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Hillcrest Energy Technologies Ltd is a clean technology company focused on providing power conversion technologies and digital control systems for next-generation powertrains and grid-connected renewable energy systems. From concept to commercialization, Hillcrest is investing in the development of energy solutions that will power a more sustainable and electrified future.

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"We got really lucky about six years ago when we started exploring how cannabinoids might be used to treat drug-resistant infections," says Dr. Dana Lambert, CEO of Andira Pharmaceuticals, in an exclusive interview with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/cannabis">Benzinga</a>.
Dr. Lambert doesn't speak like an academic. Despite holding a Ph.D. in pharmaceutical sciences, she talks like someone who has witnessed medicine fail firsthand. She began her career as a hospital pharmacist, working with critically ill patients — people battling cancer, severe infections and other conditions where existing treatments often fell short. 
She saw, up close, the limitations of conventional medicine, "particularly when it comes to treating drug-resistant infections and cancer-related conditions."
But instead of accepting those limitations as inevitable, she took a bold step: she left her clinical practice entirely to pursue pharmaceutical research. 
"I became increasingly interested in new therapeutic approaches, especially as research started emerging on the potential of cannabinoids in treating cancer and antimicrobial-resistant infections," she says.
That realization drove her to earn a Ph.D.; not because she wanted a career in academia, but because she needed the tools to create real-world solutions. 
"I'm probably the furthest thing from an academic scientist you'll ever meet," Lambert says. "I did it because I wanted to learn how to develop drugs and get involved in early-stage research and drug discovery."
What she and her team at Andira Pharmaceuticals uncovered was something that could change how the world fights infections. The discovery? Silvanex: a next-generation antimicrobial technology that could be the answer to drug-resistant "superbugs."
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">The Problem With Traditional Antimicrobials</h1>
"Most traditional antimicrobials — whether they're antibiotics, antifungals or even silver-based products — eventually lose effectiveness because bacteria and fungi evolve resistance over time. That's how we ended up in the antimicrobial resistance (AMR) crisis we're facing today," Lambert explains.
See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/retail-sales/25/01/43281367/germanys-medical-cannabis-boom-prices-drop-below-4-20-gram-prescriptions-surge-1000">Germany&#8217;s Medical Cannabis Boom: Prices Drop Below $4.20/Gram, Prescriptions Surge 1,000%</a>
Antibiotic-resistant bacteria <a href="https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/antimicrobial-resistance">now kill</a> more than 1.27 million people annually, with drug-resistant infections contributing to nearly 4.95 million deaths worldwide in 2019 alone. If left unaddressed, AMR <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/health/brief/antimicrobial-resistance-amr">could lead</a> to more than 39 million deaths between 2025 and 2050. 
The economic consequences are just as severe. The World Bank <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/topic/health/publication/drug-resistant-infections-a-threat-to-our-economic-future">estimates</a> AMR could result in a GDP loss of $1 trillion to $3.4 trillion annually by 2030, with global healthcare costs rising by an additional $1 trillion by 2050. If no action is taken, AMR <a href="https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2016/09/18/by-2050-drug-resistant-infections-could-cause-global-economic-damage-on-par-with-2008-financial-crisis">could cause</a> a 3.8% reduction in global GDP, <a href="https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4967260/">costing the world economy</a> up to $100 trillion by mid-century.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="428" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05121941/Screen-Shot-2025-02-05-at-14.19.15-1024x428.png" alt="" class="wp-image-767658" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05121941/Screen-Shot-2025-02-05-at-14.19.15-1024x428.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05121941/Screen-Shot-2025-02-05-at-14.19.15-300x125.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05121941/Screen-Shot-2025-02-05-at-14.19.15-768x321.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05121941/Screen-Shot-2025-02-05-at-14.19.15-1536x642.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05121941/Screen-Shot-2025-02-05-at-14.19.15.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
The rise of drug-resistant infections like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and Candida auris has intensified the urgency for new treatments. 
Candida auris, in particular, has become one of the most concerning fungal threats in modern healthcare, as some strains have become resistant to all available antifungal treatments. "With antimicrobial resistance, silver-based products just aren't cutting it anymore," Lambert says. "They don't have the clinical efficacy needed to protect people from infections."
Silver, once considered a promising antimicrobial alternative, also has limitations. It's widely used in wound dressings, medical textiles, and coatings, but its effectiveness is modest at best. For years, researchers have been trying to find ways to enhance silver's antimicrobial effects without increasing its toxicity. That's exactly what Andira Pharmaceuticals set out to do.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">A Triple-Synergy Solution</h1>
Rather than relying on silver alone, Andira Pharmaceuticals took a different approach. Silvanex is based on a "triple-synergy" mechanism, combining silver with two cannabinoids: cannabichromene (CBC) and cannabigerol (CBG).
What makes it revolutionary is that instead of just slightly improving silver's antimicrobial properties, the combination increases silver's effectiveness by 800%.
"When you take cannabinoids by themselves, they may be effective against some types of bacteria or fungi, but not others. That makes them unreliable as stand-alone antimicrobial agents," Lambert explains. "But when combined with silver in the right way, the synergy makes silver exponentially more effective."
