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Latest Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF July  News | ARCA:IJUL | Benzinga

The fund will normally invest at least 80% of its net assets (including investment borrowings) in securities that comprise the index. The IBD 50 Index is a weekly, rules-based, computer-generated stock index compiled and published by Investors Business Daily (IBD or the index provider) that seeks to identify the current top 50 growth stocks.

Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF - July

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SoftBank Founder Boosts Stake In Company To 34%

Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF July

Needham analyst Tom Nikic reiterated the Hold rating on Steven Madden, Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHOO#NASDAQ">SHOO</a>).
Yesterday, the company reported&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43977589/steven-madden-q4-performance-beats-expectations-but-ceo-cautions-about-2025-profit-impact-from-tariff-headwinds" rel="noreferrer noopener">fourth-quarter&nbsp;2024 financial results</a>.
It clocked a fourth-quarter adjusted EPS of 55 cents,&nbsp;beating the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wall Street View of 53 cents</a>. Quarterly revenues of&nbsp;$582.32 million&nbsp;increased&nbsp;12.0%&nbsp;year over year, surpassing the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SHOO/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">analyst consensus of&nbsp;$548.50 million.</a>
The analyst mentioned that the fourth quarter earnings call reflected caution, citing the ongoing impact of tariffs, struggles in the accessories business, and a decline in consumer sentiment, with the operating environment remaining challenging.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="http://benzinga.com/25/02/44011754/china-us-military-talks-resume-amid-de-escalation-hopes-litecoin-avalanche-defy-crypto-slump-nvidia-stock-sees-modest-pre-market-gain-despite-strong-earnings-top-headlines-while-the-us-slept" rel="noreferrer noopener">China-US Military Talks Resume Amid De-Escalation Hopes; Litecoin, Avalanche Defy Crypto Slump; Nvidia Stock Sees Modest Pre-Market Gain Despite Strong Earnings – Top Headlines While The U.S. Slept</a>
Nikic noted that the company is shifting its sourcing away from China, aiming for a low-40% reliance by November 2025, but anticipates tariff impacts starting in the first quarter.
Mitigation efforts are expected to take time, with any meaningful effects not likely until mid-2025 or 2026.
Additionally, the analyst supposed that gross margins could be adversely affected by at least 200 basis points.
Nikic highlighted that while the newly acquired Kurt Geiger brand still relies heavily on China for production, its U.S. exposure is lower, thus limiting the tariff impact compared to the core Steve Madden brand.
Management sees growth potential in expanding the brand's reach, particularly in APAC, and expects strong international growth, building on the 12% rise in the fourth quarter.
The Kurt Geiger brand is anticipated to grow in double digits this year, with plans to improve EBIT margins as synergies and tariff mitigation strategies take effect, the analyst adds.
Price Action: SHOO shares are trading lower by 4.25% to $33.36 at last check On Thursday.
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</ul>
Photo by DCStockPhotography via Shutterstock.

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General

SHOO

Steve Madden Faces Looming Margin Pressure And Tariff Headwinds, Analyst Predicts Tough Road Ahead

DA Davidson analyst Linda Bolton Weiser maintains Interparfums (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IPAR#NASDAQ">IPAR</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $163 to $170.

