• Facebook Under Fire as Companies Pause Social Media Ads: List
    Bloomberg

    Facebook Under Fire as Companies Pause Social Media Ads: List

    (Bloomberg) -- Here’s a list of companies that are planning to halt spending on social media. Some have joined a boycott of Facebook Inc. after critics accused the social network of inadequately policing hateful and misleading content on its platform:Harley Davidson Inc. -- The motorcycle maker said in an email it was pausing Facebook ads in July “to stand in support of efforts to stop the spread of hateful content.” Pernod Ricard SA -- The French distiller of Jameson whiskey and Absolut vodka, which spends more than 1.5 billion euros ($1.69 billion) on advertising annually, is boycotting Facebook and some other U.S. sites through July 31 and working with partners on an app to help victims of online abuse.Daimler AG -- The Mercedes-Benz maker is pausing its paid advertising on Facebook platforms in July, while adding that it expects to the relationship to resume because it’s confident the social-media company will take “necessary steps.”Molson Coors Beverage Co. -- The brewer is choosing to pause advertising on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter while it reviews its own standards and ways to protect the brands and guard against hate speech, Chief Marketing Officer Michelle St. Jacques said in an internal email.Constellation Brands -- The maker of Corona beer and Kim Crawford wines is pausing Facebook ads for the month of July.Dunkin’ Brands Group -- The donut chain is temporarily pausing its paid media on Facebook and Instagram, a spokesperson says, adding that it’s in discussions with Facebook about efforts to stop hate speech and thwart “the spread of “racist rhetoric and false information.”Lego A/S -- Stopping all advertising on social media for at least 30 days to review its standards and will “invest in other channels” during that time.The Body Shop -- The beauty chain says it’s halting paid activity on all Facebook channels and asking the social-media company to enhance and enforce its content-moderation policies.Starbucks Corp. -- Pausing advertising on all social media platforms. Will post on social media without paid promotion.Microsoft Corp. -- Paused global advertising spending on Facebook and Instagram because of concerns about ads appearing next to inappropriate content, according to a person familiar with the matter.Unilever Plc -- Halting advertising on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter in the U.S. through Dec. 31.Volkswagen AG -- The ad stop on Facebook affects the direct ad accounts of the German manufacturer’s brands, including Porsche, Audi and Lamborghini. VW, its ad agencies and the Anti Defamation League will enter talks with Facebook over how to deal with hate speech, discrimination and false information, according to an emailed statement.Mars -- Starting in July, a pause on paid advertising globally across social-media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Snapchat.Target Corp. -- Pausing ads on Facebook in July.Coca-Cola Co. -- Pausing advertising on all social media platforms.Clorox Co. -- Will stop advertising spending with Facebook through December.Conagra Brands Inc. -- Will stop advertising in U.S. on Facebook and Instagram through the rest of the year.Ford Motor Co. -- Halting U.S. social media for 30 days, won’t purchase social media ads for Bronco unveiling.Honda Motor Co. -- “For the month of July, Honda will withhold its advertising on Facebook and Instagram, choosing to stand with people united against hate and racism.” Acura, a Honda brand, said in a tweet that it was “choosing to stand with people united against hate and racism.”Hershey Co. -- Will halt spending on Facebook in July and cut its spend on the platform by a third for the remainder of the year, according to Business Insider.Diageo Plc -- Pausing paid advertising globally on major social media platforms beginning in July.PepsiCo Inc. -- Pulling ads on Facebook from July through August.Verizon Communications Inc. -- “We’re pausing our advertising until Facebook can create an acceptable solution that makes us comfortable and is consistent with we’ve done with YouTube and other partners,” said John Nitti, chief media officer for Verizon.SAP SE -- “We will suspend all paid advertisements across Facebook and Instagram until the company signals a significant, action-driven commitment to combatting the spread of hate speech and racism on its platforms.”Levi Strauss & Co. -- Pausing all paid Facebook and Instagram advertising globally and across all brands through July.Diamond Foundry Inc. -- Pulling all of advertising from Facebook, including Instagram, for the month of July.Patagonia Inc. -- Will pull all ads on Facebook and Instagram, effective immediately, through at least the end of July, pending meaningful action from Facebook.Viber Media Inc. -- The messaging service, owned by Japanese conglomerate Rakuten, plans to cut ties with the social network entirely, according to the Guardian.VF Corp. -- The North Face will pause ads on Facebook for the month of July. Vans, another VF brand, will also pull ad dollars from Facebook and Instagram next month, and said it will use the money to support Black communities through empowerment and education programs.REI -- “For 82 years, we have put people over profits. We’re pulling all Facebook/Instagram advertising for the month of July.”Upwork Inc. -- No Facebook advertising in July.Eileen Fisher Inc. -- Pulling ads from Facebook through July.Adidas AG -- Will stop ads on Facebook and Instagram internationally through July, according to Adweek.Puma SE -- Will stop all advertisements on Facebook and Instagram throughout July.Madewell Inc. -- Will pause ads on Facebook and Instagram through July.Pfizer Inc. -- Removing all advertising from Facebook and Instagram in July, calls on Facebook to heed the concerns of the StopHateForProfit boycott campaign “and take action.”Chipotle Mexican Grill Inc. -- To pause Facebook advertising beginning July 1, according to an email.Chobani -- The Greek-yogurt company paused all paid social-media advertising.Peet’s Coffee -- Paused advertising on Facebook.(Updates with Harley Davidson)For more articles like this, please visit us at bloomberg.comSubscribe now to stay ahead with the most trusted business news source.©2020 Bloomberg L.P.

