Short interest for Pilbara Minerals gives investors a sense of the degree to which investors are betting on the decline of Pilbara Minerals's stock. Short interest data is updated every two weeks.

Pilbara Minerals Stock (OTC:PILBF), Short Interest Report

Pilbara Minerals Ltd is an industrial metals and materials company. The business is engaged in the exploration, development, and mining of resources. Pilbara Minerals has one business segment, Mining, that is engaged in mineral exploration, evaluation, and development of various mineral resources. The company generates the vast majority of its revenue in Australia. The company's primary property is the Pilgangoora Lithium-Tantalum Project in the Pilbara region of Western Australia.

lithium field ai

Commodities

Opinion

Markets

GNENF

MALRY

PILBF

SGML

Global demand for lithium is surging due to the rise of electric vehicles, with production estimated to reach 1.17 million tons by 2024. However, concerns about environmental impact highlight the need for sustainable mining practices in regions like South America&#39;s Lithium Triangle.

&#39;White Gold&#39; Rush Grapples With Long-Term Sustainability: Implications Of Lithium Mining

lithium mining ai

Lithium market shows signs of turnaround as Pilbara Minerals accepts pre-auction offer, Albemarle plans bidding model, and court halts mining permits in Argentina due to environmental concerns.

Lithium Market Signals Potential Turnaround With Pilbara Minerals&#39; Direct Sales Move (CORRECTED)

Equities

Large Cap

News

Penny Stocks

Contracts

SSLZY

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (NYSE: WDS) penned a Sales and Purchase Agreement (SPA) with Pilgangoora Operations Pty Ltd, for supplying Domestic LNG from the Pluto Truck Loading Facility.

Australia&#39;s Woodside Pockets 5-Year LNG Supply Deal With Pilbara Minerals

PILBARA MINERALS LTD ORD by PILBARA MINERALS LTD

Pilbara Minerals Ltd

<p>Canaccord Genuity  analyst Jason Mills   maintains TransMedics Gr (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMDX#NASDAQ">TMDX</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $102 to $117.</p>


Price Target

Analyst Ratings

TMDX

Canaccord Genuity Maintains Buy on TransMedics Gr, Raises Price Target to $117

<p><a href="https://www.federalreserve.gov/live-broadcast.htm" title="https://www.federalreserve.gov/live-broadcast.htm">https://www.federalreserve.gov/live-broadcast.htm</a></p>


Macro Economic Events

Economics

Federal Reserve

Fed's Powell Says I Don't Great Confidence Either Way On Whether There Will Be Rate Cuts This Year; I Dont Know If Inflation Will Fall Enough, Or Won't Fall Enough, To Merit Rate Cuts

<p>Canaccord Genuity  analyst William Plovanic   maintains Inari Medical (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NARI#NASDAQ">NARI</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $75 to $55.</p>


NARI

Canaccord Genuity Maintains Buy on Inari Medical, Lowers Price Target to $55

Fed's Powell Says As Inflation Has Come Down To Below 3%, The Fed's Employment Goal Comes Back Into Focus

iShares MSCI Israel Capped Investable Market Index Fund

Israel's Military Chief Of Staff Says Offensive Operation In Gaza Will Continue With Strength; We Are Preparing For An Offensive In The North

Fed's Powell Says Economy Has Been Very Hard For Forecasters To Predict; There Are Paths To Not Cutting, And Paths To Cutting, It Will Depend On The Data

<p>Canaccord Genuity  analyst Jon Young   maintains Merit Medical Systems (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MMSI#NASDAQ">MMSI</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $112 to $102.</p>


MMSI

Canaccord Genuity Maintains Buy on Merit Medical Systems, Lowers Price Target to $102

<div><strong>Air France-KLM Group</strong> (OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/aflyy#OTC">AFLYY</a>) said Tuesday that the bungled rollout of a new cargo IT system in March contributed to lower revenues during the first quarter, which in turn acted as a drag on earnings for the corporation.</div>

<p>The joint venture reported cargo revenues fell 16.5% year over year to 562 million euros ($602.3 million) even as traffic in revenue ton kilometers — a measure of revenue generation based on how much cargo is carried times distance — increased 4%. More broadly, the company's operating loss widened to $524 million compared to $333 million a year ago, partly due to operational disruptions and slower cargo business.</p>

<p>The Air France-KLM Group operates six cargo jets: KLM's three Boeing 747-400 production freighters, Martinair's one 747-400 converted freighter and Air France's two 777-200s. The Air France and KLM cargo divisions also manage shipments carried by their large passenger fleets.</p>

<p>Lower cargo revenues were attributed to a 26% decrease in yield and problems implementing new software at Air France's main warehouse at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.</p>

<div>
<p><span>Air France began migrating customers to a new cargo management system in early March but quickly experienced problems, according to a notice on the Air France-KLM-Martinair Cargo website last month. The airline was forced to stop accepting new bookings to, from and via the Paris hub for nearly two weeks. Dangerous goods and transshipments moving on passenger aircraft were embargoed from Paris for several more days because their specialized characteristics required extra programming.</span></p>
</div>

<p>Customer shipments were stranded at the cargo terminal because Air France couldn't identify many of them while the system wasn't working smoothly.</p>

<p>The situation resembled one faced by Qantas Freight in Australia last year after problems switching over to a new cargo platform caused shipment backlogs for several weeks at airport terminals.</p>

<p>Global air cargo demand increased 11% during the first quarter, exceeding capacity growth, behind strong e-commerce activity out of Asia and a mode shift related to Red Sea shipping disruptions. Air France-KLM said it wasn't able to take full advantage of the positive market conditions because of low capacity in China and payload restrictions on Asian flights due to the Russian airspace closure, which forces aircraft to carry more fuel.</p>

<div>
<p><span>The cargo division's first-quarter revenue still represents an improvement from last year, when sales fell 29%. During the fourth quarter, cargo revenue fell 23% from the same period in 2022. And it's on par, on a percentage basis, with American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, which saw revenues decline 15% and 16% year over year, respectively. The U.S. airlines, however, don't operate cargo jets.</span></p>
</div>

<p>Air France-KLM said load factors were essentially flat at 47%.</p>

<p>In January, Air France-KLM and CMA CGM Air Cargo, based in Paris, pulled the plug on their one-year alliance to share cargo capacity. They said the tight regulatory environment in the U.S. and other markets prevented the cooperation from working optimally.</p>

<div>
<p><script type="text/javascript">
  window.googletag = window.googletag || {cmd: []};
  googletag.cmd.push(function() {
    googletag.defineSlot('/21776187881/fw-responsive-main_content-slot3', [[728, 90], [468, 60], [320, 50], [300, 100]], 'div-gpt-ad-1665767553440-0').defineSizeMapping(gptSizeMaps.banner1).addService(googletag.pubads());
    googletag.pubads().enableSingleRequest();
    googletag.pubads().collapseEmptyDivs();
    googletag.enableServices();
  });
</script></p>

<p></p>

<div id="div-gpt-ad-1665767553440-0"><script type="text/javascript">
    googletag.cmd.push(function() { googletag.display('div-gpt-ad-1665767553440-0'); });
  </script></div>
</div>

<p>The post <a href="https://www.freightwaves.com/news/cargo-it-meltdown-hits-air-france-klm-earnings">Cargo IT meltdown hits Air France-KLM earnings</a> appeared first on <a href="https://www.freightwaves.com">FreightWaves</a>.</p>

