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Latest News for GraniteShares HIPS US High Income ETF (ARCA:HIPS)

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HIPS

Many analysts are talking about the perils of inflation. Higher prices usually don’t benefit anyone.

But inflation can be good for investors who are seeking income. It drives up prices, but it also drives up yields. Investors seeking income should consider this ETF.

This ETF Has An 8.4% Dividend Yield

WIIM

SAVA

Cassava Sciences shares are trading higher after HC Wainwright maintained a Buy rating on the stock and raised its price target from $124 to $131.

HCA Healthcare (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HCA#NYSE">HCA</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 9.12% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 19.92%. Currently, HCA Healthcare has a market capitalization of $84.30 billion. 
Buying $1000 In HCA: If an investor had bought $1000 of HCA stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $6,157.84 today based on a price of $321.87 for HCA at the time of writing.
<h3>HCA Healthcare's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1715974223_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

News

Here's How Much You Would Have Made Owning HCA Healthcare Stock In The Last 10 Years

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALNY#NYSE">ALNY</a>) short percent of float has risen 4.82% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 2.63 million shares sold short, which is 2.39% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 5.55 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Alnylam Pharmaceuticals Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1715974222_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Alnylam Pharmaceuticals has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Alnylam Pharmaceuticals's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 6.12%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

ALNY

(ALNY) - Analyzing Alnylam Pharmaceuticals's Short Interest

Boot Barn Holdings (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BOOT#NYSE">BOOT</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 9.78% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 20.58%. Currently, Boot Barn Holdings has a market capitalization of $3.45 billion. 
Buying $100 In BOOT: If an investor had bought $100 of BOOT stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $649.86 today based on a price of $113.40 for BOOT at the time of writing.
<h3>Boot Barn Holdings's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1715974218_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

BOOT

Here's How Much You Would Have Made Owning Boot Barn Holdings Stock In The Last 10 Years

Weatherford International's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFRD#NYSE">WFRD</a>) short percent of float has risen 11.8% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 3.21 million shares sold short, which is 5.78% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 3.58 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Weatherford International Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1715974217_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Weatherford International has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Weatherford International's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Weatherford International's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 6.65%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

WFRD

How Is The Market Feeling About Weatherford International?

Koss's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KOSS#NYSE">KOSS</a>) short percent of float has risen 4.55% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 11 thousand shares sold short, which is 0.23% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.35 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Koss Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1715974212_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Koss has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Koss's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Koss's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 5.79%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

KOSS

Looking Into Koss's Recent Short Interest

Amid volatile market conditions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-annuities-work">annuities</a> have become increasingly popular as investors seek reliable income sources for their retirement. Think of an annuity as a personalized pension plan that delivers a consistent income stream, helping mitigate the risk of outliving your savings.&nbsp;
An annuity, particularly one purchased with a $200,000 investment, can provide substantial <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/23/11/35755017/how-much-cash-can-i-expect-to-get-each-month-from-a-100-000-annuity">supplemental income</a>, enhancing financial stability in your later years. For example, a $200,000 fixed annuity with a 5% annual return could generate $10,000 per year or $833 per month in income.
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>Reddit user reveals his retirement account&#8217;s &#8220;hourly wage&#8221; —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/retirement-hourly-wage"> how much does your money really make per hour?</a></li>
<li>The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Understanding Annuities</h2>
An annuity is a financial contract between an investor and an insurance company. The investor makes an upfront payment or series of payments, and in return, the insurer guarantees regular payouts for a specified period or the rest of the investor&#8217;s life. Annuities come in various forms, each catering to different financial needs and risk appetites:
<ul>
<li>Fixed Annuities: These offer a guaranteed payout rate, established at the time of purchase, unaffected by market fluctuations. They are a secure option for individuals seeking stability.</li>
<li>Variable Annuities: These offer a payout that varies based on the performance of the chosen investment options. This type suits those willing to take on more risk for potentially higher returns.</li>
<li>Immediate Annuities: These start paying out soon after the initial investment, ideal for retirees who need income immediately.</li>
<li>Deferred Annuities: These allow the investment to grow before payouts begin, potentially resulting in a higher income stream if funds accumulate over time.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Factors Affecting Annuity Payouts</h2>
Several factors influence the amount of income an annuity generates. These include:
<ul>
<li>Age: Older individuals typically receive higher payouts due to their shorter life expectancy.</li>
<li>Gender: Women, who generally have longer life spans, often receive slightly lower payouts than men of the same age.</li>
<li>Interest Rates: Prevailing interest rates impact the payout, especially for fixed annuities.</li>
<li>Payout Period: The chosen payout period, whether it&#8217;s for life or a specific term, affects the monthly income.</li>
<li>Additional Riders: Optional riders, such as guaranteed minimum income benefits or cost-of-living adjustments, can affect the payout structure.</li>
</ul>
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
Trending: If the United States had access to<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/public-hys-avgamerican"> today&#8217;s high-yield savings accounts rates</a> in 2015, it wouldn&#8217;t need to save another penny.
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Annuity Payouts Compared to Other Investments</h2>
While a 5% annual return might seem modest compared to some high-growth investments like stocks, it&#8217;s important to remember that annuities prioritize stability and guaranteed income over potentially higher but uncertain returns.
Few <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/reit/24/05/38792507/these-top-retail-reits-yield-up-to-5-4-and-have-been-growing-their-dividends">investment vehicles</a> offer the same level of guaranteed income as a fixed annuity. Some other options with relatively stable returns could include:
<ul>
<li>High-yield savings accounts: These typically offer lower interest rates than annuities but provide liquidity and easy access to funds.</li>
<li>Certificates of deposit (CDs): These offer a fixed interest rate for a specified term, but early withdrawals may incur penalties.</li>
<li>Treasury bonds: These government-backed bonds offer low but stable returns.</li>
</ul>
However, none of these options provide the same longevity of income as a lifetime annuity.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Choosing the Right Annuity</h2>
The choice of annuity depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and when you need income. Investing in an annuity is a significant decision and requires understanding the different types available, the minimum investment required, and associated fees. For example, a fixed annuity can start with as little as $2,500, while an immediate annuity usually needs at least $25,000.
Payout Examples for a $200,000 Annuity:
<ul>
<li>A 65-year-old male choosing a life-only annuity could receive approximately $913 per month.</li>
<li>A 75-year-old male with the same annuity type might receive around $1185 per month due to a shorter life expectancy.</li>
<li>A 65-year-old female might get around $839 per month, reflecting a longer life expectancy.</li>
<li>A 75-year-old female would receive about $1,087 per month.</li>
</ul>
These are just estimates, and actual payouts can vary depending on the insurer and specific terms of the annuity contract.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Important Considerations</h2>
Before investing in an annuity, it&#8217;s crucial to thoroughly research and weigh all options. Consider factors like the annuity&#8217;s terms and conditions, surrender charges for early withdrawals, and the financial strength of the insurance company. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/fam">Consulting with a financial advisor</a> can be invaluable in making an informed decision that aligns with your retirement goals and risk tolerance.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>Warren Buffett flipped his neighbor's $67,000 life savings into a $50 million fortune —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/advisor-adv-warren-buffett"> How much is that worth today?</a></li>
<li>Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/red-ventures"> The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
</ul>

Personal Finance

How Much Money Will A $200,000 Annuity Pay Me Each Month?

