AFC Gamma Stock (NASDAQ:AFCG), Trade Ideas

AFC Gamma

AFC Gamma Inc is a commercial real estate finance company. The company originates, structures, underwrites, and manages senior secured loans and other types of loans for established cannabis industry operators in states that have legalized medicinal and/or adult-use cannabis.

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In a recent equity research report by Zuanic &amp; Associates, Chicago Atlantic Real Estate Finance (NASDAQ: REFI) showcases resilience and growth within the volatile cannabis sector.

Mortgage And Property Finance Giant&#39;s $354M Portfolio: Growth Amid Cannabis Sector Volatility

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Earnings

AFC Gamma Inc., a cannabis-focused commercial real estate finance company, released its financial results for the fourth quarter and fiscal year ending Dec. 31, 2023. The company reported a decline in net interest income to $64.2 million in 2023 compared to $74.7 million in 2022, with $16 million generated in the fourth quarter. Despite challenges in the cannabis industry, CEO Daniel Neville highlighted progress on portfolio management. Financial highlights for Q4 2023 included a GAAP net loss of $9.2 million and distributable earnings of $10 million. For FY 2023, GAAP net income was $21 million, down from $36 million in 2022. AFC Gamma distributed $9.8 million in dividends in Q4 and $40.9 million for the full year. The company aims to focus on being a pure-play cannabis lender in 2024, anticipating opportunities in the evolving cannabis industry for profitable capital deployment.

Nasdaq-Traded AFC Gamma Reports 41% YoY Drop In Net Income, Plans To Be Pure-Play Cannabis Lender In 2024

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Top Cannabis Industry Leaders Who Took The Reins In 2023

AFC Gamma Inc

<p><strong>Basically: Elon Musk</strong>, the CEO of <strong>Tesla </strong>(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and owner of X.com, previously Twitter, held the title of richest person in the world when Tesla's stock was at all-time highs. Musk, whose net worth is primarily tied to Tesla's stock price, owns more than 400 million shares of Tesla according <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/04/38350014/elon-musk-reacts-to-teslas-pricing-debate-only-a-fool-thinks">to regulatory filings. </a></p>
<p>This means that when Tesla's share price peaked in late 2021 around $400 a share (split-adjusted), Musk was worth more than $300 billion according to Forbes, making him far and away the richest person in the world. But, Tesla's stock decline caused Musk's net worth to retreat by more than $200 billion at one point, making him the first person to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-12-30/elon-musk-becomes-first-person-ever-to-lose-200-billion">lose</a> such a large sum of money, according to Bloomberg.</p>
<p>On Tuesday, Musk <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/04/38374423/elon-musk-reacts-as-ark-invest-analyst-says-its-going-to-be-very-hard-for-tesla-rivals-to-catch-">tweeted his endorsement</a> of ARK Invest&#8217;s analysis regarding Tesla&#8217;s Q1 expectations, describing it as &#8220;Accurate&#8221; in response to <strong>Tasha Keeney</strong>&#8216;s interview on CNBC's Last Call. </p>
<p>Keeney, ARK Invest's director of Investment Analysis &amp; Institutional Strategies, emphasized the long-term viability of electric vehicles and Tesla&#8217;s competitive pricing, predicting it will be difficult for competitors to match.</p>
<p><strong>Musk&#8217;s Losses: </strong>Even the Guinness World Records recognized <a href="https://www.independent.co.uk/tech/elon-musk-net-worth-tesla-twitter-200-billion-b2254493.html">Musk</a> for losing more money than any other person in history, thanks to Tesla's stock bouncing back, Musk remains among the top-five richest people in the world, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/real-time-billionaires/#54a48023d788">according</a> to Forbes' Billionaires List.<a href="https://www.forbes.com/real-time-billionaires/#54a48023d788"><br /><br /></a>To put Musk's loss in net worth into perspective, the drop of $200 billion is equivalent to about the entire market cap of companies like <strong>Adobe Inc</strong>, <strong>Walt Disney Co</strong>,<strong> Wells Fargo &amp; Co</strong> and others.</p>
<p>But, Tesla&#8217;s latest stock slump caused Musk to once again lost tens of billions of dollars, causing him to slide down the Forbes list. Tesla&#8217;s earnings report, due after the close Tuesday, could help determine whether Musk shoots higher up the list or continues to fall through the ranks. <br /><br /><strong>The Top Dog: </strong>The list currently has Musk ranked third, behind LVMH CEO <strong>Bernard Arnault</strong>, who is estimated to be worth about $215 billion. Arnault founded the European luxury fashion conglomerate in the 1980s, and the company is now worth nearly half of a trillion dollars.<br /><br />Second on the list is <strong>Jeff Bezos</strong>, the founder of <strong>Amazon</strong>. Bezos stepped down as the CEO of Amazon and turned the reigns over to <strong>Andy Jassy</strong>, but Bezos still has nearly 1 billion shares of Amazon.<br /><br /><strong>Mark Zuckerberg</strong> is listed behind Musk at number four on the list, with an estimated net worth of around $174 billion, just a few billion behind Musk's $178 billion. Zuckerberg recently passed Musk on the list, but has since fallen back due to a pullback in <strong>Meta Platform's </strong>(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) share price.</p>
<p>Meta Platforms Inc is set to announce its first-quarter financial results after market close on Wednesday, with analysts anticipating revenues of $36.16 billion. This follows a revenue of $28.65 billion in the same quarter last year, and Meta has surpassed revenue estimates for six consecutive quarters, forecasting revenues between $34.5 billion and $37.0 billion <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/04/38387398/meta-platforms-q1-earnings-preview-marginally-cautious-ai-opportunity-could-prove-f">for this period.</a></p>
<p><em>Now Read:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/04/38383512/jetblue-airways-shares-witness-over-10-drop-on-disappointing-annual-outlook"> JetBlue Airways Shares Witness Over 10% Drop On Disappointing Annual Outlook</a></em></p>
<p><em>Image generated using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.</em><br /></p>


Education

General

TSLA

Elon Musk Slips From Richest Person Ranking After Losing Billions In Recent Months: Who's Now Richer?

WORX

SCWorx Receives NASDAQ Notice Pertaining To Its 10-K Of December 31, 2023

<p>Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bearish stance on <strong>Ulta Beauty</strong>.</p>
<p>Looking at options history for Ulta Beauty (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ULTA#NASDAQ">ULTA</a>) we detected 15 trades.</p>
<p>If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 26% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 53% with bearish.</p>
<p>From the overall spotted trades, 5 are puts, for a total amount of $175,086 and 10, calls, for a total amount of $528,374.</p>
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
<p>Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $320.0 to $600.0 for Ulta Beauty over the last 3 months. </p>
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
<p>In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Ulta Beauty stands at 124.15, with a total volume reaching 1,498.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Ulta Beauty, situated within the strike price corridor from $320.0 to $600.0, throughout the last 30 days.</p>
<h3>Ulta Beauty Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<p><img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1713901546_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" /></p>
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>
<p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th><strong>Symbol</strong></th>
<th><strong>PUT/CALL</strong></th>
<th><strong>Trade Type</strong></th>
<th><strong>Sentiment</strong></th>
<th><strong>Exp. Date</strong></th>
<th><strong>Ask</strong></th>
<th><strong>Bid</strong></th>
<th><strong>Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Strike Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Total Trade Price</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Open Interest</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Volume</strong></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>ULTA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/03/24</td>
<td>$3.7</td>
<td>$3.3</td>
<td>$3.6</td>
<td>$430.00</td>
<td>$126.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">22</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">6</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ULTA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/26/24</td>
<td>$5.4</td>
<td>$4.4</td>
<td>$4.45</td>
<td>$420.00</td>
<td>$58.1K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">583</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">545</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ULTA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$53.9</td>
<td>$53.1</td>
<td>$53.55</td>
<td>$415.00</td>
<td>$53.5K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">10</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ULTA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/21/24</td>
<td>$19.5</td>
<td>$19.4</td>
<td>$19.5</td>
<td>$430.00</td>
<td>$52.6K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">103</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ULTA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/26/24</td>
<td>$5.4</td>
<td>$4.9</td>
<td>$4.9</td>
<td>$420.00</td>
<td>$49.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">583</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">295</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<h3>About Ulta Beauty</h3>
<p>With 1,385 stores at the end of fiscal 2023 and a partnership with Target, Ulta Beauty is the largest specialized beauty retailer in the U.S. The firm offers makeup (41% of 2023 sales), fragrances, skin care (19% of sales), and hair care products (19% of sales), and bath and body items. Ulta offers private-label products and merchandise from more than 500 vendors. It also offers salon services, including hair, makeup, skin, and brow services, in all stores. Most Ulta stores are approximately 10,000 square feet and are in suburban strip centers. Ulta was founded in 1990 and is based in Bolingbrook, Illinois.</p>
<p>After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Ulta Beauty, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.</p>
<h3>Present Market Standing of Ulta Beauty</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 474,351, with ULTA's price up by 0.03%, positioned at $418.11.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be oversold.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 30 days.</li>
</ul>
<p>Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.</p>
<p>If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Ulta Beauty, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.</p>


Options

ULTA

Market Whales and Their Recent Bets on ULTA Options

<p>Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on Cloudflare. Our analysis of options history for Cloudflare (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NET#NYSE">NET</a>) revealed 12 unusual trades.</p>
<p>Delving into the details, we found 33% of traders were bullish, while 50% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 5 were puts, with a value of $503,400, and 7 were calls, valued at $240,510.</p>
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
<p>After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $65.0 and $120.0 for Cloudflare, spanning the last three months.</p>
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
<p>In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Cloudflare options trades today is 374.1 with a total volume of 1,489.00.</p>
<p>In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Cloudflare's big money trades within a strike price range of $65.0 to $120.0 over the last 30 days.</p>
<h3>Cloudflare Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<p><img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1713901541_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" /></p>
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>
<p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th><strong>Symbol</strong></th>
<th><strong>PUT/CALL</strong></th>
<th><strong>Trade Type</strong></th>
<th><strong>Sentiment</strong></th>
<th><strong>Exp. Date</strong></th>
<th><strong>Ask</strong></th>
<th><strong>Bid</strong></th>
<th><strong>Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Strike Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Total Trade Price</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Open Interest</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Volume</strong></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NET</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/19/24</td>
<td>$7.5</td>
<td>$7.4</td>
<td>$7.4</td>
<td>$85.00</td>
<td>$370.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">238</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">538</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NET</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$15.45</td>
<td>$15.35</td>
<td>$15.45</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$46.3K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">9</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NET</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$12.4</td>
<td>$12.3</td>
<td>$12.3</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$40.5K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">6</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">33</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NET</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/03/24</td>
<td>$5.8</td>
<td>$5.75</td>
<td>$5.8</td>
<td>$88.00</td>
<td>$40.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">96</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">147</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NET</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/26/24</td>
<td>$3.95</td>
<td>$3.9</td>
<td>$3.95</td>
<td>$85.00</td>
<td>$39.5K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">488</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">250</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<h3>About Cloudflare</h3>
<p>Cloudflare is a software company based in San Francisco, California, that offers security and web performance offerings by utilizing a distributed, serverless content delivery network, or CDN. The firm's edge computing platform, Workers, leverages this network by providing clients the ability to deploy, and execute code without maintaining servers.</p>
<h3>Cloudflare's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 1,650,600, the price of NET is up by 4.32%, reaching $88.35.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 9 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Cloudflare</h3>
<p>2 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $97.5.</p>
<ul>
<li>An analyst from Cantor Fitzgerald downgraded its action to Neutral with a price target of $100. </li>
<li>Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Mizuho continues to hold a Neutral rating for Cloudflare, targeting a price of $95. </li>
</ul>
<p>Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Cloudflare with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.</p>


