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Five 3D Printing Companies that Might Print Money for Your Portfolio

by Fred Fuld III

3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing, is a revolutionary technology that allows the creation of three-dimensional objects from digital models. Unlike traditional subtractive manufacturing methods, where material is removed from a solid block, 3D printing builds objects layer by layer, adding material precisely where it is needed. This process enables the production of highly complex and customized shapes that might be challenging or impossible to achieve with traditional manufacturing techniques.

Here’s a breakdown of how 3D printing works:

1. Creation of Digital 3D Model:

The process begins with the creation of a digital 3D model of the object to be printed. This model can be designed using computer-aided design (CAD) software or obtained from 3D scans of existing objects.

2. Slicing the Model:

The digital 3D model is sliced into thin horizontal layers using specialized software. This slicing process prepares the model for printing, generating a set of instructions (G-code) that guides the 3D printer on how to build each layer.

3. Printing Process:

Material Selection: Various materials can be used for 3D printing, including plastics, metals, ceramics, and even organic materials. The choice of material depends on the intended application.
Printing: The 3D printer starts by creating the first layer of the object on the build platform. The printer nozzle or laser, depending on the technology used, deposits or sinters the material according to the instructions from the sliced model.
Layer-by-Layer Building: The printer adds subsequent layers, one on top of the other, adhering to the layer beneath. This layer-by-layer approach continues until the entire object is formed.

4. Post-Processing (Optional):

After printing, the object may require post-processing steps such as cleaning, support removal, surface finishing, or assembly, depending on the complexity of the design and the intended use.

5. Applications:

3D printing finds applications in various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, automotive, aerospace, architecture, education, and more. It’s used for prototyping, rapid manufacturing, custom medical implants, architectural models, intricate artwork, and even in the production of components for aerospace and automotive industries.

Benefits of 3D Printing:

Customization: 3D printing allows for highly customized and personalized designs tailored to specific needs.
Rapid Prototyping: Prototypes can be created quickly and cost-effectively, allowing for rapid iteration and design improvements.
Complex Geometries: It can produce complex geometries and internal structures that are challenging for traditional manufacturing methods.
Reduced Waste: 3D printing is often more efficient, producing less waste compared to subtractive manufacturing methods.

3D printing continues to evolve, with advancements in materials, speed, and precision, expanding its capabilities and applications across various industries.

Fortunately, there are several 3D printing companies to choose from.

Stratasys (SSYS) is a $890 million market cap company, which is a global leader in additive manufacturing, also known as 3D printing. The company was founded in 1989 by S. Scott Crump and his wife Lisa Crump in Eden Prairie, Minnesota. Crump is credited with inventing fused deposition modeling (FDM), one of the most common 3D printing technologies today.

Stratasys sold its first 3D printer, the 3D Modeler, in 1992. The company went public in 1994 and has since grown to become one of the largest and most successful 3D printing companies in the world.

Stratasys offers a wide range of 3D printers and materials for a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, consumer products, and education. The company’s products are used to create prototypes, manufacturing tools, and production parts.

Stratasys has a long history of innovation in the 3D printing industry. In 2003, the company introduced the Dimension, the first desktop FDM 3D printer. In 2008, Stratasys released the PolyJet 3D printing technology, which enables users to print with multiple materials in a single build.

In recent years, Stratasys has continued to innovate and expand its product portfolio. In 2017, the company acquired MakerBot, a leading manufacturer of desktop 3D printers. In 2021, Stratasys released the J850 Pro, the world’s first multi-material, multi-color 3D printer.

Stratasys is a global company with headquarters in Eden Prairie, Minnesota and Rehovot, Israel. The company has over 3,000 employees and sells its products in over 100 countries.

Here are some of Stratasys’s notable milestones:

1989: Company founded by S. Scott Crump and his wife Lisa Crump.
1992: Stratasys sells its first 3D printer, the 3D Modeler.
1994: Stratasys goes public on Nasdaq.
1995: Stratasys acquires IBM’s rapid prototyping intellectual property and other assets.
2003: Stratasys introduces the Dimension, the first desktop FDM 3D printer.
2008: Stratasys releases the PolyJet 3D printing technology.
2017: Stratasys acquires MakerBot.
2021: Stratasys releases the J850 Pro, the world’s first multi-material, multi-color 3D printer.

Stratasys is a pioneer in the 3D printing industry and continues to lead the way in innovation. The company’s products are used by businesses and individuals around the world to create a wide range of products, from prototypes to production parts.

The stock trades at 31.5 times forward earnings and is selling at 94% of book value. It has almost no long term debt.

Earnings per share growth for next year is expected to be over 120%, with average annual earnings per share growth over the last five years of 10.41%. However currently the company is generating negative earnings.

The stock price is down over 10%for the last 12 months.

Stratasys had been involved in a merger agreement with Desktop Metal (DM), however, the merger was terminated yesterday.

Speaking of Desktop Metal (DM), it is a leading 3D printing company that was founded in 2015 in Cambridge, Massachusetts. The company was founded by a team of experienced entrepreneurs and engineers, including several from MIT.

Desktop Metal’s mission is to make 3D printing accessible to everyone. The company develops and sells a variety of 3D printing systems and materials that are designed to be easy to use and affordable.

Desktop Metal’s flagship product is the Studio System, a desktop metal 3D printer that is ideal for prototyping and small-batch production. The Studio System is easy to set up and use, and it produces high-quality metal parts with a variety of materials.

Desktop Metal also offers a variety of other 3D printing systems, including the Production System for large-scale manufacturing and the Shop System for machine shops. The company also offers a variety of materials for its 3D printers, including steel, aluminum, titanium, and copper.

Desktop Metal has quickly become one of the leading 3D printing companies in the world. The company’s products are used by businesses of all sizes in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods.

Here is a timeline of some of Desktop Metal’s key milestones:

2015: Desktop Metal is founded.
2017: Desktop Metal launches its Studio System and Production System.
2019: Desktop Metal launches its Shop System and Fiber printer.
2020: Desktop Metal goes public on the New York Stock Exchange.
2021: Desktop Metal acquires EnvisionTEC, a leading manufacturer of industrial photopolymer 3D printers.
2023: Desktop Metal acquires ExOne, a leading manufacturer of binder jetting 3D printers.