It has now been over a month since it was revealed that Uniswap Labs (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/uni/usd">UNI</a>)&nbsp;had received a&nbsp;Wells Notice, indicating the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission intends to bring charges against the developers of the largest decentralized exchange. Many people considered this the true start to the &quot;war on DeFi&quot; since it&#39;s the first case being brought against a major DeFi platform. While it&#39;s no secret the SEC has an unfavorable view of crypto, its previous big-name targets have typically been centralized entities.
Read the <a href="https://www.theblock.co/post/294199/after-start-of-secs-war-on-defi-uni-and-others-struggle-to-recover?utm_source=benzinga&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=After+start+of+SEC%27s+%27war+on+DeFi%2C%27+UNI+and+others+struggle+to+recover">full story</a> at The Block.

Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

Cryptocurrency

Global

Markets

$UNI

After Start of SEC's 'War on DeFi' UNI and Others Struggle to Recover

The macro environment continues to be a key driver for crypto performance, according to a Coinbase (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/coin#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) report. Analysts David Han and David Duong cited the rebound in Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) prices following the softer CPI print for April as evidence of a macro-led driver in the sector.&nbsp;&quot;Macro continues to be a key driver for crypto performance. The 3.4% year-on-year inflation figure is consistent with our out-of-consensus view that we&#39;re still operating within a disinflationary trend that could take inflation growth to within the mid-two handle by year-end&quot; Han and Duong said.
Read the <a href="https://www.theblock.co/post/295136/macro-continues-to-be-a-key-driver-for-crypto-coinbase?utm_source=benzinga&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=Macro+continues+to+be+a+key+driver+for+crypto%3A+Coinbase">full story</a> at The Block.

$BTC

COIN

Macro Continues to be a Key Driver for Crypto: Coinbase

Curtiss-Wright Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cw#NYSE">CW</a>) announced that its board of directors approved a hike in its quarterly dividend to 21 cents per share, reflecting an increase of 5% from the prior payout. With the current hike, Curtiss-Wright will now pay out an annual dividend of 84 cents per share. 
This signifies Curtiss-Wright&#39;s strength in the business to generate enough cash flow to reward shareholders with improved dividend payouts.
<h3>Curtiss-Wright Enhances Shareholders Value</h3>
Curtiss-Wright&#39;s emphasis on returning cash to shareholders is backed by a disciplined and balanced capital allocation strategy and is buoyed by its ability to deploy capital effectively. Curtiss-Wright has been returning cash to shareholders through share repurchases and dividend hikes, thus highlighting consistency in sharing profits with its shareholders. 
Along with dividend payments, Curtiss-Wright&#39;s management continues to increase shareholders&#39; value by repurchasing shares. In the first three months of 2024, the company repurchased shares worth $12.2 million. The board of directors authorized an additional $300 million for share repurchases, increasing the total available authorization to $400 million under the repurchase program. 
Such a stable return strategy is backed by its ability to generate strong revenues and free cash flows. Curtiss-Wright expects a surge of 5-7% in total sales and projects 8% to 11% growth in earnings in 2024. The company anticipates the free cash flow to increase in the range of 0-5% in 2024. 
All three business segments of Curtiss-Wright are showing strong growth, which is boosting its earnings. Apart from organic growth, the acquisition of WSC Inc will further expand Curtiss-Wright&#39;s commercial nuclear business. It will create more opportunities for Curtiss-Wright to support its long-term financial goal and generate more revenues. 
The company is committed to expanding its business through organic methods and strategic acquisitions. The improving end market conditions and rising demand for the high-quality products offered by Curtiss-Wright will continue to generate profits, which can be utilized to increase shareholders&#39; value in future periods.
<h3>Peer Moves</h3>
Other defense companies are also rewarding their investors through dividend payments and hikes at regular intervals. These defense majors are benefiting from a strong U.S. defense budget and a stable flow of contracts from the Pentagon. 
In October 2023, Lockheed Martin (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/lmt#NYSE">LMT</a>) approved a hike in its quarterly dividend of 15 cents per share from the prior payout. 
LMT boasts a long-term earnings growth rate of 4.2%. Lockheed&#39;s shares have inched up 1.6% in the past year. 
On May 10, 2024, Northrop Grumman Corp.&nbsp;(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/noc#NYSE">NOC</a>) announced that the board of directors declared a 10% increase in the quarterly dividend to $2.06 per share. 
NOC has a long-term earnings growth rate of 9.9%. NOC&#39;s shares have risen 4.9% in the past year. 
On May 2, 2024, RTX Technologies (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rtx#NYSE">RTX</a>) announced an increase of 6.8% over the prior quarter&#39;s dividend amount. 
RTX has a long-term earnings growth rate of 10.3%. Raytheon&#39;s shares have increased 8.9% in the past year.
<h3>Price Movement</h3>
In the past three months, shares of Curtiss-Wright have risen 18.3% compared with its industry&lsquo;s average decline of 0.6%.
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/22/66927.jpg?v=1988305747" /> 
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
<h3>Zacks Rank</h3>
Curtiss-Wright currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2275515/curtiss-wright-cw-rewards-investors-with-buyback-ups-dividend?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|company_news_-_corporate_actions-2275515">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Earnings

Analyst Ratings

Curtiss-Wright Rewards Investors With Buyback, Ups Dividend

TLRY

Tilray Brands shares are trading lower after the company announced an at-the-market program to fund acquisitions.

