MEDIROM Healthcare Techs Stock (NASDAQ: MRM)

Dernières nouvelles pour MEDIROM Healthcare Techs (NASDAQ:MRM) Stock

MEDIROM Healthcare Techs

MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc provides health services. The company is a franchiser and operator of healthcare salons and operates in segments namely Relaxation Salon, Digital Preventative Healthcare, and Luxury Beauty Segment. The company generates a majority of its revenue from the Relaxation Salon business segment. Geographically, the company generates a maximum share of its revenue from Japan.

MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. - American Depositary Share

MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc

MMA Offshore Ltd

MariMed Inc

MIRAMAR RESOURCES LTD by MIRAMAR RESOURCES LTD

BofA Securities analyst Bryan D. Spillane expresses views on PepsiCo, Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) mixed third-quarter <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PEP/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">results reported on Tuesday</a>.
Today, the company reported adjusted EPS of $2.31, which&nbsp;beat the consensus estimate of $2.29, while revenue of $23.319 billion missed <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/10/41225048/pepsico-adjusts-2024-revenue-expectations-after-mixed-q3-performance-and-global-challenges" rel="noreferrer noopener">the consensus estimate of $23.825 billion</a>.
For 2024, PepsiCo expects a low-single-digit increase in organic revenue (previously ~4%) and continues to expect at least an 8% increase in&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/guidance" rel="noreferrer noopener">core constant currency EPS.</a>
PepsiCo's assumption and guidance imply that 2024 adjusted EPS of at least $8.15 (consensus $8.15) will be a 7% increase year over year.
Spillane notes that the second half of the year typically accounts for over half of total revenue, and the guidance suggests organic growth of -1% to +3% in the fourth quarter.
The analyst writes that PEP is likely relying on higher productivity than initially planned to maintain its reiterated EPS, despite lowering its organic sales guidance.
However, the volume performance in the third quarter indicates a possible need for additional support next year, adds the analyst.
The analyst writes that with remedial actions addressing volume weakness now in place, he expects the stock to perform well if market share improves.
The analyst says that PEP&#8217;s premium valuation of 20x over non-alcoholic beverage peers is justified by its strengthened position and pricing power amid ongoing inflationary pressures.
The analyst maintains the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PEP/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Buy rating and $185 price target.</a>
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;iShares U.S. Consumer Staples ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IYK#NYSE">IYK</a>) and First Trust Nasdaq Food &amp; Beverage ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FTXG#NASDAQ">FTXG</a>).
Price Action: PEP shares are up 0.89% at $168.69 at the last check Tuesday.
Image via Shutterstock
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PepsiCo's Higher Productivity Key To Navigating Slower Sales Growth, BofA Analyst Remains Bullish

Barclays analyst Lauren Lieberman maintains Duckhorn Portfolio (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NAPA#NYSE">NAPA</a>) with a Equal-Weight and raises the price target from $6 to $11.

NAPA

Barclays Maintains Equal-Weight on Duckhorn Portfolio, Raises Price Target to $11

