Latest news for SmileDirectClub (OTC:SDCCQ) Stock

SmileDirectClub Inc is engaged in the orthodontics business. It is mainly involved in the sale of aligners, impression kits, whitening gel, and retainers. The company has one operating segment, aligner products.

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SmileDirectClub Inc (OTC: SDCCQ) shut down after filing for bankruptcy in the U.S. in September.

Once High-Flying Direct-To-Consumer Dentistry Company SmileDirectClub Shuts Down

SMILEDIRECTCLUB INC A by SmileDirectClub, Inc.

SmileDirectClub Inc

<p><a href="https://www.vacourts.gov/opinions/opncavwp/1399224.pdf" title="https://www.vacourts.gov/opinions/opncavwp/1399224.pdf">https://www.vacourts.gov/opinions/opncavwp/1399224.pdf</a></p>


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Virginia Judge Reverses The $2B Verdict Awarded To Appian Over Pega Systems; Says "There Was Insufficient Evidence That Pega Misappropriated Any Trade Secrets"

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Benzinga Market Summary: Merck Beats Q2 Revenue And EPS Estimates But Falls On Guidance Cut, PayPal Rises On Strong Earnings, Microsoft And AMD To Report Earnings After Market Close

<p><strong>Archer-Daniels-Midland Company </strong>(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADM#NYSE">ADM</a>) shares are trading lower after <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/movers" rel="noreferrer noopener">releasing second-quarter results.</a></p>
<p>The company reported second-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $1.03, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/07/b40032986/adm-reports-second-quarter-2024-results-affirms-full-year-eps-guidance" rel="noreferrer noopener">missing the analyst consensus of $1.22.</a></p>
<p>Lower pricing and execution margins led to a decline, largely reflecting the impact of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">lower crush and origination margins.&nbsp;</a></p>
<p>The company reported quarterly sales of&nbsp;$22.248 billion, which missed the analyst consensus estimate of&nbsp;$23.177 billion. This is a&nbsp;11.68 percent&nbsp;decrease over sales of&nbsp;$25.190 billion&nbsp;the same period last year.</p>
<p>&#8220;ADM delivered solid results in the quarter, in spite of challenging market conditions, and we are pleased with the progress we are making against our 2024 priorities and strategic initiatives,&#8221; said Juan Luciano, Chair of the Board and CEO.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/40038663/nio-executive-urges-rival-li-auto-to-halt-weekly-sales-rankings-read-why" rel="noreferrer noopener">NIO Executive Urges Rival Li Auto To Halt Weekly Sales Rankings: Read Why</a></strong></p>
<p>Trailing four-quarter average return on invested capital (ROIC) was 8.9%, while trailing four-quarter average adjusted return on invested capital was 9.7%</p>
<p>&#8220;In Ag Services &amp; Oilseeds, while large South American crops and shifts in farmer selling behaviors impacted results in the second quarter, we expect improved margin opportunities through the remainder of the year,&#8221; Luciano added.</p>
<p><strong>Outlook</strong>: Archer-Daniels-Midland affirms its previously provided FY24 adjusted EPS guidance of<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/guidance" rel="noreferrer noopener"> $5.25 &#8211; $6.25 (estimate: $5.49)</a>.</p>
<p><strong>Price Action:</strong> ADM shares are trading lower by 1.68% to $62.24 at last check Tuesday.</p>
<p><strong>Read Next:</strong></p>
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<li><strong><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/partner/forex/24/07/39905086/axi-invites-traders-to-dip-their-toes-into-its-capital-allocation-offering-with-free-and-early-acce" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla Replaces Ford As Morgan Stanley's ‘Top Pick' As Brokerage Sees Potential In EV Giant's Energy And Service Segments</a></strong></li>
</ul>


Earnings

Equities

Guidance

Markets

Archer-Daniels-Midland Shares Drop As Q2 EPS Misses Expectations; CEO Sees Margin Improvement

<p><strong>AMC Enter Hldgs's</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMC#NYSE">AMC</a>) short percent of float has fallen 18.44% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has <strong>53.74 million shares sold short</strong>, which is 14.91% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, <strong>it would take traders 2.9 days to cover their short positions on average.</strong></p>
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
<p>Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.</p>
<p>Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.</p>
<p><strong>See Also:</strong> <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest"><strong>List of the most shorted stocks</strong></a></p>
<h3>AMC Enter Hldgs Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<p><img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1722352521_0.png" alt="short_fig" /></p>
<p>As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for AMC Enter Hldgs has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.</p>
<h3>Comparing AMC Enter Hldgs's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
<p>Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.</p>
<p>According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, AMC Enter Hldgs's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 6.74%, which means the company has <strong>more</strong> short interest than most of its peers.</p>
<p>Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be <strong>bullish</strong> for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/"><strong>This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</strong></a></p>
<p><em>This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.</em></p>


Short Sellers

Short Ideas

Trading Ideas

Peering Into AMC Enter Hldgs's Recent Short Interest

<p><strong>LivePerson's</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LPSN#NYSE">LPSN</a>) short percent of float has fallen 29.17% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has <strong>5.70 million shares sold short</strong>, which is 7.38% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, <strong>it would take traders 1.82 days to cover their short positions on average.</strong></p>
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
<p>Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.</p>
<p>Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.</p>
<p><strong>See Also:</strong> <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest"><strong>List of the most shorted stocks</strong></a></p>
<h3>LivePerson Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<p><img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1722352516_0.png" alt="short_fig" /></p>
<p>As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for LivePerson has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.</p>
<h3>Comparing LivePerson's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
<p>Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.</p>
<p>According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, LivePerson's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 5.15%, which means the company has <strong>more</strong> short interest than most of its peers.</p>
<p>Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be <strong>bullish</strong> for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/"><strong>This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</strong></a></p>
<p><em>This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.</em></p>


LPSN

(LPSN) - Analyzing LivePerson's Short Interest

<p><strong>Vertiv Hldgs's</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRT#NYSE">VRT</a>) short percent of float has risen 11.01% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has <strong>14.97 million shares sold short</strong>, which is 4.84% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, <strong>it would take traders 2.17 days to cover their short positions on average.</strong></p>
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
<p>Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.</p>
<p>Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.</p>
<p><strong>See Also:</strong> <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest"><strong>List of the most shorted stocks</strong></a></p>
<h3>Vertiv Hldgs Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<p><img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1722352511_0.png" alt="short_fig" /></p>
<p>As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Vertiv Hldgs has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.</p>
<h3>Comparing Vertiv Hldgs's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
<p>Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.</p>
<p>According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Vertiv Hldgs's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 11.39%, which means the company has <strong>less</strong> short interest than most of its peers.</p>
<p>Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be <strong>bullish</strong> for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/"><strong>This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</strong></a></p>
<p><em>This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.</em></p>


How Is The Market Feeling About Vertiv Hldgs?

