Latest news for LawFinance (OTC:JKLPF) Stock

LawFinance Ltd is engaged in the disbursement funding and short-term funding business in Australia and the United States. It operates through three segments, JustKapital Finance; National Health Finance and Litigation Funding. The company offers appeal, estate, portfolio, and settlement finance services; and provides investigation and management services, and finance to claimants to progress their claim. It also offers disbursement funding solutions for law firms; insurance broking for the placement of after the event insurance; and revolving lines of credit and custom-designed financing solutions.

LawFinance Ltd

Ross Stores, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rost#NASDAQ">ROST</a>) seems well-poised for growth, thanks to its robust strategic efforts. The company has been gaining from positive customer response for its merchandise across both banners, which has been boosting the comparable-store sales (comps) performance for a while now. Its store expansion plans also bode well.
In first-quarter fiscal 2024, comps improved 3%, mostly attributed to higher customer traffic and a favorable reaction from shoppers toward the enhanced assortments across its stores. This led to a sales improvement of 8% year over year in the quarter. Additionally, earnings rose 33.9% year over year while the top and bottom lines surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate. This marked the fourth straight quarter of a top and bottom-line beat.
The company remains focused on continually increasing penetration in the existing as well as new markets. As of May 24, 2024, Ross Stores operated a total of 2,127 stores, comprising 1,775 Ross Dress for Less stores and 352 dd&#39;s DISCOUNTS locations. This reflects the company&#39;s continued expansion strategy. Notably, ROST inaugurated 11 Ross Dress for Less stores and seven dd&#39;s DISCOUNTS outlets through February and March, thus spreading its reach across 11 diverse states.
In the fiscal second quarter, the company expects to open 24 stores, including 21 Ross and three dd&#39;s locations. This expansion is part of its ambitious plan for fiscal 2024, aiming to open 90 locations, which will include about 75 Ross and 15 dd&#39;s DISCOUNTS stores. The plan does not incorporate the closure or relocation of 10 to 15 older stores as part of the company&#39;s ongoing efforts to optimize its store portfolio.
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/29/71746.jpg?v=1199295725" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
We note that Ross Stores operates a chain of off-price retail apparel and home accessories stores, which target value-conscious shoppers. The company has a proven business model as the competitive bargains it offers continue to make its stores attractive destinations for customers in all economic scenarios. Moreover, the off-price model offers a strong value proposition and micro-merchandising that drive better product allocation and margins. Overall, gains at the core business demonstrate consumers&#39; continued focus on value and the company&#39;s ability to deliver value bargains to customers.
In addition, Ross Stores has been benefiting from lower distribution expenses, domestic freight and occupancy expenses due to the easing of supply-chain headwinds. However, throughout fiscal 2024, the company anticipates merchandise margins to be pressured due to its plans to offer more sharply priced brands, thus delivering on the strong value proposition expected by customers. Nevertheless, management expects an operating margin in the range of 11.5-11.8% for second-quarter fiscal 2024 compared with 11.3% in the year-earlier period.
<h3>Bottom Line</h3>
Given the aforesaid positives, Ross Stores stock seems to deserve a place in your investment bucket. Analysts seem quite optimistic about the Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) company. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for fiscal 2024 sales and earnings per share is currently pegged at $21.2 billion and $5.97 respectively. These estimates indicate corresponding growth of 4.1% and 7.4% year over year. The consensus mark for fiscal 2025 sales and EPS is $22.5 billion and $6.52, respectively, implying year-over-year growth of 5.9% and 9.2%.
Buoyed by such strengths, shares of this apparel and accessories dealer have gained 11% compared with the industry&#39;s 13.4% growth in the past three months.
<h3>Other Key Retail Picks</h3>
We have highlighted three other top-ranked stocks, namely Abercrombie &amp; Fitch (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/anf#NYSE">ANF</a>), Gap (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/gps#NYSE">GPS</a>) and Deckers (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/deck#NYSE">DECK</a>).
Abercrombie &amp; Fitch, a leading casual apparel retailer, currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Abercrombie &amp; Fitch&#39;s current financial-year sales indicates growth of 10.4% from the year-ago reported figure. ANF delivered an earnings surprise of 28.9% in the last reported quarter.
Gap, a leading apparel retailer, currently sports a Zacks Rank of 1. GPS delivered an average earnings surprise of 202.7% in the trailing four quarters.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Gap&#39;s current financial-year sales indicates growth of 0.2% from the year-ago reported figure.
Deckers, a footwear and accessories dealer, currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2. DECK delivered an average earnings surprise of 42.8% in the trailing four quarters.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Deckers&#39; current financial-year sales indicates growth of 11.1% from the year-ago reported figure.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2304152/ross-stores-rost-store-other-efforts-aid-apt-to-buy?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|rank_focused-2304152">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

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Ross Stores' Store & Other Efforts Aid: Apt to Buy?

