Omagine Stock (OTC:OMAGQ), Trade Ideas

Omagine Inc is a holding company. The company is focused on entertainment, hospitality and real estate development opportunities in the Middle East and North Africa (the MENA Region) and on the design and development of distinctive tourism destinations. Omagine along with its subsidiary, design, develop, own and operate its initial project, a mixed-use tourism and real estate project named the Omagine Project. The Omagine Project is an integration of cultural, heritage, educational, entertainment and residential components, including a high culture theme park containing seven pearl shaped buildings.

Omagine Inc

WIIM

CSGP

CoStar Group shares are trading higher after the company reported better-than-expected Q1 financial results.

Flushing Financial (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFIC#NASDAQ">FFIC</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.14 per share which met the analyst consensus estimate. This is a 133.33 percent increase over earnings of $0.06 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $45.481 million which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $48.286 million by 5.81 percent. This is a 12.82 percent decrease over sales of $52.170 million the same period last year.

Earnings

Earnings Misses

News

FFIC

Flushing Financial Q1 2024 GAAP EPS $0.14, Inline, Sales $45.481M Miss $48.286M Estimate

Guidance

TSLA

Tesla CEO Musk Says May Be Able To Sell Optimus By End Of Next Year

Tesla CEO Musk Says Tesla Will Have 85,000 Nvidia H100 GPUS Training AI By End Of Year

<a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1620704/000147793224002292/medx_rw.htm" title="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1620704/000147793224002292/medx_rw.htm">https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1620704/000147793224002292/medx_rw.htm</a>

IPOs

Med-X Withdraws IPO Plan; Elects Not To Pursue Sale Of Securities At This Time - Filing

A substantial slowdown in the shipping business has caused United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UPS#NYSE">UPS</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/04/38376943/ups-delivers-mixed-bag-of-q1-results-maintains-guidance-despite-lower-volumes">to deliver lackluster first-quarter results on Tuesday</a>.
When compared to the same period last year, revenue declined 5.3% and operating profit was down 31.5% when adjusting for inflation.&nbsp;
The large drop in operating profit stems from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/23/08/33995076/ups-and-teamsters-seal-the-deal-ensures-170-000-per-year-for-drivers-the-next-5-years">recent salary negotiations between UPS and the Teamsters</a>, the labor union that represents the company's employees.&nbsp;
The historic wage negotiation closed last August and hit the UPS balance sheet by guaranteeing a $170,000 salary for delivery truck drivers over the next five years. Negotiations affect 340,000 UPS teamsters with higher wages and overall better working conditions, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/08/34101423/drop-off-your-old-gig-pick-up-this-pay-package-ups-drivers-make-170k-under-new-deal">making the $170k salary the new average for UPS employees</a>.
Nonetheless, shares of the company were up by 2.4% as Tuesday progressed, as quarterly profit beat analyst expectations, although they were on the decline for five consecutive quarters.
The company is boasting several positive news from recent times, including <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38086914/postal-services-air-cargo-shift-to-ups-makes-everyone-a-winner">a new contract with the United States Postal Service (USPS) to provide air cargo services</a>.
The USPS dropped FedEx Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDX#NYSE">FDX</a>) earlier this month as its main domestic air carrier, deciding not to renew a contract worth $1.5 billion, and choosing UPS instead. The new contract will go on at least for five-and-a-half years and have UPS as the primary contractor for the USPS' first-class mail, priority mail and priority express mail.
Read also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/38029989">UPS Vs. FedEx: Which Stock Boasts A Higher Upside? Here&#8217;s What Analysts Say</a>
The shift was considered a win-win for both competitors, as FedEx is looking to reduce its operations and take out $4 billion in structural costs by the end of fiscal year 2025.
On its previous quarterly call, UPS CEO Carol Tomé called 2023 "a difficult and disappointing year." The company experienced declines in volume, revenue, and operating profit in all three of its business segments, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/01/36866048/these-analysts-cut-their-forecasts-on-ups-following-q4-results">causing analysts to cut their forecasts</a>.
Tomé blamed the macro environment, as well as the new employee deal as reasons behind recent drops in revenue.
This time, the executive showcased a more hopeful attitude. While average daily volume continued to decline, the rate of decline was slower in the first quarter both domestically and internationally.
To compensate for the decline in volume, the company announced earlier this year <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/earnings-misses/24/01/36849715/ups-slashes-12-000-jobs-in-cost-cutting-move-shares-plunge">plans to shed 12,000 positions, representing about 14% of its managerial workforce</a>, potentially saving the company $1 billion in 2024.
Tomé is expecting the USPS deal to bring in at least part of the revenue the company needs to compensate for losses in volume. The CEO said the deal will contribute to top-line growth, fitting "beautifully with our strategy to grow our B2B business."
Now Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/38223600">Retail Resilience: Wayfair, Lowe&#8217;s, Best Buy — JPMorgan&#8217;s Top Stock Picks</a>
Photo: Shutterstock