<p>In an unsettling bureaucratic mishap, Kenshay Watkins of Memphis found herself in a nightmarish predicament: legally declared dead by the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/05/39011316/warren-buffett-was-asked-if-social-security-was-a-government-sponsored-ponzi-scheme-for-retirees">Social Security Administration (SSA)</a>, effectively stripping her of access to her finances and health insurance. Despite being very much alive, Watkins has faced significant challenges as she tries to correct this grave error.</p>
<p><strong>Don't Miss:</strong></p>
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<li><strong>A billion-dollar investment strategy with minimums as low as $10 —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/fundrise-flagship-fund"><strong> </strong><strong>you can become part of the next big real estate boom today.</strong></a></strong></li>
<li><strong>Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/red-ventures"><strong> </strong><strong>The percentage may shock you</strong></a>.</strong></li>
<li><strong>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund"><strong> </strong><strong>would you invest in it</strong></a>?</strong></li>
</ul>
<p>In January, Watkins, a 35-year-old Memphis resident, applied for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/07/39668044/labor-economist-says-if-elon-musk-paid-for-social-security-on-his-salary-for-an-entire-year-it-w">Social Security benefits</a> to assist her after being hospitalized for seizures that made it difficult for her to work and drive. Unfortunately, her benefits were denied. During a visit to the SSA office to appeal this claim, the staff told her that she had been marked deceased on January 10, 2024. This error plunged her life into chaos for more than six months.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>
<p>"Because I'm labeled deceased, I'm not who they say I am," Watkins told Fox 13 News. This simple yet devastating mistake disrupted every aspect of her life. Newly married, her situation was akin to vanishing into thin air. "Not literally, but tangibly, you've lost your wife and you're a widow," Watkins explained.</p>
<p><strong><em>See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/fundrise-innovation-fund"><strong><em>When today&#8217;s AI startups go public, most of the rapid growth will be behind them — here&#8217;s how not to get left out.</em></strong></a></em></strong></p>
<p>Letters addressed to "Kenshay Watkins Estate" began to arrive, and debt collectors, banks, and the IRS were informed that she was deceased. Her bank accounts were canceled, debt collectors began seeking repayment, and even her tax return wasn't processed due to her supposed death.&nbsp;</p>
<p>This entire ordeal went beyond just financial troubles, though. "They can't find my social security number, so they can't add me (to health insurance)," Watkins stated. She couldn&#8217;t drive, vote, or work. "Nobody can pay me. They can't deduct taxes. And it's illegal to pay me under the table, or we're both going to jail," she said.</p>
<p><strong>Trending: Are you richer than most people you know?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-richer-than-most-people"><strong> </strong><strong>Here&#8217;s the net worth you need at every age to be above average.</strong></a></strong></p>
<p>&nbsp;After trying several times to fix the error, including many in-person trips to the Social Security office, Watkins was left feeling frustrated. "It's one of the most frustrating, most disheartening, most complicated, but so uncomplicated because a simple error has caused so much chaos," she sighed. Even though the SSA admitted their mistake in March, it took until mid-July to restore her living status. And this only occurred after Fox 13 contacted Congressman Steve Cohen's office for intervention.&nbsp;</p>
<p>Fox 13 spoke to the Social Security Administration about this mishap and discovered a disturbing statistic: out of approximately 3.1 million annual death reports to the SSA, less than one-third of a percent are incorrect. That percentage may seem small, but it equates to about 10,000 people each year facing the same situation as Watkins.&nbsp;</p>
<p>The whole situation has taken a profound emotional and mental toll on Watkins and her family. "I'm living with a ghost. Literally, paranormal activity," said her wife. Watkins' life is gradually returning to normal, but after the catastrophic effect of one simple bureaucratic error, the path to restoring all of her accounts remains long and arduous.&nbsp;</p>
<p>As Watkins continues to navigate the aftermath of this error, her story serves as a stark reminder of the importance of vigilance and advocacy in dealing with bureaucratic systems. For personalized assistance in navigating such challenges, consulting a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-online-financial-advisors">financial advisor</a> can be invaluable in ensuring your financial and legal matters are accurately managed and protected.</p>
<p><strong>Read Next:</strong></p>
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<li><strong>Don&#8217;t miss out on the next Nvidia &#8211;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/fundrise-innovation-fund"><strong> </strong><strong>you can invest in the future of AI for only $10.</strong></a></strong></li>
<li><strong>Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? &#8211;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/retire-5mil-nest-egg"><strong> </strong><strong>How does it compare to the average?</strong></a></strong></li>
</ul>


Personal Finance

Social Security Administration Accidentally 'Kills' Memphis Woman, Blocking Her From Access To Money And Health Insurance

Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro Says Has Serious Concerns About Nippon Steel Acquisition Of U.S. Steel; Says Nippon Steel Deal For U.S. Steel Would Not Meet His Approval As It Stands Now

<p>Stephens &amp; Co.  analyst Jeff Garro   reiterates Evolent Health (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EVH#NYSE">EVH</a>) with a Overweight and maintains $42 price target.</p>


Price Target

Reiteration

Analyst Ratings

Stephens & Co. Reiterates Overweight on Evolent Health, Maintains $42 Price Target

<p>Seaport Global  analyst Sunil Sibal   maintains Targa Resources (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRGP#NYSE">TRGP</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $129 to $141.</p>


TRGP

Seaport Global Maintains Buy on Targa Resources, Raises Price Target to $141

Macro Economic Events

Politics

Economics

U.S. Treasury's Yellen Says President Biden Wants To See His Successor Make Sure That Households Earning Under $400,000 See No Increase In Taxes; Biden Wants To See Tax Fairness IWTH Higher Taxes On Wealthy And Corporations

<p>Stephens &amp; Co.  analyst Mason Carrico   reiterates Hologic (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOLX#NASDAQ">HOLX</a>) with a Overweight and maintains $92 price target.</p>


HOLX

Stephens & Co. Reiterates Overweight on Hologic, Maintains $92 Price Target

<p><strong>Amazon.Com Inc's</strong> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) Prime Video is undercutting rival <strong>Netflix Inc</strong> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) on advertising pricing as it battles for marketers' attention.</p>
<p>Amazon introduced advertising to its Prime Video platform five months ago and is going through its first "up front," when television companies present their plans to advertisers to attract money for the next year, the Financial Times <a target="_blank" href="https://www.ft.com/content/d45c4153-6c11-4f1e-9009-62f8adf5ac2b" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.</p>
<p>Many rival platforms, including Netflix, Max, Paramount+, and <strong>Walt Disney Co</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>) Disney+, have introduced ad-supported tiers at lower prices than their ad-free subscriptions.</p>
<p><strong><em>Also Read:</em></strong><em> <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39822614/disney-develops-tech-to-rival-netflix-and-boost-streaming-profits-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">Disney Develops Tech to Rival Netflix and Boost Streaming Profits: Report</a></em></p>
<p><figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/30051840/newplot-74.png" alt="" class="wp-image-464279" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/30051840/newplot-74.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/30051840/newplot-74-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure></p>
<p>Analysts expect <strong>Apple Inc</strong> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) to bring ads to its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39886297/apple-adjusts-hollywood-approach-cuts-costs-on-original-shows-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">TV+ service</a> soon.</p>
<p>Advertisers purchase "bundles" in various formats, making direct comparisons difficult. However, multiple executives and advertising leaders told the FT that Amazon is pricing its ad slots more cheaply than Netflix but higher than others like Disney.</p>
<p>The entry of Amazon has forced competitors to lower their prices, the FT cited advertising sources.</p>
<p>The e-commerce giant automatically converted over 200 million global subscribers to the ad tier unless they opted to pay more for the premium ad-free service.</p>
<p>Citi estimated in January that Prime Video adverts could generate over $5 billion in "high-margin advertising revenue" as it expands.</p>
<p>In the second quarter of 2024, Amazon Prime Video and Netflix led the U.S. subscription video-on-demand (SVOD) market, each holding a 22% share, as per <a target="_blank" href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/496011/usa-svod-to-tv-streaming-usage/" rel="noreferrer noopener">Statista</a>.</p>
<p>A <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39886297/apple-adjusts-hollywood-approach-cuts-costs-on-original-shows-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">recent report</a> indicated that Apple is refining its strategy in Hollywood after spending over $20 billion on original TV shows and movies that have yet to attract large audiences.</p>
<p>Apple's streaming service captures only 0.2% of TV viewing in the U.S. This is significantly lower than competitors like Netflix, which sees more monthly views than Apple does in a day.</p>
<p>Apple plans to make its streaming business more sustainable by paying less upfront for shows and canceling underperforming series faster.</p>
<p><strong>Price Action:</strong> AMZN shares are trading higher by 0.45% at $184.03 at the last check on Tuesday.</p>
<p><strong>Also Read:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/40012785/amazons-twitch-sees-growth-slowdown-profitability-issues" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Amazon's Twitch Sees Growth Slowdown, Profitability Issues</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: </em></strong><em>This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.</em></p>
<p><em>Photo via Shutterstock</em></p>


