Can Weight Loss Companies Fuel Gains in Your Stock Portfolio?

by Fred Fuld III

The past year has seen a surge in the popularity of injectable medications for weight loss. Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, both made by Novo Nordisk (NVO), and Zepbound and Mounjaro, which are manufactured by Eli Lilly (LLY), are finding themselves in high demand, despite their hefty price tags and limited insurance coverage.

This trend reflects a growing openness to pharmaceutical solutions for weight management, alongside traditional methods like diet and exercise. These injectable drugs, which mimic natural gut hormones, work by curbing appetite and promoting feelings of fullness. Studies have shown significant weight loss in patients using these medications.

Ozempic and Wegovy are both GLP-1 receptor agonists, targeting a specific hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar. Ozempic was originally approved for type 2 diabetes, but its weight loss side effects have driven its use in that area as well. Wegovy, on the other hand, is specifically FDA-approved for chronic weight management.

Zepbound, a newcomer to the market, is another GLP-1 receptor agonist with an additional twist. It also targets another gut hormone, GIP, that further enhances feelings of fullness and reduces appetite. Early studies suggest Zepbound may lead to even greater weight loss than Wegovy.

Mounjaro, another Eli Lilly product, joins the party as a dualincretin medication. Like Zepbound, it targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, offering similar weight loss benefits. Interestingly, Mounjaro is actually FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes, but like Ozempic, its weight loss effects are driving its use in that area as well. Studies suggest Mounjaro might be as effective as Zepbound in terms of weight loss.

This rise in weight loss injectable use is projected to continue. Analysts predict the weight loss drug market could reach $100 billion by the end of the decade, with millions of patients potentially using these medications. However, challenges remain. The high cost and limited insurance coverage are barriers for many. Additionally, long-term side effects of these medications are still being studied.

While these injectable drugs offer a promising new tool for weight management, they are not a magic bullet. They are most effective when used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program.

Novo Nordisk (NVO) is a global healthcare company headquartered near Copenhagen, Denmark, with a rich history dating back to 1923. Their founding story is intertwined with the discovery of insulin, a revolutionary treatment for diabetes.

The company’s mission is “to drive change to defeat serious chronic diseases,” and they have become a leader in the diabetes care space. They develop and manufacture a wide range of diabetes medications, including injectable insulins and GLP-1 receptor agonists like the popular Ozempic and Wegovy mentioned earlier.

Beyond diabetes, Novo Nordisk is expanding its reach into other chronic diseases. They offer treatments for obesity, such as Wegovy, and medications for hemophilia and other rare blood disorders. Their research and development efforts continue to push boundaries in these areas.

    Novo Nordisk employs over 64,000 people worldwide and distributes its products in over 170 countries.

    The stock trades at 44 times trailing earnings and 31 time forward earnings. Quarterly revenue growth year-over-year was 23.6%, with earning growth over the same period at an incredible 30.7%.

    Novo pays a dividend semi-annually, with an estimated yield of 1.31%.

    Eli Lilly and Company (LLY), headquartered in Indianapolis, Indiana, boasts a rich heritage dating back to 1876. Founded by Colonel Eli Lilly with a vision to “take what you find here and make it better and better,” the company has established itself as a major player in the pharmaceutical industry.

    Eli Lilly is dedicated to turning science into solutions for a healthier world. Their core focus lies in research and development, with a significant portion of their workforce dedicated to this pursuit. They leverage advancements in biotechnology, chemistry, and genetic medicine to tackle some of the world’s most pressing health challenges.

    The company’s product portfolio is extensive, encompassing medications for a wide range of conditions. Here’s a glimpse into their key areas:

    • Diabetes: Eli Lilly has a strong presence in diabetes care, offering medications beyond the newcomer, Mounjaro,discussed earlier.
    • Oncology: They are actively involved in cancer research and development, producing treatments for various types of cancer.
    • Immunology: Eli Lilly develops medications for autoimmune diseases and other conditions related to the immune system.
    • Pain Management: The company offers a range of pain management solutions.
    • Others: Eli Lilly’s product line also includes medications for neurology, endocrinology, and other therapeutic areas.