See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/01/43278893/how-ozempic-and-legal-weed-are-changing-what-america-eats">How Ozempic And Legal Weed Are Changing What America Eats</a>
Silvanex has shown potent antimicrobial activity against a wide range of harmful bacteria — including drug-resistant superbugs.
The discovery didn't stop there. Silvanex also proved highly effective against fungal pathogens, an area where traditional antimicrobials have struggled.
"One of the most dangerous fungal infections today is Candida auris. The situation is so bad that certain strains are now resistant to all available antifungal drug treatments. That's why the CDC advises clinicians to consider investigational treatments for pan-resistant cases," Lambert adds.
But Silvanex changed that equation.
"Unlike conventional antimicrobials, it not only kills infectious microbes but may also help prevent resistance from developing," Lambert says.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">A New Standard For Infection Control</h1>
With the stakes as high as they are, the challenge wasn't just creating a more effective antimicrobial; it was ensuring Silvanex could be safely and efficiently brought to market. Unlike traditional silver-based antimicrobials that require high doses to work, Silvanex achieves superior efficacy at significantly lower concentrations.
That distinction is critical, as excessive silver exposure has been linked to <a href="https://journals.cambridgemedia.com.au/wpr/volume-28-number-4/silver-based-wound-dressings-current-issues-and-future-developments-treating-bacterial-infections">delayed wound healing</a> and <a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-022-26856-x">cytotoxic effects</a>.
Andira Pharmaceuticals' approach to drug development was both rigorous and deliberate.
"We're not just trying to introduce another antimicrobial," Lambert says. "We're developing something that healthcare providers can trust — something that works better than anything currently available and can be integrated into standard medical practice."
See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/01/43002904/he-worked-on-producing-oxygen-on-mars-now-he-builds-cannabis-robots-the-fascinating-story-of-sorting-robotics">He Worked On Producing Oxygen On Mars, Now He Builds Cannabis Robots: The Fascinating Story Of Sorting Robotics</a>
Silvanex's formulation is optimized for topical use, making it a strong candidate for wound care, surgical site infection prevention and hospital-acquired infection control. Unlike traditional antibiotics, which must be administered systemically and face significant challenges related to drug resistance, Silvanex is designed to act locally, right at the site of infection.
This topical approach also addresses a major limitation of cannabinoids in antimicrobial research: they lose their antimicrobial properties entirely once they enter the bloodstream.
"Cannabinoids lose their antimicrobial properties entirely once they enter systemic circulation," Lambert explains. "That's why Silvanex will always be used as a topical treatment. The synergy between silver, CBC and CBG remains intact in external applications, where we see the full benefit of its infection-fighting potential."
In the fight against hospital-acquired infections, this represents a major leap forward.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Turning Innovation Into Medicine: Silvanex's Road To Market</h1>
Bringing a novel drug to market requires more than just groundbreaking science: it demands years of rigorous testing, regulatory approvals and a strategic path to commercialization.
Andira is now preparing to advance Silvanex through the next critical phases of development, starting with clinical trials. The company's pipeline of Silvanex product candidates includes a topical drug formulated as an anti-infective cream, as well as antimicrobial wound dressings. According to Lambert, the wound dressings are on track for regulatory submission as medical devices, which, if approved, offers a faster pathway to market compared to new drug applications.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="573" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05122004/Screen-Shot-2025-02-05-at-14.19.51-1024x573.png" alt="" class="wp-image-767659" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05122004/Screen-Shot-2025-02-05-at-14.19.51-1024x573.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05122004/Screen-Shot-2025-02-05-at-14.19.51-300x168.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05122004/Screen-Shot-2025-02-05-at-14.19.51-768x430.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05122004/Screen-Shot-2025-02-05-at-14.19.51-1536x859.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05122004/Screen-Shot-2025-02-05-at-14.19.51.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
The company is currently in preclinical testing, conducting essential toxicology and safety studies to meet the stringent requirements set by regulatory agencies.
"Right now, we're about a year away from entering Phase 1 clinical trials, and our goal is to progress through clinical development as efficiently as possible," Lambert says. "We've conducted extensive preclinical testing and have seen promising results against multiple drug-resistant pathogens, including some on the FDA's QIDP list. While there's no guarantee, we believe Silvanex has strong potential to qualify."
With strategic partnerships in the works, Andira is positioning Silvanex not just as an incremental improvement, but as a potential paradigm shift in antimicrobial treatment.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">A Critical Moment In Medicine?</h1>
The world is at a crossroads when it comes to fighting superbugs. Without new solutions, drug-resistant infections could turn once-minor ailments into deadly, untreatable threats.
Silvanex represents a potential breakthrough in infection control, offering an alternative where traditional treatments have failed. By leveraging cannabinoids in a way that enhances rather than replaces existing medical solutions, Andira Pharmaceuticals has developed a novel approach to tackling antimicrobial resistance.
With Phase 1 clinical trials on the horizon for the development of Silvanex as a topical drug product and strategic partnerships in motion for the development of Silvanex antimicrobial wound dressings, Andira aims to bring Silvanex to market as efficiently as possible. If successful, this innovation could mark a turning point in infection prevention, helping to curb one of the greatest threats to global health.
Photo: Courtesy of Tinnakorn Jorruang via Shutterstock