Microchip Technology (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mchp#NASDAQ">MCHP</a>) is expanding its footprint in the aerospace and defense industry by introducing the SAMD21RT, a radiation-tolerant 32-bit microcontroller (MCU) based on the Arm Cortex-M0+ architecture. 
Designed to meet the stringent requirements of space missions, SAMD21RT is available in a compact 10 mm x 10 mm 64-pin ceramic and plastic package featuring 128 KB Flash and 16 KB SRAM. 
This high-speed microcontroller runs at up to 48 MHz and integrates multiple analog functions, including a 20-channel Analog-to-Digital Converter, a Digital-to-Analog Converter&nbsp;and analog comparators. 
The SAMD21RT has a broad temperature range from -40&deg;C to 125&deg;C, offers Total Ionizing Dose (TID) capability up to 50 krad and provides Single Event Latch-up (SEL) immunity up to 78 MeV.cm/mg. It also has low-power features like idle and standby sleep modes, ensuring compatibility with existing SAMD21 MCUs.
<div class="chart_embed">
<h3>Microchip Technology Incorporated Price and Consensus</h3>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/chart/MCHP/price-consensus-chart?icid=chart-MCHP-price-consensus-chart"><img alt="Microchip Technology Incorporated Price and Consensus" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/charts/60/1715953002.png" style="height:285px; width:620px" title="" /> </a>
Microchip Technology Incorporated price-consensus-chart | Microchip Technology Incorporated Quote
</div>
As part of Microchip&#39;s space system solution, the SAMD21RT also contributes to missions like the Artemis program, Space Launch System, Orion Spacecraft, Lunar Gateway, Lunar Lander and next-generation spacesuits, solidifying Microchip&#39;s position in space exploration.
<h3>Microchip&#39;s Strong Portfolio Aids Prospect</h3>
The latest move bodes well with MCHP&#39;s commitment to strengthen its overall portfolio to boost its customer momentum across various end markets. 
Further expanding its portfolio in the space domain, Microchip recently introduced a new family of Radiation-Tolerant&nbsp;LE50-28 isolated DC-DC 50W power converters to meet the growing demands of the Low-Earth Orbit&nbsp;market for reliable, cost-effective and configurable space-grade solutions. 
Microchip also introduced the RT PolarFire SoC FPGA, featuring real-time Linux capability and RISC-V-based microprocessor subsystem, transforming space electronics with enhanced performance, reliability, and power efficiency. 
Expanding MCHP&#39;s Trust Portfolio platform has been noteworthy. In fourth-quarter fiscal 2024, Microchip expanded its TrustFLEX family with CEC1736 real-time platform root of trust devices, offering simplified enablement from concept to production across diverse applications using the Trust Platform Design Suite tool. 
Despite MCHP&#39;s robust portfolio, persistent inflationary pressures and high interest rates have resulted in a weak macro environment. 
Microchip also experienced a significant inventory correction, which resulted in a 40.6% year-over-year decline in the top line to $1.33 billion in the fiscal fourth quarter. The distribution channels also reduced their inventory levels, which have negatively impacted the company&#39;s top line. 
Microchip expects net sales to be $1.22-$1.26 billion for the first quarter of fiscal 2025. Non-GAAP earnings are anticipated between 48 cents per share and 56 cents. 
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $1.24 billion, indicating a 45.74% year-over-year decline. The consensus mark for earnings is pegged at 53 cents per share, suggesting a 67.68% year-over-year decline.
<h3>Zacks Rank &amp; Stocks to Consider</h3>
Currently, Microchip carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).&nbsp;
The company&#39;s shares have increased 4.5% year to date compared with the Zacks Computer &amp; Technology sector&#39;s rise of 15.8%. 
Some better-ranked stocks in the broader technology sector are Salesforce (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/crm#NYSE">CRM</a>), CrowdStrike (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/crwd#NASDAQ">CRWD</a>) and Intuit (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/intu#NASDAQ">INTU</a>), each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present.
Shares of Salesforce have gained 8.2% in the year-to-date period. The long-term earnings growth rate for CRM is 17.45%.&nbsp;
Shares of CrowdStrike have gained 32.8% in the year-to-date period. The long-term earnings growth rate for CRWD is currently projected at 22.31%.&nbsp;
Shares of Intuit have gained 4.8% in the year-to-date period. The long-term earnings growth rate for INTU is 14.57%
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2275516/microchip-mchp-boosts-aerospace-portfolio-with-new-launch?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|company_news_tech_sector-2275516">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Small Cap

Tech

CRWD

INTU

MCHP

Microchip Boosts Aerospace Portfolio With New Launch

Inflation has been a major concern lately as uncertainty has been growing over the Federal Reserve&#39;s timing of rate cuts. However, much to consumers&#39; relief, inflation finally eased in April after moving north in the first months of the year.
The Labor Department reported on May 15 that the consumer price index rose 0.3% month over month in April, below the consensus estimate of a rise of 0.4%. The year-over-year rise was 3.4%, which came in line with analysts&#39; expectations.
Core CPI, which excludes the volatile food and energy prices, jumped 3.6% in April from year-ago levels and 0.3% sequentially, both in line with estimates. The core year-over-year reading was the lowest since April.
Economic growth slowed in the first quarter as inflation resumed its climb after declining sharply through 2023. The U.S. GDP grew a meager 1.6% in the first quarter compared to 3.4% in the final quarter of 2023.
Rising inflation raised concerns that the Federal Reserve could delay its rate cuts. Markets rallied following the release of the CPI data, with all three major indexes &mdash; the Dow, the S&amp;P 500 and the Nasdaq &mdash; closing at new all-time highs.
The fresh inflation data has also renewed optimism surrounding rate cuts, which market participants believe could start in June.
Also, the Federal Reserve said after its last FOMC meeting that it is unlikely that there would be further interest rate hike. Lower borrowing rates bode well for growth stocks and the broader economy.
<h3>3 Best Choices</h3>
We have, thus, selected three large-cap mutual funds such as Fidelity Series Blue Chip Growth Fund&nbsp;(NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/fsbdx#NASDAQ">FSBDX</a>), Janus Henderson Research A&nbsp;(NASDAQ:&nbsp;JRAAX) and T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth&nbsp;(NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/trbcx#NASDAQ">TRBCX</a>), carrying a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1 (Strong Buy) or 2 (Buy), that are poised to gain from such factors. Moreover, these funds have encouraging three and five-year returns. The minimum initial investment is within $5000.
We expect these funds to outperform their peers in the future. Remember, the goal of the Zacks Mutual Fund Rank is to guide investors in identifying potential winners and losers. Unlike most of the fund-rating systems, the Zacks Mutual Fund Rank is not just focused on past performance but also on the likely future success of the fund.
The question here is: why should investors consider mutual funds? Reduced transaction costs and diversification of portfolio without several commission charges that are associated with stock purchases are primarily why one should be parking money in mutual funds.
Fidelity Series Blue Chip Growth Fund invests in common stocks of blue-chip companies that generally have large or medium-market capitalizations. FSBDX is non-diversified.
Fidelity Series Blue Chip Growth Fund&nbsp;(has a track of positive total returns for over 10 years. Specifically, FSBDX&#39;s returns over the three and five-year benchmarks are 7.1% and 19.2%, respectively. FSBDX has a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1 and an annual expense ratio of 0.01%.
Janus Henderson Research A fund is part of the Large Cap Growth mutual fund category. JRAAX invests in many large U.S. companies that are expected to grow much faster than the other large-cap stocks.
Janus Henderson Research A fund has had a track of positive total returns for over 10 years. Specifically, JRAAX&#39;s returns over the three and five-year benchmarks are 7.7% and 14.4%, respectively. The fund&#39;s annual expense ratio is 0.81%. JRAAX has a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1.
T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth fund seeks long-term capital growth. TRBCX invests at least 80% of net assets in common stocks of large and medium-sized, blue-chip companies that have the potential for above-average growth in earnings and are well-established in their respective industries.
T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth fund&nbsp;has a track of positive total returns for over 10 years. Specifically, TRBCX&#39;s returns over the three and five-year benchmarks are 3.1% and 11.4%, respectively. The fund has an annual&nbsp;expense ratio of 0.70%. TRBCX has a Zacks Mutual Fund Rank #1.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2275476/3-large-cap-growth-funds-to-buy-as-inflation-cools-in-april?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-mutual_fund_commentary-2275476">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Mutual Funds