IPAR

DA Davidson Maintains Buy on Interparfums, Raises Price Target to $170

Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals, Inc. ("Cyclacel") (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CYCC#NASDAQ">CYCC</a>, NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CYCCP#NASDAQ">CYCCP</a>), a biopharmaceutical company that develops innovative cancer medicines, today announced a change in control and leadership on February 26, 2025.
Pursuant to the closing of a Securities Purchase Agreement (the "Agreement") between Cyclacel's former interim chief executive officer David Lazar ("Seller") and Datuk Dr. Doris Wong Sing Ee ("Purchaser"), executed on February 11, 2025, Purchaser purchased from Seller, 1,000,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock of Cyclacel, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Series C") and such number of the 2,100,000 shares of Series D Convertible Preferred Stock of Cyclacel, $0.0001 par value per share (the "Series D") held by Seller so that Purchaser owns 70% of the issued and outstanding shares of Cyclacel, which resulted in the issuance of 1,745,262 shares of Series D (collectively, the Series C and Series D, the "Securities"). The transaction contemplated by the Agreement closed on February 26, 2025 (the "Closing Date") at which point Purchaser purchased and succeeded to all of Seller's rights and interests under the securities purchase agreement between Seller and Cyclacel dated January 2, 2025.
Purchaser acquired the Securities for a total consideration of $6,300,000 (the "Purchase Price") less a holdback amount of $100,000 (the "Holdback Amount") to the escrow agent. The Purchase Price included a cash brokerage fee of $800,000. The Holdback Amount will be held by Purchaser for 120 days from the Closing Date to satisfy any indemnity and other agreed upon claims and expenses.
On the Closing Date, Seller issued written notice to Cyclacel to exercise the conversion rights related to the Series C and Series D shares into the common stock, par value $0.001 per share (the "Common Stock") of Cyclacel registered in Purchaser's name, as follows: (i) 1,000,000 shares of Series C into 2,650,000 shares of Common Stock and (ii) 1,745,262 shares of Series D into 191,978,820 shares of Common Stock. As of the Closing Date, Purchaser has become the new controlling shareholder of Cyclacel.
At the same time, David Lazar resigned as interim chief executive officer and secretary and Datuk Dr. Doris Wong Sing Ee was elected as Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of Cyclacel. Cyclacel also announced the appointment of Kiu Cu Seng as Executive Director, Secretary and Chief Financial Officer and, in such role, he will serve as the Company's co-principal financial officer and co-principal accounting officer along with David Lazar until the effective date of his resignation on the earlier of the filing date of the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024 or March 31, 2025.

CYCC

CYCCP

Cyclacel Pharmaceuticals Announces Leadership Change After $6.3M Share Purchase; Datuk Dr. Doris Wong Sing Ee Acquires 70% Stake And Becomes CEO; David Lazar Resigns As Interim CEO, Kiu Cu Seng Appointed CFO

GoodRx Holdings Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GDRX#NASDAQ">GDRX</a>) reported fourth-quarter revenue of $198.6 million, up slightly by 1% year over year, missing the management guidance of around $200 million and <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus of $199.75 million</a>.
Fiscal year sales of $792.3 million came in below the guidance of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/11/b41800510/goodrx-reports-third-quarter-2024-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">around $794 million</a>.
The company reported adjusted EPS of 9 cents, up from 8 cents a year ago, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/02/b44000935/goodrx-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2024-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">missing the consensus of 10 cents</a>.
Q4 prescription transactions revenue increased 0.8% to&nbsp;$144.9 million. 2024 prescription transactions revenue increased 5% to $577.5 million, driven by an organic 7% increase in Monthly Active Consumers, including the expansion of an integrated savings program.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/12/42349122/how-much-did-americans-overspend-on-weight-loss-medications-in-2024-goodrx-reveals" rel="noreferrer noopener">How Much Did Americans Overspend On Weight Loss Medications in 2024? GoodRx Reveals</a>
GoodRx exited the fourth quarter of 2024 with over 7 million prescription-related consumers using GoodRx across prescription transactions and subscription offerings. Monthly active consumers were 6.6 million, with subscription plans of 684k.
The 2024 subscription revenue decreased by 8% to $86.5 million, primarily driven by a decrease in subscription plans due to the sunset of the partnership subscription program, Kroger Savings Club. In Q4, subscription revenue fell 10.7% to $20.68 million.
Q4 Pharma manufacturer solutions revenue jumped from $24.4 million to $28.1 million. 2024 Pharma manufacturer solutions revenue increased 26% to $107.2 million, primarily driven by organic growth as the company expands market penetration with pharma manufacturers and other customers.
Adjusted EBITDA reached $67.08 million in Q4 and $260.2 million in 2024.
Guidance: The prescription savings platform expects a fiscal year 2025 revenue outlook of $810 million—$840 million, up 2%—6% versus the consensus of $825.57 million, with adjusted EBITDA of $270 million—$286 million.
GoodRx forecasts first-quarter 2025 revenue of $201 million—$205 million, up 2%-4%, versus consensus of $202.53 million, with an adjusted EBITDA margin of about 33%.
Price Action: GDRX stock is up 4.6% at $5.12 at the last check Thursday.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/44006958/bath-body-works-posts-4-sales-decline-in-q4-stock-plunges" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bath &amp; Body Works&#8217; Stock Slips As Soft Outlook Overshadows Q4 Earnings Beat: Details</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Earnings

Guidance

Health Care

GDRX

GoodRx Reports Mixed Q4: Pharma Strength Amid Subscription Decline, Sluggish Prescription Sales

DA Davidson analyst Linda Bolton Weiser maintains Usana Health Sciences (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USNA#NYSE">USNA</a>) with a Neutral and lowers the price target from $38 to $36.