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Diamondback Energy (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FANG#NASDAQ">FANG</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the positions showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with FANG, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 9 options trades for Diamondback Energy.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 44% bullish and 33%, bearish.
Out of all of the options we uncovered, there was 1 put, for a total amount of $41,550, and 8, calls, for a total amount of $894,440.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $160.0 to $200.0 for Diamondback Energy during the past quarter. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Diamondback Energy stands at 156.0, with a total volume reaching 549.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Diamondback Energy, situated within the strike price corridor from $160.0 to $200.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>Diamondback Energy Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1728407772_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</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>FANG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$19.3</td>
<td>$19.0</td>
<td>$19.0</td>
<td>$185.31</td>
<td>$380.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">345</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">201</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FANG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$19.4</td>
<td>$17.9</td>
<td>$19.0</td>
<td>$185.31</td>
<td>$190.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">345</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">201</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FANG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$19.4</td>
<td>$17.9</td>
<td>$19.0</td>
<td>$185.31</td>
<td>$152.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">345</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FANG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$41.4</td>
<td>$39.2</td>
<td>$40.0</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$48.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">45</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">40</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FANG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/11/24</td>
<td>$2.9</td>
<td>$2.55</td>
<td>$2.77</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
<td>$41.5K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">273</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">183</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Diamondback Energy</h3>
Diamondback Energy is an independent oil and gas producer in the United States. The company operates exclusively in the Permian Basin. At the end of 2023, the company reported net proven reserves of 2.2 billion barrels of oil equivalent. Net production averaged about 448,000 barrels per day in 2023, at a ratio of 59% oil, 21% natural gas liquids, and 20% natural gas.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Diamondback Energy, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Diamondback Energy's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 1,419,947, the FANG's price is down by -1.8%, now at $195.9. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 27 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Diamondback Energy</h3>
Over the past month, 5 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $208.2.
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; An analyst from BMO Capital upgraded its action to Outperform with a price target of $215. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Benchmark persists with their Buy rating on Diamondback Energy, maintaining a target price of $195. 
&#x2A; An analyst from UBS persists with their Buy rating on Diamondback Energy, maintaining a target price of $223. 
&#x2A; Showing optimism, an analyst from Barclays upgrades its rating to Overweight with a revised price target of $210. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Morgan Stanley persists with their Overweight rating on Diamondback Energy, maintaining a target price of $198. 
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 Diamondback Energy with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Options

Markets

FANG

Unpacking the Latest Options Trading Trends in Diamondback Energy

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Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish move on Advanced Micro Devices. Our analysis of options history for Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) revealed 127 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 45% of traders were bullish, while 43% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 54 were puts, with a value of $3,486,131, and 73 were calls, valued at $7,609,155.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $5.0 to $300.0 for Advanced Micro Devices during the past quarter. 
<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 Advanced Micro Devices'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 Advanced Micro Devices's whale activity within a strike price range from $5.0 to $300.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Advanced Micro Devices 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1728407766_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>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AMD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$166.45</td>
<td>$166.05</td>
<td>$166.36</td>
<td>$5.00</td>
<td>$1.4M</td>
<td>524</td>
<td>303</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$166.2</td>
<td>$165.65</td>
<td>$165.95</td>
<td>$5.00</td>
<td>$331.9K</td>
<td>524</td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMD</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$6.85</td>
<td>$6.7</td>
<td>$6.75</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$219.3K</td>
<td>5.3K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$166.55</td>
<td>$166.15</td>
<td>$166.4</td>
<td>$5.00</td>
<td>$199.7K</td>
<td>524</td>
<td>49</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMD</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$5.3</td>
<td>$5.25</td>
<td>$5.27</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
<td>$183.6K</td>
<td>4.4K</td>
<td>8.1K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Advanced Micro Devices</h3>
Advanced Micro Devices designs a variety of digital semiconductors for markets such as PCs, gaming consoles, data centers, industrial, and automotive applications, among others. AMD's traditional strength was in central processing units, CPUs, and graphics processing units, or GPUs, used in PCs and data centers. Additionally, the firm supplies the chips found in prominent game consoles such as the Sony PlayStation and Microsoft Xbox. In 2022, the firm acquired field-programmable gate array, or FPGA, leader Xilinx to diversify its business and augment its opportunities in key end markets such as the data center and automotive.
In light of the recent options history for Advanced Micro Devices, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Where Is Advanced Micro Devices Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 21,437,659, the price of AMD is up by 0.24%, reaching $171.38.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 21 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Advanced Micro Devices</h3>
In the last month, 2 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $180.0.
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; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from B of A Securities lowers its rating to Buy with a new price target of $180. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Cantor Fitzgerald lowers its rating to Overweight with a new price target of $180.
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 Advanced Micro Devices, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Looking At Advanced Micro Devices's Recent Unusual Options Activity

