Option chain shows key data for Vibra Energia's stock options at various strike prices and expiration dates. Traders use this information to analyze potential trades and assess market sentiment for Vibra Energia.

Vibra Energia (OTC:PETRY) Stock, Option Chain

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

This solution is being designed to offer unparalleled security, traceability, and durability, and to set a new standard in electronic component protection.
SMX believes that its technology's ability to provide authentication will extend into the burgeoning market of wearable and flexible electronics. This growing sector includes applications such as smartwatches, fitness trackers, medical devices, health monitoring solutions and flexible displays.

News

SMX (Security Matters)  Reveals Integration Of Its Cutting-Edge Technology To Mark And Protect NFC And RFID Chips

ZCAR: 193% &#x7C; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42680931">Zoomcar Reports 43% Booking Surge, Revamps Website Ahead of Holiday Rush</a>
&nbsp;
ADD: 161% &#x7C; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42681122">Color Star Technology Says Shaikh Humaid Abdulla Rashed Ahmed Almualla, A Prominent Member Of The UAE Royal Family, Has Joined As An Independent Director</a>
&nbsp;
TCRX: 30% &#x7C; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42681408">TScan Therapeutics Enters Securities Purchase Agreement With Lynx1 Capital, Investment Fund Advised By Lynx1 For Sale Of $30M Of Pre-funded Warrants To Buy Up To Aggregate Of 7.50M Shares Of Voting Common Stock At $4.00 Per Pre-funded Warrant</a>

Movers

Trading Ideas

TCRX

ZCAR

Market-Moving News for December 26th

Beginning with the opening of trading on December 31, 2024, Optinose's common stock will trade on the Nasdaq Global Select Market on a split-adjusted basis under a new CUSIP number 68404V209 and Optinose's existing trading symbol "OPTN."
The reverse stock split is intended to enable Optinose to regain compliance with the $1.00 minimum closing bid price required for continued listing on Nasdaq.
 &nbsp;

Stock Split

OPTN

Optinose Plans To Effect 1-For-15 Reverse Stock Split At 5:00 P.M. Eastern Standard Time, On December 30, 2024

Walsh Service Solutions has placed an order for the CleanTech IR-3040 – a high-performance handheld fiber laser system designed by LPC for speedy surface decontamination.&nbsp;
Walsh Service Solutions, which provides business and construction support solutions, will utilize the CTIR-3040 in abatement and remediation of inland waterway infrastructure including canal locks.

Contracts

LASE

Laser Photonics Receives An Order From Walsh Service Solutions For One Of Its Flagship Handheld Laser Cleaning Systems

Offerings

TScan Therapeutics Enters Securities Purchase Agreement With Lynx1 Capital, Investment Fund Advised By Lynx1 For Sale Of $30M Of Pre-funded Warrants To Buy Up To Aggregate Of 7.50M Shares Of Voting Common Stock At $4.00 Per Pre-funded Warrant

The two companies plan to collaborate on the development and commercialization of Clearmind's proprietary MEAI-based alcohol substitute and Dr Glitter Pty Ltd's proprietary ActivCrystal&#x2122; technology. The term sheet outlines preliminary terms that, upon the mutual agreement of the parties, will be memorialized in a definitive agreement that sets forth a framework for advancing Clearmind and Dr Glitter Pty Ltd's groundbreaking innovations.

CMND

Clearmind Medicine Says Recently Signed A Non-binding Term Sheet With Dr Glitter Pty Ltd For Mutual Development In ActivCrystal Format

