Tidal Trust II YieldMax AI Option Income Strategy ETF (ARCA: AIYY)

Latest news for Tidal Trust II YieldMax AI Option Income Strategy ETF (ARCA:AIYY)

The Fund is an actively managed exchange-traded fund (ETF) that seeks current income while providing indirect exposure to the share price (i.e., the price returns) of the common stock of C3.ai, Inc. (AI), subject to a limit on potential investment gains. The Fund will employ its investment strategy as it relates to AI regardless of whether there are periods of adverse market, economic, or other conditions and will not take temporary defensive positions during such periods. As further described below, the Fund uses a synthetic covered call strategy to provide income and indirect exposure to the share price returns of AI, subject to a limit on potential investment gains as a result of the nature of the options strategy it employs.

First American Government Obligations Fund

YieldMax AI Option Income Strategy ETF

Tidal Trust II YieldMax AI Option Income Strategy ETF

Amgen's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NYSE">AMGN</a>) short percent of float has fallen 5.49% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 9.24 million shares sold short, which is 1.72% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 3.95 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Amgen Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1725387320_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Amgen has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Amgen's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Amgen's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 6.45%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

Trading Ideas

AMGN

(AMGN) - Analyzing Amgen's Short Interest

Mattel's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MAT#NYSE">MAT</a>) short percent of float has fallen 5.49% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 13.77 million shares sold short, which is 6.37% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.97 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Mattel Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1725387315_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Mattel has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Mattel's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Mattel's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 8.22%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

How Is The Market Feeling About Mattel?

ExlService Holdings's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EXLS#NYSE">EXLS</a>) short percent of float has risen 4.56% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 4.27 million shares sold short, which is 3.67% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 3.76 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>ExlService Holdings Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1725387310_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for ExlService Holdings has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing ExlService Holdings's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, ExlService Holdings's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 4.89%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

EXLS

Looking Into ExlService Holdings's Recent Short Interest

China&#8217;s top electric vehicle maker,&nbsp;BYD Co., Ltd. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BYDDY#OTC">BYDDY</a>), reportedly will not launch a significant investment in Mexico until after the U.S. election.
This is because dwindling American policies prompt global businesses to adopt a wait-and-see approach, reported Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter.
BYD had plans surrounding three locations for a car production facility in Mexico but has ceased vigorously looking for now, the report added.
The postponement is essentially because BYD would choose to delay and notice the outcome of the race between former President Donald Trump&nbsp;and Vice President Kamala Harris in early November.
They added that BYD&#8217;s halted factory plans may still be rejuvenated or could change, and no final judgment has been made.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40570659/warren-buffett-backed-byd-join-forces-with-huawei-for-advanced-autonomous-driving-in-off-road-evs" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warren Buffett-Backed BYD Join Forces With Huawei For Advanced Autonomous Driving In Off-Road EVs</a>
One site that was under review was around the city of Guadalajara, which emerged over the past decade as a technology hub sometimes described as Mexico&#8217;s Silicon Valley. BYD sent a&nbsp;panel&nbsp;to the area for a visit in March, Bloomberg added.
In February, Stella Li, BYD&#8217;s executive vice president, attended the launch of the automaker&#8217;s Dolphin Mini model in Mexico City, while senior management hosted an event at a BYD-sponsored box during the Formula E Mexico City E-Prix in January.
Mexico has experienced a surge in investment announcements from both Chinese and Western auto manufacturers, including Tesla Inc. However, Tesla&#8217;s planned mega-factory was put on hold in July due to uncertainties surrounding the U.S. election. Republican nominee Trump, who has been endorsed by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, has frequently threatened tariffs on products made in Mexico.
Tesla had proposed building the plant in the northern state of Nuevo Leon, with an estimated $10 billion investment over multiple phases, Bloomberg added.
The Biden administration is closely monitoring any efforts by Chinese companies to export cars from Mexico to the U.S. and is exploring measures to block such moves if they attempt to bypass tariffs on EVs made in China, according to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai in a May interview, Bloomberg added.
Image via Shutterstock
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Equities

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General

BYDDF

BYDDY

China's EV Giant BYD Reportedly Delays Mexico Move, Eyes US Election Results Before Big Investment

TSLA

BYD Americas Head Says Firm Has Not Postponed Any Decision About Mexico Plant

Deepwater Asset Management&#8217;s Gene Munster was asked Tuesday morning if he would buy, sell or hold big tech stocks at current levels. 
He emphatically recommended buying the Magnificent Seven, specifically highlighting Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) as being positioned for significant upside <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/08/40151107/tech-sell-off-takes-qqq-to-correction-territory-nvidia-sheds-over-5-for-week-analys">over the coming years</a>.
What To Know: Tuesday on CNBC&#8217;s &#8220;Squawk Box,&#8221; Munster argued mega-cap tech stocks are still in the beginning stages of a massive bull run being driven by <a href="http://benzinga.com/topic/AI">AI</a>.
&#8220;I am a buyer here. I continue to believe we&#8217;re in the first stage — this may be hard to wrap many heads around — first stage of a three- to five-year bull market,&#8221; Munster said. 
Munster is bullish even in the near term as there are multiple upcoming catalysts that are likely to help push stocks higher in September, he said. 
Munster expects anticipation over Tesla Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) upcoming <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40665129/tesla-considers-warner-bros-studio-for-highly-anticipated-robotaxi-unveiling-event-report">autonomous vehicle event</a> to start building this month. The analyst expects investors to begin changing how they view Nvidia and Munster also highlighted Apple&#8217;s upcoming event on Sept. 9 in which the company is expected to unveil new AI features for its smartphones and introduce the iPhone 16.
&#8220;I think when you put those three kind of cornerstone elements together, I think you are going to continue to see the tech trade move higher in the month of September,&#8221; Munster said.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40680965/brazil-considers-tax-on-big-tech-companies-to-meet-2025-fiscal-goals-after-banning-elon-musks-x-and">Brazil Considers Tax On Big Tech Companies To Meet 2025 Fiscal Goals After Banning Elon Musk&#8217;s X And Freezing Finances Of Starlink</a>
Apple&#8217;s September event is the biggest of the last decade, according to Munster. He expects Apple&#8217;s new AI functionality to drive a huge upgrade cycle similar to what happened when the company introduced larger screens on the iPhone 6. That upgrade cycle should help push shares higher, he said.
&#8220;Ultimately I believe that this can go much higher. I think if you look at what happened [with the iPhone 5] a decade ago, it was up 12%. With the iPhone 6, it was up 52%, it just absolutely ripped,&#8221; Munster said. 
If the new AI features are as strong as Munster believes they will be, he expects consumers to view them as &#8220;must-have.&#8221; If just 10% of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/apple-iphone">iPhone </a>users expected to upgrade in 2026 end up upgrading early in 2025 to gain access to the AI features, iPhone growth will climb to 15% next year versus Street estimates of 7%, the analyst explained.
&#8220;I think consumers, overwhelmingly, are going to embrace these features. It may take a few quarters, but I think you are going to see meaningful upside at Apple over that period,&#8221; he said. 
Munster also believes Nvidia continues to be well positioned for the multi-year bull run given its continued dominance in the AI chip world. The Deepwater analyst told CNBC that the recent decline in shares appears to be a misunderstanding related to the company&#8217;s guidance.
Nvidia <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/08/40613050/nvidia-q2-earnings-guidance-top-street-view-as-ai-fuels-record-data-center-revenue-gross-margin-fal">guided up by 2.5%</a> for the October quarter, but raised guidance by 5% in the July quarter, which has created a narrative around deceleration, Munster said, adding what people are missing is that Blackwell delays account for about $3 billion.
If Blackwell wasn&#8217;t delayed, Nvidia would have guided up by 12% instead of 2.5%, he said. 
&#8220;We think that it is still reasonably priced at 35 times [earnings] and can grow faster than what the Street thinks next year and in 2026. Ultimately, the risk for big companies not to invest in this is just too high and Nvidia is going to be a big beneficiary of that,&#8221; Munster said. 
AAPL, NVDA Price Action: At publication time, Apple shares were down 2.59% at $223.06 and Nvidia shares were down 7.26% at $109.13, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>.
This illustration was generated using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/24/09/40691352/stock-of-the-day-berkshire-hathaway-trades-above-usual-range-time-to-sell-the-warren-buf">Stock Of The Day: Berkshire Hathaway Trades Above Usual Range — Time To Sell The Warren Buffett Stock?</a></li>
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Analyst Color

