On Thursday, Wedbush analyst Dan Ives raised his bull case price target for shares of Tesla to $2,000 from $1,500. While his base case was lifted from $1,000 to $1,250 (a street high), he maintains a neutral rating on the stock. The Final Round panel discusses the bullish call, and the road ahead for the electric automaker.

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No matter how often someone tries to frame the subject, penny stocks are inherently risky. As the name suggests, these speculative investments are typically priced below a buck (although this isn't a hard-and-fast rule). More importantly, they feature low volume and subterranean market capitalization due to their all-or-nothing nature.With the broader markets still under pressure due to the novel coronavirus, you'd assume the case for penny stocks would have died down. And in many cases, that's exactly what happened. As valuations for virtually every sector declined at the onset of the global crisis, many gamblers took their money and ran.But as major U.S. indices have trekked their way northward following their March lows, penny stocks have also attracted attention. For one thing, the down and dirty side of this investing business may run on their own fundamentals. That could be advantageous in some respects, especially as rising coronavirus cases wreak havoc on blue-chip organizations.InvestorPlace – Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading TipsMoreover, innovation never ceases. Right now, with both advancing technologies and their associated cost reductions, it has never been easier for startups to pioneer solutions. But to raise capital, they've got to go somewhere. Those organizations that may not attract the most attention often turn to over-the-counter markets to gain cash. * 7 Utilities Stocks to Buy With Reassuring Dividends Thus, we have the opportunity in penny stocks, but also the pitfalls. You could be sitting on the next Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL). Or you could lose your shirt like Luckin Coffee (OTCMKTS:LKNCY) speculators possibly did. If you're willing to take such extreme binary bets, here are seven companies to consider: * Blink Charging (NASDAQ:BLNK) * Champignon Brands (OTCMKTS:SHRMF) * Revive Therapeutics (OTCMKTS:RVVTF) * American Lithium (OTCMKTS:LIACF) * Fosterville South Exploration (OTCMKTS:FSXLF) * United Microelectronics (NYSE:UMC) * BIGG Digital Assets (OTCMKTS:BBKCF)As I mentioned up top, this is an extremely treacherous segment to navigate. Therefore, my recommendation is to treat this as a casino. Have fun with these seven penny stocks but do not go overboard. Penny Stocks That Could Pay Off: Blink Charging (BLNK)Source: David Tonelson/Shutterstock.com By pricing alone, Blink Charging wouldn't typically qualify in a list of "pure" penny stocks. But given that the price is under $5 at the time of this writing, I'll give Blink a pass. In addition, I want to lead with BLNK stock simply because it offers the most credible opportunity out of the speculative gambles here.After all, you've heard of electric vehicle companies like Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) and more recently Nikola (NASDAQ:NKLA). Clearly, the EV market is gaining ground against the mainstream combustion-engine paradigm. But the big question is, who will "fuel" a potential surge of EVs on the road? Blink answers that question with its network of charging stations.Sure, most EV owners will presumably charge their vehicles at home. However, not everyone in the U.S. has access to a garage or carport. Therefore, a fully fleshed out charging network would help EV makers expand its potential revenue pool. In turn, that should drive up BLNK stock.Plus, Blink is one of the most forward-thinking organizations. For instance, it recently announced its mobile charger platform for emergency use. This way, drivers can get that extra bit of juice to reach their homes or a nearby charging station. And that reduces anxiety for consumers who have never tried EVs, making BLNK a compelling idea. Champignon Brands (SHRMF)Source: Shutterstock Over the years, we've seen a dramatic shift in how Americans view marijuana laws. According to the Pew Research Center, two-thirds of us support full legalization. Given this dramatic turnaround, it's possible that penny stocks which are levered to alternative psychedelic medicines could rise higher in the future. One possible candidate is Champignon Brands.And no, that wasn't a typo — I did mean psychedelics, as in the kind that truly gets you high. Of course, as a controlled substance, governments everywhere would