Swiss pharma giant Novartis AG (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nvs#NYSE">NVS</a>) reported better-than-expected results for the second quarter of 2024. Core earnings (excluding one-time charges) of $1.97 per share beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.87&nbsp;and were up from $1.69 reported a year ago. The year-over-year growth was driven by an increase in sales.
Revenues of $12.5 billion climbed 9% from the year-ago quarter&#39;s figure. On a constant currency basis, sales increased 11%, driven by momentum in Entresto, Kesimpta, Kisqali, Cosentyx, Pluvicto and Leqvio. The top line beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $12.2 billion.
However, the company&#39;s shares are trading down in the pre-market following the results.
Shares of Novartis have risen 10.7% year to date compared with the industry&#39;s growth of 23.4%.
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/35/71758.jpg?v=218689984" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
<h3>Quarter in Detail</h3>
All growth rates mentioned below are on a year-over-year basis and at constant exchange rates.
In October 2023, Novartis completed the spin-off of its generic and biosimilar unit, Sandoz, following which the latter became an independent company. The results of the Sandoz division and selected portions of corporate activities attributable to the Sandoz business are reported as discontinued operations.
With the successful spin-off of the Sandoz business, Novartis operates as a single global operating segment. It is now concentrating on four core therapeutic areas &mdash; cardiovascular-renal-metabolic, immunology, neuroscience and oncology.
Cardiovascular drug Entresto&#39;s sales rose 28% from the year-ago quarter&#39;s level to $1.9 billion. The increase was driven by robust demand due to increased penetration in the United States and Europe, following the continued adoption of guideline-directed medical therapy in heart failure. Increased penetration in China also boosted its demand.
Entresto&#39;s sales, however, missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.91 billion but beat our model estimate of $1.88 billion.
Cosentyx&#39;s sales (psoriasis, spondylitis and arthritis) increased 22% to $1.5 billion, which beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.44 billion and our model estimate of $1.45 billion.
In October 2023, the FDA approved Cosentyx for treating moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) in adults. The federal agency also approved the intravenous formulation (IV) of the drug for the treatment of adults with psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis and non-radiographic axial spondyloarthritis.&nbsp; Cosentyx sales grew mainly in the United States, driven by recent launches (including the HS and the IV formulation in the United States) and volume growth in core indications.
Kesimpta (multiple sclerosis) sales totaled $799 million, up 65% on increased demand. The top line easily beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $741 million and our model estimate of $751 million.
Kisqali&#39;s stellar performance continued, with sales soaring 50% to $717 million. The figure missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $719 million and our model estimate of $728 million. Sales grew strongly across all regions, based on increasing recognition of consistently reported overall survival in HR+/HER2- advanced breast cancer.
Strong performances by Jakavi (up 13% to $471 million) and Tafinlar + Mekinist (up 9% to $523 million) also boosted the top line.
Pluvicto raked in sales of $345 million, up 44% on solid growth in the United States and Europe. Novartis received approval for Pluvicto&#39;s expanded manufacturing capacity at Millburn, NJ. With unconstrained supply of Pluvicto at present, the company is now focused on initiating new patients. Sales, however, missed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $360.5 million and our estimate of $360.9 million.
Scemblix sales surged 56% to $164 million, driven by its strong launch uptake in later lines of chronic myelogenous leukemia.
Leqvio sales skyrocketed 134% to $182 million on steady growth in demand.
Ilaris sales came in at $368 million, which increased 20% year over year on improved sales in the United States and Europe.
Xolair sales grew 22% year over year to $427 million, driven mainly by emerging growth markets and Europe. Novartis has a collaboration agreement with Roche (OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rhhby#OTC">RHHBY</a>) for Xolair. Novartis and Roche co-promote Xolair in the United States.
Luthathera sales came in at $175 million, up 17%, driven by growth in sales across all regions due to increased demand.
Zolgensma sales of $349 million were up 14%. Sales beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $301 million and our model estimate of $304 million.
Promacta sales were down 5% to $544 million. Tasigna sales declined 4% to $446 million.
Generic competition affected sales, mainly for Gilenya (declined 47% to $138 million).
Core operating income margin was 39.6%, up from 37.1% in the year-ago quarter.
<h3>2024 Guidance Updated</h3>
Novartis continues to expect 2024 net sales to grow in high single to low double-digits. Based on strong momentum, core operating income is now projected to grow in the mid-to-high teens (previously: low double digits to mid-teens).
The guidance assumes no generic competition for Entresto and Promacta in the United States in 2024.
<h3>Key Updates</h3>
The FDA approved Lutathera (lutetium Lu 177 dotatate) for the treatment of pediatric patients (&ge;12 years) with somatostatin receptor-positive gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors.
Fabhalta (iptacopan) was approved in the EU, Japan and China for the treatment of adults with the rare blood disorder, paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.
The FDA granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to Scemblix for the treatment of adult patients with newly diagnosed Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia in the chronic phase.
<h3>Acquisitions</h3>
During the quarter, Novartis acquired MorphoSys AG. The acquisition added pelabresib (late-stage BET inhibitor for myelofibrosis) and tulmimetostat (early-stage dual EZH2 and EZH1 inhibitor for solid tumors or lymphomas) to NVS&#39; pipeline.
Novartis also acquired Mariana Oncology, a biotech company focused on developing novel radioligand therapies (RLTs) across a range of solid tumors. The acquisition brought a robust portfolio of RLT programs, including MC-339, an actinium-based RLT being investigated in small cell lung cancer.
NVS also entered into an exclusive strategic license agreement with a clinical-stage biotechnology company, Arvinas, Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/arvn#NASDAQ">ARVN</a>), for the worldwide development and commercialization of the latter&#39;s pipeline candidate, ARV-766.&nbsp;
ARV-766 is Arvinas&#39; second-generation PROTAC androgen receptor degrader. The candidate complements NVS&#39; RLT platform in prostate cancer.
<h3>Our Take&nbsp;</h3>
Novartis&#39; performance in the second quarter was impressive. The rise in operating income guidance indicates strong momentum across all key brands in the upcoming quarters. The label expansion of Cosentyx for HS and IV formulation drove the drug&#39;s growth during the reported quarter.
The pipeline progress is encouraging as well. The company is now focused on strengthening its core pharmaceutical business with strategic acquisitions and deals. The MorphoSys acquisition should further expand its oncology pipeline.
Novartis currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2304276/novartis-nvs-tops-on-q2-earnings-ups-operating-income-view?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|earnings_article-2304276">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

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Novartis Tops on Q2 Earnings, Ups Operating Income View

