Latest news for Vibra Energia (OTC:PETRY) Stock

Vibra Energia SA is engaged in the marketing and distribution of fuel and lubricants. The company's operating segments includes Retail; Consumer Market; Aviation Market and Special Market. It generates maximum revenue from the Retail segment. The business activities of the company include distribution, transportation, distribution and trading of all energy forms, chemical products and asphalt, provision of related services, and importing and exporting related items.

VIBRA ENERGIA UNSP/ADR by Vibra Energia SA

Vibra Energia SA

Jefferies analyst Thomas Chong maintains Grab Hldgs (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GRAB#NASDAQ">GRAB</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $5 to $4.7.

News

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

GRAB

Jefferies Maintains Buy on Grab Hldgs, Lowers Price Target to $4.7

Short Sellers

Rumors

Trading Ideas

SMPL

Watching The Simply Good Foods; Shares Move Lower As Traders Circulate Unconfirmed Comments From Popular Stock Service Mentioning Stock As New Short Idea With A $20 PT (-33% Downside)

Hemisphere GNSS Purchased By CNH Industrial In 2023; Hemisphere GNSS To Pay $2.6M To Settle False Claims Act Allegations Relating To Improper Paycheck Protection Program

Canaccord Genuity analyst Yewon Kang assumes SNDL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNDL#NASDAQ">SNDL</a>) with a Speculative Buy rating and announces Price Target of $3.25.

Initiation

SNDL

Canaccord Genuity Assumes SNDL at Speculative Buy, Announces Price Target of $3.25

Canaccord Genuity analyst Yewon Kang assumes OrganiGram Holdings (TSX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OGI#TSX">OGI</a>) with a Speculative Buy rating and announces Price Target of C$3.25.

TSX:OGI

Canaccord Genuity Assumes OrganiGram Holdings at Speculative Buy, Announces Price Target of C$3.25

Stardust Power Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SDST#NASDAQ">SDST</a>) shares saw a significant increase on Wednesday. Here&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/07/g39675394/stardust-power-closes-business-combination-and-set-to-begin-trading-on-nasdaq">what you need to know.</a>
What To Know: The company began trading on the Nasdaq Global Market on July 9 under the ticker symbol &#8220;SDST&#8221; following the closing of business combination with Global Partner Acquisition Corp II (GPAC II).
\Stardust Power, an American manufacturer of battery-grade lithium products, is focused on developing a lithium refinery in Muskogee Oklahoma, with an anticipated capacity of 50,000 tonnes per annum by 2030.
CEO Roshan Pujari highlighted the company&#8217;s importance in bolstering U.S. lithium production, aligning with national security priorities and tapping into significant state and federal incentives.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How To Buy Stardust Stock?</h3>
For Stardust Power, which is trading at $23.98 as of publishing time, $100 would buy you 4.17 shares of stock.
If you're looking to bet against a company, the process is more complex. You'll need access to an options trading platform, or a broker who will allow you to ‘go short' a share of stock by lending you the shares to sell. The process of shorting a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock">stock can be found at this resource.</a> Otherwise, if your broker allows you to trade options, you can either buy a put option, or sell a call option at a strike price above where shares are currently trading &#8211; either way it allows you to profit off of the share price decline.
SDST Price Action: Stardust shares were up by 148% at the time of writing, according to<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard"> Benzinga pro.</a>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="http://www.benzinga.com/pro/register/?utm_source=BZprocontent071724&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="536" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/17135808/SDST-1024x536.png" alt="" class="wp-image-441461" style="width:523px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/17135808/SDST-1024x536.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/17135808/SDST-300x157.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/17135808/SDST-768x402.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/17135808/SDST.png 1090w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
See Also:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39822708/why-lam-research-lrcx-shares-are-falling">Why Lam Research (LRCX) Shares Are Falling</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock.

Movers

SDST

Stardust Power Shares Are Up By More Than 100%: What's Going On

WIIM

AAON

AMSC

CHPT

FTAI

HUBB

IESC

INOD

JOBY

LOAR

PEGY

PLUG

REVG

ROAD

SPXC

SRFM

STRL

Shares of stocks within the broader industrial sector are trading lower amid overall market weakness

High-rolling investors have positioned themselves bearish on Humana (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUM#NYSE">HUM</a>), and it's important for retail traders to take note. 
\This activity came to our attention today through Benzinga's tracking of publicly available options data. The identities of these investors are uncertain, but such a significant move in HUM often signals that someone has privileged information.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 25 options trades for Humana. This is not a typical pattern.
The sentiment among these major traders is split, with 36% bullish and 44% bearish. Among all the options we identified, there was one put, amounting to $27,540, and 24 calls, totaling $1,827,812.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $340.0 to $500.0 for Humana over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Humana's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Humana's whale trades within a strike price range from $340.0 to $500.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Humana 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1721244678_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>HUM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/26/24</td>
<td>$30.2</td>
<td>$28.0</td>
<td>$28.3</td>
<td>$370.00</td>
<td>$141.2K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">304</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HUM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/26/24</td>
<td>$29.5</td>
<td>$26.3</td>
<td>$27.38</td>
<td>$370.00</td>
<td>$136.9K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">304</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">150</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HUM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>07/26/24</td>
<td>$29.5</td>
<td>$26.2</td>
<td>$27.0</td>
<td>$370.00</td>
<td>$135.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">304</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HUM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/26/24</td>
<td>$30.7</td>
<td>$25.3</td>
<td>$27.0</td>
<td>$370.00</td>
<td>$135.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">304</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">250</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>HUM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$59.5</td>
<td>$58.2</td>
<td>$59.5</td>
<td>$360.00</td>
<td>$130.9K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">96</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">2</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Humana</h3>
Humana is one of the largest private health insurers in the us with a focus on administering Medicare Advantage plans. The firm has built a niche specializing in government-sponsored programs, with nearly all its medical membership stemming from individual and group Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and the military's Tricare program. The firm is also a leader in stand-alone prescription drug plans for seniors enrolled in traditional fee-for-service Medicare. Beyond medical insurance, the company provides other healthcare services, including primary-care services, at-home services, and pharmacy benefit management.
<h3>Where Is Humana Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 1,318,296, the price of HUM is up by 1.97%, reaching $403.41.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 14 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Humana</h3>
A total of 3 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $388.6666666666667.
<ul>
<li>In a cautious move, an analyst from Piper Sandler downgraded its rating to Overweight, setting a price target of $392. </li>
<li>An analyst from Morgan Stanley downgraded its action to Equal-Weight with a price target of $374. </li>
<li>An analyst from Truist Securities persists with their Hold rating on Humana, maintaining a target price of $400. </li>
</ul>
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Humana, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