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with CMG, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?utm_source=insights">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 29 uncommon options trades for Chipotle Mexican Grill.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 72% bullish and 24%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 8 are puts, for a total amount of $362,087, and 21 are calls, for a total amount of $1,942,564.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $35.0 to $67.0 for Chipotle Mexican Grill over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Chipotle Mexican Grill'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 Chipotle Mexican Grill's whale trades within a strike price range from $35.0 to $67.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Chipotle Mexican Grill 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1728407761_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>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>CMG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$3.4</td>
<td>$3.2</td>
<td>$3.3</td>
<td>$59.40</td>
<td>$660.0K</td>
<td>609</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$10.6</td>
<td>$10.4</td>
<td>$10.6</td>
<td>$53.00</td>
<td>$160.0K</td>
<td>848</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$15.7</td>
<td>$15.6</td>
<td>$15.7</td>
<td>$49.00</td>
<td>$142.8K</td>
<td>415</td>
<td>149</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$23.8</td>
<td>$23.7</td>
<td>$23.7</td>
<td>$36.00</td>
<td>$118.5K</td>
<td>544</td>
<td>50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$6.4</td>
<td>$6.1</td>
<td>$6.2</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>$93.0K</td>
<td>5.8K</td>
<td>302</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Chipotle Mexican Grill</h3>
Chipotle Mexican Grill is the largest fast-casual chain restaurant in the United States, with systemwide sales of $9.9 billion in 2023. The Mexican concept is predominately company-owned, although it recently inked a development agreement with Alshaya Group in the Middle East. It had a footprint of nearly 3,440 stores at the end of 2023, heavily indexed to the United States, although it maintains a small presence in Canada, the UK, France, and Germany. Chipotle sells burritos, burrito bowls, tacos, quesadillas, and beverages, with a selling proposition built around competitive prices, high-quality food sourcing, speed of service, and convenience. The company generates its revenue entirely from restaurant sales and delivery fees.
<h3>Current Position of Chipotle Mexican Grill</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 3,851,042, the CMG's price is up by 2.11%, now at $57.93. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 21 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Chipotle Mexican Grill</h3>
3 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $67.0.
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; An analyst from TD Cowen has revised its rating downward to Buy, adjusting the price target to $65. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Oppenheimer has revised its rating downward to Outperform, adjusting the price target to $65. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Citigroup continues to hold a Buy rating for Chipotle Mexican Grill, targeting a price of $71. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Chipotle Mexican Grill options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

A Closer Look at Chipotle Mexican Grill's Options Market Dynamics

Evercore ISI Group analyst Ross Muken maintains Icon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ICLR#NASDAQ">ICLR</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $360 to $350.

