Ascentage Pharma Group Stock (OTC: ASPHF)

Latest news for Ascentage Pharma Group (OTC:ASPHF) Stock

Ascentage Pharma Group International is a clinical-stage biotechnology company engaged in the development and sales of novel small-scale therapies for cancers, hepatitis B virus, or HBV, and certain age-related diseases. It focuses on developing therapies that inhibit protein-protein interactions to restore apoptosis or programmed cell death. The company's geographical segments include the United States and Mainland China.

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Biotech

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ASPHF

Key Takeaways:


	Under the partnership, Japan’s Takeda International gets an option to market Ascentage’s promising leukemia drug outside of China
	Without the capital infusion from Takeda, Ascentage was facing a liquidity crisis with just a year’s worth of cash


By Molly Wen

Ascentage Pharma Soars On Deal With Cancer Drug Competitor

ASCENTAGE PHARMA GROUP by ASCENTAGE PHARMA GROUP

Ascentage Pharma Group International

Cantor Fitzgerald analyst Brett Knoblauch initiated coverage on Core Scientific, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CORZ#NASDAQ">CORZ</a>), <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CORZ/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">with a price forecast of $20.</a>
According to the analyst, Bitcoin miners currently have one of the most coveted assets in the world &#8211; access to power.
In June 2024, Core Scientific announced a deal with CoreWeave (private), following which<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener"> shares went up meaningfully.</a>
With CoreWeave, Core Scientific was the first Bitcoin miner to sign a meaningful AI/HPC deal.
In what has now been extended, CoreWeave will lease 270 MW from Core Scientific for 12 years, and pay the company a total of $4.725 billion over that duration, amounting to ~$1.45 million per MW.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39716492/block-and-core-scientific-enter-supply-agreement-for-mining-asics" rel="noreferrer noopener">Block and Core Scientific Enter Supply Agreement for Mining ASICs</a>
What is most differentiated about this deal that other miners will not be able to replicate is the fact that CoreWeave will fund the entire capex buildout itself (~$1.3 billion).
Per the analyst, this is effectively an interest-free loan for CoreWeave, which can use the annuity like revenue stream to fund additional capacity expansion, and to potentially lever up the business to maximize equity returns.
Core Scientific has earmarked an additional 322 MW for AI/HPC, which could generate an additional $335 million in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/guidance" rel="noreferrer noopener">annual revenue and $268 million in annual profits.</a>
Long term – the analyst sees the potential for shares to be multiples higher than the current price target.
Price Action: CORZ shares are trading lower by 5.17% to $11.10 at last check Wednesday.
Image via Shutterstock
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Analyst Color

Equities

Price Target

Initiation

Analyst Ratings

Trading Ideas

Core Scientific, Inc. - Class A Common Stock

CORZ

Core Scientific Analyst Emphasizes 'Access To Power' In Bitcoin Mining Assets - Deal With CoreWeave Under Focus

