Latest news for Sierra Metals (OTC:SMTSF) Stock

Sierra Metals Inc is a precious and base metals producer in Peru and Mexico. The company acquires, explores, extracts, and produces mineral concentrates consisting of silver, copper, lead, zinc and gold. Sierra has interests in the Yauricocha Mine in Peru, and the Bolivar and Cusi Mines, Mexico. The majority of the revenue comes from selling the mineral concentrates to its customers in Peru.

SIERRA METALS INC ORD by Sierra Metals, Inc.

Sierra Metals Inc

<h4><strong>Key Takeaways:</strong></h4>
<ul>
<li>WH Group plans to list its Smithfield pork subsidiary as early as this year in a U.S. IPO that could raise $1 billion or more</li>
<li>Potential Chinese anti-dumping tariffs against European pork could throw a spanner into the company&rsquo;s recent European expansion&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
<p>By Lee Shih Ta</p>
<p>After months of rumors, leading Chinese meat producer&nbsp;<strong>WH Group Ltd.</strong>&nbsp;(OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/whgly#OTC">WHGLY</a>)(OTC: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/whgrf#OTC">WHGRF</a>) is finally serving up some new bacon for investors by confirming plans to spin off its&nbsp;<strong>Smithfield Foods</strong>&nbsp;subsidiary for a separate listing in New York. The IPO is expected to raise at least $1 billion by re-listing Smithfield on the New York Stock Exchange or the Nasdaq as soon as this year, according to a&nbsp;<a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2024/0714/2024071400001.pdf">WH Group announcement</a>&nbsp;earlier this month.&nbsp;</p>
<p>WH was considering such a move for quite a while, and rumors started to circulate as early as last October. Investors gobbled up the story by bidding up WH Group shares 5.2%, their biggest daily increase since April, after Bloomberg reported on the plan several days before the official announcement. The rally continued after the official news release, though a 7% jump eventually fizzled and the stock ended up by a slight 0.2% at HK$5.23 for the day.&nbsp;</p>
<p>WH Group made headlines in 2013 when it acquired Smithfield for $4.7 billion, as a new crop of up-and-coming Chinese companies were starting to go global with major overseas acquisitions. Based in the U.S. state of Virginia, Smithfield was the biggest pork producer in the U.S. at that time, slaughtering about 30 million hogs a year. Smithfield de-listed from the U.S. after the deal, and a year later WH Group, then known as Shuanghui, listed in Hong Kong.</p>
<p>WH Group also controls leading Chinese pork producer&nbsp;<strong>Shuanghui Development</strong>&nbsp;(000895.SZ), making it the world&rsquo;s largest pork company. WH is currently valued at HK$68.6 billion ($8.8 billion), while the Shenzhen-listed Shuanghui is worth an even larger 82.6 billion yuan ($11.3 billion). A successful new listing for Smithfield would make the U.S. producer WH Group&rsquo;s third listed company, serving up investment options in three major global markets.</p>
<p>The U.S. and Mexico became WH Group&rsquo;s largest markets after the acquisition, but they weren&rsquo;t as profitable as the company&rsquo;s home China market. WH Group&rsquo;s latest&nbsp;<a href="https://www1.hkexnews.hk/listedco/listconews/sehk/2024/0415/2024041500426.pdf"><strong>annual report</strong></a>&nbsp;shows its revenue fell 6.8% year-on-year to $26.24 billion in 2023, with China accounting for about a third of the total and the U.S. and Mexico combining for about 54%. But the situation was reversed in terms of profits, with China supplying 64% of the company&rsquo;s operating profit while the U.S. and Mexico provided only 22.4%. The remaining operating profit and revenue came from Europe.</p>
<h3><strong>Global Business Overhaul</strong></h3>
<p>Falling pork prices and rising breeding costs have been the two main drags on WH Group&rsquo;s U.S. business, which lost $62 million in this year&rsquo;s first quarter. Inability to turn a profit in the American market is currently the company&rsquo;s biggest challenge overseas. Accordingly, the spinoff and listing of Smithfield will provide a much-needed cash infusion for the company&rsquo;s U.S. business. It will also open an important new financing channel to support development of WH Group&rsquo;s business in other overseas markets.</p>
<p>The company has been working hard to shore up its overseas business these past two years. It closed processing facilities and downsized its pig farming business in California in May 2022, and restructured its pig farming operations in Missouri and Utah. Last month it also closed a ham boning plant in Iowa.</p>
<p>WH Group also sold its interest in Saratoga, a specialty food business, and Norson, a Mexican integrated hog producer, and has expanded its European business through acquisitions. In February last year, it completed its acquisition of Romanian meat producer Goodies. Last November, Smithfield also acquired 50.1% of Spanish meat producer Argal Group.</p>
<h3><strong>Vulnerable To China Tariffs&nbsp;</strong></h3>
<p>Having expanded its European base, WH Group is suddenly looking exposed to growing trade tensions between China and Europe.</p>
<p>Following the EU&rsquo;s recent rollout of anti-dumping tariffs on Chinese electric vehicles (EVs), China&rsquo;s Commerce Ministry has launched a retaliatory anti-subsidy investigation into EU pork products, which could lead to China&rsquo;s own anti-dumping tariffs. China previously took similar steps against U.S. pork products, leveling 25% tariffs on them after Washington imposed tariffs on Chinese steel and aluminum products.&nbsp;</p>
<p>China is the world&rsquo;s largest pork market, accounting for about half of global consumption. WH Group has been purchasing pork from Smithfield since 2014 through Shuanghui Development, with total purchases worth about 39.9 billion yuan between 2014 and 2021. But imports have declined in recent years as tariffs and other factors have made imported products less competitive.</p>
<p>WH Group&rsquo;s forecast price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio currently stands at 8.6 times, well below the 24.6 times for Chinese peer&nbsp;<strong>Muyuan Foods</strong>&nbsp;(002714.SZ) and 16 times for U.S. chicken giant&nbsp;<strong>Tyson Foods</strong>&nbsp;(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tsn#NYSE">TSN</a>), reflecting investor concerns about the ongoing losses at Smithfield.&nbsp;</p>
<p>CCB International believes the spinoff will unlock value in Smithfield and has raised its target price for WH Group to HK$6.50 from HK$6, maintaining an &ldquo;outperform&rdquo; rating. Recovering pork prices may perk up investor interest in the meat products industry, though global uncertainties could continue to weigh on WH Group&rsquo;s stock. With its Smithfield spinoff already baked into its price, the company will need to show strong results in its U.S. overhaul and European expansion to keep investors coming back for more of its shares.</p>
<p class="contributor-disclaimer"><em>This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga's reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.</em></p>