Markets

Humana Unusual Options Activity For July 17

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on Axon Enterprise (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXON#NASDAQ">AXON</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with AXON, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?utm_source=insights">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 11 uncommon options trades for Axon Enterprise.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 36% bullish and 54%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 2 are puts, for a total amount of $67,520, and 9 are calls, for a total amount of $597,315.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $195.0 to $480.0 for Axon Enterprise over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Axon Enterprise options trades today is 77.64 with a total volume of 16.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Axon Enterprise's big money trades within a strike price range of $195.0 to $480.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>Axon Enterprise Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1721244673_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AXON</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$20.2</td>
<td>$19.9</td>
<td>$20.0</td>
<td>$330.00</td>
<td>$200.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">465</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AXON</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$61.8</td>
<td>$60.0</td>
<td>$60.0</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
<td>$90.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">13</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AXON</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$17.9</td>
<td>$17.6</td>
<td>$17.73</td>
<td>$480.00</td>
<td>$79.7K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">47</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AXON</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>08/16/24</td>
<td>$121.2</td>
<td>$118.0</td>
<td>$119.09</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$59.5K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">5</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AXON</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$45.6</td>
<td>$44.4</td>
<td>$44.4</td>
<td>$340.00</td>
<td>$44.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">32</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Axon Enterprise</h3>
Axon Enterprise Inc develops, manufactures, and sells conducted energy devices and cloud-based digital evidence management software designed for use by law enforcement, corrections, military forces, private security personnel, and private individuals for personal defense. The company operates in two segments: Taser and software &amp; sensors. Taser develops and sells CEDs used for protecting users and virtual reality training. Software and sensors manufacture fully integrated hardware and cloud-based software solutions such as body cameras, automated license plate reading, and digital evidence management systems. Axon delivers its products worldwide and derives the majority of its revenue from the software &amp; sensors segment and geographically from the United States.
<h3>Where Is Axon Enterprise Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 467,950, the AXON's price is up by 0.08%, now at $319.67. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 20 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Axon Enterprise</h3>
2 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $382.5.
<ul>
<li>An analyst from B of A Securities has revised its rating downward to Buy, adjusting the price target to $380. </li>
<li>In a cautious move, an analyst from Jefferies downgraded its rating to Buy, setting a price target of $385. </li>
</ul>
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Axon Enterprise, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

AXON

Axon Enterprise Unusual Options Activity

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on M&amp;T Bank (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MTB#NYSE">MTB</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with MTB, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?utm_source=insights">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 9 uncommon options trades for M&amp;T Bank.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 22% bullish and 66%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 3 are puts, for a total amount of $161,980, and 6 are calls, for a total amount of $235,663.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $140.0 to $180.0 for M&amp;T Bank during the past quarter. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for M&amp;T Bank's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across M&amp;T Bank's significant trades, within a strike price range of $140.0 to $180.0, over the past month.
<h3>M&amp;T Bank Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1721244668_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Open Interest</th>
<th style="text-align: right;">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>MTB</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/15/24</td>
<td>$4.3</td>
<td>$4.2</td>
<td>$4.2</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$85.5K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">9</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MTB</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$13.8</td>
<td>$13.5</td>
<td>$13.5</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
<td>$81.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">224</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MTB</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$13.8</td>
<td>$13.2</td>
<td>$13.2</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
<td>$39.6K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">5</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MTB</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/19/24</td>
<td>$1.45</td>
<td>$1.2</td>
<td>$1.45</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$39.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">7</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">33</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MTB</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$3.8</td>
<td>$3.4</td>
<td>$3.7</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
<td>$37.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">111</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About M&amp;T Bank</h3>
M&amp;T Bank is one of the largest regional banks in the United States, with branches in New York, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Maryland, Delaware, and New Jersey. The bank was founded to serve manufacturing and trading businesses around the Erie Canal and is primarily focused on commercial real estate and commercial-related lending, with some retail operations also present.
In light of the recent options history for M&amp;T Bank, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Where Is M&amp;T Bank Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 631,684, with MTB's price up by 0.99%, positioned at $164.74.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 1 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on M&amp;T Bank</h3>
Over the past month, 4 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $165.75.
<ul>
<li>Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Piper Sandler keeps a Overweight rating on M&amp;T Bank with a target price of $164. </li>
<li>An analyst from Jefferies has decided to maintain their Hold rating on M&amp;T Bank, which currently sits at a price target of $161. </li>
<li>An analyst from Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods persists with their Market Perform rating on M&amp;T Bank, maintaining a target price of $170. </li>
<li>Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Evercore ISI Group keeps a In-Line rating on M&amp;T Bank with a target price of $168. </li>
</ul>
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for M&amp;T Bank, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Smart Money Is Betting Big In MTB Options

Extra Space Storage (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EXR#NYSE">EXR</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 20 years by 5.32% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 13.84%. Currently, Extra Space Storage has a market capitalization of $34.89 billion. 
Buying $1000 In EXR: If an investor had bought $1000 of EXR stock 20 years ago, it would be worth $13,360.00 today based on a price of $164.81 for EXR at the time of writing.
<h3>Extra Space Storage's Performance Over Last 20 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1721244628_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.

Here's How Much You Would Have Made Owning Extra Space Storage Stock In The Last 20 Years

The Federal Reserve&#8217;s latest Beige Book, covering late May through early July, showcases ongoing slight to modest economic <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/macro-economic-events">growth in most Districts. </a>
However, the report reveals seven Districts noting growth while five experiencing flat or declining activity, marking an uptick in Districts with stagnant or reduced economic performance compared <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/05/39072594/fed-beige-book-shows-modest-economic-expansion-ahead-of-key-gdp-inflation-data-re">to the previous period.</a>
Household spending has remained largely unchanged during the period. &#8220;It looks like the economy will experience that soft landing as pricing pressures ease and consumers moderate spending patterns,&#8221; Jeffrey Roach, chief economist for LPL Financial, commented. 
Roach anticipates businesses becoming more selective in their hiring, potentially leading to smaller payrolls. He advises investors to focus on new orders, unemployment claims, and select commodity prices as leading indicators of future economic growth.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Key Insights from July&#8217;s Fed Beige Book</h3>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Consumer Spending and Retail</h4>
<ul>
<li>Overall Activity: Household spending was steady, with varied consumer behavior across different regions.</li>
<li>Auto Sales: The automotive sector showed mixed results, hindered by a cyberattack on dealerships and persistently high interest rates.</li>
<li>Travel and Tourism: This sector continued its steady growth, aligning with seasonal expectations.</li>
</ul>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Manufacturing and Services</h4>
<ul>
<li>Nonfinancial Services: Service demand saw slight growth, with regional variations.</li>
<li>Manufacturing: Activity ranged from moderate growth to noticeable declines, reflecting broader economic uncertainties.</li>
<li>Transportation: Retail restocking efforts contributed to a slight increase in transportation activity, but tight capacity in ocean shipping drove up spot rates.</li>
</ul>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Lending and Real Estate</h4>
<ul>
<li>Credit Standards: Most Districts reported subdued demand for consumer and business loans, influenced by tight credit conditions.</li>
<li>Housing Market: Residential and commercial real estate markets showed only slight changes, with some regions reporting stabilization and others noting continued softness.</li>
</ul>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Energy and Agriculture</h4>
<ul>
<li>Energy Activity: The sector&#8217;s performance varied by region.</li>
<li>Agriculture: Conditions were mixed, influenced by sporadic droughts and other environmental factors.</li>
</ul>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Labor Markets</h4>
<ul>
<li>Employment: Overall, employment levels increased slightly. However, certain sectors, particularly manufacturing, saw declines due to reduced new orders.</li>
<li>Labor Availability: There was a reported improvement in labor supply across most Districts, although skilled-worker shortages persisted.</li>
<li>Wage Growth: Wages grew at a modest to moderate pace, with some slowing observed due to increased worker availability and reduced competition for employees.</li>
</ul>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Prices</h4>
<ul>
<li>Price Increases: Prices generally rose at a modest pace, with several Districts highlighting consumer resistance to higher prices, leading to narrower profit margins.</li>
<li>Retail Discounts: Retailers continued to offer discounts to attract cost-conscious consumers.</li>
<li>Input Costs: While most Districts reported stabilizing input costs, Atlanta noted significant increases in prices for copper and electrical supplies.</li>
</ul>
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Notable District Developments</h4>
<ul>
<li>Boston: Modest growth with slight price and wage increases. Residential real estate improved; commercial activity flat.</li>
<li>New York: Stable activity with easing labor market. Slight increases in consumer spending and inventory; home sales constrained.</li>
<li>Philadelphia: Slight growth driven by nonmanufacturing sector. Modest wage and price inflation; mixed future growth expectations.</li>
<li>Cleveland: Slight decline in activity. Consumer spending and demand for manufactured goods softened.</li>
<li>Richmond: Slight growth with modest consumer spending and increased leisure travel. Wage growth outpaced price growth.</li>
<li>Atlanta: Flat activity with stable labor markets and eased wage growth. Mixed trends in transportation and energy.</li>
<li>Chicago: Slight growth with modest employment and wage increases. Slight rises in consumer and business spending; manufacturing and construction declined.</li>
<li>St. Louis: Slight growth with mixed consumer spending. Stable agriculture due to high rainfall.</li>
<li>Minneapolis: Slight decline with moderate wage pressures. Mixed consumer spending and improvements in construction.</li>
<li>Kansas City: Moderate growth driven by robust consumer spending. Stable employment; strong labor market-supported wage growth.</li>
<li>Dallas: Slight growth led by nonfinancial services, finance, and energy. Weaker housing demand and retail sales; stable manufacturing.</li>
<li>San Francisco: Stable activity and employment with slight wage and price growth. Declines in retail sales; mixed trends in services, manufacturing, and real estate.</li>
</ul>
Read now: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39823332/nasdaq-100-suffers-worst-day-in-11-months-as-chipmakers-tumble-on-china-curbs-magnificent-">Nasdaq 100 Suffers Worst Day In 11 Months As Chipmakers Tumble On China Curbs; Magnificent 7 Wipe Out $500B : What&#8217;s Driving Markets Wednesday?</a></li>
</ul>
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Analyst Color