Earnings

Trading Ideas

AFLYY

Cargo IT Meltdown Hits Air France-KLM Earnings

<p>Runes have been taking over the <strong>Bitcoin</strong> (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) network. This new token standard that launched with the latest Bitcoin halving has been mentioned before in this newsletter, in the context of pushing the average transaction fee on Bitcoin upwards even before their debut as hype stirred and helping miners combat a lower block subsidy reward as transaction fee revenue reached new highs. And both of those trends largely still hold. The 7-day moving average of the&nbsp;average transaction fee on Bitcoin reached over $40 last week, 10 times as high as the $4.10 average on <strong>Ethereum</strong> (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>).</p>
<p>Read the <a href="https://www.theblock.co/post/291510/read-the-runes-bitcoins-market-cap-to-transaction-fee-ratio-briefly-falls-below-ethereums?utm_source=benzinga&amp;utm_medium=rss&amp;utm_campaign=Read+the+Runes%3A+Bitcoin%E2%80%99s+market+cap+to+transaction+fee+ratio+briefly+falls+below+Ethereum%27s">full story</a> at The Block.</p>


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

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

$ETH

Read the Runes: Bitcoin's Market Cap to Transaction Fee Ratio Briefly Falls Below Ethereum's

AMEGF

FTZFF

GGLDF

TCKRF

VMSSF

WSTRF

Finding Value in Copper and Gold Amid Market Chaos

<p class="articleSource"><strong>Source: <a href="https://www.streetwisereports.com/article/2024/04/29/analyst-says-silver-stock-is-set-for-pivotal-year.html?utm_medium=feed">Stuart McDougall 04/29/2024</a></strong></p>
<p>In light of recent news, Research Capital Corp. maintained its Speculative Buy rating on Dolly Varden Silver Corp.</p>
<p>Dolly Varden Silver Corp. (OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dollf#OTC">DOLLF</a>) announced on April 23, 2024, that it is preparing to commence its 2024 exploration season at the Kitsault Valley project in northwestern British Columbia. The company plans to conduct 25,000m of drilling, divided equally between the Dolly Varden and Homestake Ridge sections, with a focus on the Wolf and Homestake Silver zones.</p>
<p>Research Capital Corp. analyst Stuart McDougall, in a report published on April 29, 2024, increased the target price for Dolly Varden to CA$1.45/share from CA$1.35/share, reflecting expectations for a 25% increase in the project&#39;s existing resources. The analyst maintained a Speculative Buy rating on the company, recommending it for patient and risk-tolerant investors.</p>
<p>&quot;We are raising our target price to CA$1.45/share from CA$1.35/share to reflect our expectations for a 25% increase to existing project resources, net of a higher share count for CA$25M worth of equity financings completed since our last update and for our future equity assumptions, priced in the context of the current market&quot; McDougall stated.</p>
<p>The analyst&#39;s in situ valuation metrics remain unchanged at US$3/oz Ag and US$75/oz Au. McDougall highlighted that the latest drill holes at Kitsault Valley have added both bonanza-grade and bulk-tonnage potential to the existing resources.</p>
<p>In March 2023, Dolly Varden released an updated technical report following the acquisition of Homestake Ridge from <strong>Fury Gold Mines Ltd. </strong>(AMEX:FURY) (Not Rated) for CA$5M in cash and 76.5M shares. The report combined and confirmed the pre-existing resource models, excluding over 76,000m of drilling on the original Dolly Varden block (2019-2023) and nearly 34,000m of drilling on the northern Homestake Ridge block (2022-2023).</p>
<p>Recent drilling has extended the Wolf Vein by ~500m down plunge, with highlights including 4,326gpt Ag, 1gpt Au, and 5.57% Pb+Zn over 1.12m, and ~27m grading 296gpt Ag and 4.69% Pb+Zn in the deepest step-out hole. The Homestake Silver zone has also shown potential for higher grades and gold enrichment, with intercepts such as 0.68m grading 1,335gpt Au and 781gpt Ag, and 1.75m grading 40.33gpt Au and 418gpt Ag.</p>
<p>&quot;We think the vein also serves as another example of the project&#39;s potential for inclusion of a bulk-tonnage mining scenario, with the shallowest and deepest holes from the 2022 and 2023 seasons returning 18m grading 342gpt Ag and 15m grading 301gpt Ag, respectively&quot; McDougall noted, referring to the Kitsol Vein, which lies immediately west of the Torbrit zones.</p>
<p>Dolly Varden&#39;s strategic plans for 2024 include the 25,000m drill program aimed at expanding the resource base at Kitsault Valley. The company&#39;s management team, led by CEO Shawn Khunkhun, has been focused on advancing the project and unlocking its full potential.</p>
<p>With a current market capitalization of CA$276.11 million and a share price of C$0.97, Research Capital Corp.&#39;s target price of CA$1.45 implies a projected return of 49.5% for investors. As Dolly Varden continues to explore and expand the Kitsault Valley project, the analyst believes company is well-positioned to create significant value for its shareholders in the coming year.</p>
<p>Important Disclosures:</p>
<ol>
<li>Dolly Varden 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>As of the date of this article, officers and/or employees of Streetwise Reports LLC (including members of their household) own securities of Dolly Varden Silver Corp.</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>
<p><strong>Disclosures for Research Capital Corp., Dolly Varden Silver Corp., April 29, 2024</strong></p>
<p>Analyst Certification I, Stuart McDougall, certify the views expressed in this report were formed by my review of relevant company data and industry investigation, and accurately reflect my opinion about the investment merits of the securities mentioned in the report. I also certify that my compensation is not related to specific recommendations or views expressed in this report. Research Capital Corporation publishes research and investment recommendations for the use of its clients.&nbsp;Each analyst of Research Capital Corporation whose name appears in this report hereby certifies that (i) the recommendations and opinions expressed in this research report accurately reflect the analyst&#39;s personal views and (ii) no part of the research analyst&#39;s compensation was or will be directly or indirectly related to the specific conclusions or recommendations expressed in this research report.</p>
<p>General Disclosures The opinions, estimates and projections contained in all Research Reports published by Research Capital Corporation (&quot;RCC&quot;) are those of RCC as of the date of publication and are subject to change without notice. RCC makes every effort to ensure that the contents have been compiled or derived from sources believed to be reliable and that contain information and opinions that are accurate and complete; RCC makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, in respect thereof, takes no responsibility for any errors and omissions which may be contained therein and accepts no liability whatsoever for any loss arising from any use of or reliance on its Research Reports or its contents. Information may be available to RCC that is not contained therein. Research Reports disseminated by RCC are not a solicitation to buy or sell. All securities not available in all jurisdictions.</p>
<p>Company Specific Disclosures Within the past 12 months, Research Capital has provided investment banking services to the issuer.</p>
<p>New reports are continually uploaded to the site as they become available throughout the day. Clients may also receive our research via Reuters, Bloomberg, FactSet, and Capital IQ. All of our research is made widely available at the same time to all Research Capital client groups entitled to our research. In addition, research reports are sent directly to our clients based on their delivery preference (mail, fax, e-mail).</p>
<p>Fair Dissemination of Research Reports and Ratings To the extent reasonably practicable, Research Reports will be disseminated contemporaneously to all of Research Capital Corporation (&quot;RCC&quot;) customers who are entitled to receive the firm&#39;s research. Until such time, Research Analysts will not discuss the contents of their reports with Sales and Trading or Investment Banking employees. RCC equity research is posted to our proprietary website to ensure eligible clients receive coverage initiations and changes in rating, targets and opinions in a timely manner. Additional disclosures may be done by the sales personnel via email, fax or regular mail. Please contact your investment advisor for more information regarding RCC research.</p>
<p>Percentage Distribution of Research Ratings As required by the Investment Industry Regulatory Organization of Canada, Research Capital provides a summary of the percentage of its recommendations that fall into each category of our ratings. Please click this link Our Research - Research Capital Corporation to see our distribution of ratings.</p>
<p>Potential Conflicts of Interest All Research Capital Corporation (&quot;RCC&quot;) Analysts are compensated based in part on the overall revenues of RCC, a portion of which are generated by investment banking activities. RCC may have had, or seek to have, an investment banking relationship with companies mentioned in this report. RCC and/or its officers, directors and employees may from time to time acquire, hold or sell securities mentioned in our Research Reports as principal or agent. RCC makes every effort possible to avoid conflicts of interest, however readers should assume that a conflict might exist, and therefore not rely solely on this report when evaluating whether or not to buy or sell the securities of subject companies.</p>
<p>RC USA INC. The information contained in this report has been drawn from sources believed to be reliable but its accuracy or completeness is not guaranteed, nor in providing it does Research Capital Corporation assume any responsibility or liability. Research Capital Corporation, its directors, officers and other employees may, from time to time, have positions in the securities mentioned herein. Contents of this report cannot be reproduced in whole or in part without the express permission of Research Capital Corporation. US Institutional Clients &ndash; Research Capital USA Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Research Capital Corporation, accepts responsibility for the contents of this report subject to the terms and limitations set out above. US firms or institutions receiving this report should effect transactions in securities discussed in the report through Research Capital USA Inc., a Broker &ndash; Dealer registered with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA)</p>


