Artificial intelligence (AI) is a buzzword in tech these days. The term, which encompasses a range of technologies including machine learning and data analysis. The goal is to create systems that can perceive, learn, and reason in ways that mimic human capabilities. At its best, AI will allow machines to understand the gestalt of a situation and react accordingly, a capability that humans take for granted – but has tended to elude computer systems, which in their turn excel at analyzing minute details.A wide range of tech companies are working on AI systems; artificial intelligence holds the promise of real-time data analysis and situation monitoring, with the machines capable of handling routine decisions. While it hasn’t been achieved yet, the outlines of success are visible on the horizon.Every smart investor knows to keep his eyes on the horizon; that is, to plan every investment with long-range intentions. Just how long is up to the individual, but most investors agree that a move isn’t long-term unless it’s held for more than one year. Warren Buffett has famously said, “If you are not willing to own a stock for 10 years, do not even think about owning it for 10 minutes.”With this in mind, we used TipRanks' database to identify three AI stocks that have been highlighted by some of Wall Street’s best tech sector analysts. These are analysts with 5-star ratings, standing above their peers in accuracy and average returns – and they’ve tapped Artificial Intelligence as a tech segment for the long run. Veritone, Inc. (VERI)We’ll start with Veritone. This media tech company offers a cloud-based operating system for AI that uses machine learning to turn data into useful intelligence. The software allows users to process audio and video in real time, enhance analytics and research apps, reduce content review times, and streamline time spent on ‘low-value, high-effort’ tasks.The value of the product to the customers can be seen in the quarterly earnings trends and the share appreciation. The last six months – covering the worst of the global pandemic and economic recessionary pressures – have seen VERI’s earnings steadily improve and the share price rise to its best level in over two years. Earlier this month, Veritone showed its confidence by adjusting its Q2 revenue guidance upwards. The guidance, of $13.1 to $13.3 million, is well above the previous upper guide of $12.2 million.The share price has tracked the gains in revenue and earnings. The stock has more than doubled since the February/March market collapse, rising from $3.03 to $10.83 now. Patrick Walravens, writing from JMP Securities, was impressed by Veritone’s new revenue guidance, and reiterated his Buy rating on the stock. In his comments, he said, “Veritone seems to be gaining traction in its Government, Legal, and Compliance verticals as it experienced record bookings in the quarter… we believe the company is moving its cost structure in the right direction with recent cost-reduction initiatives and upgrades…”With his $17 price target, Walravens shows his own confidence that VERI will see 57% growth in the year ahead. (To watch Walravens’ track record, click here)Overall, VERI’s Moderate Buy analyst consensus rating is based on 4 Buys and just a single Sell. The stock’s current price is $11.80, and the average price target $16.25 suggests it has a 50% upside potential. Note that even the low-ball target estimate, of $15, is well above the current price. (See Veritone stock analysis on TipRanks)ZoomInfo Technologies (ZI)Next up is ZoomInfo, a marketing tech company. ZI offers the usual features and services that customers expect in digital marketing intelligence, including account management, data management, demand generation, and lead prospecting. The company’s AI cloud software is specifically designed to improve efficiency in these tasks, letting sellers get to the business of selling.ZoomInfo is a newly public company, having held its IPO just this past June. The opening was a success, with share prices almost doubling on the first day and nearly tripling in the first few trading sessions. Even now, after nearly two months during which the initial excitement waned and the glow came off the rose, the stock is still trading 88% above its initial price of $21.The strong IPO prompted SunTrust Robinson analyst Terry Tillman – who is rated in the top 10 of the TipRanks analyst database – to initiate coverage of the stock with a Buy rating. Tillman wrote of ZoomInfo, “We believe ZoomInfo represents a rare