ICLR

Evercore ISI Group Maintains Outperform on Icon, Lowers Price Target to $350

An upcoming book from journalist Bob Woodward alleges that Ex-President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin have spoken as many as seven times since 2021. 
What Happened: Woodward&#8217;s &#8220;War&#8221; — <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/08/us/politics/trump-putin-woodward-book.html">previewed</a> by the New York Times — also recounts a moment from 2020 in which Trump sent Putin rare COVID-19 tests during the early stages of the global pandemic.
The Trump campaign denied Woodward&#8217;s claims.
Woodward — one half of the famed Woodward and Bernstein reporting duo that uncovered the Watergate scandal during President Richard Nixon&#8216;s second term — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/20/09/17443263/donald-trump-downplayed-coronavirus-threat-from-the-beginning-president-says-in-taped-bob-woodward-i">previously interviewed Trump</a> in 2020. The highly publicized interview tape featured Trump saying he &#8220;always wanted to play it [COVID-19] down."
"None of these made-up stories by Bob Woodward are true and are the work of a truly demented and deranged man who suffers from a debilitating case of Trump Derangement Syndrome," Steven Cheung, the campaign communications director, told the Times.
Why it Matters: Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/07/39964479/airspace-breaches-possible-nato-destabilization-latest-on-russia-ukraine-war-ahead-of-us-election">has previously supported</a> a destabilization of NATO. Several of his comments since the onset of the Russia-Ukraine war have seemingly favored Russia in the conflict.
Vice President Kamala Harris&#8216;s campaign wasted little time posting audio of Trump, and using excerpts from Woodward&#8217;s book to delineate Trump&#8217;s view of Putin.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Trump brags about his relationship with Putin hours after bombshell new report that he secretly sent COVID tests to Putin in 2020 while Americans were struggling to get tests: "I got along with him very well" <a href="https://t.co/Jr9jTQP2SC">pic.twitter.com/Jr9jTQP2SC</a>
&mdash; Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHQ/status/1843695165107577139?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 8, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Trump <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/19/05/13823459/mueller-closes-special-counsels-office-says-charging-trump-with-crime-was-not-an-option">had been investigated</a> during his presidency for improper coordination between his 2016 presidential campaign and the Russian government. The subsequent &#8220;Mueller Report&#8221; did not charge Trump with a crime, but also did not clear him of wrongdoing.
The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/2024-election">2024 election</a> has just four weeks left. Trump is currently neck-in-neck with Harris. 
Woodward&#8217;s book will be released on Oct. 15. Whether it will serve as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41108029/hillary-clinton-warns-harris-of-possible-october-surprise-that-could-dent-her-standing-with-the-publ">an &#8220;October Surprise&#8221;</a> or fade in voters&#8217; minds remains to be seen.
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Politics

Global

Trump Secretly Stayed In Contact With Putin After Leaving Office, Upcoming Bob Woodward Book Alleges

WIIM

NVDA

Nvidia shares are trading higher following its 2024 AI Summit in DC. Also, the company announced TSMC is moving to production with Nvidia's computational lithography platform "CuLitho".

Barclays analyst Nicholas Campanella maintains DTE Energy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DTE#NYSE">DTE</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $128 to $137.

Barclays Maintains Overweight on DTE Energy, Raises Price Target to $137

<a href="https://www.nbcnews.com/investigations/israel-not-briefed-us-military-officials-plans-retaliation-iran-rcna174443" title="https://www.nbcnews.com/investigations/israel-not-briefed-us-military-officials-plans-retaliation-iran-rcna174443">https://www.nbcnews.com/investigations/israel-not-briefed-us-military-officials-plans-retaliation-iran-rcna174443</a>

Macro Economic Events

Economics

iShares MSCI Israel Capped Investable Market Index Fund

ISRA

'U.S. Officials Say They Do Not Believe Israel Has Made A Final Decision On The Specifics Of Its Response But Said It Has Been Narrowing And Finalizing Its Options With Additional Meetings Yesterday And Today; The Options That Remain Under Consideration Are Targeting Iranian Military And Intelligence Infrastructure, Air Defenses And Energy Facilities' - NBC News