Cassava Sciences Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAVA#NASDAQ">SAVA</a>) stock is trading lower on Wednesday on a heavy session volume of 14.35 million, as per data from <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/feature/newsfeed" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>.
The Board of Directors appointed Richard (Rick) Barry as Executive Chairman and the company&#8217;s principal executive officer, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/07/g39813058/cassava-sciences-announces-changes-in-executive-leadership-enhanced-corporate-governance-and-other" rel="noreferrer noopener">effective immediately</a>. The company is searching for a new permanent CEO.
Mr. Barry succeeds Remi Barbier, the Company&#8217;s Chairman, President, and CEO, who resigned and will remain employed by the Company until September 13, 2024, in a non-executive capacity, without duties or responsibilities.
Lindsay Burns, SVP of Neuroscience at Cassava, is also leaving the company. Cassava and Dr. Burns have agreed that she step down from her role with the company, effective immediately.
Following her separation from the company and for a one-year period, Dr. Burns will furnish consulting services as and to the extent reasonably requested by Cassava to provide information and support for scientific research and/or obtain governmental approval for the company&#8217;s products.
Cassava may, at its sole discretion, extend the term of the consulting agreement by up to an additional year.
Related: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/07/39578081/cassava-sciences-cooperates-with-doj-sec-on-controversial-alzheimers-drug-investigation" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cassava Sciences Cooperates With DOJ, SEC On Controversial Alzheimer&#8217;s Drug Investigation</a>.
Mr. Barry said. &#8220;While our priority remains the development of a potentially effective treatment for Alzheimer&#8217;s disease, the Board has a steadfast commitment to doing so with transparency, accountability, and highest ethical business practices.&#8221; Among the actions the company is taking are:
<ul>
<li>New Leadership: The Board plans to separate the Chairman and CEO roles after identifying a new CEO.</li>
<li>Single-minded Commitment to Scientific Rigor and Honest Transparency: The company&#8217;s mission is to evaluate simufilam as a groundbreaking Alzheimer&#8217;s treatment, focusing on scientific rigor and transparency with patients, government agencies, and investors. All study results will be promptly and accurately posted on <a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=vZZ6OkMSOaios8h0rajvwWFmEyTvQ8IToK5KGykCu4U97tT9zTPV9sYfj4rz1dS4u4NUT6tyetMZxzwISZ444PosvJOTncWJZySdB_IktB8=" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">clinicaltrials.gov</a>.</li>
<li>Rigorous Clinical Trials:  The ongoing Phase 3 trials adhere to FDA and industry standards to ensure the integrity of results. Under the FDA-reviewed protocols, no company personnel know or will know which subjects receive the drug or placebo.</li>
<li>Blinding information is maintained by a small group at CRO, Premier Research. Additionally, company personnel do not have access to sub-study results or other data that could reveal which patients are on placebo.</li>
<li>All data is sent directly to Premier Research. Statistical analyses are conducted by professional biostatisticians at Pentara Corporation, with trial results transmitted to them independently by the CRO, without company involvement.</li>
<li>Transparency in Communications and Reporting: Cassava is dedicated to maintaining transparent communication with its stakeholders. The company will resume quarterly analyst calls and ensure management is accessible to journalists. Cassava is also reviewing its disclosure practices to provide clear, comprehensive information. Ongoing dialogues with shareholders, employees, customers, regulators, and the community will shape the company&#8217;s governance practices.</li>
</ul>
Price Action: SAVA shares are down 27.20% at $9.85 at the last check on Wednesday.
Read Next:
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</ul>

Health Care

Management

Movers

SAVA

Cassava Sciences Faces Leadership Shake-Up, Prioritizes Transparency And Scientific Rigor In Alzheimer's Trials

Chewy's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHWY#NYSE">CHWY</a>) short percent of float has risen 9.25% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 21.75 million shares sold short, which is 18.66% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.0 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Chewy Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1721240120_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Chewy 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 Chewy'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>, Chewy's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 12.94%, which means the company has more short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

CHWY

Peering Into Chewy's Recent Short Interest

Ventas's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VTR#NYSE">VTR</a>) short percent of float has fallen 6.57% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 7.61 million shares sold short, which is 2.56% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.92 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>Ventas Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1721240115_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Ventas 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 Ventas'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>, Ventas's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 6.48%, 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.

(VTR) - Analyzing Ventas's Short Interest

Avery Dennison's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVY#NYSE">AVY</a>) short percent of float has risen 3.23% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 1.58 million shares sold short, which is 2.24% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 3.3 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>Avery Dennison Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1721240110_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Avery Dennison 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 Avery Dennison'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>, Avery Dennison's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 4.13%, 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.

Peering Into Avery Dennison's Recent Short Interest

Bernstein analyst Alexia Howard maintains Mondelez International (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDLZ#NASDAQ">MDLZ</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $90 to $88.

MDLZ

Bernstein Maintains Outperform on Mondelez International, Lowers Price Target to $88

Bernstein analyst Alexia Howard maintains Hershey (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $237 to $230.

Bernstein Maintains Outperform on Hershey, Lowers Price Target to $230

Bernstein analyst Bob Brackett maintains Exxon Mobil (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $139 to $138.

Bernstein Maintains Outperform on Exxon Mobil, Lowers Price Target to $138

Bernstein analyst Bob Brackett maintains Devon Energy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVN#NYSE">DVN</a>) with a Market Perform and lowers the price target from $48 to $43.