Market Whales and Their Recent Bets on NET Options

<p>Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards Royal Caribbean Gr (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RCL#NYSE">RCL</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in RCL usually suggests something big is about to happen.</p>
<p>We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 8 extraordinary options activities for Royal Caribbean Gr. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.</p>
<p>The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 37% leaning bullish and 12% bearish. Among these notable options, 3 are puts, totaling $88,892, and 5 are calls, amounting to $371,354.</p>
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
<p>After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $105.0 and $160.0 for Royal Caribbean Gr, spanning the last three months.</p>
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
<p>Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.</p>
<p>This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Royal Caribbean Gr's options for a given strike price.</p>
<p>Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Royal Caribbean Gr's whale activity within a strike price range from $105.0 to $160.0 in the last 30 days. </p>
<h3>Royal Caribbean Gr Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<p><img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1713901535_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" /></p>
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>
<p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th><strong>Symbol</strong></th>
<th><strong>PUT/CALL</strong></th>
<th><strong>Trade Type</strong></th>
<th><strong>Sentiment</strong></th>
<th><strong>Exp. Date</strong></th>
<th><strong>Ask</strong></th>
<th><strong>Bid</strong></th>
<th><strong>Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Strike Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Total Trade Price</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Open Interest</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Volume</strong></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>RCL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$21.4</td>
<td>$21.0</td>
<td>$21.2</td>
<td>$125.00</td>
<td>$190.7K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">185</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">90</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RCL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$24.6</td>
<td>$23.55</td>
<td>$23.77</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$95.2K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">256</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">40</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RCL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>06/21/24</td>
<td>$34.25</td>
<td>$32.4</td>
<td>$33.27</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$33.2K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">653</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RCL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>05/17/24</td>
<td>$6.55</td>
<td>$6.35</td>
<td>$6.45</td>
<td>$136.00</td>
<td>$32.2K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RCL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$11.0</td>
<td>$10.8</td>
<td>$10.8</td>
<td>$135.00</td>
<td>$30.2K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">568</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">90</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<h3>About Royal Caribbean Gr</h3>
<p>Royal Caribbean is the world's second-largest cruise company, operating 65 ships across five global and partner brands in the cruise vacation industry, with 8 more ships on order. Brands the company operates include Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea. The company also has a 50% investment in a joint venture that operates TUI Cruises and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises. The selection of brands in the portfolio allows Royal to compete on the basis of innovation, quality of ships and service, variety of itineraries, choice of destinations, and price. The company completed the divestiture of its Azamara brand in the first quarter of 2021.</p>
<p>Having examined the options trading patterns of Royal Caribbean Gr, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance</p>
<h3>Where Is Royal Caribbean Gr Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 1,747,649, the price of RCL is up 3.99% at $137.25. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 2 days.</li>
</ul>
<p>Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.</p>
<p>If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Royal Caribbean Gr, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.</p>


Market Whales and Their Recent Bets on RCL Options

Rumors

UNIT

Watching Uniti Group; Hearing Uniti, Windstream Said To Near $15B Combination

WIIM

Oil is trading higher, possibly amid Middle East uncertainty. The Pentagon called on Iraq's government to take all necessary steps to defend US forces. US weekly crude stock data will also be released after the close today.

Global X DAX Germany ETF is trading higher following Germany flash manufacturing PMI data.

Guidance

General Motors Says As Of March 31, 2024, Have Incurred $878M Of Cash Outflows Resulting From Voluntary Separation Program; Voluntary Separation Program Was Substantially Complete At March 31, 2024; For Year Ending Dec 31, 2024, Sees Cruise To Require Additional Liquidity In Order To Support Continued Development Of AV Technology

<p><strong>Petrobras</strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/pbr#NYSE">PBR</a>), the renowned Brazilian state-run oil and gas company, has recently unveiled its ambitious plans to boost its sustainable energy portfolio.</p>
<p>This strategic move involves the potential installation of 48 megawatts&nbsp;of solar energy capacity across three of its refineries. Such a significant leap toward renewable energy integration not only highlights Petrobras&#39; commitment to environmental sustainability but also positions it as a frontrunner in the global energy transition.</p>
<h3>Advancing Toward Decarbonization</h3>
<p>The decision to use solar power aligns seamlessly with Petrobras&#39; overarching vision for decarbonization. By leveraging the photovoltaic (PV) technology, the company aims to mitigate its carbon footprint while boosting operational efficiency. These PV projects are set to begin power generation operations by 2025 and will be strategically situated at the following refineries:</p>
<p><strong>Gabriel Passos (Regap) Refinery</strong>: The Gabriel Passos Refinery (Regap) is a petroleum refinery located in Betim, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Regap is the largest refinery in Minas Gerais and the third largest in Brazil. It has a processing capacity of 24,000 cubic meters per day (150,000 barrels per day) and produces a wide range of petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, liquefied petroleum gas&nbsp;and petrochemicals.</p>
<p><strong>Abreu e Lima (Rnest) Refinery</strong>: The Abreu e Lima Refinery (Rnest) is a petroleum refinery located in Abreu e Lima, Pernambuco, Brazil. Rnest is the second-largest refinery in Brazil, with a processing capacity of 360,000 barrels per day. It produces many petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, LPG and petrochemicals.</p>
<p><strong>Paulinia (Replan) Refinery</strong>: The Paulinia Refinery (Replan) is a petroleum refinery located in Paul&iacute;nia, S&atilde;o Paulo, Brazil. Replan is the fourth largest refinery in Brazil, with a processing capacity of 325,000 barrels per day. It also produces petroleum products, including gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, LPG and petrochemicals.</p>
<h3>Strategic Implications</h3>
<p><strong>Enhanced Integration and Operational Reliability: </strong>The integration of photovoltaic plants into refinery operations not only facilitates improved integration but also enhances operational reliability. Petrobras aims to strengthen its operational resilience by diversifying its energy mix.</p>
<p><strong>Mitigation of Greenhouse Gas Emissions:&nbsp;</strong>One of the primary drivers behind Petrobras&#39; foray into solar energy is the company&#39;s commitment to mitigating greenhouse gas emissions. By transitioning toward renewable energy sources, the company seeks to curtail its environmental impact, thereby contributing to global efforts aimed at combating climate change.</p>
<p><strong>Solar Initiative:&nbsp;</strong>Petrobras&#39; strategic investment in solar energy highlights its solid commitment to energy transition. By prioritizing sustainability alongside profitability, the company aims to spearhead a paradigm shift within the energy sector, setting a precedent for other industry players to emulate.</p>
<h3>Decarbonization Fund: A Catalyst for Change</h3>
<p>The implementation of these solar energy projects is expected to happen through Petrobras&#39; Decarbonization Fund. This fund, boasting a substantial budget of $1 billion for the 2024-2028 period, serves as a catalyst for transformative change within the organization. By allocating financial resources toward sustainable initiatives, Petrobras reaffirms its commitment to environmental stewardship and corporate responsibility.</p>
<h3>Portfolio Diversification</h3>
<p><strong>Offsetting Carbon Emissions: </strong>The three solar projects, set for implementation, are part of a broader portfolio, including 33 schemes financed by the Decarbonization Fund. Collectively, these initiatives are projected to offset 1.52 million tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions annually, a feat equivalent to neutralizing the carbon footprint of an entire refinery.</p>
<p><strong>Long-Term Sustainability:&nbsp;</strong>Petrobras aims to promote long-term sustainability by diversifying its energy portfolio and embracing renewable energy solutions, while also future-proofing its operations against changing regulatory landscapes and market dynamics.</p>
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
<p>Petrobras&#39; announcement regarding the installation of 48 MW of solar energy capacity at three of its refineries marks a milestone in the company&#39;s journey toward decarbonization and sustainability. By leveraging solar power to drive operational efficiency and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions, Petrobras reaffirms its position as a leader in the global energy transition.</p>
<p>As the company continues to prioritize sustainability alongside profitability, it sets a commendable example for its peers within the energy sector, laying the groundwork for a greener and more sustainable future.</p>
<p><strong>Zacks Rank and Key Picks</strong></p>
<p>Currently, PBR carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>Investors interested in the energy sector might look at some better-ranked stocks like <strong>Murphy USA Inc.</strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/musa#NYSE">MUSA</a>) and <strong>Archrock, Inc.</strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/aroc#NYSE">AROC</a>), each sporting a Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy), and <strong>Sunoco LP</strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sun#NYSE">SUN</a>), carrying a Zacks #2 Rank (Buy) at present.</p>
<p>Murphy USA is valued at approximately $8.68 billion. In the past year, the company&#39;s shares have surged 49.9%.</p>
<p>MUSA markets retail motor fuel products and convenience merchandise, operating retail stores under the brands Murphy USA, Murphy Express and QuickChek.</p>
<p>Archrock is valued at $3.04 billion. The company currently pays a dividend of 66 cents per share, or 3.4%, on an annual basis.</p>
<p>AROC, together with its subsidiaries, works as an energy infrastructure company in the United States. The company operates under two segments &mdash; Contract Operations and Aftermarket Services.</p>
<p>Sunoco is valued at $5.6 billion. It is a major wholesale motor fuel distributor in the United States, distributing over 10 fuel brands through long-term contracts with more than 10,000 convenience stores, thereby ensuring consistent cash flow.</p>
<p>SUN&#39;s extensive distribution network across 40 states provides a robust and reliable source of income, and the Brownsville terminal expansion should add to its revenue diversification.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2260325/petrobras-pbr-to-build-solar-power-at-its-three-refineries?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|company_news_-_energy_sector-2260325">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a></p>


