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Clear Secure

Clear Secure Inc is an identity company making experiences safer and easier digitally and physically. It is involved in the creation of a frictionless travel experience while enhancing security. Its secure identity platform uses biometrics to automate the identity verification process through lanes in airports which helps to make the travel experience safe and easy.

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The top 10 mid-cap stocks in August: Polestar Automotive, Upstart, Lumen Technologies, GDS Holdings, Tempus AI, Clear Secure, Iovance Biotherapeutics, Evolent Health, Semtech Corp, AST SpaceMobile.

AST SpaceMobile And Polestar Automotive Are Among Top 10 Best Performing Mid-Cap Stocks in August: Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

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Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Kristen Kluska reiterates uniQure (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QURE#NASDAQ">QURE</a>) with a Overweight and maintains $28 price target.

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QURE

Cantor Fitzgerald Reiterates Overweight on uniQure, Maintains $28 Price Target

Truist Securities analyst Jennifer Demba maintains Zions Bancorp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZION#NASDAQ">ZION</a>) with a Hold and lowers the price target from $54 to $52.

ZION

Truist Securities Maintains Hold on Zions Bancorp, Lowers Price Target to $52

Friday, Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) announced headline results from a phase 2a clinical trial with monlunabant, a small-molecule oral cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1) inverse agonist.
Monlunabant, formerly INV-202, was part of the acquisition of Inversago Pharmaceuticals Inc. for $1.075 billion, announced in August 2023.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/09/40956171/european-drug-agency-supports-novo-nordisks-blockbuster-weight-loss-drug-wegovy-for-obesity-relat" rel="noreferrer noopener">European Drug Agency Supports Novo Nordisk&#8217;s Blockbuster Weight-Loss Drug Wegovy For Obesity-Related Heart Failure</a>.
The <a target="_blank" href="https://www.novonordisk.com/content/nncorp/global/en/news-and-media/news-and-ir-materials/news-details.html?id=170501" rel="noreferrer noopener">trial</a> investigated the efficacy and safety of a once-daily 10 mg, 20 mg, and 50 mg of monlunabant compared to placebo on body weight after 16 weeks in 243 people with obesity and metabolic syndrome.
From a baseline body weight of 110.1 kg, all doses of monlunabant achieved a statistically significant weight loss compared to placebo.
After 16 weeks of treatment, people treated with a once-daily 10 mg dose of monlunabant achieved a weight loss of 7.1 kg compared to a reduction of 0.7 kg with a placebo.
Limited additional weight loss was seen at higher doses of monlunabant.
The most common adverse events in the trial were gastrointestinal, with the vast majority being mild to moderate and dose-dependent.
Reporting of mild to moderate neuropsychiatric side effects, primarily anxiety, irritability, and sleep disturbances, was more frequent and dose-dependent with monlunabant compared to placebo.
No serious adverse events were reported about neuropsychiatric side effects.
Based on the results, Novo Nordisk expects to initiate a larger phase 2b trial in obesity in 2025 to further investigate dosing and the safety profile of monlunabant over a longer duration in a global population.
Earlier this week, NanoVation Therapeutics announced a multi-year partnership with&nbsp;Novo Nordisk to advance the development of novel genetic medicines targeting <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/09/40927219/novo-nordisk-inks-600m-genetic-medicines-pact-with-canadian-firm-to-target-cardiometabolic-indica" rel="noreferrer noopener">cardiometabolic and rare diseases</a>.
Novo Nordisk will receive a defined exclusive, worldwide license to use NanoVation&#8217;s LNP technology for the two lead programs. NanoVation will receive research funding and is eligible to receive up to approximately $600 million in up-front cash, potential milestone payments, and tiered royalties on future product sales.
Price Action: NVO stock is down 5.49% at $127.48 at the last check on Friday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/09/40957635/sanofis-tolebrutinib-delays-disability-progression-in-patients-with-multiple-sclerosis-data-shows" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sanofi&#8217;s Tolebrutinib Delays Disability Progression In Patients With Multiple Sclerosis, Data Shows</a>.</li>
</ul>
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Novo Nordisk Stock Declines After Headline Results From Mid-Stage Study Of Monlunabant In Obese Patients

Truist Securities analyst Brandon King maintains Wintrust Finl (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WTFC#NASDAQ">WTFC</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $118 to $123.

WTFC

Truist Securities Maintains Buy on Wintrust Finl, Raises Price Target to $123

Truist Securities analyst Michael Swartz maintains Winnebago Industries (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WGO#NYSE">WGO</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $65 to $68.

Truist Securities Maintains Buy on Winnebago Industries, Raises Price Target to $68

Truist Securities analyst Brandon King maintains Western Alliance (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WAL#NYSE">WAL</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $88 to $100.