Long Ideas

Tech

AAPL

NVDA

Apple, Nvidia Will Lead 3-To-5-Year Tech Bull Run, Analyst Says: 'I Am A Buyer Here'

SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals, a Portugal-headquartered marijuana company has partnered with Cosma S.A., a Poland-based company focused on cannabis-based pharmaceutical advancements. Under this strategic partnership, Cosma is designated as the marketing authorization holder (MAH) for both Cosma and SOMAÍ's cannabis-based products.
"Through partnering with Cosma, we are dedicated to improving Polish patients' access with the highest-quality innovative, improved performance and tasting solutions that have the potential to change their lives for the better," <a href="https://somaipharma.pt/news/cosma-s-a-and-somai-pharmaceuticals-partner-to-revolutionize-poland-with-the-most-innovative-cannabis-based-solutions/">stated</a> Michael Sassano, founder and interim CEO of SOMAÍ Pharmaceuticals. "SOMAÍ has the largest range of extracted innovative products with over 100+ stabilized EU-GMP products, and looks forward to introducing the Polish doctors and patients to many more advanced therapies and choices to help them."
Cosma S.A. and SOMAÍ will introduce a range of advanced cannabis-based product lines to Polish patients, including various formulations of purified oral solutions and inhalation extracts. SOMAÍ noted that the oral solution&#8217;s formula is based on purified full-spectrum cannabis extract that combines a variety of THC/CBD ratios, genetics and formulations with different terpene as well as flavonoid options to cover a wide range of medical conditions. Oral solutions and inhalation extracts are available in three specialized lines: Essentials, Origins and Senses.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/12/36298034/most-important-medical-potential-of-marijuana-cannabis-for-pain-relief-says-biotech-ceo">Most Important Medical Potential Of Marijuana? Cannabis For Pain Relief Says Biotech CEO</a>
These single-strain products continue to undergo rigorous Polish registration processes, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and efficacy. In addition to the Cosma extract by SOMAÍ, which is expected to complete registration and be on the market this year, the company expects the newest products to finish registration and reach the shelves in 2025.
Under this collaboration, Cosma S.A. will act as the MAH, leveraging its expertise to navigate the complex regulatory landscape and ensure timely market access for these products.
Przemysław Lahuta, president of Cosma S.A., commented, "We anticipate a significant increase in the registration of 45 new products over the next few years as we pursue our goal of becoming the CEE Cannabis Leader. Our collaboration demonstrates our commitment to delivering advanced, high-quality healthcare solutions for both Polish patients and the medical industry. In line with our strategic objectives, we continue to develop the Cosma brand and expand the distribution of SOMAÍ's new products."
Get Benzinga's exclusive analysis and the top news about the cannabis industry and markets daily in your inbox for free. Subscribe to our newsletter <a href="https://newsletteremail.benzinga.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. If you're serious about the business, you can't afford to miss out.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Recent Marijuana Developments In Poland</h2>
The government of Poland recently announced it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40441445/3-years-after-cannabis-reform-in-malta-regulator-says-harm-reduction-approach-is-working-more-po">wants to tighten medical marijuana rules</a> to address concerns of possible misuse.
In 2019, only 2,909 cannabis prescriptions were issued, but this number skyrocketed to 276,807 in 2023, marking a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/06/39435550/polands-medicinal-cannabis-boom-prescriptions-up-9-420-dispensation-up-13-942-in-just-4-years" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">9,420% increase</a> over that period. In line with the increasing medical marijuana use, the Polish Public Opinion Research Center (CBOS) recently revealed that 73.4% of Poles support the decriminalization of cannabis.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/04/38146863/154-pounds-of-weed-found-in-french-mayors-home-denmark-closes-pot-street-in-christiania-after-mu">Poland&#8217;s Medicinal Cannabis Boom: Prescriptions Up 9,420%, Dispensation Up 13,942% In Just 4 Years</a>
Under the current cannabis law, medical marijuana prescriptions can be obtained via online consultations. The proposed changes would restrict online prescriptions to ongoing treatments of up to three months and impose various other limitations.
The proposals are not yet official, and details have yet to be published.
The potential of Poland's medical marijuana market has been recognized this year by the U.S. cannabis giant Curaleaf Holdings (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CURLF#OTCQX">CURLF</a>), whose subsidiary Curaleaf International expanded in Poland via the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/02/36958982/cannabis-giant-curaleaf-expands-in-this-european-country-via-new-acquisition">acquisition of Can4Med</a>, the country&#8217;s pharmaceutical wholesaler specializing in cannabinoid medication.
Meanwhile, recreational cannabis remains illegal in the country, and with the neighboring Germany embracing the reform, travelers should be aware of the differences between the two countries&#8217; cannabis laws. More specifically, in Germany, a new law setting up a maximum allowed limit of THC for drivers at 3.5 nanograms per milliliter of blood <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40471930/germany-sets-new-limits-for-driving-under-the-influence-of-marijuana-berlin-confirms-cannabis-cl" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">recently took effect</a>. That&#8217;s equivalent to 20 milligrams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood. However, in Poland, cannabis is illegal, and a zero-tolerance policy is in place.
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Photo: Courtesy of Tinnakorn jorruang via Shutterstock