The company is well-positioned to benefit from the continued growth of the 3D printing industry.

It has a market cap of $432 million, and is selling at 97% of bon value. Although currently generating negative earnings, the stock is expected to reduced their earnings per share loss by 59.63% next year.

The stock price is down over 48% for the last 12 months.

3D Systems Corp. (DDD) is a leading manufacturer of 3D printers and materials. The company was founded in 1986 by Chuck Hull, the inventor of stereolithography [SLA], one of the first 3D printing technologies.

3D Systems was the first company to commercialize 3D printing technology. In 1987, the company released the SLA-1, the world’s first commercial 3D printer. The SLA-1 was quickly adopted by businesses and organizations for prototyping, product development, and manufacturing.

Over the years, 3D Systems has developed and released a wide range of 3D printers and materials. The company’s products are used by businesses and individuals in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, consumer goods, and education.

3D Systems has also played a leading role in the development of 3D printing software. The company’s software products enable users to design, prepare, and print 3D models.

Here is a timeline of some of 3D Systems’ key milestones:

1986: 3D Systems is founded by Chuck Hull, the inventor of stereolithography (SLA).
1987: 3D Systems releases the SLA-1, the world’s first commercial 3D printer.
1989: 3D Systems releases the SLS-250, the world’s first commercial selective laser sintering (SLS) 3D printer.
1994: 3D Systems goes public on the Nasdaq stock exchange.
1995: 3D Systems releases the SLA-500, the world’s first commercial SLA 3D printer that can print with multiple materials.
2000: 3D Systems releases the ZPrinter, the world’s first commercial color 3D printer.
2006: 3D Systems releases the Cube, the world’s first affordable desktop 3D printer.
2012: 3D Systems releases the ProJet 3500, the world’s first commercial SLA 3D printer that can print with metals.
2014: 3D Systems releases the Figure 4, the world’s first commercial desktop DLP 3D printer.
2017: 3D Systems releases the FabPro 1000, the world’s first commercial desktop FDM 3D printer that can print with carbon fiber.
2020: 3D Systems releases the ProX SLS 6100, the world’s first commercial SLS 3D printer that can print with nylon 12 CF, a strong and lightweight material that is ideal for industrial applications.

3D Systems is a pioneer in the 3D printing industry. The company’s products have helped to make 3D printing more accessible and affordable.

3D Systems has a market cap of $589 million and is selling at 83% of book value. The company, which is currently generating negative earnings, is expected to reduce its earnings per share loss by 30% next year.

The stock price is down over 44%for the last 12 months.

Proto Labs Inc. (PRLB) is a leading digital manufacturing company that provides rapid prototyping and on-demand production services. The company was founded in 1999 by Larry Lukis, who wanted to make it faster and easier for businesses to get custom prototypes and production parts made.

Proto Labs was one of the first companies to offer rapid prototyping services online. The company’s website allows users to upload their CAD files and receive an instant quote for prototyping or production services. Proto Labs also offers a variety of online tools to help users design and optimize their parts for manufacturability.

Proto Labs offers a wide range of manufacturing services, including injection molding, CNC machining, and 3D printing. The company’s services are used by businesses of all sizes in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, consumer goods, and electronics.

Here is a timeline of some of Proto Labs’ key milestones:

1999: Proto Labs is founded by Larry Lukis.
2001: Proto Labs launches its online platform for rapid prototyping services.
2005: Proto Labs opens its first European facility in Telford, England.
2009: Proto Labs opens its first Asian facility in Osaka, Japan.
2012: Proto Labs goes public on the Nasdaq stock exchange.
2014: Proto Labs launches its 3D printing services.
2016: Proto Labs opens its new global headquarters in Maple Plain, Minnesota.
2017: Proto Labs acquires Rapid Manufacturing, a leading provider of CNC machining services.
2021: Proto Labs acquires Hubs, a global online manufacturing platform.

Proto Labs is a $686 million market cap company that is trading at a very reasonable 16.65 times forward earnings. Growth of earnings per share next year is expected to be 16.04%.

The company has no long term debt and the stock is trading right at its book value. The stock price is down over 27%for the last 12 months.

Velo3D (VLD), a leading metal 3D printing company founded in 2015, develops and sells metal 3D printers, software, and materials that are designed to be easy to use and affordable.

The company’s flagship product is the Sapphire, a laser powder bed fusion [LPBF] metal 3D printer that is known for its ability to print complex geometries with high precision and repeatability. Velo3D also offers a variety of software and materials that are specifically designed for the Sapphire printer.

Velo3D’s customers include businesses of all sizes in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, healthcare, and consumer goods. Some of the company’s notable customers include SpaceX, Honeywell, and Lam Research.

It is a rapidly growing company with a bright future. It is well-positioned to benefit from the continued growth of the metal 3D printing industry.

The company’s mission is to make metal 3D printing accessible to everyone. Its products and services are designed to make it easier and more affordable for businesses to produce complex metal parts with 3D printing.

Velo3D’s technology is having a significant impact on the manufacturing industry. By enabling businesses to produce complex metal parts with high precision and repeatability, Velo3D is helping to reduce costs, improve quality, and accelerate product development.

The company is in partnership with Elon Musk’s SpaceX, and Cathie Wood, the CEO of Ark Invest, recently invested $1.8 million in the company on September 27.

The stock has an extremely low market cap of $309 million, so should be considered very speculative. The company is currently generating negative earnings, however, annual revenue growth over the last five years was 109%. Quarterly revenue growth year-over-year was 27.95%.

Low Market Caps

You will notice that all these stocks have low market caps, less than $1 billion. Therefore, they should all be considered extremely speculative. Do your own due diligence, and maybe one of these companies can print a successful return on your portfolio.

Disclosure: Author didn’t own any of the above at the time the article was written. All these stocks have very low market caps and should be considered extremely speculative. Photo Source: cdc.gov

You Can Buy Barbara Walter’s 13 Carat Diamond Ring: Estimate $600,000 to $900,000

The New York based Bonhams auction house is auctioning off the estate of Barbara Walters on November 6, with over over 300 lots of American Art, jewelry, fashion, furniture, and decorative items. The net proceeds of the sale will benefit charities that Walter’s supported.

