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BMO Capital analyst James Fotheringham maintains Synchrony Finl (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SYF#NYSE">SYF</a>) with a Market Perform and raises the price target from $40 to $41.

News

Price Target

BMO Capital Maintains Market Perform on Synchrony Finl, Raises Price Target to $41

While their much-hyped cage match never materialized, the rivalry between Meta Platforms Inc. CEO Mark Zuckerberg and Tesla Inc. CEO Elon Musk continues to play out in the real world — with their net worth acting as the scorecard.
The executives traded barbs on social media last year, each appearing ready to face off in a physical match until Musk reported needing surgery, putting an end to the planned event.&nbsp; Zuckerberg landed a metaphorical jab at Musk by surpassing him on the Bloomberg Billionaires Index for the first time since 2020.
On April 5, Bloomberg reported that Zuckerberg became the third-richest person in the world, with a net worth of $186 billion, surpassing Musk, who was fourth on the list with a net worth of $180 billion. The shift is largely the result of the impressive performance of Meta's stock, which has surged about 40% since the start of the year, adding roughly $49 billion to Zuckerberg's wealth. Conversely, Musk has seen his fortune diminish as Tesla&#8217;s shares have dropped by 43%, eroding $76 billion from his wealth and marking Tesla as the worst performer in the S&amp;P 500 this year.&nbsp;
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However, as of April 25, the tables have turned again. Musk reclaimed the third spot with Zuckerberg&#8217;s net worth dropping to $175 billion. This back-and-forth is likely to continue.
The setback in Tesla&#8217;s stock followed its first year-over-year sales decline since the pandemic and price cuts on several vehicles and its Full Self-Driving software. Despite these challenges, Musk is still attempting to secure a controversial $45 billion pay package, initially valued at $56 billion, that could potentially restore his position above Zuckerberg if approved by shareholders.
The rivalry between Zuckerberg and Musk has been ongoing. In 2016, a SpaceX rocket explosion destroyed a Facebook satellite aimed at providing internet to sub-Saharan Africa, prompting Zuckerberg to express his deep disappointment.&nbsp;
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&#8220;I&#8217;m deeply disappointed to hear that SpaceX&#8217;s launch failure destroyed our satellite that would have provided connectivity to so many entrepreneurs and everyone else across the continent,&#8221; he wrote on his Facebook page.
That event marked a significant point in Zuckerberg and Musk's escalating rivalry, which has since expanded into the realm of social media. Musk has criticized Instagram and WhatsApp for their impacts on users&#8217; mental health and privacy. The competition intensified when Musk acquired Twitter for $44 billion in 2022, leading Zuckerberg&#8217;s Meta to launch Threads, a direct competitor to Twitter, signaling a strategic countermove in the ongoing tech titans&#8217; battle.
Despite the lack of a direct confrontation, Zuckerberg&#8217;s recent financial gains over Musk indicate that their competitive spirit remains strong, impacting their personal interactions and resonating through their significant business empires.&nbsp;
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Real Estate

Elon Musk And Mark Zuckerberg Never Fought In The Cage, But Zuckerberg Still 'Beat' Musk By Surpassing His Net Worth For First Time In Years

JP Morgan analyst Anthony Paolone maintains SL Green Realty (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLG#NYSE">SLG</a>) with a Underweight and raises the price target from $43 to $44.