Cannabis

Eurozone

CURALEAF HLDGS INC by Curaleaf Hldgs Inc.

CURLF

Two European Marijuana Companies Team Up To Bring Cannabis-Based Solutions To Poland

Jack in the Box Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/jack#NASDAQ">JACK</a>) is likely to benefit from menu innovation, digital efforts and unit expansion efforts. Also, the focus on the re-image program bodes well. However, dismal comps and elevated labor costs are concerns.
Let us discuss the factors that highlight why investors should retain the stock for now.
<h2>Growth Catalysts of JACK</h2>
Menu Innovation: Jack in the Box has adopted a dual approach to cater to both current market conditions and long-term goals. To attract value-oriented customers, the company has launched several initiatives, including the &quot;Munchies Under $4&quot; platform and &quot;Jack&#39;s Big Deal Meal.&quot; These offerings are designed to increase transactions and enhance menu consistency across the system. The company&#39;s differentiated menu, featuring value offers like $5 meals, $10 Fan Favs Boxes and late-night Munchie Meals, positions it to meet diverse customer needs.
The brand&#39;s innovation efforts, such as introducing wings, Smash Jack burgers and French Toast Sticks as a permanent breakfast option, are paying off. These products have been well-received, indicating that Jack in the Box is effectively responding to evolving consumer preferences.
Digital Efforts: Increased focus on digital initiatives bodes well. The company aims to increase digital sales from 14% to 20% by enhancing its first-party capabilities. It intends to launch a redesigned Jack app, enabling personalization and targeted loyalty offerings. Moreover, Jack in the Box is upgrading its point-of-sale system, with nearly 100 restaurants already equipped and a target of 450 by the end of 2024. This system will enhance its customer experience and enable operational innovations, such as better inventory and labor management.
Expansion Into New Markets: Jack in the Box is making significant strides in market expansion. The company recently opened its second restaurant in Mexico, with new locations in Salt Lake City and Louisville performing exceptionally well. Plans are underway to enter the Chicago market with up to 10 new locations in 2025 and expand into Florida. The new market entries present substantial growth opportunities for the brand.
Additionally, the company&#39;s re-image program, supported by a $50 million commitment, is expected to boost same-store sales and improve brand perception. With requests to remodel more than 1,000 restaurants, this initiative could drive significant growth in the coming years.
<h2>Concerns for Jack in the Box</h2>
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/4e/76261.jpg?v=567185555" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
In the past year, Jack in the Box&#39;s shares have lost 39.9% against the industry&#39;s 2.6% growth. Dismal comp and elevated labor expenses caused the downside.
Soft Comps: In the fiscal third quarter, systemwide same-store sales fell 2.2% year over year against the 7.9% growth reported in the year-ago quarter. Reduced transactions and an unfavorable mix shift caused the downside. Same-store sales at franchised stores declined 2.4% year over year against the growth of 8% reported in the prior-year quarter. The company remains cautious of the uncertain macroenvironment.
High Expenses: The company has been bearing the brunt of high expenses for some time. In third-quarter fiscal 2024, the restaurant level margin contracted 80 basis points (bps) year over year to 21%, due to increased labor, utilities and technology support costs. Labor (as a percentage of sales) in the reporting quarter increased 200 bps year over year to 32.4%. The increase was driven by wage increases to comply with California&#39;s new minimum wage law.
Occupancy and other operating expenses rose 60 bps year over year to 19.4%, driven by higher utility and technological costs. The company anticipates the inflationary pressures to continue for some time.
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
While Jack in the Box faces challenges such as declining same-store sales and rising labor costs, its strategic initiatives in menu innovation, digital transformation and market expansion offer significant growth potential. The company&#39;s commitment to enhancing its brand through re-imaging efforts and targeting new markets positions JACK well for long-term success. Although the short-term outlook is clouded by economic uncertainties, the ongoing investments in customer experience and operational efficiencies make Jack in the Box a stock worth retaining in your portfolio.
<h2>Zacks Rank &amp; Key Picks</h2>
Jack in the Box currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some better-ranked stocks in the Zacks Retail-Wholesale sector include:
Texas Roadhouse, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/txrh#NASDAQ">TXRH</a>) presently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
It has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 0.4%, on average. TXRH&#39;s shares have risen 61.1% in the past year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for TXRH&#39;s 2024 sales and earnings per share indicates 15.6% and 39.2% growth, respectively, from the year-earlier actuals.
Potbelly Corporation&nbsp;currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy). It has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 77.5%, on average. The stock has declined 23.5% so far this year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for PBPB&#39;s 2025 sales and EPS implies a rise of 4.2% and 30%, respectively, from the year-ago levels.
El Pollo Loco Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/loco#NASDAQ">LOCO</a>) presently carries a Zacks Rank #2. It has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 21.6%, on average. LOCO&#39;s shares have risen 44.5% in the past year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for LOCO&#39;s 2025 sales and EPS indicates 2% and 12.7% growth, respectively, from the prior-year figures.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2330444/here-s-why-you-should-retain-jack-stock-in-your-portfolio?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|rank_focused-2330444">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Earnings

