VanEck ETF Trust VanEck Morningstar SMID Moat ETF (BATS: SMOT)

Latest news for VanEck ETF Trust VanEck Morningstar SMID Moat ETF (BATS:SMOT)

VanEck ETF Trust VanEck Morningstar SMID Moat ETF

Consumer Cyclical

Technology

Industrials

Healthcare

Financial Services

Communication Services

Basic Materials

Utilities

Consumer Defensive

Energy

Other

Real Estate

The Fund normally invests at least 80 percent of its total assets in securities that comprise the Funds benchmark index. The Morningstar US Small-Mid Cap Moat Focus Index is comprised of small- and medium-capitalization companies as defined by Morningstar, Inc. (Morningstar or the Index provider), that Morningstar determines have sustainable competitive advantages based on a proprietary methodology that considers quantitative and qualitative factors (wide and narrow moat companies).

Hasbro, Inc

Nisource Inc

Ss&C Technologies Holdings Inc.

Wec Energy Group Inc.

Centene Corp

Transunion

Dupont De Nemours Inc

Asbury Automotive Group Inc Common Stock USD 0.01

Allegion Plc

Omnicom Group Inc.

VanEck Morningstar SMID Moat ETF

cars shutter

Equities

Mid Cap

News

Movers

PSCD

SMOT

Asbury Automotive Group to acquire The Herb Chambers Companies for $1.34 billion in cash and credit, adding 33 dealerships and boosting revenue.

Asbury Automotive Accelerates Expansion With $1.34 Billion Herb Chambers Takeover

William Blair analyst Louie DiPalma downgrades CACI International (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CACI#NYSE">CACI</a>) from Outperform to Market Perform.

Downgrades

Analyst Ratings

CACI

William Blair Downgrades CACI International to Market Perform

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43803016/is-jack-dorsey-the-mysterious-satoshi-nakamoto-vanecks-matthew-sigel-points-key-evidence-linking-twitter-founder-to">VanEck's Head of Digital Assets Research</a>, Matthew Sigel, has laid out a vision for how the U.S. Treasury could use Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) to strengthen its balance sheet.
What Happened: In a post on <a href="https://x.com/matthew_sigel/status/1892654369025245281">X</a> on Friday, Sigel highlighted VanEck's estimates that if Bitcoin appreciates at 25% annually—rising from $100,000 today to $21 million per BTC by 2049—the reserve could offset 18% of the projected U.S. debt.
This assumes debt grows at 5% annually, reaching $116 trillion by 2049 (up from $36 trillion in 2025).
While this theory is highly optimistic, it underscores Bitcoin's potential as a sovereign reserve asset and a hedge against inflationary debt expansion.
The BITCOIN Act introduced by Wyoming Senator Cynthia Lummis proposes the U.S. accumulate 1 million BTC over five years and hold it for at least 20 years as a strategic Bitcoin reserve.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43852658/bitcoin-ethereum-face-downside-risk-as-institutional-demand-fades-jpmorgan-says">Bitcoin, Ethereum Face Downside Risk As Institutional Demand Fades, JPMorgan Says</a>
Why It Matters: Polymarket now <a href="https://polymarket.com/event/us-national-bitcoin-reserve-in-2025?tid=1740147906234">prices</a> in a 44% chance of a U.S. National Bitcoin Reserve in 2025, up from 39% earlier this month. 
Kalshi <a href="https://kalshi.com/markets/kxbtcreserve/bitcoin-reserve">data</a> sees a 59% probability that Trump would establish a Bitcoin Reserve if elected, up from 53.8% on Feb. 12.
Arkansas is set to become the first state to establish a Bitcoin reserve, with amendments expected by March 5. Meanwhile, Texas is preparing to debate the proposal in its Senate.
What's Next: Momentum is building for Bitcoin as a national strategic asset, with state-level initiatives paving the way for potential federal adoption. 
While still speculative, institutional support and policy discussions could shape Bitcoin's future as a financial pillar in the U.S. economy.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43861244/xrp-to-be-part-of-the-crypto-reserve-after-donald-trumps-social-media-post-not-so-fast-pol">XRP To Be Part Of The Crypto Reserve After Donald Trump&#8217;s Social Media Post? Not So Fast, Polymarket Traders Say</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

Bitcoin Reserve With 1 Million BTC Could Offset $21 Trillion National Debt By 2049, Expert Says

William Blair analyst Louie DiPalma downgrades Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAH#NYSE">BAH</a>) from Outperform to Market Perform.