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Cannabis Takes On Superbugs: Could This New Drug 'Change Infection Treatment Forever'?

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bullish stance on Duolingo.
Looking at options history for Duolingo (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DUOL#NASDAQ">DUOL</a>) we detected 9 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 55% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 33% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 2 are puts, for a total amount of $121,930 and 7, calls, for a total amount of $713,370.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $200.0 and $540.0 for Duolingo, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Duolingo's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Duolingo's whale trades within a strike price range from $200.0 to $540.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Duolingo Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738781132_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>DUOL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$81.0</td>
<td>$76.5</td>
<td>$81.0</td>
<td>$540.00</td>
<td>$405.0K</td>
<td align="right">65</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DUOL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$122.5</td>
<td>$119.2</td>
<td>$121.1</td>
<td>$480.00</td>
<td>$96.8K</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DUOL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$71.9</td>
<td>$69.1</td>
<td>$71.0</td>
<td>$390.00</td>
<td>$92.3K</td>
<td align="right">24</td>
<td align="right">14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DUOL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$42.8</td>
<td>$40.2</td>
<td>$42.0</td>
<td>$420.00</td>
<td>$58.8K</td>
<td align="right">41</td>
<td align="right">14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DUOL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$51.8</td>
<td>$49.0</td>
<td>$50.03</td>
<td>$340.00</td>
<td>$50.0K</td>
<td align="right">69</td>
<td align="right">11</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Duolingo</h3>
Duolingo Inc is a technology company that develops mobile learning platform to learn languages and is the top-grossing app in the Education category on both Google Play and the Apple App Store. Its products are powered by sophisticated data analytics and artificial intelligence and delivered with class art, animation, and design to make it easier for learners to stay motivated master new material, and achieve their learning goals. Its solutions include The Duolingo Language Learning App, Super Duolingo, Duolingo English Test: AI-Driven Language Assessment, Duolingo For Schools, Duolingo ABC, and Duolingo Math. It has three predominant sources of revenue; time-based subscriptions, in-app advertising placement by third parties, and the Duolingo English Test.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Duolingo, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Duolingo's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 463,914, with DUOL's price up by 0.47%, positioned at $387.99.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 22 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Duolingo</h3>
A total of 2 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $390.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Jefferies downgraded its action to Hold with a price target of $370. 
&#x2A; An analyst from UBS has decided to maintain their Buy rating on Duolingo, which currently sits at a price target of $410. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Duolingo options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Options

DUOL

Market Whales and Their Recent Bets on DUOL Options

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish move on Capri Holdings. Our analysis of options history for Capri Holdings (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPRI#NYSE">CPRI</a>) revealed 18 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 66% of traders were bullish, while 22% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 12 were puts, with a value of $694,067, and 6 were calls, valued at $284,260.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $15.0 to $32.5 for Capri Holdings over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Capri Holdings's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Capri Holdings's whale trades within a strike price range from $15.0 to $32.5 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Capri Holdings 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738781127_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>CPRI</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/07/25</td>
<td>$2.42</td>
<td>$2.41</td>
<td>$2.42</td>
<td>$23.00</td>
<td>$180.7K</td>
<td>2.3K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CPRI</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$9.6</td>
<td>$9.5</td>
<td>$9.5</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$114.9K</td>
<td>140</td>
<td>122</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CPRI</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$7.05</td>
<td>$6.95</td>
<td>$6.95</td>
<td>$27.50</td>
<td>$75.0K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td>109</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CPRI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$1.21</td>
<td>$1.08</td>
<td>$1.15</td>
<td>$22.50</td>
<td>$57.5K</td>
<td>5.3K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CPRI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$1.92</td>
<td>$1.91</td>
<td>$1.92</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$57.0K</td>
<td>200</td>
<td>311</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Capri Holdings</h3>
Michael Kors, Versace, and Jimmy Choo are the brands of Capri Holdings, a marketer, distributor, and retailer of upscale accessories and apparel. Michael Kors, Capri's largest brand, offers handbags, footwear, and apparel through more than 700 company-owned stores, wholesale, and e-commerce. Versace (acquired in 2018) is known for its ready-to-wear luxury fashion, while Jimmy Choo (acquired in 2017) is best known for women's luxury footwear. John Idol has served as CEO since 2003.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Capri Holdings, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Capri Holdings</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 7,754,400, the price of CPRI is down by -14.11%, reaching $20.64.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 0 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Capri Holdings</h3>
In the last month, 5 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $25.2.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Telsey Advisory Group keeps a Market Perform rating on Capri Holdings with a target price of $23. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Citigroup upgraded its action to Buy with a price target of $29. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Telsey Advisory Group continues to hold a Market Perform rating for Capri Holdings, targeting a price of $23. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Jefferies keeps a Hold rating on Capri Holdings with a target price of $23. 
&#x2A; In a positive move, an analyst from Wells Fargo has upgraded their rating to Overweight and adjusted the price target to $28. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Capri Holdings with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