Penny Stocks

WHGLY

WHGRF

WH Group Serves Up Smithfield Spinoff To Support Overseas Expansion

<p><strong>Eastman Chemical Company </strong>(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/emn#NYSE">EMN</a>) is scheduled to release second-quarter 2024 results after the closing bell on Jul 25.</p>
<p>The company surpassed Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in each of the last four quarters. It delivered a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of around 5% on average. EMN pulled off an earnings surprise of 14.2% in the last reported quarter.</p>
<p>Eastman is expected to have benefited from cost-cutting and productivity initiatives, as well as its innovation-driven growth strategy. However, soft demand in certain markets is likely to have weighed on its second-quarter performance.</p>
<p>The stock has gained 12.6% in the past year compared with the industry&#39;s fall of 10%.</p>
<p><img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/38/72277.jpg?v=188913821" /></p>
<p>Image Source: Zacks Investment Research</p>
<p>Let&#39;s see how things are shaping up for this announcement.</p>
<h3>Zacks Model</h3>
<p>Our proven model predicts an earnings beat for EMN this time around. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the chances of an earning beat.</p>
<p><strong>Earnings ESP:</strong> Earnings ESP for Eastman Chemical is +0.29%. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the second quarter is currently pegged at $1.99.</p>
<p><strong>Zacks Rank:</strong> Eastman Chemical currently carries a Zacks Rank #3.</p>
<h3>What Do the Estimates Say?</h3>
<p>The Zacks Consensus Estimate for sales for the to-be-reported quarter is currently pegged at $2,369.3 million, which implies a rise of around 1.9% from the year-ago reported number.</p>
<p>Our estimate for EMN&#39;s Additives and Functional Products division&#39;s revenues is pegged at $715.3 million, suggesting a fall of 4.3% year over year. The same for the Advanced Materials unit&#39;s revenues is $733.8 million, indicating a decline of 0.7%.</p>
<p>Our estimate for the Chemical Intermediates segment&#39;s revenues is pinned at $515.5 million, suggesting a year-over-year rise of 0.3%. The same for the Fiber segment stands at $371.5 million, indicating an increase of 15% year over year.</p>
<h3>Some Factors to Watch</h3>
<p>Eastman&#39;s cost-cutting initiatives are anticipated to have benefited the company in the June quarter. It is expected to have gained from its operational transformation efforts, which are likely to have resulted in lower operating costs.</p>
<p>EMN is taking action to keep its manufacturing and administrative costs in control. It achieved cost savings of around $200 million in 2023, net of inflation.&nbsp; The company also plans to maintain pricing discipline and improve asset utilization throughout this year. Pricing initiatives and lower raw material and energy costs are also expected to have supported its bottom line.</p>
<p>Moreover, Eastman&#39;s goal is to increase new business revenues by utilizing its innovation-driven growth strategy. Its sales volumes are likely to have been aided by innovation and market development initiatives.</p>
<p>However, EMN is exposed to headwinds from weak demand and continued de-stocking in specific markets. Lingering effects from customer inventory de-stocking across certain markets are expected to have impacted its performance. The company, on its first-quarter call, said that it sees uncertain primary demand in key markets and regions through the remainder of 2024. It expects continued de-stocking in medical and agriculture in the second quarter. EMN also sees soft demand in building &amp; construction in most regions and cautious customer behavior in consumer durables and electronics.</p>
<div class="chart_embed">
<h3>Eastman Chemical Company Price and EPS Surprise</h3>
<p><img alt="Eastman Chemical Company Price and EPS Surprise" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/charts/2e/1721812314.png" style="height:263px; width:537px" title="" /></p>
<p>Eastman Chemical Company price-eps-surprise | Eastman Chemical Company Quote</p>
</div>
<h3>Stocks That Warrant a Look</h3>
<p>Here are some companies in the basic materials space you may want to consider as our model shows they too have the right combination of elements to post an earnings beat this quarter:</p>
<p><strong>Agnico Eagle Mines Limited</strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/aem#NYSE">AEM</a>), scheduled to release earnings on Jul 31, has an Earnings ESP of +6.31% and carries a Zacks Rank #2.</p>
<p>The consensus estimate for AEM&#39;s earnings for the second quarter is currently pegged at 86 cents.</p>
<p><strong>ATI Inc. </strong>(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ati#NYSE">ATI</a>), slated to release earnings on Aug 6, has an Earnings ESP of +3.50% and carries a Zacks Rank #3 at present.</p>
<p>The consensus mark for ATI&#39;s second-quarter earnings currently stands at 58 cents.</p>
<p><strong>Kinross Gold Corporation </strong>(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/kgc#NYSE">KGC</a>), scheduled to release second-quarter earnings on Jul 31, has an Earnings ESP of +12.78%.</p>
<p>The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Kinross Gold&#39;s earnings for the second quarter is currently pegged at 13 cents. KGC currently carries a Zacks Rank #1.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2307649/eastman-chemical-emn-to-report-q2-earnings-what-s-in-store?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|earnings_preview-2307649">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a></p>