GE Vernova Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GEV#NYSE">GEV</a>) shares are<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/movers" rel="noreferrer noopener"> trading lower on Thursday</a>.
The shares are trading lower after news recently surfaced that the Vineyard Wind 1 offshore wind project, currently under construction with its turbines, encountered &#8220;blade damage,&#8221; resulting in debris washing ashore on Nantucket, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-sp500-nasdaq-live-earnings-07-17-2024/card/wind-turbine-break-hits-ge-vernova-0wmJbc1wgOahXCX5ot9z?mod=lctimeline_finance" rel="noreferrer noopener">reported</a> The Wall Street Journal.
Avangrid and Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners announced on Wednesday that approximately six truckloads of debris have been cleared from the site, with ongoing cleanup efforts.
They stated that GE Vernova, the manufacturer, will conduct an analysis to determine the cause of the issue.
The offshore project in Massachusetts employs GE Vernova&#8217;s Haliade-X turbines, standing approximately 2.8 times taller than the Statue of Liberty or similar in height to Rockefeller Center.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/07/39832197/apple-nvidia-supplier-tsmc-reports-strong-q2-results-amid-booming-demand-for-ai-chips-guides-q3-abov" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple, Nvidia Supplier TSMC Reports Strong Q2 Results Amid Booming Demand For AI Chips, Guides Q3 Above Consensus: 2024 To Be &#8216;Strong Growth Year,&#8217; Says CEO</a>
This initiative aims to install 62 turbines, with several already operational and contributing power since earlier this year.
A GE Vernova spokesman told The Wall Street Journal that the company is investigating the issue and &#8220;working with the relevant authorities to contain and remove any debris safely and efficiently.&#8221;
Yesterday, &nbsp;the firm&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.gevernova.com/news/press-releases/ge-vernova-secures-major-order-grid-equipment-solutions-algeria" rel="noreferrer noopener">secured</a> a major order from Sonelgaz through their joint venture, GE Algeria Turbines (GEAT), to enhance<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/39817956/whats-going-on-with-ge-vernova-shares-today" rel="noreferrer noopener"> Algeria&#8217;s grid infrastructure.</a>
GE Vernova, formerly part of&nbsp;GE Aerospace (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GE#NYSE">GE</a>), commenced trading independently on the NYSE in April.
Price Action: GEV shares are trading lower by 2.96% to $160.92 at last check Thursday.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo by anna-jimenez for Unsplash
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Why Is GE Vernova Stock Falling Today?

U.S. banks showed a strong comeback over the past week on bullish fundamentals in the space amid market rotation into undervalued segments. The probability of Donald Trump returning to the White House has risen significantly along with a Fed rate cut in September. Both are favorable for the banking sector. The robust second-quarter results of the banks also added to the strength.
Given the optimism, bank ETFs soared to a new one-year high. First Trust NASDAQ ABA Community Bank Index Fund (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/qaba#NASDAQ">QABA</a>) was the biggest winner, jumping 16.2% in a week. This was followed by gains of 15% for Invesco KBW Regional Banking ETF (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/kbwr#NASDAQ">KBWR</a>), 14.8% for SPDR S&amp;P Regional Banking ETF (ARCA:KRE), 13.3% for SPDR S&amp;P Bank ETF (ARCA:KBE) and 11% for iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF (ARCA:IAT).
<h3>Trump Trade Resurge</h3>
The banks are well-positioned to benefit from Trump&#39;s deregulation and lower corporate tax policies. One of the most notable potential benefits for banks would come from Trump&#39;s focus on deregulation. During his first term, Trump&#39;s administration rolled back several regulations that were imposed after the 2008 financial crisis. This deregulation reduced compliance costs and increased profit margins for banks. A second Trump term could see a continuation or even an expansion of these deregulatory efforts, providing a more favorable operating environment for financial institutions.
<h3>Fed Rate Cut Bets</h3>
The latest inflation data and Fed Chairman Jerome Powell&#39;s recent hints have bolstered bets that the central bank will act by September. Powell said the Fed wouldn&#39;t wait for inflation to get to its 2% target before it began cutting because of the lag effects of tightening. Traders are now 100% certain that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates by September, per CME Group.
A rate cut after two years of tightening would be a big relief for midsize banks, which are struggling with the impact of high rates on their profits and their borrowers. Lower rates will brighten the lenders&#39; earnings outlook in the coming quarters.
<h3>Solid Earnings</h3>
Big banks like Bank of America&nbsp;and Morgan Stanley&nbsp;saw a spike in their share prices on robust quarterly results. U.S. Bancorp and Citizens Financial Group also rose on positive quarterly results.
We have profiled the abovementioned ETFs below: 
First Trust NASDAQ ABA Community Bank Index Fund&nbsp;&ndash; 52-Week High: $53.87
First Trust NASDAQ ABA Community Bank Index Fund offers exposure to the largest banks and thrifts or their holding companies that are designated as banks by the Industry Classification Benchmark. It tracks the NASDAQ OMX ABA Community Bank Index, holding 125 stocks in its basket.
First Trust NASDAQ ABA Community Bank Index Fund has accumulated $62.9 million in its asset base and trades in a volume of around 14,000 shares a day on average. It charges 60 bps in annual fees and has a Zacks ETF Rank #3 (Hold) with a High risk outlook.
Invesco KBW Regional Banking ETF &ndash; 52-Week High: $57.40
Invesco KBW Regional Banking ETF offers exposure to publicly traded U.S. regional banking and thrift companies by tracking the KBW Nasdaq Regional Banking Index. It holds 51 stocks in its basket, with none accounting for more than 4% of the assets.
Invesco KBW Regional Banking ETF is a relatively less popular and less liquid option in the space, with AUM of $53.8 million and an average daily volume of 4,000 shares. It charges 35 bps in fees per year from investors and has a Zacks ETF Rank #4 (Sell) with a High risk outlook.
SPDR S&amp;P Regional Banking ETF &ndash; 52-Week High: $57.10
SPDR S&amp;P Regional Banking ETF provides exposure to the regional banks segment by tracking the S&amp;P Regional Banks Select Industry Index. It holds 141 stocks in its basket, with each accounting for no more than 2.3% of the assets.
SPDR S&amp;P Regional Banking ETF has AUM of $2.8 billion and charges 35 bps in annual fees. It trades in an average daily volume of 12 million shares and has a Zacks ETF Rank #4 (Sell) with a High risk outlook.
SPDR S&amp;P Bank ETF &ndash; 52-Week High: $53.19
SPDR S&amp;P Bank ETF offers equal-weight exposure to 92 banking stocks by tracking the S&amp;P Banks Select Industry Index. Regional banks dominate the portfolio with a 73.9% share, while diversified banks, commercial &amp; residential mortgage finance, diversified financial services and asset management &amp; custody banks take the remainder.
SPDR S&amp;P Bank ETF has amassed $1.6 billion in its asset base while trading in a heavy volume of 1.4 million shares a day, on average. The product charges 35 bps in annual fees and has a Zacks ETF Rank #2 (Buy) with a High risk outlook.
iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF &ndash; 52-Week High: $47.08
iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF offers exposure to 35 small and mid-cap regional bank stocks by tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Select Regional Banks Index. It is largely concentrated on the top three firms with a double-digit allocation each.
iShares U.S. Regional Banks ETF has amassed $604.2 million in its asset base while seeing a good volume of 153,000 shares a day. The product charges 40 bps in annual fees and has a Zacks ETF Rank #3 with a High risk outlook.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2304444/bank-etfs-soar-on-trump-trade-september-rate-cut-bets?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-etf_news_and_commentary-2304444">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