14 analysts have shared their evaluations of Progressive (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PGR#NYSE">PGR</a>) during the recent three months, expressing a mix of bullish and bearish perspectives.
In the table below, you'll find a summary of their recent ratings, revealing the shifting sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the previous months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts' evaluations of 12-month price targets offer additional insights, showcasing an average target of $293.86, with a high estimate of $335.00 and a low estimate of $237.00. Observing a 4.35% increase, the current average has risen from the previous average price target of $281.62. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735214419_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Decoding Analyst Ratings: A Detailed Look</h2>
A comprehensive examination of how financial experts perceive Progressive is derived from recent analyst actions. The following is a detailed summary of key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C. Gregory Peters</td>
<td>Raymond James</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$305.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Michael Zaremski</td>
<td>BMO Capital</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$267.00</td>
<td>$273.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Elyse Greenspan</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$302.00</td>
<td>$299.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bob Huang</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$310.00</td>
<td>$310.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joshua Shanker</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$335.00</td>
<td>$331.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Andrew Kligerman</td>
<td>TD Cowen</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Hold</td>
<td>$237.00</td>
<td>$197.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>David Motemaden</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$285.00</td>
<td>$277.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alex Scott</td>
<td>Barclays</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$277.00</td>
<td>$267.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bob Huang</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$310.00</td>
<td>$300.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Meyer Shields</td>
<td>Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$290.00</td>
<td>$280.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joshua Shanker</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$331.00</td>
<td>$319.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jimmy Bhullar</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$251.00</td>
<td>$242.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joshua Shanker</td>
<td>B of A Securities</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$319.00</td>
<td>$309.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yaron Kinar</td>
<td>Jefferies</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$295.00</td>
<td>$257.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts frequently update their recommendations based on evolving market conditions and company performance. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Progressive. This information provides a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Analyzing trends, analysts offer qualitative evaluations, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Progressive compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Delving into movements, analysts provide estimates for the future value of Progressive's stock. This analysis reveals shifts in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Understanding these analyst evaluations alongside key financial indicators can offer valuable insights into Progressive's market standing. Stay informed and make well-considered decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PGR/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Progressive analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>Delving into Progressive's Background</h2>
Progressive underwrites private and commercial auto insurance and specialty lines; it has almost 20 million personal auto policies in force and is one of the largest auto insurers in the United States. Progressive markets its policies through independent insurance agencies in the US and Canada and directly via the internet and telephone. Its premiums are split roughly equally between the agent and the direct channel. The company also offers commercial auto policies and entered homeowners insurance through an acquisition in 2015.
<h3>Progressive: Delving into Financials</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization is above the industry average, indicating that it is relatively larger in size compared to peers. This may suggest a higher level of investor confidence and market recognition.
Revenue Growth: Progressive displayed positive results in 3 months. As of 30 September, 2024, the company achieved a solid revenue growth rate of approximately 26.74%. This indicates a notable increase in the company's top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company stands out with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Financials sector.
Net Margin: Progressive's net margin is impressive, surpassing industry averages. With a net margin of 11.84%, the company demonstrates strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Progressive's ROE excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 9.24%. This signifies robust financial management and efficient use of shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Progressive's ROA surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 2.3% ROA, the company effectively utilizes its assets for optimal returns.
Debt Management: Progressive's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average. With a ratio of 0.25, the company relies less on debt financing, maintaining a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
<h2>The Basics of Analyst Ratings</h2>
Ratings come from analysts, or specialists within banking and financial systems that report for specific stocks or defined sectors (typically once per quarter for each stock). Analysts usually derive their information from company conference calls and meetings, financial statements, and conversations with important insiders to reach their decisions.
Some analysts also offer predictions for helpful metrics such as earnings, revenue, and growth estimates to provide further guidance as to what to do with certain tickers. It is important to keep in mind that while stock and sector analysts are specialists, they are also human and can only forecast their beliefs to traders.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Analyst Ratings