    With over 44,000 employees worldwide and a strong emphasis on scientific advancement, Eli Lilly remains a force to be reckoned with in the global pharmaceutical landscape.

    Lilly has a nosebleed high trailing price to earnings ratio of 116; but a bit more reasonable forward P/E of 41.5. Quarterly revenue growth grew 26%, with quarterly earnings per share growth at a superior 66.7% year-over-year.

    The company pays dividends quarterly and yields 0.67%.

    If you are looking for a non-pharmaceutical investment option, there is WW International (WW).

    WW International, Inc., formerly known as Weight Watchers International, is a global company headquartered in New York City. Founded in 1963 by Jean Nidetch, WW has a long history of helping people achieve weight loss and wellness goals.

    Shifting Focus: Beyond Weight Loss

    Traditionally, WW was known for its weight loss programs, often centered around group meetings and a points-based system for tracking food intake. However, in 2018, the company underwent a significant rebranding, reflecting a shift towards a more holistic approach to health and wellness.

    This move is reflected in their new name, WW, which purposely avoids mentioning weight. Their current programs encompass aspects like fitness, mindset, and overall healthy habits, not just weight loss on the scale.

    WW’s Offerings Today

    WW offers a multi-pronged approach to wellness, with options to suit different needs and preferences:

    • Digital Solutions: Their mobile app and website provide access to tools for tracking food, activity, weight, and sleep. They also offer educational content and motivational support.
    • Coaching: WW provides online or phone coaching for personalized guidance and support.
    • Wellness Workshops: These in-person group meetings, formerly known as Weight Watchers meetings, foster a sense of community and offer guidance on healthy living.

    Financial Performance

    While they have faced challenges in recent years, they remain a major player in the weight management and wellness industry.

    The stock has taken a major hit in the last seven months, dropping from above $13 a share to now less than two dollars a share.

    The company generated a huge lost for the year; however, it is estimated that it will produce a reasonable profit next year, providing a forward P/E of 7.06.

    Summary

    Novo and Lilly have already had major gains in their stock price. It remains to be seen it this growth will continue, especially with greater acceptance of their drugs.

    Hopefully, one of these companies can provide greater weight to your portfolio.

    Disclosure: Author has a small bullish call position in Novo.

    Free COVID Tests: What Stocks Will Benefit?

    by Fred Fuld III

    By now, you have probably heard the news. President Biden has announced that the U.S. Government will be buying 500 million take-at-home COVID test kits to distribute to Americans.

    You will be able to order your free COVID test kit from a website in January.

    So who is making the test kits? The government hasn’t announced yet what company or companies it will be buying from, but there are several business involved in producing these kits.

    For example, Abbott Labs (ABT) is one of the largest manufacturers of COVID test kits. The company produces five different antigen tests (including theBinaxNow COVID-19 Ag Card2 Home Test), three different PCR tests, three different serological tests, and one isothermal amplification test.

    Becton, Dickinson (BDX), which makes several COVID tests, has a BD Veritor At-Home COVID-19 Test.

    Quidel Corporation (QDEL), produces many COVID tests, has two at-home COVID tests.

    Even Amazon (AMZN) is getting in on the act in partnership with SDS Lab Holdco.

    The following is a list of the publicly traded stocks that produce COVID tests. Not all of these companies make an at-home test.

    Abbott Labs (ABT)
    Amazon (AMZN)
    Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX)
    Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (BIO)
    Bruker Corporation (BRKR)
    Co-Diagnostics, Inc. (CODX)
    Eli Lilly and Company (LLY)
    PerkinElmer, Inc. (PKI)
    Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LH)
    LumiraDx Limited (LMDX)
    Ortho Clinical Diagnostics Holdings plc (OCDX)
    QIAGEN N.V. (QGEN)
    Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (DGX)
    Quidel Corporation (QDEL)
    Roche Holding AG (RHHBY)
    Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (TMO)

    Hoping that you and your portfolio stay healthy.

     

    Disclosure: Author is long AMZN.

    Stocks Going Ex Dividend in August 2019

    by Fred Fuld III

    The following is a short list of some of the many stocks going ex dividend during the next month.

    Many traders and investors use the stock trading technique called ‘Buying Dividends,’ also commonly referred to as ‘Dividend Capture.’ This is the strategy of buying stocks before the ex dividend date and selling the stock shortly after the ex date at about the same price, yet still being entitled to the dividend.