DOLLF

FURY

Analyst Says Silver Stock Is Set for Pivotal Year

<p><strong>Canadian Solar</strong> (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/csiq#NASDAQ">CSIQ</a>) ended the recent trading session at $16.21, demonstrating a -1.4% swing from the preceding day&#39;s closing price. The stock outperformed the S&amp;P 500, which registered a daily loss of 1.57%. Meanwhile, the Dow lost 1.49%, and the Nasdaq, a tech-heavy index, lost 2.04%.</p>
<p>The the stock of solar wafers manufacturer has fallen by 16.59% in the past month, lagging the Oils-Energy sector&#39;s gain of 2.99% and the S&amp;P 500&#39;s loss of 2.5%.</p>
<p>The upcoming earnings release of Canadian Solar will be of great interest to investors. The company&#39;s earnings report is expected on May 9, 2024. It is anticipated that the company will report an EPS of -$0.26, marking a 121.85% fall compared to the same quarter of the previous year. In the meantime, our current consensus estimate forecasts the revenue to be $1.28 billion, indicating a 25.03% decline compared to the corresponding quarter of the prior year.</p>
<p>For the entire fiscal year, the Zacks Consensus Estimates are projecting earnings of $2.58 per share and a revenue of $8.85 billion, representing changes of -33.33% and +16.3%, respectively, from the prior year.</p>
<p>Any recent changes to analyst estimates for Canadian Solar should also be noted by investors. These revisions typically reflect the latest short-term business trends, which can change frequently. As a result, we can interpret positive estimate revisions as a good sign for the company&#39;s business outlook.</p>
<p>Research indicates that these estimate revisions are directly correlated with near-term share price momentum. To exploit this, we&#39;ve formed the Zacks Rank, a quantitative model that includes these estimate changes and presents a viable rating system.</p>
<p>The Zacks Rank system, stretching from #1 (Strong Buy) to #5 (Strong Sell), has a noteworthy track record of outperforming, validated by third-party audits, with stocks rated #1 producing an average annual return of +25% since the year 1988. Over the past month, there&#39;s been a 0.49% rise in the Zacks Consensus EPS estimate. Right now, Canadian Solar possesses a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold).</p>
<p>In the context of valuation, Canadian Solar is at present trading with a Forward P/E ratio of 6.38. This denotes a discount relative to the industry&#39;s average Forward P/E of 12.5.</p>
<p>It&#39;s also important to note that CSIQ currently trades at a PEG ratio of 0.26. This metric is used similarly to the famous P/E ratio, but the PEG ratio also takes into account the stock&#39;s expected earnings growth rate. The Solar industry had an average PEG ratio of 0.31 as trading concluded yesterday.</p>
<p>The Solar industry is part of the Oils-Energy sector. This industry, currently bearing a Zacks Industry Rank of 164, finds itself in the bottom 35% echelons of all 250+ industries.</p>
<p>The Zacks Industry Rank assesses the strength of our separate industry groups by calculating the average Zacks Rank of the individual stocks contained within the groups. Our research shows that the top 50% rated industries outperform the bottom half by a factor of 2 to 1.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2265504/canadian-solar-csiq-stock-moves-1-4-what-you-should-know?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-tale_of_the_tape|yseop_template_6v3-2265504">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a></p>


Small Cap

CSIQ

Canadian Solar Stock Moves -1.4%: What You Should Know

<p><strong>Super Micro Computer</strong> (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/smci#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) came out with quarterly earnings of $6.65 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $5.78 per share. This compares to earnings of $1.63 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.</p>
<p>This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 15.05%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this server technology company would post earnings of $5.48 per share when it actually produced earnings of $5.59, delivering a surprise of 2.01%.</p>
<p>Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates four times.</p>
<p>Super Micro, which belongs to the Zacks Computer- Storage Devices industry, posted revenues of $3.85 billion for the quarter ended March 2024, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 2.89%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $1.28 billion. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates three times over the last four quarters.</p>
<p>The sustainability of the stock&#39;s immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management&#39;s commentary on the earnings call.</p>
<p>Super Micro shares have added about 213.2% since the beginning of the year versus the S&amp;P 500&#39;s gain of 7.3%.</p>
<p><strong>What&#39;s Next for Super Micro?</strong></p>
<p>While Super Micro has outperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors&#39; minds is: what&#39;s next for the stock?</p>
<p>There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company&#39;s earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.</p>
<p>Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.</p>
<p>Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for Super Micro: mixed. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company&#39;s just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to perform in line with the market in the near future.</p>
<p>It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $7.24 on $4.87 billion in revenues for the coming quarter and $22.17 on $14.73 billion in revenues for the current fiscal year.</p>
<p>Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Computer- Storage Devices is currently in the top 5% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. 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.</p>
<p>One other stock from the same industry, <strong>NetApp</strong> (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ntap#NASDAQ">NTAP</a>), is yet to report results for the quarter ended April 2024.</p>
<p>This data storage company is expected to post quarterly earnings of $1.80 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of +16.9%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.</p>
<p>NetApp&#39;s revenues are expected to be $1.66 billion, up 5.1% from the year-ago quarter.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2265512/super-micro-computer-smci-q3-earnings-beat-estimates?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-tale_of_the_tape|yseop_template_4-2265512">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a></p>