combination of strong top-line growth and best-in-class profitability. Its go-to-market (GTM) sales intelligence platform drives positive outcomes for B2B sales and marketing organizations – increasing leads, customers and revenue. Premium valuation justified owing to accelerating demand for GTM intelligence and company-specific drivers leading to significant revenue and profit upside.”Tillman’s Buy rating comes with a $60 price target, implying an impressive 51% upside potential. (To watch Tillman’s track record, click here)ZoomInfo holds a Moderate Buy rating from the analyst consensus. This is based on 16 reviews, including 7 Buys and 9 Holds. The stock’s $55.07 average price target suggests it has room for 32% growth from the $41.66 trading price this year. (See ZoomInfo stock analysis on TipRanks)CareDx (CDNA)Last on today’s list is a tech company in the health care sector. CareDx develops and delivers diagnostic surveillance systems for heart transplant patients. The company’s AI-powered software monitors patient progress in real time, allowing both the patient and the doctors to respond to any rapidly changing health issues in time to ensure a more successful outcome. The result is a novel development in long-term care.While CareDx’s products were originally designed to monitor heart transplants, the company has expanded. Its products now monitor most human organ transplants – including kidneys, an important niche, as the first successful organ transplant was conducted with a kidney, and this procedure is still among the most common of transplants. CareDx also has cloud-based AI systems to monitor lab results, and to connect digital implants with remote monitors.The company’s earnings have proven mostly immune to recent economic instability, as medical transplant patients and doctors cannot simply stop using the monitoring systems. And with a firm user base, the stock recovered well from the late-winter market crash. CDNA is up over 130% since bottoming out in March.Covering the stock for Piper Sandler, analyst Steven Mah wrote, “We believe CareDx has the broadest transplant care platform in the industry and we remain confident that it is well-positioned to protect and extend its first-mover advantage in both pre- and post-transplant patient management to drive long-term growth. In addition, we are encouraged by the resiliency of its essential tests and ability to operate in a COVID-19 environment.”Mah gives CDNA a Buy rating, along with a $54 price target that implies an upside of 66% for the next 12 months. (To watch Mah’s track record, click here)All in all, with 4 recent reviews on record, all Buys, CareDx has a unanimous Strong Buy rating from the analyst consensus. The stock is currently selling for $32.59, and the average price target, at $42.75, suggests a one-year upside of 31%. (See CareDx stock-price forecast on TipRanks)To find good ideas for tech stocks trading at attractive valuations, visit TipRanks’ Best Stocks to Buy, a newly launched tool that unites all of TipRanks’ equity insights.

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Entegris held gains nicely on a tough overall for several chip-equipment firms.

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[Editor's note: "8 Dividend Aristocrat Stocks to Buy Now" was previously published in June 2020. It has since been updated to include the most relevant information available.]After the big shock in March, many investors are still looking for defensive stocks to buy now. Of course, in the most extreme example, you can elect to go all into cash. However, history has proven that to be the worst thing to do. Instead, this is a good time to consider dividend aristocrats.First, market uncertainty incentivizes stable dividend stocks to buy now. How so? Passive-income generating companies typically perform better than high-flying growth names during bearish phases.InvestorPlace – Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading TipsFor one thing, investors can still collect their payouts even if their portfolio isn't doing too well. Moreover, organizations that have a history of consistent payouts tend to be levered toward secular or otherwise steady industries. * 10 Cybersecurity Stocks We Need Now More Than Ever And there's no better paragon of stability than dividend aristocrats. For those who are unfamiliar with the term, dividend aristocrats have three main requirements: they must be equities traded in the S&P 500, have 25 years-plus of dividend increases and meet size/liquidity