    This technique generally works in bull markets and flat or choppy markets, but you need to avoid the strategy during bear markets. In order to be entitled to the dividend, you have to buy the stock before the ex-dividend date, and you can’t sell the stock until after the ex date.

    The actual dividend may not be paid for another few weeks. WallStreetNewsNetwork.com has compiled a downloadable and sortable list of the stocks going ex dividend in the near future. The list contains many dividend paying companies, lots with market caps over $500 million, and many with yields over 2%. Here are a few examples showing the stock symbol, the ex-dividend date, the periodic dividend amount, and annual yield.

    PetMed Express, Inc. (PETS) 8/1/2019 0.27 6.71%
    Citigroup Inc. (C) 8/2/2019 0.51 2.84%
    MetLife, Inc. (MET) 8/5/2019 0.44 3.52%
    Boeing Company (BA) 8/8/2019 2.055 2.42%
    Walmart Inc. (WMT) 8/8/2019 0.53 1.89%
    Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) 8/14/2019 0.645 2.37%
    Duke Energy Corporation (DUK) 8/15/2019 0.945 4.31%
    Moody’s Corporation (MCO) 8/19/2019 0.50 0.99%
    Carnival Corporation (CCL) 8/22/2019 0.50 4.22%
    Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) 8/26/2019 0.95 2.86%
    Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS) 8/29/2019 1.25 2.27%
    Molson Coors Brewing (TAP) 8/29/2019 0.57 4.03%
    Kellogg Company (K) 8/30/2019 0.57 3.90%

    The additional ex-dividend stocks can be found HERE . (If you have been to the page before, and the latest link doesn’t show up, you may have to empty your cache.) If you like dividend stocks, you should check out some of the other high yield stock lists HERE . Most of the lists are free.

    Dividend definitions:

    Declaration date: the day that the company declares that there is going to be an upcoming dividend.

    Ex-dividend date: the day on which if you buy the stock, you would not be entitled to that particular dividend; or the first day on which a shareholder can sell the shares and still be entitled to the dividend.

    Monthly Dividend Stock List

    Record date: the day when you must be on the company’s books as a shareholder to receive the dividend. The ex-dividend date is normally set for stocks at two business days before the record date.

    Payment date: the day on which the dividend payment is actually made, which can be as long at two months after the ex date.

    Don’t forget to reconfirm the ex-dividend date with the company before implementing this technique.

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

    Stocks Going Ex Dividend in February 2019

    by Fred Fuld III

    The following is a short list of some of the many stocks going ex dividend during the next month.

    Many traders and investors use the stock trading technique called ‘Buying Dividends,’ also commonly referred to as ‘Dividend Capture.’ This is the strategy of buying stocks before the ex dividend date and selling the stock shortly after the ex date at about the same price, yet still being entitled to the dividend.

    This technique generally works in bull markets and flat or choppy markets, but you need to avoid the strategy during bear markets. In order to be entitled to the dividend, you have to buy the stock before the ex-dividend date, and you can’t sell the stock until after the ex date.

    The actual dividend may not be paid for another few weeks. WallStreetNewsNetwork.com has compiled a downloadable and sortable list of the stocks going ex dividend in the near future. The list contains many dividend paying companies, lots with market caps over $500 million, and many with yields over 2%. Here are a few examples showing the stock symbol, the ex-dividend date, the periodic dividend amount, and annual yield.

    MetLife, Inc. (MET) 2/4/2019 0.42 3.69%
    Boeing Company (BA) 2/7/2019 2.055 2.26%
    Constellation Brands Inc (STZ) 2/11/2019 0.74 1.80%
    Schlumberger N.V. (SLB) 2/12/2019 0.50 4.59%
    Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) 2/14/2019 0.645 2.24%
    Target Corporation (TGT) 2/19/2019 0.64 3.54%
    Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) 2/20/2019 0.46 1.72%
    Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) 2/25/2019 0.90 2.79%
    Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS) 2/27/2019 0.80 1.59%

    The additional ex-dividend stocks can be found HERE . (If you have been to the page before, and the latest link doesn’t show up, you may have to empty your cache.) If you like dividend stocks, you should check out some of the other high yield stock lists HERE . Most of the lists are free.