Macro Economic Events

Topics

Econ #s

Economics

Federal Reserve

July Fed Beige Book Shows More Underperforming Districts: 'The Economy Will Experience That Soft Landing'

U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/slca#NYSE">SLCA</a>) announced the shareholder approval of its acquisition by funds managed by affiliates of Apollo, a premier investment firm. This all-cash transaction was approved during a special meeting of the company&#39;s stockholders on Jul 16, 2024. The closing of the Merger is subject to the terms and conditions outlined in the agreement, with an expected completion before the end of the current quarter.
At the Special Meeting, approximately 78% of the company&#39;s outstanding shares were voted on, with over 75% approving the merger. The company plans to file the final voting results in a Current Report on Form 8-K with the SEC.
U.S. Silica, in April 2024, announced that its shareholders would receive $15.50 in cash per share of common stock at the time of the deal&#39;s closure. Following the transaction&#39;s completion, the company will go private and be delisted from the New York Stock Exchange. However, U.S. Silica will continue to operate under the same name and brand, led by its current CEO and executive team.
U.S. Silica&#39;s shares are up 19.3% in the past year compared with a 1.4% fall in the&nbsp;industry.
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/a0/71576.jpg?v=1838178360" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
SLCA recorded first-quarter adjusted earnings of 20 cents per share, down from 64 cents in the year-ago quarter, missing the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 21 cents. The company reported revenues of $325.9 million, down approximately 26% year over year and lagging the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $338.5 million.
<div class="chart_embed">
<h3>U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. Price and Consensus</h3>
<img alt="U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. Price and Consensus" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/charts/14/1721203423.png" style="height:265px; width:576px" title="" />
U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. price-consensus-chart | U.S. Silica Holdings, Inc. Quote
</div>
<h3>Zacks Rank &amp; Key Picks</h3>
U.S. Silica currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
Some better-ranked stocks in the Basic Materials space are Carpenter Technology Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/crs#NYSE">CRS</a>), Eldorado Gold Corporation&nbsp;(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ego#NYSE">EGO</a>) and Kinross Gold Corporation (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/kgc#NYSE">KGC</a>). Carpenter Technology and Eldorado Gold sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), and Kinross carries a Zacks Rank #2.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for CRS&#39;s current-year earnings is pegged at $4.35, indicating a year-over-year rise of 282%. CRS&#39; earnings beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate in three of the last four quarters while matching it once, the average earnings surprise being 15.1%. The company&#39;s shares have soared 111.5% in the past year.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for EGO&#39;s current-year earnings is pegged at $1.09, indicating a year-over-year rise of 91.2%. EGO&#39;s earnings estimates have increased 10% in the past 60 days. EGO beat the consensus estimate in the last four quarters, with the average earnings surprise being 430.7%. The stock has rallied 50.7% in the past year.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Kinross&#39;s current-year earnings is pegged at 52 cents, indicating a rise of 18.2% from the year-ago levels. KGC beat the consensus in the last four quarters, with the average earnings surprise being 46%. The stock has surged nearly 79.9% in the past year.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2303696/u-s-silica-s-slca-acquisition-by-apollo-gets-shareholders-nod?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|company_news_corporate_actions-2303696">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Earnings

Earnings Beats

Small Cap

SLCA

U.S. Silica's Acquisition by Apollo Gets Shareholders' Nod

<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-17/conn-s-plans-mass-store-closings-ahead-of-possible-bankruptcy?sref=y3YMCJ4e">https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-17/conn-s-plans-mass-store-closings-ahead-of-possible-bankruptcy?sref=y3YMCJ4e</a>
Furniture retailer <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/quote/CONN:US">Conn's Inc.</a> is planning to shutter around 100 locations and liquidate the inventory as part of a bankruptcy filing <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-01/retailer-conn-s-mulls-bankruptcy-filing-amid-sales-declines">planned</a> for the coming weeks, according to people with knowledge of the matter.
The company has also been huddling with investors in search of financing to help fund its bankruptcy process, according to some of the people, who asked not to be named discussing private information.