impose all kinds of strict restrictions. But the irony here is that restrictions are what would ultimately benefit SHRMF stock. As we know today, part of the collapse of the legal cannabis market was the influx of competition.With psychedelics, you've got to have the proper license to engage this sector. Immediately, that puts up a high barrier of entry that should limit competition. Further, as more people receive education about the myriad positive benefits of psychedelic medicine, investors will gradually lift SHRMF stock. * 7 Stocks to Buy That Save You Money Also, consider the present environment. Due to the social and financial stress of the coronavirus pandemic, mental health issues have accelerated. Psychedelics may offer an effective solution where other treatments have failed, thereby lifting the case for Champignon Brands. Revive Therapeutics (RVVTF)Source: Shutterstock Earlier this year, Revive Therapeutics enjoyed an explosive catalyst thanks to the coronavirus. A life sciences company, Revive announced that it was exploring the drug Bucillamine as a potential treatment for Covid-19. The move to focus on a treatment as opposed to a vaccine likely contributed to the astounding momentum of RVVTF stock.For one thing, a vaccine won't help those who already have Covid-19. More importantly, we just don't know how long it will take for a vaccine to hit the market, let alone administer it to billions across the globe. Plus, many folks have apprehensions about taking a vaccine. And don't get me started about the implications of the government forcing everyone to take it.Thus, Revive's proposal strikes a healthy balance. However, RVVTF stock is more than just a play on the coronavirus. In February of this year, Revive announced the acquisition of Psilocin Pharma, which specializes in psychedelic-based therapies. As I mentioned for Champignon, psychedelics are relevant for mental health issues that will last beyond this pandemic.However, do note the risks associated with very cheap penny stocks. With RVVTF currently priced at 14 cents, you can expect a wild ride. American Lithium (LIACF)Source: GrAl/ShutterStock.com With the slow but steady transition toward EVs, investors should take a long look at penny stocks levered toward the lithium mining industry. Yes, mining companies are well known for their incredible volatility. Further, the lithium market hasn't exactly been the bastion of stability. Nevertheless, if you're willing to absorb some risk, you may want to check out American Lithium.Focused on the production of the metal in Nevada, American Lithium offers insulation from geopolitical turbulence. Additionally, Nevada-based production may be far superior to lithium sourced in other regions, thereby bolstering the case for LIACF stock.In an email sent to me by Andrew Bowering, founder and director of American Lithium, he stated, "The Nevada Department of Geology has made a bold prediction that Nevada will one day be producing 25% of the world's lithium. It is very possible." Additionally, Bowering noted:"Chinese production challenges result from their brines being average grades of lithium but very high in Magnesium Sulfates. In addition, the production of lithium from brine requires the use of approximately 500,000 litres of water for every tonne of lithium carbonate in a typical evaporation pond operation. China has little known resources of hard rock pegmatites or claystones amenable to extraction at this time. Accordingly, they are required to seek lithium compounds and concentrates globally." * 9 Florida Stocks to Avoid as Coronavirus Rates Spike Of course, LIACT stock isn't guaranteed to rise because of Nevada's favorable platform. However, this combined with growing economic demand for lithium-based technologies makes American Lithium worth a shot, especially compared to some other penny stocks out there. Fosterville South Exploration (FSXLF)Source: Shutterstock Due to mounting fears of economic calamity along with social unrest, it's no surprise that gold-related penny stocks have shot up in demand. If you're interested in this sector, you should go with the established names, such as Newmont (NYSE:NEM) or Wheaton Precious Metals (NYSE:WPM). This way, you can enjoy the rise in precious metals while mitigating some of the volatility.However, if you're adventurous and you understand the risks associated with penny stocks, you may want to check out Fosterville South Exploration. The company has three high-grade gold projects that are centered in the Fosterville area, located in southeastern Australia. As Kirkland Lake Gold (NYSE:KL) has proven, it's a viable