Markets

General

UPS Earnings Show The Weight Of $170,000 Salaries While It Learns To Navigate Shipping Slump

Tesla Says It Expect New Model Production To Start Early 2025 If Not Late This Year

The company expects total capital expenditures to range from&nbsp;$130&nbsp;-&nbsp;$150 million&nbsp;in 2024,&nbsp;$130&nbsp;-&nbsp;$150 million&nbsp;in 2025, and&nbsp;$100&nbsp;-&nbsp;$120 million&nbsp;in 2026.

WIRE

Encore Wire Says Remain Focused On Long-Term Opportunities For Its Business As It Continues To Address Near-Term Challenges

David Pecker, former head of the National Enquirer, testified Tuesday about his role in purchasing and suppressing stories to benefit Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign, revealing details of his frequent communications with Trump and an unwritten agreement to publish favorable coverage of him while <a href="http://benzinga.com/general/politics/24/04/38366379/trump-committed-conspiracy-to-undermine-the-integrity-of-a-presidential-election-prosecution-all">targeting his political opponents.</a>
What Happened: During testimony Tuesday, Pecker shared details of the process of the National Enquirer buying stories <a href="http://benzinga.com/topic/donald-trump">related to Trump.</a>
Pecker said he previously bought stories from Trump based on "The Apprentice" in what he called a mutually beneficial relationship, NBC News <a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/live-blog/trump-hush-money-live-updates-day-6-rcna148919">reported</a>.
The media mogul said interest in Trump "skyrocketed" after the success of "The Apprentice" and "Celebrity Apprentice."
Pecker said he previously spoke monthly or quarterly with Trump, and in some cases it was more frequent, depending on how much the former president was in the news. When Trump announced he was running for president in 2015, the two met more frequently.
Testimony about a 2015 meeting at Trump Tower between Trump, his former lawyer Michael Cohen and Pecker was a key part of the court proceedings on Tuesday. 
"Thinking about it as I did previously, I said what I would do is I would run or publish positive stories about Mr. Trump, and I would publish negative stories about his opponents," Pecker said. &nbsp;
The agreement was never put into writing, but was rather an agreement between friends, Pecker said Tuesday. Pecker added that running stories that were negative on the Clinton family often did well and pleased Cohen and Trump.
Pecker also said Cohen directed him to target certain 2016 presidential candidates with stories. This included running a story about 2016 Republican presidential candidate Ted Cruz.
The media mogul said that it was common for women to sell stories to the National Enquirer or to other outlets. Stories about Trump or the 2016 election had to be brought to Pecker at the time, according to company rules he put in place.
Stories then were sent from Pecker to Cohen to be vetted.
One story that was brought up in court Tuesday was one from Dino Sajudin, a doorman at Trump Tower. The doorman tried to sell a story about an illegitimate child from Trump and a maid who worked in the building.
Pecker recalled calling Cohen on the story who said it was not true. Pecker bought the story for $30,000 to make sure another publisher didn't get their hands on it.
"I made the decision to buy the story because of the potential embarrassment to the campaign and Mr. Trump."
Pecker said he didn't publish the story until after the 2016 presidential election based on a request from Cohen.
Pecker also said that a poll run by the National Enquirer saying 80% of readers wanted Trump to run for president was later cited by the former president as part of his reasoning for running.
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/04/38326553/trump-hush-money-trial-has-12-jurors-here-are-the-7-men-5-women-to-decide-former-presidents-fate">Trump Hush Money Trial Has 12 Jurors: Here Are The 7 Men, 5 Women To Decide Former President&#8217;s Fate</a>
What's Next: Another key part of the testimony by Pecker was of a story of former Playboy model Karen McDougal alleging an affair with Trump.
Pecker also told the court that he spoke more often with Cohen after the McDougal story began circulating. Cohen instructed Pecker not to talk on a landline and to use messaging app Signal, where messages are automatically destroyed, Pecker recalled.
This happened at the end of Tuesday's session and will likely carry over into Thursday when the trial resumes.
On Tuesday morning ahead of testimony, Judge Juan Merchan heard from the prosecution and defense about a potential violation of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/03/37945216/trump-hit-with-gag-order-in-hush-money-case-his-statements-were-threatening-inflammatory-denigra">a gag order imposed</a> on Trump before the trial.
Merchan said he would "reserve a decision" on if Trump violated the gag order with posts on social media.
Speaking to media after the trial Tuesday, Trump said that Merchan has taken away his "constitutional right to free speech" with the gag order.
"This is a kangaroo court," Trump said on social media Tuesday. &nbsp;
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/04/38279176/trump-hush-money-trial-draws-reaction-from-congressman-talk-show-hosts-worse-than-anything-richa">Trump Hush Money Trial Draws Reaction From Congressman, Talk Show Hosts: &#8216;Worse Than Anything Richard Nixon Ever Did&#8217;</a>
Photo: Shutterstock

