, explained late-last year:Most chatbots today are rigid rule-based systems forcing users to interact with them in an unnaturally structured way, which often ends up being a frustrating experience. While I do not expect all the problems to be solved in 2019, I believe significant progress will be made…As a proven platform, business owners are more comfortable utilizing this tech. They also take confidence in that the chatbots are increasingly becoming more human. Dmitriev believes better gathering of a buyer context and more specialization can make the technology as effective as they need to be for a particular merchant.To that end, some observers estimate that the global conversational AI market will be worth nearly $16 billion by 2024.Competitors aren't readily yielding to Square on this front, however. Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) announced earlier this month it would open its conversational-AI engine up to developers in the finance world.Square rival Paypal Holdings (NASDAQ:PYPL) has long used such a platform to serve its own customers. But Paypal can deploy this AI solution to its merchant users if they want to stand up to SQ.Square stock has something of an edge on would-be competitors, however, in that the underlying firm already has deep relationships with so many small and mid-sized businesses that have largely been overlooked by tech providers. Looking Ahead for SQ StockInterest in Elle may be moderate at first.Undoubtedly some of Square's merchants see the need and would be willing to utilize the option if made available. However, these merchants are typically very small and localized businesses. With their customers just as likely to make a phone call or visit in person as they are to initiate a typed or voice chat, Elle is overkill. SQ stock isn't a buy solely on the advent of an AI-chat platform, which will likely see modest initial uptake.As Square takes aim at larger merchants though, being able to also offer Elle in addition to other existing features gives the company some added firepower on the client-gathering front.It's certainly nothing that can hurt SQ stock.As of this writing, James Brumley did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. You can learn more about James at his site, jamesbrumley.com, or follow him on Twitter, at @jbrumley. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 7 Dividend Stocks to Buy as the Trade War Reignites * 10 Stocks That Could Squeeze Short Sellers, Including CGC * 5 Tech Stocks Getting Crushed Compare Brokers The post Square's AI Platform Could Transform SQ Stock appeared first on InvestorPlace.
Motley Fool•9 days agoSquare Finds "Sweet Spot" With Omnichannel Commerce
Square's new online store looks to compete with other e-commerce platforms.
- Motley Fool•9 days ago
5 Things to Know About Facebook’s Cryptocurrency Ambitions
Is the world’s largest social network developing its own currency?
- ETF Trends•10 days ago
These 5 FinTech Stocks Are Compelling Opportunities
From the way that we read to the way that we order goods, drive, or even invest, technology has led to an evolution in the way that we do just about everything. Perhaps nowhere is the effect of technology on our day to day lives more apparent than in the world of finance. As the world of financial technology, or simply FinTech, continues to evolve, opportunities are being created in the stock market.
- GuruFocus.com•10 days ago
Allen Holding Inc Buys Microsoft Corp, Square Inc
Investment company Allen Holding Inc buys Microsoft Corp, Square Inc during the 3-months ended 2019Q1, according to the most recent filings of the investment company, Allen Holding Inc .
- Benzinga•10 days ago
Option Trader Making Aggressive Bullish Play On Square
Square Inc (NASDAQ: SQ) stock traded lower by 1.5 percent Friday and is down 4.8 percent over the past week amid a broad market sell-off. On Friday morning, Benzinga Pro subscribers were alerted to a bullish purchase of 501 Square call options at a $64.50 strike price that expire on May 17. Due to the relative complexity of the options market, options traders are generally seen as more sophisticated than the typical stock trader.
- InvestorPlace•11 days ago
In the War for Your Digital Wallet, Bet on Tech Stocks All the Way
When it comes to investing in the banks of the future, it only makes sense to also keep your eye on tech stocks.Source: Shutterstock Banks have been making a big push into digital payments, and the results have been promising. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) leads the banks with 51 million total active accounts.However, that lead seems rather tenuous after Paypal Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:PYPL) released its first quarter earnings, divulging that its Venmo active accounts exceeded 40 million at the end of the quarter. This puts PYPL in the same league as the banks and among the most frequently used financial apps domestically.InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips * 7 Dangerous Dividend Stocks to Stay Far Away From That should have big banks feeling uneasy. Given their substantial investments in technology, it's unlikely they realized just how tenuous their footing is. Their app usage especially in the longer term is not guaranteed. The fact is that switching costs between payment apps are negligible. Banking Tech Stocks Look to the FutureWhat's more disconcerting for the banks is the total payments volume growth that Venmo alone showed; 73 percent growth for the quarter, bringing the total payments volume to $21 billion. These are big growth numbers. Not only are millions of users being added each quarter, the total volume is materially increasing. Volume is a main determinant of how much intermediaries make, so this is important.Since Venmo already has a debit card--Venmo card--that can be used anywhere that accepts Mastercard, it's looking ahead at opportunities to further enhance profitability. The logical next step is its own credit card.Branded credit cards are a popular strategy to drive customer engagement, brand awareness, and of course, profits. Retailers may be the first industry to come to mind that has leveraged this, typically with points or cash back enticements. Clearly, though, many banking tech stocks are not far behind.So far, Venmo is primarily digital and having presence in credit cards will help Venmo contribute even more to Paypal's top line. Even though the trend is toward all things digital, there are still many offline retailers, and a credit card would allow Paypal to tap that market. SQ Stock Rises as Cash App StrengthensAnd its not just tech stocks like PYPL nipping on their heels. Square (NYSE:SQ), the San Francisco-based tech startup founded by Jack Dorsey, has reflected its success in attracting payment volume and growing its capital lending business. The stock is up 34 percent to date.With their Cash App, SQ has built a slew of financial tools for users to send, spend, and store money. They also have a Cash Card that allows customers to make purchases with a prepaid Visa card that is linked to the balance stored in Cash App. It's also bitcoin compatible.Cash App volume grew nearly 2.5x year over year, reflecting the growing network effects and reach of the app. According to Nomura Instinet's data:"Cash App monthly downloads remained elevated at [2 million] new downloads a month, up from an average of [1.9 million] in 2018." Overall, the Cash App has 45.3 million cumulative downloads, compared with 41.2 million for Venmo as of January--the all-time highest difference between the two."Overall, in the battle for the the digital wallet, SQ stock and PYPL stock look like buys here. Banks inherently aren't as nimble as tech companies. So tech stocks like SQ and PYPL have edge in designing user interfaces and smaller but more loyal customer bases. While the mere fact of startups encroaching on bank payments is not enough to warrant a sell on big bank stocks, it's not a favorable trend. As of this writing, Luce Emerson did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 7 Dangerous Dividend Stocks to Stay Far Away From * 7 Tips for New Investors Young and Old * 10 Great Stocks to Buy on Dips Compare Brokers The post In the War for Your Digital Wallet, Bet on Tech Stocks All the Way appeared first on InvestorPlace.
- Motley Fool•11 days ago
Earningspalooza Highlights Q2 2019
Apple, Alphabet, Under Armour, Arista, and many more -- here’s what investors need to know.
- MarketWatch•12 days ago
Square teams up with Postmates for delivery partnership
Postmates announced on Thursday that it would be partnering with Square Inc. to provide delivery for small businesses.
- Yahoo Finance Video•5 days ago
Pre-tax spending can put money back in your pocket
Expenses like commuter costs, childcare, and healthcare can be automated to put some cash back in your wallet, and it doesn't cost employers anything. Avi Karnani, CEO and co-founder of Alice Financial, joins Yahoo Finance's Myles Udland, Melody Hahm, and Akiko Fujita to discuss how his startup is helping employees save.