CPRI

Unpacking the Latest Options Trading Trends in Capri Holdings

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish move on Applied Mat. Our analysis of options history for Applied Mat (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMAT#NASDAQ">AMAT</a>) revealed 16 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 56% of traders were bullish, while 37% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 6 were puts, with a value of $311,540, and 10 were calls, valued at $464,157.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $125.0 and $200.0 for Applied Mat, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Applied Mat's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Applied Mat's whale trades within a strike price range from $125.0 to $200.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Applied Mat Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738781122_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AMAT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/20/26</td>
<td>$34.35</td>
<td>$34.2</td>
<td>$34.35</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
<td>$130.5K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td align="right">38</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMAT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$13.3</td>
<td>$13.1</td>
<td>$13.24</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
<td>$66.2K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td align="right">52</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMAT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$13.35</td>
<td>$13.15</td>
<td>$13.2</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
<td>$66.0K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td align="right">152</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMAT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$13.35</td>
<td>$13.1</td>
<td>$13.17</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
<td>$65.8K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td align="right">202</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMAT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$19.0</td>
<td>$18.8</td>
<td>$18.9</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$47.2K</td>
<td>221</td>
<td align="right">52</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Applied Mat</h3>
Applied Materials Inc is the largest semiconductor wafer fabrication equipment, or WFE, manufacturer in the world. Applied Materials has a broad portfolio spanning nearly every corner of the WFE ecosystem. Specifically, Applied Materials holds a market share leadership position in deposition, which entails the layering of new materials on semiconductor wafers. It is more exposed to general-purpose logic chips made at integrated device manufacturers and foundries. It counts the largest chipmakers in the world as customers, including TSMC, Intel, and Samsung.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Applied Mat, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Current Position of Applied Mat</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 1,896,810, the AMAT's price is up by 0.43%, now at $179.32. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 8 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Applied Mat</h3>
A total of 5 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $200.4.
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&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Goldman Sachs continues to hold a Buy rating for Applied Mat, targeting a price of $202. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Wells Fargo has decided to maintain their Overweight rating on Applied Mat, which currently sits at a price target of $200. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Keybanc has elevated its stance to Overweight, setting a new price target at $225. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Susquehanna has decided to maintain their Neutral rating on Applied Mat, which currently sits at a price target of $165. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Mizuho persists with their Outperform rating on Applied Mat, maintaining a target price of $210. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Applied Mat, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

AMAT

This Is What Whales Are Betting On Applied Mat

<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/seasonal-flu-influenza-california-20145190.php" title="https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/seasonal-flu-influenza-california-20145190.php">https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/seasonal-flu-influenza-california-20145190.php</a>
<a href="https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/seasonal-flu-influenza-california-20145190.php" title="https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/seasonal-flu-influenza-california-20145190.php">https://www.sfchronicle.com/health/article/seasonal-flu-influenza-california-20145190.php</a>

News

Flu In California Surging To Levels Not Seen Since Before The COVID Pandemic

AMZN

Reuters Reported Amazon Prepares To Release Alexa Generative AI Revamp After Delays With A Price Tag Of $5 To $10 Per Month

TSLA

White House: Elon Musk Will Excuse Himself From Any Conflicts Of Interests Between His Business, Government Work

Eli Lilly And Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) will announce its fourth-quarter 2024 financial results and 2025 financial guidance on&nbsp;February 6. As per data from Benzinga Pro, the Wall Street estimates sales of $13.7 billion, with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">adjusted EPS of $4.94</a>.
In January, just before the&nbsp;JP Morgan healthcare conference,&nbsp;Eli Lilly announced that it expects 2024 full-year worldwide revenue to be approximately&nbsp;$45.0 billion, representing a 32% growth compared to the previous year versus the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/01/43013223/eli-lilly-adjusts-outlook-ceo-david-ricks-explains-revenue-shortfall" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus of $45.50 billion</a>.
The company&#8217;s expected 2024 revenue is&nbsp;$400 million, or about 3%, below the guidance range issued during the&nbsp;third-quarter earnings. The guidance includes approximately&nbsp;$3.5 billion&nbsp;for Mounjaro and $1.9 billion&nbsp;for Zepbound.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/01/43403416/is-big-pharma-about-to-win-goldman-sachs-weighs-in-on-340b-and-medicaid-shifts" rel="noreferrer noopener">Is Big Pharma About To Win? Goldman Sachs Weighs In On 340B And Medicaid Shifts</a>
Analysts are tracking Eli Lilly&#8217;s expected increase in sales and profit in the first full quarter, during which its weight-loss drugs ceased to be in shortage.
In October 2024, the FDA determined that&nbsp;Eli Lilly&#8217;s tirzepatide injection shortage <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/01/42783449/eli-lilly-joins-fda-lawsuit-over-compounded-obesity-drugs-seeks-swift-end-and-to-protect-its-interests" rel="noreferrer noopener">had been resolved</a>.
The U.S. pharma giant reported third-quarter revenue of $11.44 billion, up 20% year over year, but it missed the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/10/41622207/eli-lilly-q3-earnings-mounjaro-sales-more-than-double-takes-2-98-billion-hit-to-profit-cuts-annua" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus of $12.10 billion</a>. Mounjaro sales more than doubled to $3.11 billion from $1.41 billion a year ago.
Sales of Verzenio (a breast cancer drug)&nbsp;increased 32% to&nbsp;$1.37 billion, and sales of diabetes drug Jardiance&nbsp;fell 2% to&nbsp;$686.4 million.
Zepbound sales reached $1.26 billion. Trulicity sales fell 22% to&nbsp;$1.30 billion.
Rival Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) stock is trading higher. On Wednesday, the company reported sales of roughly $12.25 billion (85.68 billion Danish kroner) for the fourth quarter of 2024, beating the consensus of $11.34 billion (<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43491991/novo-nordisk-records-more-than-double-wegovy-sales-in-q4-seeks-regulatory-approval-for-hybrid-weight-loss-drug-in" rel="noreferrer noopener">79.73 billion Danish Kroner</a>).
GLP-1 diabetes sales increased by 12%, and Obesity care sales increased by 91%.
Ozempic sales increased 12% to 33.85 billion Danish kroner, and Wegovy sales more than doubled to 19.87 billion Danish kroner.
According to Reuters, investors and analysts expect Eli Lilly to outline its strategy for promoting Zepbound this year as it aims to compete with Wegovy, a more established drug.
Zepbound holds a little over 50% of the market, according to IQVIA data cited by an analyst. Eli Lilly began advertising the drug in November.
Price Action: LLY stock is up 2.19% at $843.59 at the last check on Wednesday.
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Image by Mohammed_Al_Ali via Shutterstock

Earnings

Large Cap

Guidance

Analyst Ratings

General

What To Expect When Eli Lilly Reports Q4 Earnings On Thursday?