AROC

MUSA

Petrobras to Build Solar Power at Its Three Refineries

<p class="articleSource"><strong>Source: <a href="https://www.streetwisereports.com/article/2024/04/15/expert-says-silver-stock-in-a-good-place-to-buy.html?utm_medium=feed">Clive Maund 04/15/2024</a></strong></p>
<p>Technical Analyst Clive Maund reviews Hercules Silver&#39;s charts to explain why he believes it is a Strong Buy.</p>
<p>After its huge copper find in Idaho last fall, <strong>Hercules Silver </strong>(OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/badef#OTC">BADEF</a>)<strong> </strong>is thought to be as much a copper stock as a silver stock, hence the color of the charts in this article. On the back of the news about the discovery of copper, there was a huge runup, rising almost 8-fold in October and November.</p>
<p>However, it&#39;s one thing to make a big discovery but quite another to build the infrastructure and mine to get the material out and to market &mdash; that takes a lot of time and a lot of money.</p>
<p>Hence, after the excitement about the discovery drove the price up, the inevitable reaction and hangover set in and this included a nasty drop, a big high-volume gap down at the end of last year visible on the latest 7-month chart below that would have left a good many investors, especially latecomers, stunned and shell-shocked, but just as the runup on the discovery usually gets overdone, the hangover reaction can get overdone on the downside and this is believed to be the case with Hercules, especially as a major metals bull market has just begun in recent weeks with a standout being copper.</p>
<p><img alt="" class="No_img_class" src="https://www.theaureport.com/images/auto_up/2024415120603_1.jpg" style="height:857px; width:668px" /></p>
<p>Thus, it is interesting to observe that as Hercules has tracked sideways since the start of the year following the plunge, its Accumulation line has risen to make new highs, which is rather remarkable and has definite bullish implications, and momentum (MACD) has recovered, trending steadily higher to the point that it is about to turn positive, a common precondition for an uptrend to develop. Hercules appears to be gradually starting to ascend away from the Double Bottom that formed in January and February and once it breaks above the upper boundary of the trading range that has characterized trading so far this year, it is likely to accelerate to the upside, especially if, as expected, copper itself (and silver) also accelerates to the upside.</p>
<p>Just how much Hercules could accelerate to the upside becomes apparent when we look at its 5-year log chart. On this chart, we see that all of the action from early 2021 has been contained within the giant parabolic slingshot uptrend shown. While this parabolic uptrend is becoming steeper, we should keep in mind that this is a long-term chart and also that, with a severe copper supply crunch due to hit as early next year, copper could appreciate greatly, especially as its bull market is likely to be intensified by the background of a gathering general metals bull market with gold and silver set to soar.</p>
<p>So even though the blue up arrow shown on this chart may seem rather far-fetched, it is quite within the realms of possibility, and an additional driver for this could well be the ambitious drilling program that Hercules has scheduled for this Summer.</p>
<p><img alt="" class="No_img_class" src="https://www.theaureport.com/images/auto_up/2024415120630_2.jpg" style="height:857px; width:665px" /></p>
<p>It is therefore considered probable that the nearby support shown on the 7-month chart in the CA$0.65 &ndash; CA$0.70 area will not be breached, and Hercules is rated a Strong Buy here with the dip of the past few weeks, bringing it back to a better entry point. There are 215.3 million shares in issue, and of these, insiders own 6%, and Barrick Gold owns 15%.</p>
<p><strong>Hercules Silver</strong>&nbsp;closed at CA$0.83, $0.617 on April 9, 2024.</p>
<p>Important Disclosures:</p>
<ol>
<li>Clive Maund: I determined which companies would be included in this article based on my research and understanding of the sector.</li>
<li>Statements and opinions expressed are the opinions of the author and not of Streetwise Reports, Street Smart, or their officers. The author is wholly responsible for the accuracy of the statements. Streetwise Reports was not paid by the author to publish or syndicate this article. Streetwise Reports requires contributing authors to disclose any shareholdings in, or economic relationships with, companies that they write about. Any disclosures from the author can be found below. Streetwise Reports relies upon the authors to accurately provide this information and Streetwise Reports has no means of verifying its accuracy.</li>
<li>This article does not constitute investment advice and is not a solicitation for any investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her personal financial adviser and perform their own comprehensive investment research. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports&#39; terms of use and full legal disclaimer. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Clivemaund&nbsp;Disclosures</strong></p>
<p>The above represents the opinion and analysis of Mr. Maund, based on data available to him, at the time of writing. Mr. Maund&#39;s opinions are his own, and are not a recommendation or an offer to buy or sell securities. As trading and investing in any financial markets may involve serious risk of loss, Mr. Maund recommends that you consult with a qualified investment advisor, one licensed by appropriate regulatory agencies in your legal jurisdiction and do your own due diligence and research when making any kind of a transaction with financial ramifications. Although a qualified and experienced stock market analyst, Clive Maund is not a Registered Securities Advisor. Therefore Mr. Maund&#39;s opinions on the market and stocks cannot be only be construed as a recommendation or solicitation to buy and sell securities.</p>


Penny Stocks

Commodities

BADEF

Expert Says Silver-Copper Stock In A Good Place To Buy

<div>The benchmark diesel price used for most fuel surcharges is back below $4 a gallon.</div>

<p>A decline of 2.3 cents a gallon from the prior week's number put the Department of Energy/Energy Information Agency price at $3.992. It's only the second time in the past 11 weeks that the price has been below $4. It also now has given back more than half the 21-cents-per-gallon gain recorded Feb. 12, which boosted the price to $4.109 a gallon as Middle East tensions were ramping up.</p>

<p>The decline comes as the fear factor spurred by talk of war between Iran and Israel is making a rapid retreat from the market. </p>

<p>In crude, after several days of higher oil prices across the board in futures markets earlier this month that led to a significant amount of hand-wringing, those same markets have given back almost all of their gains.<br /><script type="text/javascript">
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<p>The settlement price for Brent crude, the world's benchmark, was $87.48 a barrel on the final trading day of March. It climbed above $91 four days later and hung around the $90 mark for several days as talk turned to when prices might hit $100.</p>

<p>But with the tit for tat Iranian-Israeli shooting match in the Middle East apparently not taking any lives and possibly having already run its course, Brent settled Monday at $87, $3 under that $90 mark and a long way from $100.</p>

<p>Ultra low sulfur diesel on the CME commodity exchange never spiked percentage-wise as much as Brent. But it got well over $2.70 a gallon earlier in the month. Recent settlements in the $2.53-$2.57 range, however, put it at some of the lowest settlements recorded this year. ULSD settled Monday at $2.5604.</p>

<p>The ultimate price of diesel will depend not only on the price of crude but on how ULSD futures and physical diesel are trading relative to Brent.<br /><script type="text/javascript">
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<p>The spread between ULSD and Brent on the CME has been on either side of $20 a barrel in recent trading days. It was close to $30 a little more than a month ago.</p>

<p>Spreads in the physical U.S. diesel market are flat to weaker. Those spreads reflect the price of diesel in a spot physical market such as the U.S. Gulf Coast relative to the CME ULSD price.</p>

<p>On the Buckeye Pipeline, which serves Ohio, Pennsylvania and other areas in the Northeast, that spread had ULSD barrels on Buckeye at 9 cents more than the CME price as recently as April 9, according to DTN. On Monday, DTN had that spread at flat.</p>

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<p>In Los Angeles on April 9, the spread was 11 cents a gallon. On Monday, according to DTN, it was 3.5 cents.</p>

<p>Another sign of market stability is that what is known as the calendar spread on CME has moved into contango, in which the front-month price — which until April 30 will be for May barrels — is lower than the June price. June is less than July as well. </p>

<p>That is the inverse of a market structure called backwardation, in which the contract that is closest on the calendar is the most expensive barrel and the price is lower further out the timeline. </p>

<p>Contango is generally a reflection of a market that is well supplied with healthy inventories; backwardation is the opposite. The move to contango from backwardation in the CME ULSD contract in recent days should be read as a bearish sign.</p>

<p>In its monthly report on distillate markets, which includes diesel, the research firm of Energy Aspects said there is little in the market to propel diesel significantly higher than crude.</p>

<div>
<p>"The window for any near-term rally is rapidly narrowing" the report said. "More supply is in the offing as the end of Atlantic basin turnarounds [where refineries shut or cut back due to maintenance] is drawing close."</p>
</div>

<p>The Energy Aspects report noted the move into contango as a sign of "loosening of balances and ample diesel on the water." That also is a cause of the physical spreads weakening, according to the firm's analysis.</p>

<p>One bullish factor that remains in the market is the status of the Russian refining sector after it has been repeatedly attacked by Ukranian drones.</p>

<p>According to a report by Bloomberg, the level of Russian refining is at an 11-month low, partly due to flooding at some plants but also because of the drone attacks.</p>

<p>However, the decline reported by Bloomberg for the week of April 11-17 is only 10,000 barrels a day, so the already reduced levels could be seen as already baked into the price.</p>

<p>The post <a href="https://www.freightwaves.com/news/benchmark-diesel-price-below-4-again-as-war-led-rally-fizzles">Benchmark diesel price below $4 again as war-led rally fizzles</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.freightwaves.com">FreightWaves</a>.</p>