Barbara Walters, born on September 25, 1929, in Boston, Massachusetts, was an iconic American journalist, television personality, and author, best known for her trailblazing work in the field of broadcast journalism. Walters made history by breaking into the male-dominated world of television news reporting in the 1960s. Her tenacity and talent led her to become a prominent figure on NBC’s “Today Show,” where she worked as a co-host and writer, shaping the show’s format and content.

Walters’ career reached new heights when she joined ABC News in 1976 as the first female co-anchor of an evening news program. She co-hosted the ABC Evening News alongside Harry Reasoner, breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of female journalists. However, it was her role as the creator, co-host, and producer of the daytime talk show “The View,” which premiered in 1997, that solidified her status as a cultural icon. The show, featuring a panel of diverse women discussing various topics, became immensely popular and showcased Walters’ interviewing skills and ability to engage with a wide range of personalities.

Throughout her career, Walters conducted high-profile interviews with world leaders, celebrities, and newsmakers, earning her a reputation as one of the most respected journalists in the industry. Her interviewing style was characterized by a combination of empathy, intelligence, and tough questioning. Walters’ contributions to journalism were recognized with numerous awards, including Daytime and Primetime Emmy Awards, a Peabody Award, and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the International Women’s Media Foundation. Barbara Walters retired from regular television appearances in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of groundbreaking journalism and inspiring generations of journalists, especially women, to pursue their dreams in the field.

Some of the more interesting items up for sale include Walters’ engagement ring from Merv Adelson, a Harry Winston Diamond Ring, weighing 13.84 carats with an estimate of $600,000 to $900,000, and a pair of JAR Gemset earrings estimated at $200,000 to $300,000.

The painting Egyptian Woman (Coin Necklace) (1891) by John Singer Sargent has an estimate of $1.2 million to $1.8 million. If that is too rich for your blood, you can bid on an engraved silver-plated cigarette box with an estimate of just $100 to $200.

Some of the highlights will be available to view at Bonham’s salesrooms in Boston, Los Angeles, Paris, London, and Hong Kong.

Picture of Barbara Walters’ New York Apartment. Courtesy Bonhams

Stocks Going Ex Dividend in October 2023

The following is a short list of some of the many stocks going ex-dividend during the next month, which can be helpful for traders and investors interested in the stock trading technique known as “Buying Dividends” or “Dividend Capture.” This strategy involves purchasing stocks before the ex dividend date and selling them shortly after the ex-date at a similar price, while still being eligible to receive the dividend payment.

Although this technique generally proves effective in bull markets and flat or choppy markets, it is advisable to exercise caution and consider avoiding this strategy during bear markets. To qualify for the dividend, it is necessary to buy the stock before the ex-dividend date and refrain from selling it until on or after the ex-date.

However, it is important to note that the actual dividend may not be paid for several weeks, as the payment date can be delayed by up to two months after the ex-date.

For investors seeking a comprehensive list of stocks going ex-dividend in the near future, WallStreetNewsNetwork.com has compiled a downloadable list containing numerous dividend-paying companies. Here are a few examples showcasing the stock symbol, ex-dividend date, periodic dividend amount, and annual yield.

Comcast Corporation Class A (CMCSA)	10/3/2023	0.29	2.59%
Cisco Systems, Inc. (CSCO)	10/3/2023	0.39	2.96%
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store (CBRL)	10/19/2023	1.30	8.13%
Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (LOW)	10/24/2023	1.10	2.11%
Scholastic Corporation (SCHL)	10/30/2023	0.20	2.14%
Hasbro, Inc. (HAS)	10/31/2023	0.70	4.20%

To access the entire list of over 100 ex-dividend stocks, subscribers will receive an email in the next couple days with the full list. If you are not already a subscriber, you can sign up using the provided signup box below. Don’t miss out on this valuable information, and the best part is that it’s free!

Dividend Definitions

To better understand the dividend-related terms, let’s define them:

Declaration date: This refers to the day when a company announces its intention to distribute a dividend in the future.
Ex-dividend date: On this day, if you purchase the stock, you would not be eligible to receive the upcoming dividend. It is also the first day on which a shareholder can sell their shares and still receive the dividend.
Record date: This marks the day when you must be recorded on the company’s books as a shareholder to qualify for the dividend. Typically, the ex-dividend date is set two business days prior to the record date.
Payment date: This is the day on which the dividend payment is actually made to the eligible shareholders. It’s important to note that the payment date can be as long as two months after the ex-date.

Before implementing the “Buying Dividends” technique, it is crucial to reconfirm the ex-dividend date with the respective company to ensure accuracy and avoid any unexpected changes.

In conclusion, being aware of the stocks going ex-dividend can be advantageous for traders and investors employing the “Buying Dividends” strategy. WallStreetNewsNetwork.com provides a convenient resource to access a comprehensive list of such stocks, allowing individuals to plan their investment decisions effectively. Remember to stay informed and consider market conditions before employing any investment strategy.

Disclosure: Author did not own any of the above at the time the article was written.

Three Stocks Selling Below Cash per Share

by Fred Fuld III

Cash per share is a financial metric used in stock fundamental analysis to assess a company’s financial health and its ability to meet its short-term obligations. It represents the amount of cash a company has on hand per outstanding share of its common stock. This metric is calculated by dividing the total cash and cash equivalents a company holds by the number of outstanding common shares.

Cash per share is important in fundamental analysis for several reasons:

Liquidity Assessment: It provides insights into a company’s liquidity, indicating how much cash is readily available to cover its immediate financial needs. Higher cash per share suggests better liquidity and a lower risk of financial distress.
Risk Mitigation: Companies with a significant cash reserve per share are better positioned to weather economic downturns, financial crises, or unexpected expenses without resorting to debt or diluting shareholder equity.
Investor Confidence: A high cash per share ratio can enhance investor confidence, as it signals that the company has the financial flexibility to invest in growth opportunities, pay dividends, or repurchase shares.
Acquisition Potential: Companies with substantial cash per share are often viewed as attractive targets for mergers and acquisitions, as their cash reserves can be used to fund such activities.
Capital Allocation: It can assist investors in evaluating a company’s capital allocation strategy. If a company is accumulating cash but not deploying it effectively, it may indicate that management lacks a clear plan for growth or shareholder value creation.
Comparison: Cash per share can be used to compare a company’s financial strength with that of its peers in the same industry or sector. It helps investors identify companies with relatively stronger cash positions.