Bernstein Maintains Market Perform on Devon Energy, Lowers Price Target to $43

Bernstein analyst Bob Brackett maintains Kosmos Energy (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KOS#NYSE">KOS</a>) with a Market Perform and lowers the price target from $7 to $5.

Bernstein Maintains Market Perform on Kosmos Energy, Lowers Price Target to $5

On Wednesday, Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/jnj#NYSE">JNJ</a>) reported its second quarter results that reflected a strong momentum of its medtech and innovative medicine divisions. Although one-time charges prevented topline growth from reaching the bottom line, Johnson and Johnson showed it continues to advance its drug pipeline for a new medical era, with significant clinical milestones being attained throughout the quarter.&nbsp;
<h3>Second Quarter Highlights</h3>
For the June quarter, Johnson &amp; Johnson reported topline growth of 4.3% YoY as sales grew to $22.45 billion, surpassing the FactSet consensus of $22.33 billion.&nbsp;Regionally,&nbsp;U.S. sales grew 7.8% YoY, bringing in $12.5 billion, while&nbsp;international sales remained flat at $9.8 billion.&nbsp;
Fueled by cancer drug Darzalex among other growth drivers, the innovative medicine segment recorded sales growth of 5.5%, bringing in revenue of&nbsp;$14.49 billion, also topping FactSet consensus of $14.12 billion.
The medtech division grew 2.2% to $7.96 billion, coming short of Fact Set&rsquo;s consensus of $8.17 billion
As for Johnson &amp; Johnson&rsquo;s best-selling drugs, psoriasis treatment Stelara recorded growth of 3.1% to $2.89 billion, surpassing FactSet consensus of $2.85 billion, while cancer treatment Darzalex recorded 18.4% growth with sales rising to to $2.878 billion, also slighly below the expected $2.885 billion.
On the other hand,&nbsp;infectious disease drugs recorded a 13.9% drop with sales amounting to $965 million, while COVID-19 vaccine sales plummeted even more, falling 40% to $172 million.
Due to one-time charges, net earnings fell almost 13% to $4.6 billion, with earnings per share dropping nearly 6% to $1.93. But adjusted for one-time items, EPS actually rose by 10.2% to $2.82.
Slightly altered&nbsp;full year guidance
J&amp;J raised the midpoint of its full-year guidance for operational sales from a $88.9 billion to $89.4 billion, fueled by the completion of&nbsp;the $13.1 billion acquisition&nbsp;of its newest medtech conquest, Shockwave Medical.&nbsp;&nbsp;But, due to the costs of this strategic acquisitions, it also lowered its full-year adjusted operational EPS guidance that are now expected in a range from $10 to $10.10.
The second quarter performance reflects focus on medical innovation.
Throughout the quarter, the health care bellwether&nbsp;was&nbsp;busy with M&amp;A. Besides completing the Shockwave deal, it scooped up bispecific antibodies biotech&nbsp;Proteologix&nbsp;for $850 million in cash. Johnson and Johnson also spent $1.25 billion to&nbsp;&nbsp;get Numab Therapeutics&rsquo; experimental bispecific antibody that targets atopic dermatitis.&nbsp;&nbsp;In addition, J&amp; J also had a few activities of the regulatory front during the quarter.&nbsp;Carvykti was greenlit by the Food and Drug Administration for second-line use in adults with relapsed refractory multiple myeloma, which J&amp;J developed with Legend Biotech&rsquo;s. J&amp;J also submitted an application to treat moderately to severely active Crohn&rsquo;s disease with Tremfya.
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as investing advice.
This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga's reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

Johnson And Johnson Continues To Focus On Medical Innovation

Bernstein analyst Bob Brackett maintains APA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APA#NASDAQ">APA</a>) with a Market Perform and lowers the price target from $37 to $30.