Large Cap

Offerings

Retail Sales

Restaurants

Small Cap

Analyst Ratings

JACK

LOCO

TXRH

Here's Why You Should Retain JACK Stock in Your Portfolio

&#8220;Gaps refill&#8221; is an old Wall Street saying. It is easy to understand why this occurs if trader and investor psychology are considered. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40692084/intels-place-in-dow-in-jeopardy-ai-strategy-under-scrutiny-report">It may be about to happen</a> with shares of Intel Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>).
One of the main reasons resistance forms in a market is buyer remorse. People buy a stock and then regret doing so if the price heads lower. Many of these disappointed traders and investors decide they want to sell their positions.
But they don't want to lose money.
They decide to hold onto their stock for the time being. They also decide they will sell if it eventually returns to the same price they paid for it. This way they can get out at breakeven.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="559" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/03134839/1-2-1024x559.png" alt="" class="wp-image-527659" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/03134839/1-2-1024x559.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/03134839/1-2-300x164.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/03134839/1-2-768x419.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/03134839/1-2.png 1342w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40673694/intel-ceo-pat-gelsinger-to-present-board-with-major-asset-sale-and-cost-cutting-plan-including-h">Intel CEO Pat Gelsinger To Present Board With Major Asset Sale And Cost-Cutting Plan, Including Halting $32B German Project</a>
This is why there tends to be resistance at former peaks. People who bought at the top of the first peak try to sell when the stock returns to the peak's level. If there are enough of these sell orders it will create resistance.
It's also why there tends to be resistance at levels that were support. If the support breaks and the stock heads lower, some who bought before it broke will try to sell if the stock rallies back to their buy price.
If there are enough of these remorseful buyers placing sell orders it could convert what had been support into resistance.
When a stock closes at one price and opens at a different price it will appear as a blank space or ‘gap' on the chart. There is no trading at the prices the shares gapped through. As you can see on the chart, Intel gapped down in early August.
Because there was no trading at those prices, there is no one who bought. This means if the shares eventually reverse and start to move up through the levels they gapped down through, there may not be many people who would like to sell.
As a result, the buyers will need to pay successively higher prices if they want to acquire shares. This could push the shares rapidly higher through the price level they gapped down through.
In may be about to happen with Intel. 
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40684198/nvidia-tsmc-lead-chip-stocks-lower-in-premarket-whats-going-on">Nvidia, TSMC Lead Chip Stocks Lower In Premarket: What&#8217;s Going On</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Technicals

INTC

Will Intel Prove An Old Wall Street Saying True? What To Look For

C3.ai (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ai#NYSE">AI</a>) is set to report its first-quarter fiscal 2025 results on Sep 4.
AI expects revenues of $84-$89 million for the fiscal first quarter. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $87.12 billion, suggesting 42% growth from the figure reported in the year-ago quarter.
The consensus mark for the quarterly loss is pegged at 13 cents per share, unchanged in the past 30 days. AI reported a loss of 9 cents per share in the year-ago quarter.
C3.ai&#39;s earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in the trailing four quarters, with an earnings surprise of 49.18%, on average.
Let us see how things have shaped up for AI shares prior to this announcement.
<div class="chart_embed">
<h3>C3.ai, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise</h3>
<h2><img alt="C3.ai, Inc. Price and EPS Surprise" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/charts/7c/1725282853.png" style="height:266px; width:620px" title="" /></h2>
C3.ai, Inc. price-eps-surprise | C3.ai, Inc. Quote
</div>
<h2>Factors to Note for AI</h2>
C3.ai&#39;s fiscal first-quarter performance is likely to have gained from C3 Generative AI solutions and increased demand for its Enterprise AI software.
C3.ai&#39;s efforts to diversify its customer base and engage with clients across various industries, such as manufacturing, federal, defense, aerospace and pharmaceuticals, are expected to have contributed significantly to revenue growth. Its expanding federal footprint has been a key catalyst.
However, the ongoing transition to a pay-as-you-go consumption model has been resulting in smaller transactions of shorter terms, which is likely to have hurt revenue performance obligations despite an increase in revenues.
AI expects near-term pressure on the gross margin due to a higher mix of pilots, which are much costlier to acquire at the initial phase of the customer lifecycle. This is expected to have hurt the company&#39;s profitability in the to-be-reported quarter.
Additional investments in sales force, research and development, and marketing spending are expected to have hurt the operating margin.
<h2>AI Shares Underperform Sector</h2>
Year to date, AI shares have lost 18.7%, underperforming the broader Zacks Computer &amp; Technology sector&#39;s return of 20.9% and the Zacks IT Services industry&#39;s appreciation of 5.3%.
<h2>Year-to-Date Performance</h2>
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/e0/76257.jpg?v=1177296936" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The AI stock is overvalued at this moment, as the Value Score of F suggests.
The C3.ai stock is trading at a premium with a forward 12-month Price/Sales (P/S) of 7.04X compared with the sector&#39;s 6.27X.
<h2>P/S Ratio (F12M)</h2>
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/1e/76256.jpg?v=1247248005" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
The AI stock is trading below its 50-day and 200-day moving average, indicating a bearish trend.
<h2>AI Shares Trade Below 50-Day &amp; 200-Day SMA</h2>
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/0b/76255.jpg?v=1136295408" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
<h2>C3.ai&#39;s Long-Term Prospects Ride on Strong Portfolio</h2>
C3.ai&#39;s expanding clientele and growing adoption of its Enterprise AI software are notable developments for investors.
C3 Generative AI is being used by manufacturing, industrial and military industries. It improves safety standards on production floors and equipment operations, and analyzes technical information, contracts and financial data.
The strong portfolio is helping in the growing use of AI solutions. C3.ai&#39;s AI-powered predictive maintenance solutions were selected by the likes of Dow, Holcim and Con Edison (one of the largest energy companies) in the fourth quarter of fiscal 2024.
Beyond innovation and product capability, C3.ai has leveraged strong sales capabilities through strategic partnerships with tech giants like Booz Allen Hamilton, Microsoft, Amazon&nbsp;and Alphabet.
C3.ai has been taking initiatives to expand its relationship with these cloud partners. It has now achieved AWS Generative AI competency, further deepening its relationship with Amazon.
C3 Generative AI for Government Programs, an advanced AI application, runs on Alphabet&#39;s Google Cloud. The application is designed to help federal, state and local governments efficiently deliver accurate information to the public about various government programs.
The latest solution is expected to strengthen AI&#39;s footprint in the federal space. In fiscal 2024, Federal revenues doubled year over year in fiscal 2024. AI closed 65 Federal agreements, up 48% year over year.
<h2>Conclusion</h2>
C3.ai&#39;s plan to invest aggressively to gain market share is expected to keep margins under pressure in the near term. Despite strong demand for C3 Generative AI solutions and an expanding partner base, this factor is expected to drag down the AI stock in the near term.
C3.ai currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), suggesting that it may be wise to wait for a more favorable entry point in the stock.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2330537/should-you-buy-hold-or-sell-ai-stock-ahead-of-q1-earnings?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|most_popular_stocks-2330537">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Earnings Beats

Mid Cap

Should You Buy, Hold or Sell AI Stock Ahead of Q1 Earnings?