Truist Securities Maintains Buy on Western Alliance, Raises Price Target to $100

In the ever-evolving world of blockchain, few events have managed to capture the industry&#39;s attention like the <a href="https://koreablockchainweek.com/">Korea Blockchain Week</a> (KBW). Since its inception in 2018, KBW has grown exponentially, positioning itself as a global hub for blockchain innovation, collaboration, and thought leadership. Founded by Seonik Jeon and his organization FactBlock, the week-long event has not only solidified South Korea&rsquo;s place in the global blockchain ecosystem but has also become a cornerstone for connecting international projects with the Korean market.
<h3>The Vision Behind KBW: From Local Challenges To Global Impact</h3>
When Seonik Jeon first conceived the idea of Korea Blockchain Week, the Korean cryptocurrency landscape was in a precarious position. The ICO boom had attracted a wave of speculative investments, many of which led to fraudulent projects that preyed on local investors. For many Koreans, language barriers exacerbated these challenges, making it difficult to assess the legitimacy of international projects. Jeon recognized this gap and envisioned an event that would introduce credible blockchain initiatives to the Korean market.
&quot;The goal from the start was clear: create a platform where Korean investors and developers could engage with trustworthy international blockchain projects,&quot; Jeon recalls. &quot;At that time, Korea was still not on the global radar, but the potential was there.&quot;
Leveraging data that showed a growing association between &quot;Korea&quot; and &quot;blockchain&quot; in global search trends, Jeon saw an opportunity to elevate Korea&rsquo;s presence on the world stage. What started as a response to local challenges has since evolved into a global event that welcomes thousands of participants each year, reflecting both the exponential growth of blockchain technology and Korea&rsquo;s increasing importance in the space.
<h3>KBW 2024: A Showcase Of Innovation And Global Collaboration</h3>
The 2024 edition of Korea Blockchain Week was a resounding success, with record-breaking attendance and participation from leading voices in blockchain technology. Held in Seoul from September 1-7, the event attracted more than 17,000 participants, a 70% increase from the previous year. The highlights of this year&#39;s event underscored the increasingly global nature of the blockchain industry, with discussions focusing on the latest trends in decentralized finance (DeFi), interoperability, and scalability solutions.
Jeon highlighted the panel discussions as a particular point of pride for the event. &quot;This year, we saw an incredible range of topics covered&mdash;everything from the practical applications of NFTs to the future of zero-knowledge proofs in improving blockchain security. The diversity of thought leaders present really showcased how far the industry has come,&quot; he noted.
In addition to the intellectual rigor of the discussions, networking opportunities were a key component of the event&rsquo;s success. Entrepreneurs, developers, and investors from around the world gathered to exchange ideas, explore collaborations, and forge partnerships. The cross-pollination of ideas and expertise is what truly sets KBW apart as a breeding ground for innovation.
Furthermore, the showcase of cutting-edge projects illustrated the momentum of blockchain technology. Startups and established companies alike presented projects spanning everything from DAOs to cross-chain solutions, signaling that the blockchain industry is maturing and shifting toward more practical, value-driven applications.
<h3>Key Takeaways From KBW 2024: The State Of Blockchain In Korea And Beyond</h3>
Several clear trends emerged from KBW 2024 that reflect not only the state of the blockchain industry in Korea but also its trajectory on a global scale.
1. Global Collaboration is Key: 
Discussions at KBW consistently emphasized the importance of global standards and interoperability. With blockchain being inherently decentralized and borderless, the need for international cooperation has never been more apparent.
2. Focus on Regulation and Compliance: 
As blockchain technology continues to grow, so does the need for clear and consistent regulatory frameworks. Speakers at the event stressed the importance of creating an environment that balances innovation with security and compliance. This is particularly crucial as more institutional investors enter the space.
3. Technological Advancements: 
With new developments in blockchain scalability and efficiency, such as layer-2 solutions and zero-knowledge proofs, it&rsquo;s clear that the technology is evolving to support more robust applications. These innovations are paving the way for blockchain to handle large-scale operations, a critical factor for mass adoption.
4. Investment and Adoption are on the Rise: 
The days of blockchain being seen purely as a speculative asset class are fading. Increased adoption by mainstream businesses and governments was a recurring theme, with many participants highlighting practical use cases that extend beyond cryptocurrencies, such as supply chain management and decentralized identity.
<h3>Looking Ahead: The Future Of Korea Blockchain Week</h3>
As KBW continues to grow, Seonik Jeon is already looking ahead to future editions of the event. One of the most exciting developments on the horizon is the launch of FABLO, an app designed to make the blockchain space more accessible to newcomers. Set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2024, FABLO will offer a user-friendly onboarding process to Web3, further expanding the reach and impact of KBW beyond the confines of a once-a-year event.
&quot;Our vision is to build a year-round community that fosters innovation and collaboration, both online and offline,&quot; said Jeon. &quot;With FABLO, we hope to bring even more people into the fold and provide them with the tools they need to navigate the blockchain ecosystem.&quot;
Looking further ahead, KBW aims to deepen its focus on emerging trends and innovations. Blockchain interoperability, decentralized finance, and the convergence of blockchain with technologies like AI and IoT are all areas that Jeon believes will play a significant role in shaping the future of the industry. In addition, KBW is committed to addressing the environmental concerns surrounding blockchain, fostering discussions around sustainable practices and eco-friendly innovations.
As blockchain technology continues to evolve, Korea Blockchain Week has cemented its place as a global leader in shaping the future of the industry. Through its commitment to innovation, collaboration, and investor protection, KBW provides a platform for meaningful discourse, groundbreaking projects, and invaluable connections. With plans to expand both its reach and impact, it&rsquo;s clear that the event will continue to be a beacon for the global blockchain community.
For those eager to stay ahead in the ever-changing world of blockchain, KBW remains an unmissable event&mdash;one that is set to grow in importance as the technology matures and adoption spreads across the globe.
&nbsp;

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

Cryptocurrency

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Blockchain's Global Expansion: Insights From An Interview With Korea Blockchain Week's Founder

Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Kristen Kluska reiterates PTC Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PTCT#NASDAQ">PTCT</a>) with a Overweight and maintains $64 price target.