CONN

'Furniture Retailer Conn's Plans Mass Store Closings Ahead Of Possible Bankruptcy; Liquidations Would Shutter More Than 40% Of Company's Stores; Furniture Chain Acquired A Rival Last Year To Expand Reach' - Bloomberg News

WaFd, Inc.&#39;s (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/wafd#NASDAQ">WAFD</a>) third-quarter fiscal 2024 (ended Jun 30) adjusted earnings of 76 cents per share handily surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 59 cents. Also, the bottom line rose 4.1% sequentially.
The quarter marked the first full quarter after the completion of the acquisition of Luther Burbank Corporation (LBC).
The results reflected a rise in net interest income (NII) and other income, which aided the top line. Also, higher loan balances and lower provisions were other positives. However, a rise in expenses and a slight decline in the deposit balance acted as spoilsports.
Results in the reported quarter excluded merger-related costs and certain non-operating expenses. After considering those, net income available to common shareholders (GAAP basis) was $60.9 million or 75 cents per share, significantly up from $12.2 million or 17 cents per share in the prior quarter.
<h3>Revenues Rise, Expenses Up</h3>
Adjusted net revenues were $193.4 million, rising 11.2% from the prior quarter. Also, the top line surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $180.6 million.
NII came in at $177.2 million, growing 11.7% sequentially. The net interest margin was 2.56%, contracting 17 basis points (bps). Our estimates for NII and NIM were $166.8 million and 2.74%, respectively.
The total adjusted other income of $16.2 million rose 5.9%. Our estimate for the metric was $14.5 million.
Total adjusted other expenses were $107.8 million, up 5.9%. The rise was due to an increase in all the components. Our estimate for the metric was $114.8 million. During the reported quarter, WaFd recorded $2.3 million of merger-related expenses for the LBC deal.
The company&#39;s adjusted efficiency ratio was 55.7%, down from 58.5% in the prior quarter. A fall in the efficiency ratio reflects improved profitability.
As of Jun 30, 2024, net loans receivable were $20.9 billion, growing marginally from the prior quarter. During the quarter, the company sold $2.8 billion of acquired multifamily loans.
Total customer deposits were $21.2 billion, recording a slight fall.&nbsp;
At the end of the fiscal third quarter, the adjusted return on average common equity was 9.36%, up from 8.74% at the end of the prior quarter. Adjusted return on average assets was 0.88%, stable on a sequential basis.
<h3>Credit Quality: A Mixed Bag</h3>
As of Jun 30, 2024, allowance for credit losses (including reserve for unfunded commitments) was 1% of gross loans outstanding, stable from the prior quarter end.
In the reported quarter, the provision for credit losses was $1.5 million compared with $16 million provisions in the previous quarter.
The ratio of non-performing assets to total assets was 0.24%, up 1 bp.
<h3>Share Repurchase Update</h3>
During the quarter, WAFD repurchased 0.36 million shares at an average price of $26.63 per share.
In May, the company increased the buyback authorization by 10 million shares. As of Jun 30, 2024, approximately 11.5 million shares remained available under the authorization.
<h3>Our Viewpoint</h3>
Decent loan growth, higher interest rates and a robust balance sheet are likely to continue aiding WAFD&#39;s financials. The LBC acquisition expanded the company&#39;s presence in the lucrative California market and will be accretive to earnings in fiscal 2025. However, elevated expenses and an expected economic slowdown are near-term headwinds.
<div class="chart_embed">
<h3>WaFd, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise</h3>
<img alt="WaFd, Inc. Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/charts/00/1721219140.png" style="height:265px; width:577px" title="" />
WaFd, Inc. price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | WaFd, Inc. Quote
</div>
Currently, WAFD carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold).
<h3>Earnings Dates &amp; Expectations of Other Banks</h3>
BankUnited (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/bku#NYSE">BKU</a>) is scheduled to announce second-quarter 2024 numbers on Jul 18.
Over the past 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for BKU&#39;s quarterly earnings has been revised 1.5% down to 65 cents, suggesting a 16.7% decline from the prior-year reported number.
Commerce Bancshares (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/cbsh#NASDAQ">CBSH</a>) is also set to announce second-quarter 2024 numbers on Jul 18.
Over the past month, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for CBSH&#39;s quarterly earnings has moved 3.4% north to 91 cents. This implies a 6.2% decrease from the prior-year quarter.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2303592/wafd-s-q3-earnings-beat-estimates-revenues-rise-on-lbc-deal?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|earnings_article-2303592">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

CBSH

WAFD

WAFD's Q3 Earnings Beat Estimates, Revenues Rise on LBC Deal

Aehr Test Systems (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AEHR#NASDAQ">AEHR</a>) shares are soaring Wednesday following<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/07/ac39803522/aehr-test-systems-reports-fiscal-2024-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-financial-results-and-provides"> robust fiscal Q4 2024 results and optimistic FY25 guidance. </a>
What Happened: The semiconductor test equipment supplier <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/07/ac39803522/aehr-test-systems-reports-fiscal-2024-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-financial-results-and-provides">reported fourth-quarter net revenue</a> of $16.6 million, beating estimates of $15.44 million. Non-GAAP net income of $0.84 per share, beating the consensus estimate of $0.10.
For the fiscal year, Aehr achieved a record net revenue of $66.2 million. 
Looking ahead, Aehr projects fiscal year 2025 revenue of at $70 million, surpassing the $65.1 million consensus estimate.
What Else: CEO Gayn Erickson also highlighted the role of silicon carbide power semiconductors in the company's success, driven by demand in the electric vehicle (EV) market. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/07/ac39803528/aehr-receives-12-7-million-in-orders-for-fox-waferpak-tm-full-wafer-contactors-to-support-product">Aehr received $12.7 million in orders</a> for its FOX WaferPak full wafer Contactors, reinforcing its strong position in the silicon carbide market. The company also announced the acquisition of Incal Technology, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/07/ac39803576/aehr-test-systems-to-acquire-incal-technology-expanding-its-addressable-market-within-the-rapidly">expanding its reach into the AI semiconductor market.</a>
AEHR Price Action: Aehr Test systems shares were up by 23.7% at $20.84 according to<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard"> Benzinga Pro.</a>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="http://www.benzinga.com/pro/register/?utm_source=BZprocontent071724&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="541" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/17142116/AEHR-1024x541.png" alt="" class="wp-image-441493" style="width:479px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/17142116/AEHR-1024x541.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/17142116/AEHR-300x159.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/17142116/AEHR-768x406.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/17142116/AEHR.png 1069w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
See Also: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/39822984/whats-in-store-for-microsoft-in-q4-analyst-sees-azure-strength-double-digit-revenue">What&#8217;s In Store For Microsoft In Q4? Analyst Sees Azure Strength, Double-Digit Revenue Growth Outlook</a></li>
</ul>
Photo Courtesy: buffaloboy on Shutterstock.

AEHR

Why Are Aehr Test Systems Shares Surging Wednesday?

Government

Politics

Legal

General

Special Counsel Jack Smith Formally Appeals Dismissal Of Classified Documents Case Against Former President Donald Trump