FSBDX

JRAAX

TRBCX

3 Large-Cap Growth Funds to Buy as Inflation Cools in April

Shares of Ionis Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ions#NASDAQ">IONS</a>) and Biogen (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/biib#NASDAQ">BIIB</a>) lost at least 2% in market cap on Thursday after the companies announced their decision to terminate the development of their investigational amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) drug, BIIB105 / ION541.
This decision was based on topline data from the phase I/II ALSpire study, wherein treatment with the drug did not slow disease progression. This was evident from the six-month data from the study wherein ALS patients treated with BIIB105 did not achieve a reduction in levels of plasma neurofilament light chain (NfL), a marker of neurodegeneration and neuronal damage.
Patients treated with BIIB105 also failed to demonstrate an impact on clinical outcome measures of function, breathing and strength.
However, this wasn&#39;t the only partnership with Ionis that Biogen walked away from. In a separate press release, the pharma giant announced its decision to opt out of licensing the rights to develop BIIB121 / ION582, an experimental Angelman Syndrome drug. However, Biogen did not specify any rationale for this decision.
Year to date, shares of Biogen are down 11.1% compared to the industry&lsquo;s 4.6% fall.
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/cd/66953.jpg?v=672557092" /> 
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Despite Biogen&#39;s departure, Ionis intends to advance ION582 independently as part of its wholly-owned pipeline. In fact, it also posted positive topline results from a phase I/IIa study (called HALOS) evaluating the Angelman Syndrome drug.
A rare genetic disorder, Angelman Syndrome causes developmental disabilities and nerve-related symptoms. Currently, there are no approved treatments for Angelman Syndrome.
Though Ionis did not report any numbers, it did state that treatment with ION582 was also safe and well tolerated in study participants. In fact, patients treated with ION582 achieved consistent improvements across multiple functional domains, including cognition, communication and motor function. Detailed data from this study will be presented at the upcoming Angelman Syndrome Foundation meeting.
Based on the above results, Ionis intends to advance the candidate to a pivotal study. To finalize the study design, it intends to review the results with regulatory authorities.
Ionis&#39; shares have lost 25.6% in the year so far compared with the industry&#39;s 5.8% fall.
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/82/66952.jpg?v=441874326" /> 
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
Though Biogen and Ionis are not working on the ALS and Angelman Syndrome programs together, the two companies harbor a long-standing partnership that has been useful in other areas. The first fruit born out of this collaboration was Spinraza, a blockbuster medication approved for treating spinal muscular atrophy.
Despite the ALSpire study failure, Biogen and Ionis have achieved success in the ALS space. Post Spinraza, Qalsody is the second marketed drug born out of this partnership. The drug was approved by the FDA last year for treating ALS with superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) mutations.
Apart from the above areas, Biogen and Ionis are developing numerous investigational medicines to treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer&#39;s disease and Parkinson&#39;s disease.
<div class="chart_embed">
<h3>Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Price</h3>
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/chart/IONS/fundamental/price?icid=chart-IONS-fundamental/price"><img alt="Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Price" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/charts/70/1715954154.png" style="height:251px; width:538px" title="" /> </a>
Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. price | Ionis Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Quote
</div>
<div class="chart_embed">
<h3>Biogen Inc. Price</h3>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/chart/BIIB/fundamental/price?icid=chart-BIIB-fundamental/price"><img alt="Biogen Inc. Price" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/charts/e3/1715954152.png" style="height:251px; width:545px" title="" /> </a>
Biogen Inc. price | Biogen Inc. Quote
</div>
<h3>Zacks Rank &amp; Key Picks</h3>
Ionis and Biogen carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). A couple of better-ranked stocks in the overall healthcare sector include Ligand Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/lgnd#NASDAQ">LGND</a>) and Heron Therapeutics (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/hrtx#NASDAQ">HRTX</a>), each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present.
In the past 60 days, estimates for Ligand Pharmaceuticals&#39; 2024 earnings per share have risen from $4.42 to $4.56. During the same period, EPS estimates for 2025 have improved from $5.11 to $5.27. Year to date, LGND&#39;s shares have appreciated 19.0%.
Earnings of Ligand Pharmaceuticals beat estimates in each of the last four quarters. Ligand delivered a four-quarter average earnings surprise of 56.02%.
In the past 60 days, estimates for Heron Therapeutics&#39; 2024 loss per sharehave improved from 22 cents to 14 cents. During the same period, loss estimates for 2025 have narrowed from 9 cents to 2 cents. Year to date, shares of HRTX have surged 89.4%.
Earnings of Heron Therapeutics beat estimates in three of the last four quarters while missing the mark on one occasion. HRTX delivered a four-quarter average earnings surprise of 30.33%.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2275518/ionis-ions-biogen-down-on-ending-development-of-als-drug?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|company_news_-_medical_sector-2275518">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Penny Stocks