Affirm Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/afrm#NASDAQ">AFRM</a>) is a fintech offering buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) options for consumers to finance their purchases, enabling merchants to generate additional sales that otherwise may not have been made. The transactions are a win-win for consumers and the merchants, while Affirm is the middleman facilitating the financing. The company is growing and working its way towards profitability. The interest rate cut cycle can further accelerate its path to profitability as the busiest time of the year approaches, the holiday shopping season.
Affirm operates in the business services sector, competing with BNPL providers like Afterpay, owned by Block Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sq#NYSE">SQ</a>), PayPal Holdings Inc., and Sezzle Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sezl#NASDAQ">SEZL</a>). Affirm is a pioneer in the BNPL industry founded by PayPal co-founder Max Levchin.
<h2>How Interest Rate Cuts Impact Affirm</h2>
The U.S. Federal Reserve (Fed) has started its interest rate cut cycle with a 50 bps cut, with more expected on the way. This makes borrowing costs cheaper. Affirm benefits directly as it reduces its cost of capital, improving its profit margins and enabling it to offer more competitive interest rates. Interest rate cuts also stimulate consumer spending, leading to more transactions for Affirm with higher loan volumes.
However, on the flip side, it will also reduce interest income as Affirm passes on the lower interest rate to consumers, thereby reducing revenues. Affirm wouldn&#39;t be the only BNPL company benefitting as its competitors are in the same boat, which will continue to put more pressure on the company&#39;s market share and pricing.
<h2>Affirm Uses AI to Improve Efficiencies </h2>
Affirm has been using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to bolster its operations. Its AI algorithms are used in a data-driven approach to assessing risk and creditworthiness for every transaction to determine the financing options for qualified consumers. It also provides financing for customers who may not qualify for traditional credit cards. AI is also used to detect and prevent fraud. AI helps to provide personalized offers and financing recommendations for consumers to improve their shopping experience. Workflows and processes are automated with the help of AI.
<h2>Affirm&#39;s Popularity and Partnerships Grow </h2>
The service is notably most popular with millennials and Gen-Z-ers as they opt to avoid conventional credit cards. Incidentally, Affirm now offers its Affirm debit card through Visa Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/v#NYSE">V</a>), which enables its users to use Affirm for in-store purchases. It&#39;s also available to Apple Inc.&nbsp;Apple Pay users in the United States to pay over time for eligible purchases with the option to pay in bi-weekly or monthly installments at 0%. Affirm is a BNPL option for customers of Target Co., Walmart Inc., and Amazon.com Inc.&nbsp;Affirm has grown its merchant network to over 300,000.
<h2>Affirm is Still in Its Hypergrowth Stage </h2>
Affirm reported a fiscal Q4 2024 EPS loss of 14 cents, which was 34 cents better than consensus estimates for a loss of 48 cents. Revenues surged 48% YoY to $659.2 million, crushing the $604 million consensus analyst estimate. Gross merchandise volume rose 31% YoY to $7.2 billion, significantly outpacing overall e-commerce growth. Transaction volume in the Affirm network rose 42% YoY to 24,7 million and 15% QoQ.
<h2>Affirm Raises Guidance for Fiscal Q1 2025</h2>
The company raised its fiscal first quarter 2025 revenue guidance to $640 million to $670 million, crushing consensus estimates of $625.04 million. GMV is expected between $7.1 million and $7.4 million. Adjusted operating margin is expected between 14% and 16%.
The company raised forecast operating income profitability on a GAAP basis by fiscal Q4 2025, a year from now. Their goal is to operate on the path to profitability with a fiscal 2025 GMV of more than $33.5 billion, revenue 10 bps or higher, and an adjusted operating margin greater than 18.4%.
CEO Levchin stated in its shareholder letter, &quot;We made great progress in FY&#39;24. The opportunities ahead of us are significant, and we are excited to take full advantage of them. Scaling the Affirm Card, amplifying engagement with personalized incentives, rolling out new integrations, going live in the UK, and doing it all while achieving GAAP profitability is our plan for FY&#39;25, and we are off to a fine start.&quot;
<h2>AFRM Sets Up a Potential Seed Wave Breakout </h2>
A seed wave is a rare pattern comprised of two consecutive higher market structure low (MSL) triggers. Based on fib extensions of 1.27, 1.414, and 1.618, the seed wave sets the upside potential reversal zones (PRZs) as targets.
<img alt="Affirm AFRM stock chart" class="aligncenter" src="https://www.marketbeat.com/logos/articles/med_20241006192943_charta-afrm.jpg" style="height:753px; width:915px" />
AFRM triggered a price gap on its solid fiscal Q4 2024 earnings report to $37.52. The first MSL formed at $35.52 and triggered above $40.29. The second MSL formed around the $37.52 gap fill with a trigger near the first MSL trigger. This foreshadows upside PRZ targets at $51.29, %53.06 and $55.56. The relative strength index (RSI) is attempting to bounce back up through the 50-band. Fibonacci (Fib) pullback support levels are at $37.95, $35.71, $32.55, and $28.27.
Affirm&#39;s average consensus price target is $35.53, and its highest analyst price target&nbsp;is&nbsp;$65.00.&nbsp;Analysts have given the stock seven Buy ratings, nine Hold ratings, and five Sell ratings.&nbsp;The stock has an 8.39% short interest.
Actionable Options Strategies: Bullish investors can&nbsp;buy AFRM stock on pullbacks using&nbsp;cash-secured puts at the Fib&nbsp;pullback support levels to buy the dip.
By implementing a bullish call debit spread, bullish options investors can limit the maximum downside and profit from modest upside gains for less capital than owning the stock.
The article &quot;<a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/originals/affirms-path-to-profitability-elevates-with-interest-rate-cuts/">Affirm&#39;s Path to Profitability Elevates with Interest Rate Cuts </a>&quot; first appeared on MarketBeat.