Futures

Benchmark Diesel Price Below $4 Again As War-Led Rally Fizzles

<p><strong>Koninklijke Philips </strong>(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/phg#NYSE">PHG</a>) recently announced the receipt of FDA 510(k) approval for its Zenition 30 mobile C-arm. The approval is likely to make image-guided surgical procedures available to more patients at a lower cost in the United States.</p>
<p>The new Zenition 30 delivers a special mix of personalized control and image clarity to improve the speed and accuracy of decision-making for a variety of clinical procedures at an affordable cost. It is based on the company&#39;s Zenition platform&#39;s demonstrated simplicity of use and workflow efficiency.</p>
<h3>Price Performance</h3>
<p>Over the past six months, PHG&#39;s shares have gained 9.6% compared with the industry&#39;s rise of 14.7%. The S&amp;P 500 increased 17.8% in the same time frame.</p>
<p><img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/9d/65527.jpg?v=103094215" /><br />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research</p>
<h3>More on Zenition 30</h3>
<p>Zenition 30 reduces surgeons&#39; reliance on support staff by providing them with more customization, control, and flexibility over C-arm movement and user settings. This helps address staff shortages that restrict patient access and increase waiting periods. The Zenition 30 also solves the financial issues that affect present hospital systems by lowering the number of support personnel needed during procedures.</p>
<p>Surgeons can treat more patients while also spending more time focusing on each patient because of the intuitive C-arm control provided by the patient table. This results in an improved experience for both people and patients.</p>
<p>With its cutting-edge imaging algorithms, customized user profiles, and flat detector technology from Philips, the Zenition 30 offers excellent dosage efficiency and image quality. Additionally, it has automatic workflow customization that adapts to each surgeon&#39;s preferred configuration and style of operation as soon as they log in. Less manual correction means more first-time-right images and more seamless processes.</p>
<p>The Zenition 30 not only provides quick setup and protocol selection, but it also gives surgeons much more control over where the C-arm is positioned during surgery. This is because the flat detector&#39;s easily accessible pushbuttons enable surgeons to unlock and modify the arm&#39;s rotational, orbital, and horizontal positioning from inside the sterile field.</p>
<h3>Industry Prospects</h3>
<p>Per a report by Precedence Research, the global image guided surgery devices market size was valued at $6.8 billion in 2022 and is expected to reach more than $17.2 billion by 2032 at a growth rate of 9.8%.</p>
<p>The need for less intrusive operations, the aging population, and advancements in imaging technology are the main factors driving the industry. The market is expanding because of increased efforts being made to treat cancer and the growing prevalence of chronic diseases like cancer.</p>
<p>Given the market potential, Philips&#39; Zenition 30 mobile C-arm is likely to boost the company&#39;s business and generate additional revenues.</p>
<h3>Notable Developments</h3>
<p>Philips partnered with smartQare to integrate the latter&#39;s viQtor solution into its clinical patient monitoring platforms. This partnership aims to improve continuous patient monitoring in and out of hospitals by enabling open communication between sensors and systems, making data and decision support accessible via user-friendly platforms.</p>
<p>Philips and SyntheticMR recently announced the launch of Smart Quant Neuro 3D, which is likely to be a significant development in the objective decision support field for the diagnosis and treatment evaluation of brain illnesses such as dementia, traumatic brain injury, and multiple sclerosis.</p>
<p>In March, Philips announced an extended partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) in response to the expanding demand for cloud-based, secure, scalable digital pathology solutions.</p>
<p>The company also announced the launch of its new Azurion neuro biplane system, which is likely to be a major improvement in its Image Guided Therapy System.</p>
<div class="chart_embed">
<h3>Koninklijke Philips N.V. Price</h3>
<p><a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/chart/PHG/fundamental/price?icid=chart-PHG-fundamental/price"><img alt="Koninklijke Philips N.V. Price" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/charts/75/1713871805.png" style="height:252px; width:536px" title="" /> </a></p>
<p>Koninklijke Philips N.V. price | Koninklijke Philips N.V. Quote</p>
</div>
<h3>Zacks Rank &amp; Stocks to Consider</h3>
<p>PHG carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell) at present.</p>
<p>Some better-ranked stocks in the broader medical space are&nbsp;<strong>DaVita Inc.&nbsp;</strong>(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dva#NYSE">DVA</a>),&nbsp;<strong>Cardinal Health, Inc.&nbsp;</strong>(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cah#NYSE">CAH</a>) and&nbsp;<strong>Cencora, Inc.</strong>&nbsp;(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cor#NYSE">COR</a>).</p>
<p>DaVita, sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), has an estimated long-term growth rate of 12.1%. DVA&#39;s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 35.6%.</p>
<p>DaVita&#39;s shares have gained 58.3% compared with the&nbsp;industry&#39;s 18.9% rise in the past year.</p>
<p>Cardinal Health, flaunting a Zacks Rank of 1 at present, has an estimated long-term growth rate of 14.2%. CAH&#39;s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average being 15.6%.</p>
<p>Cardinal Health has gained 51.9% compared with the&nbsp;industry&#39;s 3.2% rise in the past year.</p>
<p>Cencora, carrying a Zacks Rank of 2 (Buy) at present, has an estimated long-term growth rate of 9.8%. COR&#39;s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, with the average surprise being 6.7%.</p>
<p>Cencora&#39;s shares have rallied 51.5% compared with the&nbsp;industry&#39;s 3.6% rise in the past year.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2260350/philips-phg-zenition-30-to-boost-image-guided-surgeries?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|company_news_-_medical_sector-2260350">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a></p>


Philips' Zenition 30 to Boost Image-Guided Surgeries

<p class="articleSource"><strong>Source: <a href="https://www.streetwisereports.com/article/2024/04/22/mining-stocks-hit-new-highs-as-copper-and-gold-exploration-show-promising-potential.html?utm_medium=feed">Streetwise Reports 04/22/2024</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>NevGold Corp.</strong>&nbsp;(OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nauff#OTC">NAUFF</a>) soared to new 52-week highs, signaling robust investor confidence. Read more about it here.</p>
<p>NevGold Corp.&nbsp;has reached a new 52-week high at CA$0.47-0.50. NevGold recently announced new findings from its Zeus Copper Project in Idaho, showing significant copper porphyry potential, which could indicate a fresh avenue for growth and exploration for the company involved in the emerging Hercules Copper Trend.</p>
<p>NevGold&#39;s findings, which were announced in a news release, come as part of a comprehensive review that included geological mapping and analysis of rock chip samples, highlighting similarities with nearby projects that also show substantial copper porphyry.</p>
<p>This discovery underscores a growing interest in copper and associated metals within the industry, reflecting broader market trends toward materials essential for various technological and industrial applications.</p>
<h2>Why Gold and Copper?</h2>
<p>The surge in interest and valuation underscores gold&#39;s appeal as a hedge against inflation. In times of economic uncertainty or when inflation rates rise, investors frequently turn to gold as a stable store of value.</p>
<p>Moreover, gold&#39;s intrinsic qualities as a highly conductive metal make it indispensable in numerous industrial applications, from electronics to renewable energy technologies, bolstering its long-term demand.</p>
<p>Copper&#39;s upside is something that analysts have pointed to with visions of a further increase going forward.</p>
<p>In a post from<em> Stockhead</em>, Westpac senior economist Justin Smirk recently said, &quot;As shortages of concentrate bites, and refiners cut back on output at the same time as demand firms due to restocking, then copper is set to find further support in the second half of 2024.&quot;</p>
<p>This strategic expansion into copper exploration by associated companies like NevGold reflects a diversification strategy that leverages the conductive properties of copper, which are essential for electrical equipment and green technologies.</p>
<p>This diversification not only mitigates risk by broadening the resource base beyond just gold but also aligns with global economic shifts toward sustainable energy solutions, where both gold and copper play critical roles.</p>
<h2>Catalysts</h2>
<p>The recent achievements and exploratory advances by NevGold serve as key catalysts for potential growth, according to the company. The new highs reached by its stock following the revelation of significant copper porphyry potential at the Zeus Project introduce robust prospects for expansion and further exploration. These developments are particularly timely, given the increasing demand for copper in green technologies and renewable energy sectors.</p>
<p>NevGold&#39;s continued exploration in the copper-rich regions of Idaho positions it advantageously within a critical supply chain for essential minerals needed in the green energy transition. This strategic focus is expected to attract further investor interest and partnerships, potentially driving up its market valuation and financial performance in the forthcoming periods.</p>
<h2>Expert Opinions</h2>
<p>Technical Analyst Clive Maund highlighted the potential of NevGold following its recent announcements.</p>
<p>He pointed out that &quot;NevGold Corp. has done very well since it was first recommended for purchase . . . blasting almost vertically higher from a price of CA$0.34 to hit CA$0.50 on its first upleg.&quot;</p>
<p>Maund also noted the positive technical indicators, stating, &quot;This is a sign that it is readying to blast almost vertically higher again in a second upwave . . . the catalyst for it may well be the very positive news out of the company this morning.&quot; These insights underscore a strong bullish outlook for NevGold, driven by both its strategic initiatives and favorable market conditions for copper.</p>
<p>Maund&#39;s analysis suggests a robust technical setup for NevGold&#39;s stock, anticipating further gains based on its market activities and geological advancements. Such expert insights provide valuable perspectives for investors considering the potential for significant returns from the mining and exploration sector, particularly in valuable minerals like copper and gold. [OWNERSHIP_CHART-10234]</p>
<h2>Share Structure</h2>
<p>According to NevGold, its strength is &quot;a financial groundwork that supports exploration success&quot; including strong insider ownership, a tight capital structure, and a strong balance sheet.</p>
<p>About 37% of the company is now held by strategic investors, including GoldMining Inc., which now holds 29.4% of the company on an undiluted basis, and McEwen Mining Inc.</p>
<p>The company said about 30% is held by management and insiders. According to Reuters, these include Non-Executive Chairman Giulio T. Bonifacio with 7.3%, CEO Brandon Bonifacio with 6.7%, Independent Director Gregory French with 1.62%, and Independent Director Timothy Dyhr with 1.37%, Reuters said.</p>
<p>About 10% is held by institutions, and the rest is in retail.</p>
<p>As for its share structure, NevGold has 93.91M outstanding shares and 30M free float traded shares.</p>
<p>The company&#39;s market cap is CA$40 million. Its 52-week trading range is CA$0.24&minus;CA$0.50 per share.</p>
<p>Important Disclosures:</p>
<ol>
<li>NevGold Corp. has a consulting relationship with an affiliate of Streetwise Reports, and pays a monthly consulting fee between US$8,000 and US$20,000.</li>
<li>As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of NevGold Corp.</li>
<li>James Guttman wrote this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an employee.</li>
<li>This article does not constitute investment advice and is not a solicitation for any investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her personal financial adviser and perform their own comprehensive investment research. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports&#39; terms of use and full legal disclaimer. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company.</li>
</ol>
<p>Contributing Author Disclosures:</p>
<ol>
<li>Author Certification and Compensation: [Clive Maund of clivemaund.com] is being compensated as an independent contractor by Street Smart, an affiliate of Streetwise Reports, for writing this article. Maund received his UK Technical Analysts&#39; Diploma in 1989. The recommendations and opinions expressed in this content accurately reflect the personal, independent, and objective views of the author regarding any and all of the designated securities discussed. No part of the compensation received by the author was, is, or will be directly or indirectly related to the specific recommendations or views expressed.</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Clivemaund.com Disclosures</strong></p>
<p>The above represents the opinion and analysis of Mr. Maund, based on data available to him, at the time of writing. Mr. Maund&#39;s opinions are his own, and are not a recommendation or an offer to buy or sell securities. As trading and investing in any financial markets may involve serious risk of loss, Mr. Maund recommends that you consult with a qualified investment advisor, one licensed by appropriate regulatory agencies in your legal jurisdiction and do your own due diligence and research when making any kind of a transaction with financial ramifications. Although a qualified and experienced stock market analyst, Clive Maund is not a Registered Securities Advisor. Therefore Mr. Maund&#39;s opinions on the market and stocks cannot be only be construed as a recommendation or solicitation to buy and sell securities.</p>


NAUFF

Mining Stocks Hit New Highs as Copper and Gold Exploration Show Promising Potential