The first trading session of September started with a widespread selloff across risk assets, as traders took a cautious approach ahead of what is historically a volatile <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/09/40676774/september-market-seasonality-why-this-month-is-historically-the-toughest-for-investors">month for global markets.</a>
At 1 p.m. in New York, the S&amp;P 500 had dropped 1.6%, while small-cap stocks nosedived 2.7%. The Magnificent Seven, tracked by the Roundhill Magnificent Seven ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MAGS#NYSE">MAGS</a>), offered no safe haven, declining 2.3%.
The CBOE Volatility Index (VIX), often referred to as Wall Street&#8217;s &#8220;fear gauge,&#8221; surged by 20%, reflecting heightened anxiety among investors.
Tech stocks were hit hard, with the Nasdaq 100 down 2.5%, on track for its worst one-day drop since Aug. 1. 
Tuesday&#8217;s selloff was reminiscent of the market turmoil caused by the unwinding of the yen-dollar carry trade earlier in the summer. This time, the yen jumped 0.8% against the dollar after hawkish comments from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/09/40692633/japanese-yen-rallies-on-bank-of-japans-rate-hike-pledge-us-manufacturing-activity-contraction">Bank of Japan Governor Kazuo Ueda overnight</a>.
Despite the yen&#8217;s strength, the U.S. dollar gained 0.2% against a basket of other currencies, buoyed by broader market movements.
On the economic front, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/40689835/us-manufacturing-activity-extends-contraction-for-fifth-month-demand-continues-to">U.S. manufacturing data for August showed a deeper-than-expected contraction</a>, with the employment index indicating mounting challenges ahead of a crucial jobs report due later in the week.
Treasury yields fell as the weak manufacturing data fueled speculation of potential interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. The yield on the two-year Treasury note, which is sensitive to policy changes, dipped 3 basis points, while the 10-year Treasury note yield dropped 7 basis points. The iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLT#NASDAQ">TLT</a>) rose 1.2%.
In commodities, gold prices slipped 0.5%, while oil prices plunged more than 4%, marking the steepest one-day decline since October 2023. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil fell to levels not seen since early January 2024, driven by concerns over weaker demand and expectations of increased OPEC supply next month.
Cryptocurrency markets also faced pressure, with Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) down 2.5% as overall sentiment remained weak.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday&#8217;s Performance In Major US Indices, ETFs</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Major Indices</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>1-day change (%)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>41,057.56</td>
<td>-1.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>5,557.61</td>
<td>-1.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>19,102.46</td>
<td>-2.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>2,160.05</td>
<td>-2.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CBOE VIX</td>
<td>18.54</td>
<td>19.2%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Updated at 1:15 p.m. ET</figcaption></figure>
According to <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent090324&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro </a>data: 
<ul>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>)&nbsp;was 1.5% lower to $555.15.</li>
<li>The&nbsp;SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIA#NYSE">DIA</a>)&nbsp;fell 1.1% to $411.80.</li>
<li>The tech-heavy Invesco QQQ Trust Series (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) tumbled 2.4% to $45.16.</li>
<li>The iShares Russell 2000 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IWM#NYSE">IWM</a>) sunk 2.6% to $214.30.</li>
<li>The Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLP#NYSE">XLP</a>) outperformed, up by 1%, while the Technology Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>) tumbled 3.5%. </li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Monday&#8217;s Stock Movers</h3>
<ul>
<li>Among mega-cap stocks, Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) plummeted 7.6%, marking the worst one-day drop since April.</li>
<li>Other major chipmakers also tanked including Marvell Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>), down 7.3%, Micron Technology (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>), down 6.5%, Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), down 6%, and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>), down 5.7%. </li>
<li>Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) fell 7.5% amid news that the stock might be removed from the Dow Jones index.</li>
<li>Boeing Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) tumbled almost 8% after Wells Fargo downgraded the stock to an Underweight rating and slashed its price target.</li>
</ul>
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/24/09/40691352/stock-of-the-day-berkshire-hathaway-trades-above-usual-range-time-to-sell-the-warren-buf">Stock Of The Day: Berkshire Hathaway Trades Above Usual Range — Time To Sell The Warren Buffett Stock?</a>
Bear market illustration generated using artificial intelligence via Dall-E.

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MAGS

MRVL

iShares Trust Barclays 20+ Year Treasury Bond Fund

Wall Street Tumbles, Yen Surges, Oil Sinks Below $70, VIX Spikes As Traders Brace For Volatile Month: What's Driving Markets Tuesday?