PTCT

Cantor Fitzgerald Reiterates Overweight on PTC Therapeutics, Maintains $64 Price Target

Truist Securities analyst Brandon King maintains United Community Banks (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UCB#NYSE">UCB</a>) with a Hold and raises the price target from $31 to $32.

Truist Securities Maintains Hold on United Community Banks, Raises Price Target to $32

Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Kristen Kluska reiterates Disc Medicine (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IRON#NASDAQ">IRON</a>) with a Overweight and maintains $85 price target.

IRON

Cantor Fitzgerald Reiterates Overweight on Disc Medicine, Maintains $85 Price Target

Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Kristen Kluska reiterates Humacyte (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUMA#NASDAQ">HUMA</a>) with a Overweight and maintains $13 price target.

HUMA

Cantor Fitzgerald Reiterates Overweight on Humacyte, Maintains $13 Price Target

Truist Securities analyst Brandon King maintains Trustmark (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRMK#NASDAQ">TRMK</a>) with a Hold and lowers the price target from $37 to $35.

TRMK

Truist Securities Maintains Hold on Trustmark, Lowers Price Target to $35

By Lance Roberts
When stock markets rise, the bullish narrative tends to dominate, overlooking the potential impact of market declines. This oversight stems from two main problems: a basic misunderstanding of math and time&rsquo;s critical role in investing. Every year, I receive the following chart as a counterargument when discussing the importance of managing risk during a portfolio&rsquo;s life cycle. The chart shows that while the average bull market advance is 149%, the average bear market decline is just -32%.
So, why bother managing risk when markets rise 4.7x more over the long term than they fall?
<a href="https://realinvestmentadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image-1.png"><img alt="Bull and Bear Markets over time measured in terms of percentage gain and loss." src="https://realinvestmentadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image-1-1024x651.png" style="height:397px; width:624px" /></a>
As with any long-term analysis, one should quickly realize the most critical issue for every investor&mdash;time.
<h3>The Reality Of Long-Term Stock Market Returns</h3>
Yes, since 1900, the stock market has &ldquo;averaged&rdquo; an 8% annualized rate of return. However, this does NOT mean the market returns 8% every year. As we discussed recently, several key facts about markets should be understood.
<ul>
<li>Stocks rise more often than they fall: Historically, the stock market increases about 73% of the time. The other 27% of the time, market corrections reverse the excesses of previous advances. The table below shows the dispersion of returns over time.</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://realinvestmentadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/image-75.png"><img alt="Average Returns Annual" src="https://realinvestmentadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/image-75.png" style="height:353px; width:624px" /></a>
However, to achieve that 8% annualized &ldquo;average&rdquo; rate of return, you would need to live for&nbsp;124 years.
<h3>Time Is The Investor&rsquo;s Biggest Challenge</h3>
The average American faces a sobering reality: human mortality. Most investors don&rsquo;t begin seriously saving for retirement until their mid-40s, as the cost of living during earlier years&mdash;college, getting married, having kids&mdash;consumes much of their income. Generally, incomes don&rsquo;t exceed the cost of living until the mid-to late-40s, allowing for a serious push toward retirement savings. Most individuals have just 20 to 25 productive working years to achieve their investment goals.
Investment studies should align time frames with human mortality rather than focusing on&nbsp;&ldquo;long-term&rdquo;&nbsp;average returns. There are periods in history where real, inflation-adjusted total returns over 20 years have been close to zero or negative. Interestingly, these periods of near-zero to negative returns were typically preceded by&nbsp;high market valuations&mdash;as we see today.
<a href="https://realinvestmentadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image-2.png"><img alt="Rolling 20 year returns of the market based on trailing valuations" src="https://realinvestmentadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image-2.png" style="height:379px; width:624px" /></a>
Time&nbsp;and&nbsp;valuations&nbsp;are the most important factors for those just beginning their investment journey.
<h2>The Problem with Percentage-Based Returns</h2>
Another issue with long-term analysis is the misunderstanding of basic math, as we discussed in&nbsp;<a href="https://realinvestmentadvice.com/market-corrections-matter-more-than-you-think/" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">&ldquo;Market Corrections.&rdquo;</a>
Charts often show percentage returns, which can be deceptive without deeper analysis. Let&rsquo;s take an example:
If an index grows from 1000 to 8000:
<ul>
<li>1000 to 2000 = 100% return</li>
<li>1000 to 3000 = 200% return</li>
<li>1000 to 8000 = 700% return</li>
</ul>
An investor who bought into the index generated a 700% return. According to First Trust, why worry about a 50% correction when you&rsquo;ve just gained 700%?
However, the problem lies in the percentages. A 50% correction does NOT leave you with a 650% gain. It subtracts 4000 points from the index, reducing your 700% gain to just 300%.
Recovering those lost 4000 points to break even after a market decline is a much harder task. The real damage of a market decline becomes clear when we reconstruct the chart to display&nbsp;point gain/loss versus percentages. In many cases, a significant portion of a bull market&rsquo;s gains are reversed by the subsequent bear market decline.
<a href="https://realinvestmentadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image-3.png"><img alt="S&amp;P 500 market returns by bull and bear cycle measured in point gain or loss." src="https://realinvestmentadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/image-3.png" style="height:329px; width:624px" /></a>
While markets do recover, mainstream analysis often overlooks one key factor:&nbsp;time.
<h3 id="its-a-time-problem">Market Declines Are A &ldquo;Time&rdquo;&nbsp;Problem.&nbsp;</h3>
For most of us mere mortals,&nbsp;time&nbsp;plays a crucial role in our investing strategy. As shown in previous analyses, investors typically fall short of their expected outcomes when factoring in life expectancy and the time required for recovery from market downturns.