place to mine gold.Further, Bryan Slusarchuk, CEO of Fosterville South, explained to me via email the fundamental catalyst for FSXLF stock:"With the world having entered a phase of quantitative easing infinity, huge fiscal and monetary stimuli and low to negative interest rates, the conditions for the price of gold bullion itself are as good as I have ever seen them. Investors who have invested in the space before, know that in gold bull markets, gold equities outperform the price of the metal itself. Therefore, we are seeing a perfect storm for gold stocks."I'm biased, but I couldn't agree more. Still, like any speculative sector, I encourage due diligence before engaging. That said, the company's link to the highest-grade, low-cost gold mine is a compelling argument for FSXLF stock. United Microelectronics (UMC)Source: Shutterstock Although it's tempting to just focus on the negative headlines and react accordingly, over the long run, this pandemic will be a chapter in our history books. Logically, this means that industries of technology and innovation will continue to press forward, pushing the envelope. If you have a longer-term window, then United Microelectronics may be the right speculative investment for you.A semiconductor company specializing in integrated circuit wafers, United Microelectronics is essentially levered to a permanently strong revenue pool. That's not to say that UMC stock is guaranteed upside — far from it. Rather, digitalization is only increasing across the globe. Therefore, United Microelectronics could be a discount at these coronavirus-impacted prices. * 7 Utilities Stocks to Buy With Reassuring Dividends Also, what makes UMC stock particularly attractive is the competition. With the big dogs in the semiconductor space having jumped to ridiculous levels in recent years, United is a comparative bargain. Of course, you don't want to jump recklessly into this boat. At the same time, if you're tired of overvalued semiconductor stocks, UMC might fit the bill. BIGG Digital Assets (BBKCF)Source: Shutterstock With BIGG Digital Assets, I've saved the most intense name in this list of penny stocks for last. By intense, I'm referring to the potential for incredible riches. For one thing, BBKCF stock is priced below a dime. So, just through the law of small numbers, you could make a killing.However, do note that with penny stocks, you can also get killed. If you can't afford to lose the money you put into BIGG, I have two words for you: stay away!Yet if you're willing to accept the risk, BBKCF stock is levered to a compelling business that will only grow in pertinence. A blockchain-based organization, BIGG Digital Assets owns and operates cryptocurrency-related companies that support a regulated and compliant ecosystem. In other words, BIGG is looking to mainstream blockchain-powered solutions and platforms.In my opinion, I believe BIGG's QLUE business offers the most potential. An acronym that stands for "Qualitative Law Enforcement Unified Edge," QLUE assists law enforcement agencies in tracking down crypto-related crimes. While decentralization offers consumer-level benefits, it also opens the door to nefarious actors.With QLUE, governments can potentially crack down on financial cybercrimes. As interest picks up in the crypto space, such enforcement measures will only increase in demand.A former senior business analyst for Sony Electronics, Josh Enomoto has helped broker major contracts with Fortune Global 500 companies. Over the past several years, he has delivered unique, critical insights for the investment markets, as well as various other industries including legal, construction management, and healthcare. As of this writing, he is long NKLA, SHRMF, and gold bullion.With only the rarest exceptions, InvestorPlace does not publish commentary about companies that have a market cap of less than $100 million or trade less than 100,000 shares each day. That's because these "penny stocks" are frequently the playground for scam artists and market manipulators. If we ever do publish commentary on a low-volume stock that may be affected by our commentary, we demand that InvestorPlace.com's writers disclose this fact and warn readers of the risks. Read More: Penny Stocks — How to Profit Without Getting Scammed More From InvestorPlace * Why Everyone Is Investing in 5G All WRONG * America's 1 Stock Picker Reveals His Next 1,000% Winner * Revolutionary Tech Behind 5G Rollout Is Being Pioneered By This 1 Company * Radical New Battery Could Dismantle Oil Markets The post 7 Risky Penny Stocks (That Could Really Pay Off) appeared first on InvestorPlace.