AutoNation, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/an#NYSE">AN</a>) has lowered its second-quarter 2024 quarterly earnings forecast following a cyberattack on software provider CDK Global on Jun 19, 2024. The auto retailer cut its guidance for earnings per share by $1.50 to $3.15-$3.30 for the three months ending Jun 30.
Despite the negative impact of the CDK outage on AutoNation&#39;s business and productivity, the incident is not expected to have a significant impact on the company&#39;s overall financial condition or operations. The company has regained access to its dealer management system and core functions and anticipates completing the restoration of the remaining ancillary systems by the end of July.
With the guidance trimmed for the second quarter of 2024, should investors consider selling the stock? Or is it worth retaining in your portfolio? Let&#39;s find out.
<h3>Soundly Managed Risk &amp; Expansion Efforts to Drive Prospects</h3>
A diversified product mix and multiple streams of income (from the sale of new and used vehicles, after-sales services and customer financial business) reduce the risk profile of AutoNation and augur well for its earnings and sales growth.
A strong geographical footprint, large dealer network and store expansion efforts are praiseworthy and allow the company to reach and serve a broad customer base. In the last reported quarter, the company expanded its used vehicle store footprint in the United States by opening four additional stores.
Enhanced digital solutions are expanding the company&#39;s market presence, with initiatives like next-day ship-to-home, curb-side pick-up and buy-online, pick-up in-store (BOPIS) gaining traction. Omni-channel marketing is integral to AutoNation&#39;s long-term strategy and customer preference for the model is expected to increase its revenues. The launch of AutoNation Express, facilitating online vehicle buying and selling, signifies a leap in digitization.
<h3>Acquisitions to Support Top-Line Growth</h3>
Buyouts of Priority 1 Automotive and Peacock Automotive&#39;s 11 dealerships have boosted AutoNation&#39;s annualized revenues. The acquisition of four dealerships from Moreland Auto Group is also fueling AN&#39;s annual revenues.
Additionally, the CIG Financial buyout has unlocked a significant upside for AutoNation&#39;s F&amp;I segment. The acquisition seeks to take AutoNation&#39;s relationship with its customers beyond the buying experience and throughout the vehicle ownership life cycle. The acquisition of RepairSmith has expanded the company&#39;s range of after-sales services.
<h3>Conclusion</h3>
Despite a stretched balance sheet and rising competition, AutoNation has consistently beat earnings estimates in recent quarters. Better management of risk, rising geographical footprint, large dealer network, store expansion efforts and acquisitions have corroborated the company&#39;s growth. In light of these factors, investors who already have this Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) stock in their portfolio should retain it.
<h3>Key Picks</h3>
Some better-ranked stocks in the auto space are Suzuki Motor Corporation (OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/szkmy#OTC">SZKMY</a>), Honda Motor Co., Ltd. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/hmc#NYSE">HMC</a>) and American Axle &amp; Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/axl#NYSE">AXL</a>), each sporting a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) at present.
The consensus estimate for SZKMY&#39;s 2025 earnings suggests year-over-year growth of 2.09%. EPS estimates for 2025 and 2026 have improved 38 cents and 15 cents, respectively, in the past 60 days.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for HMC&#39;s 2025 sales and earnings suggests year-over-year growth of 0.73%. EPS estimates for 2025 have improved 9 cents in the past 60 days.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AXL&#39;s 2024 sales and earnings suggests year-over-year growth of 3.05% and 544.44%, respectively. EPS estimates for 2024 have moved up 2 cents in the past 60 days. The same for 2025 has moved up 5 cents in the past 30 days.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2303686/autonation-an-cuts-q2-eps-view-buy-hold-or-sell-the-stock?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|company_news_corporate_actions-2303686">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Guidance

SZKMY

AutoNation Cuts Q2 EPS View: Buy, Hold or Sell the Stock?

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/vz#NYSE">VZ</a>) is scheduled to report second-quarter 2024 earnings on Jul 22. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for second-quarter sales and earnings is pegged at $33.07 billion and $1.15 per share, respectively. Earnings estimates for VZ have declined marginally from $4.59 per share to $4.58 per share for 2024 and from $4.72 per share to $4.71 per share for 2025 over the past 30 days. 
VZ Estimate Trend
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/72/71641.jpg?v=1457466234" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
<h3>Earnings Surprise History</h3>
The communication services provider has had a modest earnings surprise history in the trailing four quarters, exceeding earnings expectations on each occasion. It delivered a four-quarter earnings surprise of 2.83%, on average. In the last reported quarter, the company delivered an earnings surprise of 2.68%.
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/c3/71642.jpg?v=1803143584" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
<h3>Earnings Whispers</h3>
Our proven model does not conclusively predict an earnings beat for Verizon for the second quarter. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the chances of an earnings beat. This is not the case here.
Verizon currently has an ESP of -0.06% with a Zacks Rank #3.
<h3>Factors Shaping Upcoming Results</h3>
Verizon is offering various mix-and-match pricing in wireless and home broadband plans that have historically led to increased adoption of 5G devices and premium unlimited plans. In addition to various bundle plans for varied streaming services, it offers customers greater control and flexibility over their preferred content selections, allowing them to pay only for what they want. This is likely to have translated into healthy customer additions and higher revenues from the Consumer segment.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues from the Consumer segment is pegged at $25.01 billion, while our model projects revenues of $24.95 billion.
During the reported quarter, Verizon deployed innovative, human-assisted GenAI applications that streamline processes and ensure positive customer engagements. These cutting-edge tools ease the business processes with Verizon and reduce the cognitive load on store and customer service employees. Designed to work alongside human representatives, these AI tools act as personal guides, leading customers to the best solutions and offers available. These are likely to have translated into incremental revenues in the Business segment.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues from the Business segment is pegged at $7.44 billion, while our model projects revenues of $7.49 billion.
However, adverse foreign currency translations, infrastructure investments and high operating costs for 5G deployments are likely to have led to soft margins in the quarter. Moreover, the promotional offers and lucrative discounts are expected to have weighed on margins. In addition, the company&#39;s wireline division is struggling with persistent losses in access lines owing to competitive pressure from the voice-over-Internet protocol (VoIP) service providers and aggressive triple-play (voice, data and video) offerings by cable companies.
Verizon also recorded high capital expenditures for the launch and continued build-out of its 5G Ultra-Wideband network, deployment of significant fiber assets across the country and Intelligent Edge Network architecture upgrades.
<h3>Price Performance</h3>
Over the past year, VZ has gained 28.4% compared with the industry&#39;s growth of 32.5%. It has also underperformed its peers like AT&amp;T Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/t#NYSE">T</a>) and T-Mobile US Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tmus#NASDAQ">TMUS</a>) over this period.
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/af/71643.jpg?v=1937373495" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
<h3>Key Valuation Metric</h3>
From a valuation standpoint, Verizon appears attractive relative to the industry and is trading below its mean. Going by the price/earnings ratio, the company shares currently trade at 8.92 forward earnings, lower than 11.11 for the industry and the stock&#39;s mean of 9.75.
<img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/f7/71644.jpg?v=525258365" />
Image Source: Zacks Investment Research
<h3>Investment Considerations</h3>
With one of the most efficient wireless networks in the United States, Verizon continues to deploy the latest 4G LTE Advanced technologies to deliver faster peak data speeds and capacity for customers, driven by customer-focused planning, disciplined engineering and constant strategic investment. Verizon has been aggressively forging ahead to expand its fiber optics networks to support 4G LTE and 5G wireless standards as well as wireline connections.
However, high capital expenditures due to the continued expansion of 5G mmWave in new and existing markets, the densification of the 4G LTE wireless network and the deployment of the fiber infrastructure have eroded margins. An ongoing shift from traditional linear video to over-the-top offerings, along with a competitive and almost saturated U.S. wireless market, is further likely to weigh on the company&#39;s revenues in the future.
<h3>End Note</h3>
With a Zacks Rank #3, Verizon appears to be treading in the middle of the road, and new investors could be better off if they trade with caution. It appears that the recent initiatives have mostly fallen flat as it plays a catch-up game with its rivals. With declining earnings estimates, the stock is witnessing a negative investor perception. Consequently, it might not be a prudent investment decision to bet on the stock at the moment.
However, a single quarter&#39;s results are not so important for long-term stakeholders and investors already owning the stock could stay put. In addition, an attractive valuation and focus on the deployment of a cloud-native, container-based, virtualized architecture for higher flexibility, scalability and cost efficiency across its network will likely reap long-term benefits. These, in turn, offer some enticing reasons for continuing to invest in the stock over a long-term horizon.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2303593/verizon-vz-stock-before-q2-earnings-to-buy-or-not-to-buy?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|most_popular_stocks-2303593">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Tech

TMUS

Verizon Stock Before Q2 Earnings: To Buy or Not to Buy?