Below is a chart assuming a $1000 investment over each period and holding the total return until death. No withdrawals are made. The orange sloping line represents the&nbsp;&ldquo;promise&rdquo;&nbsp;of a 6% annualized compound return. The black line represents the actual outcome. In all cases except the most recent cycle starting in 2009, the invested capital fell short of the promised return goal.
The next significant downturn will likely reverse many of the gains from the current cycle, highlighting why using&nbsp;compounded&nbsp;or&nbsp;average&nbsp;rates of return in financial planning often leads to disappointment.
<a href="https://realinvestmentadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Life-Expectancy-6pct-Returns-Time-Frames.png"><img alt="Real Total Return vs Life Span" src="https://realinvestmentadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Life-Expectancy-6pct-Returns-Time-Frames-1024x832.png" style="height:507px; width:624px" /></a>
At the point of death, the invested capital is short of the promised goal in every case except the current cycle starting in 2009. However, that cycle is yet to be complete, and the next significant downturn will likely reverse most, if not all, of those gains. Such is why using&nbsp;&ldquo;compounded&rdquo;&nbsp;or&nbsp;&ldquo;average&rdquo;&nbsp;rates of return in financial planning often leads to disappointment.
The reason is that market declines matter, and getting&nbsp;&ldquo;back to even&rdquo;&nbsp;is not the same as accumulating capital.&nbsp;The chart visualizes the importance of market declines by showing the difference between&nbsp;&ldquo;actual&rdquo;&nbsp;investment returns and&nbsp;&ldquo;average&rdquo;&nbsp;returns over time. The purple-shaded area and the market price graph show&nbsp;&ldquo;average&rdquo;&nbsp;returns of 7% annually. However, the return gap in&nbsp;&ldquo;actual returns&rdquo;&nbsp;due to market declines is quite significant.
<a href="https://realinvestmentadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Promised-vs-Real-Returns-091221.png"><img alt="Average versus actual retunrs" src="https://realinvestmentadvice.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Promised-vs-Real-Returns-091221-1024x529.png" style="height:322px; width:624px" /></a>
<h3>Why Time And Valuations Matter For Investors</h3>
Whether you&rsquo;re five years from retirement or just starting your career, there are three key factors to consider in today&rsquo;s market environment:
<ol>
<li>Time horizon&nbsp;(retirement age minus starting age)</li>
<li>Valuations&nbsp;at the beginning of your investment period</li>
<li>Rate of return&nbsp;required to meet your investment goals</li>
</ol>
A&nbsp;buy-and-hold strategy may disappoint&nbsp;if valuations are high when you start investing, and your time horizon is too short or the required return rate is too high.
Mean reversion events often reveal the flaws of&nbsp;buy-and-hold&nbsp;investment strategies. Unlike a&nbsp;high-yield savings account, stock markets experience losses that can devastate retirement plans. (Ask any &ldquo;boomer&rdquo; who lived through the dot-com crash or the financial crisis.)
Investors should consider more&nbsp;active strategies&nbsp;to preserve capital during excessively high valuations.
<h3>Adjusting Expectations For Future Returns</h3>
Investors should consider the following:
<ul>
<li>Adjust expectations for future returns and withdrawal rates due to current valuation levels.</li>
<li>Understand that front-loaded returns in the future are unlikely.</li>
<li>Consider life expectancy when planning your investment strategy.</li>
<li>Plan for the impact of taxes on returns.</li>
<li>Carefully assess inflation expectations when allocating investments.</li>
<li>During declining market environments, reduce portfolio withdrawals to avoid depleting principal faster.</li>
</ul>
The last 13 years of chasing yields in a low-rate environment have created a hazardous situation for investors. It&rsquo;s crucial to abandon expectations of&nbsp;compounded annual returns&nbsp;and instead focus on&nbsp;variable return rates&nbsp;based on current market conditions.
<h3>Conclusion: Don&rsquo;t Chase The Market</h3>
Chasing an arbitrary index and staying 100% invested in the equity market forces you to take on more risk than you may realize. Two major bear markets in the last decade have left many individuals further from retirement than planned.
Retirement investing should focus on&nbsp;conservative, cautious growth&nbsp;to outpace inflation. Attempting to beat a random, arbitrary index with no connection to your personal financial goals is a risky game. Remember, in the market, there are no bulls or bears. There are only those who succeed in reaching their investment goals&mdash;and those who fail.
<hr />
<h3>FAQ Section</h3>
Q: Why is risk management important in investing? 
A: Risk management helps protect your portfolio from significant losses during market declines, ensuring you stay on track to meet your long-term goals.
Q: How do market declines affect long-term returns? 
A: Market declines reduce returns; recovering from a decline can take years. This significantly impacts the overall growth of your portfolio, especially if time is a limiting factor.
Q: What is the best strategy during high market valuations? 
A: During high market valuations, consider more active strategies and focus on preserving capital to minimize losses during market corrections.
<hr />
Focusing on time, valuations, and proper risk management can help you better align your investment strategy with your financial goals and life expectancy.
Lance Roberts is a Chief Portfolio Strategist/Economist for&nbsp;<a href="https://realinvestmentadvice.com/investing/" target="_blank">RIA Advisors</a>. He is also the host of &ldquo;<a href="https://realinvestmentadvice.com/podcasts/" target="_blank">The Lance Roberts Podcast</a>&rdquo; and Chief Editor of the &ldquo;<a href="https://realinvestmentadvice.com/" target="_blank">Real Investment Advice</a>&rdquo; website and author of &ldquo;<a href="https://realinvestmentadvice.com/real-investment-daily/" target="_blank">Real Investment Daily</a>&rdquo; blog and &ldquo;Real Investment Report&ldquo;. Follow Lance on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/RealInvestmentAdvice/" target="_blank">Facebook</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/LanceRoberts" target="_blank">Twitter</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/realinvestmentadvice/" target="_blank">Linked-In</a>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCXVMMgEidXlrTM1coedg70A" target="_blank">YouTube</a>