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Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) stock is up almost 30% this year and nearly twice as much off its March lows, but even with a $1.55 trillion market capitalization, Microsoft can still deliver for investors.Source: NYCStock / Shutterstock.com The software giant is jostling with rivals Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) to be the first company to enter the $2 trillion club. While that illustrious distinction is far away for all three, Microsoft still offers ample appreciation potential.Yes, investors buying Microsoft today will be paying a forward earnings multiple of 31.25 and a sales multiple of 11. Those are growth stock multiples because, well, Microsoft is a growth stock. It's the largest component in the S&P 500 Growth Index at a weight of 10%.InvestorPlace – Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading Tips * 7 Utilities Stocks to Buy With Reassuring DividendsThat status shouldn't be off-putting to investors. They should embrace it because over the past decade, growth stocks handsomely outperformed their value rivals.Researchers at Columbia University's business school suggest that many investors are seduced by low price-book ratios, thinking they're getting a good deal, when in reality growth stocks can be less risky than value names. Near-Term Microsoft MomentumA large part of the thesis for Microsoft revolves around the company's burgeoning Azure cloud business, the second-largest cloud computing outfit beyond Amazon's Amazon Web Services (AWS). Within Azure is Teams, Microsoft's competitor to Slack (NYSE:WORK) and Zoom Video (NASDAQ:ZM).That means Microsoft is a credible novel coronavirus idea and/or a play on the seismic shifts happening in the way people work. The economy started reopening in May, but even now many parts of the U.S. are awash in new cases of Covid-19. Many folks haven't returned to their offices and some that have could easily be sent back to remote status in the name of safety.Even if a vaccine for the vaccine emerges tomorrow, how and where folks work is dramatically altered and that's to the benefit of companies with cloud computing footprints. Remember, Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella recently said, "We've seen two years' worth of digital transformation in two months."Adding to the Azure case is that while cloud computing itself is classified as a disruptive technology, it also serves as a foundation for other technologies that are shifting the corporate and consumer landscapes.Data confirms that Azure is making significant inroads against rival AWS. Earlier this year, a Goldman Sachs survey of 100 information technology executives at large companies revealed 56% use Azure while 48 percent deploy AWS. The Bottom Line for MSFT StockThere are more than just other factors that bode well for Microsoft over the back half of 2020, but I'm going to mention a pair here.First, through Azure Office 365 and Dynamics 365, among other offers, Microsoft transitioned to a subscription model perhaps more effectively than any large IT company in recent memory. The benefit there is two-fold: accelerating and predictable revenue.Second, Microsoft is a legitimate gaming company and the latest version of the Xbox is coming just in time for the holiday shopping season. It's widely known that this is the year of the hardware upgrade cycle, but Microsoft could potentially surprise gamers and investors with unexpected offerings. Plus gaming, like work from home, is one of the few non-healthcare investment strategies benefiting in earnest from the pandemic.Wrapping it all up, Microsoft stock is up quite a bit, but it has the management team and the catalysts to deliver more upside for shareholders.Todd Shriber has been an InvestorPlace contributor since 2014. As of this writing, he did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. More From InvestorPlace * Why Everyone Is Investing in 5G All WRONG * America's 1 Stock Picker Reveals His Next 1,000% Winner * Revolutionary Tech Behind 5G Rollout Is Being Pioneered By This 1 Company * Radical New Battery Could Dismantle Oil Markets The post Surging Microsoft Still Checks Plenty of Positive Boxes appeared first on InvestorPlace.

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Robert Hockett, Edward Cornell Professor of Law at Cornell Law School, highlights the significance of Reconstruction for the U.S. and why 2020 is the right time to re-introduce it.