JP Morgan Maintains Underweight on SL Green Realty, Raises Price Target to $44

<h3>Gainers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Boqii Holding (AMEX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BQ#AMEX">BQ</a>) shares increased by 19.2% to $0.31 during Thursday's regular session. The company's market cap stands at $1.4 million. </li>
<li>Strategic Education (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STRA#NASDAQ">STRA</a>) stock rose 14.88% to $115.63. The company's market cap stands at $2.8 billion. The company's, Q1 earnings came out today. </li>
<li>Smart Share Glb (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EM#NASDAQ">EM</a>) stock rose 13.83% to $0.65. The company's market cap stands at $168.7 million. </li>
<li>EpicQuest Education Group (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EEIQ#NASDAQ">EEIQ</a>) shares increased by 12.27% to $0.93. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $11.5 million. </li>
<li>Lead Real Estate Co (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LRE#NASDAQ">LRE</a>) stock moved upwards by 11.66% to $3.35. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $45.7 million. </li>
<li>Sonic Automotive (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAH#NYSE">SAH</a>) shares rose 11.28% to $56.89. The company's market cap stands at $1.9 billion. The company's, Q1 earnings came out today. </li>
</ul>
<h3>Losers</h3>
<ul>
<li>E-Home Household Service (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EJH#NASDAQ">EJH</a>) stock declined by 73.7% to $0.76 during Thursday's regular session. The company's market cap stands at $13.6 million. </li>
<li>Jakks Pacific (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JAKK#NASDAQ">JAKK</a>) stock decreased by 16.8% to $19.52. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $210.7 million. The company's, Q1 earnings came out yesterday. </li>
<li>Harley-Davidson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOG#NYSE">HOG</a>) stock fell 16.03% to $33.12. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $4.4 billion. As per the news, the Q1 earnings report came out today. </li>
<li>17 Education &amp; Technology (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/YQ#NASDAQ">YQ</a>) shares decreased by 15.28% to $2.33. The company's market cap stands at $22.6 million. </li>
<li>Alliance Entertainment (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AENT#NASDAQ">AENT</a>) stock declined by 14.09% to $1.83. The company's market cap stands at $93.2 million. </li>
<li>Mullen Automotive (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MULN#NASDAQ">MULN</a>) stock fell 14.06% to $3.24. The company's market cap stands at $21.2 million. 
See Also: <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/best-consumer-cyclical-stocks/" title="www.benzinga.com/money/best-consumer-cyclical-stocks/">www.benzinga.com/money/best-consumer-cyclical-stocks/</a></li>
</ul>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Movers

AENT

EEIQ

JAKK

MULN

STRA

12 Consumer Discretionary Stocks Moving In Thursday's Intraday Session

<h3>Gainers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Aclarion (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACON#NASDAQ">ACON</a>) shares moved upwards by 66.7% to $0.48 during Thursday's regular session. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $3.4 million. </li>
<li>Processa Pharma (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PCSA#NASDAQ">PCSA</a>) stock moved upwards by 43.18% to $2.32. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $6.6 million. </li>
<li>Akso Health Group (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AHG#NASDAQ">AHG</a>) shares moved upwards by 29.87% to $1.0. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $109.5 million. </li>
<li>Eyenovia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EYEN#NASDAQ">EYEN</a>) shares increased by 22.87% to $0.72. The company's market cap stands at $33.9 million. </li>
<li>Predictive Oncology (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/POAI#NASDAQ">POAI</a>) stock increased by 21.64% to $1.63. The company's market cap stands at $6.6 million. </li>
<li>IMAC Hldgs (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BACK#NASDAQ">BACK</a>) shares moved upwards by 18.93% to $4.14. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $4.7 million. </li>
</ul>
<h3>Losers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CYCC#NASDAQ">CYCC</a>) stock declined by 33.1% to $1.54 during Thursday's regular session. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $2.0 million. </li>
<li>Organogenesis Hldgs (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORGO#NASDAQ">ORGO</a>) stock decreased by 22.32% to $2.31. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $305.4 million. </li>
<li>Xylo Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XYLO#NASDAQ">XYLO</a>) shares decreased by 16.35% to $1.74. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $3.2 million. </li>
<li>Protagenic Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PTIX#NASDAQ">PTIX</a>) stock declined by 14.31% to $1.4. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $6.2 million. </li>
<li>American Oncology Network (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AONC#NASDAQ">AONC</a>) shares fell 14.14% to $3.95. The company's market cap stands at $41.8 million. </li>
<li>INVO Bioscience (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INVO#NASDAQ">INVO</a>) shares decreased by 13.68% to $1.01. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $2.7 million. 
See Also: <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/best-healthcare-stocks/" title="www.benzinga.com/money/best-healthcare-stocks/">www.benzinga.com/money/best-healthcare-stocks/</a></li>
</ul>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

ACON

AONC

BACK

CYCC

EYEN

INVO

ORGO

PCSA

POAI

PTIX

XYLO

12 Health Care Stocks Moving In Thursday's Intraday Session

WIIM

SNGX

Soligenix shares are trading higher after the company announced that it received notice of intent to grant additional patents based on its patent application titled "Compositions and Methods of Manufacturing Trivalent Filovirus Vaccines" in the United Kingdom and South Africa, with other international jurisdictions pending.