Earnings

Fintech news covering the emerging Financial Technology services sector

Fintech

Guidance

Financing

Technicals

Small Cap

Federal Reserve

AFRM

SEZL

Affirm's Path to Profitability Elevates with Interest Rate Cuts

Evercore ISI Group analyst Ross Muken maintains Henry Schein (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSIC#NASDAQ">HSIC</a>) with a In-Line and raises the price target from $70 to $74.

HSIC

Evercore ISI Group Maintains In-Line on Henry Schein, Raises Price Target to $74

Mgo Tax Partner Barbara Webb Says When IRS Catches Up, You Have To Get On An Installment Plan; You Have To Regularly Never Miss A Payment, Stay Current On Current Year's Estimated Taxes, Huge Cash Commitment; They Cannot Afford To Be On An Installment Agreement

KeyBanc analyst John Vinh shared mixed quarterly supply chain findings for the semiconductor sector. The analyst revised several company estimates and price targets.
Though most end markets were weak in analog, he noted indications of auto getting closer to a bottom. Traditional server and AI strength is sustained, with Blackwell on track to launch in the fourth quarter without further delays, as per Vinh.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41211823/whats-going-on-with-super-micro-computer-stock-on-monday" rel="noreferrer noopener">What&#8217;s Going On With Super Micro Computer Stock On Monday?</a>
The analyst&#8217;s feedback on the iPhone 16 launch appears to be better than feared but could be better. Therefore, Vinh downgraded Qualcomm Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>) and Synaptics Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SYNA#NASDAQ">SYNA</a>) to Sector Weight.
Given increased price competition, he expects Qualcomm to lose market share to Mediatek in the mid-to-low-end segment of the smartphone market. This headwind will compound the impacts of Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) ramping up its internal modem.
The Synaptics downgrade reflects its underperformance versus its IoT peers, given limited growth catalysts within its Enterprise &amp; Automotive segment, representing almost 60% of overall revenues and the company&#8217;s highest margins. Vinh flagged increased competition in the Chinese market from local chipmaker HiSilicon as another headwind.
Additionally, the analyst&#8217;s findings were most favorable for Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), mixed for Broadcom Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), and negative for Monolithic Power Systems, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MPWR#NASDAQ">MPWR</a>), Micron Technology, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>), Marvell Technology, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>), and Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>). He also fine-tuned his estimates on Arm Holdings plc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NASDAQ">ARM</a>).
Vinh noted that Nvidia&#8217;s Blackwell will likely ramp into mass production beginning in December, contributing over $7 billion in revenues in the fourth quarter. He said Hopper demand remains strong, with fourth-quarter revenues increasing ~15% sequentially.
AMD&#8217;s positive catalysts included traditional server demand, the inflection in Genoa instances in the cloud, demand for MI300X remains on track to ship 500K GPUs in 2024, and a possible update on its next-generation GPU and CPU at its AI event on Thursday.
For Broadcom, Vinh flagged sustained networking demand from improving traditional server demand, share gains from its 800Gb optical DSP launch, and higher revision of CoWoS demand. Broadcom&#8217;s upsides could be offset by Apple preparing its Wi-Fi 7 radio for the iPhone 17 in 2025.
For Micron, Vinh flagged oversupply as Micron prompts Samsung to convert its unused HBM capacity back to traditional DRAM to survive the competition.
Monolithic Power Systems remains vulnerable, given RMAs (Return Merchandise Authorization) for Nvidia H100 AI servers related to field failures associated with Monolithic Power Systems&#8217; power modules increasing again, affecting its market share on Blackwell.
Vinh highlighted his adverse findings from Asia for Marvell Technology. According to the analyst, Marvell is vulnerable to market share loss from the next-generation AWS Trainium 3 loss to Alchip, Google&#8217;s second-generation Axion ARM CPU, and Nvidia&#8217;s development of its 1.6T optical DSP.
Vinh mentioned his negative findings from Asia for Intel. The analyst highlighted Intel&#8217;s server market share loss to AMD and the ramp of Blackwell posing a headwind for Intel. He also flagged the lack of a cost-down AI CPU targeted at mass market AI PCs is likely to result in a share loss for Intel and disappointing feedback on Intel&#8217;s AI chip Gaudi 3.
Photo via Shutterstock
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Tech