USNA

DA Davidson Maintains Neutral on Usana Health Sciences, Lowers Price Target to $36

JP Morgan analyst Pinjalim Bora maintained an Underweight rating on C3.ai, Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AI#NYSE">AI</a>) with a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AI/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">price target of $27, down from $28</a>.
C3.ai reported a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43992114/c3ai-q3-earnings-highlights-revenue-beat-eps-beat-significant-milestones-achieved" rel="noreferrer noopener">third-quarter revenue</a> of $98.8 million, up 26%. The revenue total beat a Street consensus estimate of $98.1 million.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/44008324/echostar-q4-3-97-billion-revenue-narrows-pay-tv-subscriber-losses-focuses-on-high-quality-users-wireless-growth" rel="noreferrer noopener">EchoStar Q4: $3.97 Billion Revenue, Narrows Pay-TV Subscriber Losses, Focuses On High-Quality Users, Wireless Growth</a>
The company had an adjusted net loss of 12 cents per share, which beat a street consensus estimate of 25 cents per share.
C3.ai expects fourth-quarter revenue of $103.6 million-$113.6 million, versus the consensus estimate of $108.6 million.
Bora updated his AI model to include the third quarter of fiscal 2025 results. The price target is based on ~7 times EV/calendar 2026E revenue (unchanged) relative to infrastructure software companies growing FTM revenue over 20%, trading at ~10x EV/calendar 2026E revenue.
The lower price target reflects subpar core growth, adjusted for demo licenses.
The analyst noted that AI should trade at a significant discount to this group as growth is similar but at a much smaller scale for AI. Also, AI is extremely unprofitable compared to the comps.
While AI will likely grow FTM revenue at a comparable growth level (23% versus 24% for the comps&#8217; median), AI is 80% smaller than the median scale of the comp group.
Additionally, AI will likely have (14%) FTM free cash flow margin driving a growth plus margin profile of 9%, versus comps at +22% Unlevered Free Cash Flow (UFCF) margin driving a growth plus margin of +46%. Furthermore, the calendar 2025 adjusted operating margin for AI will likely be (24%) versus comps at +15%.
Price Action: AI stock is down 6.24% at $25.05 at last check Thursday.
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</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

C3.ai Sees Stronger Revenue But Analyst Concerned Over Profitability And Scale

Joby Aviation, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JOBY#NYSE">JOBY</a>) shares are trading higher on Thursday. On Wednesday, the company reported fourth-quarter losses of 34 cents per share. This missed the analyst consensus estimate for a loss of 20 cents and revenue of $55,000, beating the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43993466/joby-aviation-stock-climbs-after-q4-results-heres-why" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">analyst consensus estimate of $45,800</a>.
JPMorgan analyst Bill Peterson cut the price forecast to $5.00 from $6.00 while <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/JOBY/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">maintaining an Underweight rating</a>.
The analyst&#8217;s bearish stance reflects the expected higher cash burn outlook and delays in aircraft deliveries.
Notably, the analyst writes that cash burn will rise as Joby expands its manufacturing capabilities to support increased production rates for parts.
Also, Peterson says that further delays are expected for the commercial launch in Dubai, depending on the progress of GCAA verification and infrastructure development in the UAE.
A similar situation may unfold in the U.S. TIA flight testing will begin within the next year. This could push a small-scale commercial launch to the second half of 2026, adds the analyst.
Meanwhile, the analyst says that the defense sector remains a key market opportunity, with spending expected to rise further in 2025/2026.
While it is still too early to determine the full scope of the defense market opportunity, its potential will likely depend on specific applications, such as logistics versus combat operations, adds the analyst.
Given the capital-intensive nature of the business, the company will likely pursue additional funding opportunities. Spending is anticipated to accelerate further as it moves toward commercialization, adds the analyst.
Investors can gain exposure to Joby through two exchange-traded funds, or ETFs: 
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<li>WisdomTree Trust WisdomTree Battery Value Chain and Innovation Fund (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBAT#BATS">WBAT</a>)</li>
<li>ARK Space Exploration &amp; Innovation ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKX#BATS">ARKX</a>).</li>
</ul>
Price Action: Joby Aviation shares are up 4.64% at $7.01 at the last check Thursday.
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</ul>
Image: Courtesy of Joby Aviation, Inc.