In the last three months, 14 analysts have published ratings on Casey's General Stores (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CASY#NASDAQ">CASY</a>), offering a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish.
The table below offers a condensed view of their recent ratings, showcasing the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Indifferent</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">8</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">4</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Providing deeper insights, analysts have established 12-month price targets, indicating an average target of $412.36, along with a high estimate of $445.00 and a low estimate of $361.00. Observing a 9.58% increase, the current average has risen from the previous average price target of $376.31. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1725386475_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Understanding Analyst Ratings: A Comprehensive Breakdown</h2>
The standing of Casey's General Stores among financial experts is revealed through an in-depth exploration of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>John Lawrence</td>
<td>Benchmark</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$410.00</td>
<td>$410.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Krisztina Katai</td>
<td>Deutsche Bank</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$444.00</td>
<td>$420.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Montani</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$435.00</td>
<td>$410.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Lawrence</td>
<td>Benchmark</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$410.00</td>
<td>$410.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Irene Nattel</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$393.00</td>
<td>$393.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Lawrence</td>
<td>Benchmark</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$410.00</td>
<td>$410.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Montani</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$410.00</td>
<td>$405.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Charles Cerankosky</td>
<td>Northcoast Research</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$410.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Anthony Bonadio</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$415.00</td>
<td>$340.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kelly Bania</td>
<td>BMO Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
<td>$305.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Krisztina Katai</td>
<td>Deutsche Bank</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$420.00</td>
<td>$375.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Lawrence</td>
<td>Benchmark</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$410.00</td>
<td>$350.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Corey Tarlowe</td>
<td>Jefferies</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$445.00</td>
<td>$342.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Irene Nattel</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$361.00</td>
<td>$322.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts adapt their recommendations to changing market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their response to recent developments related to Casey's General Stores. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Analysts assign qualitative assessments to stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey the analysts' expectations for the relative performance of Casey's General Stores compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts explore the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of Casey's General Stores's stock. This examination reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Assessing these analyst evaluations alongside crucial financial indicators can provide a comprehensive overview of Casey's General Stores's market position. Stay informed and make well-judged decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CASY/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Casey's General Stores analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Discovering Casey's General Stores: A Closer Look</h2>
Casey's serves as the nation's third-largest convenience store chain with its more than 2,600 locations primarily positioned in the Midwest United States. About half of Casey's stores are located in rural towns with populations under 5,000. While fueling stations serve as a key traffic generator, about two thirds of the company's gross profit stems from in-store sales of grocery items, prepared meals, and general merchandise. Casey's owns more than 90% of its stores and operates most of its warehousing and distribution processes internally.
<h3>Casey's General Stores's Economic Impact: An Analysis</h3>
Market Capitalization: Surpassing industry standards, the company's market capitalization asserts its dominance in terms of size, suggesting a robust market position.
Revenue Growth: Over the 3 months period, Casey's General Stores showcased positive performance, achieving a revenue growth rate of 8.15% as of 30 April, 2024. This reflects a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company surpassed expectations with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Consumer Staples sector.
Net Margin: Casey's General Stores's net margin excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 2.42%. This signifies efficient cost management and strong financial health.
Return on Equity (ROE): The company's ROE is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROE of 2.92%, the company showcases effective utilization of equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 1.39%, the company showcases effective utilization of assets.
Debt Management: Casey's General Stores's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average. With a ratio of 0.54, the company relies less on debt financing, maintaining a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: What Are They?</h2>
Experts in banking and financial systems, analysts specialize in reporting for specific stocks or defined sectors. Their comprehensive research involves attending company conference calls and meetings, analyzing financial statements, and engaging with insiders to generate what are known as analyst ratings for stocks. Typically, analysts assess and rate each stock once per quarter.
Some analysts publish their predictions for metrics such as growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide additional guidance with their ratings. When using analyst ratings, it is important to keep in mind that stock and sector analysts are also human and are only offering their opinions to investors.
If you want to keep track of which analysts are outperforming others, you can view updated analyst ratings along withanalyst success scores in <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

CASY

Demystifying Casey's General Stores: Insights From 14 Analyst Reviews

33 analysts have shared their evaluations of Estee Lauder Cos (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EL#NYSE">EL</a>) during the recent three months, expressing a mix of bullish and bearish perspectives.
The table below summarizes their recent ratings, showcasing the evolving sentiments within the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Indifferent</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">9</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">8</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">16</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">4</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">5</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">10</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">4</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">5</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts have set 12-month price targets for Estee Lauder Cos, revealing an average target of $121.88, a high estimate of $191.00, and a low estimate of $100.00. This current average represents a 11.86% decrease from the previous average price target of $138.28. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1725386462_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Exploring Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Overview</h2>
A comprehensive examination of how financial experts perceive Estee Lauder Cos is derived from recent analyst actions. The following is a detailed summary of key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Linda Bolton Weiser</td>
<td>DA Davidson</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Linda Bolton Weiser</td>
<td>DA Davidson</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Korinne Wolfmeyer</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$114.00</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jason English</td>
<td>Goldman Sachs</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Filippo Falorni</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrea Teixeira</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$129.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nik Modi</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$131.00</td>
<td>$131.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dara Mohsenian</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Robert Ottenstein</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Susan Anderson</td>
<td>Canaccord Genuity</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Peter Grom</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$104.00</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Christopher Carey</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$117.00</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Mark Astrachan</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$125.00</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dana Telsey</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Linda Bolton Weiser</td>
<td>DA Davidson</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
<td>$191.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Steve Powers</td>
<td>Deutsche Bank</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$108.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dana Telsey</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bryan Spillane</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dana Telsey</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Steve Powers</td>
<td>Deutsche Bank</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$108.00</td>
<td>$132.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dana Telsey</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Linda Bolton Weiser</td>
<td>DA Davidson</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$191.00</td>
<td>$191.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nik Modi</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$131.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lauren Lieberman</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$117.00</td>
<td>$136.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jason English</td>
<td>Goldman Sachs</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Linda Bolton Weiser</td>
<td>DA Davidson</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$191.00</td>
<td>$191.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dana Telsey</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
<td>$142.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrea Teixeira</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$129.00</td>
<td>$145.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Korinne Wolfmeyer</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$108.00</td>
<td>$141.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Filippo Falorni</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$135.00</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bryan Spillane</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Christopher Carey</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
<td>$163.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lauren Lieberman</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$136.00</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts frequently update their recommendations based on evolving market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Estee Lauder Cos. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Gaining insights, analysts provide qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of Estee Lauder Cos compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts gauge the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of Estee Lauder Cos's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
For valuable insights into Estee Lauder Cos's market performance, consider these analyst evaluations alongside crucial financial indicators. Stay well-informed and make prudent decisions using our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/EL/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Estee Lauder Cos analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Delving into Estee Lauder Cos's Background</h2>
Estee Lauder is a leader in the global prestige beauty market, participating across skin care (51% of fiscal 2024 sales), makeup (29%), fragrance (16%), and hair care (4%) categories, with top-selling brands such as Estee Lauder, Clinique, M.A.C, La Mer, Jo Malone London, Aveda, Bobbi Brown, and Origins. The firm operates in more than 150 countries, generating 30% of revenue from the Americas, 39% from Europe, the Middle East and Africa (including travel retail), and 31% from Asia-Pacific. Estee Lauder sells its products through department stores, travel retail, specialty multibrand beauty stores, brand-dedicated freestanding stores, e-commerce, salons/spas, and perfumeries.
<h3>Estee Lauder Cos: A Financial Overview</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: Above industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization emphasizes a noteworthy size, indicative of a strong market presence.
Revenue Growth: Over the 3 months period, Estee Lauder Cos showcased positive performance, achieving a revenue growth rate of 7.26% as of 30 June, 2024. This reflects a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Consumer Staples sector, the company excelled with a growth rate higher than the average among peers.
Net Margin: Estee Lauder Cos's net margin excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching -7.34%. This signifies efficient cost management and strong financial health.
Return on Equity (ROE): Estee Lauder Cos's ROE is below industry standards, pointing towards difficulties in efficiently utilizing equity capital. With an ROE of -5.14%, the company may encounter challenges in delivering satisfactory returns for shareholders.
Return on Assets (ROA): Estee Lauder Cos's ROA is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of -1.28%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial returns.
Debt Management: Estee Lauder Cos's debt-to-equity ratio surpasses industry norms, standing at 1.85. This suggests the company carries a substantial amount of debt, posing potential financial challenges.
<h2>What Are Analyst Ratings?</h2>
Analyst ratings serve as essential indicators of stock performance, provided by experts in banking and financial systems. These specialists diligently analyze company financial statements, participate in conference calls, and engage with insiders to generate quarterly ratings for individual stocks.
Some analysts publish their predictions for metrics such as growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide additional guidance with their ratings. When using analyst ratings, it is important to keep in mind that stock and sector analysts are also human and are only offering their opinions to investors.
If you want to keep track of which analysts are outperforming others, you can view updated analyst ratings along withanalyst success scores in <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