It’s important to note that while a high cash per share ratio can be a positive sign, excessively hoarding cash without deploying it effectively can be detrimental to shareholder returns. Investors typically consider cash per share in conjunction with other financial metrics and factors, such as earnings, debt levels, and the company’s overall business strategy, to make informed investment decisions.

In summary, cash per share is a fundamental metric that provides insights into a company’s financial strength, liquidity, and ability to weather economic challenges. It plays a crucial role in evaluating a company’s financial health and investment potential.

To give a specific example, if a company goes out of business today, and it’s stock is debt free and selling for less than the cash per share, even if all its real estate, machinery, inventory, and everything else is worthless, the shareholder would be guaranteed to make money.

You may wonder if you can still buy stocks selling below cash. Here is one example.

Origin Materials (ORGN), with a market cap of $202.4 million, is trading at 93% of the cash per share.

Origin Materials, Inc., founded in 2008 and headquartered in West Sacramento, California, is a company dedicated to the development and commercialization of sustainable materials and chemicals.

Their primary focus revolves around producing carbon-negative materials and chemicals using renewable feedstocks sourced from non-food biomass, such as wood and agricultural residues.

By leveraging innovative technologies, Origin Materials aims to create products with a net-negative carbon footprint, meaning they remove more carbon from the atmosphere than is emitted during their production. The company collaborates with various partners, including major consumer brands and chemical companies, to incorporate their sustainable materials into a wide array of products.

Origin Materials’ mission centers on environmental sustainability, offering eco-friendly alternatives to conventional materials and contributing to the reduction of industries’ environmental impact.

The stock has a reasonable price to earnings ratio of 7.69, and is selling at 53% of book value.

If you are looking for a stock with a larger market cap, and if you think the market for commercial real estate has bottomed out, Equity Commonwealth (EQC) is a real estate investment trust with a market cap of $2.07 billion. The stock is selling at 96% of its cash per share.

This REIT invests in commercial office properties and is based in Chicago.

The company is debt free, trades at 33.4 times earnings, and is trading at 92% of book value.

If you are looking for very high risk, ClearOne (CLRO) is a penny stock with a market cap of $19.57 million.

ClearOne, Inc. is a communication solutions company headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, USA, with a history dating back to its founding in 1983. Specializing in audio and visual collaboration technologies, ClearOne has established itself as a prominent player in the industry.

The company’s core focus revolves around providing cutting-edge solutions designed to enhance communication and collaboration in diverse professional settings.

ClearOne offers a comprehensive suite of products and services tailored for improving communication quality, whether in corporate conference rooms, educational institutions, huddle spaces, or remote work environments. This includes audio conferencing solutions, video conferencing systems, collaboration software, professional audio-visual integration capabilities, and unified communications integration.

ClearOne has earned recognition for its patented technologies in echo cancellation, noise reduction, and audio processing, all contributing to the enhancement of audio quality.

Their mission is to simplify and elevate communication experiences for businesses, educational institutions, and government organizations, fostering productivity and seamless interaction.

The company has no long term debt, a very low P/E ratio less than 2, a decent price sales ratio of 0.98, and sells for 45% of book value.

Please note that while a low price-to-cash ratio may indicate good value, it should not be the sole factor considered in investment decisions. Conducting thorough research and due diligence, evaluating the company’s fundamentals, assessing its competitive position, and considering other financial metrics are essential to make solid investment choices.

Disclosure: Author didn’t own any of the above at the time the article was written. These stocks are very low cap and should be considered extremely speculative.

High Times acquired by Lucy Scientific in all-stock deal

Lucy Scientific Acquires High Times Intellectual Property, Including Existing Licensing Agreements in All-Stock Transaction

The Transaction includes international and domestic rights of the brand High Times, Cannabis Cup, and 420.com brands, and its respective domain names

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, September 7, 2023 – Lucy Scientific Discovery Inc. (“Lucy” or “the Company”) (NASDAQ: LSDI), a leading psychotropic innovator announces the acquisition of the intellectual property (IP) of High Times, the most recognizable and iconic brand in the cannabis industry. This acquisition provides a stream of high-margin licensing and royalty income from the well-regarded High Times, Cannabis Cup, and 420.com brands, including their respective domain names.

Lucy will issue 19.9% of its outstanding stock to High Times and make payments semi-annually for the next 5 years based on EBITDA generated from the acquired IP, which can be settled with either stock or cash at Lucy’s option. Additionally, Lucy will license the right to operate retail stores and manufacture and sell THC products in the United States back to High Times, in return for a license fee of $1.0M per year, increasing to $2.0M per year upon Federal legalization. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to close within two weeks.

Lucy will be acquiring brand rights with plans to monetize the IP through current and planned royalty agreements by further extending and enhancing the existing domestic and international licensing arrangements currently held by High Times, including consumer products and merchandise. The Company intends to preserve the essence of the High Times, Cannabis Cup, and 420.com brands while identifying new avenues for growth and development.

The Company expects the acquisition of High Times IP, including, the 18 licensing agreements across various product categories it will acquire, to add at least $10M of revenue and $5M of EBITDA to its 2024 results and provide a solid foundation of growth as cannabis becomes legal around the world.

Richard Nanula, CEO and Executive Chairman at Lucy Scientific Discovery Inc., commented, “Lucy expects this acquisition to drive high margin revenue quickly and sustainably across the cannabis sector around the world. This is a great opportunity to grow the market presence of the nearly 50 year old High Times brand globally through licensing and online distribution. We are confident that this opportunity can add significant value for our shareholders.”

Adam Levin, Executive Chairman of High Times added, “Over the past few years, we have been building the consumer products offerings for High Times and there is no better partner than Lucy to drive our iconic brand forward. This transaction will open up tremendous new opportunities to grow and expand the High Times brand led by Richard Nanula, who has decades of experience with some of the biggest consumer brands and companies in the world. We are delighted to become large Lucy shareholders.”

About Lucy Scientific Discovery Inc.