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iShares Dow Jones US Regional Banks Index Fund

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First Trust NASDAQ ABAmmunity Bank Index Fund

QABA

Bank ETFs Soar on Trump Trade, September Rate Cut Bets

GeneDx Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WGS#NASDAQ">WGS</a>) has made <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38517054/why-genedx-shares-are-trading-higher-by-37-here-are-20-stocks-moving-premarket">the biggest gains</a> on the Russell 2000 Index in 2024 as the biotechnology company moves toward more <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/gene-therapy">comprehensive genetic testing</a>.
The Maryland-based company&#8217;s shares have soared 1,101% so far this year as of midday Thursday, <a href="https://www.tradingview.com/symbols/TVC-RUT/components/">according </a>to Tradingview.
Goldman Sachs analyst Matthew Sykes attributes much of GeneDX&#8217;s positive momentum to shifting its testing. The company went from panel-based tests, which look for variants in more than one gene, to exome/genome testing, which analyzes the bulk of a person&#8217;s DNA to find genetic variations.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/04/38505448/genedx-stock-climbs-after-better-than-expected-q1-results-raises-fy24-guidance">GeneDx Stock Climbs After Better-Than-Expected Q1 Results, Raises FY24 Guidance</a>
&#8220;We remain optimistic about WGS's continued focus on converting its mix shift of panel-based tests to whole exome/genome-based tests,&#8221; Sykes wrote in a note on Wednesday.
&#8220;As of 1Q24, 30% of their tests were exome/genome-based, whereas this metric was 16% in 1Q23.&#8221;
He said the transition has expanded the company&#8217;s margins from 33% in the first quarter of 2023 to 61% in this year&#8217;s first quarter.
&#8220;We see gross margins continuing to improve going forward, yet see more moderated growth in out years, reaching the mid-high 60% range exiting 2026,&#8221; he wrote.
&#8220;We see this mix shift evolution as the key driver of WGS's growth in the near term given their initial focus on rare disease/pediatrics.&#8221;
Goldman Sachs maintains revenue estimates for GeneDx at $243 million for 2024, $269 million for 2025 and $306 million for 2026. It expects the company to post losses per share of $1.07 for this year and $0.21 for next year and earnings per share of $0.35 for 2026.
It has given GeneDx a Neutral rating and has increased its price target on the stock from $12.50 to $28.
Analysts expect GeneDx to post a $0.30 loss per share when it reports second-quarter earnings on July 30, up from a $0.33 loss per share registered for the first quarter, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">according</a> to Benzinga Pro.
GeneDx has distanced itself from stocks held by runner-up small-cap companies Massachusetts-based Corbus Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRBP#NASDAQ">CRBP</a>) and Root, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ROOT#NASDAQ">ROOT</a>).
Corbus has risen 834% since the beginning of 2024, while Root, an Ohio-based online car insurance company, has gained 670%.
Price Action: GeneDx has slipped 3.36% to $32.18 by Thursday&#8217;s midday trading, while Corbus has fallen 5.26% to $55.86 and Root has risen 1.49% to $80.59.
Other leading small-cap stocks on Russell 2000
Below are the remaining companies that round out the top-10 list of top performers in the Russell 2000.
<ul>
<li>Elevation Oncology Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ELEV#NASDAQ">ELEV</a>), up %411%. </li>
<li>Dave Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DAVE#NASDAQ">DAVE</a>), up 403%.</li>
<li>Avidity Biosciences, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RNA#NASDAQ">RNA</a>), up 387%.</li>
<li>Sezzle Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SEZL#NASDAQ">SEZL</a>), up 322%.</li>
<li>Candel Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CADL#NASDAQ">CADL</a>), up 321%.</li>
<li>NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMR#NYSE">SMR</a>), up 303%.</li>
<li>Janux Therapeutices, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JANX#NASDAQ">JANX</a>), up 302%.</li>
</ul>
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</ul>
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GeneDx Leads Russell 2000 This Year As It Shifts To More Comprehensive Genetic Testing