William Blair Downgrades Booz Allen Hamilton to Market Perform

Needham analyst Charles Shi reiterates Altair Engineering (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALTR#NASDAQ">ALTR</a>) from Hold to Hold.

Reiteration

ALTR

Needham Reiterates Hold on Altair Engineeringto Hold

Stephens &amp; Co. analyst Jim Salera maintains Texas Roadhouse (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXRH#NASDAQ">TXRH</a>) with a Equal-Weight and lowers the price target from $186 to $180.

Price Target

TXRH

Stephens & Co. Maintains Equal-Weight on Texas Roadhouse, Lowers Price Target to $180

WIIM

Bluelinx Holdings shares are trading lower. Multiple firms lowered their respective price targets on the stock.

AMN Healthcare Services shares are trading higher after the company reported better-than-expected Q4 financial results.

AMAL

Amalgamated Financial shares are trading lower after Piper Sandler downgraded the stock from Overweight to Neutral and lowered its price target from $42 to $38.

RBC Capital analyst Steven Shemesh maintains Walmart (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from $109 to $107.

RBC Capital Maintains Outperform on Walmart, Lowers Price Target to $107

UBS analyst Rayna Kumar maintains Block (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XYZ#NYSE">XYZ</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $98 to $97.

UBS Maintains Buy on Block, Lowers Price Target to $97

Oil States International shares are trading lower after the company reported worse-than-expected Q4 sales results.

ARDX

Ardelyx shares are trading lower after Raymond James reiterated a Strong Buy rating on the stock but lowered its price target from $15 to $13.

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards MicroStrategy (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in MSTR usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 118 extraordinary options activities for MicroStrategy. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 44% leaning bullish and 34% bearish. Among these notable options, 36 are puts, totaling $2,535,260, and 82 are calls, amounting to $5,032,725.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $0.5 to $1080.0 for MicroStrategy during the past quarter. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for MicroStrategy's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of MicroStrategy's whale trades within a strike price range from $0.5 to $1080.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>MicroStrategy Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1740161740_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>MSTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$28.85</td>
<td>$28.7</td>
<td>$28.7</td>
<td>$600.00</td>
<td>$999.9K</td>
<td>3.7K</td>
<td>79</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSTR</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>02/28/25</td>
<td>$18.15</td>
<td>$17.4</td>
<td>$17.79</td>
<td>$320.00</td>
<td>$154.7K</td>
<td>4.1K</td>
<td>6.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$51.0</td>
<td>$51.0</td>
<td>$51.0</td>
<td>$265.00</td>
<td>$153.0K</td>
<td>300</td>
<td>30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$15.0</td>
<td>$14.4</td>
<td>$14.8</td>
<td>$350.00</td>
<td>$130.2K</td>
<td>3.4K</td>
<td>432</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>02/28/25</td>
<td>$12.8</td>
<td>$12.2</td>
<td>$12.48</td>
<td>$310.00</td>
<td>$124.8K</td>
<td>681</td>
<td>416</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About MicroStrategy</h3>
MicroStrategy Inc is a provider of enterprise analytics and mobility software. It offers MicroStrategy Analytics platform that delivers reports and dashboards and enables users to conduct ad hoc analysis and share insights through mobile devices or the Web; MicroStrategy Server, which provides analytical processing and job management. The company's reportable operating segment is engaged in the design, development, marketing, and sales of its software platform through licensing arrangements and cloud-based subscriptions and related services.
In light of the recent options history for MicroStrategy, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of MicroStrategy</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 8,171,629, the price of MSTR is down -4.37% at $309.75. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 66 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on MicroStrategy</h3>
A total of 5 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $504.8.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Cantor Fitzgerald continues to hold a Overweight rating for MicroStrategy, targeting a price of $619. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Barclays keeps a Overweight rating on MicroStrategy with a target price of $421. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Canaccord Genuity has decided to maintain their Buy rating on MicroStrategy, which currently sits at a price target of $409. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods lowers its rating to Outperform with a new price target of $560. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from Mizuho downgraded its rating to Outperform, setting a price target of $515. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest MicroStrategy options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Options