Bernstein Maintains Market Perform on APA, Lowers Price Target to $30

BofA Securities analyst Brad Sills maintains Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) with a Buy and<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSFT/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener"> raises the price target from&nbsp;$480&nbsp;to&nbsp;$510.</a>
Microsoft will publish the fiscal year 2024 fourth-quarter financial results after the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/07/n39803401/microsoft-announces-quarterly-earnings-release-date" rel="noreferrer noopener">close of the market on&nbsp;Tuesday, July 30, 2024.</a>
Sills sees 1% upside to the fourth quarter revenue estimate of $64.0 billion, stemming from sustained Azure strength, Office E3/E5 premium mix, early Microsoft Copilot traction and a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">normalizing PC/Windows buying environment.</a>
In addition, the analyst projects a neutral currency impact on growth, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/guidance" rel="noreferrer noopener">consistent with guidance</a>.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39817792/missed-out-on-nvidia-michael-saylor-says-get-on-the-bitcoin-standard-for-even-better-retur" rel="noreferrer noopener">Missed Out On Nvidia? Michael Saylor Says &#8216;Get On The Bitcoin Standard&#8217; For Even Better Returns</a>
In addition, Sills sees a $100 million upside to the PBP segment revenue estimate for $20 billion (+9% y/y) from a modest Commercial Office upside on a conservative outlook for 14% growth.
The analyst writes that office upside is likely to come from ASP growth (6% y/y, consistent with third-quarter), given partner commentary on sustained strength in the premium E5 cycle and early traction with Copilot upsell deals.
In an upside case, the Office business could be on track to achieve 20% growth by the first quarter of FY26.
Overall, the analyst forecasts a reiterated outlook for double-digit revenue growth and margin to be down 100bps on ramping capex, driving the cost of sales higher.
Price Action: MSFT shares are trading lower by 1.5% to $442.77 at last check Wednesday.
Photo via Shutterstock
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</ul>

Reiteration

MSFT

What's In Store For Microsoft In Q4? Analyst Sees Azure Strength, Double-Digit Revenue Growth Outlook

Bernstein analyst Bob Brackett maintains EOG Resources (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EOG#NYSE">EOG</a>) with a Market Perform and lowers the price target from $139 to $125.

Bernstein Maintains Market Perform on EOG Resources, Lowers Price Target to $125

Federal Reserve

Fed Beige Book Says Prices Increased At A Modest Pace Overall, With A Couple Districts Noting Only Slight Increases.

Fed Beige Book Says Expectations For The Future Of The Economy Were For Slower Growth Over The Next Six Months Due To Uncertainty Around The Upcoming Election, Domestic Policy, Geopolitical Conflict, And Inflation.