Mid Cap

ARKX

JOBY

WBAT

Joby Aviation Posts Mixed Q4 Results, Beware Of Higher Cash Burn And Aircraft Delivery Delays: Analyst

Macquarie analyst Paul Golding maintains Planet Fitness (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLNT#NYSE">PLNT</a>) with a Neutral and lowers the price target from $99 to $95.

PLNT

Macquarie Maintains Neutral on Planet Fitness, Lowers Price Target to $95

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Shares of semiconductor companies are trading lower in sympathy with Nvidia, which reversed amid a possible selloff after reporting Q4 financial results.

Project awards represent approximately $1.25 billion in customer-focused investments for FirstEnergy Transmission and $46 million for other FirstEnergy subsidiaries
AKRON, Ohio, Feb. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FirstEnergy Transmission LLC (FET), jointly owned by FirstEnergy Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FE#NYSE">FE</a>) and Brookfield Super-Core Infrastructure Partners, has been awarded multiple transmission projects by grid operator PJM Interconnection&nbsp;that are designed to strengthen the electric grid and support regional economic growth. The awards include projects that FET will develop through the Valley Link Transmission Company LLC joint venture with Dominion Energy and American Electric Power Company, as well as projects that FET will develop individually within its service territory.
In total, FET will invest approximately $1.25 billion in the approved customer-focused transmission projects. In addition,&nbsp;FirstEnergy's Potomac Edison, JCP&amp;L and Keystone Appalachian Transmission Company (KATCo)&nbsp;subsidiaries&nbsp;will invest $46 million upgrading equipment at substations and reconfiguring transmission lines in Maryland, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
The projects were proposed through PJM's 2024 Regional Transmission Expansion Plan (RTEP) open window process and were approved Feb. 26 by the PJM Board of Managers. PJM is the regional transmission organization that coordinates the transportation of wholesale electricity across the 13-state region that includes FirstEnergy's service territory.

Contracts

FirstEnergy Awarded Projects By PJM Interconnection To Enhance Reliability And Address Rising Customer Demand; $1.25B Grid Enhancement Projects, $46M Upgrades For Subsidiaries

Scotiabank analyst Allan Verkhovski maintains ZoomInfo Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZI#NASDAQ">ZI</a>) with a Sector Perform and raises the price target from $10.3 to $11.

Scotiabank Maintains Sector Perform on ZoomInfo Technologies, Raises Price Target to $11