Tech

Media

AAPL

AMZN

NFLX

Amazon Challenges Netflix with Cheaper Ad Slots, Boosts Prime Video Ads: Report

WIIM

COLL

Collegium Pharmaceutical shares are trading higher after HC Wainwright & Co upgraded the stock from Neutral to Buy announced a price target of $47.

<p>Seaport Global  analyst Sunil Sibal   maintains ONEOK (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OKE#NYSE">OKE</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $88 to $89.</p>


Seaport Global Maintains Buy on ONEOK, Raises Price Target to $89

<p><a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/google-parent-alphabets-partnership-with-anthropic-under-investigation-uk-2024-07-30/">https://www.reuters.com/technology/google-parent-alphabets-partnership-with-anthropic-under-investigation-uk-2024-07-30/</a></p>
<p>Britain's antitrust watchdog is scrutinising Google-parent Alphabet's <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/companies/GOOGL.O">(GOOGL.O), opens new tab</a> partnership with artificial intelligence startup Anthropic and its impact on competition, the regulator said on Tuesday.</p>
<p>More than 18 months after Microsoft-backed <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/companies/MSFT.O">(MSFT.O), opens new tab</a> OpenAI triggered an AI boom with the release of ChatGPT, antitrust regulators around the world have been increasingly concerned by multiple deals struck between smaller industry startups and big tech giants.</p>
<p>Agreements under scrutiny include Microsoft's partnerships with startups such as OpenAI, Inflection AI, and Mistral AI, as well as Alphabet's ties to other smaller companies such as Anthropic and Cohere.</p>
<p>Anthropic's Claude AI models have vied for prominence with OpenAI's GPT series.</p>
<p>Last week, Britain's Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) <a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/us-european-regulators-sign-joint-statement-effective-ai-competition-2024-07-23/">issued a joint statement</a> alongside its counterparts in the United States and the European Union, promising to work together to safeguard fair competition in the AI industry.</p>
<p>Anthropic, which was co-founded by former OpenAI executives and siblings Dario and Daniela Amodei, last year said it had <a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/google-agrees-invest-up-2-bln-openai-rival-anthropic-wsj-2023-10-27/">secured $500 million</a> in investment from Alphabet, promising another $1.5 billion over time. Anthropic also uses Alphabet's Google Cloud services as part of its operations.</p>
<p>On Tuesday, the CMA said it was now seeking views on whether the Alphabet-Anthropic partnership could lessen competition in the UK, and has set a deadline of Aug. 13 for its invitation to comment.</p>
<p>A spokesperson for Anthropic said the company would cooperate with the CMA and provide the "complete picture" about its partnership with Google. "We are an independent company and none of our strategic partnerships or investor relationships diminish the independence of our corporate governance or our freedom to partner with others," they said.</p>
<p>The CMA will decide whether to launch an official investigation at the end of this process.</p>
<p>&nbsp;</p>
<p>A Google spokesperson said: "Google is committed to building the most open and innovative AI ecosystem in the world. Anthropic is free to use multiple cloud providers and does, and we don't demand exclusive tech rights."</p>


GOOG

GOOGL

Reported Earlier, 'Google Parent's Partnership With AI Startup Anthropic Under UK Scrutiny' - Reuters

<p><a href="https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/07/30/congress/house-bytedance-removal-00171812" title="https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/07/30/congress/house-bytedance-removal-00171812">https://www.politico.com/live-updates/2024/07/30/congress/house-bytedance-removal-00171812</a></p>


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<p>Citigroup  analyst Michael Ward   maintains Travelers Companies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRV#NYSE">TRV</a>) with a Sell and raises the price target from $200 to $203.</p>