Canaccord Genuity analyst William Plovanic maintains AngioDynamics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ANGO#NASDAQ">ANGO</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $18 to $13.

ANGO

Canaccord Genuity Maintains Buy on AngioDynamics, Lowers Price Target to $13

Cosan: A Promising Player In Brazil's Energy Transition

Natural Gas Services Group (NGS) reported higher-than-expected earnings and revenue during the fourth quarter. Analysts expect its revenue and earnings to increase this year. Therefore, should investors consider buying the energy stock post-earnings? Read on to learn my view... Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/NGS/">NGS</a>) announced its fourth-quarter earnings and revenue on April 1. It comfortably surpassed the consensus earnings and revenue estimates. In this piece, I have discussed why it could be prudent to wait for a better entry point in the stock now.
During the fourth quarter, NGS demonstrated strong financial performance. Its EPS was 116.7% above the consensus estimate, and its revenue beat analyst estimates by 19.5%. Similarly, its fiscal 2023 EPS and revenue surpassed Wall Street's estimates by 22.6% and 5.2%, respectively. The company reported record revenue and EBITDA in 2023.
For fiscal 2024, the company has guided adjusted EBITDA between $58 million and $65 million. Its capital expenditures for new units are expected to be between $40 million and $50 million, of which approximately $15 million will be used to build new units from the 2023 plan, which is expected to be completed and installed this year.
The company also expects to generate a Return on Invested Capital of at least 20%. NGS' stock has gained 130% over the past nine months and 120.9% over the past year to close the last trading session at $22.77.
Here's what could influence NGS' performance in the upcoming months:
Robust Financials
NGS' revenue for the fiscal fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023, increased 60.8% year-over-year to $36.22 million. Its adjusted gross margin rose 88.9% over the prior-year quarter to $20.26 million. The company's net income came in at $1.70 million, compared to a net loss of $756 thousand in the prior-year quarter. Also, its <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/adjusted-ebitda.asp">adjusted EBITDA</a> increased 110.1% year-over-year to $16.29 million.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, NGS' total revenue rose 42.8% year-over-year to $121.17 million. Its operating income increased significantly year-over-year to $10.46 million. The company's net income stood at $4.75 million, compared to a net loss of $569 thousand in the year-ago period. Also, its EPS came in at $0.38, compared to a loss per share of $0.05 in the prior-year quarter.
Favorable Analyst Estimates
Analysts expect NGS' EPS and revenue for fiscal 2024 to increase 121.1% and 18% year-over-year to $0.84 and $143.03 million, respectively. Its EPS and revenue for fiscal 2025 are expected to increase 40.5% and 9.8% year-over-year to $1.18 and $157.09 million, respectively.
Stretched Valuation
In terms of forward non-GAAP P/E, NGS' 22.77x is 97% higher than the 11.56x industry average. Its 3.10x forward EV/Sales is 48% higher than the 2.09x industry average. Likewise, its 7.18x forward EV/EBITDA is 21.4% higher than the 5.91x industry average.
Weak Profitability
In terms of the trailing-12-month EBITDA margin, NGS' 31.60% is 13.4% lower than the 36.50% industry average. Likewise, its 0.30x trailing-12-month asset turnover ratio is 42.1% lower than the industry average of 0.52x. Furthermore, its 2.04% trailing-12-month Return on Common Equity is 88.4% lower than the industry average of 17.61%.
POWR Ratings Reflect Uncertainty
NGS has an overall rating of C, equating to a Neutral in our POWR Ratings system. The <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a> are calculated by considering 118 different factors, each weighted to an optimal degree.
Our proprietary rating system also evaluates each stock based on eight distinct categories. NGS has a C grade for Stability, consistent with its 1.14 beta.
It has an A grade for Sentiment, in sync with its favorable analyst estimates. NGS' stretched valuation justifies its D grade for Value.
It has an F grade for Quality, consistent with its weak profitability.
NGS is ranked #43 out of 50 stocks in the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/energy-services/">Energy – Services</a> industry. <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/NGS/">Click here</a> to access NGS' Growth and Momentum ratings.
Bottom Line
After ending fiscal 2023 on a solid note, NGS is confident of generating higher earnings from its existing assets and expanding the size of its fleet. This year's interest rate cuts are expected to benefit the company, as lower rates could boost demand for commodities, especially crude oil.
However, the company could face challenges due to slowing economic activity, which could lead to a slowdown in demand and impact oil production. Moreover, the natural gas markets continue to struggle due to weaker prices and demand.
Given its mixed stability, it could be wise to wait for a better entry point in the stock.
How Does Natural Gas Services Group, Inc. (NGS) Stack Up Against Its Peers?
NGS has an overall POWR Rating of C, equating to a Neutral rating. You may check out these A and B-rated stocks within the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/energy-services/">Energy – Services</a> industry: Vibra Energia S.A. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/PETRY/">PETRY</a>), Trican Well Service Ltd. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TOLWF/">TOLWF</a>), and Technip Energies N.V. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/THNPY/">THNPY</a>). For exploring more Buy-rated Energy - Services stocks, <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/energy-services/">click here</a>.
What To Do Next?
43 year investment veteran, Steve Reitmeister, has just released his 2024 market outlook along with trading plan and top 11 picks for the year ahead.
<a href="https://report.stocknews.com/sign-up/stock-market-outlook-2024/?formplacement=artbotad_smo24_rep">2024 Stock Market Outlook &gt;</a>

<hr />
NGS shares were unchanged in premarket trading Wednesday. Year-to-date, NGS has gained 41.60%, versus a 9.50% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Dipanjan Banchur</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Dipanjan-Banchur_headshots_3.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Since he was in grade school, Dipanjan was interested in the stock market. This led to him obtaining a master's degree in Finance and Accounting. Currently, as an investment analyst and financial journalist, Dipanjan has a strong interest in reading and analyzing emerging trends in financial markets.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=dipanjan-banchur">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/ngs-petry-tolwf-thnpy-natural-gas-services-group-ngs-is-this-energy-stock-a/>Natural Gas Services Group (NGS): Is This Energy Stock a Strong Buy After Earnings?</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

Natural Gas Services Group (NGS): Is This Energy Stock a Strong Buy After Earnings?