Lucy Scientific Discovery Inc. (NASDAQ: LSDI) is a Nasdaq-listed company with holdings and operations in a variety of psychotropic businesses. The company holds a Controlled Drugs and Substances Dealer’s License granted by Health Canada’s Office of Controlled Substances. Lucy Scientific Discovery Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, LSDI Manufacturing Inc., operate under Part J of the Food and Drug Regulations promulgated under the Food and Drugs Act (Canada). This specialized license authorizes LSDI to develop, sell, deliver, and manufacture pharmaceutical-grade active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) used in controlled substances and their raw material precursors. With a focus on pioneering innovative therapies for patients in need, Lucy Scientific Discovery Inc. is dedicated to advancing the understanding and applications of psychotropic medicines, improving mental health outcomes, and enhancing well-being for individuals worldwide.

About High Times:

Since its founding 46 years ago, High Times has grown to be one of the world’s most well-known cannabis brands – championing the lifestyle and educating the masses on the benefits of this natural flower. From humble beginnings as a counterculture lifestyle publication, High Times has evolved into growing a network of cannabis dispensaries, the host and creator of events like the Cannabis Cup, the producer of globally distributed merchandise, participant in international licensing deals, and provider of content for a multitude of fans and supporters. In 2020, High Times began acquiring retail dispensaries, for the first time directly touching the plant it had been promoting for over 40 years. Today the brand owns 8 retail stores, as well as several cannabis brands.

Podcast: Financial History, Investment Trivia and Antique Stock Certificates

Available at Stocks for Beginners

When and why did the CIA create a venture capital fund? How did a failed stockbroker become a literary giant? Fred Fuld III from Wall Street News Network discusses Financial History, Investment Trivia and Antique Stock Certificates.

Some of the topics covered in the discussion include:

– The Venture Capital Fund that the CIA created

– The stock run by the FBI that had a box of clothes as its only asset

– Bitcoin trivia

– The first women-owned stock brokerage firm in 1870

– Celebrity Stockbrokers including Jules Verne

– The Skirt Length Index

– The first marijuana stock

You can listed to the podcast or read the transcript at Stocks for Beginners.

Investing in Gargling? The Scoop on Entertainment & Other Royalty Investments!

by Fred Fuld III

Have you ever thought about owning the rights to music from your favorite band? Or maybe you would like to own the residuals from a movie you like. Maybe even investing in trademarks.

Recently, investors had the opportunity to own the right to royalties from Listerine. Yes, the mouthwash you use to gargle with. Yup, every time someone uses Listerine and spits it out, the investor would make money.

This investment was available through an organization called the Royalty Exchange. Investors could make an offer on what they would pay for receiving a flat rate royalty on worldwide Listerine sales, for as long as Listerine is sold. Listerine has been providing royalties for 142 years.

Royalties are paid monthly and Listerine has paid $12,507 during the last twelve months.

What other things can you invest in? The music from the film Shrek, royalties from standardized tests, Apple (AAPL) alert tone royalties, and tracks of music from Enrique Iglesias and Rihanna.

Previous transactions that the company handled include royalties from Coldplay and Beyonce, Jerry Garcia’s Cherry Garcia Trademark Royalties, and Naked & Afraid TV placements.

I want to point out that these investments do have some risk, like any investments. Second, I am not recommending any of these investments; I’m only mentioning them for you to do your own due diligence. Third, I have no connection to the Royalty Exchange whatsoever.

So what is the Royalty Exchange?

Royalty Exchange is an online marketplace that facilitates the buying and selling of royalties and intellectual property rights. It allows creators, artists, and copyright holders to monetize their intellectual property by selling a portion of their future royalties to investors. Here’s a general profile of Royalty Exchange:

Business Model and Purpose:

Royalty Exchange serves as a platform connecting creators of intellectual property (such as musicians, songwriters, authors, and other content creators) with investors interested in purchasing a share of their future royalties.
The platform allows creators to access immediate capital by selling a portion of their royalty income, often in exchange for a lump sum payment.

Types of Intellectual Property:

Royalty Exchange deals with a wide range of intellectual property, including music royalties, book royalties, film and TV show royalties, patent royalties, and more.
Music royalties are one of the most prominent categories on the platform. This includes royalties from songwriting, publishing, performance, and mechanical rights.

How It Works:

Creators looking for funding list their intellectual property rights on the Royalty Exchange platform.
Investors browse the available opportunities and can place bids on the rights they’re interested in purchasing.
A competitive bidding process takes place, and the highest bidder wins the right to receive a portion of the future royalties.
The creator receives an upfront payment, and the investor receives a share of the royalties generated by the intellectual property over time.

Benefits:

Creators can access immediate funding without taking on debt or selling ownership of their intellectual property outright.
Investors can diversify their portfolios by investing in various types of intellectual property.
The platform aims to create a win-win situation by allowing creators to unlock value from their royalties while providing investors with potential long-term income streams.

Marketplace Transparency:

Royalty Exchange aims to provide transparency by providing data and analytics related to the performance of the intellectual property being offered for sale.

The advantage of royalty trusts include the fact that they are uncorrelated assets, they have the potential to provide high yields, and offer passive income.

One thing you should be aware of is the time frame of the investment. The company provides these definitions:

Term Based: Investor collects royalty income for a fixed period of time (typically 10 years). Royalty income then reverts to the original seller after the end of the term.
Life of Rights: Investor collects royalty income for the length of the underlying copyright (Lifetime of the creator PLUS 70 years).

A Publicly Traded Entertainment Royalty Trust

If the Royalty Exchange investments are too rich for your blood, you could also consider Mills Music Trust (MMTRS), which is a publicly traded stock that trades Over-the-Counter. It receives income from royalties from the music catalog of EMI Mills Music Inc.

The catalogue is estimated to be composed of over 12,000 music titles, of which approximately 1,430 have produced royalty income in recent years. Some of the top songs include:

Little Drummer Boy
Sleigh Ride
Star Dust
It Don’t Mean A Thing
Mood Indigo
I’ve Got the World On A String
Ain’t Misbehavin’
Lovesick Blues
Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me
Stormy Weather
Red Roses for a Blue Lady

This New York based trust was founded in 1964. It pays a dividend of 8.3%, and has very low trading volume, with a wide spread between the bid and ask prices. At one time, Paul McCartney was a major shareholder of the company.