Ramaco Resources (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/metc#NASDAQ">METC</a>) closed the last trading session at $15.32, gaining 24.7% over the past four weeks, but there could be plenty of upside left in the stock if short-term price targets set by Wall Street analysts are any guide. The mean price target of $21.25 indicates a 38.7% upside potential.
The average comprises four short-term price targets ranging from a low of $20 to a high of $22, with a standard deviation of $0.96. While the lowest estimate indicates an increase of 30.6% from the current price level, the most optimistic estimate points to a 43.6% upside. More than the range, one should note the standard deviation here, as it helps understand the variability of the estimates. The smaller the standard deviation, the greater the agreement among analysts.
While the consensus price target is highly sought after by investors, the ability and unbiasedness of analysts in setting price targets have long been questionable. And investors making investment decisions solely based on this tool would arguably do themselves a disservice.
But, for METC, an impressive average price target is not the only indicator of a potential upside. Strong agreement among analysts about the company&#39;s ability to report better earnings than they predicted earlier strengthens this view. While a positive trend in earnings estimate revisions doesn&#39;t gauge how much a stock could gain, it has proven to be powerful in predicting an upside.
Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise
<img alt="Zacks Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise Chart for METC" class="chart" src="https://chart-service.zacks.com/images/daily/yesop_price_consensus_surprise/METC.png" style="height:auto; width:100%" title="" />
Here&#39;s What You Should Know About Analysts&#39; Price Targets
According to researchers at several universities across the globe, a price target is one of many pieces of information about a stock that misleads investors far more often than it guides. In fact, empirical research shows that price targets set by several analysts, irrespective of the extent of agreement, rarely indicate where the price of a stock could actually be heading.
While Wall Street analysts have deep knowledge of a company&#39;s fundamentals and the sensitivity of its business to economic and industry issues, many of them tend to set overly optimistic price targets. Are you wondering why?
They usually do that to drum up interest in shares of companies that their firms either have existing business relationships with or are looking to be associated with. In other words, business incentives of firms covering a stock often result in inflated price targets set by analysts.
However, a tight clustering of price targets, which is represented by a low standard deviation, indicates that analysts have a high degree of agreement about the direction and magnitude of a stock&#39;s price movement. While that doesn&#39;t necessarily mean the stock will hit the average price target, it could be a good starting point for further research aimed at identifying the potential fundamental driving forces.
That said, while investors should not entirely ignore price targets, making an investment decision solely based on them could lead to disappointing ROI. So, price targets should always be treated with a high degree of skepticism.
Here&#39;s Why There Could be Plenty of Upside Left in METC
Analysts&#39; growing optimism over the company&#39;s earnings prospects, as indicated by strong agreement among them in revising EPS estimates higher, could be a legitimate reason to expect an upside in the stock. That&#39;s because empirical research shows a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and near-term stock price movements.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has increased 6.5% over the past month, as one estimate has gone higher compared to no negative revision.
Moreover, METC currently has a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), which means it is in the top 5% of more than the 4,000 stocks that we rank based on four factors related to earnings estimates. Given an impressive externally-audited track record, this is a more conclusive indication of the stock&#39;s potential upside in the near term.
Therefore, while the consensus price target may not be a reliable indicator of how much METC could gain, the direction of price movement it implies does appear to be a good guide.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2304435/does-ramaco-resources-metc-have-the-potential-to-rally-38-71-as-wall-street-analysts-expect?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-tale_of_the_tape|consensus_price_target-2304435">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Price Target

METC

Does Ramaco Resources Have the Potential to Rally 38.71% as Wall Street Analysts Expect?

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>BAC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/19/24</td>
<td>$42.00</td>
<td>$49.2K</td>
<td>23.3K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>COIN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>08/16/24</td>
<td>$250.00</td>
<td>$36.8K</td>
<td>34.4K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WFC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
<td>$61.0K</td>
<td>14.5K</td>
<td>673</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SQ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$63.1K</td>
<td>9.5K</td>
<td>249</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PYPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$126.7K</td>
<td>7.4K</td>
<td>130</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PNFP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$36.7K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>121</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WEX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$38.0K</td>
<td>79</td>
<td>66</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$77.6K</td>
<td>16.6K</td>
<td>36</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AXP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$250.00</td>
<td>$50.4K</td>
<td>397</td>
<td>22</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FCNCA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$2200.00</td>
<td>$86.1K</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding BAC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAC#NYSE">BAC</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 1 day(s) on July 19, 2024. Parties traded 347 contract(s) at a $42.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 5 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $49.2K, with a price of $142.0 per contract. There were 23390 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2005 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For COIN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 29 day(s) on August 16, 2024. This event was a transfer of 22 contract(s) at a $250.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $36.8K, with a price of $1675.0 per contract. There were 34495 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1082 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For WFC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WFC#NYSE">WFC</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 183 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 250 contract(s) at a $65.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $61.0K, with a price of $244.0 per contract. There were 14559 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 673 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding SQ (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SQ#NYSE">SQ</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 64 day(s) on September 20, 2024. Parties traded 100 contract(s) at a $70.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $63.1K, with a price of $631.0 per contract. There were 9503 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 249 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding PYPL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PYPL#NASDAQ">PYPL</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 64 day(s) on September 20, 2024. Parties traded 275 contract(s) at a $60.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $126.7K, with a price of $461.0 per contract. There were 7407 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 130 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding PNFP (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PNFP#NASDAQ">PNFP</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 218 day(s) on February 21, 2025. Parties traded 75 contract(s) at a $105.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $36.7K, with a price of $490.0 per contract. There were 0 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 121 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For WEX (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WEX#NYSE">WEX</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 183 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 13 contract(s) at a $170.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $38.0K, with a price of $2925.0 per contract. There were 79 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 66 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MS (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MS#NYSE">MS</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 183 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 971 contract(s) at a $80.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $77.6K, with a price of $80.0 per contract. There were 16601 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 36 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AXP (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXP#NYSE">AXP</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be neutral, expiring in 120 day(s) on November 15, 2024. This event was a transfer of 30 contract(s) at a $250.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $50.4K, with a price of $1680.0 per contract. There were 397 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 22 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For FCNCA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FCNCA#NASDAQ">FCNCA</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 218 day(s) on February 21, 2025. This event was a transfer of 15 contract(s) at a $2200.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $86.1K, with a price of $5746.0 per contract. There were 1 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 20 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Options