Joe Rogan, a longtime admirer of Elon Musk, recently pushed back against the billionaire's claims about Social Security fraud, calling them misleading. On a recent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRH02-Z8F34">episode</a> of &#8220;The Joe Rogan Experience,&#8221; he and guest Mike Baker discussed Musk's assertion that millions of dead Americans—some supposedly 150 years old—are receiving Social Security benefits.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Misinterpretation or Fraud?</h2>
Musk first made the claim during a meeting in the Oval Office earlier this month, stating he had found &#8220;crazy things&#8221; in the Social Security system, including people marked as alive despite being impossibly old. He later doubled down on social media, <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1891350795452654076">posting</a> screenshots of data that he said showed widespread fraud.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">According to the Social Security database, these are the numbers of people in each age bucket with the death field set to FALSE! Maybe Twilight is real and there are a lot of vampires collecting Social Security &#x1f923;&#x1f923; <a href="https://t.co/ltb06VX98Z">pic.twitter.com/ltb06VX98Z</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1891350795452654076?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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President Donald Trump repeated Musk's numbers a few days laterr during a Mar-a-Lago press conference, raising concerns about potential fraud in the system. &#8220;Now, the big thing is, how many of these people got paid?&#8221; Trump asked, suggesting that if the numbers were true, it would be &#8220;a massive fraud.&#8221;
However, Social Security experts quickly dismissed the claims. Kathleen Romig from the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities pointed out to ABC News that the numbers were exaggerated, stating, &#8220;So, when they&#8217;re throwing around numbers like tens of millions of dead people are getting Social Security, well, they&#8217;re throwing around numbers like tens of millions of dead people are getting Social Security, well, there&#8217;s only 67 million total. What are they talking about? Half the people are actually dead? The numbers are so ridiculous. It&#8217;s not true.&#8221;
Trending: If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rogan&#8217;s Take</h2>
Rogan, who had Elon Musk five times on his podcast and once <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38978082/joe-rogan-says-elon-musk-is-his-favorite-billionaire-i-will-buy-teslas-as-long-as-they-sell-them-jus">called him his &#8220;favorite billionaire,&#8221;</a> took a skeptical stance on this claim, bringing up insights from experts who understand COBOL, the outdated programming language still used in government systems. He read from a <a href="https://x.com/House0fCarter/status/1891633822103380003">post</a> explaining that Social Security databases often misinterpret missing data. If a person's birth or death date is missing, the system defaults to the year 1875, making it appear as though someone is 150 years old.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Joe Rogan thinks Elon Musk should stop lying about Social Security <a href="https://t.co/f6weGjtcQ9">pic.twitter.com/f6weGjtcQ9</a>
&mdash; Social Security Works (@SSWorks) <a href="https://twitter.com/SSWorks/status/1892949380593819712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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&#8220;This isn&#8217;t a vampire conspiracy,&#8221; Rogan said, mocking the idea that hundreds of 300-year-old people are collecting Social Security checks. &#8220;The people that actually understand it are saying that&#8217;s not really the case.&#8221;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elon-musk-told-the-u-n-if-they-could-show-a-plan-for-ending-world-hunger-hed-donate-6-billion-i-will-sell-tesla-stock-right-now-and-do-it">Elon Musk Told The U.N. If They Could Show A Plan For Ending World Hunger He'd Donate $6 Billion – ‘I Will Sell Tesla Stock Right Now And Do It'</a>
Baker added that Musk's claim was an overreaction to bad data rather than evidence of fraud. &#8220;It doesn&#8217;t even necessarily mean that all these people are receiving checks,&#8221; he said. &#8220;They&#8217;re just listed on the files, and it doesn&#8217;t mean money&#8217;s going out to them.&#8221;
&#8220;From a messaging perspective, does Elon need to screenshot that and then send it out as a tweet and then suddenly you&#8217;ve got a couple million people going, &#8216;Oh my God, we&#8217;re paying dead people,'&#8221; Baker asked.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Real Problem: Outdated Systems, Not Fraud</h2>
Experts say Musk likely misinterpreted a database called Numident, ABC News reported, which contains records of every person assigned a Social Security number. Many older entries lack death dates because they were created before digital record-keeping. A 2023 audit found nearly 19 million such cases, but the government chose not to fix them due to high costs and minimal impact.
The Social Security Administration also has safeguards in place. Payments automatically stop at age 115, and recipients are periodically checked through Medicare use to confirm they're still alive.
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Joe Rogan Fact Checks And Debunks His 'Favorite Billionaire' Elon Musk's Social Security Claims: 'This Isn't A Vampire Conspiracy'

Scotiabank analyst John Zamparo downgrades George Weston (TSX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WN#TSX">WN</a>) from Sector Outperform to Sector Perform and raises the price target from C$240 to C$241.

Downgrades

TSX:WN

Scotiabank Downgrades George Weston to Sector Perform, Raises Price Target to C$241

Intuitive Machines Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUNR#NASDAQ">LUNR</a>) has achieved a milestone in lunar exploration with the successful <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/02/g44004855/intuitive-machines-im-2-lunar-lander-successfully-commissioned-and-en-route-to-the-moon" rel="noreferrer noopener">launch of its IM-2 mission.</a>
The company&#8217;s Athena lunar lander, part of the Nova-C class, was carried into space by SpaceX&#8217;s Falcon 9 rocket, departing from NASA&#8217;s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
This historic mission is the first to send three lunar landers to the Moon at the same time.
Following its launch, the Athena lander successfully stabilized its orientation and began solar charging. The spacecraft also established reliable radio communication with Intuitive&#8217;s mission operations center in Houston.
&#8220;Athena joining a historic wave of lunar landers on their way to the Moon is an extraordinary moment,&#8221; said Intuitive Machines CEO Steve Altemus.
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&#8220;While the most vital part of this mission lies ahead, we believe this is a signal that lunar services are rapidly advancing alongside civil and commercial intent to establish a foothold on the Moon to reach further into the Solar System.&#8221;
Athena is now getting ready for a series of important engine burns to adjust its trajectory in preparation for lunar orbit insertion, slated for March 3, 2025. Intuitive Machines is targeting a lunar landing on March 6, 2025.
Launched from NASA&#8217;s Kennedy Space Center&#8217;s Launch Complex 39A at 7:16 p.m. ET, Athena achieved its intended orbit approximately 44 minutes after liftoff, establishing initial contact with mission control at 8:17 p.m. ET.
The IM-2 mission represents Intuitive Machines&#8217; second lunar exploration mission, playing a key role in NASA&#8217;s Commercial Lunar Payload Services (CLPS) initiative as part of the Artemis program.
As a key component of the CLPS initiative, Athena will conduct vital scientific and technological tests designed to pave the way for future human missions to the Moon.
Price Action: LUNR shares are trading lower by 6.61% at $15.41 at last check Thursday.
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Image via Shutterstock.