Schlumberger (SLB), the world's biggest oilfield services company, will publish its first-quarter earnings on April 19. The company is expected to report revenue and earnings growth over the prior-year quarter. Therefore, is it time to invest in the stock ahead of its earnings? Read on to learn my view... Schlumberger Limited (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/SLB/">SLB</a>) will report its first-quarter results on April 19. Wall Street expects the company to post higher revenue and earnings in the first quarter. With SLB's earnings expected shortly, I have discussed why waiting for an opportune entry point in the stock could be wise.
For the first quarter, SLB's EPS and revenue are expected to increase 18.9% and 12.5% year-over-year to $0.75 and $8.70 billion, respectively. The company has a solid earnings history, beating the consensus estimate in each of the trailing four quarters. For the first quarter, SLB expects revenue growth in the low teens and EBITDA growth in the mid-teens. SLB announced it will return $7 billion to shareholders over the next two years.
SLB intends to increase its 2024 shareholder returns to $3 billion and set a target of $4 billion for 2025. It forecasts over $100 billion in global offshore FIDs (final investment decisions) in 2024 and 2025. In the International markets, the company expects full-year revenue growth to be in the mid-teens, led by the Middle East and Asia, Europe, and Africa.
It expects to deliver more than $4 billion in additional subsea bookings this year, an increase of 25% year-over-year. Meanwhile, in North America, the company expects full-year revenue growth in the mid-single digits. Beyond 2025, SLB foresees record investment levels in the Middle East, as well as heightened offshore activity in Brazil, Guyana, Angola, and Norway.
SLB's stock has gained 6.4% over the past three months and declined 13.5% over the past six months to close the last trading session at $51.41.
Here's what you might want to consider ahead of its upcoming earnings release:
Strategic Acquisitions
On April 2, 2024, SLB announced a definitive agreement to acquire Champion X in an all-stock transaction. The acquisition strengthens SLB's position as a leader in the production space, with world-class production chemicals and artificial lift technologies. It will also help expand its presence in the less cyclical and growing production and recovery space, which aligns well with its returns-focused, capital-light strategy.
On March 27, 2024, SLB announced its agreement to combine its carbon capture business with Aker Carbon Capture (ACC) to support industrial decarbonization at scale. SLB CEO Olivier Le Peuch said, "For CCUS (carbon capture, utilization, and sequestration) to have the expected impact on supporting global net-zero ambitions, it will need to scale up 100-200 times in less than three decades."
"Crucial to this scale-up is the ability to lower capture costs, which often represent as much as 50-70% of the total spend of a CCUS project. We are excited to create this business with ACC to accelerate the deployment of carbon capture technologies that will shift the economics of carbon capture across high-emitting industrial sectors," he added.
Mixed Financials
SLB's revenue for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023, increased 14.1% year-over-year to $8.99 billion. Its adjusted EBITDA rose 18.5% over the prior-year quarter to $2.28 billion. The company's net income attributable to SLB increased 4.5% year-over-year to $1.11 billion. Also, its EPS came in at $0.77, representing an increase of 4% year-over-year.
On the other hand, its income before taxes margin came in at 15.9%, compared to 17.1% in the prior-year quarter.
For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, SLB's revenue increased 18% year-over-year to $33.14 billion. Its adjusted EBITDA rose 25.5% year-over-year to $8.11 billion. The company's net income attributable to SLB increased 22.1% over the prior-year period to $4.20 billion. Also, its EPS came in at $2.91, representing an increase of 21.8% year-over-year. In addition, its cash flow from operations rose 78.4% year-over-year to $6.64 billion.
On the other hand, its long-term debt increased 2.3% year-over-year to $10.84 billion.
Favorable Analyst Estimates
Analysts expect SLB's fiscal 2024 EPS and revenue to increase 18.5% and 12.7% year-over-year to $3.53 and $37.33 billion, respectively. Its fiscal 2025 EPS and revenue are expected to increase 18.5% and 11.3% year-over-year to $4.19 and $41.54 billion, respectively.
Similarly, analysts expect SLB's EPS and revenue for the quarter ending June 30, 2024, to increase 17.5% and 12.8% year-over-year to $0.85 and $9.13 billion, respectively.
Mixed Profitability
SLB's 16.56% trailing-12-month EBIT margin is 26.5% lower than the 22.52% industry average. Its 19.81% trailing-12-month gross profit margin is 57.3% lower than the 46.37% industry average. Additionally, its 7.38% trailing-12-month CAPEX / Sales is 49.6% lower than the 14.65% industry average.
On the other hand, SLB's 8.38% trailing-12-month levered FCF margin is 32.4% higher than the 6.33% industry average. Furthermore, the stock's 22.19% trailing-12-month Return on Common Equity is 24.7% higher than the industry average of 17.80%. Also, its 0.73x trailing-12-month asset turnover ratio is 40.3% higher than the industry average of 0.52x.
Stretched Valuation
In terms of forward non-GAAP P/E, SLB's 14.55x is 30.7% higher than the 11.13x industry average. Its 2.24x forward EV/Sales is 10.7% higher than the 2.02x industry average. Likewise, its 9x forward <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/ev-ebitda.asp">EV/EBITDA</a> is 56.6% higher than the 5.75x industry average.
POWR Ratings Reflect Uncertainty
SLB has an overall rating of C, equating to a Neutral in our POWR Ratings system. The <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a> are calculated by considering 118 different factors, each weighted to an optimal degree.
Our proprietary rating system also evaluates each stock based on eight distinct categories. SLB has a D grade for Value, consistent with its stretched valuation. Its 1.62 beta justifies its C grade for Stability.
It has a C grade for Quality, which is in sync with its mixed profitability.
SLB is ranked #17 out of 49 stocks in the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/energy-services/">Energy - Services</a> industry. <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/SLB/">Click here</a> to access SLB's Growth, Momentum, and Sentiment ratings.
Bottom Line
After a solid end to fiscal 2023, SLB expects further growth this year, driven by international investment and offshore growth. The company sees more than two-thirds of total investment taking place in the Middle East, offshore, and gas resources. SLB expects seasonal activity to bounce in the second quarter with further traction in the second half of the year.
The company's digital solutions are expected to be in demand as the industry goes through digitization. Moreover, its acquisition of ChampionX and investment in Aker Carbon Capture will drive future revenue growth.
Despite the favorable growth trends, the challenges of a slowdown in oil demand due to a sluggish global economy and a further escalation of tensions in the Middle East could hamper new investments and contract wins.
Given its mixed profitability and stability, it could be wise to wait for a better entry point in the stock.
How Does Schlumberger Limited (SLB) Stack Up Against Its Peers?
SLB has an overall POWR Rating of C, equating to a Neutral rating. You may check out these A and B-rated stocks within the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/energy-services/">Energy - Services</a> industry: Vibra Energia S.A. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/PETRY/">PETRY</a>), Trican Well Service Ltd. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TOLWF/">TOLWF</a>), and Geospace Technologies Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/GEOS/">GEOS</a>). For exploring more Buy-rated Energy - Services stocks, <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/energy-services/">click here</a>.
What To Do Next?
43 year investment veteran, Steve Reitmeister, has just released his 2024 market outlook along with trading plan and top 11 picks for the year ahead.
<a href="https://report.stocknews.com/sign-up/stock-market-outlook-2024/?formplacement=artbotad_smo24_rep">2024 Stock Market Outlook &gt;</a>

<hr />
SLB shares fell $0.04 (-0.08%) in premarket trading Wednesday. Year-to-date, SLB has declined -1.21%, versus a 6.27% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Dipanjan Banchur</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Dipanjan-Banchur_headshots_3.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Since he was in grade school, Dipanjan was interested in the stock market. This led to him obtaining a master's degree in Finance and Accounting. Currently, as an investment analyst and financial journalist, Dipanjan has a strong interest in reading and analyzing emerging trends in financial markets.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=dipanjan-banchur">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/slb-petry-tolwf-geos-schlumberger-slb-earnings-loom-is-it-time-to-invest/>Schlumberger (SLB) Earnings Loom - Is It Time to Invest?</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

Schlumberger (SLB) Earnings Loom - Is It Time to Invest?