COIN

FCNCA

PNFP

PYPL

10 Financials Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>TSLA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/19/24</td>
<td>$257.50</td>
<td>$94.5K</td>
<td>10.2K</td>
<td>49.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>F</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/16/24</td>
<td>$14.00</td>
<td>$25.8K</td>
<td>5.2K</td>
<td>36.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMZN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/16/24</td>
<td>$190.00</td>
<td>$53.8K</td>
<td>33.4K</td>
<td>5.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NKE</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$30.5K</td>
<td>13.0K</td>
<td>4.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DASH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>08/02/24</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
<td>$32.0K</td>
<td>132</td>
<td>3.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BABA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/26/24</td>
<td>$78.00</td>
<td>$168.0K</td>
<td>2.7K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$56.00</td>
<td>$78.0K</td>
<td>3.1K</td>
<td>855</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WHR</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/16/24</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
<td>$28.5K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>637</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PDD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/02/24</td>
<td>$148.00</td>
<td>$37.9K</td>
<td>3.1K</td>
<td>101</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TOL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$52.7K</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>75</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding TSLA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 1 day(s) on July 19, 2024. Parties traded 350 contract(s) at a $257.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 21 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $94.5K, with a price of $270.0 per contract. There were 10269 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 49735 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding F (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>), we observe a put option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 29 day(s) on August 16, 2024. Parties traded 717 contract(s) at a $14.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.8K, with a price of $36.0 per contract. There were 5260 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 36524 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AMZN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 29 day(s) on August 16, 2024. Parties traded 78 contract(s) at a $190.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 11 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $53.8K, with a price of $690.0 per contract. There were 33464 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 5789 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For NKE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 64 day(s) on September 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 130 contract(s) at a $75.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $30.5K, with a price of $235.0 per contract. There were 13035 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 4720 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For DASH (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DASH#NASDAQ">DASH</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 15 day(s) on August 2, 2024. This event was a transfer of 110 contract(s) at a $110.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 4 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $32.0K, with a price of $291.0 per contract. There were 132 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 3374 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For BABA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 8 day(s) on July 26, 2024. This event was a transfer of 1500 contract(s) at a $78.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $168.0K, with a price of $112.0 per contract. There were 2789 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2264 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CMG (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 337 day(s) on June 20, 2025. This event was a transfer of 100 contract(s) at a $56.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $78.0K, with a price of $780.0 per contract. There were 3145 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 855 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding WHR (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WHR#NYSE">WHR</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 29 day(s) on August 16, 2024. Parties traded 150 contract(s) at a $95.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 9 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.5K, with a price of $190.0 per contract. There were 1010 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 637 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding PDD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PDD#NASDAQ">PDD</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 15 day(s) on August 2, 2024. Parties traded 999 contract(s) at a $148.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $37.9K, with a price of $38.0 per contract. There were 3147 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 101 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For TOL (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TOL#NYSE">TOL</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be neutral, expiring in 155 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 25 contract(s) at a $150.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $52.7K, with a price of $2108.0 per contract. There were 1 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 75 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

AMZN

BABA

DASH

Citigourp Global Markets 2% Protected Notes Linked To The Djia

TSLA

10 Consumer Discretionary Stocks With Whale Alerts In Today's Session

Loop Capital analyst Rick Paterson maintains JB Hunt Transport Servs (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JBHT#NASDAQ">JBHT</a>) with a Hold and lowers the price target from $177 to $173.

JBHT

Loop Capital Maintains Hold on JB Hunt Transport Servs, Lowers Price Target to $173

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NVDA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/19/24</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$116.6K</td>
<td>113.8K</td>
<td>193.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/19/24</td>
<td>$157.50</td>
<td>$37.7K</td>
<td>2.1K</td>
<td>25.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/26/24</td>
<td>$225.00</td>
<td>$35.2K</td>
<td>4.5K</td>
<td>8.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSFT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/26/24</td>
<td>$440.00</td>
<td>$40.5K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
<td>5.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>INTC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/16/24</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$41.0K</td>
<td>30.4K</td>
<td>2.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SMCI</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/19/24</td>
<td>$790.00</td>
<td>$47.4K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ALAB</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$32.0K</td>
<td>2.7K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DELL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/18/24</td>
<td>$125.00</td>
<td>$25.7K</td>
<td>2.1K</td>
<td>336</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SNOW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/19/24</td>
<td>$133.00</td>
<td>$28.0K</td>
<td>425</td>
<td>333</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ASML</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>08/16/24</td>
<td>$950.00</td>
<td>$27.7K</td>
<td>170</td>
<td>257</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These itemized elaborations have been created using the accompanying table. 
• For NVDA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 1 day(s) on July 19, 2024. This event was a transfer of 507 contract(s) at a $120.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $116.6K, with a price of $230.0 per contract. There were 113801 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 193628 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AMD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 1 day(s) on July 19, 2024. Parties traded 243 contract(s) at a $157.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 42 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $37.7K, with a price of $155.0 per contract. There were 2152 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 25680 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AAPL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 8 day(s) on July 26, 2024. This event was a transfer of 99 contract(s) at a $225.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $35.2K, with a price of $357.0 per contract. There were 4568 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 8097 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MSFT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 8 day(s) on July 26, 2024. Parties traded 75 contract(s) at a $440.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $40.5K, with a price of $540.0 per contract. There were 1489 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 5272 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding INTC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 29 day(s) on August 16, 2024. Parties traded 180 contract(s) at a $35.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 16 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $41.0K, with a price of $228.0 per contract. There were 30414 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2712 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding SMCI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>), we observe a put option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 1 day(s) on July 19, 2024. Parties traded 30 contract(s) at a $790.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $47.4K, with a price of $1580.0 per contract. There were 1371 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2255 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ALAB (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALAB#NASDAQ">ALAB</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 365 day(s) on July 18, 2025. This event was a transfer of 50 contract(s) at a $40.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $32.0K, with a price of $640.0 per contract. There were 2759 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1698 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For DELL (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DELL#NYSE">DELL</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 92 day(s) on October 18, 2024. This event was a transfer of 20 contract(s) at a $125.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.7K, with a price of $1285.0 per contract. There were 2122 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 336 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding SNOW (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNOW#NYSE">SNOW</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 1 day(s) on July 19, 2024. Parties traded 200 contract(s) at a $133.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 5 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.0K, with a price of $140.0 per contract. There were 425 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 333 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ASML (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASML#NASDAQ">ASML</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 29 day(s) on August 16, 2024. This event was a transfer of 10 contract(s) at a $950.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.7K, with a price of $2778.0 per contract. There were 170 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 257 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