LUNR

SpaceX Rocket Launches Intuitive Machines' Athena Lander: Details

JPMorgan analyst Christopher Horvers reiterated the Neutral rating on Advance Auto Parts Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAP#NYSE">AAP</a>), with a price forecast of $41.
Yesterday, the company reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $1.18 loss, which is in line<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43973611/advance-auto-parts-q4-sales-beat-expectations-but-margins-slide-stock-dips" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;with the analyst consensus estimate</a>. Quarterly sales of $2 billion (down 0.9% year over year) outpaced the street view of $1.93 billion. Comparable store sales for the fourth quarter decreased 1.0%.
The analyst maintains a Neutral rating, noting Advance Auto Parts is losing market share, reversing course on pricing, and expecting a margin below 1% in 2024, much lower than its prior long-term target.
The analyst seeks more clarity due to Advance Auto Parts&#8217; ongoing turnaround.
Horvers highlights that Advance Auto Parts anticipates modest macro improvement in the second half of the year.
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The analyst notes that Advance Auto Parts sees strength in filters, fluids, and chemicals, but continued weakness in discretionary categories, which is not expected to improve in FY25.
The slower start to first quarter was attributed to weather, tax refunds, and general softness in its core consumer.
However, management expects seasonal comparisons to ease in the coming weeks and is preparing for when the weather improves.
Horvers now models first quarter and FY25 comps at -2% and +0.6%, respectively.
Horvers highlights that the company expects to achieve a mid-40s GM and a 7% operating margin by 2027, with a strong 2025 gross margin exit rate in Q4.
The analyst models a first-quarter gross margin of 43.8% and a 2025 gross margin of 44.0%.
Price Action: AAP shares are trading higher by 1.41% to $38.25&nbsp;at last check Thursday.
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Image: Shutterstock

Is Advance Auto Parts Turning The Corner? Analyst Predicts Slow Recovery And Market Share Losses

Scotiabank analyst Allan Verkhovski maintains Workday (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WDAY#NASDAQ">WDAY</a>) with a Sector Outperform and raises the price target from $340 to $355.

WDAY

Scotiabank Maintains Sector Outperform on Workday, Raises Price Target to $355

Macro Economic Events

Global

Economics

Canada PM Trudeau Says 'We Will Have An Immediate And Extremely Strong Response' If U.S. Imposes Tariffs Next Tuesday

Scotiabank analyst Andres Coello maintains Telefonica Brasil (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VIV#NYSE">VIV</a>) with a Sector Perform and lowers the price target from $10.4 to $9.2.

Scotiabank Maintains Sector Perform on Telefonica Brasil, Lowers Price Target to $9.2

J.P. Morgan analyst Ken Goldman reiterated an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BYND/analyst-ratings">Underweight rating</a> on the shares of Beyond Meat Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BYND#NASDAQ">BYND</a>).
In the fourth-quarter, the El Segundo, California-based company exceeded revenue expectations by $1.1 million, although EBITDA fell short of consensus Metrix estimates by $7 million, primarily due to a weaker-than-anticipated gross margin, said the analyst.
The 2025 revenue guidance also underperformed, with the midpoint forecast of approximately $327 million, below the Consensus Metrix estimate of $337 million. 
The company projects a gross margin of around 20% for 2025, close to the Street&#8217;s expectation of 20.5%. On the operating expenses front, Beyond Meat continues to make progress by announcing additional savings. But the midpoint guidance of $170 million is slightly below the Street's $173 million estimate, Goldman says.
Beyond said its operating expenses would be reduced by $5.5 million to $6.5 million&nbsp;after its plan to cut 44 positions in North America and the EU.
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Overall, the analyst does not see significant changes to the consensus EBITDA for 2025, though the revenue outlook is expected to align with the company's guidance.
While revenue is expected to grow (+MSD%) in 2H24, it&#8217;s important to note that BYND has a history of missing its guidance.
Over the past five years, the company's sales or gross margin projections have consistently fallen short of initial forecasts. Therefore, investors should be cautious about expecting significant upside from the 2025 guidance provided today, the analyst asserted.
The analyst changes the 2025 EBITDA estimate from -$63 million to -$61 million and for 2026, the estimate is changed from -$44 million to -$39 million.
While demand for its products may improve long-term and the company is well-positioned in the alt-meat market, the analyst thinks the path to profitability remains uncertain, and current demand patterns are flat. 
Price Action: BYND shares are trading lower by 9.41% at $3.23 at last check Thursday.
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Image: Shutterstock