CDW's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CDW#NYSE">CDW</a>) short percent of float has risen 9.8% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 3.15 million shares sold short, which is 2.69% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.09 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>CDW Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738780223_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for CDW 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 CDW'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>, CDW's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 5.67%, 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

Looking Into CDW's Recent Short Interest

Ares Capital's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARCC#NYSE">ARCC</a>) short percent of float has risen 4.25% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 18.00 million shares sold short, which is 2.7% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 4.53 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>Ares Capital Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738780218_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Ares Capital 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 Ares Capital'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>, Ares Capital's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 3.28%, 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.

ARCC

How Is The Market Feeling About Ares Capital?

Wells Fargo's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>) short percent of float has risen 14.77% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 33.21 million shares sold short, which is 1.01% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.08 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>Wells Fargo Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738780212_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Wells Fargo 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 Wells Fargo'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>, Wells Fargo's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 1.09%, 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.

(WFC) - Analyzing Wells Fargo's Short Interest

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have long been the government&#8217;s safety net for loans, but for the last 17 years, they have required a safety net of their own. That could change, signaling a seismic change for the real estate industry.
The two institutions are government-sponsored enterprises that provide mortgage financing and help make homeownership more accessible. They do this by buying mortgages from lenders, who then have more money to help other buyers, thus providing liquidity in the market and keeping housing stable and affordable. However, Fannie and Freddie had to be bailed out by the government during the 2008 financial crash and have been in federal conservatorship ever since—though amendments were made in 2021.&nbsp;
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<li>This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to <a href="https://arrivedhomes.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=15&amp;aff_id=1006&amp;aff_sub=yahoo&amp;aff_sub2=byerscta100">become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100</a>.</li>
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Tied to the Treasury Department, they are funded by American taxpayers, paying quarterly dividends in return. The government steps in to help them during tough times, as was the case during the financial crash of 2008. As per Donald Trump&#8216;s remit, he plans to put a tight rein on federal spending. Fannie and Freddie are in the crosshairs.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Potential Cash Explosion</h2>
According to Reuters, the new government plans to privatize Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which are estimated to be worth hundreds of billions of dollars. The Wall Street Journal anticipates this would allow bankers to sell over $100 billion worth of shares at once, creating the biggest stock and bond offerings in history and attracting sovereign-wealth funds.&nbsp;
Trending: ‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-y2">You can invest today for just $0.26/share with a $1000 minimum.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Downside — Higher Mortgage Rates</h2>
However, critics fear that an investment of such magnitude could destabilize the U.S. housing market, which relies heavily on the Federal Housing Finance Agency&#8217;s backing. According to Inside Mortgage Finance (as per the Wall Street Journal), about 40% of the $435 billion of residential loans originated in the second quarter of 2024 were sold to Fannie or Freddie, not including multifamily mortgage debt of which 40% is $2.2 trillion.&nbsp;
So why risk selling? To reduce the deficit. Opponents of privatization fear it will decrease access to credit for homebuyers, increase taxpayer risk, and increase mortgage costs.
&#8220;The conservatorship was always intended to be temporary, so it makes sense that policymakers release them from conservatorship now that reforms are complete,&#8221; a spokesman for billionaire <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42628973/billionaire-investor-bullish-on-gold-miners-including-this-penny-stock">John Paulson</a>—a Trump backer and hedge fund manager who owns a sizable share of Fannie and Freddie shares—said in a statement to The Journal.
&nbsp;&#8220;The government will be the biggest winner in a release of [Fannie and Freddie]."
Trending: Wondering if your investments can get you to a $5,000,000 nest egg? Speak to a financial advisor today.<a href="https://smartasset.com/retirement/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=benzinga&amp;utm_campaign=ben&amp;utm_content=y2_5MilNestEgg"> SmartAsset&#8217;s free tool matches you up with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost</a> to decide which one is right for you.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Banks Expect Privatization</h2>
Banks widely expect Fannie and Freddie to go private. A <a href="https://am.jpmorgan.com/us/en/asset-management/liq/insights/portfolio-insights/fixed-income/fixed-income-perspectives/gse-reform-resurfaces-challenges-and-implications/">recent survey</a> by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43076952/heres-the-jaw-dropping-total-jpmorgan-chase-paid-to-fight-legal-battles-over-two-years">JPMorgan</a> shows nearly half of mortgage-backed securities investors expect Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to be privatized.
The financial sector has mixed opinions about a possible release from conservatorship through privatization:
<ul>
<li>Pershing Square Capital Management CEO <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/43293842/bill-ackman-questions-whether-deepseek-ais-hedge-fund-affiliate-profited-from-nvidias-sell-off-a-fortune-could-have-been-made">Bill Ackman</a> posted on X in December:</li>
</ul>
&#8220;A successful emergence of Fannie and Freddie from conservatorship should generate more than $300 billion of additional profits to the Federal government (this is on top of the $301 billion of cash distributions already paid to the Treasury) while removing ~$8 trillion of liabilities from our government&#8217;s balance sheet.&#8221; He added on Jan 16th, according to Barrons. &#8220;We have four years with a pro-business administration led by the consummate dealmaker, &#8220;This would be the biggest deal he&#8217;s ever done.&#8221; Should Fannie and Freddie be privatized, Ackman&#8217;s firm stands to make $7 billion.
<ul>
<li>PIMCO managing directors Libby Cantrill and Dan Hyman:</li>
</ul>
&#8220;Without an explicit government guarantee provided by Congress, mortgage rates will trend higher—and it could just be a question of whether rates are modestly higher or significantly higher.&#8221;
<ul>
<li>Kunal Patel and Alex Shvartser of DoubleLine. </li>
</ul>
&#8220;Further, privatization could carry significant execution risks and could adversely affect the secondary mortgage market, which could drive primary mortgage rates much higher.&#8221; The DoubleLine analysts wrote that the risk/reward balance is a &#8220;tenuous one.&#8221;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/arrived-private-credit-yf">Arrived Home's Private Credit Fund&#8217;s has historically paid an annualized dividend yield of 8.1%&#x2A;</a>, which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate with just a $100 minimum.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/arrived-private-credit-yf">&nbsp;</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Congressional Approval</h2>
Getting a deal for Fannie and Freddie will likely be far from simple. DoubleLine analysts write that it would require administrative and legislative action, with approval from Congress likely to be a sticking point.&nbsp;
&#8220;Getting Congress, as it is currently composed with a slim Republican majority in both chambers, to agree on legislation related to GSE privatization also seems like a Herculean task,&#8221; the analyst said.&nbsp;&nbsp;
A big fear is interest rates. With government support for the two agencies, rates are liable to increase beyond the high 6% where they currently are, weakening the housing market.
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Real Estate