AAPL

ALAB

ASML

DELL

INTC

MSFT

NVDA

SMCI

SNOW

10 Information Technology Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) is in talks with major Hollywood studios to license more films for its Apple TV+ streaming service.
This move aims to expand its library and attract a larger audience by offering a mix of new and classic content.
Apple has approached several top studios to acquire more programming for its customers in the US and internationally, Bloomberg <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-18/apple-is-in-talks-to-license-more-films-from-hollywood?sref=TBDibEcD" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/03/37623644/apple-innovates-with-ai-ads-reportedly-tests-automated-placements-in-app-store-and-beyond" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Innovates with AI Ads, Reportedly Tests Automated Placements in App Store and Beyond</a>
Apple TV+ has primarily focused on original productions. Despite successes like &#8220;Ted Lasso&#8221; and &#8220;The Morning Show,&#8221; the platform has struggled to compete with giants like Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>).
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/18114501/newplot-42.png" alt="" class="wp-image-443573" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/18114501/newplot-42.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/18114501/newplot-42-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
To address this, Apple recently licensed about 50 movies, including classics like &#8220;Mean Girls&#8221; and &#8220;Titanic,&#8221; and is now looking to expand this effort.
With its extensive library, Netflix has one of the lowest cancellation rates, while Apple TV+ experiences higher churn. In addition to licensing more films, Apple aims to enhance its service by exploring new strategic partnerships.
Recent reports indicated that Walt Disney Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>) is <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39822614/disney-develops-tech-to-rival-netflix-and-boost-streaming-profits-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">focusing on increasing</a> &#8220;hours per subscriber&#8221; to enhance viewer engagement and compete with Netflix. Disney is working on personalized algorithms to recommend content.
Netflix had a market share of 22% in the second quarter of 2024, followed by Disney+ at 11% and Apple TV+ at 9%, as per <a target="_blank" href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/496011/usa-svod-to-tv-streaming-usage/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Statista</a>.
In May 2023, analyst Tim Long estimated that Apple TV+ contributed only 2% to Apple&#8217;s services revenue, Barron&#8217;s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.barrons.com/articles/apple-stock-price-tv-plus-earnings-34b3f10b" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>. He projected that the streaming service would generate $1.5 billion in revenue in 2022, which would grow to $2.2 billion in 2023.
Needham analyst Laura Martin recently stated that <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/39716606/apple-poised-for-revenue-boost-analyst-sees-advertising-as-key-growth-driver" rel="noreferrer noopener">selling CTV ads</a> exclusively on AppleTV+ could boost Apple&#8217;s revenue growth by 140 basis points, potentially doubling the current consensus growth rate of 1% for fiscal 2024.
Price Action:&nbsp;AAPL shares traded lower by 1.90% at $224.52 at the last check on Thursday.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image via Shutterstock

Tech

NFLX

Apple TV+ Takes on Netflix with New Hollywood Licensing Deals

Mortgage rates continued to trickle down this month, falling to 6.77%. The housing market continues its long-term movement to equilibrium, albeit slowly, as housing remains <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/06/39536324/renters-need-to-make-66-000-a-year-to-afford-the-typical-apartment-can-they-buy-a-house-instead">unaffordable for many Americans</a>.
The Data: <a href="https://freddiemac.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/mortgage-rates-continue-fall">According</a> to a Freddie Mac report, the average 30-year fixed mortgage rate fell to 6.77% in the week ending July 17.
This is lower than the 6.89% reading from the week ending July 11. It was 6.78% a year ago. The 30-year rates <a href="https://freddiemac.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/mortgage-rates-continue-fall">hit</a> a relative peak of 7.79% in 2023.
Sam Khater, Freddie Mac&#8217;s chief economist, outlined Thursday&#8217;s report and its implications on the housing market.
"Mortgage rates are headed in the right direction and the economy remains resilient, two positive incremental signs for the housing market. However, homebuyers have yet to respond to lower rates, as purchase application demand is still roughly 5 percent below Spring when rates were approximately the same,&#8221; Khater said.
&#8220;This is not uncommon: sometimes as rates decline, demand weakens, and the apparent paradox is driven by buyers making sure rates don't decline further before they decide to purchase," Khater added.
A Redfin <a href="https://www.redfin.com/news/housing-market-update-housing-payments-mortgage-rates-decline/">report</a> from Thursday which quoted Chen Zhao, the company&#8217;s economic research lead, offered a note about interest rate expectations&#8217; impact on mortgage rates.
&#8220;Now that it's looking increasingly likely the Fed will cut interest rates by the end of the year, some house hunters believe mortgage rates will fall more and are waiting for that to happen before they buy," Zhao said. 
"But they may be waiting in vain; it's unlikely mortgage rates will drop much lower in the next few months, as markets are already pricing in the expectation of a rate cut in September, followed by several more at the end of 2024 and into 2025,&#8221; Zhao added.
<a href="https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html">According</a> to CME FedWatch, investors are pricing in two to three Federal Reserve rate cuts by the end of 2024. There is a 98% chance of a September rate cut, as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/07/39696316/june-inflation-report-in-focus-could-it-seal-the-deal-for-september-rate-cut">CPI data shows</a> continued signs of inflation cooling.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/06/39464529/us-needs-1-5-million-more-homes-to-tame-record-prices">US Needs 1.5 Million More Homes To Tame Record Prices</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Economics

Real Estate

Mortgage Rates Continue To Tick Down In Mid-July: 'The Economy Remains Resilient'

Macquarie analyst Chad Beynon maintains DraftKings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DKNG#NASDAQ">DKNG</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $54 to $52.