Assessing Progressive: Insights From 14 Financial Analysts

U.S. stock futures declined on Thursday after a break for Christmas on Wednesday. All four index futures slipped in early trade.
The S&amp;P 500 index is on its way to registering a robust 20% plus return for the second consecutive year in 2024, as most analysts expect a Santa Rally.
The 10-year and two-year Treasury notes yielded 4.62% and 4.35%, respectively. The probability of having no change in the interest rates for the upcoming Jan. 31, 2025 decision was at 91.4%, according to CME Group&#8217;s FedWatch <a href="https://www.cmegroup.com/markets/interest-rates/cme-fedwatch-tool.html">tool</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Futures</td>
<td>Change (+/-)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq 100</td>
<td>-0.42%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>-0.43%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>-0.41%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>-0.43%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
In premarket trading on Thursday, the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) was down 0.49% to $598.36&nbsp; and the Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) fell 0.47% to $527.45, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.
Cues From The Last Session
Wall Street closed higher on Tuesday, kicking off the traditional <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/treasuries/24/12/42674886/santa-rally-kicks-off-on-wall-street-stocks-gain-tesla-soars-bitcoin-hits-98000">Santa Rally</a>. All major indices and sectors finished the shortened pre-Christmas trading session in the green.
The S&amp;P 500 climbed 1.1%, extending its winning streak to three consecutive days following the volatile Federal Reserve meeting last week. The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.91%, while the tech-heavy Nasdaq 100 gained 1.37%, nearly recouping last week&#8217;s losses.
Consumer discretionary stocks, the top-performing sector this year, led the rally. Trading volumes were light but Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) surged 7.35%, its strongest single-day gain since November. Other notable performers in the S&amp;P 500 included Walmart Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) up 2.5%, Starbucks Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SBUX#NYSE">SBUX</a>) up 2.8%, and Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) up 2.27%. 
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Index</td>
<td>Performance (+/-)</td>
<td>Value</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nasdaq Composite</td>
<td>1.35%</td>
<td>20,031.13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500</td>
<td>1.10%</td>
<td>6,040.04</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dow Jones</td>
<td>0.91%</td>
<td>43,297.03</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Russell 2000</td>
<td>1.00%</td>
<td>2,259.85</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Insights From Analysts
Louis Navellier of Navellier &amp; Associates had said that Jerome Powell's hawkish stance did not inspire confidence. However, he believes that &#8220;A Santa Claus rally was subsequently sparked by the November PCE report, so the stock market is rallying into Christmas and should also rally into the New Year.&#8221;
&#8220;There is not a lot of economic news this week, but the good news is non-defense capital goods orders rose by 0.7% and have risen 2.1%, so there is a &#8216;green shoot&#8217; in the durable goods report. The Commerce Department reported that durable goods declined 1.1% in November due largely to a 12% decline in defense orders. Excluding transportation, durable goods orders declined by a more modest 0.1%,&#8221; he added.
According to Bespoke Investment Group &#8220;The S&amp;P has traded above its 200-DMA all year. This has happened 11 other times since 1952, and the next-year move has been about half the average. The last time this happened was in 2021, and before that, 2017.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The S&amp;P has traded above its 200-DMA all year. This has happened 11 other times since 1952, and the next-year move has been about half the average. Last time this happened was in 2021, and before that, 2017. <a href="https://t.co/LBmXRZ4OSC">pic.twitter.com/LBmXRZ4OSC</a>
&mdash; Bespoke (@bespokeinvest) <a href="https://twitter.com/bespokeinvest/status/1871580687595454732?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
According to Wells Fargo, &#8220;The outlook for 2025 is riddled with uncertainty.&#8221; The note also added that &#8220;Ascertaining what level of policy restraint achieves the careful balance of keeping inflation in check and easing stress on interest-rate sensitive sectors will dominate the monetary policy discussion come 2025.&#8221;
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-trade-futures">How To Trade Futures</a>
Upcoming Economic Data
A few important data points remain to be released in this truncated week that will help investors determine the future course of action.
<ul>
<li>On Thursday, initial jobless claims data till Dec. 21 will announced at 8:30 a.m. ET.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>On Friday, November&#8217;s data for the advanced U.S. trade balance in goods, advanced retail inventories, and advanced wholesale inventories will be announced at 8:30 a.m., ET.</li>
</ul>
Stocks In Focus:
<ul>
<li>Color Star Technology Co Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADD#NASDAQ">ADD</a>) was up 103.70% in premarket after it announced that a prominent member of the UAE's royal family, has joined the company as an independent director.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Amplitech Group Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMPG#NASDAQ">AMPG</a>) was up 15.35% and has risen by 81.17% over the last five sessions after it entered into agreements with institutional investors for a registered direct offering, raising $3.1 million before fees and expenses.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Rigetti Computing, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RGTI#NASDAQ">RGTI</a>) was up 1.5% after the launch of its 84-qubit Ankaa-3 system, a quantum computer featuring an extensive hardware redesign that enables superior performance.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Zoomcar Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZCAR#NASDAQ">ZCAR</a>) was up 102.09% after it reported a 43% year-on-year growth in bookings for November 2024, primarily driven by increased wedding season demand.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Hour Loop Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOUR#NASDAQ">HOUR</a>) was down 36.36%, Direct Digital Holdings Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DRCT#NASDAQ">DRCT</a>) was down 31.27% and Baosheng Media Group Holdings Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAOS#NASDAQ">BAOS</a>) was down 28.87%.</li>
</ul>
Commodities, Gold And Global Equity Markets:
Crude oil futures were higher in the early New York session by 0.61% to hover around $70.53 per barrel.
The gold spot index was up by 0.36% to $2,645.11 per ounce. The Dollar Index was down 0.09% to 108.155 level.
Most Asian Markets ended Thursday on a Mixed note.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42678014/top-7-blue-chip-stocks-with-the-best-return-potential-going-into-2025">S&amp;P 500 Hits 57 All-Time Highs In Record-Breaking 2024: Magnificent 7 Drive 30% Of Nasdaq&#8217;s Surge</a> 
Photo courtesy: Wikimedia