Citigroup Maintains Sell on Travelers Companies, Raises Price Target to $203

<p><a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a></p>
<p>October has just begun, but this month is already shaping up to be scary. The <strong>S&amp;P 500</strong> closed last week roughly where the month started, but geopolitical turmoil, economic unease and more are combining to spook markets and investors.</p>
<p>Macroeconomic and market-wise risk aside, some companies are susceptible to today&rsquo;s news and landscape. Those, of course, are among the stocks to sell in October. Some may seem surprising, while others are no-brainers. If you&rsquo;re scared of the market this month, you&rsquo;re in good company and easily forgiven for holding cash until things blow over. If you&rsquo;re holding any of these seven stocks, they&rsquo;re ones to sell before things get too spooky this month.
</p>
<h2>Stock to Sell: Airbnb (ABNB)</h2>
<div><img src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/abnb-1600-1-300x169.png" alt="Person holding Airbnb logo over the cityscape of Rome, Italy. ABNB stock." width="300" height="169"><div>Source: Kaspars Grinvalds / Shutterstock</div></div>
<p><strong>Airbnb</strong> (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/abnb-stock-quote/"><strong>ABNB</strong></a>) has been making news in recent months but for all the wrong reasons. Beyond full-blown <a href="https://money.com/airbnb-bans-affect-housing-market/.">Airbnb bans in New York</a> and restrictions <a href="https://www.euronews.com/travel/2023/06/11/italy-malaysia-usa-which-cities-and-countries-are-cracking-down-on-airbnb-style-rentals">elsewhere,</a> Airbnb&rsquo;s once-booming market is rapidly dwindling. At the same time, some &mdash; like author Robert Kiyosaki &mdash; point to the company itself as driving an imminent housing crash. He <a href="https://x.com/theRealKiyosaki/status/1699340930979856575?s=20" target="_blank">recently posted</a> on his personal X account (formally Twitter) that Airbnb will &ldquo;lead [a] real estate market crash.&rdquo;</p>
<p>Despite the stock&rsquo;s <a href="https://www.wsj.com/livecoverage/stock-market-today-dow-jones-09-05-2023/card/airbnb-blackstone-to-join-s-p-500-JuIcQ64cmxzv4nIyJKp5">recent S&amp;P 500 inclusion,</a> the wave of bad news combined with a tight real estate market and limited vacation funds makes this one stock to sell in October. Company CEO Brian Chesky is rapidly spinning up the Airbnb team to right the ship, but it might be too late for a short-term reversal. Shares are already down 14% since last month, and his move to begin offering long-term, <a href="https://www.ft.com/content/4e353e02-c160-480c-a3ea-5fd324a4f850">multi-month rentals </a>faces headwinds from concerns that customers will quickly become <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/overstaying-airbnb-guest-kicked-out-of-another-rental-months-earlier-2023-10">difficult-to-evict squatters.</a></p>
<p>Assuming Airbnb can navigate emerging regulatory demands, there&rsquo;s still hope for the stock long-term. But too many factors are converging to make this a strong stock for this season.</p>
<h2>Cisco Systems (CSCO)</h2>
<div><img src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/cisco-csco-1600-300x169.jpg" alt="the cisco (CSCO) logo on a wall" width="300" height="169"><div>Source: Valeriya Zankovych / Shutterstock.com</div></div>
<p><strong>Cisco Systems</strong> (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/csco-stock-quote/"><strong>CSCO</strong></a>) made waves when it announced its imminent <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/deals/ciscos-28-billion-splunk-deal-may-ignite-software-deal-frenzy-2023-09-26/">$28 billion buyout</a> of cybersecurity firm <strong>Splunk </strong>(NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/splk-stock-quote/"><strong>SPLK</strong></a>). Still, the move might not save the ailing digital communications company. While the move might prove a short-term boon, it may just be a Band-Aid in the long term.</p>
<p>Analysts at Morningstar point to Splunk&rsquo;s lagging position in the cloud computing sector, as its <a href="https://www.morningstar.com/stocks/xnas/csco/quote">hefty on-premises</a> operational model makes it costly &mdash; on top of the billions Cisco is spending to acquire it. Cisco&rsquo;s CEO Chuck Robbins is hinging his hopes on Splunk&rsquo;s $4 billion in annual recurring revenue. However, in a world where cybersecurity customers are cutting spending, they may begin leveraging leaner (and cheaper) competitors.</p>
<p>Splunk&rsquo;s total <a href="https://www.morningstar.com/stocks/xnas/splk/financials">cost of revenue</a> is $816 million in 2023, generating a negative net margin. That&rsquo;s a high business cost, and with more than <a href="https://www.morningstar.com/stocks/xnas/splk/financials">$3.3 billion in debt,</a> Cisco has an uphill battle to profitability. That&rsquo;s before considering the company&rsquo;s acquisition costs and <a href="https://www.morningstar.com/stocks/xnas/csco/financials">$6.7 billion debt load.</a> The move may pay off in the long term, but in today&rsquo;s environment of rising debt costs and client cost-cutting, Cisco has a long road to walk before it&rsquo;s in the clear.</p>
<h2>Stock to Sell: Tesla (TSLA)</h2>
<div><img src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/tsla1600-7-300x169.png" alt="Tesla (TSLA) on stock market. Tesla financial success and profit." width="300" height="169"><div>Source: Rokas Tenys / Shutterstock.com</div></div>
<p>I&rsquo;m as bullish on <strong>Tesla</strong> (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/tsla-stock-quote/"><strong>TSLA</strong></a>) as anyone, but if you aren&rsquo;t in it for the long haul, this is one stock to sell in October. The company made moves to ensure it had a better chance to hit its lofty electric vehicle (EV) <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/autos-transportation/tesla-slashes-prices-model-3-models-y-vehicles-us-2023-10-06/">delivery goals recently.</a> Reacting to reduced consumer demand amid economic belt-tightening, Elon Musk and his team&rsquo;s reaction is one you don&rsquo;t want to see: They&rsquo;re cutting prices across the board.</p>
<p>The company&rsquo;s margins have always beaten the competition but already fell to four-year lows in the last quarter. Further price cuts and rising material costs will further cut into profitability, making the next few reporting periods perilous for Tesla stock.</p>
<p>At the same time, Tesla faces risk from ongoing federal attention on Musk himself as <a href="https://www.foxnews.com/opinion/biden-war-everything-elon-musk">prosecutors seek</a> to &ldquo;determine whether Tesla properly disclosed perks that Musk may have received from the company,&rdquo; among other questionable investigatory initiatives. Tesla is a risky play in today&rsquo;s climate and for as long as Musk is in the hot seat. Both make Tesla a stock to sell in October based on outsized risk alone.</p>
<h2>Rivian Automotive (RIVN)</h2>
<div><img src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/rivian-logo-stock-screenshot-300x169.png" alt="An image of the Rivian logo imposed on top of a stock graph; Rivian stock through magnifying glass" width="300" height="169"><div>Source: Dennis Diatel / Shutterstock</div></div>