  • Aurora Cannabis Inc. (ACB) Upgraded to Buy: Here's Why
    Zacks

    Aurora Cannabis Inc. (ACB) Upgraded to Buy: Here's Why

    Aurora Cannabis Inc. (ACB) might move higher on growing optimism about its earnings prospects, which is reflected by its upgrade to a Zacks Rank 2 (Buy).

  • Top Ranked Income Stocks to Buy for July 2nd
    Zacks

    Top Ranked Income Stocks to Buy for July 2nd

    Top Ranked Income Stocks to Buy for July 2nd

  • Canopy Growth Corporation (CGC) Outpaces Stock Market Gains: What You Should Know
    Zacks

    Canopy Growth Corporation (CGC) Outpaces Stock Market Gains: What You Should Know

    Canopy Growth Corporation (CGC) closed the most recent trading day at $16.47, moving +1.92% from the previous trading session.

  • Buy Pharma Giant AbbVie Stock for Growth, Income & Coronavirus Safety
    Zacks

    Buy Pharma Giant AbbVie Stock for Growth, Income & Coronavirus Safety

    All of this might make investors want to consider AbbVie for the second half of 2020 with coronavirus fears and volatility likely to linger...

  • What Makes AbbVie (ABBV) a New Strong Buy Stock
    Zacks

    What Makes AbbVie (ABBV) a New Strong Buy Stock

    AbbVie (ABBV) has been upgraded to a Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy), reflecting growing optimism about the company's earnings prospects. This might drive the stock higher in the near term.

  • Which of These 2 Ultra-Growth Stocks Is Best?
    Motley Fool

    Which of These 2 Ultra-Growth Stocks Is Best?

    The best defense during a market downturn is usually a good offense. Here are two high-growing cannabis companies that are likely to continue their momentum.

  • Zacks.com featured highlights include: Kroger, AbbVie, W.W. Grainger, West Pharmaceutical Services and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company
    Zacks

    Zacks.com featured highlights include: Kroger, AbbVie, W.W. Grainger, West Pharmaceutical Services and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company

    Zacks.com featured highlights include: Kroger, AbbVie, W.W. Grainger, West Pharmaceutical Services and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company

  • Ollie's Bargain Outlet, Designer Brands, AbbVie, Microsoft and Lockheed Martin highlighted as Zacks Bull and Bear of the Day
    Zacks

    Ollie's Bargain Outlet, Designer Brands, AbbVie, Microsoft and Lockheed Martin highlighted as Zacks Bull and Bear of the Day

    Ollie's Bargain Outlet, Designer Brands, AbbVie, Microsoft and Lockheed Martin highlighted as Zacks Bull and Bear of the Day

  • 2 Marijuana Stocks With the Most Cash in 2020
    Motley Fool

    2 Marijuana Stocks With the Most Cash in 2020

    At a time when cash is king, which cannabis company is better suited to cover its losses without the expense of diluting shareholders?

  • Constellation Brands buys direct-to-consumer Empathy Wines
    Yahoo Finance

    Constellation Brands buys direct-to-consumer Empathy Wines

    Constellation Brands inks a splashy deal with a well known, up and coming wine brand. Yahoo Finance speaks to the two people behind the transaction.