Equities

Futures

Economics

Federal Reserve

Pre-Market Outlook

Markets

ETFs

AMPG

BAOS

DRCT

HOUR

NFLX

RGTI

SBUX

TSLA

US Stocks Likely To Open In Red After Christmas Break But Analysts Still Expect A Santa Rally Into The New Year

SciSparc has entered into an agreement and plan of merger with AutoMax. AutoMax announces $13 million first delivery of JAC vehicles following regulatory approval for direct importation.

SPRC

SciSparc Says AutoMax Received Its First Shipment Of Vehicles Manufactured By Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group

On Tuesday, December 24th, U.S. markets closed higher in an abbreviated Christmas Eve session, driven by gains in megacap and growth stocks, marking a continued Santa Claus rally. The Dow and Nasdaq logged four-session gains, while Tesla&#8217;s surge boosted the consumer discretionary sector. Chipmakers like Broadcom and Arm Holdings also advanced despite elevated U.S. Treasury yields.
Every sector of the S&amp;P 500 ended in positive territory, led by notable gains in consumer discretionary, financial, and information technology stocks.
In economic data, the U.S. Redbook index rose 5.9% year-over-year last week, up from 4.8%. Meanwhile, the Fifth District composite manufacturing index improved to -10 in December from -14.
The Dow Jones Industrial Average was up 0.91% and closed at 43,297.03, the S&amp;P 500 closed higher by 1.10% at 6,040.00, and the Nasdaq Composite gained 1.35% to finish at 20,031.13.
Asia Markets Today
<ul>
<li>On Thursday, Japan&#8217;s Nikkei 225 gained 1.39% and ended the session at 39,578.00, led by gains in the Shipbuilding, Automobiles &amp; Parts, and Chemical, Petroleum &amp; Plastic sectors.</li>
<li>Australia markets closed for the Boxing Day holiday.</li>
<li>India&#8217;s Nifty 50 rose 0.16% to 22,438.20, and Nifty 500 was up 0.14%, closing at 23,761.95, led by gains in the Auto, Power, and Public Sector Undertakings sectors.</li>
<li>China&#8217;s Shanghai Composite rose 0.14% to close at 3,398.08, and the Shenzhen CSI 300 gained 0.05%, finishing the day at 3,987.48.</li>
<li>Hong Kong market closed for the first weekday after Christmas Day.</li>
</ul>
Eurozone at 06:00 AM ET
<ul>
<li>The European STOXX 50 closed for the Boxing Day holiday.</li>
<li>German markets closed for the Boxing Day holiday.</li>
<li>France&#8217;s CAC closed for the Boxing Day holiday.</li>
<li>U.K.&#8217;s FTSE 100 closed for the Boxing Day holiday.</li>
</ul>
Commodities at 06:00 AM ET
<ul>
<li>Crude Oil WTI was trading higher by 0.61% at $70.53/bbl, and Brent was up 0.56% at $73.58/bbl.</li>
<li>Natural Gas fell 2.31% to $3.421.</li>
<li>Gold was trading higher by 0.36% at $2,645.09, Silver was up 0.19% to $30.340, and Copper rose 0.11% to $4.1147.</li>
</ul>
U.S. Futures at 06:00 AM ET
Dow futures were down 0.36%, S&amp;P 500 futures declined 0.39%, and Nasdaq 100 futures slid 0.42%.
Forex at 06:00 AM ET
The U.S. Dollar Index was down 0.04% to 108.16. USD/JPY rose 0.03% to 157.45, and USD/AUD rose 0.14% to 1.6048.
Photo by Pavel Bobrovskiy via Shutterstock