AAPL

AVGO

INTC

MPWR

MRVL

QCOM

SYNA

Nvidia, AMD Lead The Pack, Broadcom Stable, Intel Falters: Analyst's Latest Take

Barclays analyst Nicholas Campanella maintains Chesapeake Utilities (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPK#NYSE">CPK</a>) with a Equal-Weight and raises the price target from $118 to $124.

Barclays Maintains Equal-Weight on Chesapeake Utilities, Raises Price Target to $124

Zuanic & Associates Managing Partner Pablo Zuanic Says [if Rescheduling Does Not Happen] They Will Continue To Not Pay Taxes; They Will Do Exactly What They Are Doing Right Now; No Other Big Change; They Don't Have To Pay 280e

Evercore ISI Group analyst Elizabeth Anderson maintains Health Catalyst (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HCAT#NASDAQ">HCAT</a>) with a Outperform and raises the price target from $8 to $10.

HCAT

Evercore ISI Group Maintains Outperform on Health Catalyst, Raises Price Target to $10

Evercore ISI Group analyst Elizabeth Anderson maintains Fortrea Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FTRE#NASDAQ">FTRE</a>) with a In-Line and lowers the price target from $22 to $20.

FTRE

Evercore ISI Group Maintains In-Line on Fortrea Holdings, Lowers Price Target to $20

Barclays analyst Jason Goldberg maintains Capital One Finl (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COF#NYSE">COF</a>) with a Equal-Weight and raises the price target from $154 to $158.

Barclays Maintains Equal-Weight on Capital One Finl, Raises Price Target to $158

Medirom Healthcare Technologies, Inc. (MRM) has released an update. Medirom Healthcare Technologies Inc. reported a marginal decrease in total cust...

Medirom Reports Growth in Customer Value Metrics

MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies (MRM) has released an update. MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc., a holistic healthcare provider, has reported a ...

MEDIROM Reports May KPIs and User Growth

Medirom to buy majority stake in Japan Gene Medicine

MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies (MRM) has released an update. MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. is set to acquire a 70% stake in Japan Gene Medi...

MEDIROM Expands with Genetic Testing Firm Buyout

MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies (MRM) has released an update. MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. has reported an increase in total customers serv...

MEDIROM Reports Growth and Expanding User Base

MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies (MRM) has released an update. MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. has announced a capital and business alliance wi...

MEDIROM Forms Alliance with NFES, Boosts Series A Funding

Medirom Mother Labs and NFES Technologies form capital and business alliance

MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies (MRM) has released an update. MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. has disclosed its July 2024 performance, noting ...

MEDIROM Reports Key July 2024 Performance Metrics

MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies (MRM) has released an update. MEDIROM Healthcare Technologies Inc. reports a slight decrease in total customers ser...

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