Market Declines And The Problem Of Time

Truist Securities analyst Michael Swartz maintains Thor Industries (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/THO#NYSE">THO</a>) with a Hold and raises the price target from $95 to $105.

Truist Securities Maintains Hold on Thor Industries, Raises Price Target to $105

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on ServiceNow. Our analysis of options history for ServiceNow (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOW#NYSE">NOW</a>) revealed 10 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 20% of traders were bullish, while 40% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 3 were puts, with a value of $148,200, and 7 were calls, valued at $331,595.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $400.0 to $1000.0 for ServiceNow over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for ServiceNow's options for a given strike price.
Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of ServiceNow's whale activity within a strike price range from $400.0 to $1000.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>ServiceNow Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1726849015_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NOW</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>10/04/24</td>
<td>$23.8</td>
<td>$21.2</td>
<td>$21.52</td>
<td>$930.00</td>
<td>$96.7K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">40</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">88</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NOW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$71.2</td>
<td>$67.5</td>
<td>$69.41</td>
<td>$920.00</td>
<td>$70.7K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">201</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NOW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$134.7</td>
<td>$129.8</td>
<td>$132.0</td>
<td>$1000.00</td>
<td>$66.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">280</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NOW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/18/26</td>
<td>$577.8</td>
<td>$565.3</td>
<td>$568.0</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
<td>$56.8K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">19</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NOW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$435.2</td>
<td>$428.0</td>
<td>$428.0</td>
<td>$540.00</td>
<td>$42.8K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About ServiceNow</h3>
ServiceNow Inc provides software solutions to structure and automate various business processes via a SaaS delivery model. The company primarily focuses on the IT function for enterprise customers. ServiceNow began with IT service management, expanded within the IT function, and more recently directed its workflow automation logic to functional areas beyond IT, notably customer service, HR service delivery, and security operations. ServiceNow also offers an application development platform as a service.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with ServiceNow, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Current Position of ServiceNow</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 517,501, the NOW's price is down by -0.02%, now at $919.06. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 33 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on ServiceNow</h3>
In the last month, 1 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $900.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from Needham downgraded its rating to Buy, setting a price target of $900. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for ServiceNow with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Options

ServiceNow Options Trading: A Deep Dive into Market Sentiment

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bullish stance on Upstart Hldgs.
Looking at options history for Upstart Hldgs (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UPST#NASDAQ">UPST</a>) we detected 30 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 46% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 43% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 4 are puts, for a total amount of $230,526 and 26, calls, for a total amount of $2,463,790.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $25.0 to $65.0 for Upstart Hldgs during the past quarter. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for Upstart Hldgs's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across Upstart Hldgs's significant trades, within a strike price range of $25.0 to $65.0, over the past month.
<h3>Upstart Hldgs Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1726849011_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>UPST</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$2.89</td>
<td>$2.87</td>
<td>$2.89</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$136.9K</td>
<td>2.1K</td>
<td>518</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UPST</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$11.5</td>
<td>$11.3</td>
<td>$11.42</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$113.4K</td>
<td>4.5K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UPST</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$11.35</td>
<td>$11.3</td>
<td>$11.3</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$113.2K</td>
<td>4.5K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UPST</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$11.5</td>
<td>$11.3</td>
<td>$11.32</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$113.2K</td>
<td>4.5K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UPST</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$11.65</td>
<td>$11.25</td>
<td>$11.32</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$113.1K</td>
<td>4.5K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Upstart Hldgs</h3>
Upstart Holdings Inc provides credit services. The company provides a proprietary, cloud-based, artificial intelligence lending platform. The platform aggregates consumer demand for loans and connects it to the network of Upstart AI-enabled bank partners. Upstart's platform includes personal loans, automotive retail and refinance loans, home equity lines of credit and small dollar loans.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Upstart Hldgs, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Upstart Hldgs</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 3,262,345, the price of UPST is down by -0.02%, reaching $39.99.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 46 days from now.</li>
</ul>
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
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Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Upstart Hldgs with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Upstart Hldgs Options Trading: A Deep Dive into Market Sentiment