  • 3 Reasons to Buy Canopy Growth Instead of Aurora Cannabis
    Motley Fool

    3 Reasons to Buy Canopy Growth Instead of Aurora Cannabis

    Year to date, shares of the two largest companies in the cannabis sector, Canopy Growth (NYSE: CGC) and Aurora Cannabis (NYSE: ACB), have not been performing well. Since the beginning of the year, Canopy Growth stock has declined by more than 20%, while Aurora's stock has fallen by as much as 50%. In fiscal year 2020, Canopy Growth generated more than $399 million in net revenue, representing a growth of 76% compared with last year.

  • The 3 Marijuana Stocks You'll Want to Own for the Second Half of 2020
    Motley Fool

    The 3 Marijuana Stocks You'll Want to Own for the Second Half of 2020

    These pot stocks offer a budding opportunity in a high-growth, but still relatively nascent, industry.

  • Aurora Cannabis Co-Founder and ex-CEO Retires From Board of Directors
    Motley Fool

    Aurora Cannabis Co-Founder and ex-CEO Retires From Board of Directors

    A page in Aurora Cannabis's (NYSE: ACB) history is turning. The company announced that co-founder and former CEO Terry Booth relinquished his seat on the board of directors effective this past Friday. Aurora did not provide a reason for Booth's departure, nor has he made any public statements on the matter.

  • High Times Buys Mountain High Recreation to Accelerate Cannabis Delivery
    IPO-Edge.com

    High Times Buys Mountain High Recreation to Accelerate Cannabis Delivery

    By John Jannarone High Times, owner of the eponymous magazine and a fast-rising player in the dispensary scene, acquired Mountain High Recreation, Inc., a move that will speed up its plans to offer home delivery services across California. Formally known as Hightimes Holding Corp., the company is picking up established distribution infrastructure as well as staff […]

  • GuruFocus.com

    Constellation Brands: Making the Best of a Bad Environment

    The company's first-quarter results were mixed, with earnings growing and revenue declining. The company weathered the Covid-19 pandemic fairly well Continue reading...