Earnings Beats

NTAP

SMCI

Super Micro Computer Q3 Earnings Beat Estimates

<p><strong>TPG RE Finance Trust</strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/trtx#NYSE">TRTX</a>) came out with quarterly earnings of $0.30 per share, beating the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $0.17 per share. This compares to earnings of $0.17 per share a year ago. These figures are adjusted for non-recurring items.</p>
<p>This quarterly report represents an earnings surprise of 76.47%. A quarter ago, it was expected that this commercial real estate finance company would post a loss of $0.21 per share when it actually produced a loss of $2.05, delivering a surprise of -876.19%.</p>
<p>Over the last four quarters, the company has surpassed consensus EPS estimates just once.</p>
<p>TPG RE Finance Trust, which belongs to the Zacks Real Estate - Operations industry, posted revenues of $38.93 million for the quarter ended March 2024, surpassing the Zacks Consensus Estimate by 31.22%. This compares to year-ago revenues of $21.74 million. The company has topped consensus revenue estimates three times over the last four quarters.</p>
<p>The sustainability of the stock&#39;s immediate price movement based on the recently-released numbers and future earnings expectations will mostly depend on management&#39;s commentary on the earnings call.</p>
<p>TPG RE Finance Trust shares have added about 17.2% since the beginning of the year versus the S&amp;P 500&#39;s gain of 7.3%.</p>
<p><strong>What&#39;s Next for TPG RE Finance Trust?</strong></p>
<p>While TPG RE Finance Trust has outperformed the market so far this year, the question that comes to investors&#39; minds is: what&#39;s next for the stock?</p>
<p>There are no easy answers to this key question, but one reliable measure that can help investors address this is the company&#39;s earnings outlook. Not only does this include current consensus earnings expectations for the coming quarter(s), but also how these expectations have changed lately.</p>
<p>Empirical research shows a strong correlation between near-term stock movements and trends in earnings estimate revisions. Investors can track such revisions by themselves or rely on a tried-and-tested rating tool like the Zacks Rank, which has an impressive track record of harnessing the power of earnings estimate revisions.</p>
<p>Ahead of this earnings release, the estimate revisions trend for TPG RE Finance Trust: unfavorable. While the magnitude and direction of estimate revisions could change following the company&#39;s just-released earnings report, the current status translates into a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell) for the stock. So, the shares are expected to underperform the market in the near future.</p>
<p>It will be interesting to see how estimates for the coming quarters and current fiscal year change in the days ahead. The current consensus EPS estimate is $0.21 on $30.48 million in revenues for the coming quarter and $0.73 on $122.99 million in revenues for the current fiscal year.</p>
<p>Investors should be mindful of the fact that the outlook for the industry can have a material impact on the performance of the stock as well. In terms of the Zacks Industry Rank, Real Estate - Operations is currently in the bottom 14% of the 250 plus Zacks industries. 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.</p>
<p>Another stock from the same industry, RMR Group (RMR), has yet to report results for the quarter ended March 2024. The results are expected to be released on May 7.</p>
<p>This real estate management services provider is expected to post quarterly earnings of $0.40 per share in its upcoming report, which represents a year-over-year change of -18.4%. The consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged over the last 30 days.</p>
<p>RMR Group&#39;s revenues are expected to be $238.2 million, up 14.3% from the year-ago quarter.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2265514/tpg-re-finance-trust-trtx-surpasses-q1-earnings-and-revenue-estimates?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-tale_of_the_tape|yseop_template_4-2265514">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a></p>