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bearish stance on Applied Mat.
Looking at options history for Applied Mat (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>) we detected 10 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 30% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 40% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 2 are puts, for a total amount of $57,720 and 8, calls, for a total amount of $476,043.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $140.0 to $210.0 for Applied Mat over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Applied Mat's options for a given strike price.
Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Applied Mat's whale activity within a strike price range from $140.0 to $210.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Applied Mat Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1726849005_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AMAT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$10.5</td>
<td>$10.2</td>
<td>$10.2</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
<td>$153.0K</td>
<td>2.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMAT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/27/24</td>
<td>$3.05</td>
<td>$2.95</td>
<td>$2.95</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
<td>$73.4K</td>
<td>828</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">528</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMAT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>09/27/24</td>
<td>$1.45</td>
<td>$1.42</td>
<td>$1.42</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$69.7K</td>
<td>798</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">661</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMAT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/27/24</td>
<td>$2.31</td>
<td>$2.25</td>
<td>$2.25</td>
<td>$197.50</td>
<td>$56.2K</td>
<td>264</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">265</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMAT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/27/24</td>
<td>$2.36</td>
<td>$2.08</td>
<td>$2.3</td>
<td>$197.50</td>
<td>$34.5K</td>
<td>264</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">265</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Applied Mat</h3>
Applied Materials is the largest semiconductor wafer fabrication equipment, or WFE, manufacturer in the world. Applied Materials has a broad portfolio spanning nearly every corner of the WFE ecosystem. Specifically, Applied Materials holds a market share leadership position in deposition, which entails the layering of new materials on semiconductor wafers. It is more exposed to general-purpose logic chips made at integrated device manufacturers and foundries. It counts the largest chipmakers in the world as customers, including TSMC, Intel, and Samsung.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Applied Mat, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Applied Mat</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 3,052,366, with AMAT's price down by -1.43%, positioned at $193.9.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 55 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Applied Mat</h3>
Over the past month, 3 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $204.0.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Morgan Stanley continues to hold a Equal-Weight rating for Applied Mat, targeting a price of $185. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Citigroup continues to hold a Buy rating for Applied Mat, targeting a price of $217. 
&#x2A; An analyst from UBS persists with their Neutral rating on Applied Mat, maintaining a target price of $210. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Applied Mat, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

AMAT

Smart Money Is Betting Big In AMAT Options

Truist Securities analyst Tobey Sommer maintains Brink's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BCO#NYSE">BCO</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $110 to $144.

Truist Securities Maintains Buy on Brink's, Raises Price Target to $144

Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Kristen Kluska reiterates Amicus Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FOLD#NASDAQ">FOLD</a>) with a Overweight and maintains $20 price target.

FOLD

Cantor Fitzgerald Reiterates Overweight on Amicus Therapeutics, Maintains $20 Price Target

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40900871/donald-trump-says-inflation-is-the-highest-ever-but-experts-dispute-his-claims-heres-the-truth-a">Donald Trump</a> was in the hot seat recently at the New York Economic Club, fielding tough questions on the rising costs of child care. His response, however, took a sharp turn into familiar territory – tariffs. Trump confidently declared that tariffs would bring in &#8220;trillions of dollars&#8221; for the U.S. government, downplaying the cost of child care as "not very expensive" compared to the revenue he expected from tariffs.
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However, Trump&#8217;s tariff proposal, which joins tax cuts and mass deportations as his top priorities, has drawn significant attention for its potential to worsen inflation – an issue that remains top-of-mind for American voters.
Although inflation has eased to 2.5%, everyday prices like groceries and housing remain sky-high. Food is still 25% more expensive than in 2020 and housing prices show no sign of coming down. The inflation issue took center stage at this week&#8217;s presidential debate, with both candidates pledging to address the crisis.
Trending: Founder of Personal Capital and ex-CEO of PayPal<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/evergreen-money"> re-engineers traditional banking with this new high-yield account — start saving better today.</a>
Goldman Sachs recently issued a stark warning: Trump's proposed tariffs could increase inflation by 1.2% by 2025. That's not the only red flag. Economists say Trump&#8217;s tax cuts and mass deportations could also fuel inflation.&nbsp;
"If you cut taxes and the Federal Reserve lowers interest rates, you&#8217;re boosting demand without increasing supply," some economists argue. With unemployment already at record lows, these moves could spell trouble.
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Back in July, a survey by the Wall Street Journal revealed that most economists believed inflation would rise under Trump's leadership compared to a second Biden term. Sixteen Nobel Prize-winning economists even wrote that Trump's policies posed "serious risks" to the U.S. economy. &#8220;Nonpartisan researchers predict that if Trump enacts his agenda, it will lead to more inflation,&#8221; the Nobel laureates said.
However, Trump has his defenders. E.J. Antoni from the conservative Heritage Foundation noted that Trump enacted similar policies during his first term without triggering runaway <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40900871/donald-trump-says-inflation-is-the-highest-ever-but-experts-dispute-his-claims-heres-the-truth-a">inflation</a>. "People said the same thing back then, but it didn't happen," Antoni stated.
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Despite Trump's vow to "get rid of inflation," his plan remains vague. Justin Wolfers, an economist at the University of Michigan, said Trump's approach isn't a concrete policy. "Saying ‘I will ask people for their ideas' is not a plan to reduce inflation," Wolfers quipped.
Other economists have echoed this sentiment, pointing out the lack of details behind Trump's promises. Kimberly Clausing from the Peterson Institute for International Economics was blunt: "I don't think we've seen a more inflationary platform."
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Trump's proposed tariffs on Chinese goods, which could reach 60%, are a particular concern. Studies suggest these tariffs would cost the average American household an additional $2,600 annually.
Although some argue that tariffs protect American jobs, Wolfers cautioned, "Every dollar of tariff revenue will come from higher prices paid by Americans." Some pro-tariff groups, like the Coalition for a Prosperous America, argue that consumers will eventually switch to U.S.-made goods, softening the blow. But many believe the tariffs will deliver the "sharpest inflation shock in quite some time."
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Personal Finance