What President Trump's Expected Privatization Of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Means For The Real Estate Industry

On Tuesday,&nbsp;Merck&nbsp;&amp; Co Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>) reported fourth-quarter sales of $15.62 billion, up 7% year over year and slightly beating the&nbsp;consensus estimate of $15.49 billion. Excluding the impact of foreign exchange, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MRK" rel="noreferrer noopener">sales increased 9%</a>.
Merck reported adjusted EPS of $1.72, up from $0.03 a year ago and beating the&nbsp;consensus of $1.62. Lower charges for business development transactions and operational strength&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43461426/mercks-gardasil-vaccine-slowdown-in-china-bites-again-stock-falls-on-lower-than-expected-2025-outlook" rel="noreferrer noopener">primarily drove the increase</a>.
Merck expects fiscal year 2025 sales of $64.1 billion-$65.6 billion versus a consensus of $67.31 billion.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43166965/senate-hearings-loom-as-robert-f-kennedy-faces-scrutiny-over-conflicts-of-interest-in-mercks-gardasil-vaccine-litigation" rel="noreferrer noopener">RJK Jr.'s Involvement In Merck Lawsuit Faces Scrutiny Ahead Of Senate Hearing</a>
The sales range reflects a decision to temporarily pause Gardasil/Gardasil 9 shipments into China beginning February 2025 through at least mid-year.
Goldman Sachs analyst writes that Merck delivered strong operational performance across the majority of the company's market-leading (Oncology), attractively emerging (PAH), and re-emerging competitive (Infectious disease) portfolios; however, weaker guidance was a source of disappointment.
Analyst Chris Shibutani writes that the magnitude of the downside move was overdone and maintains the Buy rating with a price forecast of $135, up <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MRK/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">from a prior $129</a>.
Across the commercial portfolio, the analyst remains bullish on Winrevair's potential.
Analyst Shibutani writes that the company is well-equipped to invest in business growth and prioritize capital allocation effectively. Their track record shows that they can successfully make strategic moves—both aggressive, like acquiring Acceleron and Prometheus, and cautious, like passing on Seagen due to valuation concerns.
BofA Securities writes Merck stock's valuation was too low for an above-average growth profile.
A BofA analyst notes that Merck has one of the strongest late-stage drug pipelines among its peers and remains a top-tier R&amp;D company. They still see more potential gains than risks at current levels and maintain a Buy rating. However, BofA writes the stock may take some time to stabilize in the short term.
The analyst lowered the price target from $118 to $112.
Price Action: MRK stock is down 0.79% at $90.02 at the last check on Wednesday.
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</ul>
Image via Merck