<p>If Tesla is a long-term winner facing short-term trouble, <strong>Rivian Automotive</strong> (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/rivn-stock-quote/"><strong>RIVN</strong></a>) is a lose/lose on both fronts. The company announced last week that its financial standing was shaky enough to warrant a <a href="https://www.barrons.com/articles/rivian-stock-price-a62868cc?mod=article_inline">convertible bond sale,</a> which is a red flag in any market. Convertible debt increases interest costs for the company, like any bond. But these are a double-whammy as they dilute existing shareholders if the bondholders exercise the convertible option. While the company hasn&rsquo;t announced the coupon tied to the <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/rivian-shares-drop-7-after-ev-maker-plans-to-offer-convertible-notes-b0005522?adobe_mc=MCMID%3D28328912660924788523924554488091997074%7CMCORGID%3DCB68E4BA55144CAA0A4C98A5%2540AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1696816368">$1.5 billion debt offering,</a> higher interest rates force firms to increase their cost of debt to attract the capital inflow they need to maintain operations.</p>
<p>In a recent <a href="https://www.barrons.com/articles/rivian-stock-price-downgrade-f91622b6?mod=Searchresults" target="_blank">note,</a> Battle Road Research analyst Ben Rose summed up the stock&rsquo;s predicament well. Reinforcing his reasoning to sell the stock, he said that &ldquo;Rivian continues to face challenges with engineering and production, has a questionable capacity and utilization strategy, operates in a sector that is competitive and challenging in the near-term, and its cost-cutting efforts are a bigger obstacle than we had known.&rdquo;</p>
<h2>Stock to Sell: SmileDirectClub (SDCCQ)</h2>
<div><img src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/smiledirect1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Smile Direct (SDC) box" width="300" height="169"><div>Source: Thamyris Salgueiro / Shutterstock.com</div></div>
<p><strong>SmileDirectClub</strong> (OTCMKTS:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/sdccq-stock-quote/"><strong>SDCCQ</strong></a>) fell from grace hard last week, as it filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy and got delisted from the <strong>Nasdaq</strong> stock exchange. Still, this loser stock hangs onto its pink sheet position and maintains a $15.5 million market cap. If you&rsquo;re considering this stock as a potential penny stock rebound play &mdash; don&rsquo;t. SmileDirectClub is the scariest stock on this list and one to sell stat.</p>
<p>The company&rsquo;s debt load is a whopping <a href="https://www.bizjournals.com/nashville/news/2023/10/04/who-does-smiledirectclub-owe-money-to.html">$900 million today.</a> Bankruptcy means the company must sell assets as quickly as possible to pay debtors what they can. In these circumstances, shareholders rarely see a dime after creditors get what&rsquo;s owed. Although the company claims <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/yahoo-finance-exclusive-smiledirectclub-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy-eyes-restructuring-221940952.html">imminent restructuring and emergency cash infusions </a>will save the former dental dynamo, reality paints a different picture. The company&rsquo;s safety concerns and freefall stock price, among pure financial mismanagement, make SmileDirectClub a stock to sell if you still hold it. Don&rsquo;t consider investing in this losing penny stock if you aren&rsquo;t a shareholder.</p>
<h2>HP (HPQ)</h2>
<div><img src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/08/hpq-stock-300x169.jpg" alt="Image of the HP logo on a mesh computer case" width="300" height="169"><div>Source: Tomasz Wozniak / Shutterstock.com</div></div>
<p>Investors who follow Warren Buffett should take his lead and sell <strong>HP</strong> (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/hpq-stock-quote/"><strong>HPQ</strong></a>) stock as quickly as possible. The Oracle of Omaha has been rapidly divesting himself of shares. Notably, he&rsquo;s selling them at a loss as he rapidly offloads his position. He&rsquo;s been quiet about the justification, but he&rsquo;s sold more than <a href="https://abcnews.go.com/Business/wireStory/warren-buffetts-berkshire-hathaway-selling-off-hp-shares-103794031">$80 million worth of stock</a> in just a few weeks. Buffett and his team bought the stock in 2022 at around $35 per share. Today&rsquo;s per-share price is about $26, meaning they&rsquo;re sold at a loss.</p>
<p>Warren Buffett is famously tech-averse, making the initial investment in HP curious. It&rsquo;s also likely fueling his interest in rapidly selling off the stock. Although HP&rsquo;s share price has been in freefall recently, its financial position is surprisingly strong. Earnings per share met or beat guidance over the <a href="https://www.morningstar.com/stocks/xnys/hpq/financials">past three quarters,</a> even amid tightened economic conditions. Still, if Warren Buffett is spooked by what&rsquo;s happening with HP, retail investors should heed his warning and sell the stock.</p>
<h2>Stock to Sell: GameStop (GME)</h2>
<div><img src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/gamestop-sign-gme-stock-storefront-1600-300x169.jpg" alt="GameStop (GME) sign on side of building in blue early morning light" width="300" height="169"><div>Source: shutterstock.com/EchoVisuals</div></div>
<p>Is anyone still holding <strong>GameStop</strong> (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/gme-stock-quote/"><strong>GME</strong></a>) stock? If you are, this is another stock to sell &mdash; quickly. Billionaire and activity investor Ryan Cohen, who arguably sparked meme stock mania, stepped up as CEO in late September. He came in hard, pushing for <a href="https://www.msn.com/en-us/money/companies/gamestops-survival-demands-extreme-frugality-ceo-ryan-cohen-tells-employees/ar-AA1hpxX2" target="_blank">&ldquo;extreme frugality&rdquo;</a> at the firm. While cost-cutting is an admirable move and likely necessary today, emphasis on frugality first and operational advancements second isn&rsquo;t reassuring.</p>
<p>GameStop&rsquo;s struggles are even more evident when considering that the firm has been cutting costs as quickly as possible. <a href="https://kotaku.com/gamestop-meme-stock-crypto-scam-used-games-walkout-unio-1849027868">Layoffs and employee walkouts</a> already cut labor costs substantially. At the same time, platform pivots to <a href="https://insider-gaming.com/digital-only-xbox-series-x/">online-only game sales</a> put GameStop&rsquo;s limited revenue opportunities at risk. Ultimately, big brick-and-mortar gaming is dead in the water, with existing demand from smaller, nimbler and local competitors. All the cost-cutting in the world can&rsquo;t save GameStop, and investors still holding out for a short squeeze should reconsider the stock&rsquo;s prospects.</p>
<p><em>On the date of publication, Jeremy Flint did not hold (directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com<a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/"> Publishing Guidelines.</a></em></p>
<div>
<p>Jeremy Flint, an MBA graduate and skilled finance writer, excels in content strategy for wealth managers and investment funds. Passionate about simplifying complex market concepts, he focuses on fixed-income investing, alternative investments, economic analysis, and the oil, gas, and utilities sectors. Jeremy&rsquo;s work can also be found at <a href="https://jeremyflint.work/">www.jeremyflint.work</a>.</p>
</div>
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<p>The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/10/spooky-season-7-stocks-scaring-away-gains-this-october/">Spooky Season: 7 Stocks Scaring Away Gains This October</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.</p>