TRTX

TPG RE Finance Trust Surpasses Q1 Earnings and Revenue Estimates

<p>The Biden administration&#39;s plan to reclassify cannabis as a Schedule III substance through the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) could have profound implications for New York City&#39;s cannabis industry, the state, and the entire nation. This move, recognizing cannabis&#39;s medical benefits, signifies a major departure from its longstanding criminalization under the Controlled Substances Act and could significantly impact research and the industry as a whole.<br />
<h2 id="what-is-schedule-iii">What Is Schedule III?</h2>
</p>
<p>The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is proceeding with this recommendation, grouping cannabis with current Schedule III drugs like ketamine and Tylenol with codeine, indicating a lower risk profile. However, the White House Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has to approve the request. This process is expected to be lengthy, involving public comment, and could take months to finalize.</p>
<p>Currently designated as a Schedule I substance alongside heroin and ecstasy, cannabis has faced strict restrictions and has been deemed to have no accepted medical use. The proposed reclassification to Schedule III follows a comprehensive review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), prompted by President Biden&#39;s support for the change.</p>
<p>In New York, where medical and adult-use cannabis are legal, this reclassification could open up new research opportunities and lead to potential illegal penalty reform. However, as with all of the 37 states plus the District of Columbia that have implemented some legalized cannabis program, New Yorkers will have to wait.<br />
<h2 id="potential-problems-what-does-the-move-to-schedule-iii-mean-for-the-cannabis-industry">Potential Problems: What Does The Move To Schedule III Mean For The Cannabis Industry?</h2>
</p>
<p>Restorative justice nonprofit <u>Last Prisoner Project</u> <u>shared</u> via Instagram that &quot;there are no changes in how the criminal legal system punishes cannabis users&quot; that will accompany the shift from Schedule I to Schedule III This is because under federal law, cannabis would remain illegal for recreational use, further perpetuating conflict with states that have legalized it.<br />
<h3 id="rescheduling-does-not-free-cannabis-prisoners-and-causes-federal-state-conflict">Rescheduling Does Not Free Cannabis Prisoners, And Causes Federal-State Conflict</h3>
</p>
<p>As Honeysuckle reported in August 2023 when the FDA first recommended that the DEA reschedule the plant, a move to Schedule III encompasses just as many potential problems as it does solutions. Rescheduling will not free anyone currently incarcerated on cannabis charges, nor would it guarantee any expungement of records in states where it is not already the policy to do so. And what becomes of the states that have legalized cannabis? Would their medical and adult-use markets be forced to close? Would their small businesses and local craft brands be shut out of the industry, assuming that these businesses might have trouble coping with the expensive price tags of pharmaceutical compliance?<br />
<h3 id="schedule-iii-could-cause-cannabis-accessibility-issues">Schedule III Could Cause Cannabis Accessibility Issues</h3>
</p>
<p>Schedule III makes cannabis accessible only via pharmaceutical prescription. The disparity between rich and poor in our nation&#39;s healthcare system may well be exacerbated by the imposition of rescheduling, because to have access to a pharmaceutical prescription, one needs a regular medical physician. That also assumes that one has a medical doctor willing to write such a prescription. Even in states with current medical programs, many healthcare professionals have been reluctant to engage with cannabis. Could the advent of new research under Schedule III make them more confident in the plant? It&#39;s possible, but not guaranteed.&nbsp;<br />
<h3 id="could-rescheduling-erase-cannabis-product-categories">Could Rescheduling Erase Cannabis Product Categories?</h3>
</p>
<p>There&#39;s also the consideration that creating that pharmaceutical barrier could wipe out entire product categories of innovation that don&#39;t meet DEA or FDA standards. That infused seltzer you liked at a party? The cooking oil or honey you used for an elevated dinner with friends? Those chocolates that helped you sleep? If they&#39;re from a small company or pioneering a new category, they are in high danger of being snapped out of existence.<br />
<h2 id="what-does-schedule-iii-mean-for-cannabis-businesses-and-tax-code-280e">What Does Schedule III Mean For Cannabis Businesses And Tax Code 280E?</h2>
</p>
<p>Supporters of the move to Schedule III are optimistic about the idea that cannabis businesses could finally stop worrying about Tax Code 280E, which prevents companies working with controlled substances from deducting standard business expenses. This could happen. But what&#39;s more likely is that large corporations and multi-state operators (MSOs) will be the <em>only</em> cannabis brands to benefit from such a thing. Meanwhile, the small businesses and family-owned brands, the heart of the cannabis community, are extremely unlikely to derive any perks from this. These are the businesses suffering the most under 280E, and it&#39;s more possible that they will be crushed in the fervor to adapt to rescheduling than they will benefit from it.<br />
<h2 id="a-symbolic-move-that-doesnt-align-with-the-public-norml-on-schedule-iii">A Symbolic Move That Doesn&#39;t Align With The Public: NORML On Schedule III</h2>
</p>
<p>Yet despite these points and the ongoing federal-state dispute, the move is viewed as symbolic. The reclassification, recommended by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), would acknowledge cannabis&#39;s medical uses for the first time in 50 years.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Paul Armentano, Deputy Director of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), remarked, &quot;It is significant for these federal agencies, and the DEA and FDA in particular, to acknowledge publicly for the first time what many patients and advocates have known for decades: that cannabis is a safe and effective therapeutic agent for tens of millions of Americans.&quot; Yet he reiterated warnings that have come from many at NORML, the country&#39;s oldest cannabis legalization advocacy organization, that rescheduling doesn&#39;t fully&nbsp; align with public opinion or states where cannabis has been legalized or decriminalized.</p>
<p>&quot;The goal of any federal cannabis policy reform ought to be to address the existing, untenable divide between federal <a href='https://www.benzinga.com/money/marijuana-stocks/'>marijuana</a> policy and the cannabis laws of the majority of U.S. states&quot; Armentano continued. &quot;Rescheduling the cannabis plant to Schedule III fails to adequately address this conflict, as existing state legalization laws &mdash; both adult use and medical &mdash; will continue to be in conflict with federal regulations, thereby perpetuating the existing divide between state and federal marijuana policies.&quot;</p>
<p>The shift to Schedule III will have broad effects on the industry, including potentially enabling New York&#39;s cannabis businesses to access banking services more freely&mdash;which has been a headache for sometime now. However, more comprehensive legislation is needed to fully address the conflict between federal and state cannabis laws. It will be important to monitor how this change unfolds and its specific implications for New York City&#39;s market, New York State, and the nation as a whole.<br />
<h2 id="what-are-cannabis-industry-leaders-and-stakeholders-saying-about-the-deas-shift-to-schedule-iii">What Are Cannabis Industry Leaders And Stakeholders Saying About The DEA&#39;s Shift To Schedule III?</h2>
</p>
<p>Cannabis industry leaders, stakeholders, and advocates reacted to the DEA&#39;s announcement with a &quot;full spectrum&quot; of emotions. Some were celebratory, although many fell somewhere in between optimism and disappointment that the agency did not embrace the vast evidence in support of descheduling. Still others derided the move. As advocate @statsobers posted on Instagram: &quot;Making it Schedule III doesn&#39;t help at all.&quot;<br />
<h3 id="joseph-a-bondy-founding-principal-the-law-offices-of-joseph-a-bondy-and-vice-chair-norml-board-of-directors">Joseph A. Bondy, Founding Principal, The Law Offices of Joseph A. Bondy, and Vice Chair, NORML Board of Directors</h3>
</p>
<p>&quot;Despite today&#39;s historic announcement by the DEA to move botanical cannabis to Schedule III, there remains much work to be done. Marijuana is not ketamine or anabolic steroids, and should not be scheduled alongside them. Moreover, there are no state-licensed ketamine shops that I know of, and no one should need to be a patient simply to buy cannabis &ndash; particularly from &#39;Duane Weed&#39; or &#39;Weedgreen&#39;s.&#39; NORML&#39;s consumer advocacy work is as essential as ever to achieving full-scale, de-scheduled legalization, throughout the nation.</p>
<p>We need to bring all our pot prisoners home, and ensure that no one is jailed, stigmatized, or marginalized ever again for using this beautiful and benign botanical.&quot;<br />
<h3 id="sarah-gersten-executive-director-last-prisoner-project">Sarah Gersten, Executive Director, <u>Last Prisoner Project</u></h3>
</p>
<p>&quot;Last Prisoner Project believes that complete descheduling and full legalization of cannabis is a necessary step towards correcting past injustices and creating a fair and equitable criminal legal system. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure that individuals burdened with past cannabis convictions have their records expunged and that all cannabis prisoners are released, regardless of the federal scheduling decision. Despite not achieving full legalization, we must use this historic moment to push the fight for cannabis justice forward and we intend to do so by leveraging this reclassification for broader criminal legal reforms as outlined here.&quot;<br />
<h3 id="michael-bologna-ceo-dip-devices">Michael Bologna, CEO, <u>Dip Devices</u></h3>
</p>
<p>&quot;The rescheduling of cannabis represents a significant shift in the government&#39;s understanding of drug policy&#39;s ethical dimensions and the damaging individual and community-level impact that the restriction of cannabis has had. This shift is a moral imperative more than a long-overdue legal response to what has occurred at the state level for cannabis regulation. By acknowledging cannabis&#39;s potential for positive social impact and its role in equitable healthcare access, a crucial step toward dismantling the harmful legacy of the war on drugs and creating a more just and compassionate society has been taken. However, it must be followed by a full descheduling with accompanying prisoner release, and expungement plans to more equitably address the issues of cannabis restriction.&quot;<br />
<h3 id="ricky-williams-founder-highsman-and-co-founder-cannabis-freedom-party">Ricky Williams, Founder, Highsman and Co-founder, Cannabis Freedom Party</h3>
</p>
<p>&quot;Moving cannabis from Schedule I to a Schedule III drug on the Controlled Substances List is just the first winning drive in what&#39;s going to be a long hard-fought game to bring about an end to the War on Drugs. While some may say that descheduling is truly what&#39;s needed, today&#39;s decision put necessary points on the board for medical cannabis patients across this country.&quot;<br />
<h3 id="chris-roberts-political-reporteranalyst-mjbizdaily">Chris Roberts, Political Reporter/Analyst, MJBizDaily</h3>
</p>
<p>&quot;This is big, yes, but it&#39;s only a step on a longer road. This is an historic development with revolutionary implications. Once it&#39;s finalized, legal <a href='https://www.benzinga.com/money/marijuana-stocks/'>marijuana</a> businesses will enjoy tax savings and ought to have an easier time finding investors, but the main impact is additional pressure on Congress to finally bend to public opinion and change outdated Nixon era policies.&quot;<br />
<h3 id="sarah-carter-communications-director-symple-seeds">Sarah Carter, Communications Director, <u>Symple Seeds</u></h3>
</p>
<p>&quot;The reclassification of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III reflects a growing recognition of the nuanced nature of cannabis and its potential medical applications. As a company deeply invested in providing comprehensive seed solutions, we view this development as a positive step toward removing unnecessary barriers surrounding cannabis, paving the way for more stable, inclusive and sustainable industry practices.&quot;<br />
<h3 id="david-craig-chief-marketing-officer-illicit-gardens">David Craig, Chief Marketing Officer, <u>Illicit Gardens</u></h3>
</p>
<p>&quot;Today&#39;s historic rescheduling proves what cannabis enthusiasts&nbsp; have always known&mdash;cannabis is a legitimate medicine with proven uses. While this isn&#39;t the dream of full recreational legalization at the federal level many were hoping for, this is the next best thing and one with immediate positive impacts for all cannabis businesses and consumers alike. If there&#39;s one thing cannabis businesses are, it&#39;s resourceful, and with these loosening of restrictions we can finally see what this industry really can do.&quot;<br />
<h3 id="john-hartsell-co-founder-dizpot">John Hartsell, Co-founder,<u> DIZPOT</u></h3>
</p>
<p>&quot;Cannabis has long been known as a safe and beneficial plant medicine and deserves a place in the legal medicinal marketplace. Prohibition only enriches big pharma while imprisoning good people. De-scheduling the plant is the only way mainstream use of cannabis will be adopted and consumed for life-saving purposes.&quot;<br />
<h3 id="alyza-brevard-rodriguez-owner-the-other-side-dispensary">Alyza Brevard Rodriguez, Owner, The Other Side Dispensary</h3>
</p>
<p>&quot;Reclassifying cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III means so much for our dispensary, The Other Side, and New Jersey. It&#39;s not only the potential tax benefits and financial relief through write-offs, especially during the crucial early years of opening a business, but it also opens doors for more research opportunities, reducing stigmatization and legitimizing the industry further. These changes could usher in a new era of acceptance and growth for cannabis businesses, fostering innovation and expanding its role in the economy.&quot;<br />
<h3 id="gretchen-gailey-co-founder-american-cannabis-collective">Gretchen Gailey, Co-founder, American Cannabis Collective</h3>
</p>
<p>&quot;While this move is undoubtedly a huge win for patients, we must not lose sight of the broader context. Moving cannabis to Schedule 3 does not mark the end of prohibition. We caution against any attempts to overstate the significance of this decision. It remains imperative for states to continue their efforts to legalize cannabis and for the federal government to take decisive action to fully deschedule cannabis. This decision may bring an end to certain regulatory burdens such as Section 280E, but its implications for the industry as a whole remain uncertain.&quot;<br />
<h3 id="frederika-mcclary-easley-vice-president-minority-cannabis-business-association">Frederika McClary Easley, Vice President, Minority Cannabis Business Association</h3>
</p>
<p>&quot;This move is of course not the end goal, but it is a step in the right direction. Cannabis needed a win, needed movement&hellip; here we are. We must continue to apply pressure to ensure that small, minority owned businesses feel relief and ultimately to free the plant and the people.&quot;</p>
<p>&mdash;<br />
<h2 id="written-by">Written By:</h2>
</p>
<p><em>Kally Compton (They/Them/She/Her) is a culture writer, poet, and content creator. Based in New York, they currently write&nbsp;and contribute to various culture, cannabis, and fashion publications. They are the former Editorial and Production Director for&nbsp;The Lexington Line, LIM College&#39;s culture and fashion magazine.</em>
</p>