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Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:AMD) stock rode out the novel coronavirus. But, after seeing shares rebound from their March sell-off lows, what's next for the CPU and GPU powerhouse? Right now, shares hold steady between $50 and $55 per share. Yet, what factors could move the needle? Conversely, what risks could send shares lower?Source: Joseph GTK / Shutterstock.com On one hand, you have several catalysts still in motion. Namely, strong end-user demand. But also, the company's continued success grabbing market share from rivals Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) and Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA).On the other hand, shares could easily dip from today's price levels. Valuation-wise, AMD remains "priced for perfection." That is to say, much of its potential is already priced into shares.InvestorPlace – Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading TipsSo far, the company has been able to keep investors happy. With the pandemic in a tailwind, not a headwind, strong growth continues. Yet, if the outbreak further impacts the economy, demand could fall, derailing the growth train for this "story stock."With this in mind, buying today doesn't look like a winning move. If you own it, it may be time to sell. If you haven't bought in yet, it may pay to stay away. Why AMD Stock Could Still Head HigherAdmittedly, I've been an Advanced Micro Devices "permabear." Yet, I can see why many continue to be highly bullish on this "too hot to touch" name. * 9 Florida Stocks to Avoid as Coronavirus Rates Spike As InvestorPlace's Chris Lau wrote Jun 26, strong gaming demand and market share growth remain major factors in this company's corner. The "stay-at-home" economy has been a boon for the video game industry. And that's a massive tailwind for the company's GPU business.Regarding market share growth, the company continues its rivals' lunch. As this commentator noted, AMD's Ryzen and EPYC product lines continue to gain at Intel's expense. With GPUs, the company is gaining ground against Nvidia.Shares could move higher on this factor alone. But, there are other potential needle-movers in the tank. With the company on the right side of future trends like artificial intelligence, it's easy to see why many believe the growth train could continue through the 2020s.Yet, everybody knows that AMD has many things going for it. That's why analysts like RBC Capital Markets remain highly bullish on the stock, giving shares a $66 per share price target.However, things could turn on a dime. If the pandemic starts to hurt tech like it has done to hard-hit service industries, shares could fall, as the growth story comes to a halt. How A Dip Could Be Just Around The CornerGranted, there are several reasons why AMD stock could rise even higher. On the other hand, there are an equal number of reasons why shares could dip from today's prices.Firstly, valuation. With a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 48.9, shares remain richly priced.Sure, Nvidia stock trades at a similar forward multiple (45.3). But, that doesn't tell us much whether shares are overvalued or not. With their strong growth prospects, both names trade at a tremendous valuation multiple to "dinosaur" Intel.Yet, it's tough to say its growth alone driving the rich multiples for both names. Or, if FOMO, along with momentum traders, are what's driving their respective high valuations.It's tough to call the top in overall markets, let alone individual stocks. But, it's easy to see that AMD stock is topping out, and that there's little share price upside left on the table.But plenty of downside. As InvestorPlace's Mark Hake wrote Jun 16, demand could cool off in the second half of 2020. If a recessionary environment continues, demand for electronic devices, gaming consoles, and cloud computing could taper off. And that will lower demand for AMD's chips by its end-users.That's not to say sales are going to contract. But it could mean growth takes a breather. And, if the company falls short of its 20%+ growth projections, expect shares to fall substantially lower from where they sit today. Get Out of AMD Stock Before The Tides TurnWith shares treading water for nearly three months, Wall Street can't decide if this stock should head higher or lower. But, weighing catalysts against risks, it seems shares are more likely to tumble than rally higher.The easy money's already been made by those who got in early. Those who bought in at today's high valuation? They could wind up holding the bag.Bottom line: if you bought at lower prices, it's time to cash out of AMD stock. If you haven't jumped in yet? Steer clear for now.Thomas Niel, contributor to InvestorPlace, has written single-stock analysis since 2016. As of this writing, Thomas Niel did not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities. More From InvestorPlace * Why Everyone Is Investing in 5G All WRONG * America's 1 Stock Picker Reveals His Next 1,000% Winner * Revolutionary Tech Behind 5G Rollout Is Being Pioneered By This 1 Company * Radical New Battery Could Dismantle Oil Markets The post The Easy Money Has Already Been Made With AMD Stock appeared first on InvestorPlace.

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