<h3>Gainers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Safe &amp; Green Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SGBX#NASDAQ">SGBX</a>) shares moved upwards by 61.5% to $0.23 during Thursday's regular session. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $4.2 million. </li>
<li>P.A.M. Transportation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PTSI#NASDAQ">PTSI</a>) shares moved upwards by 20.56% to $17.53. The company's market cap stands at $386.2 million. </li>
<li>Ultralife (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ULBI#NASDAQ">ULBI</a>) stock rose 19.53% to $10.44. The company's market cap stands at $171.6 million. As per the press release, Q1 earnings came out today. </li>
<li>Freight Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FRGT#NASDAQ">FRGT</a>) stock rose 18.39% to $1.03. The company's market cap stands at $2.5 million. </li>
<li>Montana Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AIRJ#NASDAQ">AIRJ</a>) shares moved upwards by 14.12% to $12.04. The company's market cap stands at $648.0 million. </li>
<li>Graphex Gr (AMEX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GRFX#AMEX">GRFX</a>) stock moved upwards by 12.87% to $0.23. The company's market cap stands at $10.3 million. </li>
</ul>
<h3>Losers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Hertz Global Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HTZ#NASDAQ">HTZ</a>) shares declined by 18.3% to $4.74 during Thursday's regular session. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $1.4 billion. As per the news, the Q1 earnings report came out today. </li>
<li>Wilhelmina International (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WHLM#NASDAQ">WHLM</a>) stock decreased by 18.15% to $5.12. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $26.3 million. </li>
<li>Microvast Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MVST#NASDAQ">MVST</a>) stock decreased by 17.18% to $0.37. The company's market cap stands at $117.5 million. </li>
<li>Gorman-Rupp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GRC#NYSE">GRC</a>) stock declined by 14.16% to $31.3. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $820.6 million. The company's, Q1 earnings came out today. </li>
<li>Multi Ways Holdings (AMEX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MWG#AMEX">MWG</a>) stock declined by 13.49% to $0.31. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $9.6 million. </li>
<li>Orion Group Hldgs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORN#NYSE">ORN</a>) stock declined by 13.26% to $6.91. The company's market cap stands at $224.0 million. As per the news, the Q1 earnings report came out yesterday. 
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</ul>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

AIRJ

FRGT

GRFX

MVST

PTSI

SGBX

ULBI

WHLM

12 Industrials Stocks Moving In Thursday's Intraday Session

<h3>Gainers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Impinj (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PI#NASDAQ">PI</a>) shares increased by 25.4% to $151.61 during Thursday's regular session. The company's market cap stands at $4.1 billion. As per the news, the Q1 earnings report came out yesterday. </li>
<li>MicroCloud Hologram (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOLO#NASDAQ">HOLO</a>) shares moved upwards by 17.06% to $2.75. The company's market cap stands at $16.3 million. </li>
<li>VirnetX Holding (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VHC#NYSE">VHC</a>) shares rose 14.57% to $6.21. The company's market cap stands at $22.8 million. </li>
<li>WiSA Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WISA#NASDAQ">WISA</a>) stock increased by 13.72% to $6.88. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $16.1 million. </li>
<li>Neonode (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NEON#NASDAQ">NEON</a>) stock moved upwards by 12.12% to $1.85. The company's market cap stands at $28.4 million. </li>
<li>ReAlpha Tech Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AIRE#NASDAQ">AIRE</a>) shares moved upwards by 11.21% to $1.29. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $56.9 million. The company's, Q1 earnings came out 4 days ago. </li>
</ul>
<h3>Losers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Brand Engagement Network (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BNAI#NASDAQ">BNAI</a>) stock fell 30.0% to $2.61 during Thursday's regular session. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $86.9 million. </li>
<li>Cemtrex (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CETX#NASDAQ">CETX</a>) stock decreased by 21.77% to $1.69. The company's market cap stands at $1.7 million. </li>
<li>Kopin (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KOPN#NASDAQ">KOPN</a>) stock declined by 17.11% to $0.71. The company's market cap stands at $84.2 million. </li>
<li>MMTEC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MTC#NASDAQ">MTC</a>) stock fell 16.83% to $2.99. The company's market cap stands at $596.2 million. </li>
<li>CommScope Hldg Co (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COMM#NASDAQ">COMM</a>) shares decreased by 12.97% to $0.92. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $196.8 million. </li>
<li>Ostin Technology Group (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OST#NASDAQ">OST</a>) stock declined by 10.54% to $0.41. The market value of their outstanding shares is at $6.8 million. 
See Also: <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/tech-stocks/" title="www.benzinga.com/money/tech-stocks/">www.benzinga.com/money/tech-stocks/</a></li>
</ul>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