benchmarks.However, a word of caution. Just because you put dividend aristocrats in your list of stocks to buy now doesn't guarantee a smooth ride. If the markets turn volatile, you can expect virtually all names to incur red ink.But the major selling point is magnitude. With dividend aristocrats, you're limiting your potential losses due to the robustness of the target company. Better yet, the volatility provides a rare discount for these stalwarts of industry.So with that in mind, here are eight stocks to buy now with a long track record of payouts: Stocks to Buy: McDonald's (MCD)Source: Shutterstock Dividend Yield: 2.53%I'm going to start my list of stocks to buy now with a name I was wrong about: McDonald's (NYSE:MCD). One of the reasons why I didn't like MCD stock was that the Golden Arches apparently wasn't winning over millennials. But recently, I started eating out at McDonald's, and I discovered that the real fundamentals don't match the "paper" data.For instance, the McDonald's app is incredibly convenient. You order what you want on your phone and go up to the counter or the drive-thru. Very quickly, their employees deliver your selected items. And let's talk about the drive-thru: it's lightning-quick, even with rows of waiting cars. That's a major plus for MCD stock.Finally, McDonald's is a proud member of the dividend aristocrats. It has increased its payout consistently over a 43-year period. If a downturn were to impact the markets, MCD stock is a name you'll want to own. Colgate-Palmolive (CL)Source: Shutterstock Dividend Yield: 2.37%When you're on the hunt for stable stocks to buy now, you don't want to get too cute. Instead, you'll want to go with a proven name like Colgate-Palmolive (NYSE:CL).The investment thesis for CL stock is straightforward and simple.Even in times of recession, people still need to brush their teeth. Thus, I expect a steady revenue stream no matter what happens in the coming months and years. * These 7 Robinhood Stocks Have the Legs for Future Gains I believe CL stock will give you excellent protection over the coming months. Keep in mind that Colgate-Palmolive has increased its dividends for 55 years. That's an impressive feat, even compared to other dividend aristocrats.Further, it's a status that management won't give up without a fight. Cardinal Health (CAH)Source: Shutterstock Dividend Yield: 3.44%In recent years, the healthcare sector has suffered a black eye from a public relations standpoint. Thus, it's no surprise that many companies in this segment have faltered.However, I'd consider putting Cardinal Health (NYSE:CAH) on your list of stocks to buy now. Unlike other players in this broad category, CAH stock is strongly levered to secular demand.In other words, Cardinal Health has a wide range of professional medical products. They run the gamut from anesthesia-related equipment to laboratory products down to something as mundane as gloves.While medical technology is always improving, some things will always remain the same. For these everyday concerns in the medical field, Cardinal Health has folks covered. Ultimately, that's a great catalyst for CAH stock.Another factor is that the company very much belongs on the list of dividend aristocrats. While the exact number of dividend increases causes some disagreement, CAH is included in the Proshares S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats ETF (BATS:NOBL). And whatever the case, it has reliably raised dividends for at least the last 14 years. Aflac (AFL)Source: Shutterstock Dividend Yield: 3.03%Simply put, Aflac (NYSE:AFL) is a great company with an incredibly relevant service. As you no doubt have learned through their quirky commercials, Aflac specializes in supplemental insurance.Essentially, its range of products protects you financially from incidents that "regular" insurance doesn't cover or cover adequately. Plus, their solutions represent an incremental cost for much peace of mind, bolstering the case for AFL stock.And while most millennials probably think they're invincible, many will encounter situations that give them a reality check. * 7 Micro-Cap Stocks You May Want to Take a Chance On Additionally, they may hear horror stories about how coverage gaps financially ruined one of their peers. Whatever the case, Aflac, and by logical deduction, AFL stock, has opportunities to rise through word of mouth.Finally, Aflac is one of the most stable stocks to buy now among dividend aristocrats. Kimberly-Clark (KMB)Source: Shutterstock Dividend Yield: 