Palo Alto Networks (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PANW#NASDAQ">PANW</a>) has been analyzed by 23 analysts in the last three months, revealing a diverse range of perspectives from bullish to bearish.
The table below provides a snapshot of their recent ratings, showcasing how sentiments have evolved 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;">4</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">18</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>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;">2</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;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">10</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;">5</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>
Insights from analysts' 12-month price targets are revealed, presenting an average target of $356.74, a high estimate of $385.00, and a low estimate of $285.00. Marking an increase of 1.97%, the current average surpasses the previous average price target of $349.86. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1721239280_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Deciphering Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Analysis</h2>
The standing of Palo Alto Networks among financial experts becomes clear with a thorough analysis 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>Michael Turits</td>
<td>Keybanc</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$380.00</td>
<td>$384.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shrenik Kothari</td>
<td>Baird</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$360.00</td>
<td>$340.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yi Fu Lee</td>
<td>Cantor Fitzgerald</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$350.00</td>
<td>$350.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rudy Kessinger</td>
<td>DA Davidson</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$380.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hamza Fodderwala</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$360.00</td>
<td>$360.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joseph Bonner</td>
<td>Argus Research</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$348.00</td>
<td>$336.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matthew Hedberg</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$360.00</td>
<td>$360.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fatima Boolani</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$345.00</td>
<td>$335.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trevor Walsh</td>
<td>JMP Securities</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Market Outperform</td>
<td>$380.00</td>
<td>$380.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Daniel Ives</td>
<td>Wedbush</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$375.00</td>
<td>$375.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alex Henderson</td>
<td>Needham</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$345.00</td>
<td>$345.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Sarah Hindlian</td>
<td>Macquarie</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$285.00</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hamza Fodderwala</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$360.00</td>
<td>$360.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Keith Bachman</td>
<td>BMO Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$334.00</td>
<td>$327.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ittai Kidron</td>
<td>Oppenheimer</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$330.00</td>
<td>$330.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matthew Hedberg</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$360.00</td>
<td>$365.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shyam Patil</td>
<td>Susquehanna</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Positive</td>
<td>$340.00</td>
<td>$325.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Peter Weed</td>
<td>Bernstein</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$364.00</td>
<td>$335.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brian Essex</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$340.00</td>
<td>$330.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Turits</td>
<td>Keybanc</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$384.00</td>
<td>$355.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hamza Fodderwala</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$360.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trevor Walsh</td>
<td>JMP Securities</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Market Outperform</td>
<td>$380.00</td>
<td>$380.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Peter Levine</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$385.00</td>
<td>$405.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to Palo Alto Networks. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on 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 Palo Alto Networks compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts explore the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of Palo Alto Networks'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 Palo Alto Networks's market position. Stay informed and make well-judged decisions with the assistance of our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PANW/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Palo Alto Networks analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Unveiling the Story Behind Palo Alto Networks</h2>
Palo Alto Networks is a platform-based cybersecurity vendor with product offerings covering network security, cloud security, and security operations. The California-based firm has more than 85,000 customers across the world, including more than three fourths of the Global 2000.
<h3>Palo Alto Networks: Financial Performance Dissected</h3>
Market Capitalization: With restricted market capitalization, the company is positioned below industry averages. This reflects a smaller scale relative to peers.
Revenue Growth: Palo Alto Networks's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has been noteworthy. As of 30 April, 2024, the company achieved a revenue growth rate of approximately 15.33%. This indicates a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. When compared to others in the Information Technology sector, the company excelled with a growth rate higher than the average among peers.
Net Margin: Palo Alto Networks's net margin excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 14.05%. This signifies efficient cost management and strong financial health.
Return on Equity (ROE): Palo Alto Networks's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROE, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROE of 6.32%, the company showcases efficient use of equity capital and strong financial health.
Return on Assets (ROA): Palo Alto Networks's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROA, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROA of 1.54%, the company showcases efficient use of assets and strong financial health.
Debt Management: Palo Alto Networks's debt-to-equity ratio is below industry norms, indicating a sound financial structure with a ratio of 0.34.
<h2>How Are Analyst Ratings Determined?</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.
Beyond their standard evaluations, some analysts contribute predictions for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, furnishing investors with additional guidance. Users of analyst ratings should be mindful that this specialized advice is shaped by human perspectives and may be subject to variability.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

PANW

Expert Ratings For Palo Alto Networks

Bernstein analyst Bob Brackett maintains Diamondback Energy (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FANG#NASDAQ">FANG</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $243 to $236.

FANG

Bernstein Maintains Outperform on Diamondback Energy, Lowers Price Target to $236