BIIB

HRTX

IONS

LGND

Ionis, Biogen Down on Ending Development of ALS Drug

The Zacks Tobacco industry players have been witnessing soft cigarette sales volumes due to inflation, changing consumer habits, and stringent regulations. Increased costs of essential materials further raise concerns for profit margins. 
While investments in smoke-free products come at the cost of margins, they have been driving revenues of tobacco companies, given consumers&#39; growing health consciousness. Pricing power has also been working well. These upsides keep Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/pm#NYSE">PM</a>), Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mo#NYSE">MO</a>) and British American Tobacco p.l.c. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/bti#NYSE">BTI</a>) well positioned despite the industry challenges.
About the Industry 
The Zacks Tobacco industry includes companies that manufacture and sell cigarettes as well as tobacco and nicotine-based products, such as cigars, snuffs and oral tobacco. Some companies also offer RRPs, such as e-cigarettes, vaping and heat-not-burn variants. A few of the firms are engaged in making devices and attachments needed in vaping and heat-not-burn products. Most products manufactured by the tobacco industry participants fall under the strict vigilance of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (&quot;FDA&quot;) and are required to follow the permissible levels of nicotine in manufacturing. Players in this space sell products mostly through large retailers, distributors, convenience stores, drugstores, wholesalers and grocery chains. Additionally, some international tobacco firms operate in the country through subsidiaries.
4 Trends Shaping the Future of the Tobacco Industry
Cigarette Volumes Under Pressure: The tobacco industry is grappling with challenges related to the inflationary environment, which has significantly influenced consumer spending habits.&nbsp; Economic factors such as inflation, increased interest rates, and Adult Tobacco Consumers&#39; dynamics, including changing purchasing patterns, the adoption of smoke-free products, and shifts in disposable income, have affected cigarette sales volumes. Additionally, stringent government regulations on sales, marketing, and manufacturing, prompted by the health hazards of nicotine consumption, have further impacted volumes. Some guidelines issued by the FDA include the mandatory use of precautionary labels on cigarette packets and self-critical advertisements. As cigarette sales constitute a significant portion of revenues for tobacco industry companies, the decrease in sales volumes within this category raises concerns. 
Escalated Costs: Numerous industry participants have been affected by cost inflation. Global inflationary challenges linked to essential materials such as tobacco leaf, energy and labor costs have been concerns. Elevated expenses related to the research, development and marketplace activities of smoke-free products further present risks to profit margins. 
Growing Popularity of Smoke-Free Alternatives: Increasing awareness of health risks and stringent government regulations intended to curtail cigarette smoking have encouraged many consumers to switch to reduced-risk products (RRPs) or smoke-free alternatives. Promoted as having a less adverse impact on health due to their scientific composition and method of consumption, these products are gaining popularity. More consumers are turning to these alternatives as a way to quit smoking traditional cigarettes. Major players in the tobacco industry have been allocating resources to expand their presence in this category, including investing in innovations to make these products more user-friendly and energy-efficient. Companies have been experiencing significant revenue growth in the RRP or smoke-free product space. Philip Morris and British American Tobacco have been proactively working toward transitioning into predominantly smoke-free companies in the coming years. The continued popularity and resilience of these products are expected to drive positive outcomes for industry players amid ongoing business transformations. 
Pricing Power: Players in the tobacco industry have been leveraging the strong pricing influence of tobacco products, which also helps them make up for high taxes and soft cigarette sales volumes. Since smokers tend to be less responsive to price hikes due to their addiction, this approach is anticipated to continue benefiting companies within the tobacco sector. The prudent pricing of cigarettes has been supporting the revenues of players in the tobacco industry in the face of declining volumes.
Zacks Industry Rank Indicates Dull Prospects
The Zacks Tobacco industry is housed within the broader Zacks Consumer Staples sector. The industry currently carries a Zacks Industry Rank #174, which places it in the bottom 30% of more than 250 Zacks industries. 
The group&#39;s Zacks Industry Rank, which is basically the average of the Zacks Rank of all the member stocks, indicates drab near-term prospects. Our research shows that the top 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries outperform the bottom 50% by a factor of more than 2 to 1. 
The industry&#39;s position in the bottom 50% of the Zacks-ranked industries is a result of a positive earnings outlook for the constituent companies in aggregate. Looking at the aggregate earnings estimate revisions, it appears that analysts are gradually losing confidence in this group&#39;s earnings growth potential. Since the beginning of February 2024, the industry&#39;s earnings estimate for 2024 has declined 2.2%. 
Let&#39;s take a look at the industry&#39;s performance and current valuation.
Industry vs. Broader Market
The Zacks Tobacco industry has underperformed the Zacks S&amp;P 500 Composite, while outperforming the broader Zacks Consumer Staple sector over the past year. 
The industry has gained 4.1% over this period against the broader sector&#39;s drop of 5.3%. Meanwhile, the S&amp;P 500 has risen 27.7% in the said time frame.
<h3>One-Year Price Performance 
<img alt="" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/zadmin_tuner_image/tobacco price.jpg" style="height:383px; width:620px" /></h3>
Industry&#39;s Current Valuation
On the basis of forward 12-month price-to-earnings (P/E), which is commonly used for valuing consumer staple stocks, the industry is currently trading at 10.24X compared with the S&amp;P 500&#39;s 21.21X and the sector&#39;s 17.34X. 
Over the past five years, the industry has traded as high as 12.68X, as low as 9.1X and at the median of 10.67X, as the chart below shows.
<h3>Price-to-Earnings Ratio (Past 5 Years) 
<img alt="" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/zadmin_tuner_image/tobacco val.jpg" style="height:220px; width:620px" /></h3>
3 Tobacco Stocks to Keep a Close Eye On
Philip Morris International: The Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company&#39;s emphasis on smoke-free products, aligned with evolving consumer preferences, has strengthened its market position. Philip Morris is progressing toward its objective of becoming a predominantly smoke-free company by 2030. The exceptional performance of its premium smoke-free brands, IQOS and ZYN, is driving the success of its smoke-free product portfolio. Additionally, this tobacco giant has been positively impacted by its strong pricing strategies. 
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PM&#39;s 2024 earnings per share has declined to $6.31 from $6.37 in the past 30 days. However, the consensus mark suggests growth of almost 5% from the year-ago period figure. Shares of Philip Morris have risen 9% in the past six months.&nbsp;
<h3>Price and Consensus: PM</h3>
<img alt="" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/zadmin_tuner_image/pm(21).jpg" style="height:387px; width:620px" />
Altria Group: The Zacks Rank #3 company has demonstrated resilience in a challenging environment by leveraging its pricing power and prioritizing smoke-free alternatives. Altria&#39;s investment in on! has been particularly effective in the oral tobacco realm. Additionally, the acquisition of NJOY Holdings represents a major advancement in the e-vapor category. Some of MO&#39;s 2028 Enterprise Goals include doubling its U.S. smoke-free net revenues to $5 billion from its 2022 level and driving mid-single-digit adjusted EPS growth through 2028 on a compounded annual basis. 
Altria shares have rallied 12.5% in the past six months. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for MO&#39;s 2024 EPS has risen by 2 cents to $5.11 over the past 30 days.
<h3>Price and Consensus: MO</h3>
<img alt="" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/zadmin_tuner_image/mo(22).jpg" style="height:383px; width:620px" />
British American Tobacco: BTI&#39;s strategic focus on growth, innovation, and market leadership in the evolving tobacco and nicotine product landscape has been working well. The company has been benefiting from its efforts to strengthen the Heated Products portfolio with innovative launches like glo Hyper pro and expanding tobacco-free consumables. Additionally, the Zacks Rank #3 company has been enhancing its innovation pipeline by strengthening R&amp;D capabilities, adding device engineering, and forming a collaborative global network. That said, British American Tobacco&#39;s efforts to return the U.S. combustibles business to consistent value growth bode well. 
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for British American Tobacco&#39;s 2024 bottom line has declined 0.4% to $4.68 over the past 30 days. Shares of BTI have lost 0.5% in the past six months.
<h3>Price and Consensus: BTI 
<img alt="" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/zadmin_tuner_image/bti(2).jpg" style="height:388px; width:620px" /></h3>
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/commentary/2275240/3-tobacco-stocks-worth-watching-amid-industry-challenges?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-industry_outlook-2275240">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

3 Tobacco Stocks Worth Watching Amid Industry Challenges

Investors in TriplePoint Venture Growth BDC Corp (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tpvg#NYSE">TPVG</a>) need to pay close attention to the stock based on moves in the options market lately. That is because the Jun 21, 2024 $5 Call had some of the highest implied volatility of all equity options today.
<h3>What is Implied Volatility?</h3>
Implied volatility shows how much movement the market is expecting in the future. Options with high levels of implied volatility suggest that investors in the underlying stocks are expecting a big move in one direction or the other. It could also mean there is an event coming up soon that may cause a big rally or a huge sell-off. However, implied volatility is only one piece of the puzzle when putting together an options trading strategy.
<h3>What do the Analysts Think?</h3>
Clearly, options traders are pricing in a big move for TriplePoint Venture shares, but what is the fundamental picture for the company? Currently, TriplePoint Venture is a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Buy) in the Financial - SBIC &amp; Commercial Industry that ranks in the Top 36% of our Zacks Industry Rank. Over the last 30 days, no analysts have increased their earnings estimates for the current quarter, while two analysts have revised their estimates downward. The net effect has taken our Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current quarter from 46 cents per share to 43 cents in that period. 
Given the way analysts feel about TriplePoint Venture right now, this huge implied volatility could mean there&#39;s a trade developing. Oftentimes, options traders look for options with high levels of implied volatility to sell premium. This is a strategy many seasoned traders use because it captures decay. At expiration, the hope for these traders is that the underlying stock does not move as much as originally expected.
<h3>Looking to Trade Options?</h3>
Check out the simple yet high-powered approach that Zacks Executive VP Kevin Matras has used to close recent double and triple-digit winners. In addition to impressive profit potential, these trades can actually reduce your risk. 
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2275228/implied-volatility-surging-for-triplepoint-venture-tpvg-stock-options?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-tale_of_the_tape|options-2275228">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Options