Analyst Color

Analysts Defend Merck Amid Investor Concerns Over Weak Guidance

The U.S. Postal Service has resumed accepting packages from China after a brief pause. While the suspension was short-lived, it came in the midst of broader trade tensions, including new <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43493607/chinese-stocks-sink-as-trump-eyes-more-tariffs-and-tougher-trade-restrictions">tariffs</a> that could have ripple effects on companies like United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UPS#NYSE">UPS</a>) and FedEx Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDX#NYSE">FDX</a>).
What To Know: The Postal Service halted accepting parcels from China amid President Donald Trump&#8217;s implementation of an additional 10% tariff on Chinese imports. The Trump administration also closed a loophole that let companies avoid tariffs on packages worth less than $800 when shipped directly to U.S. consumers, according to <a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/logistics/u-s-postal-service-suspends-shipments-of-china-parcels-bf6239f3?mod=hp_lead_pos10">The Wall Street Journal</a>.
Use of the loophole has surged in recent years as orders from companies such as Shein and Temu have grown in popularity. In the 2024 fiscal year alone, approximately 1.36 billion shipments entered the U.S. through this exemption.
The Postal Service stated on Wednesday that it is collaborating with Customs and Border Protection to develop &#8220;an efficient collection mechanism for the new China tariffs&#8221; to minimize disruptions to package deliveries.
Now that USPS has resumed accepting packages from China, investors might anticipate less business shifting to UPS and FedEx. However, the ongoing trade tensions and tariff changes may still impact investor sentiment regarding logistics-tied stocks.
Related Link: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/options/25/02/43503259/10-industrials-stocks-whale-activity-in-todays-session">10 Industrials Stocks Whale Activity In Today&#8217;s Session</a>
Price Action: At the time of writing FedEx shares are trading 0.71% lower at $249.21 and UPS stock is trading 0.05% lower at $111.71.
Image: Courtesy of USPS

Movers

USPS Resumes Accepting China Shipments Amid New Tariffs

<a href="https://www.semafor.com/article/02/05/2025/chegg-bets-big-on-the-ai-that-nearly-broke-it" title="https://www.semafor.com/article/02/05/2025/chegg-bets-big-on-the-ai-that-nearly-broke-it">https://www.semafor.com/article/02/05/2025/chegg-bets-big-on-the-ai-that-nearly-broke-it</a>

Offerings

CHGG

Chegg Unveils AI-Powered Tools Offering Practice Questions, Custom Language Models

Goldman Sachs analyst James Schneider expressed views on International Business Machines Corporation&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) Investor <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ibm/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">Day, which took place on February 4</a>.
The analyst maintained a Buy rating and a $275 price forecast, considering the company remains underappreciated in the TMT sector and offers discovery value, especially for long-only investors.
The analyst notes that IBM projects over 5% total revenue growth from 2025 to 2027, including M&amp;A, with pre-tax margin and FCF growth <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/guidance" rel="noreferrer noopener">outpacing revenue growth</a>.
The analyst notes the stock should continue to rise, as IBM has outlined a credible strategy to sustain accelerated long-term Software revenue growth of around 10%, surpassing their previous expectation of high-single digits for 2025-2027.
Moreover, Schneider notes that IBM raised its medium-term Software revenue growth target to 10%, up from mid-single digits, with Red Hat seeing mid-teens growth.
The analyst sees a potential upside in IBM&#8217;s Software growth and margins, fueled by increasing demand for containerization, OpenShift, Ansible, and RHEL.
Additionally, IBM&#8217;s early leadership in GenAI, with ~$1 billion in Software GenAI bookings to date, presents further growth opportunities, adds the analyst.
Also, the analyst notes that IBM expects Consulting business to outperform the market through share gains, and Infrastructure business is forecasted to grow 1%-3%, on mainframe and storage growth.
Overall, the analyst notes the company is on track to achieve long-term growth driven by stronger software growth and market share gains in the consulting business.
Last month, IBM reported fourth-quarter earnings of&nbsp;$3.92&nbsp;per share, which beat the analyst consensus estimate of&nbsp;$3.75. Quarterly revenue came in at $17.55 billion,&nbsp;which beat the analyst <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43321676/ibm-reports-q4" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus estimate of&nbsp;$17.54 billion</a>.
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via First Trust NASDAQ Technology Dividend Index Fund (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TDIV#NASDAQ">TDIV</a>) and FT Vest Technology Dividend Target Income ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TDVI#BATS">TDVI</a>).
Price Action: IBM shares are down 0.80% at $262.33 at the last check Wednesday.
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Photo via Shutterstock.

Equities

Price Target

Reiteration

TDIV

TDVI

IBM Story Is Underappreciated, Goldman Sachs Says Stock Can Re-Rate Higher

Contracts

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Snap Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNAP#NYSE">SNAP</a>) shares are moving lower Wednesday after the company reported its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/02/43480179/snap-stock-soars-after-q4-eps-revenues-beat-details">fourth-quarter financial results</a>. The stock initially rose after the report but reversed course following a downgrade from Wells Fargo.
What To Know: Snap reported earnings of 16 cents per share, beating the analyst consensus estimate of 14 cents. Revenue came in at $1.55 billion, slightly above the $1.54 billion estimate and up from $1.36 billion in the same quarter last year. Snapchat&#8217;s daily active users grew 9% year-over-year to 453 million, with over one billion Snaps shared publicly each month. CEO Evan Spiegel highlighted the company's progress in growing its user base and improving advertiser performance, with active advertisers more than doubling in the quarter.
Despite the earnings beat, Wells Fargo downgraded Snap from Overweight to Equal-Weight and cut its price target from $15 to $11. Other analysts issued mixed reactions. BofA Securities and Citigroup raised their price targets slightly to $14.50 and $13.50, respectively, while JPMorgan lowered its target from $11 to $10. Susquehanna maintained a Neutral rating but raised its target to $13.
Following the earnings release, Snap shares initially surged 12.16% after hours to $13.01. However, by Wednesday, the stock was down as the market reacted to the downgrade and analyst revisions.
SNAP Price Action: Snap shares were down 7.00% at $10.77 at the time of writing, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?new_user=False&amp;backend=google-oauth2">Benzinga Pro.</a>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent020525&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="532" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05125312/Screenshot-2025-02-05-at-12.52.51-1024x532.png" alt="" class="wp-image-767717" style="width:459px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05125312/Screenshot-2025-02-05-at-12.52.51-1024x532.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05125312/Screenshot-2025-02-05-at-12.52.51-300x156.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05125312/Screenshot-2025-02-05-at-12.52.51-768x399.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05125312/Screenshot-2025-02-05-at-12.52.51.png 1537w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
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Image Via Shutterstock.