Throughout the last three months, 21 analysts have evaluated Texas Roadhouse (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXRH#NASDAQ">TXRH</a>), offering a diverse set of opinions 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;">10</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;">3</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>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</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>3M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">4</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">3</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">7</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts have recently evaluated Texas Roadhouse and provided 12-month price targets. The average target is $174.76, accompanied by a high estimate of $205.00 and a low estimate of $145.00. Marking an increase of 8.45%, the current average surpasses the previous average price target of $161.14. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1721239273_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 Texas Roadhouse 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>Sara Senatore</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$205.00</td>
<td>$189.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Glass</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$162.00</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brian Mullen</td>
<td>Deutsche Bank</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$193.00</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jake Bartlett</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
<td>$183.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jake Bartlett</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$183.00</td>
<td>$181.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Logan Reich</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Ivankoe</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$184.00</td>
<td>$145.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Chris O'Cull</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jon Tower</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$183.00</td>
<td>$178.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Peter Saleh</td>
<td>BTIG</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jon Tower</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Glass</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
<td>$145.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Christopher Carril</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Sector Perform</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$145.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Palmer</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Strelzik</td>
<td>BMO Capital</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Market Perform</td>
<td>$145.00</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jeffrey Bernstein</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$138.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jake Bartlett</td>
<td>Truist Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$181.00</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nick Setyan</td>
<td>Wedbush</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jim Salera</td>
<td>Stephens &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$164.00</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Tarantino</td>
<td>Baird</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$182.00</td>
<td>$178.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jon Tower</td>
<td>Citigroup</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$178.00</td>
<td>$162.00</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 Texas Roadhouse. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Providing a comprehensive analysis, analysts offer qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of Texas Roadhouse compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts gauge the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of Texas Roadhouse's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Capture valuable insights into Texas Roadhouse'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/TXRH/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Texas Roadhouse analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Discovering Texas Roadhouse: A Closer Look</h2>
Texas Roadhouse Inc is a restaurant company operating predominately in the casual dining segment. The company's operating segment includes Texas Roadhouse; Bubba's 33 and others. It generates maximum revenue from the Texas Roadhouse segment.
<h3>Financial Insights: Texas Roadhouse</h3>
Market Capitalization Perspectives: The company's market capitalization falls below industry averages, signaling a relatively smaller size compared to peers. This positioning may be influenced by factors such as perceived growth potential or operational scale.
Revenue Growth: Texas Roadhouse's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has been noteworthy. As of 31 March, 2024, the company achieved a revenue growth rate of approximately 12.51%. This indicates a substantial increase in the company's 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: The company's net margin is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive net margin of 8.57%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost control.
Return on Equity (ROE): Texas Roadhouse's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional ROE, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable ROE of 9.64%, the company showcases efficient use of equity capital and strong financial health.
Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 4.03%, the company showcases effective utilization of assets.
Debt Management: The company maintains a balanced debt approach with a debt-to-equity ratio below industry norms, standing at 0.66.
<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.
Analysts may enhance their evaluations by incorporating forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue, delivering additional guidance to investors. It is vital to acknowledge that, although experts in stocks and sectors, analysts are human and express their opinions when providing insights.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