Politics

Legal

David Pecker Testifies To National Enquirer Buying Stories That Could Damage Donald Trump: 'Potential Embarrassment To The Campaign'

First Busey (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BUSE#NASDAQ">BUSE</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.47 per share which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $0.49 by 4.08 percent. This is a 27.69 percent decrease over earnings of $0.65 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $110.767 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $109.091 million by 1.54 percent. This is a 5.89 percent decrease over sales of $117.705 million the same period last year.

Earnings Beats

BUSE

First Busey Q1 2024 Adj EPS $0.47 Misses $0.49 Estimate, Sales $110.767M Beat $109.091M Estimate

SMFL

Smart for Life Completes Restructuring Program

Encore Wire (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WIRE#NASDAQ">WIRE</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $3.92 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $3.65 by 7.4 percent. This is a 39.69 percent decrease over earnings of $6.50 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $632.661 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $589.846 million by 7.26 percent. This is a 4.21 percent decrease over sales of $660.492 million the same period last year.

Encore Wire Q1 2024 GAAP EPS $3.92 Beats $3.65 Estimate, Sales $632.661M Beat $589.846M Estimate

This year&#39;s&nbsp;4/20 cannabis celebrations demonstrated not only a growth in consumer demand but also the crucial role of technology in understanding this surge. The overall week of 4/20 saw 3x the sales and units sold compared to any typical week.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/treez">Treez</a>, a point-of-sale provider, reported a 120% increase in<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/04/38344499/420-cannabis-retail-frenzy-leading-brands-ready-for-record-sales-surge-who-will-lea"> sales on 4/20</a> compared to the previous year, with a striking 200% increase the day before. This indicates consumers were preparing early for the festivities.
<h3>Transaction Data</h3>
<a href="https://feeds2.benzinga.com/topic/jane-technologies">Jane Technologies</a>, a leading digital provider for cannabis dispensaries, smoothly handled over half a million transactions, totaling $23,878,546.72 in sales.
Despite a minor 8% decrease from 2023&#39;s sales on the same day, the combined total for 4/19 and 4/20 reached a record $45,708,937.34, up 14.32% from the previous highest two-day total.
<h3>Sales Highlights</h3>
Illinois led state sales with $4,494,973.86, though slightly down from the previous year.
Sales figures from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/04/38151565/californias-underground-marijuana-market-flourishes-which-companies-remain-resilient-amid-illici">California</a> and Colorado also highlighted significant market activity, with California recording $2,271,390.97 in sales and Colorado bringing in $671,307.73.
<h3>Pricing Online</h3>
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/weedmaps">Weedmaps</a>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/weedmaps">data</a>&nbsp;(NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/maps#NASDAQ">MAPS</a>),<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/weedmaps">&nbsp;</a>pricing trends on 4/20 in 2024 showed notable changes: the average price of vape pens decreased by 16% since 2021, and edibles saw a 21% reduction.
Conversely, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/04/38282615/cannabis-brands-leading-market-expansion-in-east-midwest-a-look-at-prices-and-trend">average price of flowers</a> on Weedmaps experienced a 5% year-over-year increase from 2023, although it remained 10% below 2021 levels.
Additionally, with 4/20 falling on a Saturday, order volumes surged earlier than typical, peaking around 11 a.m. PT.
This early peak was preceded by an 18% increase in orders on Friday, 4/19, compared to the average of the previous two Fridays in April, indicating an extended period of heightened activity.
<h3>Shifts In Consumer Preferences</h3>
The preference for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/03/37949190/after-the-pre-roll-boom-whats-next-in-cannabis-products-the-secret-is-under-the-microscope">convenience </a>was apparent as, for the first time, pre-rolls tied with flowers, each accounting for 25% of total sales. This shift suggests consumers favor <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/23/11/35819064/ready-to-bake-optimize-cannabis-retail-sales-for-thanksgiving-with-bdsas-basket-ana">ready-to-use options</a> during significant cannabis holidays.
According to Jane Technologies, the top-selling product categories on 4/20 were led by flowers with sales reaching $9,388,597.82, followed by vapes at $6,216,507.58,<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/23/07/33369455/sweet-treats-take-over-gummie-consumption-outpaces-flower-in-latest-consumer-data-h"> edibles</a> totaling $3,234,281, pre-rolls at $2,098,248.69, and extracts with $1,419,352.37. The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/04/38386324/whos-winning-in-weed-analyst-looks-at-cannabis-markets-big-players-where-are-the-be">most popular brands</a> driving these sales included RYTHM, &amp;Shine, STIIIZY, Savvy, and Float.
Moreover, data from Weedmaps, which verifies retail cannabis products, showed that 72% of items ordered were brand-verified, pointing to a strong consumer preference for recognized and trusted brands.
<h3>Impact Of Discounts And Promotions</h3>
Promotional strategies were critical in driving sales, with Jane Technologies offering an average discount of 37% on 4/20.
Weedmaps recorded a 130% increase in deal redemptions during the week of 4/20 compared to the same period in 2023, emphasizing the effectiveness of discounts in boosting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/04/38343689/whats-the-net-worth-of-these-420-underdogs-mid-tier-cannabis-retailers-cultivators-">transaction volumes</a>.
<h3>Data-Driven Market Compasses</h3>
The extensive data provided by companies like Jane Technologies, Weedmaps&nbsp;and Treez underscores the expanding reach and acceptance of cannabis while highlighting the crucial contributions of data-driven platforms in the industry.
With ongoing technological advancements and strategic insights, the future of the cannabis industry appears to be increasingly driven by data, focusing on optimizing consumer experiences and market efficiencies.
Photo: AI-Generated Image.&nbsp;