<p><strong>Ethereum</strong> (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) Name Service has integrated .box domain names that can be used with internet browsers. The .box domain is recognized as an ICANN-approved top-level domain and is the first on-chain TLD included in the ENS manager app &mdash; alongside .eth. With the release, users can register .box domains via the manager app, which can be used with web2 services such as email and website hosting.</p>
<p>Read the <a href="https://www.theblock.co/post/290373/ethereum-name-service-integrates-with-browser-compatible-box-web-domains?utm_source=benzinga&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=Ethereum+Name+Service+integrates+browser+compatible+.box+web+domains">full story</a> at The Block.</p>


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<p class="articleSource"><strong>Source: <a href="https://www.streetwisereports.com/article/2024/04/22/ecuador-mining-expert-with-green-credentials-joins-co-s-board.html?utm_medium=feed">Streetwise Reports 04/22/2024</a></strong></p>
<p><strong>BacTech Environmental Corp.</strong>&nbsp;(OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/bccef#OTC">BCCEF</a>) announced that the president of the Board of Directors of the Mining Chamber of Ecuador has joined the green tech company&#39;s Board of Directors. Read why one expert calls the company&#39;s technology &quot;uber-exciting stuff.&quot;</p>
<p>BacTech Environmental Corp.&nbsp;announced that the president of the Board of Directors of the Mining Chamber of Ecuador has joined the green tech company&#39;s Board of Directors.</p>
<p>Carolina Orozco is also the current country manager for Torata Mining Resources, a subsidiary of Challenger Exploration-Australia, and leads the El Guyabo project. She is also the co-founder of Women in Mining Ecuador, promoting female participation in the industry there.</p>
<p>&quot;She will be a valuable addition to our team as we continue to introduce bioleaching to the Ecuadorian mining community&quot; BacTech Chief Executive Officer Ross Orr said. &quot;We have already discussed possible solutions to get environmentally non-compliant producers in Ponce Enriquez to become &#39;legal&#39; from an environmental permitting perspective. We have committed to the government of Ecuador that we will only purchase concentrates from mines that are fully compliant with Ecuadorian environmental regulations for mining.&quot;</p>
<p>The political situation in the Latin American country continues to improve after rising drug gang violence made global headlines when gunmen stormed a live TV broadcast.</p>
<p>Ecuadorians voted on Sunday to support President Daniel Noboa&#39;s security measures to fight the situation, including measures allowing the military to patrol with police, extraditing accused criminals, and increasing prison sentences for crimes such as terrorism and murder, Reuters reported.</p>
<p>A quick count by election officials showed between 60% and 73% backed the measures.</p>
<p>&quot;We have defended the country; now we have more tools to fight against crime and return peace to Ecuadorean families&quot; Noboa posted on his Instagram account.</p>
<p>Investors have embraced Noboa&#39;s security stance, the news service reported.</p>
<p>&quot;Noboa is making investors rethink security risk, and they are seeing him as potentially able to continue through the next election&quot; Zulfi Ali, portfolio manager for PGIM Fixed Income&#39;s Emerging Markets Debt team, told Reuters.</p>
<p>Ecuadorean bonds have returned nearly 50% to investors so far this year at the index level, among the highest returns in emerging markets year to date, Reuters said.</p>
<h2><strong>The Catalyst: &#39;A Gem in Ecuador&#39;</strong></h2>
<p>BacTech&#39;s bioleaching process uses naturally occurring bacteria, harmless to humans and the environment, to extract precious and base metals from ores, concentrates, and tailings. Its motto is &quot;Our bugs eat rocks.&quot;</p>
<p>The rocks are like bricks in a wall, with sulfur as the mortar. The bacteria eat the sulfur, causing the wall to come crashing down.</p>
<p>The company has launched a new sustainable framework for issuing US$20 million in Green Bonds to pay for its plant planned in Tenguel.</p>
<p>&quot;We&#39;ve discovered a gem in Ecuador&quot; Orr said. &quot;While governments may change, environmental issues persist until addressed. I firmly believe that Ecuador is just the first in a series of successes that will follow once we demonstrate the capabilities of our technology.&quot;</p>
<blockquote class="callOut left"><p>Technical Analyst Clive Maund had recommended BacTech in February when it was at CA$0.06 a share. It went on to stabilize and broke higher when the news of the IP expansion first dropped.</p></blockquote>
<p>Ecuador&#39;s small mines, including 90 in the area of the plant that produce significant amounts of arsenic with gold, will be the feed for the plant, which would process about 30,900 ounces gold (Au) per year. There is potential for expansion; the total availability of materials in the area is an estimated 250 tonnes per day.</p>
<p>BacTech said new board member Orozco has a dual background in environmental engineering and law, with two master&#39;s degrees in environment and safety for extractive industry projects, as well as an MBA from the University of Barcelona.</p>
<p>She said it was the combination of green credentials and process that attracted her.</p>
<p>&quot;BacTech is a company that seeks environmental solutions while recovering metals&quot; Orozco said. &quot;I am honored and happy to be part of the Board of Directors of this company, as it is the example that: mining + innovation + nature = sustainable businesses reciprocal with the planet.&quot;</p>
<h2><strong>Expanded &#39;Zero-Waste&#39; Patent</strong></h2>
<p>The company also recently announced it had filed an expanded application for what it says is the first zero-waste bioleaching process for recovering metals, fertilizer, and iron from millions of tons of mine tailings worldwide.</p>
<p>From 1 tonne of waste, five different products can be sold, leaving behind zero waste, the company said. Those products are iron for steel or battery manufacturing, premium organic fertilizer, and the base metals nickel, cobalt, and copper. What&#39;s left are silicates that can be used as industrial filler or paste for backfilling in mines.</p>
<p>BacTech said it&#39;s independently estimated that there are 80 to 100 million tonnes of pyrrhotite tails in the Sudbury, Ontario, basin, containing 60% iron, 30% to 35% sulfur, 0.85% nickel, and 0.03% cobalt, in addition to the copper that has been deposited over the past 100 years of mining.</p>
<p>Longtime supporter and shareholder Chris Temple, author and editor of The National Investor, called the news &quot;uber-exciting stuff.&quot;</p>
<p>&quot;As much as 90% of the total value in tailings materials such as those specifically at issue in Sudbury (which would probably have long since been deemed a &#39;Superfund&#39; area/story by the EPA were it in the US) could conceivably come from the iron and fertilizer production&quot; Temple wrote.</p>
<p>Technical Analyst Clive Maund had recommended BacTech in February when it was at CA$0.06 a share. It went on to stabilize and broke higher when the news of the IP expansion first dropped.</p>
<p>&quot;Given how significant this news is, it is thought likely that the stock will initially run at least to the resistance level in the 9 to 10 cent area&quot; wrote Maund, who said he was staying long and rated the stock a Strong Buy for all timeframes.</p>
<p>&quot;It is hard to overstate the significance of the technology BacTech has developed for the mining industry and the environment worldwide&quot; Maund wrote, adding the stock has &quot;huge potential upside.&quot;</p>
<h2><strong>Ownership and Share Structure</strong></h2>
<p>Nearly half of the company, 49%, is held by insiders, management, and strategic shareholders, the biggest of which is Option Three Advisory Services Ltd., which owns 8.48%, or 15.57 million shares, according to Reuters. That also includes CEO Orr, who owns 3.57% or 6.54 million shares, and Board Director Timothy Lewin, who owns 0.54% or 0.98 million shares.</p>
<p>The rest is retail.</p>
<p>The company has 193.04 million shares outstanding. Its market cap is CA$13.9 million, and it trades in a 52-week range of CA$0.10 and CA$0.05.</p>
<p>Important Disclosures:</p>
<ol>
<li>BacTech Environmental Corp. is a billboard sponsor of Streetwise Reports and pays SWR a monthly sponsorship fee between US$4,000 and US$5,000. In addition, BacTech Environmental Corp. has a consulting relationship with an affiliate of Streetwise Reports, and pays a monthly consulting fee between US$8,000 and US$20,000.</li>
<li>As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of BacTech Environmental Corp.</li>
<li>Steve Sobek wrote this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an employee.</li>
<li>This article does not constitute investment advice and is not a solicitation for any investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her personal financial adviser and perform their own comprehensive investment research. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports&#39; terms of use and full legal disclaimer. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company.</li>
</ol>
<p>Contributing Author Disclosures:</p>
<ol>
<li>Author Certification and Compensation: [Clive Maund of clivemaund.com] is being compensated as an independent contractor by Street Smart, an affiliate of Streetwise Reports, for writing this article. Maund received his UK Technical Analysts&#39; Diploma in 1989. The recommendations and opinions expressed in this content accurately reflect the personal, independent, and objective views of the author regarding any and all of the designated securities discussed. No part of the compensation received by the author was, is, or will be directly or indirectly related to the specific recommendations or views expressed</li>
</ol>
<p><strong>Clivemaund Disclosures</strong></p>
<p>The above represents the opinion and analysis of Mr. Maund, based on data available to him, at the time of writing. Mr. Maund&#39;s opinions are his own, and are not a recommendation or an offer to buy or sell securities. As trading and investing in any financial markets may involve serious risk of loss, Mr. Maund recommends that you consult with a qualified investment advisor, one licensed by appropriate regulatory agencies in your legal jurisdiction and do your own due diligence and research when making any kind of a transaction with financial ramifications. Although a qualified and experienced stock market analyst, Clive Maund is not a Registered Securities Advisor. Therefore Mr. Maund&#39;s opinions on the market and stocks can only be construed as a solicitation to buy and sell securities when they are subject to the prior approval and endorsement of a Registered Securities Advisor operating in accordance with the appropriate regulations in your area of jurisdiction.</p>