TXRH

Where Texas Roadhouse Stands With Analysts

CrowdStrike Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWD#NASDAQ">CRWD</a>) has been analyzed by 21 analysts in the last three months, revealing a diverse range of perspectives 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;">7</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">13</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>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;">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>2M Ago</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">6</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">9</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>3M Ago</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>
</tbody>
</table>
Insights from analysts' 12-month price targets are revealed, presenting an average target of $405.52, a high estimate of $440.00, and a low estimate of $370.00. Observing a 0.61% increase, the current average has risen from the previous average price target of $403.05. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1721239247_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Investigating Analyst Ratings: An Elaborate Study</h2>
An in-depth analysis of recent analyst actions unveils how financial experts perceive CrowdStrike Holdings. 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>Jackson Ader</td>
<td>Keybanc</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$420.00</td>
<td>$440.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eric Heath</td>
<td>Keybanc</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$440.00</td>
<td>$380.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rob Owens</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Difucci</td>
<td>Guggenheim</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$424.00</td>
<td>$424.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yi Fu Lee</td>
<td>Cantor Fitzgerald</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Matthew Hedberg</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$420.00</td>
<td>$420.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rudy Kessinger</td>
<td>DA Davidson</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$380.00</td>
<td>$425.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Keith Bachman</td>
<td>BMO Capital</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$410.00</td>
<td>$425.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Walkley</td>
<td>Canaccord Genuity</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$405.00</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rob Owens</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ittai Kidron</td>
<td>Oppenheimer</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
<td>$355.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yi Fu Lee</td>
<td>Cantor Fitzgerald</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Taz Koujalgi</td>
<td>Wedbush</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$385.00</td>
<td>$390.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Colville</td>
<td>Scotiabank</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Sector Outperform</td>
<td>$393.00</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gregg Moskowitz</td>
<td>Mizuho</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$370.00</td>
<td>$390.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gray Powell</td>
<td>BTIG</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$402.00</td>
<td>$432.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Catharine Trebnick</td>
<td>Rosenblatt</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$420.00</td>
<td>$415.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alex Henderson</td>
<td>Needham</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$425.00</td>
<td>$425.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brian Essex</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
<td>$371.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hamza Fodderwala</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$422.00</td>
<td>$372.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Trevor Walsh</td>
<td>JMP Securities</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Market Outperform</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Responding to changing market dynamics and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their response to recent developments related to CrowdStrike Holdings. This offers insight into analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Offering insights into predictions, analysts assign qualitative values, from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of CrowdStrike Holdings compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts set price targets as an estimate of a stock's future value. Comparing the current and prior price targets provides insight into how analysts' expectations have changed over time. This information can be valuable for investors seeking to understand consensus views on the stock's potential future performance.</li>
</ul>
To gain a panoramic view of CrowdStrike Holdings's market performance, explore these analyst evaluations alongside essential financial indicators. Stay informed and make judicious decisions using our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CRWD/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on CrowdStrike Holdings analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>About CrowdStrike Holdings</h2>
CrowdStrike is a cloud-based cybersecurity company specializing in next-generation security verticals such as endpoint, cloud workload, identity, and security operations. CrowdStrike's primary offering is its Falcon platform that offers a proverbial single pane of glass for an enterprise to detect and respond to security threats attacking its IT infrastructure. The Texas-based firm was founded in 2011 and went public in 2019.
<h3>CrowdStrike Holdings's Financial Performance</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company exhibits a lower market capitalization profile, positioning itself below industry averages. This suggests a smaller scale relative to peers.
Positive Revenue Trend: Examining CrowdStrike Holdings's financials over 3 months reveals a positive narrative. The company achieved a noteworthy revenue growth rate of 32.99% as of 30 April, 2024, showcasing a substantial increase in top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company stands out with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Information Technology sector.
Net Margin: CrowdStrike Holdings's net margin is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in maintaining strong profitability. With a net margin of 4.65%, the company may face hurdles in effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): The company's ROE is below industry benchmarks, signaling potential difficulties in efficiently using equity capital. With an ROE of 1.77%, the company may need to address challenges in generating satisfactory returns for shareholders.
Return on Assets (ROA): CrowdStrike Holdings's ROA is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of 0.63%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial returns.
Debt Management: With a below-average debt-to-equity ratio of 0.31, CrowdStrike Holdings adopts a prudent financial strategy, indicating a balanced approach to debt management.
<h2>How Are Analyst Ratings Determined?</h2>
Analysts work in banking and financial systems and typically specialize in reporting for stocks or defined sectors. Analysts may attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish "analyst ratings" for stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter.
Some analysts also offer predictions for helpful metrics such as earnings, revenue, and growth estimates to provide further guidance as to what to do with certain tickers. It is important to keep in mind that while stock and sector analysts are specialists, they are also human and can only forecast their beliefs to traders.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

CRWD

Expert Outlook: CrowdStrike Holdings Through The Eyes Of 21 Analysts

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KBP Biosciences sold global rights for its hypertension candidate to Novo Nordisk in an agreement worth up to $1.3 billion. Also, EpimAb Bio sold the rights to use its Fabs-In-Tandem Immunoglobulin platform to Almirall in a $210 million agreement.

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Ascentage Pharma Group

<h4>Key Takeaways:</h4>

<ul>
	<li>Under the partnership, Japan&rsquo;s Takeda International gets an option to market Ascentage&rsquo;s promising leukemia drug outside of China</li>
	<li>Without the capital infusion from Takeda, Ascentage was facing a liquidity crisis with just a year&rsquo;s worth of cash</li>
</ul>

By Molly Wen

In the pioneering drug sector, where companies spend vast sums on untried treatments, hopes can be easily dashed but fortunes may sometimes change overnight.

A case in point is&nbsp;Ascentage&nbsp;Pharma Group&nbsp;International&nbsp;(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASPHF#OTC">ASPHF</a>), which was one of the first companies to take advantage of relaxed listing rules in Hong Kong for innovative biotechs. However, the stock has struggled since the company&rsquo;s 2019 IPO, losing more than half of its initial value.

But on June 14 the company fired up the market with news of an equity and drug partnership with Japanese pharmaceutical company&nbsp;Takeda International&nbsp;(4502.JP), fueling hopes of a bright future for a leukemia drug developed by the Chinese firm.

The agreement gives Takeda an&nbsp;<a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2024/0614/2024061401323.pdf">exclusive option</a>&nbsp;to develop and market the drug, olverembatinib, outside of China and Russia, for an initial payment of $100 million. If the option is exercised and regulatory approval granted, Ascentage stands to get milestone and other payments worth up to $1.2 billion, plus a double-digit percentage of future sales.