Cannabis

Government

Regulations

The DEA Announces Intent To Reschedule Cannabis From Schedule I To Schedule III: What Does This Mean For The Industry?

Fed's Powell Says Plan To Slow Balance Sheet Runoff Is Aimed At Making It Smooth, Avoiding Market Turmoil; Balance Sheet Slowdown Now Is To Ensure A Smooth Process And Not Market Turmoil Like Last Time

Fed's Powell Says Looks Like Substantial Lags In When Lower Market Rents Will Turn Up In The Data; Active Tool Of Monetary Policy Is Interest Rates

Powell Says Since December, Higher Goods And Housing Inflation Than Expected, Expectation Is We Will See Inflation Move Back Down This Year; Says My Confidence In Inflation Moving Back Down Is Lower Than Before

<p>Canaccord Genuity  analyst William Plovanic   maintains CVRx (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVRX#NASDAQ">CVRX</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $32 to $14.</p>


CVRX

Canaccord Genuity Maintains Buy on CVRx, Lowers Price Target to $14

Fed's Powell Says Since December, Higher Goods And Housing Inflation Than Expected; My Expectation Is We Will See Inflation Move Back Down This Year

Analysts fell to the sidelines weighing in on Iluka Resources Limited (ILKAF – Research Report) and Pilbara Minerals Limited (PILBF – Research Repo...

Analysts Are Neutral on These Materials Stocks: Iluka Resources Limited (ILKAF), Pilbara Minerals Limited (PILBF)

In a report released today, James Williamson from Bell Potter maintained a Hold rating on Pilbara Minerals Limited (PILBF – Research Report), with ...

Bell Potter Sticks to Its Hold Rating for Pilbara Minerals Limited (PILBF)

Analysts have been eager to weigh in on the Materials sector with new ratings on Evolution Mining Limited (CAHPF – Research Report), Pilbara Minera...

Analysts Offer Insights on Materials Companies: Evolution Mining Limited (OtherCAHPF), Pilbara Minerals Limited (OtherPILBF) and Iluka Resources Limited (OtherILKAF)

UBS analyst Levi Spry maintained a Sell rating on Pilbara Minerals Limited (PILBF – Research Report) today and set a price target of A$2.70. The co...

Pilbara Minerals Limited (PILBF) Gets a Sell from UBS

There's a lot to be optimistic about in the Materials sector as 3 analysts just weighed in on Vale SA (VALE – Research Report), PPG Industries (PPG...

Analysts' Top Materials Picks: Vale SA (VALE), PPG Industries (PPG)

J.P. Morgan analyst Al Harvey downgraded Pilbara Minerals Limited (PILBF – Research Report) to a Sell on April 19 and set a price target of A$3.10....

Pilbara Minerals Limited (PILBF) was downgraded to a Sell Rating at J.P. Morgan

<p><a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a></p>
<p>Last year, lithium carbonate, the rare earth mineral needed to make lithium-ion batteries that power electric vehicles and smartphones, had seen quite some price pressure. High interest rates coupled with commodity saturation led to falling prices for the top <a href="https://investorplace.com/industries/energy/renewable-energy/battery/lithium/">lithium stocks</a>. Looking at lithium prices today, the story looks a bit different. In particular, the rare earth mineral has seen an uptick in its price. Lithium carbonate prices have increased more than 14% on a year-to-date perspective.</p>



<p>Given how the market has hammered some of the top lithium stocks lately, there are bound to be investing opportunities in the space. Here are the three top lithium stocks to consider buying in April.</p>



<h2>Pilbara Minerals (PILBF)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/lithium-300x169.jpg" alt="a lithium mine, ATLX stock. Lithium Stocks to Buy"><div>Source: Shutterstock</div></div><p><strong>Pilbara Minerals</strong>&nbsp;(OTCMKTS:<strong><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/pilbf-stock-quote/">PILBF</a></strong>) is an Australian lithium miner that maintains a 100% ownership and management of the <a href="https://pilbaraminerals.com.au/our-company/our-projects/pilgangoora-operation/">Pilgangoora mine project</a> in Western Australia. While this company&rsquo;s operations might sound far away for U.S. investors, this particular mine is one of the world&rsquo;s largest hard-rock lithium-tantalum deposits and allows PILBF to <a href="https://pilbaraminerals.com.au/our-company/our-projects/pilgangoora-operation/">produce</a> 640,000 to 680,000 tons of spodumene concentrate per year. </p>



<p>In 2024, Pilbara has continued to sign and extend off-take agreements, and not just ones related to powering EV batteries. Specifically, Pilbara and <strong>Chengxin Lithium</strong>, a lithium-based chemicals producer, <a href="https://www.mining.com/pilbara-minerals-upgrades-offtake-deal-with-chengxin-lithium/">extended</a> their off-take agreement to 2026 that will ensure spodumene concentrate supplies for the Chinese chemicals company. Similarly, Pilbara <a href="https://www.mining.com/pilbara-minerals-expands-offtake-deal-with-ganfeng/">expanded its spodumene off-take agreement</a> with Chinese lithium producer <strong>Ganfeng Lithium</strong> (OTCMKTS:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/gnenf-stock-quote/"><strong>GNENF</strong></a></span>).</p>



<p>These developments point to a positive future for PILBF as its boosts mining production in the short and medium terms.   </p>