Analyst Color

Cannabis

Penny Stocks

Entrepreneurship

Retail Sales

Management

Market-Moving Exclusives

Analyst Ratings

MAPS

After The 4/20 Smoke Clears: What Do The Billions Spent On Cannabis Say About Sales In Key States?

Trustmark (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRMK#NASDAQ">TRMK</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.68 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $0.60 by 13.33 percent. This is a 17.07 percent decrease over earnings of $0.82 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $191.544 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $189.232 million by 1.22 percent. This is a 0.47 percent decrease over sales of $192.449 million the same period last year.

TRMK

Trustmark Q1 2024 GAAP EPS $0.68 Beats $0.60 Estimate, Sales $191.544M Beat $189.232M Estimate

Marathon Digital Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MARA#NASDAQ">MARA</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 35.25% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 46.71%. Currently, Marathon Digital Holdings has a market capitalization of $5.21 billion. 
Buying $1000 In MARA: If an investor had bought $1000 of MARA stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $7,094.89 today based on a price of $19.45 for MARA at the time of writing.
<h3>Marathon Digital Holdings's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1713907869_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.

Trading Ideas

MARA

$1000 Invested In This Stock 5 Years Ago Would Be Worth $7,100 Today

Amazon.com (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 20 years by 16.8% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 24.68%. Currently, Amazon.com has a market capitalization of $1.87 trillion. 
Buying $1000 In AMZN: If an investor had bought $1000 of AMZN stock 20 years ago, it would be worth $77,739.77 today based on a price of $179.71 for AMZN at the time of writing.
<h3>Amazon.com's Performance Over Last 20 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1713907863_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.

AMZN

If You Invested $1000 In This Stock 20 Years Ago, You Would Have $78,000 Today

CN&nbsp;expects to invest approximately C$3.5 billion in its capital program, net of amounts reimbursed by customers. The Company also expects return on invested capital (ROIC) to be within the targeted range of&nbsp;15%-17%.
CN reiterates its longer-term financial perspective and continues to target compounded annual diluted EPS growth in the range of&nbsp;10%-15%&nbsp;over the 2024-2026 period driven by growing volumes more than the economy, pricing above rail inflation and incrementally improving efficiency, all of which assumes a supportive economy.

Canadian National Railway Reaffirms Its 2024 Outlook And Expects To Deliver Adjusted EPS Growth Of Approximately 10%; Reiterates Its Longer-Term Financial Perspective

Premier Financial (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFC#NASDAQ">PFC</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.50 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $0.47 by 6.38 percent. The company reported quarterly sales of $49.574 million which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $57.164 million by 13.28 percent. This is a 11.93 percent decrease over sales of $56.287 million the same period last year.

Premier Financial Q1 2024 GAAP EPS $0.50 Beats $0.47 Estimate, Sales $49.574M Miss $57.164M Estimate

Retail Opportunity (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ROIC#NASDAQ">ROIC</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.28 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $0.27 by 3.7 percent. This is a 12 percent increase over earnings of $0.25 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $85.330 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $83.816 million by 1.81 percent. This is a 7.61 percent increase over sales of $79.296 million the same period last year.