Asia

Emerging Markets

Eurozone

Commodities

Forex

ADIV

AGOV

ASHR

BBEU

BOIL

CQQQ

PowerShares DBmmodity Index Optimum Yield Diversified Fund

EEMA

FLAX

CurrencyShares British Pound Sterling Trust

IEMG

IEUR

KraneShares Trust KraneShares S&P Pan Asia Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF

KDIV

SPEM

USDU

PowerShares DB US Dollar Index Bullish Fund

Asian Markets Up, Europe Closed; Dollar Hovers Near 2-Year High - Global Markets Today While US Slept

<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=MvoSLa0RdJ-p44BY3TZ25mYKru5_318w0rZMXr5aH6I0DqWabfIEqtY-P3Do4r-ha3Ixwnyb-TlA3geaSdd-igUkFxl2N0FLfz6qXlXQEgw=">Hyperscale Data, Inc.</a>&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GPUS#NYSE">GPUS</a>), a diversified holding company ("Hyperscale Data" or the "Company"), today announced the completion of a $50 million preferred equity investment, whereby the Company sold that dollar amount through the issuance to Ault &amp; Company, Inc. ("Ault and Company") of 50,000 shares of Series C Convertible Preferred Stock (the "Series C Shares").&nbsp;Ault &amp; Company&nbsp;has invested $50 million through multiple closings over the past thirteen (13) months. This strategic influx of capital has enabled Hyperscale Data to accelerate its growth trajectory, enhance its technological offerings, and execute its business expansion plans more effectively, with a focus on becoming a pure AI data center company. The Company would like to remind its stockholders that on March 25, 2024, the Company and Ault and Company agreed to raise the aggregate offering of Series C Shares from $50 million to $75 million. This offering is continuing apace, but the Company cannot assure you when Ault and Company will complete the remaining purchases of $25 million in Series C Shares, if at all.

GPUS

Hyperscale Data Secures $50M Investment, Eyes AI Data Center Growth

In addition to this significant investment, Hyperscale Data is strategically spinning out all of its non-data center and non-Bitcoin mining assets. This move is aimed at refining the Company's core focus and reinforcing its commitment to leading the AI-driven data center industry.
 &nbsp;

Hyperscale Data Closes $50M Of Aggregate $75M Preferred Equity Investment From Ault & Company; Says It Is Strategically Spinning Out All Of Its Non-Data Center And Non-Bitcoin Mining Assets

Meiwu Technology Regains Compliance With Nasdaq Listing Rule, Which Requires Ordinary Shares To Maintain Minimum Bid Price