Economists Warn Trump's Plans For Tax Cuts, Tariffs and Deportation Could Trigger Skyrocketing Inflation – Here's How It Might Happen

The software industry is booming due to rising operational efficiency demand and technological advances. Given these factors, it could be wise to watch out for sound software stocks F5, Inc (FFIV), Clear Secure (YOU), and RingCentral (RNG), which are trading at a discount right now. Continue to read… Global digitalization is driving unprecedented growth in the software industry. Innovations and technological advancements are pushing the industry to new heights, enhancing efficiency and security. This surge in technological progress is propelling the software sector to achieve its highest levels of success yet.
Amid this backdrop, investing in fundamentally robust software stocks, F5, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/FFIV/">FFIV</a>), Clear Secure, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/YOU/">YOU</a>), and RingCentral, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/RNG/">RNG</a>) could be advantageous. Before diving into the stocks, let's first get a better understanding of the industry's growth drivers.
Businesses are increasingly relying on software to optimize operations and enhance customer experiences, which is driving significant sector growth. Innovations in Artificial Intelligence (AI), cloud computing, and Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) are in high demand as companies strive to remain competitive in the constantly evolving digital landscape.
Such technological advancements have, in turn, driven the growth of the <a href="https://azure.microsoft.com/en-in/resources/cloud-computing-dictionary/what-is-saas/">Software as a Service (SaaS)</a> market, with solutions evolving quickly to enhance operational efficiency and business intelligence. Moreover, the rapid spread of COVID-19 led companies to adopt remote work policies, further increasing the demand for various SaaS solutions.
According to a report by Fortune Business Insights, the global SaaS market is expected to grow at a <a href="https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/software-as-a-service-saas-market-102222">CAGR of 18.4%</a> to reach $1.22 trillion by 2032. Moreover, Gartner, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/IT/">IT</a>) predicts that global software spending will <a href="https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2024-07-16-gartner-forecasts-worldwide-it-spending-to-grow-7-point-5-percent-in-2024">increase by 12.6%</a> year-over-year, totaling $1.10 trillion for the year.
Given these trends, let's explore the fundamentals of top three software stocks trading at a discount. Let's start with #3.
Stock #3: F5, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/FFIV/">FFIV</a>)
FFIV is a multi-cloud application services and security firm that partners with organizations to secure and optimize app and Application Programming Interface (API) interfaces. Its enterprise-grade solutions use artificial intelligence and machine learning to support performance and protect legacy and modern applications and APIs.
On May 2, FFIV announced <a href="https://www.f5.com/company/blog/portkey-f5-collaborate-intelligent-ai-app-delivery">its partnership with Portkey.ai</a>, a leading AI gateway and observability solutions provider. The collaboration seeks to revolutionize Large Language Model (LLM) application deployment, administration, and monitoring.
This could drive innovation and empower organizations across industries to harness the power of large language models, which would boost FFIV's offerings and consumer numbers and, in turn, boost the company's growth.
On April 30, FFIV announced <a href="https://investors.f5.com/news/f5-delivers-new-solutions-that-radically-simplify-security-for-every-app-and-api/4c3ba057-21ad-4d52-b6fd-fe2c5a3fb3c8/">new best-in-class security offerings</a>: F5 Distributed Cloud Services Web Application Scanning, BIG-IP Next Web Application Firewall (WAF), and NGINX App Protect for open source deployments, which strengthen protections and simplify customer management.
These new offerings could enhance protection and simplify customer management, solidifying F5's position as a leader in AI-ready app and API security.
For the fiscal 2024 third quarter, which ended on June 30, 2024, FFIV's income from operations increased by 57.5% year-over-year to $163.09 million. The company's non-GAAP <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/netincome.asp">net income</a> and non-GAAP net income per share stood at $198.84 million and $3.36 per share, up 2.7% and 4.7% from the prior year quarter, respectively.
Furthermore, as of June 30, 2024, the company's <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/c/cashandcashequivalents.asp">cash and cash equivalents</a> stood at $934.81 million compared to $797.16 million as of September 30, 2023.
FFIV is currently trading at a discount. Its forward non-GAAP P/E is 14.55x, 36.4% lower than the industry average of 22.90x. Its forward EV/EBITDA of 9.94x is 29.1% lower than the industry average of 14.02x. Moreover, the stock's forward Price/Book of 3.58x is 10.5% lower than the 4.00x sector average.
Analysts expect FFIV's revenue for the fiscal year ending September 2025 to increase 4.1% year-over-year to $2.91 billion. Its EPS for the next fiscal year is expected to grow 7.5% from the prior year to $14.13. Furthermore, the company has surpassed the consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.
FFIV's stock has gained 11.3% over the past three months and 16.4% over the past nine months, closing the last trading session at $191.36.
FFIV's <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a> reflect its strong outlook. The stock has an overall rating of A, equating to a Strong Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 different factors, each weighted optimally.
FFIV has an A grade for Quality and a B for Value. In the B-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/software-business/">Software – Business</a> industry, FFIV is ranked #5 among 39 stocks.
To access additional ratings for FFIV's Growth, Momentum, Stability, and Sentiment, <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/FFIV/">click here</a>.
Stock #2: Clear Secure, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/YOU/">YOU</a>)