  • 3 “Strong Buy” Dividend Stocks Yielding Over 8%
    TipRanks

    3 “Strong Buy” Dividend Stocks Yielding Over 8%

    With markets volatile – bouncing around the 3,000 to 3,200 range for the last two weeks – and fears rising that a second wave of coronavirus cases will force a new round of economic shutdowns, investors are giving a second look to some strong defensive stocks. We’re talking about stocks with classic defensive profiles: high yielding dividends, combined with a high upside potential. Using TipRanks database, we’ve pinpointed three such stocks. Some are familiar names, some less so. All three offer investors a fine combination of defensive traits: dividends yielding over 8%, an upside potential starting at 25%, and ‘Strong Buy’ consensus rating from Wall Street’s analyst corps. Archrock, Inc. (AROC)We’ll start with Archrock, a natural gas midstreaming company. The midstream sector connects gas extraction with the final customer; midstream companies control the pipelines, transport, and storage facilities that the natural gas industry depends on. Archrock has operations in the lower 48 states, providing the compression equipment that liquifies natural gas for transport and storage.The economic shutdowns in Q1 forced a decline in demand, and Archrock’s Q1 EPS was a down sharply sequentially, from 27 cents to 12 cents. At the same time, revenues beat both the estimates and the year-ago number. At $249.7 million, the top line was up 5.7% year-over-year.A strong free cash flow and heavy-handed actions to cut costs and shore up liquidity allowed AROC to maintain its dividend payment for Q1, and the company paid out 14.5 cents per share common share back in May. This was unchanged from Q4, and up 10% from the first quarter of 2019. It’s a measure of Archrock’s underlying soundness and commitment to the dividend that the company has kept up the payment even during the corona crisis. At 58 cents per share annualized, AROC's dividend yield is an impressive 8.54%.5-star analyst T J Schultz, of RBC Capital, believes AROC has a firm foundation to move forward. He writes of the stock, “We expect lower associated gas production to have an impact on AROC utilization into 2021, but we think manageable debt leverage and ample dividend coverage provide some flexibility… we think the riskreward is decent at current levels given AROC’s liquidity, lack of near-term debt maturities, and ability to pull additional levers to manage liquidity further if needed.”Schultz’ Buy rating on the stock is supported by an $11 price target, which suggests an impressive 68% upside potential for the year. (To watch Schultz’ track record, click here)Overall, the Strong Buy analyst consensus rating on AROC is unanimous, based on 3 recent Buy reviews. Shares are priced at $6.55, and the $9.17 average price target implies a one-year upside of 40%. (See Archrock stock analysis at TipRanks)Altria Group, Inc. (MO)The next stock on our list is a classic ‘sin stock.’ Altria is a tobacco company, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes. Tobacco companies have a long history of outperforming market downturns, and the reason is psychological. People will make big changes when financial hardship hits. They’ll give up luxuries and large purchases, and even delay home and repairs – but they’ll keep buying small pleasures like cigarettes. It’s a quirk that has helped make MO a strong defensive play even as overall smoking rates decline.A look at the Q1 numbers bears out Altria’s solid position. Revenues and earnings – the top and bottom lines – both beat the estimates. Revenues, at $5.05 billion, were 9% above forecasts, and 15% over the year-ago number. EPS came in at $1.09, 12% higher than expected and up almost 7% year-over-year.Wise diversification from the company has also helped. Altria has taken strong positions the cannabis industry, the vaping sector, and in alcohol, with large-scale investments in Cronos Group, JUUL Labs, and AB InBev. These moves mark a shift for Altria, from pure-play tobacco to the full spectrum of vices.Altria’s sound niche has allowed the company to keep its solid dividend – with a 12-year history of reliable payments and steady growth – up to date. The company declared its next payment for July 10, of 84 cents per common share. This gives and annualized rate of $3.36 per share, and a yield of 8.56%. The 77% payment ratio is high, showing a commitment to returning profits to shareholders – but it also shows that the company can sustain the dividend at current income levels.Piper Sandler analyst Michael Lavery sees Altria’s overall position as favorable, even during the pandemic. He states his belief that “We believe consumption may have actually increased during the pandemic, as smokers spend more time away from offices, restaurants, and places with smoking bans. Lower income consumers have also benefited from increased unemployment benefits and the government stimulus... Altria has a vast database of adult US smokers, and it has data at the zip code level to inform pricing and couponing strategies. Altria can monitor and manage mix with its revenue management system on a very targeted basis.”Lavery’s Buy rating on the stock is backed by his $57 price target, which implies a robust upside for MO shares of 45%. (To watch Lavery’s track record, click here)With 6 Buy ratings set in recent weeks, MO shares have a Strong Buy from the analyst consensus rating. The $54.50 average price target suggests an upside of 39% from the $39.24 current trading price. (See Altria stock-price forecast on TipRanks)Cedar Fair Entertainment (FUN)Last on our list is something different, an amusement park company. Cedar Fair Entertainment takes its name from its most famous asset, the Cedar Point park located in Sandusky, Ohio. Several generations of Midwestern kids have grown up familiar with an out-of-the-way town on Lake Erie, and knowing Cedar Point as a sort of pilgrimage. The company also owns 13 other amusement parks and water parks, and 5 resort hotels, in the US and Canada.It was Cedar Fair’s good luck that the coronavirus outbreak hit when it did. The amusement park business, especially in northern climes, is highly cyclical with the seasons, and the first quarter, in mid-winter, is the company typically sees EPS turn negative as parks are closed and maintenance expenses rise. So, while FUN’s Q1 EPS loss of $2.15 was serious, it was also in-line with the stock’s historical pattern of earnings reports.And to top that, Cedar Fair still has Q3 ahead – normally its strongest of the year. With economies starting to reopen, and social distancing rules loosening after the recent urban unrest, the company looks forward to a more normal summer. While there is still a fear the COVID-19 will make a second wave, there is also the recognition that health officials have a better handle on how to treat and contain the disease – and a growing realization that coronavirus may not be as dangerous as was first thought. These factors bode well for the amusement park industry.What bodes well for income-minded defensive investors is FUN’s dividend. The company has an 8-year history of making reliable, steadily increasing payments, and has kept up those payments even during the pandemic. At $3.74 per share annually, the dividend gives a yield of 13.6%, much higher than its peer companies. The dividend is paid quarterly, at 93.5 cents per share.5-star analyst Benjamin Chaiken, with Credit Suisse, lists sever reasons why FUN is a stock to buy. He writes, “We think current levels offer a very attractive entry point with FUN trading at 8x our 2021 EBITDA estimate. We think FUN will benefit from (1) 2021 being mis-modeled, (2) drive-to nature of parks, of which we are beginning to see accelerating data points and (3) cost savings on labor...”His Buy rating on the stock gets support from his $37 price target, which implies a healthy 34% growth over the coming months. (To watch Chaiken’s track record, click here.)The Strong Buy analyst consensus rating on FUN is based on 8 reviews, breaking down to 7 Buys and just one Hold. The $38.63 average price target suggests a premium of 40% from the current share price of $27.50. (See Cedar Fair stock analysis on TipRanks)To find good ideas for dividend stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks’ Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks’ equity insights.