<h2>Albemarle (ALB)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/alb1600a-300x169.jpg" alt="Albemarle (ALB) logo on a mobile phone screen"><div>Source: IgorGolovniov/Shutterstock.com</div></div><p><strong>Albemarle&rsquo;s&nbsp;</strong>(NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/alb-stock-quote/"><strong>ALB</strong></a>) assets include brine operations in Chile and Argentina, hard rock mines in Australia as well as joint ventures in China and the U.S.</p>



<p>ALB shares have been hard hit since 2023. Falling lithium prices are, of course, to blame. The miner&rsquo;s fourth quarter 2023 report showed how much lithium prices had a toll on Albemarle&rsquo;s financial figures. Revenue&nbsp;<a href="https://s201.q4cdn.com/960975307/files/doc_earnings/2023/q4/earnings-result/Q42023_pressrelease.pdf">declined</a>&nbsp;by 10.1%, while EPS declined by 160%. The lithium producer&rsquo;s stock price has&nbsp;fallen&nbsp;around 22% on a year-to-date basis.</p>



<p>Current EV market conditions are not helping to comfort investor sentiment either.  Still, like I&rsquo;ve maintained in the past, despite the ongoing market slump, electric vehicles are likely here to stay. China&rsquo;s EV market still appears to be <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-04-02/chinese-ev-makers-post-strong-showing-in-march-after-slow-start?sref=a6OYFmE3">dynamic</a>, which means lithium is still in demand in the world&rsquo;s second largest economy and bolsters the argument for investing into a stock like ALB.</p>



<p>Wall Street appears to agree. <strong>Bank of America</strong>, <strong>UBS</strong>, and <strong>Berenberg</strong> have recently <a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/instant-alerts/nyse-alb-upgrade-2024-04-10/">increased their price targets</a> for ALB as well as upgraded the company&rsquo;s ratings. ALB&rsquo;s 12-month average price target of $152.40 implies a 36% return at its current share price. </p>



<p>Albemarle&rsquo;s stock trades at around 29.6x forward earning. Further selling pressure could make ALB shares even more attractive.</p>



<h2>Ganfeng Lithium (GNENF)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/gnenf1600-300x169.png" alt="Person holding mobile phone with logo of Chinese company Jiangxi Ganfeng Lithium Co. Ltd. (GNENF) on screen in front of web page. Focus on phone display. Unmodified photo."><div>Source:  T. Schneider / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p><strong>Ganfeng Lithium&nbsp;</strong>(OTCMKTS:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/gnenf-stock-quote/"><strong>GNENF</strong></a>) is a lithium miner based in China, the world&rsquo;s second largest economy. Excess inventories and waning demand from the EV market have severely hurt GNENF&rsquo;s share price. Shares have dipped nearly 25% as of the end of trading on Tuesday of this week. </p>



<p>The bright spot in Ganfeng&rsquo;s future is related to the resilience of China&rsquo;s EV industry. Electric vehicle makers including <strong>BYD</strong> (OTCMKTS:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/byddy-stock-quote/"><strong>BYDDY</strong></a></span>), <strong>Li Auto</strong> (NASDAQ:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/li-stock-quote/"><strong>LI</strong></a></span>), and <strong>Nio</strong> (NASDAQ:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/nio-stock-quote/"><strong>NIO</strong></a></span>) all posted solid growth figures at the end of the first quarter. This signals lithium demand is still out there, and Ganfeng will likely be a beneficiary of this. Korean automaker <strong>Hyundai</strong> (OTCMKTS:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/hymtf-stock-quote/"><strong>HYMTF</strong></a></span>) signed a <a href="https://www.kedglobal.com/batteries/newsView/ked202401190003">4-year supply agreement</a> with Ganfeng earlier in the year, underscoring lithium customers are planning for the long-term and are not so worried about short-term slumps. Investors should take some cues. </p>



<p>Ganfeng Lithium shares are trading at 21.5x forward earnings, and additional selling pressure could put GNENF stock into a real sweet spot.</p>



<p><em>On the date of publication, Tyrik Torres&nbsp;did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article.&nbsp;The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com&nbsp;<a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/" target="_blank">Publishing Guidelines</a>.</em></p>
<div><p>Tyrik Torres has been studying and participating in financial markets since he was in college, and he has particular passion for helping people understand complex systems. His areas of expertise are semiconductor and enterprise software equities. He has work experience in both investing (public and private markets) and investment banking.</p></div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
		<ul><li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/10/no-1-ai-investment-might-be-this-company-youve-never-heard-of/?cid=MKT764787&amp;eid=MKT771245">The #1 AI Investment Might Be This Company You&rsquo;ve Never Heard Of</a>
					</li>
																<li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/07/elon-musks-project-omega-stuns-silicon-valley-insiders/?cid=MKT738510&amp;eid=MKT771236">Musk&rsquo;s &ldquo;Project Omega&rdquo; May Be Set to Mint New Millionaires. Here&rsquo;s How to Get In.</a>
					</li>
																<li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2021/01/one-percenter-issues-urgent-warning/?cid=MKT499868&amp;eid=MKT793997">It doesn&rsquo;t matter if you have $500 or $5 million. Do this now.</a>
					</li>
									</ul><div>
			<div></div>
						<div></div>
					</div>
	
<p>The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/04/the-top-3-lithium-stocks-to-buy-in-april-2024/">The Top 3 Lithium Stocks to Buy in April 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.</p>

The Top 3 Lithium Stocks to Buy in April 2024

Companies in the Materials sector have received a lot of coverage today as analysts weigh in on Iluka Resources Limited (ILKAF – Research Report), ...

Analysts Offer Insights on Materials Companies: Iluka Resources Limited (OtherILKAF), Gold Road Resources Ltd (OtherELKMF) and Pilbara Minerals Limited (OtherPILBF)

Lithium Miners News For The Month Of April 2024

<p><a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a></p>
<p>Wall Street has been witnessing the rapid transformation of the technology sector. Advancements in artificial intelligence, EVs and renewable energy have put the focus back on many <a href="https://investorplace.com/industries/technology/">tech stocks</a>. Meanwhile, rare earth metals have become increasingly crucial for technology. These elements are part of modern innovation, from powering our smartphones and EVs to enabling solar energy systems and even military equipment.</p>



<p>Rare earth materials, also referred to as rare earth elements (REEs), are typically accepted as a group of 17 chemical elements. The list starts with <a href="https://www.vaneck.com/us/en/blogs/natural-resources/remx-question-and-answer/">15 lanthanides</a> from the lanthanide series on the periodic table, from lanthanum (La) to lutetium (Lu). Then we see scandium (Sc) and yttrium (<span>Y</span>). Although not technically a lanthanide, scandium is often grouped with REEs due to its similar geological occurrence and chemical properties. Finally, yttrium shares characteristics similar to the lanthanides as well.</p>



<p>One of the key challenges in the rare earth industry is the production and supply chain, which China has historically dominated. This dominance has led to concerns about supply chain security and sustainability. As a result, the U.S. and its allies are focusing on efforts to diversify production and reduce reliance on a single country. Here are three rare earth stocks to consider in the second quarter.</p>



<h2><strong>Albemarle (ALB)</strong></h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/alb1600a-300x169.jpg" alt="Albemarle (ALB) logo on a mobile phone screen"><div>Source: IgorGolovniov/Shutterstock.com</div></div><p>We start our discussion of rare earth stocks with <strong>Albemarle</strong> (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/alb-stock-quote/"><strong>ALB</strong></a>), a leader in lithium, a critical component in EV batteries &mdash; the company mines and processes various chemicals, with lithium at the forefront. As a result, ALB stock has become a play on the booming EV industry and the rising demand for rare earth stocks.</p>