Because it is a trust, it avoids the double taxation of corporations. There may be personal tax benefits to the investor; talk to your accountant about it.

Buying royalties is a quick way of getting into show business, but it carries a lot of risk.

Disclosure: Author owns MMTRS. Author and this site have no connection to Royalty Exchange, has not done due diligence on the company, and are not recommending the company or its royalty investments. No investments are expressed or implied. All investors should do their own due diligence.

Stocks Going Ex Dividend in September 2023

However, it is important to note that the actual dividend may not be paid for several weeks, as the payment date can be delayed by up to two months after the ex-date.

Nike (NKE)	9/1/2023	0.34	1.34%
Jack In The Box Inc. (JACK)	9/5/2023	0.44	2.20%
Kohl’s Corporation (KSS)	9/5/2023	0.50	7.52%
Kimberly-Clark Corporation (KMB)	9/7/2023	1.18	3.65%
FedEx Corporation (FDX)	9/8/2023	1.26	1.85%
HP Inc. (HPQ)	9/12/2023	0.2625	3.35%
Dick’s Sporting Goods Inc (DKS)	9/14/2023	1.00	3.58%
Coca-Cola Company (KO)	9/14/2023	0.46	3.04%
International Flavors & Fragrances (IFF)	9/21/2023	0.81	4.91%
Portland General Electric Co (POR)	9/22/2023	0.475	4.30%
ConocoPhillips (COP)	9/27/2023	0.60	2.04%
Xerox Holdings Corporation (XRX)	9/28/2023	0.25	6.29%
Wolverine World Wide (WWW)	9/29/2023	0.10	4.96%

To access the entire list of over 100 ex-dividend stocks, subscribers will receive an email in the next few days. If you are not already a subscriber, you can sign up using the provided signup box below. Don’t miss out on this valuable information, and the best part is that it’s free!

Dividend Definitions

To better understand the dividend-related terms, let’s define them:

Before implementing the “Buying Dividends” technique, it is crucial to reconfirm the ex-dividend date with the respective company to ensure accuracy and avoid any unexpected changes.

Disclosure: Author did not own any of the above at the time the article was written.

Are You Going to Bet on Sports Betting Stocks?

by Fred Fuld III

Can you believe it? Now Disney (DIS) is getting into sports betting through its ESPN division and an agreement with Penn Entertainment (PENN).

Sports betting is legal in 37 states and Washington, D.C. as of August 2023. The first state to legalize sports betting after the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA) in 2018 was New Jersey. Since then, there has been a rapid expansion of sports betting in the United States.

The states that have legalized sports betting have different laws and regulations governing the industry. Some states allow only in-person betting, while others allow both in-person and online betting. Some states have a monopoly on sports betting, while others allow multiple operators to offer sports betting services.

The growth of sports betting in the United States has been driven by a number of factors, including the popularity of fantasy sports, the increasing availability of mobile devices, and the legalization of sports betting in more states. The industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, as more states legalize sports betting and more people become interested in betting on sports.

Here is a list of the states that have legalized sports betting as of August 2023:

Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Connecticut
Delaware
Florida
Georgia
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Louisiana
Maine
Maryland
Massachusetts
Michigan
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nevada
New Hampshire
New Jersey
New Mexico
New York
North Carolina
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
Pennsylvania
Rhode Island
South Carolina
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Vermont
Virginia
Washington
West Virginia
Wisconsin
Wyoming

The future of sports betting in the United States is bright. The industry is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, as more states legalize sports betting and more people become interested in betting on sports.

DraftKings (DKNG): DraftKings is a leading online sportsbook and daily fantasy sports (DFS) company. It operates in 19 states and Washington, D.C., and has a market capitalization of $13.8 billion. DraftKings offers a variety of betting options, including sports betting, DFS, and iGaming. It also has a media division that produces content for its own platforms and for third-party partners.

DraftKings was founded in 2012 by Jason Robins, Matt Kalish, and Paul Liberman. The company quickly became one of the leading DFS companies in the world. In 2018, DraftKings launched its sportsbook in New Jersey, becoming one of the first companies to offer legal sports betting in the United States after the Supreme Court overturned the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA).

DraftKings has grown rapidly in recent years. In 2022, the company generated $1.3 billion in revenue and $463 million in net income. DraftKings is expected to continue to grow in the coming years, as more states legalize sports betting and more people become interested in betting on sports.

DraftKings is a publicly traded company on the NASDAQ stock exchange (ticker symbol: DKNG). The company’s stock price has been volatile in recent years, but it is currently trading at a market capitalization of $13.8 billion.

DraftKings is a well-positioned company to benefit from the growth of the sports betting industry in the United States. The company has a strong brand, a proven track record, and a diversified product offering. DraftKings is also well-capitalized and has a strong management team.

The company is currently generating negative earnings, however, annual sales growth for the last five years, is 63.5%, and quarterly revenue growth year-over year is 84.5%.

Penn National Gaming (PENN): Penn National Gaming is a casino and gaming company that owns and operates casinos, racetracks, and sportsbooks in 19 states. It has a market capitalization of $3.87 billion. Penn National Gaming is one of the largest casino operators in the United States and is also a major player in the sports betting industry.

Penn National Gaming entered the sports betting market in 2018, when it acquired theScore, a Canadian sports media company. TheScore operates a sportsbook in Canada and has a partnership with Penn National Gaming to offer sports betting in the United States.

In 2020, Penn National Gaming acquired Barstool Sports, a popular sports media and entertainment company. Barstool Sports has a large and engaged following of sports fans, which Penn National Gaming is hoping to leverage to grow its sports betting business.

Penn National Gaming is well-positioned to benefit from the growth of the sports betting industry in the United States. The company has a strong portfolio of casinos and racetracks, which can be used to attract sports betting customers. Penn National Gaming also has a strong brand and a proven track record in the gaming industry.

Here are some of the key things to know about Penn National Gaming’s sports betting business:

The company operates sportsbooks in 13 states and the District of Columbia.
It has partnered with Barstool Sports to offer sports betting in several states.
It is also a major investor in theScore, a Canadian sports media company that operates a sportsbook in Canada.
Penn National Gaming is expected to continue to grow its sports betting business in the coming years, as more states legalize sports betting and more people become interested in betting on sports.