AIRE

BNAI

CETX

COMM

MicroCloud Hologram Inc. - Ordinary Shares

HOLO

KOPN

NEON

WISA

12 Information Technology Stocks Moving In Thursday's Intraday Session

BMO Capital analyst John McNulty maintains Veralto (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VLTO#NYSE">VLTO</a>) with a Outperform and raises the price target from $97 to $101.

VLTO

BMO Capital Maintains Outperform on Veralto, Raises Price Target to $101

Marathon Digital Holdings's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MARA#NYSE">MARA</a>) short percent of float has fallen 5.18% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 42.96 million shares sold short, which is 16.11% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.0 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Marathon Digital Holdings Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1714062624_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Marathon Digital Holdings has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Marathon Digital Holdings's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Marathon Digital Holdings's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 5.74%, which means the company has more short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

MARA

Looking Into Marathon Digital Holdings's Recent Short Interest

EMCOR Group's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EME#NYSE">EME</a>) short percent of float has fallen 31.54% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 358 thousand shares sold short, which is 1.02% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.07 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>EMCOR Group Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1714062619_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for EMCOR Group has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing EMCOR Group's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, EMCOR Group's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 4.74%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

How Is The Market Feeling About EMCOR Group?

PepsiCo's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NYSE">PEP</a>) short percent of float has fallen 4.76% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 16.52 million shares sold short, which is 1.2% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.95 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>PepsiCo Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1714062614_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for PepsiCo has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing PepsiCo's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, PepsiCo's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 7.19%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Looking Into PepsiCo's Recent Short Interest

JAKKS Pacific shares are trading lower after the company reported worse-thane-expected Q1 adjusted EPS results.

JP Morgan analyst Richard Shane maintains SLM (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLM#NASDAQ">SLM</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $22 to $23.

JP Morgan Maintains Neutral on SLM, Raises Price Target to $23

On Thursday, US drug maker&nbsp;Merck&nbsp;&amp; Co Inc&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>) reported first-quarter sales of $15.8 billion, up 9% year-over-year, beating the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus estimate of $15.2 billion</a>.
Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, sales increased 24%.
Merck reported adjusted EPS of $2.07, up 48%Y/Y, beating the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/04/b38425080/merck-announces-first-quarter-2024-financial-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus of $1.88</a>.
Merck&#8217;s pharmaceutical unit booked&nbsp;$14.01 billion&nbsp;in revenue during the first quarter, up 10% Y/Y.
Related:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/03/37958211/mercks-11b-bet-pays-as-fda-approves-sotatercept-for-rare-lung-disease" rel="noreferrer noopener">Merck&#8217;s $11B Bet Pays As FDA Approves Sotatercept For Rare Lung Disease</a>.
Merck&#8217;s blockbuster cancer immunotherapy Keytruda largely drove the growth. Keytruda generated&nbsp;$6.95 billion&nbsp;in revenue during the quarter, up 20% from the year-earlier period.&nbsp;
Merck has become dependent on Keytruda for more than 40% of company&nbsp;sales&nbsp;and faces a revenue hit when&nbsp;Keytruda&#8217;s&nbsp;main U.S. patent expires in 2028.
Merck also reported a 14% jump in sales of Gardasil to $2.25 billion, a vaccine that prevents cancer from HPV, the most common sexually transmitted infection in the U.S.
Merck&#8217;s Januvia drew&nbsp;$670 million&nbsp;in sales, down 24%, primarily due to lower drug pricing, falling demand in the U.S., and generic competition in several international markets.
Januvia is one of 10 drugs targeted in ongoing&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/23/08/34087337/biden-targets-cancer-diabetes-drugs-in-controversial-medicare-price-battle-wants-to-cut-billions-" rel="noreferrer noopener">Medicare drug price negotiations</a>.
Guidance:&nbsp;Merck raised and narrowed its full-year 2024 revenue and adjusted earnings forecasts.&nbsp;
The company now expects 2024 sales of $63.1 billion-$64.3 billion,&nbsp;up&nbsp;from previous guidance of $62.7 to $64.2 billion compared to the consensus of&nbsp;$63.82 billion.
The company expects 2024 adjusted EPS of&nbsp;$8.53-$8.65, compared to prior&nbsp;guidance&nbsp;of&nbsp;$8.44-$8.59&nbsp;and the consensus of&nbsp;$8.56.
That outlook includes a one-time charge of roughly&nbsp;26 cents per share&nbsp;related to Merck&#8217;s&nbsp;acquisition&nbsp;of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/01/36535176/today-is-cancer-focused-deals-day-johnson-johnson-scoops-up-ambrx-biopharma-as-merck-boosts-cance" rel="noreferrer noopener">Harpoon Therapeutics in January</a>. The guidance also includes a negative impact of&nbsp;30 cents per share&nbsp;from foreign exchange changes.&nbsp;
Read Next:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/03/37966217/the-most-important-catalyst-for-mercks-stock-in-2024-could-be-sotatercept-launch-an" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Most Important Catalyst For Merck&#8217;s Stock In 2024 Could Be Sotatercept Launch, Analyst Says</a>.
Price Action: MRK shares are up 2.26% at $129.88 at the last check Thursday.
Photo via Company