Markets

MSTR

Smart Money Is Betting Big In MSTR Options

RBC Capital analyst Logan Reich maintains Texas Roadhouse (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXRH#NASDAQ">TXRH</a>) with a Sector Perform and lowers the price target from $200 to $180.

RBC Capital Maintains Sector Perform on Texas Roadhouse, Lowers Price Target to $180

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish move on United States Steel. Our analysis of options history for United States Steel (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/X#NYSE">X</a>) revealed 9 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 33% of traders were bullish, while 22% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 5 were puts, with a value of $288,108, and 4 were calls, valued at $140,804.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $35.0 to $45.0 for United States Steel during the past quarter. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in United States Steel's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to United States Steel's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $35.0 to $45.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>United States Steel Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1740161735_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>X</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$2.8</td>
<td>$2.54</td>
<td>$2.72</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$78.6K</td>
<td>31.0K</td>
<td align="right">327</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>X</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/17/25</td>
<td>$6.95</td>
<td>$6.75</td>
<td>$6.75</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$67.5K</td>
<td>61</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>X</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$3.15</td>
<td>$2.6</td>
<td>$2.84</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$58.2K</td>
<td>31.0K</td>
<td align="right">419</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>X</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$3.1</td>
<td>$2.6</td>
<td>$2.84</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$56.2K</td>
<td>31.0K</td>
<td align="right">419</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>X</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$1.44</td>
<td>$1.37</td>
<td>$1.44</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$43.6K</td>
<td>21.9K</td>
<td align="right">851</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About United States Steel</h3>
United States Steel Corp operates in the United States but also has a steelmaking capacity in Slovakia. The company's operating segments include North American Flat-Rolled (Flat-Rolled), Mini Mill, U. S. Steel Europe (USSE), and Tubular Products (Tubular). The Flat-Rolled segment includes U. S. Steel's integrated steel plants and equity investees in North America involved in the production of slabs, strip mill plates, sheets, and tin mill products, as well as all iron ore and coke production facilities in the United States. It serves North American customers in the service center, conversion, transportation, construction, container, and appliance, and electrical markets.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with United States Steel, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of United States Steel</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 1,361,220, the X's price is down by -1.41%, now at $37.4. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 69 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On United States Steel</h3>
A total of 1 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $39.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Morgan Stanley has revised its rating downward to Equal-Weight, adjusting the price target to $39. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for United States Steel, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Behind the Scenes of United States Steel's Latest Options Trends

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Datadog (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DDOG#NASDAQ">DDOG</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with DDOG, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 19 uncommon options trades for Datadog.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 57% bullish and 15%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 6 are puts, for a total amount of $248,155, and 13 are calls, for a total amount of $753,155.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $115.0 and $170.0 for Datadog, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Datadog's options for a given strike price.
Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Datadog's whale activity within a strike price range from $115.0 to $170.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Datadog Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1740161730_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>DDOG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$2.75</td>
<td>$2.71</td>
<td>$2.75</td>
<td>$135.00</td>
<td>$108.3K</td>
<td>3.6K</td>
<td>539</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DDOG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$2.1</td>
<td>$2.02</td>
<td>$2.1</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$105.0K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DDOG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$3.35</td>
<td>$3.3</td>
<td>$3.35</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$98.1K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DDOG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$1.08</td>
<td>$0.99</td>
<td>$1.01</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$95.9K</td>
<td>498</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DDOG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$2.66</td>
<td>$2.6</td>
<td>$2.66</td>
<td>$135.00</td>
<td>$75.5K</td>
<td>3.6K</td>
<td>576</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Datadog</h3>
Datadog is a cloud-native company that focuses on analyzing machine data. The firm's product portfolio, delivered via software as a service, allows a client to monitor and analyze its entire IT infrastructure. Datadog's platform can ingest and analyze large amounts of machine-generated data in real time, allowing clients to utilize it for a variety of applications throughout their businesses.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Datadog, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Datadog's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 3,174,164, the price of DDOG is down -3.65% at $121.63. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 74 days.</li>
</ul>
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>.
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Datadog, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