The stock trades at a great six times trailing earnings and 12.5 times forward earnings. Quarterly earnings growth year-over-year was an incredible 987.9%, on a revenue increase of 7%. It has a superior price to earnings growth [PEG] ratio of 0.27, an excellent price to sales [PS] ratio of 0.59, and sells at 92% of book value.

Flutter Entertainment (PDYPY): Flutter Entertainment is a British gambling company that operates in over 20 countries. It is one of the largest online sports betting companies in the world and owns the Paddy Power Betfair brand.

Flutter Entertainment entered the United States sports betting market in 2018, when it acquired FanDuel, a leading online sportsbook. FanDuel has since become one of the most popular sports betting apps in the United States.

In 2020, Flutter Entertainment acquired TVG, a pari-mutuel online betting network, which is active in 35 states. TVG has a strong presence in the horse racing market, which is a growing segment of the sports betting industry.

Flutter Entertainment is well-positioned to benefit from the growth of the sports betting industry in the United States. The company has a strong portfolio of brands, a proven track record, and a global reach. Flutter Entertainment is also well-capitalized and has a strong management team.

Here are some of the key things to know about Flutter Entertainment’s sports betting business:

The company operates sportsbooks in 18 states and the District of Columbia.
It owns the FanDuel and TVG brands, which are two of the most popular sports betting apps in the United States.
It is also a major investor in Adjarabet, a Georgian sports betting company that operates in several countries in Eastern Europe.

Flutter has a market cap of $34.3 billion, and is currently generating negative earnings. Revenues for the latest reported year were up over 27%.

Churchill Downs (CHDN): Churchill Downs is a horse racing company that owns and operates the Kentucky Derby and several other racetracks. It also has a sports betting app in Indiana and Illinois.

Churchill Downs entered the sports betting market in 2019, when it launched its sportsbook in Indiana. The company has since expanded its sports betting operations to Illinois and is expected to launch sportsbooks in several other states in the coming years.

Churchill Downs is well-positioned to benefit from the growth of the sports betting industry in the United States. The company has a strong brand, a proven track record in the horse racing industry, and a large customer base. Churchill Downs is also well-capitalized and has a strong management team.

Here are some of the key things to know about Churchill Downs’ sports betting business:

The company operates sportsbooks in Indiana and Illinois.
It is expected to launch sportsbooks in several other states in the coming years.
It has a partnership with DraftKings to offer sports betting in several states.

This $9 billion market cap stock has a trailing P/E ratio of 26 and a forward P/E of 16.7. Earnings per share growth this year was a strong 81.2% and quarterly sales growth was up 31.9%. The company even pays a small dividend, providing a yield of 0.29%.

MGM Resorts International (MGM): MGM Resorts International is a casino and resort company that owns and operates casinos, hotels, and entertainment venues in 17 countries. It also has a sports betting app in Nevada, New Jersey, and several other states.

MGM Resorts International entered the sports betting market in 2018, when it launched its sportsbook in Nevada. The company has since expanded its sports betting operations to New Jersey and several other states.

MGM Resorts International is well-positioned to benefit from the growth of the sports betting industry in the United States. The company has a strong portfolio of casinos and resorts, which can be used to attract sports betting customers. MGM Resorts International also has a strong brand and a proven track record in the gaming industry.

Here are some of the key things to know about MGM Resorts International’s sports betting business:

The company operates sportsbooks in Nevada, New Jersey, and several other states.
It has a partnership with BetMGM, a joint venture with Entain PLC, to offer sports betting in several states.
It is also a major investor in BetMGM, which is one of the leading sports betting companies in the United States.

This $16.9 billion company trades at 44 times trailing earnings and 16 times forward earnings. Earnings per share growth this year jumped.44.6%. The very small dividend yield is 0.02%.

These stocks are all poised to benefit from the growth of the sports betting industry in the United States. As more states legalize sports betting, these companies will be well-positioned to capture a share of the market.

Disclosure: Author didn’t own any of the above at the time the article was written.

How I Made 12% Investing in Tax Liens

by Fred Fuld III

Have you heard about tax liens, especially how you can sometimes get high interest rates or even a house from your investment? Let me tell you how tax lien investments work.

I have gone through the process of looking looking for tax liens, buying, and getting a return.

What Are Tax Liens?

A tax lien is a legal claim placed on a property by the government (usually a county, sometimes cities) when a property owner fails to pay their property taxes. It is essentially a debt owed to the government for the unpaid taxes. The tax lien gives the government the right to collect the owed taxes by selling the property at a tax lien auction.

Tax lien investments, also known as tax lien certificates or tax lien sales, are investment opportunities where individuals or entities can purchase the right to collect the unpaid taxes from the delinquent property owner. When a property owner fails to pay their property taxes, the local government may decide to hold a tax lien auction to sell the tax liens to interested investors.

Here’s how tax lien investments typically work:

Tax Lien Auction: The local government organizes a tax lien auction, where investors bid on the right to purchase tax liens for specific delinquent properties.
Interest and Redemption Period: When an investor purchases a tax lien, they are essentially lending money to the property owner to pay off their taxes. In return, the investor receives a certificate indicating the amount of the lien and the interest rate that will be applied if the property owner redeems the lien.
Redemption: The property owner has a designated period (redemption period) to pay back the delinquent taxes, plus interest and any additional fees or penalties, to the tax lien holder (investor). If the property owner redeems the lien within this period, the investor receives their initial investment plus the accrued interest.
Property Acquisition: If the property owner fails to redeem the tax lien within the redemption period, the investor may be able to foreclose on the property and become the new owner. However, this process can be complicated and varies depending on local laws and regulations.

Tax lien investments can offer potential benefits, such as higher interest rates compared to traditional investments, and the possibility of acquiring properties at a discount through foreclosure. However, there are also risks involved, such as the property owner’s inability to redeem the tax lien, legal complexities in the foreclosure process, and the potential for properties to have other liens or issues that make them undesirable investments.

When you get the tax lien certificate, don’t expect anything fancy, like a certificate with scrollwork borders and a vintage font.

The following is an example of what I received from Maricopa County in Arizona. (Private information has been greyed out.) It almost looks like it was printed with a dot matrix printer.