2.91%I don't always prepare for recessions. But when I do, I take a long look at Kimberly-Clark (NYSE:KMB).If you're concerned about a prolonged downturn in the U.S. or global economy, you'll also want to consider KMB stock. As with Colgate-Palmolive, the bullish argument here is very simple: even in recessions, people need to use the bathroom.And without getting graphic, people also need to take care of themselves after a lengthy session with the porcelain throne. Kimberly-Clark offers some of the best products for this endeavor, and I speak from personal experience. Moreover, the company has other family-care products. If you think about it, KMB stock is truly a cradle-to-grave investment.Kimberly-Clark has traded among dividend aristocrats for 46 years. That makes its shares one of the stocks to buy now in my book. Chevron (CVX)Source: Shutterstock Dividend Yield: 5.67%With the U.S. and China trading barbs and sanctions, it's no surprise that oil companies like Chevron (NYSE:CVX) fell.On surface level, CVX stock currently faces two major headwinds. First, global volatility means lower demand overall for energy. Second, the push for clean and renewable energies makes CVX stock appear antiquated, and perhaps soon approaching irrelevancy.Admittedly, the first point is going to be a major distraction for Chevron. However, even in the middle of a recession, people still require transportation. Thus, I don't see demand falling completely off the cliff. * The 7 Best Cheap Stocks Under $10 Right Now On the second point, I believe green energy is more a gimmick than a practical reality. Our infrastructure is simply not ready to accommodate innovations like electric vehicles on a mass scale.Granted, CVX stock is a risky play among this list of stocks to buy now. That said, the trade war dynamic should drive shares to an attractive discount. At that point, I think Chevron becomes a bargain because the world still needs fossil-fuel-based energy. AT&T (T)Source: Shutterstock Dividend Yield: 6.96%With AT&T (NYSE:T), we're really getting into the riskier side of the dividend stocks to buy now. I say this for a couple of reasons.One, with a yield of 6.38%, sustainability becomes a concern. Second, and a perfect segue, the dividend payout ratio for T stock is on-paper astronomical. Therefore, many bears anticipate that AT&T will lose its status as one of the key dividend aristocrats.However, it's important to point out that telecoms usually have extremely large depreciation and amortization costs. That artificially depresses earnings, which makes the high payout ratio somewhat deceptive.Still, I concede the point that T stock is saddled with an unprecedented debt level. Its big-moat, slow-growth narrative is distracting, especially when we may be headed toward a recession.That said, this criticism focuses on the headline print. In reality, AT&T is one of very few companies that have the resources and know-how to roll out the 5G network. And because we're in a tech cold war with international adversaries, I see the government supporting T stock big time. 3M (MMM)Source: Shutterstock Dividend Yield: 3.69%Last on my list of stocks to buy now is applied-sciences firm 3M (NYSE:MMM). After providing largely steady gains over the last several decades, MMM stock is in trouble.Hitting a peak around February of 2018, shares have formed an ugly bearish trend channel. Efforts to time the bottom have badly bruised speculators, especially after the 2019 April peak that preceded a massive nosedive.Surely, I'm not alone when I say that I dislike the phrase "this time, it's different." It's almost bad karma to use those words when discussing an investment thesis. However, I genuinely believe that with MMM stock, this is a valid descriptor.One of the toughest challenges for MMM stock is that the underlying company didn't have a relevant product. That calculus has changed with their latest "Flex & Seal Shipping Roll." Essentially, this is a customizable shipping package that doesn't require tape or other cumbersome equipment.Looking at the video demonstration of Flex & Seal, I think it's a game-changer for retail. By logical deduction, then, it's a game-changer for MMM stock.As of this writing, Josh Enomoto is long T stock. More From InvestorPlace * 2 Toxic Pot Stocks You Should Avoid * 7 Large-Cap Stocks to Give a Wide Berth * 7 Potential New Stocks That Should Not Go Public * 5 Chinese Stocks to Buy Surging Higher The post 8 Dividend Aristocrat Stocks to Buy Now appeared first on InvestorPlace.