<p>In mid-February, Albemarle reported <a href="https://s201.q4cdn.com/960975307/files/doc_earnings/2023/q4/earnings-result/Q42023_pressrelease.pdf">a full-year 2023 net sales increase</a> of 31% to $9.6 billion, translating into a net income of $1.6 billion or adjusted diluted earnings per share (<span>EPS</span>) of $15.22. This growth was driven by a 21% total volume growth, with the Energy Storage segment sales volume increasing by 35%.</p>



<p>ALB stock has come under pressure after reaching an all-time high in the second half of 2022. So far in 2024, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/quotes/ALB">ALB stock is down</a> by about 19%. Yet, the company&rsquo;s fundamentals remain strong, boasting a diversified lithium product portfolio and a geographically robust production footprint.</p>



<p>Additionally, the company is working to secure long-term supply agreements with major automakers, ensuring consistent demand. For instance, in 2023, <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/04/the-top-3-transportation-stocks-to-buy-in-april-2024/"><strong>Ford</strong> <strong>Motor</strong></a> (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/f-stock-quote/"><strong>F</strong></a>) chose Albemarle to deliver battery-grade lithium hydroxide to support the automaker&rsquo;s plans to scale EV production. The five-year <a href="https://www.albemarle.com/news/albemarle-establishes-strategic-agreement-with-ford-motor-company">supply agreement starts</a> in 2026 and continues through 2030.</p>



<p>ALB shares change hands at 8.8 times trailing earnings and offer a dividend yield of 1.4%. Meanwhile, Wall Street remains positive on Albemarle. The <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/markets/stocks/ALB">12-month median price forecast</a> for ALB stock stands at $145, representing a potential upside of 24.06%.</p>



<h2><strong>MP Materials (MP)</strong></h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/electric-vehicle-ev-stocks-charging-black-neon-1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Electric car backlit by cyan blue neon light next to EV charger with cyan blue light and lightning bolt symbol, all against a black background. ev stocks to buy"><div>Source: shutterstock.com/JLStock</div></div><p>If you are looking for another beneficiary of the EV revolution, then <strong>MP Materials</strong> (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/mp-stock-quote/"><strong>MP</strong></a>) deserves your attention. The company produces rare earth magnets, a critical component in EV motors and <a href="https://mpmaterials.com/articles/mp-materials-awarded-58-point-five-million-dollars-to-advance-us-rare-earth-magnet-manufacturing/">recent government grants</a> potentially position it well for future expansion. However, its high valuation and short-term financial performance warrant consideration before investing.</p>



<p>MP Materials released the fourth quarter and full year 2023 financials in early February. Both top and bottom line results were disappointing, as the company lost more than half its revenue on a quarterly and yearly basis compared to last year&rsquo;s results. 2023 revenues dropped 52% to $253 million, and adjusted diluted EPS shrank 77% from $1.68 to 39 cents. Challenges in the pricing environment impacted the company&rsquo;s financial performance. The realized price per REO metric ton (<span>MT</span>) decreased by 34%, and the production cost per REO&nbsp;MT increased by 24%.</p>



<p>Management suggested MP Materials faced market headwinds throughout 2023 but still exceeded 40,000 tons of rare earth oxide (REO) production for the third consecutive year. Meanwhile, it also achieved the first production and sales of Neodymium and&nbsp;Praseodymium&nbsp;(NdPr), utilized in high-strength permanent magnets.</p>



<p>As a result, the stock has lost about a fifth of its value year-to-date (YTD). However, analysts currently have a <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/markets/stocks/MP">12-month median price forecast</a> of $22. Such a potential up move in MP stock would mean a price appreciation of over 37%.</p>



<h2><strong>VanEck Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF </strong>(REMX)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/rare_earth_crystals_gadolinium_1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Several crystals of the rare earth metal gadolinium are on display on a clear surface."><div>Source: LuYago / Shutterstock.com</div></div><p>Our final discussion on rare earth metals focuses on a fund, namely the <strong>VanEck Vectors Rare Earth/Strategic Metals ETF </strong>(NYSEARCA:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/remx-stock-quote/"><strong>REMX</strong></a>), first listed in October 2010. Currently, the ETF <a href="https://www.vaneck.com/us/en/investments/rare-earth-strategic-metals-etf-remx/overview/">offers a diverse portfolio</a> of 27 global stocks. These businesses focus on the mining, refining and recycling of critical rare earth and strategic metals. Its total net assets stand at approximately $333 million.</p>



<p>The top 10 positions in REMX account for around 60% of the overall portfolio. Meanwhile, the fund&rsquo;s geographical exposure spans Australia, the U.S., China, Canada and other countries.</p>



<p>Some of the prominent names in the REMX ETF include Albemarle, <strong>Pilbara Minerals</strong>&nbsp;(OTCMKTS:<strong><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/pilbf-stock-quote/">PILBF</a></strong>), <strong><a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/04/april-price-target-hikes-these-3-stocks-have-analysts-excited/">Arcadium Lithium</a></strong>&nbsp;(NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/altm-stock-quote/"><strong>ALTM</strong></a>), <strong>Lynas</strong> <strong>Rare Earths</strong> (OTCMKTS:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/lysdy-stock-quote/"><strong>LYSDY</strong></a>) and <strong>Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile</strong> (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/sqm-stock-quote/"><strong>SQM</strong></a>). In addition, there are several businesses from China. They include <strong>China&rsquo;s</strong> Northern Rare Earth Group High-Te, Jinduicheng Molybdenu and Xiamen Tungsten.&nbsp;These companies supply critical materials essential for high-tech applications, such as consumer electronics, EVs and aerospace.</p>



<p>Despite the strategic importance of these metals and minerals, the ETF has faced challenges in 2024, with a YTD decline of over 18%. As a result, REMX potentially offers investors a more attractive entry point to gain exposure to global rare earth stocks.</p>



<p><em>On the date of publication, Tezcan Gecgil did not have (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article.&nbsp;The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com&nbsp;</em><a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/" target="_blank"><em>Publishing Guidelines</em></a>.</p>
<div><p>Tezcan Gecgil, PhD, began contributing to InvestorPlace in 2018. She brings over 20 years of experience in the U.S. and U.K. and has also completed all 3 levels of the Chartered Market Technician (CMT) examination. Publicly, she has contributed to <a href="https://www.investing.com/">investing.com</a> and the U.K. website of <a href="https://www.fool.com/">The Motley Fool.</a></p></div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
		<ul><li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/10/no-1-ai-investment-might-be-this-company-youve-never-heard-of/?cid=MKT764787&amp;eid=MKT771245">The #1 AI Investment Might Be This Company You&rsquo;ve Never Heard Of</a>
					</li>
																<li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/07/elon-musks-project-omega-stuns-silicon-valley-insiders/?cid=MKT738510&amp;eid=MKT771236">Musk&rsquo;s &ldquo;Project Omega&rdquo; May Be Set to Mint New Millionaires. Here&rsquo;s How to Get In.</a>
					</li>
																<li>
						<a href="https://investorplace.com/2021/01/one-percenter-issues-urgent-warning/?cid=MKT499868&amp;eid=MKT793997">It doesn&rsquo;t matter if you have $500 or $5 million. Do this now.</a>
					</li>
									</ul><div>
			<div></div>
						<div></div>
					</div>
	
<p>The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2024/04/3-rare-earth-stocks-crucial-for-advanced-technologies/">3 Rare Earth Stocks Crucial for Advanced Technologies</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.</p>