YOU operates a secure identity platform under the CLEAR brand, featuring a multi-layered infrastructure for enrollment, verification, and identity linking. It offers the CLEAR Plus aviation subscription service and CLEAR mobile app for member enrollment and experience enhancement, ensuring robust front-end and back-end security.
On July 23, YOU opened <a href="https://ir.clearme.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/122/clear-an-official-tsa-precheck-enrollment-provider">six new locations</a> to enroll and renew consumers in its Trusted Traveler program. There are now 46 TSA PreCheck enrollment locations open across the United States.
The expansion is an important step in the company's mission to serve its customers with a fast and efficient airport experience.
On July 17, YOU launched its signature <a href="https://ir.clearme.com/news-events/press-releases/detail/120/clear-launches-new-lanes-at-honolulus-daniel-k-inouye">identity verification technology</a> at Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) to streamline its security screening experience.
The launch marks a significant step in YOU's expansion. With its opt-in CLEAR Plus membership, YOU now serves 58 airports nationwide and has over 22 million members.
YOU's revenue increased 24.6% year-over-year to $186.75 million in the fiscal 2024 second quarter that ended June 30, 2024. Its operating income was $30.34 million, significantly increasing from $217 thousand in the previous year's quarter. The company's adjusted EBITDA stood at $47.45 million, up 137.1% year-over-year.
In addition, YOU's adjusted net income was $49.27 million or $0.34 per share, increasing 116% and 126.7% year over year, respectively.
YOU's forward non-GAAP P/E of 21.46x is 6.3% lower than the industry average of 22.90x. Its forward EV/EBITDA multiple of 11.56 is 17.6% lower than the industry average of 14.02x. Plus, the stock's forward Price/Cash Flow of 8.95x is 51.6% lower than the 18.47x sector average.
Analysts expect YOU's revenue for the fiscal third quarter (ending September 2024) to grow 21.3% year-over-year to $194.62 million. Its EPS is expected to rise 57% from last year's period to $0.33. Moreover, the company surpassed the consensus revenue and EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, which is impressive.
Shares of YOU have surged 40.6% over the past month and 53.3% over the last three months to close the last trading session at $27.29.
YOU's POWR Ratings reflect its bright prospects. The stock has an overall rating of B, which translates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system.
YOU has a B grade for Growth, Value, and Quality. It is ranked #5 out of 23 stocks in the B-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/software-security/">Software – Security</a> industry.
In addition to the POWR Ratings highlighted above, one can access YOU's ratings (Momentum, Stability, and Sentiment) <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/YOU/">here</a>.
Stock #1: RingCentral, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/RNG/">RNG</a>)
RNG provides AI-driven cloud business communications, contact center, video, and hybrid event solutions. The company's product lineup features RingCentral MVP, Contact Center as a Service (CCaaS), RingCentral Video, RingCentral Events, RingSense, and more.
On August 8, the company announced its <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/ringcentral-partners-with-coupa-to-improve-operating-efficiencies-workforce-productivity-and-growth-302217432.html">partnership with Coupa</a>, a margin multiplier firm to help optimize RNG's spend and business operations. The alliance could help RNG to leverage Coupa's platform to control risk, improve governance over cash management and spend, and use AI to automate and drive smarter business decisions and take the business to higher levels eventually increasing its growth prospects.
RNG's total revenues for the fiscal 2024 second quarter ended June 30, 2024, grew 9.9% year-over-year to $592.91 million. Its non-GAAP income from operations rose 18.9% over the prior-year quarter to $124.19 million.
The company's non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per share were $86.20 million and $0.91, respectively, up 7.7% and 9.6% year-over-year.
RNG is also trading at a cheaper valuation than its peers. Its forward non-GAAP P/E of 9.05x is 60.5% lower than the industry average of 22.90x. The stock's forward EV/EBITDA multiple of 7.72 is 45% lower than the industry average of 14.02x. Also, the RNG's forward Price/Sales of 1.27x is 54.2% lower than the 2.77x industry average.
The consensus revenue and EPS estimate of $602.17 million and $0.92 reflect a 7.9% and 18.2% year-over-year increase for the fiscal third quarter ending September 2024, respectively. In addition, the company topped the consensus revenue and EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.
Shares of RNG have surged 7.7% over the past month and 19% over the past nine months to close the last trading session at $33.12.
RNG's robust fundamentals are reflected in its POWR Ratings. The stock has an overall rating of A, translating to a Strong Buy in our proprietary rating system.
RNG has an A grade for Growth and Value and a B for Quality. It is ranked #6 out of 39 stocks in the Software – Business industry.
Beyond what is stated above, we've also rated RNG for Stability, Sentiment, and Momentum. Get all RNG ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/RNG/">here</a>.
What To Do Next?
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FFIV shares were unchanged in premarket trading Thursday. Year-to-date, FFIV has gained 6.92%, versus a 15.12% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Aanchal Sugandh</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Aanchal-Sugandh_Headshot.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Aanchal's passion for financial markets drives her work as an investment analyst and journalist. She earned her bachelor's degree in finance and is pursuing the CFA program.

She is proficient at assessing the long-term prospects of stocks with her fundamental analysis skills. Her goal is to help investors build portfolios with sustainable returns.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=aanchal-sugandh">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/ffiv-you-rng-high-quality-software-stocks-at-bargain-prices-to-watch-now/>High-Quality Software Stocks at Bargain Prices to Watch Now</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

High-Quality Software Stocks at Bargain Prices to Watch Now

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