SNAP

Snap Stock Drops Following Q4 Results And Analyst Downgrade: What's Going On?

Snap Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNAP#NYSE">SNAP</a>) shares are trading lower following fourth-quarter financial results reported on Tuesday and several analysts <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/snap/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">revised the price forecast</a>.
Snap reported quarterly earnings of&nbsp;16&nbsp;cents per share, which beat the analyst consensus estimate of&nbsp;14 cents. Quarterly revenue came in at $1.55 billion,&nbsp;which beat the analyst <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/02/43480179/snap-stock-soars-after-q4-eps-revenues-beat-details" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus estimate of&nbsp;$1.54 billion</a>.
BofA Securities analyst Justin Post maintained the stock with a Neutral and raised the price forecast from $14 to $14.5.
The analyst remains cautious on first-quarter comps but raised revenue estimates due to stronger ad growth and Snapchat+ traction. Expense estimates, including SBC, increased for higher headcount and legal costs.
For 2025, Post raised revenue estimates by 3% to $6.1 billion, operating expenses by 1% and EBITDA by 13% to $789 million.
For 2026, the analyst raised revenue estimates by 5% to $7.0 billion, operating expenses by 4% and EBITDA by 7% to $1.081 billion.
The analyst now projects 11% YoY ad revenue growth over three years, with Snapchat+ helping drive total growth toward the sector average of 14%.
JP Morgan analyst Doug Anmuth maintained an Underweight rating and lowered the price forecast from&nbsp;$11&nbsp;to&nbsp;$10.
The analyst remains encouraged by SNAP&#8217;s efforts to boost engagement, expand DR spending, grow its SMB advertiser base, and diversify revenue.
However, brand spending (~30% of ad revenue) remains under pressure in certain sectors, adds the analyst.
Anmuth writes he looks for better execution under new Chief Business Officer Ajit Mohan, increased contributions from ad initiatives, and improved profitability.
While the analyst raised 2025/2026 revenue estimates by ~1%, he trims adjusted EBITDA estimates by ~20% due to higher investments.
Apart from this, Wells Fargo analyst Ken Gawrelski downgraded Snap from Overweight to Equal-Weight and lowered the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43491978/these-analysts-revise-their-forecasts-on-snap-after-q4-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">price forecast from $15 to $11</a>.
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;Advisor Managed Portfolios Trenchless Fund ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RVER#NYSE">RVER</a>) and Global X Social Media ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOCL#NASDAQ">SOCL</a>).
Price Action: SNAP shares are down 6.85% at $10.81 at the last check Wednesday.
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Photo by Sergei Elagin on Shutterstock.

Downgrades

RVER

SOCL

Snap Struggles Despite Earnings Beat—Analysts See Higher Costs, Mixed Growth Prospects

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bullish stance on Shopify.
Looking at options history for Shopify (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHOP#NYSE">SHOP</a>) we detected 25 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 48% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 40% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 8 are puts, for a total amount of $443,155 and 17, calls, for a total amount of $855,565.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $60.0 and $140.0 for Shopify, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Shopify's options for a given strike price.
Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Shopify's whale activity within a strike price range from $60.0 to $140.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Shopify Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738779333_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>SHOP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$20.0</td>
<td>$19.8</td>
<td>$19.92</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$119.9K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td align="right">66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SHOP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$11.9</td>
<td>$11.75</td>
<td>$11.85</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
<td>$87.6K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
<td align="right">89</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SHOP</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/14/25</td>
<td>$7.8</td>
<td>$7.7</td>
<td>$7.7</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$87.0K</td>
<td>422</td>
<td align="right">313</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SHOP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$16.15</td>
<td>$15.8</td>
<td>$16.0</td>
<td>$125.00</td>
<td>$84.8K</td>
<td>324</td>
<td align="right">65</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SHOP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$16.75</td>
<td>$16.6</td>
<td>$16.67</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$83.3K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
<td align="right">58</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Shopify</h3>
Shopify offers an e-commerce platform primarily to small and medium-size businesses. The firm has two segments. The subscription solutions segment allows Shopify merchants to conduct e-commerce on a variety of platforms, including the company's website, physical stores, pop-up stores, kiosks, social networks (Facebook), and Amazon. The merchant solutions segment offers add-on products for the platform that facilitate e-commerce and include Shopify Payments, Shopify Shipping, and Shopify Capital.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Shopify, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Shopify's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 2,674,736, the price of SHOP is up by 1.03%, reaching $120.42.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 6 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Shopify</h3>
1 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $130.0.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from RBC Capital has revised its rating downward to Outperform, adjusting the price target to $130. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Shopify with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

SHOP

Shopify's Options: A Look at What the Big Money is Thinking

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