The pact has turned Takeda from a rival, with a competing leukemia drug on the market, into an ally. The Japanese company has taken a 7.73% equity stake in Ascentage to become its second-biggest shareholder,&nbsp;<a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2024/0614/2024061401331.pdf">buying</a>&nbsp;about 24.3 million newly issued shares for $75 million. The purchase price was about 25% above the average closing value for the 20 trading days before the subscription, signaling confidence about a return on investment. Ascentage said 90% of the funds would be used to develop olverembatinib and another leukemia product, APG-2575.

On the same day, Ascentage also&nbsp;<a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2024/0614/2024061401216.pdf">announced</a>&nbsp;it had filed a registration form to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission to prepare for a secondary listing in the United States.

The flurry of announcements sent Ascentage shares soaring, as investors cheered the improved prospects for the company&rsquo;s flagship drug and the much-needed relief from a looming liquidity crunch. The share rose 11.8% on June 14 and jumped another 17.14% over the next three sessions, hitting a one-year trading high of HK$29.8 on June 17.

It is worth noting how the deal differs from standard licensing-out agreements. Under the arrangement, Takeda gets first refusal on rights to develop and market the Chinese drug overseas. Takeda has a competing drug, ponatinib, in the same class of third-generation BCR-ABL inhibitors and could face a higher risk of an antitrust inquiry with a typical licensing deal.

<h3>Could Be A&nbsp;Win Win</h3>

BCR-ABL inhibitors target a chronic type of leukemia linked to a defective chromosome. Takeda&rsquo;s ponatinib was approved for U.S. marketing in 2012 as the world&rsquo;s first third-generation BCR-ABL inhibitor. But U.S. regulators only allowed the drug to be sold on condition that consumers were warned about its potentially toxic side effects. This caveat has limited take-up of the drug, which has not yet been able to reach $1 billion in annual sales.

The drug&rsquo;s patent is also due to expire in 2026 to 2027. The Chinese drug offers Takeda the opportunity to leverage its sales team and resources, and to maintain its market share in the field of leukemia treatment.

Ascentage&rsquo;s drug, olverembatinib, was approved for sale in China in 2021 to treat adult leukemia patients, overcoming drug resistance issues associated with first- and second-generation inhibitors. Clinical data indicate the drug has the potential to outperform other treatments for some cases of chronic myeloid leukemia. Ascentage brought the product to the Chinese market along with&nbsp;Innovent Biologics&nbsp;(1801.HK), and the drug was included in the national medical insurance scheme from early 2023. Its annual sales are still less than 200 million yuan ($27.50 million).

Ascentage&rsquo;s drug gained fast-track status in the United States and was approved for Phase Three clinical trials there in February this year. It was also designated an orphan drug by U.S. and EU regulators, defined as a treatment for rare conditions that can qualify for tax breaks or other help to reach the market.

The cash infusion and expertise from Takeda should help Ascentage make headway with its overseas clinical trials, which would in turn improve its chances of a successful U.S. share sale. Any share premium would also pay dividends for Takeda on the equity deal.

Up until now, Ascentage was struggling to shore up investor confidence. It posted operating revenue of just 222 million yuan for 2023, hurt by a sales drop-off in the second half of the year. At year-end the company was sitting on just 1.04 billion yuan in cash, against a net loss of 926 million yuan. Without any new funding, it risked running out of cash after a year. The partnership with Takeda came as a welcome boost, although the company&rsquo;s share price is still down around 7 percent year to date, even after the powerful rally.

Ascentage has plenty of promising drug pipelines as a specialist in blood cancers. &nbsp;Its price-to-sales (P/S) ratio reached 32.7 times after the share surge, a hefty premium over Innovent Biologics with a ratio of just nine times. However, it will take a major investment to get the core leukemia drug into overseas markets. And questions remain over the licensing deal with Takeda and the prospects for a U.S. flotation. After a heady couple of weeks, investors will need to keep a cool head and pay close attention to further news.
This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga's reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

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Thursday, June 27, 2024