Shares of&nbsp;MicroStrategy Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) dropped by 4.08% following the company&#8217;s announcement to issue more shares to finance additional Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) acquisitions. This move aligns with MicroStrategy&#8217;s ongoing strategy to bolster its Bitcoin reserves.
What Happened: MicroStrategy&#8217;s recent filing&nbsp;with the U.S. Securities and&nbsp;Exchange Commission (SEC) aims to expand&nbsp;the authorized number of Class&nbsp;A&nbsp;common stock from 330 million&nbsp;to 10.33 billion units and&nbsp;preferred stock from 5 million&nbsp;to over 1 billion units.&nbsp;This move underscores the company&#8217;s transition from a software enterprise&nbsp;to a major Bitcoin investor.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/12/42664692/bitcoin-flat-ethereum-dogecoin-spike-ahead-of-christmas-analyst-says-decline-in-btc-dominance-leaves-room-for-altcoins-to-pick-up?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin Flat, Ethereum, Dogecoin Spike Ahead Of Christmas: Analyst Says Decline In BTC Dominance Leaves &#8216;Room For Altcoins To Pick Up&#8217;</a>
The company recently acquired&nbsp;$561 million worth of Bitcoin,&nbsp;marking its seventh consecutive week&nbsp;of purchases, with total holdings now estimated at $40 billion. Despite Bitcoin&#8217;s 135% increase this year, market volatility is expected as $43 billion in&nbsp;Bitcoin and Ether derivatives are&nbsp;due to expire on Friday.
Meanwhile, Bitcoin Thursday during pre-market hours was trading at $95,621.41. The cryptocurrency briefly hit an intraday peak of $99,876.70. A broader cryptocurrency index, which includes tokens such as Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>), Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>), and Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>), also experienced a minor recovery, rising by 0.2%.
Why It Matters: MicroStrategy&#8217;s decision to issue more shares comes on the heels of its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42660092/microstrategy-sinks-after-nasdaq-100-inclusion-bitcoin-bet-under-fire">recent inclusion in the Nasdaq 100</a>, which has not been without challenges. The company&#8217;s stock fell over 8.5% on its debut in the index, marking a difficult start to its tenure. Over the past month, MicroStrategy&#8217;s stock has plunged more than 37% from its all-time high, reflecting investor concerns over its aggressive Bitcoin strategy. The company&#8217;s recent sale of $561 million in common stock to purchase an additional 5,262 Bitcoins at an average price of $106,662 per coin has further intensified scrutiny.
The latest analyst ratings for MicroStrategy Inc were issued by Bernstein on Dec.12, and by both TD Cowen and Barclays on Nov. 25. These analysts, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSTR/analyst-ratings">tracked by Benzinga</a>, have set an average price target of $546.67, suggesting a potential upside of 58.01% for the stock.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/26062848/Screenshot-2024-12-26-at-4.58.41%E2%80%AFPM-1024x364.png" alt="" class="wp-image-707471" /></figure>
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42673114/bitcoins-outperformance-could-leave-dogecoin-shiba-inu-sidelined-but-propel-pepe-dogwifhat-bonk-to-new-highs?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin&#8217;s Outperformance Could Leave Dogecoin, Shiba Inu Sidelined, But Propel Pepe, Dogwifhat, Bonk To New Highs</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image via Shutterstock

General

$BTC

$DOGE

$ETH

$SOL

MSTR

MicroStrategy Stock Tumbles Over 4% In Thursday Premarket: What's Going On?

Macro Economic Events

Econ #s

France Jobseekers Total For November 2,935.0K  Vs. 2,891.5K Prior

HC Wainwright &amp; Co. analyst Raghuram Selvaraju maintains Anavex Life Sciences (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVXL#NASDAQ">AVXL</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $40 to $42.

Price Target

AVXL

HC Wainwright & Co. Maintains Buy on Anavex Life Sciences, Raises Price Target to $42

Chinese EV startup Nio Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NIO#NYSE">NIO</a>) launched its new lower-priced EV brand Onvo in May this year. The brand started selling its first vehicle- the Onvo L60- in late September and since then, Nio sales have been on the rise.
What Happened: The Onvo L60 is a mid-size electric SUV that starts at 206,900 yuan ($28,347) with the battery pack included, much lower than Tesla&#8217;s affordable models Model 3 or Model Y in China.
In September, Nio delivered 832 Onvo L60s despite having only a few selling days. In October, the first full month of sales, Onvo deliveries rose to 4,319. In November, L60 deliveries rose to 5,082, implying demand for the vehicle. 
In August, the month before Onvo deliveries commenced, Nio delivered 20,176 vehicles, marking a growth of just 4.4% year-on-year.
In September, the first month of Onvo L60 deliveries, Nio&#8217;s total deliveries jumped 35.4% as compared to the corresponding period last year. In October and November, deliveries <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42260165/li-auto-xpeng-nio-heres-how-november-deliveries-of-chinese-ev-startups-stack-up">marked an increase of 30.5% and 29%</a>, respectively.
Why It Matters: Nio identifies itself as a premium EV brand. Its ET9, for instance, starts at 788,000 yuan, including the battery. 
The low-cost EV from the company&#8217;s Onvo brand has helped it move to the low-cost EV segment which has significant demand.
Earlier this month, Nio also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42550944/whats-going-on-with-nio-stock-today">launched a new brand called Firefly</a>, touted as a rival to Mercedes&#8217; Smart and BMW&#8217;s Mini. The brand&#8217;s first vehicle shares its name and pre-sales started at a price of 148,800 yuan. It is expected to be launched in April 2025.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link.</a>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42668333/tesla-model-x-lucid-gravity-or-rivian-r1s-which-three-row-electric-suv-is-a-better-buy" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla Model X, Lucid Gravity Or Rivian R1S: Which Three-Row Electric SUV Is A Better Buy?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Nio

Tech

Nio's Onvo Brand Helps Spur Delivery Growth With Cheaper Offering

HC Wainwright &amp; Co. analyst Raghuram Selvaraju maintains PolyPid (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PYPD#NASDAQ">PYPD</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $14 to $11.