DKNG

Macquarie Maintains Outperform on DraftKings, Lowers Price Target to $52

Macquarie maintains Genius Sports (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GENI#NYSE">GENI</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $10 to $9.

GENI

Macquarie Maintains Outperform on Genius Sports, Lowers Price Target to $9

The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>) shares are trading lower today. Goldman Sachs Asset Management and Betterment jointly introduced the Goldman Sachs <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/07/n39840523/betterment-and-goldman-sachs-launch-industry-first-tax-smart-bonds-portfolio" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tax-Smart Bonds portfolio</a>.
Goldman Sachs has developed a strategy by combining short-duration U.S. Treasury bonds, high-quality corporate bonds, and municipal bond ETFs.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/39776059/goldman-sachs-targets-asias-fast-growing-economies-with-new-2b-private-equity-fund-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goldman Sachs Targets Asia&#8217;s Fast-Growing Economies With New $2B Private Equity Fund: Report</a>
This portfolio leverages Goldman Sachs&#8217; expertise in bond markets and Betterment&#8217;s automation.&nbsp;
The Goldman Sachs Tax-Smart Bonds portfolio is tailored for clients in higher tax brackets seeking a lower-risk bond strategy compared to equities.
This approach adapts to both longer-term trends and current market conditions, ensuring flexibility to respond to events such as the COVID-19 pandemic and U.S. debt ceiling debates, which can impact market stability.
Padideh Raphael, Global Head of Third Party Wealth at Goldman Sachs Asset Management, said, &#8220;It is important for investors seeking to create and safeguard long-term wealth to consider after-tax returns in their portfolios.&#8221;&nbsp;
&#8220;This latest collaboration, combining Goldman Sachs&#8217;s investment capabilities with Betterment&#8217;s innovative technology platform and customer-first approach, will allow us to work together on behalf of clients who seek attractive after-tax bond yields.&#8221;
This week, the bank reported second-quarter revenue of&nbsp;$12.730 billion, beating the consensus of&nbsp;$12.456 billion and EPS of&nbsp;$8.62,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/07/39769910/goldman-sachs-q2-earnings-revenue-and-eps-beat-investment-banking-fees-up-21-hikes-dividend" rel="noreferrer noopener">beating the consensus of&nbsp;$8.35</a>.
Related: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/07/39801120/goldman-sachs-analysts-boost-their-forecasts-following-better-than-expected-earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">Goldman Sachs Analysts Boost Their Forecasts Following Better-Than-Expected Earnings</a>
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;IShares U.S. Broker-Dealers &amp; Securities Exchanges ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IAI#NYSE">IAI</a>) and&nbsp;Invesco KBW Bank ETF&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KBWB#NASDAQ">KBWB</a>).
Price Action: GS shares are down 2.30% at $490.63 at the last check Thursday.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo via Shutterstock

Large Cap

Contracts

iShares Dow Jones US Broker Dealers Index Fund

KBWB

Goldman Sachs and Betterment Launch Tax-Smart Bonds Portfolio for Savvy Investors: Details

RB Global's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RBA#NYSE">RBA</a>) short percent of float has risen 91.03% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 9.56 million shares sold short, which is 5.96% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 1.92 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>RB Global Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1721323821_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for RB Global 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 RB Global'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>, RB Global's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 3.99%, which means the company has more short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

Peering Into RB Global's Recent Short Interest

Alnylam Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALNY#NASDAQ">ALNY</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 20 years by 12.59% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 21.02%. Currently, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals has a market capitalization of $29.88 billion. 
Buying $100 In ALNY: If an investor had bought $100 of ALNY stock 20 years ago, it would be worth $4,144.21 today based on a price of $236.22 for ALNY at the time of writing.
<h3>Alnylam Pharmaceuticals's Performance Over Last 20 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1721323820_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

ALNY

$100 Invested In This Stock 20 Years Ago Would Be Worth $4,100 Today

Boise Cascade's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BCC#NYSE">BCC</a>) short percent of float has fallen 5.15% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 988 thousand shares sold short, which is 3.68% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.01 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>Boise Cascade Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1721323816_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Boise Cascade has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Boise Cascade'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>, Boise Cascade's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 4.19%, 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.

(BCC) - Analyzing Boise Cascade's Short Interest

Danaher (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DHR#NYSE">DHR</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 6.31% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 17.12%. Currently, Danaher has a market capitalization of $182.69 billion. 
Buying $100 In DHR: If an investor had bought $100 of DHR stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $484.36 today based on a price of $246.65 for DHR at the time of writing.
<h3>Danaher's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1721323814_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

$100 Invested In Danaher 10 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today

Belden's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BDC#NYSE">BDC</a>) short percent of float has fallen 7.1% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 1.00 million shares sold short, which is 3.27% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.41 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>Belden Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1721323811_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Belden has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Belden'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>, Belden's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 4.12%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

How Is The Market Feeling About Belden?

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LawFinance Options Expire Unexercised

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LawFinance Announces Director's Departure and Interests

LawFinance Limited (AU:LAW) has released an update. LawFinance Limited has announced that Christopher Geh Chong Beng was appointed as a director on...

LawFinance Welcomes New Director with Indirect Holdings

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LawFinance Announces Director's Final Holdings

LawFinance Limited (AU:LAW) has released an update. Several companies listed on the ASX face suspension exceeding three months due to unsubmitted f...

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