A Glimpse Into The Expert Outlook On Estee Lauder Cos Through 33 Analysts

Throughout the last three months, 12 analysts have evaluated HF Sinclair (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DINO#NYSE">DINO</a>), offering a diverse set of opinions from bullish to bearish.
The table below summarizes their recent ratings, showcasing the evolving sentiments within the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Indifferent</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">5</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">6</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Insights from analysts' 12-month price targets are revealed, presenting an average target of $59.83, a high estimate of $75.00, and a low estimate of $51.00. A negative shift in sentiment is evident as analysts have decreased the average price target by 5.66%. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1725386448_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Interpreting Analyst Ratings: A Closer Look</h2>
The analysis of recent analyst actions sheds light on the perception of HF Sinclair by financial experts. The following summary presents key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Roger Read</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$54.00</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Royall</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$59.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Manav Gupta</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$73.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Theresa Chen</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$53.00</td>
<td>$51.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Roger Read</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$61.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Roger Read</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$61.00</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Theresa Chen</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$51.00</td>
<td>$56.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Royall</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$59.00</td>
<td>$61.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Theresa Chen</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$56.00</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nitin Kumar</td>
<td>Mizuho</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$61.00</td>
<td>$64.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ryan Todd</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$58.00</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Roger Read</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$76.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts frequently update their recommendations based on evolving market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to HF Sinclair. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Gaining insights, analysts provide qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of HF Sinclair compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts gauge the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of HF Sinclair's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Analyzing these analyst evaluations alongside relevant financial metrics can provide a comprehensive view of HF Sinclair's market position. Stay informed and make data-driven decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DINO/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on HF Sinclair analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Discovering HF Sinclair: A Closer Look</h2>
HF Sinclair is an integrated petroleum refiner that owns and operates seven refineries serving the Rockies, midcontinent, Southwest, and Pacific Northwest, with a total crude oil throughput capacity of 678,000 barrels per day. It can produce 380 million gallons of renewable diesel annually. It holds a marketing business with over 300 distributors and 1,500 wholesale branded sites across 30 states. It also owns and operates 4,400 miles of petroleum product pipelines and terminals principally in the southwestern United States.
<h3>A Deep Dive into HF Sinclair's Financials</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: Below industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization reflects a smaller scale relative to peers. This could be attributed to factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.
Positive Revenue Trend: Examining HF Sinclair's financials over 3 months reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 0.16% as of 30 June, 2024, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the revenue growth lags behind its industry peers. The company achieved a growth rate lower than the average among peers in Energy sector.
Net Margin: HF Sinclair's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional net margin, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable net margin of 1.92%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): The company's ROE is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROE of 1.5%, the company showcases effective utilization of equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 0.86%, the company showcases effective utilization of assets.
Debt Management: With a below-average debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, HF Sinclair adopts a prudent financial strategy, indicating a balanced approach to debt management.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: Simplified</h2>
Benzinga tracks 150 analyst firms and reports on their stock expectations. Analysts typically arrive at their conclusions by predicting how much money a company will make in the future, usually the upcoming five years, and how risky or predictable that company's revenue streams are.
Analysts attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish their ratings on stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter or whenever the company has a major update.
Some analysts publish their predictions for metrics such as growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide additional guidance with their ratings. When using analyst ratings, it is important to keep in mind that stock and sector analysts are also human and are only offering their opinions to investors.
If you want to keep track of which analysts are outperforming others, you can view updated analyst ratings along withanalyst success scores in <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

DINO

HF Sinclair Stock: A Deep Dive Into Analyst Perspectives (12 Ratings)