    Dividend definitions:

    Declaration date: the day that the company declares that there is going to be an upcoming dividend.

    Ex-dividend date: the day on which if you buy the stock, you would not be entitled to that particular dividend; or the first day on which a shareholder can sell the shares and still be entitled to the dividend.

    Monthly Dividend Stock List

    Record date: the day when you must be on the company’s books as a shareholder to receive the dividend. The ex-dividend date is normally set for stocks at two business days before the record date.

    Payment date: the day on which the dividend payment is actually made, which can be as long at two months after the ex date.

    Don’t forget to reconfirm the ex-dividend date with the company before implementing this technique.

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

    Stocks Going Ex Dividend in November 2018

    by Fred Fuld III

    The following is a short list of some of the many stocks going ex dividend during the next month.

    Many traders and investors use the stock trading technique called ‘Buying Dividends,’ also commonly referred to as ‘Dividend Capture.’ This is the strategy of buying stocks before the ex dividend date and selling the stock shortly after the ex date at about the same price, yet still being entitled to the dividend.

    This technique generally works in bull markets and flat or choppy markets, but you need to avoid the strategy during bear markets. In order to be entitled to the dividend, you have to buy the stock before the ex-dividend date, and you can’t sell the stock until after the ex date.

    The actual dividend may not be paid for another few weeks. WallStreetNewsNetwork.com has compiled a downloadable and sortable list of the stocks going ex dividend in the near future. The list contains many dividend paying companies, lots with market caps over $500 million, and many with yields over 2%. Here are a few examples showing the stock symbol, the ex-dividend date, the periodic dividend amount, and annual yield.

    Signet Jewelers Limited (SIG) 11/1/2018 0.37 2.79%
    Constellation Brands Inc (STZ) 11/5/2018 0.74 1.35%
    Intel Corporation (INTC) 11/6/2018 0.30 2.67%
    Pfizer, Inc. (PFE) 11/8/2018 0.34 3.07%
    International Paper Company (IP) 11/14/2018 0.50 4.89%
    KB Home (KBH) 11/14/2018 0.025 0.53%
    Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) 11/14/2018 0.563 2.01%
    Target Corporation (TGT) 11/20/2018 0.64 3.08%
    Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (GS) 11/29/2018 0.80 1.44%

    The additional ex-dividend stocks can be found HERE . (If you have been to the page before, and the latest link doesn’t show up, you may have to empty your cache.) If you like dividend stocks, you should check out some of the other high yield stock lists HERE . Most of the lists are free.

    Dividend definitions:

    Declaration date: the day that the company declares that there is going to be an upcoming dividend.

    Ex-dividend date: the day on which if you buy the stock, you would not be entitled to that particular dividend; or the first day on which a shareholder can sell the shares and still be entitled to the dividend.

    Monthly Dividend Stock List

    Record date: the day when you must be on the company’s books as a shareholder to receive the dividend. The ex-dividend date is normally set for stocks at two business days before the record date.

    Payment date: the day on which the dividend payment is actually made, which can be as long at two months after the ex date.

    Don’t forget to reconfirm the ex-dividend date with the company before implementing this technique.

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

    Stocks Going Ex Dividend in February 2018

    Here is our latest update on the stock trading technique called ‘Buying Dividends,’ also commonly referred to as ‘Dividend Capture.’ This is the process of buying stocks before the ex dividend date and selling the stock shortly after the ex date at about the same price, yet still being entitled to the dividend.

    This technique generally works only in bull markets, and can work in flat or choppy markets, but you need to avoid the technique during bear markets. In order to be entitled to the dividend, you have to buy the stock before the ex-dividend date, and you can’t sell the stock until after the ex date.

    The actual dividend may not be paid for another few weeks. WallStreetNewsNetwork.com has compiled a downloadable and sortable list of the stocks going ex dividend in the near future. The list contains many dividend paying companies, lots with market caps over $500 million, and yields over 2%. Here are a few examples showing the stock symbol, the ex-dividend date, the quarterly dividend amount, and annual yield.