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Initially, many optimists viewed Luckin Coffee (OTCMKTS:LKNCY) as China's answer to Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX). Certainly, it was a bold move as China is not exactly what you call a coffee-drinking culture. Nevertheless, Luckin stock enjoyed a remarkable performance, particularly when relations between the U.S. and China improved following bitter escalations of their trade war. Then, everything changed.Source: Keitma / Shutterstock.com As you know, the novel coronavirus ravaged China, shuttering its economy as its government went into full lockdown mode. But Luckin didn't do itself any favors when an ugly accounting scandal was exposed. This was particularly problematic because LKNCY is a growth stock, and growth was what Luckin lied about. Not surprisingly, investors didn't take too kindly to the company fabricating sales.Since the Nasdaq exchange delisted Luckin stock, some bold contrarians have speculated that it could be a turnaround play. Personally, I think the "exoticness" of the China play has caused western and non-Chinese investors to see opportunity where it doesn't exist.InvestorPlace – Stock Market News, Stock Advice & Trading TipsHere's a thought: the Chinese are first and foremost human beings. As such, they don't like to be lied to, which is a completely understandable reaction.Nevertheless, as our own Patrick Sanders pointed out, there is a limited rationale behind the bull case for Luckin stock. In summary, the underlying company's reconstituted board could take the organization private, then launch an initial public offering in China or Hong Kong for a higher valuation. Also, Luckin's convertible debt is trading for pennies on the dollar. * 10 Cybersecurity Stocks We Need Now More Than Ever Admittedly, the idea of wagering on one of the most despised companies as a contrarian move has a "bad boy" appeal. But given the deteriorating relations between the U.S. and China, I'm not inclined for unnecessary drama. A Deluge of Ugliness Awaits Luckin StockAs you've undoubtedly heard, the U.S. ordered China's consulate in Houston, Texas to be closed. According to the New York Times, the Chinese government retaliated, ordering the U.S. to close its consulate in the southwestern city of Chengdu.It's the type of back-and-forth accusations that we've seen throughout the trade war. What makes Luckin stock optically unsightly is that the coffee shop makes the Chinese spin doctors lose credibility. Still, that's not why I'm pessimistic about LKNCY.Rather, this diplomatic row is the last thing that either country needs right now. But the matter may end up hurting the Chinese economy more. Prior to the pandemic, the Wall Street Journal reported last year that China's slowdown posed challenges to American companies. Further, Chinese consumers began closing their wallets, a practice many weren't accustomed to during years of China's economic miracle.Of course, the coronavirus completely disrupted Chinese consumption. And as an export-driven economy, this new beef with the U.S. will likely be deflationary to the Asian juggernaut.After all, the trade war made American companies question exposure to China. Now, the Covid-19 pandemic, along with China's belligerence, has made this question priority number one among major multinationals. Invariably, less international investments will lead to fewer jobs. Thus, there's every incentive to save money, not spend it.Also, another WSJ article states that "The unemployment rate among college graduates aged between 20 and 24 climbed to a record high of 19.3% in June." Essentially, this is Luckin's target demographic. So, if young, progressive Chinese consumers are hurting, that doesn't augur well for Luckin stock.And for every demo, the easiest thing in the world to do is to cut back on extraneous purchases. You can buy coffee for cheaper at the grocery store. It's Not Exactly a BargainWhen you think of Chinese-made products, "cheap" is probably the first attribute that comes to mind. We live in a Walmart (NYSE:WMT) world where Chinese sweatshop labor subsidize our relatively extravagant lifestyle.Therefore, I became curious: how much does it cost to buy a cup of Luckin coffee?Unfortunately, Luckin's website was down when I attempted to research this topic. However, a Qz.com article from May 2019 revealed that some drinks range from 24 yuan to 27 yuan (in 2020 dollars, that's $3.42 to $3.85).Frankly, I was rather shocked at these price points. The most expensive beverage at my local Starbucks is priced only 36% higher than the 27-yuan Luckin drink. But the average U.S. salary is around $57,000. According to Statista.com, an urban Chinese employee makes on average the equivalent of $11,746. Coincidentally, that's a 385% differential.In other words, Luckin sells to an exclusive demographic, which is not suitable for its mass-growth strategy. Add in the geopolitical crisis on top of an economic one and you can see why I don't care for Luckin stock.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 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 Luckin Coffeea€™s Hopes for a Recovery Got Trumped appeared first on InvestorPlace.

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Farnoosh Torabi, Financial Expert and Contributing Editor at NextAdvisor.com, joined Yahoo Finance’s ‘The Final Round’ to discuss the biggest mistakes young people make when planning for retirement and gives her advice for retirement planning amid market uncertainty.

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