BCCEF

Ecuador Mining Expert With Green Credentials Joins Co.'s Board

<p><strong>Trendless Markets are an Investor&#39;s Worst Nightmare</strong></p>
<p>Over my two-decade active investing career, I have learned valuable lessons by studying my trading history extensively. In looking back at my investments and the investing environment when I made the investment, I learned unsurprisingly that my best results came during bull markets (defined by the S&amp;P 500 Index trending above its 50-day moving average). Because about 75% of a stock&#39;s performance is correlated to the general market&#39;s direction, the results of my post-analysis make sense. However, the most surprising takeaway from my historical study of my trading history was that I did not lose the most money in bear markets. Instead, the biggest drawdowns in my equity curve occurred during trendless, choppy markets (as defined by the S&amp;P 500 Index stuck between the intermediate-term 50-day moving average and the long-term 200-day moving average.)</p>
<p>Don&#39;t only take my word for it; listen to two investing juggernauts from completely entirely different eras:</p>
<p>Jesse Livermore, who amassed his massive fortune during the Great Depression crash of 1929, warned of trendless markets by saying, <strong><em>&quot;There is a time to go long, a time to go short, and a time to go fishing.&quot;</em></strong></p>
<p>Similarly, Ed Seykota, a trend following pioneer with a money management track record of ~60% annually net of fees over 30 years, felt so strongly about trendless markets that he composed his own tune appropriately named <strong><em>&quot;The Whipsaw Song.&quot;</em></strong></p>
<p>While amateur investors seek to extract money from the market regardless of conditions, elite investors understand the importance of sitting on their hands and waiting patiently for a trend to develop. For equity investors, five items suggest that a trendless market may be in the works over the next few months, including:</p>
<p><strong>Seasonality: Sell in May and Go Away?</strong></p>
<p>Historical seasonality trends dating back to 1949 indicate that the S&amp;P 500 Index tends to fluctuate in election years until June before rallying into year end.</p>
<p><img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/f0/65561.png?v=1236224273" /><br />
Image Source: Almanac Trader</p>
<p><strong>Geopolitical Uncertainty</strong></p>
<p>As the Russia/Ukraine war drags on, tensions between Iran and Israel have escalated recently. Though the tit-for-tat between the adversaries appears to be over in the short-term, the cloud of war continues to hang over equity markets and could lead to a &quot;headline-driven&quot; market.</p>
<p><strong>Sentiment Bearish, But Room Lower</strong></p>
<p>Sentiment indicators suggest that investors have one foot out the door. Despite the relatively tame pullback in the S&amp;P 500 Index, sentiment has shifted from &quot;Extreme Greed&quot; to &quot;Fear&quot; in just a handful of days. While the poor sentiment is bullish from a contrarian perspective, there is room to go lower in the next few months.</p>
<p><img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/f5/65562.png?v=975948455" /><br />
Image Source: CNN</p>
<p><strong>Muddled Fed Policy Picture</strong></p>
<p>Wall Street&#39;s interest rate expectations have fluctuated dramatically as several Fed officials have opposing views, inflation remains stubborn, and commercial real estate concerns loom. For example, the <strong>Chicago Mercantile Exchange </strong>(NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cme#NASDAQ">CME</a>) &quot;FedWatch&quot; tool gives the odds of a rate cut and no change in rates for July at around a coin flip. Because Fed liquidity is a significant market driver, the uncertainty around monetary policy may lead to uncertainty in equities.</p>
<p><strong>Digestion Pullbacks are Normal </strong></p>
<p><strong>Nvidia </strong>(NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nvda#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>)<strong>,</strong> <strong>Super Micro Computer </strong>(NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/smci#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>)<strong>,</strong> and <strong>Arm Holdings </strong>(NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/arm#NASDAQ">ARM</a>) were victims of carnage in the tech sector last week. However, before the correction, each had gone on tremendous bull runs. In other words, some digestion is expected and warranted at this juncture. Meanwhile, Ryan Detrick of Carson Research points out that, <strong><em>&quot;The S&amp;P 500 has a max pullback of 5.5% in 2024 so far. Since 1980, only 4 years saw a smaller pullback. The average year since 1980 saw a 14.2% max pullback.&quot;</em></strong> Investors should reach the conclusion that even though the recent pullback may have felt painful, it would be normal for stocks to retreat further and still maintain their bull trend.</p>
<p><strong>Bottom Line</strong></p>
<p>Savvy investors understand that choppy, trendless markets are the most dangerous. Five indicators suggest a choppy market ahead.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.zacks.com/commentary/2260411/cracking-the-code-5-reasons-a-choppy-market-looms?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-investment_ideas-2260411">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a></p>


NVDA

SMCI

Cracking the Code: 5 Reasons a Choppy Market Looms

<p>Investors are always looking for stocks that are poised to beat at earnings season and <strong>Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. </strong>(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cmg#NYSE">CMG</a>) may be one such company. The firm has earnings coming up pretty soon, and events are shaping up quite nicely for their report.</p>
<p>That is because Chipotle is seeing favorable earnings estimate revision activity as of late, which is generally a precursor to an earnings beat. After all, analysts raising estimates right before earnings &mdash; with the most up-to-date information possible &mdash; is a pretty good indicator of some favorable trends underneath the surface for CMG in this report.</p>
<p>In fact, the Most Accurate Estimate for the current quarter is currently at $11.77 per share for CMG, compared to a broader Zacks Consensus Estimate of $11.57 per share. This suggests that analysts have very recently bumped up their estimates for CMG, giving the stock a Zacks Earnings ESP of +1.69% heading into earnings season.</p>
<div class="chart_embed">
<h3>Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise <a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/chart/CMG/price-eps-surprise?icid=chart-CMG-price-eps-surprise"> <img alt="Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/charts/9c/1713878005.png" style="height:294px; width:610px" title="" /> </a></h3>
<p>Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. price-eps-surprise | Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc. Quote</p>
</div>
<h3>Why is this Important?</h3>
<p>A positive reading for the Zacks Earnings ESP has proven to be very powerful in producing both positive surprises, and outperforming the market. Our recent 10-year backtest shows that stocks that have a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) or better show a positive surprise nearly 70% of the time, and have returned over 28% on average in annual returns.</p>
<p>Given that CMG has a Zacks Rank #3 and an ESP in positive territory, investors might want to consider this stock ahead of earnings.</p>
<p>Clearly, recent earnings estimate revisions suggest that good things are ahead for Chipotle, and that a beat might be in the cards for the upcoming report.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2260277/why-earnings-season-could-be-great-for-chipotle-cmg?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-tale_of_the_tape|earnings_surprise-2260277">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a></p>


Why Earnings Season Could Be Great for Chipotle

<p><a href="https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/04/ftc-announces-rule-banning-noncompetes">https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2024/04/ftc-announces-rule-banning-noncompetes</a></p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>


Government

Legal

FTC Announces Rule Banning Noncompetes

<p>In a surprising turn of events, <strong>UBS Group AG</strong> has made a rare upgrade call, lifting its recommendation on a key <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/china">Chinese stock index to Overweight</a>.</p>
<p>As of 2 p.m. ET, Chinese equity tracking ETFs such as the <strong>iShares China Large-Cap ETF</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FXI#NYSE">FXI</a>) was trading up 1.52%, <strong>KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KWEB#NYSE">KWEB</a>) was up 2.86%, and <strong>iShares MSCI China ETF</strong> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCHI#NASDAQ">MCHI</a>) was up 1.26%.</p>
<p>Stocks of Chinese companies also shared in the optimism with <strong>Alibaba Group Holding </strong>(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABAF#OTC">BABAF</a>) was up 2.65%, <strong>PDD Holdings</strong> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PDD#NASDAQ">PDD</a>) up 2.87%, <strong>Tencent Holdings</strong> <strong>ADR</strong> (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TCEHY#OTC">TCEHY</a>) up 3.51%, <strong>Li Auto Inc</strong> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LI#NASDAQ">LI</a>) up 0.24%, <strong>XPeng </strong>(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPEV#NYSE">XPEV</a>) up 2.29%, <strong>NIO &#8211; ADR </strong>(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NIO#NYSE">NIO</a>) up 2.50%, and <strong>JD.com</strong> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JD#NASDAQ">JD</a>) up 2.06%.</p>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>UBS Analyst Upgrades China To Overweight</strong></h1>
<p>This move comes amidst a backdrop of lingering concerns over China&#8217;s property sector and broader macroeconomic worries. However, <strong>Sunil Tirumalai</strong>, UBS' institutional research Global Emerging Markets equity strategist, pointed to resilient earnings as a beacon of hope in an otherwise turbulent market.</p>
<p>Among the tailwinds highlighted by UBS that support the bullish outlook for Chinese stocks were:</p>
<ol>
<li>Interventions from state-related funds.</li>
<li>Positive surprises in dividends and buybacks from local firms.</li>
</ol>
<p>UBS has issued a downgrade for Taiwan and South Korea markets to Neutral, citing high premiums in the tech sector, <a href="https://www.bnnbloomberg.ca/ubs-upgrades-china-stocks-to-overweight-cuts-taiwan-and-korea-1.2062407">reported</a> BNN Bloomberg. This reflects a broader shift among investors away from frothy valuations in favor of more stable growth opportunities.</p>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Underperformance Attributable To &#8220;Valuation Collapse&#8221;</strong></h1>
<p>According to Tirumalai, the underperformance of China stocks can be attributed solely to a &#8220;valuation collapse,&#8221; <a href="https://www.cnbctv18.com/market/ubs-upgrades-china-stocks-to-overweight-cuts-taiwan-and-korea-19400535.htm">reported</a> CNBC. He emphasized that the largest stocks in the China index have maintained strong earnings and fundamentals, providing a solid foundation for future growth.</p>
<p>To this end, KraneShares&#8217; CIO <strong>Brendan Ahern</strong>, noted his team&#8217;s perspective on China and emerging markets fundamentals differs from conventional views. </p>
<p>The company believes sector dysfunction in emerging markets and China indices is driving underperformance, particularly due to the large weight of value sectors. Conventional index construction methods, while useful for financial analysis, pose challenges for forecasting. </p>
<p>Stocks with higher P/E ratios have a disproportionately lower weight in earnings per share (EPS), leading to forecasting difficulties. As a result, movements in higher P/E stocks dominate index performance, while EPS is influenced more by lower P/E stocks.</p>
<p><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1019" height="307" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/23142849/image003.png" alt="" class="wp-image-305103" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/23142849/image003.png 1019w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/23142849/image003-300x90.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/23142849/image003-768x231.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1019px) 100vw, 1019px" /></figure></p>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>China&#8217;s Stock Market: A Potentially Rare Opportunity</strong></h1>
<p>In a recent exclusive interview with Benzinga, <strong>Henry Greene</strong>, investment strategist at KraneShares pointed out, &#8220;China&#8217;s stock market has bottomed, indicating a potentially rare opportunity.&#8221;</p>
<p><em>We covered his insights here: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/04/38097022/exclusive-chinas-stock-market-has-bottomed-indicating-a-potentially-rare-opportunity-says-investment">EXCLUSIVE: &#8216;China&#8217;s Stock Market Has Bottomed, Indicating A Potentially Rare Opportunity,&#8217; Says Investment Strategist</a></em></p>
<p>Later, in another exclusive, with Benzinga,<strong> </strong>Ahern shared &#8220;the long-term trend of China investing heavily in developing its domestic chip capabilities and reducing reliance on foreign suppliers.&#8221;</p>
<p>The upgrade appeared to fall in line with KraneShares philosophy and outlook toward Chinese equity.</p>
<p>Despite concerns over geopolitical tensions and regulatory uncertainties, Chinese equities have shown signs of resilience, with both the MSCI China Index and the Hang Seng Index posting double-digit gains in recent months.</p>
<p>While risks remain, including heightened geopolitical noise, UBS&#8217;s upgrade underscored a growing sense of confidence in China&#8217;s economic recovery. </p>
<p>As investors navigate these uncertain times, UBS&#8217;s bold call serves as a reminder of the potential opportunities ahead in the Chinese market.</p>
<p><em>Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/04/38317570/exclusive-kraneshares-cio-talks-intel-and-amd-as-china-seeks-semiconductor-self-sufficiency">EXCLUSIVE: KraneShares CIO Talks Intel And AMD, As China Seeks Semiconductor Self-Sufficiency</a></em></p>
<p><em>Photo: Shutterstock</em></p>