PYPD

HC Wainwright & Co. Maintains Buy on PolyPid, Lowers Price Target to $11

Raymond James analyst C. Gregory Peters maintains Kemper (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KMPR#NYSE">KMPR</a>) with a Strong Buy and raises the price target from $75 to $82.

KMPR

Raymond James Maintains Strong Buy on Kemper, Raises Price Target to $82

Earnings

NVNI

Nvni Group Reported FY23 Revenue Growth Of 36% YoY

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>

Can Clean Energy Fuels (CLNE) Boost Investor Confidence With Its Q2 Earnings?

Vibra Energia S.A. goes ex dividend Monday

Lazard Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio Q2 2024 Commentary

Lazard Retirement Emerging Markets Equity Portfolio Q2 2024 Commentary

Vibra Energia: A Top Player In Brazil's Fuel And Energy Market, But Caution Advised On Its ADR For Now

The energy market is continuously evolving and expanding, fueled by favorable trends and advanced technologies, and TechnipFMC (FTI) stands to capitalize on these market trends with robust demand for its services and solid financial performance. So, let's determine whether TechnipFMC plc is an ideal addition to your portfolio. Read more to find out... TechnipFMC plc (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/FTI/">FTI</a>) is a leading technology provider to the traditional and new energy sectors, delivering fully integrated projects, products, and services. The company reported solid financial results for the third quarter of 2024.
TechnipFMC's inbound orders increased 29.8% during the third quarter from the prior year's quarter to $2.78 billion, while its backlog stood at $14.70 billion. Also, the company's revenue from the Subsea segment was up 18.7% year-over-year to $2.03 billion.
FTI was awarded two significant contracts during the period by Petrobras for the Petrobras flexible pipe and subsea production systems. It received an iEPCI&#x2122; contract for BP's Greenfield Kaskida development in the Gulf of Mexico. TotalEnergies recently awarded the company a contract for its GranMorgu project.
Given the nature of FTI's services and facilities, its market demand in the coming years appears robust with expanding industry operations, advanced technologies, and enhanced capabilities. It offers a wide array of services in the form of design, engineering, procurement, manufacturing, fabrication, installation, and life of field services, enabling smooth operations for its customers.
Also, amid the increasing demand for energy across various end-user sectors, favorable regulatory frameworks, and new technological advancements, the <a href="https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/industry-reports/energy-as-a-service-market-101204">global energy as a service (EaaS) market</a> is expected to grow to $208.20 million by 2032 at a CAGR of 11.8%. In global comparison, the U.S. energy as a service market is projected to grow significantly, reaching a value of $52.52 billion by 2032.
Shares of FTI have surged 21.3% over the past six months and 55.1% over the past year to close its last trading session at $31.37.
Let's look at factors that could influence FTI's performance in the upcoming months.
Positive Recent Developments
On November 14, FTI was awarded a major integrated engineering, procurement, construction, and installation (iEPCI&#x2122;) contract by TotalEnergies for its GranMorgu project on Block 58, the first oil and gas development offshore Suriname.
On November 4, FTI and Prysmian signed a collaboration agreement to accelerate the global development of floating offshore wind to help meet the growing demand for renewable electricity. The combined competencies of the companies will provide unique capabilities to pioneer a complete water column solution, from seabed to ocean surface.
Also, on October 7, FTI was awarded an iEPCI&#x2122; contract by BP for its greenfield Kaskida development in the Gulf of Mexico. Under the contract, FTI will design and manufacture subsea production systems, including 20,000 psi (20K) standardized subsea trees and manifolds.
Robust Financials
FTI's revenue increased 14.2% year-over-year to $2.35 billion during the third quarter that ended September 30, 2024. Its income before income taxes grew 140.6% from the year-ago value to $272.40 million. The company's <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/adjusted-ebitda.asp">adjusted EBITDA</a> of $386.10 million indicates an increase of 62.6% from the prior year's quarter.
In addition, the company's adjusted net income came in at $280.50 million, up 195.6% year-over-year, while adjusted EPS rose 204.8% from the prior-year quarter to $0.64, respectively. Also, the company's cash and cash equivalents and total assets totaled $837.50 million and $9.72 billion as of September 30, 2024.
Buoyed by its financial performance, FTI projects Subsea segment revenue in the range of $7.60 - 7.80 billion and Surface Technologies segment revenue in the range of $1.20 - 1.35 billion. Also, it expects free cash flow between $425 and 575 million.