Merck Stock Gains On Its Blockbuster Cancer Drug Keytruda, Raises Annual Outlook

BMO Capital analyst Keith Bachman maintains IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) with a Market Perform and lowers the price target from $210 to $190.

BMO Capital Maintains Market Perform on IBM, Lowers Price Target to $190

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SNAP

TikTok Owner ByteDance To Prefer Shutting Down Of Loss-making App Rather Than A Sale If Exhausts All Legal Options; Algorithms TikTok Relies On Deemed Core To ByteDance Overall Operations, Making Sale Of App Unlikely, Sources Say

SPCB

SuperCom shares are trading higher after the company announced it received over $5 million in New Orders from European governments.

BMO Capital analyst Keith Bachman maintains ServiceNow (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOW#NYSE">NOW</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $850 to $830.

BMO Capital Maintains Outperform on ServiceNow, Lowers Price Target to $830

RBC Capital analyst Brad Erickson maintains Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $600 to $570.

RBC Capital Maintains Outperform on Meta Platforms, Lowers Price Target to $570

SPHD: High Dividend, But There Are Better Options

Iran Attacks Israel - How Could Markets Be Impacted?

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As the earnings season gets underway on Wall Street, the euphoria of rapid gains is starting to wane. 



Economic uncertainties, geopolitical tensions and the ever-present threat of inflation have left investors feeling like they&rsquo;re navigating a constant financial storm. In such turbulent times, the appeal of defensive stocks becomes increasingly clear. These resilient companies, often found in sectors like consumer staples, healthcare and utilities, offer a safe haven during increased volatility.



Investing in defensive stocks isn&rsquo;t about chasing explosive growth. Rather, it&rsquo;s about building a foundation of reliability. Such companies typically boast strong balance sheets, steady cash flows and a history of dividend payouts.&nbsp;They may not make headlines with explosive growth. But their steady performance can help stabilize a portfolio during periods of uncertainty. 



So, to fortify a portfolio against upcoming market volatility, consider adding these three top defensive stocks this month.



<h2>CVS Health (CVS)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/cvs-stock-7-300x169.jpg" alt="A photo of the CVS logo over the door of one of its stores."><div>Source: Shutterstock</div></div>Diversified healthcare company CVS Health (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/cvs-stock-quote/">CVS</a>) positions itself as a compelling defensive stock pick.&nbsp;



Although most of us are familiar with its extensive pharmacy network, CVS operates across three key segments. Those entail Pharmacy Services, Retail/LTC (Long-Term Care) and Health Care Benefits. As a result, CVS provides health services and insurance plans as well as an established network of retail pharmacy locations.



Despite worries over how post-Covid19 retail sales may potentially decline, the healthcare giant <a href="https://s2.q4cdn.com/447711729/files/doc_financials/2023/q4/Q4-2023-Earnings-Release.pdf">delivered strong financial</a> in February. Revenue surged an impressive 11.8% year-over-year (YOY) to $93.8 billion, reflecting robust growth across all segments. Also, adjusted earnings per share (EPS) rose 4% to $2.12. Meanwhile, CVS Health announced the <a href="https://www.cvshealth.com/news/company-news/our-path-to-accelerating-long-term-growth.html">rebranding of its Health Services segment</a> to CVS Healthspire. Management highlights that this decision underscores the focus on patient care, pharmacy benefits and provider support solutions stateside.