Throughout the last three months, 13 analysts have evaluated Home Depot (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HD#NYSE">HD</a>), offering a diverse set of opinions from bullish to bearish.
The table below summarizes their recent ratings, showcasing the evolving sentiments within the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Indifferent</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">5</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">6</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">5</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">1</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts provide deeper insights through their assessments of 12-month price targets, revealing an average target of $385.31, a high estimate of $430.00, and a low estimate of $330.00. Surpassing the previous average price target of $383.33, the current average has increased by 0.52%.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1725386431_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Deciphering Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Analysis</h2>
An in-depth analysis of recent analyst actions unveils how financial experts perceive Home Depot. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Michael Baker</td>
<td>DA Davidson</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$430.00</td>
<td>$395.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Steven Shemesh</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$363.00</td>
<td>$377.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Laura Champine</td>
<td>Loop Capital</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$330.00</td>
<td>$360.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scot Ciccarelli</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$395.00</td>
<td>$396.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Lasser</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$425.00</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Greg Melich</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
<td>$415.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>W. Andrew Carter</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$375.00</td>
<td>$380.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Feldman</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$360.00</td>
<td>$360.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Feldman</td>
<td>Telsey Advisory Group</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$360.00</td>
<td>$360.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Christopher Horvers</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
<td>$377.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Scot Ciccarelli</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$396.00</td>
<td>$406.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>W. Andrew Carter</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$380.00</td>
<td>$374.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Baker</td>
<td>DA Davidson</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$395.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts respond to changes in market conditions and company performance, frequently updating their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Home Depot. This information offers a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Analysts unravel qualitative evaluations for stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings offer insights into expectations for the relative performance of Home Depot compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts provide insights into price targets, offering estimates for the future value of Home Depot's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Capture valuable insights into Home Depot's market standing by understanding these analyst evaluations alongside pertinent financial indicators. Stay informed and make strategic decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/HD/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Home Depot analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>All You Need to Know About Home Depot</h2>
Home Depot is the world's largest home improvement specialty retailer, operating more than 2,300 warehouse-format stores offering more than 30,000 products in store and 1 million products online in the US, Canada, and Mexico. Its stores offer numerous building materials, home improvement products, lawn and garden products, and decor products and provide various services, including home improvement installation services and tool and equipment rentals. The acquisition of Interline Brands in 2015 allowed Home Depot to enter the MRO business, which has been expanded through the tie-up with HD Supply (2020). The additions of the Company Store brought textiles to the lineup, and Redi Carpet added multifamily flooring, while the recent tie-up with SRS will help grow professional demand.
<h3>Home Depot: A Financial Overview</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization is above the industry average, indicating that it is relatively larger in size compared to peers. This may suggest a higher level of investor confidence and market recognition.
Positive Revenue Trend: Examining Home Depot's financials over 3 months reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 0.6% as of 31 July, 2024, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. As compared to its peers, the company achieved a growth rate higher than the average among peers in Consumer Discretionary sector.
Net Margin: Home Depot's net margin surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 10.56% net margin, the company effectively manages costs and achieves strong profitability.
Return on Equity (ROE): The company's ROE is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROE of 146.19%, the company showcases effective utilization of equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Home Depot's ROA stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 5.18%, the company demonstrates effective utilization of assets and strong financial performance.
Debt Management: Home Depot's debt-to-equity ratio stands notably higher than the industry average, reaching 14.62. This indicates a heavier reliance on borrowed funds, raising concerns about financial leverage.
<h2>The Significance of Analyst Ratings Explained</h2>
Benzinga tracks 150 analyst firms and reports on their stock expectations. Analysts typically arrive at their conclusions by predicting how much money a company will make in the future, usually the upcoming five years, and how risky or predictable that company's revenue streams are.
Analysts attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish their ratings on stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter or whenever the company has a major update.
Some analysts will also offer forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide further guidance on stocks. Investors who use analyst ratings should note that this specialized advice comes from humans and may be subject to error.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Expert Outlook: Home Depot Through The Eyes Of 13 Analysts

In a recent update, SITE Centers Corp. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sitc#NYSE">SITC</a>) has announced that from the beginning of the third quarter of 2024 through Aug. 29, 2024, it has sold 11 wholly-owned shopping centers for $552.7 million. This retail REIT also purchased four convenience properties for a gross price of $88 million. This included Crocker Commons in Cleveland, OH; Maple Corner in Nashville, TN; Village Plaza in Houston, TX; and Brookhaven Station in Atlanta, GA.
As previously announced, the company has successfully closed and funded a mortgage facility amounting to $530 million, which is secured by 23 properties. Additionally, it has repaid its unsecured term loan of $200 million, terminated its revolving credit facility of $950 million and executed a one-for-four reverse stock split of its common shares. Moreover, in August, the company redeemed all of its outstanding senior unsecured notes, resulting in no remaining unsecured debt.
SITE Centers has been following an aggressive capital-recycling program through which it is divesting slow-growth assets and redeploying the proceeds for the acquisitions of premium U.S. shopping centers. These centers offer strong opportunities for rent growth and redevelopment activities.
<h2>The Initiative Strengthens SITC&#39;s Balance Sheet Position</h2>
Such match-funding initiatives relieve pressure off the company&#39;s balance sheet while paving the way for top-line and cash-flow growth and adding value to the portfolio in the long term.
This retail REIT has a healthy balance sheet position with ample liquidity. As of June 30, 2024, it had $2.1 billion of liquidity and an average pro-rata net debt to adjusted EBITDA of 3.4X and fixed charge coverage was 3.9X.
It also enjoys investment-grade credit ratings of BBB-/Baa3/BBB from S&amp;P/ Moody&#39;s/ Fitch, respectively, which render it favorable access to the debt market. With strong financial footing and enough financial flexibility, it is well-placed to capitalize on long-term growth opportunities.
However, given the conveniences of online shopping, growing e-commerce adoption is concerning for SITE Centers. Potential tenant bankruptcies in the near term could affect its profitability and hurt occupancy. A high interest rate environment remain concern.
In the past six months, shares of this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) company have gained 8.4%, outperforming the industry&#39;s growth of 4.7%.
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/3a/76277.jpg?v=2001993691" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
<h2>Stocks to Consider</h2>
Some better-ranked stocks from the retail REIT sector are Brixmor Property Group (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/brx#NYSE">BRX</a>) and Tanger, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/skt#NYSE">SKT</a>), each carrying a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) at present.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Brixmor Properties&#39; 2024 FFO per share has moved marginally northward over the past month to $2.13.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Tanger&#39;s ongoing year&#39;s FFO per share has been raised 1.5% upward over the past month to $2.09.
Note: Anything related to earnings presented in this write-up represent funds from operations (FFO), a widely used metric to gauge the performance of REITs.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2330535/site-centers-disposes-of-11-shopping-centers-and-acquires-4?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|company_news_finance_sector-2330535">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

REIT

Real Estate

SITC

OUST

Key Takeaways From Ouster Analyst Ratings

Ansys's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ANSS#NYSE">ANSS</a>) short percent of float has risen 12.95% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 1.45 million shares sold short, which is 2.18% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 3.18 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Ansys Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1725386421_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Ansys has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Ansys's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Ansys's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 2.63%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

ANSS

How Is The Market Feeling About Ansys?

AGNC Investment's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGNC#NYSE">AGNC</a>) short percent of float has fallen 8.48% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 43.71 million shares sold short, which is 5.61% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.82 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>AGNC Investment Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1725386416_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for AGNC Investment has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing AGNC Investment's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, AGNC Investment's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 7.27%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

AGNC

How Is The Market Feeling About AGNC Investment?

Quantum's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QMCO#NYSE">QMCO</a>) short percent of float has risen 77.14% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 414 thousand shares sold short, which is 0.62% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.63 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Quantum Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1725386410_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Quantum has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Quantum's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Quantum's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 7.51%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

QMCO

(QMCO) - Analyzing Quantum's Short Interest

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