Solid Historical Growth
FTI's revenue and EBITDA have grown at respective CAGRs of 10.7% and 46.2% over the past three years. The company's EBIT has increased at a CAGR of 222% over the same timeframe, while its net income and EPS have improved at CAGRs of 70.1% and 73.1%, respectively.
Favorable Analyst Estimates
Analysts expect FTI's revenue for the fourth quarter (ending December 2024) to increase 10.2% year-over-year to $2.29 billion. The consensus EPS estimate of $0.35 for the ongoing quarter indicates a 153% year-over-year improvement. Moreover, FTI has an impressive earnings surprise history, having topped consensus revenue and EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.
For the fiscal year ending December 2024, the company's revenue and EPS are expected to grow 15.1% and 269.6% year-over-year to $9.01 billion and $1.66, respectively. Additionally, Street expects its revenue and EPS for the fiscal year 2025 to increase 9.8% and 20.6% year-over-year to $9.89 billion and $2.01, respectively.
High Profitability
FTI's trailing-12-month Levered FCF margin of 13.43% is 93.1% higher than the industry average of 6.95%. Its trailing-12-month ROCE of 20.16% is 63% higher than the industry average of 12.37%. Similarly, its trailing-12-month ROTC of 11.51% is considerably higher than the industry average of 6.96%.
POWR Ratings Reflect Optimism
FTI's <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a> reflect its solid fundamentals. The stock has an overall rating of B, which translates to a Buy in our proprietary system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 different factors, with each factor weighted to an optimal degree.
Our proprietary rating system also evaluates each stock based on eight distinct categories. FTI has a B grade for Growth, which is in sync with its impressive historical growth.
In addition, the stock has a B grade for Quality and Sentiment, consistent with its higher-than-industry profitability and optimistic analysts' estimates.
FTI is ranked #10 in the 52-stock <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/energy-services/">Energy - Services</a> industry.
Beyond what I have stated above, we have also given FTI grades for Value, Momentum, and Stability. Get access to all the FTI ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/FTI/">here</a>.
Bottom Line
FTI reported better-than-expected earnings for the third quarter of fiscal 2024, beating analysts' estimates. The company's strong industry footing, significant contracts and alliances, and solid financial performance position it for bright long-term prospects. Also, the company's
The company's Board declared a quarterly dividend of $0.05 per share and also authorized additional share repurchases of up to $1 billion, reflecting its continued strong cash generation.
Given FTI's solid financials, accelerating profitability, reliable dividends, and promising growth outlook, this stock could be an ideal buy now.
How Does TechnipFMC plc (FTI) Stack Up Against Its Peers?
While FTI has an overall POWR Rating of B, investors could also check out these other stocks within the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/energy-services/">Energy - Services</a> industry with A (Strong Buy) or B (Buy) ratings: Vibra Energia S/A ADR (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/PETRY/">PETRY</a>), Ranger Energy Services, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/RNGR/">RNGR</a>), and Trican Well Service Ltd. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TOLWF/">TOLWF</a>).
For exploring more A and B-rated energy stocks, <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/energy-services/">click here</a>.
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FTI shares were trading at $31.09 per share on Monday morning, down $0.28 (-0.89%). Year-to-date, FTI has gained 55.54%, versus a 28.13% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Rjkumari Saxena</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rajkumari-Saxena_Image-1.jpeg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Rajkumari started her career as a writer but gradually shifted her focus to financial journalism, leveraging her educational background in Commerce. Fascinated by the interplay of business and economic shifts in equities, she aspires to evolve as an analyst. With a knack for simplifying complex financial concepts, her mission is to empower investors with insights that lead to profitable decisions.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=rajkumari-saxena">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/fti-petry-rngr-tolwf-is-technipfmcs-position-in-the-energy-sector-a-reason-to/>Is TechnipFMC's Position in the Energy Sector a Reason to Buy?</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

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