Yet, CVS stock has declined 13% year-to-date (YTD), offering investors a better entry point. Notably, the healthy dividend yield of around 3.9%. Furthermore, with a forward price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 8.3 and a price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 0.25x, CVS appears undervalued. Finally, analysts have a <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/markets/stocks/cvs">12-month price target</a> of $88 for CVS, suggesting potential upside of 28% from current levels.



<h2>General Mills (GIS)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/GIS1600-300x169.jpg" alt="General Mills Cereal, GIS stock"><div>Source: designs by Jack / Shutterstock.com</div></div>We continue our discussion of defensive stocks with the consumer foods manufacturer General Mills (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/gis-stock-quote/">GIS</a>). Cheerios, Yoplait, Pillsbury, Haagen-Dazs, Betty Crocker and Blue Buffalo are among the brands in its portfolio of cereals, snacks, yogurt, baking mixes and pet food.



Recent earnings from the food group showed net sales declined 1% to $5.1 billion due to lower volume, which was partially offset by price increases. Yet, operating profit surged an impressive 25% to $911 million, fueled by cost saving measures. Also, adjusted diluted EPS rose a significant 22% to $1.17. These <a href="https://investorplace.com/earning-results/2024/03/gis-stock-earnings-general-mills-for-q3-of-2024/">financial figures from General Mills</a> showed improved profitability, stable cash flow levels and a healthy balance sheet.



Meanwhile, management spotlights General Mills <a href="https://investors.generalmills.com/press-releases/press-release-details/2024/General-Mills-Shares-Progress-Against-Accelerate-Strategy/default.aspx">remains committed to</a> a long-term &ldquo;Accelerate&rdquo; strategy, which prioritizes sustainable growth and top-tier shareholder returns.&nbsp; This approach emphasizes focus on core markets, global platforms and local gems within its portfolio, alongside the ability to adapt its offerings. And, analysts note that General Mills is innovating its product lines to align with contemporary health trends and changing consumer preferences.



While GIS stock has delivered a YTD return of nearly 3%, the company remains attractively valued at 14x forward earnings and 1.9x sales. Also, General Mills has a history of providing consistent dividends to its shareholders which currently offers a 3.56% yield. In addition, Wall Street remains bullish, with a <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/markets/stocks/gis">median 12-month price target</a> of $71.50, implying a potential 8% upside.



<h2>Invesco S&amp;P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (SPHD)</h2>



<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/05/etf-pushpin-1600-300x169.jpg" alt='close-up of the phrase "exchange traded fund" on three colorful papers pinned to a wall by colorful pushpins'><div>Source: shutterstock.com/bangoland</div></div>Rounding out our discussion of defensive stocks is the Invesco S&amp;P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF (NYSEARCA:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/sphd-stock-quote/">SPHD</a>). 



This ETF provides exposure to some of the S&amp;P 500&lsquo;s high dividend payers. Meanwhile, its focus on lower volatility stocks aims to reduce portfolio swings compared to the the S&amp;P 500 index, or the broader market, enhancing risk-adjusted returns. 



Since its inception in October 2012, the fund&rsquo;s net assets have reached close to $2.9 billion. Currently, SPHD has 52 holdings among utilities (20%), consumer staples (15.7%), real estate (13.9%), energy (11.7%) and healthcare (10%) sectors. Smokable products manufacturer Altria Group (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/mo-stock-quote/">MO</a>), energy companies Kinder Morgan (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/kmi-stock-quote/">KMI</a>) and Dominion Energy (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/d-stock-quote/">D</a>), and telecom giants Verizon Communications (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/vz-stock-quote/">VZ</a>) and AT&amp;T (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/t-stock-quote/">T</a>) comprise the leading holdings.



So far in 2024, SPHD has gained 1%. Meanwhile, forward (P/E) and price-to-book (P/B) ratios stand at 13.77x and 2.15x, respectively. Boasting a dividend yield of 4.75%, SPHD presents a compelling option for investors seeking a balance between income generation and portfolio stability.



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;<a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/" target="_blank">Publishing Guidelines</a>
<div>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></div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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Invesco S&P 500 High Dividend Low Volatility ETF declares monthly distribution of $0.1410