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<p>Cannabis may be one of the more controversial investment topics. But with more states legalizing its use, a fight to change its Schedule 1 status, and Kamala Harris saying,&nbsp;&ldquo;<a href="https://www.marijuanamoment.net/kamala-harris-says-we-need-to-legalize-marijuana-for-first-time-since-joining-biden-ticket-signaling-potential-shift-ahead-of-election/">we need to legalize marijuana</a>,&rdquo;&nbsp;related <a href="https://investorplace.com/industries/healthcare/cannabis/">cannabis stocks</a> could see higher highs.</p>



<p>According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.marijuanamoment.net/kamala-harris-says-we-need-to-legalize-marijuana-for-first-time-since-joining-biden-ticket-signaling-potential-shift-ahead-of-election/">Marijuana Moment</a>, &ldquo;Kamala Harris&nbsp;called for the legalization of marijuana &mdash; signaling a possible shift in the administration&rsquo;s platform heading into the November elections. Harris told a room of cannabis pardon recipients at the White House on Friday that &lsquo;we need to legalize marijuana,&rsquo; a participant in the meeting has revealed.&rdquo;</p>



<p>In addition, about&nbsp;<a href="https://news.gallup.com/poll/514007/grassroots-support-legalizing-marijuana-hits-record.aspx#:~:text=Seventy%20percent%20of%20U.S.%20adults,of%20Americans%20were%20in%20favor.">70% of U.S. adults say cannabis should be legal</a>, according to a Gallup poll. Nearly 29%, however, say it should not be legal at all. In addition, as noted by Forbes.com, &ldquo;For the second consecutive year, majority support for legalization is evident across all major subgroups, including age, political party, and ideology, according to Gallup&rsquo;s results.&rdquo;</p>



<p>Also,&nbsp;as we near the 2024 presidential election, we could hear more about potential legalization. All because it could help boost chances for success for any candidate that mentions the possibility. That being said, investors may want to jump into cannabis stocks, such as:</p>



<h2><strong>Green Thumb Industries (GTBIF)</strong></h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/marijuana1600f-300x169.jpg" alt="multiple jars of different sizes carrying marijuana"><div>Source: Shutterstock</div></div><p>The last time I mentioned&nbsp;<strong>Green Thumb Industries</strong>&nbsp;(OTCMKTS:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/gtbif-stock-quote/"><strong>GTBIF</strong></a>), it traded at around $11 on&nbsp;<a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/01/the-3-best-cannabis-stocks-to-buy-in-january-2024/">Jan. 10</a>. Today, after testing a high of $14.30, it&rsquo;s now at $13.45.</p>



<p>While the company missed its fourth-quarter EPS by four cents, revenue was up 7.3% year over year and beat by $9.86 million.</p>



<p>Even better,&nbsp;<a href="https://investors.gtigrows.com/investors/news-and-events/press-releases/press-release-details/2024/Green-Thumb-Industries-Reports-Fourth-Quarter-and-Full-Year-2023-Results/default.aspx">according to the company&rsquo;s founder, chairman, and CEO Ben Kovler</a>, &ldquo;We delivered a strong fourth quarter, including record revenue of $278 million, record Adjusted EBITDA of $91 million, and full-year 2023 cash flow from operations of $225 million &mdash; all the while investing over $200 million in capex to fuel future growth. We ended the year with a strong balance sheet including $162 million in cash, net of $65 million returned to shareholders via share buybacks and debt repurchases.&rdquo;</p>



<p>Analysts seem to like GTBIF, too.&nbsp;<a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/haywood-sticks-to-their-buy-rating-for-green-thumb-industries-gtbif-1033129449">Needham, for example, raised its price target</a>&nbsp;to $24, with a buy rating.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tipranks.com/news/the-fly/green-thumb-industries-price-target-raised-to-21-from-16-at-roth-mkm?utm_source=markets.businessinsider.com&amp;utm_medium=referral">Roth MKM raised</a>&nbsp;its price target to $21, with a buy rating. And&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tipranks.com/news/the-fly/green-thumb-industries-price-target-raised-to-16-from-14-at-craig-hallum?utm_source=markets.businessinsider.com&amp;utm_medium=referral">Craig-Hallum</a>&nbsp;raised its price target to $16, with a buy rating, as well.</p>



<h2><strong>Innovative Industrial Properties (IIPR)</strong></h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/aurora-cannabis-stock-7-300x169.jpg" alt="A close-up shot of a marijuana growhouse. cannabis trends"><div>Source: Shutterstock</div></div><p>On Jan. 10, I also highlighted an opportunity in&nbsp;Innovative Industrial Properties<strong>&nbsp;</strong>(NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/iipr-stock-quote/"><strong>IIPR</strong></a>), a real estate investment trust (<span>REIT</span>). At the time, IIPR traded at around $94. It&rsquo;s now up to $97.68, and could easily push higher if we see further federal-level action on cannabis.</p>



<p>In fact, I&rsquo;d like to see it closer to $105 as we near the presidential election. Making it even more attractive, IIPR has a yield of 7.46% at the moment. That&rsquo;s after the company declared its&nbsp;<a href="https://seekingalpha.com/news/4079960-innovative-industrial-properties-declares-182-dividend">recent dividend of $1.82 a share</a>, payable Apr. 15 to shareholders of record as of Mar. 28.</p>



<p>Earnings haven&rsquo;t been too shabby either. In its most recent quarter, its funds from operations (FFO) was $2.07, which beat by five cents. Revenues of $79.16 million &mdash; up 12.3% year over year &mdash; beat by $2.68 million. Better, rent collection for its operating portfolio was 100% for the fourth quarter. I should also note IIPR&rsquo;s operating portfolio is 95.8% leased, as triple net.</p>



<h2><strong>ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF (MJ)</strong></h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/marijuana-cannabis-stocks-1600-300x169.png" alt="marijuana stocks Hand gently holding rich soil for his marijuana plants. Cannabis Stocks"><div>Source: Jetacom Autofocus / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p>On Jan. 10, I also mentioned the&nbsp;<strong>ETFMG Alternative Harvest ETF</strong>&nbsp;(NYSEARCA:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/mj-stock-quote/"><strong>MJ</strong></a>), as it traded at around $3.20. After testing a high of nearly $4, it&rsquo;s back to $3.59. From here, I&rsquo;d like to see it initially retest $4.</p>



<p>With an&nbsp;<a href="https://etfmg.com/funds/mj/">expense ratio</a>&nbsp;of 0.75%, the ETF tracks the performance of cannabis companies benefiting from global medicinal and recreational use. It&rsquo;s another hot ETF that should benefit from state legalization, and the potential for federal legalization down the road.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Helping, some of its top holdings include&nbsp;<strong>Tilray&nbsp;</strong>(NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/tlry-stock-quote/"><strong>TLRY</strong></a>), Innovative Industrial,&nbsp;<strong>SNDL&nbsp;</strong>(NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/sndl-stock-quote/"><strong>SNDL</strong></a>),&nbsp;<strong>Cronos Group</strong>&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/cron-stock-quote/"><strong>CRON</strong></a>),&nbsp;<strong>Canopy Growth</strong>&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/cgc-stock-quote/"><strong>CGC</strong></a>), and&nbsp;<strong>AFC Gamma</strong>&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/afcg-stock-quote/"><strong>AFCG</strong></a>).</p>



<p>With cannabis stocks, one of my favorite ways to gain broad exposure at a lower cost is with an ETF like this one. With patience, I&rsquo;d like to see the MJ ETF rally back to $10, and eventually back above $30. But again, it all depends on what happens with potential federal legalization.</p>



<p><em>On the date of publication, Ian Cooper&nbsp;did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned.&nbsp;The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the&nbsp;InvestorPlace.com&nbsp;<a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/">Publishing Guidelines</a>.</em></p>
<div><p>Ian Cooper, a contributor to InvestorPlace.com, has been analyzing stocks and options for web-based advisories since 1999.</p></div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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<p>The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/03/3-smoking-hot-opportunities-in-cannabis-stocks/">3 Smoking-Hot Opportunities in Cannabis Stocks</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.</p>

3 Smoking-Hot Opportunities in Cannabis Stocks

AFC Gamma provides Sunburn Cannabis with $34M across senior secured credit facilities

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<p><a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a></p>
<p>Cannabis may be one of the most controversial investments. But it may also prove to be one of the most profitable this year for related <a href="https://investorplace.com/industries/healthcare/cannabis/">cannabis stocks</a>. That being said, here are some of the best cannabis stocks to buy for April.</p>



<p>For one, the&nbsp;Pew Research Center just found that about nine in 10 Americans&nbsp;(88%) said that <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/ajherrington/2024/03/31/new-poll-finds-9-out-of-10-americans-support-legalizing-marijuana/?sh=2aa2ed186f62">cannabis should be legal</a> for medical or recreational use. About 57% said cannabis should be legal for both medical and recreational use. About 32% said it should just be legal for medical use, while about 11% said cannabis should not be legal at all.</p>



<p>Two, President Biden mentioned cannabis in his State of the Union. In fact,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/08/us/politics/biden-marijuana-state-of-union.html">according to <em>The New York Times</em></a>, he noted he was &ldquo;directing my cabinet to review the federal classification of marijuana, and expunging thousands of convictions for the mere possession because no one should be jailed for simply using.&rdquo;</p>



<p>Three, we expect for one of the candidates to advocate for the removal of cannabis from the controlled substance list, and push for federal legalization. If that happens, or we hear about that potential, cannabis stocks could soar.</p>



<p>That being said, investors may want to consider buying cannabis stocks on the cheap, such as:</p>



<h2><strong>Innovative Industrial Properties (IIPR)</strong></h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/aurora-cannabis-stock-7-300x169.jpg" alt="A close-up shot of a marijuana growhouse. cannabis trends"><div>Source: Shutterstock</div></div><p><a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/01/the-3-best-cannabis-stocks-to-buy-in-january-2024/">On Jan. 10</a>, I highlighted opportunity in&nbsp;<strong>Innovative Industrial Properties</strong>&nbsp;(NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/iipr-stock-quote/"><strong>IIPR</strong></a>), as it traded at around $94. After hitting a recent high of $105.01, it&rsquo;s slipping on healthy profit-taking. Last trading at $100.02, I&rsquo;d use weakness to buy more.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Better, while we wait for potential legalization at the federal level, we can collect its current yield of about 7.22%. IIPR just declared a $1.82 per share dividend, which is payable on April 15 to shareholders of record as of March 28.</p>