Spooky Season: 7 Stocks Scaring Away Gains This October

<p><a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a></p>
<p>These seven stocks are in trouble. While the broader market struggles with ongoing interest rate hikes, constrained cash and more, these seven stocks suffer more than most. But all hope isn&rsquo;t lost &mdash; if the companies can mount buyouts.</p>
<p>Oftentimes, larger firms hunt for smaller firms with a semi-viable product or existing operational model for a buyout. Buyouts, also known as mergers and acquisitions (M&amp;A), can benefit large and small firms alike. Bigger players capture existing assets and customers more cheaply. The smaller company benefits from existing for a bit longer under a new umbrella.</p>
<p>Bigger firms are hunting for bargains today, and these stocks are in trouble &mdash; a perfect combination for M&amp;A in today&rsquo;s economic climate.
</p>
<h2>Lordstown Motors (RIDEQ)</h2>
<div><img src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/lordstown_1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Image of a map showing Lordstown's location." width="300" height="169"><div>Source: SevenMaps / ShutterStock.com</div></div>
<p><strong>Lordstown Motors</strong> (OTCMKTS:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/rideq-stock-quote/"><strong>RIDEQ</strong></a>) is in the midst of a buyout today, as this electric vehicle (EV) stock fell mightily from its once-high position. In June, the EV manufacturer <a href="https://investor.lordstownmotors.com/news-releases/news-release-details/lordstown-motors-announces-strategic-restructuring-process">sued</a> <strong>Foxconn</strong>, claiming the Taiwanese company fell through on past investment agreements.</p>
<p>To that end, Lordstown recently initiated <a href="https://www.reviewonline.com/news/local-news/2023/09/lmc-finds-buyer-agrees-to-sell-assets-to-founder-ex-ceo-burns-for-10m/">buyout proceedings</a> with private equity firm <strong>LAS Capital</strong>. LAS Capital, majority owned by Lordstown&rsquo;s founder and former CEO, &ldquo;signed a $10 million purchase agreement for assets related to the &lsquo;design, production and sale of electric light-duty vehicles&rsquo; in the commercial fleet market.&rdquo;</p>
<p>The company became a penny stock in May, and this deal might be enough to save this struggling company. Current bagholders might see some capital returned to their pockets because the company is currently <a href="https://www.morningstar.com/stocks/pinx/rideq/financials">debt-free.</a> The penny stock trades at less than book value, meaning shares are priced below existing assets. There may be an opportunity here for investors willing to do some due diligence, but this stock&rsquo;s days are likely over &mdash; despite the M&amp;A.</p>
<h2>Buyout Opportunity: WeWork (WE)</h2>
<div><img src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/wework-we-stock-300x169.jpg" alt="Image of WeWork (WE) logo on the side of a glass building." width="300" height="169"><div>Source: photobyphm / Shutterstock.com</div></div>
<p><strong>WeWork</strong> (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/we-stock-quote/"><strong>WE</strong></a>) is a once-promising company capitalizing on the emerging remote work trend. Still, financial mismanagement and commercial real estate concerns pushed this stock into penny stock territory. Despite this, WeWork&rsquo;s core value proposition is compelling. The company offers remote workers and teams an opportunity to leverage office space when needed to help avoid the distraction inherent in working from home.</p>
<p>Today, a whole team of institutional investors is exploring opportunities to save WeWork through M&amp;A. Led by <strong>BlackRock</strong> (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/blk-stock-quote/"><strong>BLK</strong></a>), institutional investors are exploring restructuring options or maybe bankruptcy. What ends up happening is anyone&rsquo;s guess, but WeWork has a viable model that could be lucrative under the right management team. A buyout might be just enough to save the company, especially with heavy hitters like BlackRock leading the charge.</p>
<h2>Image Protect (IMTL)</h2>
<div><img src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/nft-marketplace-crypto-art-items-on-shutterstock_1943335798-300x169.jpg" alt="Graphics representing an NFT marketplace with crypto art items on sale and blockchain in the background." width="300" height="169"><div>Source: elenabsl/Shutterstock.com</div></div>
<p><strong>Image Protect</strong> (OTCMKTS:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/imtl-stock-quote/"><strong>IMTL</strong></a>) is another penny stock I think is in trouble &mdash; but a prime buyout opportunity. IMTL came of age during the crypto and NFT craze and offers legal solutions to protect artists&rsquo; intellectual property. This week, IMTL also <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/image-protect-inc-announces-acquired-120000932.html">announced its entry</a> into the reputation management and online review industry.</p>
<p>IMTL did an M&amp;A of its <a href="https://www.einpresswire.com/article/660851706/image-protect-inc-announces-it-has-acquired-review-control-reputation-management-entering-into-the-multi-billion-dollar-online-review-industry" target="_blank">own by buying</a> Review Control Reputation Management, which helps its clients improve online reviews. The subscription-based service is IMTL&rsquo;s entry into the multi-billion dollar online reputation industry. Despite the news, the penny stock fell substantially after announcing the buyout. Priced well below a penny, there isn&rsquo;t much more room to fall. Still, the company&rsquo;s existing service and ongoing development of <a href="https://imageprotect.com/">&ldquo;an impactful NFT marketplace&rdquo;</a> may have a place in the markets. At the same time, IMTL&rsquo;s market cap makes it primed for a buyout of its own by larger firms.</p>
<h2>Buyout Opportunity: Bark (BARK)</h2>
<div><img src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/02/bark1600-300x169.png" alt="Bark, the parent company of BarkBox, distribution center. BarkBox is a monthly subscription service providing dog products." width="300" height="169"><div>Source: Jonathan Weiss / Shutterstock.com</div></div>
<p><strong>Bark</strong> (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/bark-stock-quote/"><strong>BARK</strong></a>), creator of the innovative BarkBox service, might be ready to play with the big dogs if it can find a buyer for M&amp;A. A hot stock during the pandemic when everyone spoiled their furry friends, Bark&rsquo;s <a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/09/ticking-time-bombs-7-small-cap-stocks-to-dump-before-the-damage-is-done/#:~:text=continually%20slipping">sales are consistently slipping</a> and putting the company at serious risk. Still, the company&rsquo;s high-quality dog toys and other products put it in a unique position when considering its existing strategic partnerships.</p>
<p>Bark has long partnered with retail giant <strong>Target</strong> (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/tgt-stock-quote/"><strong>TGT</strong></a>). While Target has trouble of its own, including slipping sales and <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/target-closes-9-stores-in-response-to-retail-theft-adds-locked-cases-at-some-stores-190623263.html">theft,</a> Bark could easily leverage Target&rsquo;s brand loyalty and market penetration to mount a comeback through a buyout. Alternatively, existing subscription-based pet service companies like <strong>Chewy </strong>(NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/chwy-stock-quote/"><strong>CHWY</strong></a>) might see Bark as just the thing to add to its extensive product portfolio.</p>
<p>In any case, Bark is on the ropes. This stock in trouble might be salvageable if it can negotiate a buyout quickly.</p>
<h2>Virgin Galactic (SPCE)</h2>
<div><img src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/virgin_galactic_spce1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Virgin Galactic (SPCE) banner hanging on the New York Stock Exchange building to celebrate its IPO." width="300" height="169"><div>Source: Christopher Penler / Shutterstock.com</div></div>
<p>Richard Branson&rsquo;s <strong>Virgin Galactic</strong> (NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/spce-stock-quote/"><strong>SPCE</strong></a>) fell from its stratospheric valuation in the past months, making it another stock prime for a buyout. Nevertheless, the capital-intensive company offers a real (if pricy) product with widespread application. Commercial hypersonic flight has long been a dream. The company offers tourism-based flights to those who can afford it &mdash; the hyper-wealthy. Still, SPCE could leverage existing tech to expand into daily commercial use if it plays its cards right.</p>
<p>Unfortunately, hypersonic flight development is extremely expensive. To that end, SPCE&rsquo;s best bet is to hope for a buyout or M&amp;A with a major aerospace firm. Some ballpark the space business as <a href="https://www.barrons.com/articles/space-investing-stocks-rocket-lab-boeing-79aea1c8">worth $1 trillion</a> in the future. SPCE&rsquo;s existing assets provide a perfect entry for a merger with a larger, more established and well-managed company.</p>
<h2>Buyout Opportunity: SmileDirectClub (SDCCQ)</h2>
<div><img src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/smiledirect1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Smile Direct (SDC) box" width="300" height="169"><div>Source: Thamyris Salgueiro / Shutterstock.com</div></div>
<p><strong>SmileDirectClub</strong> (OTCMKTS:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/sdccq-stock-quote/"><strong>SDCCQ</strong></a>) investors hit a major snag recently as the firm recently <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/smiledirectclub-files-chapter-11-bankruptcy-founders-to-recapitalize-a02a391e">filed for bankruptcy.</a> The stock trades deeply in penny stock territory now but all hope isn&rsquo;t lost if the firm can angle for a buyout.</p>
<p>Despite the bankruptcy, analysts project SmileDirectClub&rsquo;s earnings to grow by as <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/heres-why-retain-smiledirectclub-sdc-153300242.html">much as 20%.</a> That section of the overall dental industry is only expected to grow by 12.8% over the same period, making SDC a compelling option for M&amp;A. Like Bark, SDC enjoys a slew of strategic partnerships. Those big-name companies can leverage SDC&rsquo;s trouble into a buyout to save the stock. SDC&rsquo;s oral health products are in <strong>Walmart</strong>&nbsp;(NYSE:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/wmt-stock-quote/"><strong>WMT</strong></a>), for example.</p>
<p>That big-box chain could identify SDC&rsquo;s revenue stream as a perfect buyout opportunity to keep products moving into consumer hands. Likewise, with a bigger brother like Walmart steering the ship, SDC could turn around its tight financial position and mount a major comeback. On its own, though, this stock is in trouble, and a buyout is its only hope.</p>
<h2>Peloton (PTON)</h2>
<div><img src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/pton1600-300x169.jpg" alt="Peloton (PTON stock) sign on city storefront" width="300" height="169"><div>Source: JHVEPhoto / Shutterstock.com</div></div>
<p>In 2022, rumors swirled that <strong>Peloton</strong> (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/pton-stock-quote/"><strong>PTON</strong></a>) was facing a <a href="https://www.barrons.com/articles/peloton-acquisition-means-apple-amazon-nike-51651611138">buyout</a> from major tech companies like <strong>Apple</strong> (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/aapl-stock-quote/"><strong>AAPL</strong></a>) and <strong>Amazon</strong> (NASDAQ:<a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/amzn-stock-quote/"><strong>AMZN</strong></a>). Nothing panned out, and the stock is in trouble today. While it isn&rsquo;t facing imminent bankruptcy or delisting, the stock still trades at a fraction of its past value. But it doesn&rsquo;t have to be this difficult for Peloton.</p>
<p>Specifically, the company could be a new entry for Apple to penetrate the at-home fitness market further. There&rsquo;s likely substantial overlap between Apple and Peloton consumers, considering both prefer a boutique experience. Peloton prefers targeting higher-end consumers interested in a luxury fitness experience. The company refuses to break that model and offer low-budget products &mdash; an admirable stance considering its slipping market share.</p>
<p>If Peloton can bring a compelling offer to the table, it may offer something Apple can leverage massively. Specifically, one <a href="https://www.barrons.com/articles/peloton-acquisition-means-apple-amazon-nike-51651611138">analyst points to</a> &ldquo;a significant demographic overlap between Apple and Peloton &mdash; [the analyst] estimates the majority of U.S. iPhone users have an annual income of over $80,000 &mdash; and therefore expects opportunities to build its audience of connected fitness users.&rdquo;</p>
<p><em>On the date of publication, Jeremy Flint did not hold (directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com<a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/"> Publishing Guidelines.</a></em></p>
<div>
<p>Jeremy Flint, an MBA graduate and skilled finance writer, excels in content strategy for wealth managers and investment funds. Passionate about simplifying complex market concepts, he focuses on fixed-income investing, alternative investments, economic analysis, and the oil, gas, and utilities sectors. Jeremy&rsquo;s work can also be found at <a href="https://jeremyflint.work/">www.jeremyflint.work</a>.</p>
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<p>The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/10/buyout-and-beyond-7-stocks-whose-only-hope-is-acquisition/">Buyouts and Beyond: 7 Stocks Whose Only Hope Is Acquisition</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.</p>