TPVG

Implied Volatility Surging for TriplePoint Venture Stock Options

Haemonetics Corporation&lsquo;s (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/hae#NYSE">HAE</a>) shares have increased 10.8% year to date compared with the industry&#39;s rise of 6.1%. The Medical sector has gained 1% in the said time frame. The company has a market capitalization of $4.82 billion.
The consistent growth performance in the past few quarters, reflecting its strategic focus on establishing leading positions in high-growth markets to generate solid financial returns, is likely to drive this Zacks Rank 1 (Strong Buy) stock.
Its earnings are expected to grow 12% in the next five years. HAE&#39;s ROE for the trailing 12 months was 4.6%, better than the industry average of 0.2%.
<h3>Will the Upside Continue?</h3>
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HAE&#39;s 2025 earnings is pegged at $1.40, indicating a 6.9% increase from the year-ago reported figure. The consensus estimate for 2025 revenues is pegged at $4.46 billion, indicating a year-over-year improvement of 12.6%.
Haemonetics is gaining from the newly-completed limited market release of the new Express Plus technology with more than 60,000 real-world collections. Haemonetics is currently initiating its full-market release in the United States. This technology is fast gaining new customers.
The rollout of Persona &mdash; the company&#39;s proprietary technology proven to increase yield from 9% to 12% on average &mdash; continues to gain momentum, with more than 25 million collections. During the fiscal fourth-quarter update, management noted that the continued transition from the company&#39;s PCS2 devices to the latest NexSys with Persona Technology will drive meaningful improvements in 2025.
Within Vascular Closure, the company is on track to be in 80% of the target top 600 U.S. hospital accounts by the end of this fiscal year, providing it access to the vast majority of addressable procedures in this market. The company also received the FDA&#39;s premarket approval for the upsized VASSCADE MVPXL mid-bore venous closure device. Adding MVPXL to its product mix with 58% larger collagen plugs than MVP strengthens Haemonetics&#39; unique proposition of reducing the time to ambulate, total post-procedure time, time to hemostasis and time to discharge eligibility, broadening the company&#39;s reach in these high-growth markets.
Internationally, Haemonetics products are gaining traction. The VASCADE International launch is progressing as expected, contributing approximately 300 basis points of revenue growth in the fiscal fourth quarter.
Hemostasis management growth continues to be driven by strong utilization of TEG 6s disposables, price increases and continued growth of the U.S. installed base. HAE also secured FDA approval for its global hemostasis heparin neutralization cartridge during the fiscal fourth quarter. This, according to Haemonetics, is an essential addition to its portfolio to increase adoption by helping clinicians improve patient outcomes and standards of care.
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/dd/66934.jpg?v=236524179" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The company is anticipating sustaining its growth momentum as it capitalizes on its significantly expanded R&amp;D and clinical capabilities to develop new and existing products and commercial infrastructure to cover the majority of its strategic accounts in the $700 million underpenetrated total addressable market.
Upbeat guidance is an indicator of future growth. For 2025, the company expects total GAAP revenue growth in the range of 5-8% on a reported basis. Organic revenue growth, too, is anticipated in the range of 0-3%. HAE expects full-year 2025 adjusted earnings per share in the band of $4.45-$4.75.
<h3>Estimate Trends</h3>
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HAE&#39;s 2025 and 2026 has moved 16.5% and 22% north, respectively, in the past 90 days, reflecting analysts&#39; optimism.
<h3>Key Picks</h3>
Some better-ranked stocks from the broader medical space are Medpace (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/medp#NASDAQ">MEDP</a>), ResMed (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rmd#NYSE">RMD</a>) and Encompass Health Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ehc#NYSE">EHC</a>).
Medpace, sporting a Zacks Rank #1, reported a first-quarter 2024 EPS of $3.20, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 30.6%. Revenues of $511 million increased 17.7% from last year&#39;s comparable figure.
Medpace has an estimated 2024 earnings growth rate of 26.5% compared with the industry&#39;s 12.3%. The company&#39;s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average being 12.8%.
ResMed, carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy), reported a first-quarter 2024 EPS of $2.13, which topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 10.9%. Revenues of $1.20 billion surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 1.9%.
RMD has an estimated fiscal 2024 earnings growth rate of 17.9% compared to the industry&#39;s 15.7%. In each of the trailing four quarters, the company delivered an average earnings surprise of 2.8%.
Encompass Health, carrying a Zacks Rank #2, reported a first-quarter 2024 adjusted EPS of $1.12, which surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 20.4%. Net operating revenues of $1.3 billion topped the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 3.6%.
EHC has an estimated long-term earnings growth rate of 15.6% compared with the industry&#39;s 11.7% growth. The company&#39;s earnings surpassed estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, the average surprise being 18.7%.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2275528/haemonetics-hae-stock-up-10-9-ytd-will-the-rally-continue?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|price_surge_/_plunge-2275528">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

MEDP

Haemonetics Stock Up 10.9% YTD: Will the Rally Continue?