Investors can buy the tax lien certificates through county auctions and can earn outrageously high interest rates of potentially 16% to 24% on their tax liens. Plus, bidding can be done all online.

The property owners are required to pay the back taxes plus the interest otherwise they can lose their property to the tax lien owner.

What States Offer Tax Liens?

The states that offer tax liens are as follows:

Alabama
Arizona
Arkansas
Colorado
Florida
Illinois
Indiana
Iowa
Kentucky
Maryland
Mississippi
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
New Jersey
New York
North Dakota
Ohio
Oklahoma
Oregon
South Carolina
South Dakota
Vermont
West Virginia
Wyoming.
District of Columbia

You don’t have to live in a tax lien state in order to buy a tax lien in that particular state, plus you don’t even have to be a United States citizen or resident.

My Tax Lien Experience

The fist thing I did, after discovering that Maricopa County in Arizona was having an auction, was that I began looking though the Tax Lien section of the Maricopa County Treasurer’s Office website.

I then accessed the list of all the tax liens of properties being auctioned off, and started going through it. After being overwhelmed with numerous parcels, I decided to narrow my search, and chose Scottsdale, figuring that I couldn’t go wrong in a high income section of the county.

So I went through every property in Scottsdale, including houses, condos, lots, and raw land. It took a few hours but I did my searching while watching TV.

I looked up literally every one of the properties on Google Maps. Some of the lots turned out to be strange shapes, such as three feet wide by a 50 feet long. Some of the houses had liens that were way above my budget.

Then I came across a great one, a lot in an expensive neighborhood surrounded by million dollar homes, and the tax lien fit my budget of a maximum of ten thousand dollars. Since it was in a nice development, I assumed that it couldn’t be located on top of a toxic waste dump.

On Google Maps in Satellite View, I noticed that the ground had been graded and an indentation for a swimming pool was created, but no structure or even a foundation was on the property.

But then I discovered something else. I found a more up-to-date map on the Maricopa web site (which was hard to find and navigate to at the time) which also had a satellite view. When I checked on that map, it showed that the lot actually had a house on it! Apparently, the Google Maps picture was a bit out of date.

Considering that was a nice bonus, I registered to bid right away and funded my account.

Once all that was completed, I could bid. Now the way the bidding works is what I call reverse-intuitive.

Here is how the bidding process works. You bid on what the lowest interest rate is that you are willing to accept on your tax lien. The bidder who bids the lowest interest rate wins. At the time (this was several years ago), the bidding for this particular county could range from 18% to 4% in one percent intervals. The bidding range has since changed; it’s now 16% down to 0%, the last time I checked.

It was time for me to bid and with a couple weeks to go, I placed a bid of 6%, figuring that would be a nice return if I won.

Then two days before the auction close, I thought that I should lower the bid to 5% as it would give me a better chance of winning, plus 5% was and still is still a great return.

One day before the close of the auction, I changed my mind one more time, since I wanted that property badly.

So I finally changed it to 4%, the lowest bid level available at the time. At that time, I really didn’t care how much or how little the interest rate was, I just wanted to get the tax lien and hope that it never got paid off, so I could take over ownership of the house.

The next day, the auction closed. According to the web site, there were two bidders at 4%, with me being one of them. When there is a tie, a drawing takes place. I’m not sure how the drawing takes place, and didn’t really care at the time, but I won!

It was my lucky day. A few days later, I received the tax lien certificate in the mail. It looked nothing like any certificate I had ever seen. (See above.)

So you’re probably wondering if I got a million dollar mansion for a few thousand dollars.

As it turned out, the lien was paid off. I ended up owning the lien for slightly over a month, but earning three months worth of interest, giving me an effective yield of almost 12%. I’m not going to complain about getting three months of interest. I think it had something to do with the tax lien holding period overlapping three months.

The tax lien investment was practically riskless. It was backed by the value of the property, which was substantial. Not to bad a return for such a short term holding in a very low interest rate environment.

Where to Find More Info about Tax Liens

There are plenty of these tax lien auctions available. There are also plenty of books available about tax liens.

If you are interested in learning more about tax liens, check out some of these books:

Your Great Book Of Tax Liens And Deeds Investing

Understanding Tax Lien and Tax Deed Investing: No Fluff

The Complete Guide to Investing in Real Estate Tax Liens & Deeds: How to Earn High Rates of Return

Zero Risk Real Estate: Creating Wealth Through Tax Liens and Tax Deeds

Profit by Investing in Real Estate Tax Liens: Earn Safe, Secured, and Fixed Returns Every Time

Tax Lien$ for investing in New Jersey tax liens

The 16 % Solution, Revised Edition: How to Get High Interest Rates in a Low-Interest World with Tax Lien Certificates

Where are the Upcoming Tax Liens?

If you are looking for the web sites of the counties, parishes, and cities holding tax lien sales, here is a random sample of some of them with links:

Maricopa County, Arizona
https://treasurer.maricopa.gov/Pages/LoadPage?page=TaxSaleDetails

Yuma County, Arizona
http://www.yumacountyaz.gov/government/treasurer/tax-lien-information

Broward County, Florida
https://lienhub.com/county/broward/certsale/main

Sarasota County, Florida
https://www.sarasotataxcollector.com/services/tax-services/property-tax/tax-cert-sale

Sarasota, Florida
https://sarasotafl.realtaxlien.com

Charleston County, South Carolina
https://www.charlestoncounty.org/departments/delinquent-tax/tax-sale.php

Gwinnett County, Georgia
https://gwinnetttaxcommissioner.publicaccessnow.com/PropertyTax/DelinquentTax/TaxLiensTaxSales.aspx

Fulton County, Georgia
https://www.fultoncountytaxes.org/property-taxes/property-tax-sales.aspx

Baldwin County, Alabama
https://baldwincountyal.gov/government/revenue-commission/tax-lien-auction/lists/tax-lien-auction/191c681f-3e3e-4b00-9e1c-8a4b25f0b06a

Lake County, Indiana
https://lakecounty.in.gov/departments/treasurer-taxsaleinfo

Polk County, Iowa
https://www.polkcountyiowa.gov/treasurer/information-for-tax-sale-buyers/

Jefferson County, Kentucky
http://www.jeffersoncountyclerk.org/delinquenttaxes/