Buyouts and Beyond: 7 Stocks Whose Only Hope Is Acquisition

Macro factors limiting near-term growth in dental market, Needham says

SmileDirectClub to liquidate as buyout deal fails

<p><a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a></p>
<p><strong>SmileDirectClub </strong>(OTCMKTS:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/sdccq-stock-quote/"><strong>SDCCQ</strong></a></span>) ceased operating on December 8 after it <a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/markets/smiledirectclub-ceases-operations-after-restructuring-effort-fails">could not restructure</a> through bankruptcy proceedings. The once high-flying provider of dental aligners was one of many at-risk companies entering the final quarter of 2023.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Do you remember all the articles pitting SmileDirect against industry leader <strong>Align Technology </strong>(NASDAQ:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/algn-stock-quote/"><strong>ALGN</strong></a></span>)? I sure do.&nbsp;</p>



<p>As recently as 2020, many investors and media pundits felt the former was a better buy than the latter. The Motley Fool&rsquo;s<em> </em>Keith Speights <a href="https://www.nasdaq.com/articles/3-reasons-to-buy-smiledirectclub-instead-of-align-technology-2020-02-09">suggested</a> in February 2020 three reasons SDC was a better buy than ALGN. However, looking closely, you&rsquo;ll see that Speights owned Align stock then. I&rsquo;m guessing the article was meant tongue-in-cheek.</p>



<p>My InvestorPlace colleague Josh Enomoto was more forthcoming in May 2020 about the risks involved in SDC stock. He <a href="https://investorplace.com/2020/05/smiledirectclub-is-a-luxury-that-few-care-about-in-a-recession-sdc-stock/">suggested,</a> &ldquo;The economy simply doesn&rsquo;t favor SDC stock.&rdquo;&nbsp;</p>



<p>And now it doesn&rsquo;t exist.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Who are other companies that could file for bankruptcy in 2024? Here are three at-risk companies to get you started.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>Sabre (SABR)</h2>


<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/sabr-stock-1-300x169.jpg" alt="The logo for Sabre Corporation (SABR) is displayed on a smartphone screen."><div>Source: IgorGolovniov / Shutterstock.com</div></div>


<p>The companies that made my list had three things going against them: 1) high total debt to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA), 2) a low return on assets and 3) an Altman Z-Score below 1.81 &mdash; a sign the company could file for bankruptcy over the next 24 months.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to Morningstar, one of the largest travel booking companies by volume has a total debt of <a href="https://www.morningstar.com/stocks/xnas/sabr/financials">$4.82 billion,</a> 582x its EBITDA of $8.28 million, a return on assets of <a href="https://www.morningstar.com/stocks/xnas/sabr/valuation">-12.52%</a> and an Altman Z-Score of <a href="https://www.gurufocus.com/term/zscore/SABR/Altman-Z-Score/Sabre">-0.43.</a></p>



<p>In 2015, <strong>Sabre </strong>(NASDAQ:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/sabr-stock-quote/"><strong>SABR</strong></a></span>) stock traded around $30, 7x higher than where it currently trades.</p>



<p>Through the first nine months of 2023, Sabre generated a non-GAAP loss of $135.4 million, down from a $254.4 million loss a year earlier, on <a href="https://investors.sabre.com/static-files/7da29e94-ff1e-48d8-87bf-b206636c8823">$2.2 billion</a> in revenue.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The bulls will point to the fact its adjusted EBITDA margin was 10.9%, 750 basis points higher than a year ago, a sign the business is coming around.&nbsp;</p>



<p>But is it?</p>



<p>Its interest expense in the third quarter was $119.4 million, 55% higher than Q3 2022. On an annualized basis, that&rsquo;s <a href="https://investors.sabre.com/static-files/6b90ecaf-3aaf-49e7-abd6-097e9f2f2f09">$478 million,</a> 62% higher than its interest expense in 2022.</p>



<p>That&rsquo;s a huge mountain to overcome.&nbsp;</p>



<h2>Seagate Technology (STX)</h2>


<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/03/stx-stock-1-300x169.jpg" alt="A Seagate Technology (STX) sign hanging above an office in Silicon Valley, California."><div>Source: Sundry Photography / Shutterstock.com</div></div>


<p><strong>Seagate Technology </strong>(NASDAQ:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/stx-stock-quote/"><strong>STX</strong></a></span>) has a total debt of <a href="https://www.morningstar.com/stocks/xnas/stx/financials">$5.67 billion,</a> 52x its EBITDA of $110.0 million, a return on assets of <a href="https://www.morningstar.com/stocks/xnas/stx/valuation">-9.39%</a> and an Altman Z-Score of <a href="https://www.gurufocus.com/term/zscore/STX/Altman-Z-Score/STX">0.25.</a>&nbsp;</p>



<p>You wouldn&rsquo;t know that its financials were less than stellar, given its stock is up nearly 63% year to date. However, that is the case for the data storage company.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Of the <a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/investing/stock/stx/analystestimates">24 analysts</a> that cover its stock, just 8 rate it Overweight or Buy, with 14 Holds and 2 Underweight or outright Sell, with a <a href="https://money.cnn.com/quote/forecast/forecast.html?symb=stx">$70</a> target price, well below where it&rsquo;s currently trading.</p>