    Pfizer, Inc. (PFE) 2/1/2018 0.34
    Signet Jewelers Limited (SIG) 2/1/2018 0.31
    Wells Fargo & Company (WFC) 2/1/2018 0.39
    Citigroup Inc. (C) 2/2/2018 0.32
    PetMed Express, Inc. (PETS) 2/2/2018 0.25
    Intel Corporation (INTC) 2/6/2018 0.3
    Starbucks Corporation (SBUX) 2/7/2018 0.3
    Boeing Company (The) (BA) 2/8/2018 1.71
    The Charles Schwab Corporation (SCHW) 2/8/2018 0.1
    Consolidated Edison Inc (ED) 2/13/2018 0.715
    Amgen Inc. (AMGN) 2/14/2018 1.32
    Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) 2/14/2018 0.563
    Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) 2/14/2018 0.42
    Alaska Air Group, Inc. (ALK) 2/16/2018 0.32
    Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (The) (GS) 2/28/2018 0.75

    The additional ex-dividend stocks can be found here at wstnn.com. (If you have been to the website before, and the latest link doesn’t show up, you may have to empty your cache.) If you like dividend stocks, you should check out some of the other high yield stock lists at WallStreetNewsNetwork.com or WStNN.com. Most of the lists are free.

    Dividend definitions: Declaration date: the day that the company declares that there is going to be an upcoming dividend.

    Ex-dividend date: the day on which if you buy the stock, you would not be entitled to that particular dividend; or the first day on which a shareholder can sell the shares and still be entitled to the dividend.

    Monthly Dividend Stock List

    Record date: the day when you must be on the company’s books as a shareholder to receive the dividend. The ex-dividend date is normally set for stocks at two business days before the record date.

    Payment date: the day on which the dividend payment is actually made, which can be as long at two months after the ex date.

    Don’t forget to reconfirm the ex-dividend date with the company before implementing this technique.

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

     

    Stocks Going Ex Dividend the Third Week of February

    Here is our latest update on the stock trading technique called ‘Buying Dividends,’ also commonly referred to as ‘Dividend Capture.’ This is the process of buying stocks before the ex dividend date and selling the stock shortly after the ex date at about the same price, yet still being entitled to the dividend. This technique generally works only in bull markets, and can work in flat or choppy markets, but you need to avoid the technique during bear markets.

    In order to be entitled to the dividend, you have to buy the stock before the ex-dividend date, and you can’t sell the stock until after the ex date. The actual dividend may not be paid for another few weeks.

    WallStreetNewsNetwork.com has compiled a downloadable and sortable list of the stocks going ex dividend in the near future. The list contains many dividend paying companies, lots with market caps over $500 million, and yields over 2%. Here are a few examples showing the stock symbol, the ex-dividend date, the quarterly dividend amount, and annual yield.

    Amgen Inc. (AMGN) 2/13/2021 1.15 2.40%
    Consolidated Edison Inc (ED) 2/13/2024 0.69 3.60%
    International Paper Company (IP) 2/13/2029 0.463 3.42%
    Eli Lilly and Company (LLY) 2/13/2033 0.52 2.63%
    Schlumberger N.V. (SLB) 2/13/2041 0.50 2.47%

    The additional ex-dividend stocks can be found here at wstnn.com. (If you have been to the website before, and the latest link doesn’t show up, you may have to empty your cache.) If you like dividend stocks, you should check out some of the other high yield stock lists at WallStreetNewsNetwork.com or WStNN.com. Most of the lists are free.

    Dividend definitions:

    Declaration date: the day that the company declares that there is going to be an upcoming dividend.

    Ex-dividend date: the day on which if you buy the stock, you would not be entitled to that particular dividend; or the first day on which a shareholder can sell the shares and still be entitled to the dividend.

    Monthly Dividend Stock List

    Record date: the day when you must be on the company’s books as a shareholder to receive the dividend. The ex-dividend date is normally set for stocks at two business days before the record date.

    Payment date: the day on which the dividend payment is actually made, which can be as long at two months after the ex date.

    Book now available: Buying Dividends Revised and Expanded

    Book now available: Stock Market Trivia Makes a Great Gift!
    Don’t forget to reconfirm the ex-dividend date with the company before implementing this technique.

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