Vibra Energia S.A. goes ex dividend tomorrow

Ultrapar: Potential Regulatory Problems And Unattractive Valuation

COPEL: Privatization Brings New And Promising Strategy

Despite recent challenges, including a dip in revenue and operational hurdles, Clean Energy (CLNE) rebounded from its losses in the first quarter. With the second quarter earnings report on the horizon, all eyes are on CLNE's potential turnaround in financial performance. Can CLNE boost investor confidence with its Q2 earnings? Read on to find out… Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/CLNE/">CLNE</a>), a pioneer in procuring and using renewable natural gas (RNG), will soon report its fiscal 2024 second-quarter results, which ended June 30. In this piece, we will determine whether Clean Energy can boost investor confidence with its upcoming report.
Valued at $544.76 million, Clean Energy provides natural gas as an alternative fuel for vehicle fleets in the U.S. and Canada. It supplies RNG, compressed natural gas (CNG), and liquified natural gas (LNG) for medium, and heavy-duty vehicles and offers operation and maintenance services for vehicle fleet customer stations.
Recently, CLNE has made significant strides, particularly in expanding its RNG production and distribution network. The company sold 58 million gallons of RNG during the first quarter, marking an 8.6% year-over-year increase. It also opened two new fueling stations in Texas and completed a major dairy farm RNG digester project worth $26 million.
For the second quarter (ended June 2024), analysts expect a loss per share of $0.02, which is twice the loss of $0.01 per share reported in the prior quarter. On the contrary, the company's revenue for the same period is expected to increase 15.9% year-over-year to $104.92 million.
Clean Energy exceeded expectations in the <a href="https://investors.cleanenergyfuels.com/news-releases/news-release-details/clean-energy-reports-revenue-1037-million-and-580-million-rng">first quarter</a>, with revenue of $103.71 million, surpassing analysts' expectations of $99.69 million.  Additionally, the company reported a non-GAAP loss per share of $0.01, which was better than the forecasted loss per share of $0.03. Given this performance, there is potential for another beat in the upcoming earnings report.
Shares of CLNE have plunged 50.7% over the past year and 36.3% year-to-date to close the last trading session at $2.44. Also, the stock has declined 16.7% over the past month.
Let's look at factors that could influence CLNE's performance in the upcoming months.
Weak financials
For the first quarter that ended March 31, 2024, CLNE's total revenue decreased 21.5% year-over-year to $103.71 million. Its product revenues fell 25.3% from the year-ago value to $89.41 million. CLNE's operating loss for the quarter stood at $9.31 million.
The company reported a non-GAAP <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/n/netloss.asp">net loss</a> of $2.33 million or $0.01 per share, compared to the previous year's loss of $15.89 million or $0.08 per share. In addition, its net cash outflows from operating activities amounted to $19 million, compared to an inflow of $2.59 million in the same period last year.
As of March 31, CLNE's cash, cash equivalents and current portion of restricted cash reduced to $91.41 million from $106.96 million recorded as of December 31, 2023.
Mixed Analyst Expectations
Analysts expect CLNE to post a loss per share of $0.01 in the third quarter, ending September 2024. However, its revenue for the same quarter is expected to increase 11.3% year-over-year to $106.37 million.
For the fiscal year ending December 2024, CLNE's loss per share is expected to be $0.04, indicating a 26.7% year-over-year increase. On the contrary, its revenue for the current year is forecasted to grow marginally from the prior year period to $430.28 million.
Dimmed Profitability
CLNE's trailing-12-month gross profit margin of 26.40% is 40.9% lower than the industry average of 44.65%. Likewise, its trailing-12-month asset turnover ratio of 0.34x is 31% lower than the industry average of 0.50x.
Moreover, its trailing-12-month EBITDA margin of negative 1.54% is lower than the industry average of 34.53%. CLNE's trailing-12-month ROCE, ROTC, and ROTA of negative 11.17%, negative 3.14%, and negative 6.41% compares to their respective industry averages of 13.81%, 7.54%, and 5.61%.
POWR Ratings Reflect a Weak Outlook
CLNE's bleak fundamentals are reflected in its <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a>. The stock has an overall D rating, equating to a Sell in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 distinct factors, with each factor weighted to an optimal degree.
Our proprietary rating system also evaluates each stock based on eight distinct categories. CLNE has a D grade for Quality, consistent with its lower profit margins. It also has a D grade for Stability. CLNE's 24-month beta of 2.22 justifies the Stability grade.
Within the D-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/energy-services/">Energy - Services</a> industry, CLNE is ranked #46 out of 51 stocks.
Beyond what I have stated above, we have also given CLNE grades for Growth, Value, Momentum, and Sentiment. Get all CLNE ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/CLNE/">here</a>.
Bottom Line
Despite CLNE's rebound from the previous year's losses and management's upbeat report on exceeding its own expectations, the company still faces substantial challenges. The first quarter of fiscal 2024 saw a decline in total revenue, significant cash outflows from operating activities, and declining cash reserves.
With a projected net loss (between $101 million and $111 million) for the year and ongoing operational struggles, CLNE's journey to regain investor confidence through its upcoming earnings report remains critical amidst a challenging financial landscape.
Given CLNE's weak financials, declining profitability, and bleak near-term prospects, it could be wise to avoid investing in this stock now.
Stocks to Consider Instead of Clean Energy Fuels Corp. (CLNE)
Given its uncertain short-term prospects, the odds of CLNE outperforming in the weeks and months ahead are compromised. However, there are many industry peers with much more impressive POWR Ratings. So, consider these three A-rated (Strong Buy) stocks from the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/energy-services/">Energy - Services</a> industry instead:
Vibra Energia S.A. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/PETRY/">PETRY</a>)
Trican Well Service Ltd. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TOLWF/">TOLWF</a>)
MRC Global Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/MRC/">MRC</a>)
To explore more A and B-rated energy stocks, <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/energy-services/">click here</a>.
What To Do Next?
Get your hands on this special report with 3 low priced companies with tremendous upside potential even in today's volatile markets:
<a href="https://report.stocknews.com/free-report/3stocks/?formplacement=artbotad_3s">3 Stocks to DOUBLE This Year &gt;</a>

<hr />
CLNE shares were trading at $2.61 per share on Friday afternoon, up $0.17 (+6.97%). Year-to-date, CLNE has declined -31.85%, versus a 19.06% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Shweta Kumari</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Shweta-Kumari_Image-2.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Shweta's profound interest in financial research and quantitative analysis led her to pursue a career as an investment analyst. She uses her knowledge to help retail investors make educated investment decisions.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=shweta-kumari">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/clne-petry-tolwf-mrc-can-clean-energy-fuels-clne-boost-investor-confidence-with-its/>Can Clean Energy Fuels (CLNE) Boost Investor Confidence With Its Q2 Earnings?</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>