  • Barrons.com

    Constellation Brands Stock Up 8% on Better-Than-Expected Earnings

    Despite fears that consumers might shun Corona beer because it reminds them of coronavirus, the brand reported growth in key metrics.

  • MarketWatch

    Constellation Brands stock rallies after adjusted earnings, sales top forecasts

    Shares of Constellation Brands Inc. hiked up 2.9% in premarket trading Wednesday, after the company reported fiscal first-quarter adjusted profit and sales that beat expectations, as better-than-expected wine and spirit sales offset a miss in beer sales. The net loss for the quarter to May 31 narrowed to $177.9 million, or 94 cents per Class A share, from $245.4 million, or $1.30 a share, in the year-ago period. Excluding non-recurring items, such as restructuring charges and other business development costs, adjusted earnings per share came to $2.30, or $2.44 if losses from its investment in Canopy Growth Corp. are excluded. The FactSet consensus was for EPS of $1.99. Sales fell 6% to $1.96 billion, just above the FactSet consensus of $1.94 billion. Beer sales fell 4% to $1.38 billion, shy of the FactSet consensus of $1.41 billion, while wine and spirits sales declined 4% to $579.3 million but topped expectations of $570.7 million. The company, which brands include Corona, Robert Mondavi and SVEDKA Vodka, said beer production in Mexico has returned to "normal" levels in June, following COVID-19 pandemic-related disruptions. Earlier, the company announced the acquisition of "digitally-native" Empathy Wines. The stock has lost 7.8% year to date through Tuesday, while the S&P 500 has slipped 4.0%.

  • 3 Dividend Stocks to Buy for Second Half of 2020 for Coronavirus Safety
    Zacks

    3 Dividend Stocks to Buy for Second Half of 2020 for Coronavirus Safety

    Check out these three stocks with solid dividend yields that appear ready to continue to weather the coronavirus economic downturn in the second half of 2020...

  • Top Marijuana Stocks on the NASDAQ for July 2020
    Investopedia

    Top Marijuana Stocks on the NASDAQ for July 2020

    The marijuana industry includes companies directly related to the research, development, and distribution of cannabis products, as well as companies that indirectly support these operations. As a growing number of U.S. states and countries around the world legalize marijuana in one or more forms, traditional stock market indices like the Nasdaq have begun to include more companies from the marijuana industry. Now, companies like Village Farms International Inc. (VFF) and OrganiGram Holdings Inc. (OGI) are being traded on the Nasdaq and other U.S. exchanges rather than the over-the-counter market.  Many companies in the young industry are losing money due both to the economic downturn and as they invest heavily to focus on rapidly expanding revenue.

  • Top Marijuana Stocks That Pay Dividends
    Investopedia

    Top Marijuana Stocks That Pay Dividends

    When most people think of marijuana stocks, the last thing they think of is dividends. The legal marijuana industry is still very young, and new companies in growing industries need money to expand. Furthermore, U.S. investors in the marijuana space tend to currently focus on a handful of Canadian companies that have enjoyed the opportunity to list on U.S. exchanges.

  • Barrons.com

    Buy Altria Stock Because Americans Are Smoking Cigarettes Again

    Volumes and pricing for tobacco products have been stronger in the U.S. than they have been for a number of years, says Citigoup’s Adam Spielman.

  • Acreage Holdings Q1 Results Disappoint: Will the Amended Deal with Canopy Growth Help?
    Motley Fool

    Acreage Holdings Q1 Results Disappoint: Will the Amended Deal with Canopy Growth Help?

    Growing concerns in the U.S. pot market forced Canopy Growth to amend the deal with Acreage as the latter reported disappointing Q1 earnings. Will the new arrangement help Acreage's stock?

  • Signs That Your Trading Will Ruin Your Retirement - June 30, 2020
    Zacks

    Signs That Your Trading Will Ruin Your Retirement - June 30, 2020

    Achieving your retirement goals takes a much different investing approach than regular stock trading, from smartly managing risk to keeping emotions in check.