Chinese mining leader Zijin Mining Group (OTCPK: ZIJMF) announced an upward revision of its copper production targets for 2025 in response to soaring copper prices. 
The company now aims to produce 1.22 million tons of copper next year, a 4% increase over its previous goal. This adjustment comes as Zijin positions itself to capitalize on the metal's price surge, which has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38892646/thieves-are-stealing-copper-cables-from-tesla-charging-stations-amid-sky-high-prices-for-vital-metal">reached historic highs</a> due to anticipated supply shortages.
According to Bloomberg's <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-05-17/china-s-top-copper-miner-to-ramp-up-output-as-supply-risks-mount">report</a>, the state-owned miner has ambitious plans to significantly boost its copper output by 2028. It targets production levels between 1.5 and 1.6 million tons, representing a 50% increase from its 2023 figures. This substantial increase will be driven by enhanced capacity at key projects, including the Julong copper project in Tibet, which is expected to become one of the world's largest copper mines.
Now Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/05/38895301/solitario-resources-finds-new-gold-zones-in-south-dakota-highest-grade-samples-collected">Solitario Resources Finds New Gold Zones In South Dakota: &#8216;Highest-Grade Samples Collected&#8217;</a>
Moreover, Zijin is set to expedite expansion projects at its mines in Congo and Serbia. Notably, the Cukaru Peki mine in Serbia is poised for substantial investment following Chinese President Xi Jinping&#8216;s recent visit to the country.
The company also intends to acquire large mines or mining companies with global influence, although such opportunities are rare and difficult to close. BHP's ongoing attempt to acquire Anglo American is one such example.
Zijin&#8217;s strategy aligns with current market dynamics where copper prices are near record highs. This surge is attributed to aging mines struggling to meet the growing demand driven by the global transition to green energy.
The market has experienced significant tightening due to disruptions, such as the forced shutdown of First Quantum Minerals&#8217; Cobre Panama mine and production cuts by Anglo American, which operates some of the largest copper mines in South America. While the Cobre Panama mine fits the description of interesting assets, it would be a complex issue owing to environmental concerns and a subject to negotiations with the new administration.
Following the expansionary plans, Zijin's subsidiary Jinteng Mining has reached an agreement with Pan American Silver Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PAAS#NYSE">PAAS</a>) to acquire two mining projects in Peru for approximately $290 million. This acquisition includes the La Arena Gold Mine and the La Arena II Phase II project.
While copper remained the current focus, Zijin was adjusting its production targets for other metals. The company reduced its lithium carbonate production target for 2025 due to a recent price slump. However, Zijin maintained a bullish outlook for gold production, aiming to reach 85 tons in 2025 and 100-110 tons by 2028.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/05/38878116/big-short-investor-michael-burry-bets-heavy-on-gold-renewable-energy-stocks-exits-amazon-alphabet">&#8216;Big Short&#8217; Investor Michael Burry Bets Heavy On Gold, Renewable Energy Stocks, Exits Amazon, Alphabet</a> 
Benzinga Mining is the bridge between mining companies and retail investors. Reach out to <a href="mailto:licensing@benzinga.com">licensing@benzinga.com</a> to get started!
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The obesity market has garnered much interest lately, ever since Novo Nordisk (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nvo#NYSE">NVO</a>) received FDA approval for its obesity drug Wegovy in 2021. It was only after a couple of years that the market gained a second entrant &ndash; Eli Lilly&#39;s (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/lly#NYSE">LLY</a>) Zepbound, which received FDA approval last year in November.
Lilly and Novo have been registering top- and bottom-line growth, owing to the vastness of the total market size for obesity. The companies even achieved a market cap north of $500 billion. However, these firms have been unable to cope with existing demand and are facing delays in fulfilling orders amid continued supply constraints and product shortages.
Wall Street anticipates an even bigger market for obesity drugs. Per research conducted by Goldman Sachs (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/gs#NYSE">GS</a>), the obesity market in the United States is expected to reach $100 billion by the end of this decade. This is also evident from the fact that Lilly and Novo are not only investing heavily to optimize their production capacities but have also started evaluating multiple other novel obesity candidates in their pipeline.
Anticipating this rising demand, several biotech/pharma companies are developing their obesity drugs with the hope of gaining a small but lucrative share in this growing market. Here, we discuss four biotech/pharma stocks that we believe could break the duopoly in the obesity space in the long run.
<h3>Viking Therapeutics</h3>
Viking Therapeutics (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/vktx#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>), a clinical-stage biotech, is evaluating both oral and subcutaneous formulations of its obesity drug,VK2735, in early-stage and mid-stage studies, respectively. This investigational drug has blockbuster potential, having demonstrated superior weight reduction capabilities in both clinical studies.
In February, Viking Therapeutics reported that the mid-stage study, which evaluated a subcutaneous formulation of VK2375, achieved its primary and all secondary endpoints with statistical significance. Patients treated with this formulation achieved a mean weight reduction of 14.7% after 13 weeks compared with 1.7% in the placebo group.
In March, Viking reported data from the early-stage study on the oral formulation of the drug, which demonstrated promising dose-dependent reductions in mean body weight after 28 days of daily dosing.
Viking Therapeutics intends to meet with the FDA to discuss the above results to determine the next steps in the candidate&#39;s development. It expects to advance both formulations into further development before this year&#39;s end.
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<h3>Viking Therapeutics, Inc. Price</h3>
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/chart/VKTX/fundamental/price?icid=chart-VKTX-fundamental/price"><img alt="Viking Therapeutics, Inc. Price" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/charts/a5/1715953445.png" style="height:251px; width:538px" title="" /> </a>
Viking Therapeutics, Inc. price | Viking Therapeutics, Inc. Quote
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<h3>Altimmune</h3>
Another clinical-stage company, Altimmune (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/alt#NASDAQ">ALT</a>), has only one candidate in its pipeline, pemvidutide, which is being evaluated in separate mid-stage studies for obesity and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH).
Last December, ALT reported positive top-line data from the phase II MOMENTUM study evaluating pemvidutide in obesity. Data from the study demonstrated dose-dependent reductions in mean body weight after 48 weeks of treatment with the drug. While patients who received the 1.2mg dose of the drug achieved a mean weight loss of 10.3%, patients who received the 2.4mg dose achieved a mean weight loss of 15.6%.
Altimmune also reported that patients in the 2.4mg dose group observed a near-linear trajectory of continued weight loss at the end of the treatment. Based on these results, management is undergoing preparations for an end-of-phase II meeting with the FDA. This meeting is expected to be held toward the end of third-quarter 2024, where management intends to present a comprehensive data package, including data from the MOMENTUM study.
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<h3>Altimmune, Inc. Price</h3>
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/chart/ALT/fundamental/price?icid=chart-ALT-fundamental/price"><img alt="Altimmune, Inc. Price" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/charts/21/1715953451.png" style="height:251px; width:531px" title="" /> </a>
Altimmune, Inc. price | Altimmune, Inc. Quote
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Roche
Roche (OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rhhby#OTC">RHHBY</a>) forayed into the obesity market when it acquired privately owned Carmot Therapeutics for $2.7 billion in January. This acquisition added a differentiated portfolio of incretins to the company&#39;s pipeline, which includes lead assets CT-388, CT-996 and CT-868.
Earlier this week, the Swiss pharma giant reported positive results from an early-stage study evaluating CT-388. Over 24 weeks, patients who received this once-weekly, subcutaneously-injected drug achieved a mean placebo-adjusted weight loss of 18.8%. Per management, these results were &lsquo;clinically meaningful and statistically significant&#39; compared with a placebo. Roche also provided an insight into this data. While all patients who received CT-388 achieved a weight loss of more than 5%, around 45% of patients lost more than 20% of their body weight. Treatment with the drug was also shown to be beneficial to type II diabetes (T2D) patients.
Roche is also evaluating CT-996 and CT-868 across separate early-stage studies. While CT-996 is an oral formulation to treat obesity patients with and without T2D, CT-868 is intended to treat obese patients with type I diabetes (T1D).
Per Roche, the incretin-based portfolio could also be expanded to other indications where incretins play a role, including cardiovascular, retinal and neurodegenerative diseases.
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<h3>Roche Holding AG Price</h3>
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/chart/RHHBY/fundamental/price?icid=chart-RHHBY-fundamental/price"><img alt="Roche Holding AG Price" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/charts/72/1715953465.png" style="height:251px; width:538px" title="" /> </a>
Roche Holding AG price | Roche Holding AG Quote
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<h3>Amgen</h3>
While Wegovy and Zepbound require weekly administrations, Amgen (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/amgn#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>) tried to stand out with a different approach. The company&#39;s lead obesity candidate is MariTide (maridebart cafraglutide) which is being evaluated in a phase II study. Though the drug will be administered through an injection, the pharma giant is testing its drug to be taken once a month or even less frequently.
Alongside its Q1 earnings report, Amgen announced that it has completed an interim analysis of data from a mid-stage study MariTide. Though management did not discuss any numbers, it was &lsquo;very encouraged&#39; with the interim data. In fact, Amgen has also initiated activities to expand manufacturing capacity for the drug.
The top line 52-week data from the above mid-study is expected in late 2024. Amgen intends to conduct a comprehensive phase III program on the candidate across obesity, obesity-related conditions and diabetes.
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<h3>Amgen Inc. Price</h3>
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/chart/AMGN/fundamental/price?icid=chart-AMGN-fundamental/price"><img alt="Amgen Inc. Price" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/charts/e9/1715953472.png" style="height:251px; width:545px" title="" /> </a>
Amgen Inc. price | Amgen Inc. Quote
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<h3>Our Take</h3>
With the obesity market expected to grow at an encouraging pace, competition is likely to increase at the same pace, if not faster. After all, when a pie is being made, everybody wants a big chunk of it.
Even though Novo had an early head start of more than two years in the space, Lilly&#39;s entry into the space and Zepbound&#39;s performance show that the market welcomes new products that have shown promising efficacy results.
Though these two companies have massive infrastructures and resources, especially when compared to the likes of Altimmune and Viking Therapeutics, the proper use of resources could help these clinical-stage companies expand their foothold in the obesity market.
After all, Moderna was not the behemoth it is today. Until 2020-end, the company lacked a marketed product and look where it is now &mdash; taking on pharma big-wigs like Pfizer (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/pfe#NYSE">PFE</a>), all thanks to its cash-cow COVID-19 vaccine.
<h3>Zacks Rank</h3>
While Viking Therapeutics, Altimmune and Amgen each carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), Roche holds a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell).
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2275514/4-stocks-that-could-break-novo-nordisk-lilly-s-obesity-duopoly?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|industry_focus-2275514">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