<p>On a GAAP basis, Seagate lost $529 million in fiscal 2023 (June year-end). On a non-GAAP basis, it earned <a href="https://s24.q4cdn.com/101481333/files/doc_financials/2023/q4/STX-Q4-23-Press-Release.pdf">$40 million</a> on $7.38 billion in revenue. Its interest expense in 2023 was $313 million, up from $249 million a year earlier.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In Q1 2024, it lost <a href="https://s24.q4cdn.com/101481333/files/doc_financials/2024/q1/STX-FQ1-24-Press-Release.pdf">$184 million</a> (GAAP) and $46 million (non-GAAP). Its interest expense was $84 million, 18% higher than a year earlier. While the interest expense hasn&rsquo;t done the company in yet, it&rsquo;s got <a href="https://d18rn0p25nwr6d.cloudfront.net/CIK-0001137789/642e531d-584a-4a64-8683-9e2adab1064f.pdf">$1.75 billion</a> in debt with interest rates of 8.25% or higher that were issued in late 2022 and 2023.&nbsp;</p>



<p>If you own STX stock, you better hope interest rates decrease significantly in 2024, or its stock is sunk.</p>



<h2>Century Aluminum (CENX)</h2>


<div><img width="300" height="169" src="https://investorplace.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/aluminum-stocks-3-1600-300x169.jpg" alt="stacks of rectangular aluminum metal stock"><div>Source: shutterstock.com/SimoneN</div></div>


<p><strong>Century Aluminum </strong>(NASDAQ:<span><a href="https://investorplace.com/stock-quotes/cenx-stock-quote/"><strong>CENX</strong></a></span>) is the smallest of the three, with a market capitalization of just over $1 billion. Its shares are up nearly 27% in 2023.&nbsp;</p>



<p>It has a total debt of <a href="https://www.morningstar.com/stocks/xnas/cenx/financials">$512.0 million,</a> with a trailing 12-month EBITDA of -123.5 million, a return on assets of <a href="https://www.morningstar.com/stocks/xnas/cenx/valuation">-10.80%</a> and an Altman Z-Score of <a href="http://www.globeinvestor.com/">-0.30.</a> That is one score you don&rsquo;t want to be negative.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The Chicago-based aluminum producer reported better-than-expected Q3 2023 results in November. On the top line, its revenue was <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/century-aluminums-cenx-q3-earnings-181400279.html">$545.2 million,</a> 14% lower than a year earlier but $3 million higher than the consensus estimate. On the bottom line, it lost 13 cents a share, 6 cents lower than analyst expectations and <a href="https://centuryaluminum.com/investors/press-releases/press-release-details/2022/Century-Aluminum-Company-Reports-Third-Quarter-2022-Results/">21 cents</a> less than its Q3 2022 loss.&nbsp;</p>




<p>&ldquo;Century remains focused on disciplined cost and operational execution and remains well positioned when market conditions improve,&rdquo; CEO Jesse Gary stated in its Q3 2023 press release.&nbsp;</p>




<p>The company&rsquo;s interest expenses in the nine months ended September 30 were $26.6 million, <a href="https://d18rn0p25nwr6d.cloudfront.net/CIK-0000949157/e7d1533a-fe3e-46e9-914f-7d4ed9e47a01.pdf">27.3%</a> higher than $20.9 million in the same period of your earlier. On an annualized basis, that works out to $35.5 million, <a href="https://d18rn0p25nwr6d.cloudfront.net/CIK-0000949157/eb3e9a7b-7086-4fad-83cd-60f6420005ed.pdf">21%</a> higher than in 2022.</p>



<p>If you look at the company&rsquo;s debt, except for 2.75% convertible notes due May 1, 2028 ($84 million), most is at interest rates between 7.5% and 9.25%. That&rsquo;s too high for a business that often loses more money than makes it.&nbsp;</p>



<p><em>On the date of publication, Will Ashworth did not hold (either directly or indirectly) any positions in the securities mentioned in this article. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the writer, subject to the InvestorPlace.com <a href="https://investorplace.com/corporate/investorplace-publishing-guidelines/">Publishing Guidelines.</a></em></p>
<div><p>Will Ashworth has written about investments full-time since 2008. Publications where he&rsquo;s appeared include InvestorPlace, The Motley Fool Canada, Investopedia, Kiplinger, and several others in both the U.S. and Canada. He particularly enjoys creating model portfolios that stand the test of time. He lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia.</p></div><h3>More From InvestorPlace</h3>
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<p>The post <a href="https://investorplace.com/2023/12/warning-signs-3-companies-that-might-not-survive-2024/">Warning Signs: 3 Companies That Might Not Survive 2024</a> appeared first on <a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace</a>.</p>

Warning Signs: 3 Companies That Might Not Survive 2024

Align Technology, Henry Schein, Dentsply Sirona to benefit from dental aligners growth

ABNB

ALGN

BARK

CENX

CHWY

CSCO

HSIC

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SmileDirectClub

<p><strong>SmileDirectClub Inc</strong>&nbsp;(OTC:&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/sdccq#OTC" style="color:#4a6ee0; background:transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt" target="_blank">SDCCQ</a>) shut down after filing for bankruptcy in the U.S. in September.</p>

<p>Founded in 2014, the company sold teeth aligners for $1,850 as a faster, cheaper alternative to braces and took a direct-to-consumer marketing approach.&nbsp;</p>

<p>SmileDirectClub went public via an initial public offering of&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/09/35017733/smiledirectclub-files-for-chapter-11-bankruptcy-just-four-years-after-1-35-billion-ipo" style="color:#4a6ee0; background:transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt" target="_blank">$1.35 billion in 2019</a>.</p>

<p>On its website, SmileDirectClub&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://smiledirectclub.com/" style="color:#4a6ee0; background:transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt" target="_blank">said</a>&nbsp;it decided to wind down its global operations immediately.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For new customers interested in SmileDirectClub services, aligner treatment is no longer available through the telehealth platform. For existing customers, the customer care support is no longer available.</p>

<p>In the statement on its website, Smile Direct Club apologized for the inconvenience caused.</p>

<p>SmileDirectClub catered to over two million customers across almost ten years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As court filings and financial statements revealed, the company struggled to profit, burdened with almost $900 million in debt.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, the company resolved a lawsuit from the District of Columbia Attorney General&#39;s office this year. The lawsuit alleged that SmileDirectClub&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2023/12/09/business/smiledirectclub-shutting-down-liquidation.html" style="color:#4a6ee0; background:transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt" target="_blank">utilized</a>&nbsp;confidentiality clauses to suppress consumer criticism, the New York Times noted.</p>

<p>SmileDirectClub actively pursued potential buyers for its enterprise in the last few months. Although there was initial interest from several parties, all interested buyers either withdrew from the process or submitted impractical bids that couldn&#39;t be considered viable, the&nbsp;<a class="editor-rtfLink" href="https://fortune.com/2023/12/08/smiledirectclub-to-liquidate-bankruptcy/" style="color:#4a6ee0; background:transparent; margin-top:0pt; margin-bottom:0pt" target="_blank">Fortune</a>&nbsp;noted.</p>

<p>&quot;When it came to the founder-led bid, it was really a Hail Mary,&quot; Winters told US Bankruptcy Judge Christopher Lopez. &quot;We pushed very, very hard this week, and it just didn&#39;t come together.&quot;</p>

<p>&quot;We turned over every rock,&quot; Winters said in the hearing, adding he thought as recently as Thursday that a going-concern sale was still feasible.</p>


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Monday, December 11, 2023