BYND

Beyond Meat Faces Flat Demand In 2025, Path To Profitability Remains Uncertain: Analyst

Scotiabank analyst Allan Verkhovski maintains Sprout Social (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPT#NASDAQ">SPT</a>) with a Sector Perform and lowers the price target from $28 to $25.

Scotiabank Maintains Sector Perform on Sprout Social, Lowers Price Target to $25

<ul>
	<li>Softbank Group Corp&nbsp;(OTC:&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sftbf#OTC" style="color:#4a6ee0; background:transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt" target="_blank">SFTBF</a>) (OTC:&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sftby#OTC" style="color:#4a6ee0; background:transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt" target="_blank">SFTBY</a>) co-founder Masayoshi Son now owns more than a third of the company he founded after aggressive buybacks in the last two months reduced SoftBank&#39;s outstanding stock by 90 million.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Son&#39;s stake in the company rose to&nbsp;34.2% as of end-September, up from 26.7% as recently as March 2019, the Financial Times&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2022-12-08/softbank-s-son-quietly-lifts-stake-to-34-edging-toward-buyout?sref=TBDibEcD" style="color:#4a6ee0; background:transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt" target="_blank">reports</a>.</li>
	<li>Under Japanese law, Son gains additional rights over asset sales, some buybacks, mergers, and corporate bylaws.</li>
	<li>Son is closer to the point&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/08/28420748/analysts-see-possibility-of-softbank-going-private-following-disappointing-quarterly-results-report" style="color:#4a6ee0; background:transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt" target="_blank">where he could take SoftBank private</a>. Son could compel other shareholders to sell if he gets 66% ownership, sometimes without paying a premium.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>But many oppose a buyout as it would consume management&#39;s attention and trigger a cash crisis.</li>
	<li>At SoftBank&#39;s current market capitalization, the price of an MBO would be about $50 billion. &quot;He&#39;s not going to have any money left to go out and do the investing that he wants to do,&quot; said Kirk Boodry, an analyst at&nbsp;Redex Research.</li>
	<li>Privatization could threaten the terms of debt financing for Son personally. Apart from any buyout, Son&#39;s rising influence has aroused governance concerns. Now Son may be less inclined to listen to outside points of view.</li>
	<li>Son&#39;s finances are also tied up with SoftBank&#39;s stock price in complex ways because of his margin loans.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>The buybacks open the company to criticism that Son&#39;s and the company&#39;s interests have gotten jumbled up, said Koji Hirai, president of merger-and-acquisitions advisory firm&nbsp;Kachitas Corp.</li>
	<li>SoftBank&#39;s cash flow will determine whether Son gets favorable loan terms to finance any MBO. SoftBank&#39;s sale of shares in&nbsp;Alibaba Group Holding Ltd&nbsp;(NYSE:&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/baba#NYSE" style="color:#4a6ee0; background:transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt" target="_blank">BABA</a>),&nbsp;SenseTime Group Inc&nbsp;(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNTMF#OTC">SNTMF</a>), and&nbsp;DoorDash Inc&nbsp;(NYSE:&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dash#NYSE" style="color:#4a6ee0; background:transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt" target="_blank">DASH</a>) also could quickly&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/08/28430060/softbank-expects-windfall-gain-of-34b-from-alibaba-stake-sale-report" style="color:#4a6ee0; background:transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt" target="_blank">support SoftBank&#39;s cash position</a>.</li>
	<li>Innovator International Developed Power Buffer ETF July&nbsp;(NYSE:&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ijul#NYSE" style="color:#4a6ee0; background:transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt" target="_blank">IJUL</a>) shares closed higher by 0.17% at $23.83 on Wednesday.</li>
	<li>Price Action:&nbsp;SFTBY shares traded at $21.77 in the premarket on the last check Thursday.</li>
</ul>

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