<p>Even better, earnings may only get better, as the cannabis story grows. In its most recent quarter, its funds from operations (FFO) was $2.07, which beat by five cents. Revenues of $79.16 million &mdash; up 12.3% year over year &mdash; beat by $2.68 million. Also, rent collection for its operating portfolio was 100% for the fourth quarter. I should also note IIPR&rsquo;s operating portfolio is 95.8% leased, as triple net.</p>



<h2><strong>AFC Gamma (AFCG)</strong></h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/aurora-cannabis-stock-2-300x169.jpg" alt="Dumping Acquisitions Could Signal More Bad News for ACB Stock. overlooked cannabis stocks to buy"><div>Source: Shutterstock</div></div><p>The last time I mentioned&nbsp;<strong>AFC Gamma</strong>&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/afcg-stock-quote/"><strong>AFCG</strong></a>), it traded at around $11.50 on August 14. After hitting a recent high of $12.87, it&rsquo;s also pulling back on healthy profit-taking. And just like IIPR, I&rsquo;d use weakness as an opportunity. Plus, AFCG also carries a yield of 15.32% after declaring a dividend of 48 cents, payable Apr. 15 to shareholders of record as of Mar. 31.</p>



<p>Earnings have been solid here, too. In its most recent quarter, it posted EPS of 49 cents, which was in line. Net interest income of $15.97 million &mdash; which was down nearly 19% year over year &mdash; beat by $60,000.</p>



<p>In addition, TD Cowen recently reiterated a buy rating on the AFCG stock, with a price target of $15. All on news AFC Gamma will spin off its commercial real estate business into an independent real estate investment trust (<span>REIT</span>).&nbsp;</p>



<p>That, according to TD Cowen, will allow it to concentrate on the cannabis lending side of the business, which is expected to grow. Lake Street analysts also have a buy rating on the stock, with a price target of $18 a share.</p>



<h2><strong>NewLake Capital Partners (NLCP)</strong></h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/marijuana1600c-300x169.jpg" alt="a marijuana leaf displayed among other numbers related to stock performance"><div>Source: Shutterstock</div></div><p>We can also look at&nbsp;<strong>NewLake Capital Partners</strong>&nbsp;(OTCMKTS:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/nlcp-stock-quote/"><strong>NLCP</strong></a>), which yields 8.55%.&nbsp;In early March, the&nbsp;<a href="https://ir.newlake.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/86/newlake-capital-partners-reports-fourth-quarter-and">board of directors increased its dividend</a>&nbsp;to 41 cents per share of common stock, an increase of 2.5% sequentially and 5.1% year over year.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The REIT, which provides real estate capital to licensed cannabis operators through sale-leaseback transactions and now owns a portfolio of 31 properties comprised of 14 cultivation facilities and 17 dispensaries. Earnings have also been solid.</p>



<p>In the fourth quarter, the company&rsquo;s revenues of $13 million were up 6.4% year over year. Net income totaled $7 million from $6.7 million. For full-year 2023, revenue jumped 5.1% year over year to $47.3 million. Net income jumped to $24.6 million from $22 million, as well.&nbsp;</p>



<p>&ldquo;We believe we have a portfolio of high-quality assets, strong operating results and cash flow, an unencumbered balance sheet and a growing pipeline of opportunities to invest in,&rdquo;&nbsp;<a href="https://ir.newlake.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/86/newlake-capital-partners-reports-fourth-quarter-and">added CEO Anthony Coniglio</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Helping, analysts at Compass Point upgraded NLCP to a buy rating, with an $18.25 target.</p>



<p><em>On the date of publication, Ian Cooper did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com&nbsp;<a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/" target="_blank">Publishing Guidelines.</a></em></p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/04/the-3-best-cannabis-stocks-to-buy-in-april-2024/">The 3 Best Cannabis Stocks to Buy in April 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.</p>

The 3 Best Cannabis Stocks to Buy in April 2024

The Cannabis REIT Conundrum

<p><a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a></p>
<p>Cannabis real estate investment trusts (<span>REIT</span>) could see higher highs on a few key catalysts.&nbsp;</p>



<p>For one,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.morningstar.com/news/dow-jones/202403157419/cannabis-stocks-gain-following-rumors-of-imminent-rescheduling">hedge fund manager Dougie Kass of Seabreeze Capital</a>&nbsp;recently said the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) would soon reschedule cannabis to a less restrictive category. Two, there is growing speculation cannabis could be favorably mentioned as we near the presidential election this year.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Three,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/03/26/most-americans-favor-legalizing-marijuana-for-medical-recreational-use/">88% of the American public wants to see cannabis legalized</a>, as noted in a recent Pew Research poll. &ldquo;The use and possession of marijuana is illegal under U.S. federal law, but about three-quarters of states have legalized the drug for medical or recreational purposes. The changing legal landscape has coincided with a decades-long rise in public support for legalization, which a majority of Americans now favor,&rdquo;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/short-reads/2024/04/10/facts-about-marijuana/">they added</a>.</p>



<p>Four, Germany just relaxed cannabis laws, which could lead to a potential domino effect of legalization across Europe. Should we see even more bullish news, some of the best cannabis REITs to buy and hold are those with respectable high yields.</p>



<h2><strong>Innovative Industrial Properties (IIPR)</strong></h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/aurora-cannabis-stock-7-300x169.jpg" alt="A close-up shot of a marijuana growhouse. cannabis trends"><div>Source: Shutterstock</div></div><p>The last time I mentioned&nbsp;<strong>Innovative Industrial Properties</strong>&nbsp;(NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/iipr-stock-quote/"><strong>IIPR</strong></a>), it traded at around $94 a share on March 15. Shortly after, it would hit a high of $105.01 before backing off to $98.30.</p>



<p>Now, the commercial mortgage REIT that provides financing to the cannabis industry and yields 7.41% is again a buy. It&rsquo;s set to pay out a $1.82 dividend today. If you missed this one, don&rsquo;t worry. Another should be on the way soon.</p>



<p>One of its key catalysts should be cannabis rescheduling. The moment this happen, it could cut taxes for cannabis operators, which includes IIPR tenants, which would also help improve overall cash flow. In addition, should we see further support for the SAFER Banking Act, it would significantly improve access to banking capital.</p>



<p>Recent earnings haven&rsquo;t been too shabby either. Fourth quarter funds from operations (FFO) was $2.07, beating expectations for $2.02. Revenue of $79.2 million was also above estimates for $76.5 million. That&rsquo;s also up nicely from the $70.5 million posted a year ago. It also collected 100% rent in the quarter as compared to 97% in the prior quarter.&nbsp;</p>



<h2><strong>AFC Gamma (AFCG)</strong></h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/marijuana-cannabis-stocks-1600-300x169.png" alt="marijuana stocks Hand gently holding rich soil for his marijuana plants. Cannabis Stocks"><div>Source: Jetacom Autofocus / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p>With a yield of 16.58%,&nbsp;<strong>AFC Gamma</strong>&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/afcg-stock-quote/"><strong>AFCG</strong></a>) is another one of the hottest cannabis REITs to buy and hold, especially with multiple catalysts.</p>



<p>Earnings have been solid here, too. In its most recent quarter, it posted EPS of 49 cents, which was in line with expectations. Net interest income of $15.97 million &mdash; which was down nearly 19% year over year &mdash; beat by $60,000.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Better,&nbsp;<a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/afc-gamma-s-strategic-focus-and-market-potential-bolster-buy-rating-1033145175">TD Cowen recently reiterated a buy rating on the AFCG stock</a>, with a price target of $15. All on news AFC Gamma will spin off its commercial real estate business into an independent REIT.&nbsp;</p>



<p>&ldquo;The upcoming spin-off will create two specialized debt capital providers, with AFC Gamma focusing on the cannabis sector and SUNS [<strong>Sunrise Realty Trust</strong>] targeting CRE [commercial real estate] in the southern United States,&rdquo;&nbsp;<a href="https://www.investing.com/news/stock-market-news/afc-gamma-to-spin-off-real-estate-portfolio-into-new-reit-93CH-3312122#:~:text=The%20upcoming%20spin%2Doff%20will,and%20attract%20dedicated%20investor%20bases.">as noted by Investing.com</a>.</p>



<p>Lake Street analysts also have a buy rating on the stock, with a price target of $18 a share.</p>



<h2><strong>NewLake Capital Partners (NLCP)</strong></h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/aurora-cannabis-stock-2-300x169.jpg" alt="Dumping Acquisitions Could Signal More Bad News for ACB Stock. overlooked cannabis stocks to buy"><div>Source: Shutterstock</div></div><p>We can also look at&nbsp;<strong>NewLake Capital Partners</strong>&nbsp;(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NLCP#OTC">NLCP</a>), which yields 9.01%.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The REIT, which provides real estate capital to licensed cannabis operators through sale-leaseback transactions and owns a portfolio of 31 properties comprised of 14 cultivation facilities and 17 dispensaries. All of which should also benefit from multiple cannabis catalysts.</p>



<p>Even better, in the company&rsquo;s most recent quarter, funds from operations (FFO) came in at 51 cents, which beat by 6 cents. Revenue of $13.02 million &mdash; up 6.4% year over year &mdash; beat by $1.61 million. It also collected 100% of contracted rent in the quarter.</p>



<p>&ldquo;During a very challenging environment for the cannabis industry, we were able to grow our dividend distributions by 9.0% year-over-year and for the first quarter of 2024 raised our quarterly dividend from $0.40 to $0.41 per share,&rdquo;&nbsp;<a href="https://ir.newlake.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/86/newlake-capital-partners-reports-fourth-quarter-and">said the company in a recent press release</a>.</p>



<p>Analysts at&nbsp;<a href="https://fintel.io/news/compass-point-upgrades-newlake-capital-partners-nlcp-32">Compass Point also upgraded the NLCP stock</a>&nbsp;to a buy rating from a neutral rating, with a price target of $18.25.</p>



<p><em>On the date of publication, Ian Cooper did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com&nbsp;<a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/" target="_blank">Publishing Guidelines.</a></em></p>
<div><p>Ian Cooper, a contributor to InvestorPlace.com, has been analyzing stocks and options for web-based advisories since 1999.</p></div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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<p>The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/04/dank-dividends-3-cannabis-reits-offering-high-yields/">Dank Dividends: 3 Cannabis REITs Offering High Yields</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.</p>

Dank Dividends: 3 Cannabis REITs Offering High Yields

AOMR

APLE

BBRE

CHMI

CRON

CTRE

DKNG

EARN

EQIX

FREL

GTBIF

JBGS

KBWY

LOAN

PPTY

REXR

SCHH

SEVN

SNDL

SOHO

SRVR

STAG

TLRY

TRNO

USRT

VICI

VRAI

WELL

XLRE

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