DDOG

Datadog's Options Frenzy: What You Need to Know

UBS analyst Michael Lasser maintains Savers Value Village (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SVV#NYSE">SVV</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $14 to $13.

UBS Maintains Buy on Savers Value Village, Lowers Price Target to $13

RBC Capital analyst Walter Spracklin maintains TFI International (TSX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TFII#TSX">TFII</a>) with a Outperform and lowers the price target from C$156 to C$127.

TSX:TFII

RBC Capital Maintains Outperform on TFI International, Lowers Price Target to C$127

UBS analyst A.J. Rice maintains Pediatrix Medical Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MD#NYSE">MD</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $16.5 to $18.5.

UBS Maintains Neutral on Pediatrix Medical Group, Raises Price Target to $18.5

UBS analyst Lloyd Walmsley maintains Booking Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BKNG#NASDAQ">BKNG</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $5560 to $5960.

BKNG

UBS Maintains Buy on Booking Holdings, Raises Price Target to $5960

Asbury Automotive Group Inc&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABG#NYSE">ABG</a>) shares are trading lower on Tuesday. The company inked a deal to acquire The Herb Chambers Companies&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/02/b43777114/asbury-automotive-group-agrees-to-acquire-the-herb-chambers-companies" rel="noreferrer noopener">in a $1.34 billion deal</a>.



The transaction covers Herb Chambers&#8217; 33 dealerships, 52 franchises, and three collision centers,&nbsp;representing&nbsp;$2.9 billion in&nbsp;2024 revenue.



The transaction, expected to close in the late second quarter of 2025, is subject to customary conditions and will be funded through credit facilities, mortgage proceeds, and cash.&nbsp;



Herb Chambers, principal of the Herb Chambers Companies, has agreed to assume the post of Special Advisor to Asbury and will retain ownership of Mercedes-Benz of Boston in Somerville, Massachusetts.



David Hult, Asbury&#8217;s President &amp;&nbsp;CEO,&nbsp;said, &#8220;HCC is a respected brand with a rich history and reputation for having a customer and team member-focused culture, aligning directly with Asbury&#8217;s North Star to become the most guest-centric automotive retailer.&#8221;



Last month, Asbury Automotive reported fourth-quarter revenue of $4.5 billion, beating estimates&nbsp;, and adjusted EPS of $7.26, which exceeded expectations, with a strong Parts &amp; Service segment&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43349755/asbury-automotive-shares-jumps-11-on-record-q4-revenue-and-strong-earnings-beat" rel="noreferrer noopener">performance offsetting margin pressures</a>.



As of December 31, 2024, the company had cash and floorplan offset accounts of $156 million and availability under the used vehicle floorplan&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/01/b43331814/asbury-automotive-group-reports-record-fourth-quarter-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">line and revolver of $672 million</a>.



Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;Invesco S&amp;P SmallCap Consumer Discretionary ETF&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PSCD#NASDAQ">PSCD</a>) and&nbsp;VanEck ETF Trust VanEck Morningstar SMID Moat ETF&nbsp;(BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMOT#BATS">SMOT</a>).



Price Action: ABG shares are down 1.37% at $299.20 at the last check Tuesday.



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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock.

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