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4 Stocks That Could Break Novo Nordisk, Lilly's Obesity Duopoly

Source: <a href="https://www.streetwisereports.com/article/2024/05/15/cash-from-tier-1-asset-flows-to-silver-producer.html?utm_medium=feed">Streetwise Reports 05/15/2024</a>
As MAG Silver Corp. (AMEX:MAG) emerges as a producer with its Tier 1 Juanicipio mine in Mexico and output is beating estimates, analysts are paying attention and predicting good things for shareholders.
The Juanicipio joint venture (JV), which the company owns 44% interest in, returned more than US$17.5 million in interest and loan principal repayments to MAG during the first quarter of 2024, the company said while announcing its highlights and financials for the quarter on Tuesday.
&quot;We view this as a significant development as this allowed the company to report an increase in its cash balance despite spending (US)$5.1 million on exploration at other projects and acquiring the Goldstake project for (US)$3.8 million&quot; wrote Roth MKM analyst Joe Reagor in an updated research note.
&quot;We believe cash distributions are likely to increase in the quarters ahead, allowing MAG to consider paying a dividend by year-end 2024&quot; continued Reagor, who reiterated his Buy rating on the stock and increased the price target from US$14 to US$14.50 per share.
For the quarter, the company reported net income of US$14.9 million, or US$0.14 per share, driven by (equity accounted) income from Juanicipio of US$19.24 million and adjusted EBITDA of US$32.45 million.
&quot;On a 100% basis, the Juanicipio JV reported (US)$123.7 million in revenue, beating our (US)$115.8 million estimate&quot; Reagor wrote. &quot;The JV revenue beat was driven by higher payability on metal sales. As a result, we increased our long-term payability assumptions.&quot;
<h2>The Catalyst: Steady Cash Flow</h2>
The company reported strong operating cost performance at Juanicipio, with cash costs and all-in sustaining costs (AISC) of US$8.66 per ounce silver (Ag) and US$11.22 per ounce Ag Eq (silver equivalent), beating BMO Capital Markets analyst Kevin O&#39;Halloran&#39;s expectations of US$11.25 per ounce Ag and US$13.07 per ounce Ag Eq.
<blockquote class="callOut left">&quot;We believe cash distributions are likely to increase in the quarters ahead, allowing MAG to consider paying a dividend by year-end 2024&quot; continued Reagor.</blockquote>
&quot;We are encouraged by the accelerating pace of cash distributions from the Juanicipio JV, and we expect the market will react positively to a growing track record of capital returns&quot; wrote O&#39;Halloran, who rated the stock Outperform with a CA$24 per share target price.
MAG said it had cash totaling US$74.7 million as of March 31, 2024, compared to USA$68.7 million on December 31, 2023.
Analyst Stephen Soock of Stifel in April predicted US$16 million would be returned in principal and loan interest from the JV, and that the company would have US$77 in cash at the end of the first quarter, nearly spot on to the amounts reported by MAG.
&quot;We expect the cash flow to be steady now that the operation is at steady state and look forward to MAG returning capital to shareholders starting in Q3 this year&quot; Soock wrote. He rated the stock a Buy with a CA$20.50 per share target.
&quot;The company wants to establish (US)$100 (million) in cash on their balance sheet (achieved late in Q2) to fund three years of exploration and corporate overhead before distributing profits to shareholders&quot; Soock wrote.
<h2>A Productive First Quarter</h2>
The mine had a productive first quarter, processing more than 325,000 metric tons of ore, with a notable daily milling rate of 4,387 tons despite undergoing a routine maintenance shutdown. The silver head grade was 476 grams per tonne (g/t), with an equivalent silver head grade if 713 g/t.
Juanicipio achieved silver production and equivalent silver production of 4.5 million ounces (Moz) and 6.4 Moz, respectively, during the quarter, highlighting the mine&#39;s potential for sustained high-grade output.
The mine also delivered robust cost performance with a cash cost of US$2.50 per silver ounce sold and an AISC of $6.11 per silver ounce sold, MAG noted.
Juanicipio is in the Bonanza zone of the Valdeca&ntilde;as vein system in the Zacatecas state of Mexico. A preliminary economic assessment (PEA) in 2017 estimated a 19-year mine life.
The updated National Instrument 43-101 compliant report for the mine, released last month, found mineral resources grew 33% from the original PEA to 17 million tonnes (Mt) at grades of 310 g/t Ag, 1.86 g/t gold (Au), 2.89% lead (Pb), and 5.32% zinc (Zn), the company said. Inferred mineral resources increased by 16% to 14.1 Mt at grades of 236 g/t Ag, 1.06 g/t Au, 2.41% Pb, and 6.12% Zn.
<h2>A &#39;Real Cash Cow&#39; for Company</h2>
Almost as soon as MAG released the technical report, silver prices began breaking out. As of Tuesday, spot silver per ounce was up 19.28% since the beginning of the year, USA Today reported.
Ron Struthers of Struthers Resource Stock Report typically follows gold, but predicted the move in the market and recommended MAG shares to take advantage of the sector increases, saying Juanicipio &quot;will be a real cash cow&quot; for the company.
&quot;A mine does not get much better than this one, and I don&#39;t think the stock is reflecting this fact&quot; Struthers wrote on April 3 as the precious metal&#39;s price was rising.
According to FX Empire, there could be more volatility in the silver market as investors anticipate the release of April Consumer Price Index data on Wednesday.
&quot;If the CPI shows that inflation is cooling more than expected, or if employment figures show further weakening in the job market, silver could see an increase in value as the likelihood of an earlier interest rate cut becomes more feasible&quot; the website noted. 
<h2>Ownership and Share Structure</h2>
Institutions own 70% of MAG, and 30% is retail, according to the company.
Top institutional shareholders include Juanicipio operator Fresnillo Plc. with 9%, BlackRock Investment Management (UK) Ltd. with 10.8%, Van Eck Associates Corp. with 9%, First Eagle Investment Management LLC with 6.2%, and Sprott Asset Management LP with 3%, the company said.
MAG Silver has a market cap of US$1.33 billion. It has 102.97 million shares outstanding, according to Reuters. It trades in a 52-week range of US$13.39 and US$8.20.
Important Disclosures:
<ol>
<li>MAG Silver Corp. is a billboard sponsor of Streetwise Reports and pays SWR a monthly sponsorship fee between US$4,000 and US$5,000.</li>
<li>Steve Sobek wrote this article for Streetwise Reports LLC and provides services to Streetwise Reports as an employee.</li>
<li>This article does not constitute investment advice and is not a solicitation for any investment. Streetwise Reports does not render general or specific investment advice and the information on Streetwise Reports should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security. Each reader is encouraged to consult with his or her personal financial adviser and perform their own comprehensive investment research. By opening this page, each reader accepts and agrees to Streetwise Reports&#39; terms of use and full legal disclaimer. Streetwise Reports does not endorse or recommend the business, products, services or securities of any company.</li>
</ol>

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