Earnings

News

Markets

Analyst Ratings

Trading Ideas

Eastman Chemical to Report Q2 Earnings: What's in Store?

DDOG

Live On CNBC, Joe Terranova Announces Sold Datadog, Inc.

<p>Barclays  analyst Tim Long   maintains Logitech International (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LOGI#NASDAQ">LOGI</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $98 to $105.</p>


Price Target

LOGI

Barclays Maintains Overweight on Logitech International, Raises Price Target to $105

<p>RBC Capital  analyst Ben Hendrix   maintains HCA Healthcare (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HCA#NYSE">HCA</a>) with a Outperform and raises the price target from $329 to $378.</p>


RBC Capital Maintains Outperform on HCA Healthcare, Raises Price Target to $378

<p><strong>Washington, D.C.'s medical market could perish</strong> within the next three months if the downtrend burdened by the underground market and neighboring Maryland continues. That's according to <strong>Grace Hyde, </strong>the owner of <strong>District Cannabis.</strong></p>
<p>"If enforcement doesn't meaningfully begin by the end of July and start to turn things around, I think the medical market could cease to exist within the next 90 days," Hyde <a href="https://www.greenmarketreport.com/washington-d-c-s-legal-medical-marijuana-industry-could-soon-collapse-insider-says/">told</a> Green Market Report's John Schroyer recently.</p>
<p>At the moment, only 15 of 23 operators that are licensed to sell medical cannabis are operational in D.C.</p>
<p>Hyde has been running a cannabis cultivation business for eight years and has ventured into retail this past spring with a new medical marijuana dispensary. However, she's been facing enormous challenges. "Since January of 2024, the market has been in a really big slump," Hyde said. "We sold less than 400 pounds of flower each month, which is almost nothing."</p>
<p><strong>Why?</strong></p>
<p>Recreational marijuana use has been legal in the District of Columbia since 2014. However, its sale is still technically illegal due to a congressional ban, which led businesses to practice "gifting" weed in exchange for purchasing an overpriced item or service.</p>
<p>Law enforcement has previously attempted to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/01/36597430/new-emergency-law-empowers-authorities-to-crack-down-on-cannabis-gifting-shops-in-d-c">curb unlicensed marijuana gifting shops.</a> That said, between 200-300 unlicensed storefronts are still operational, Hyde said, despite efforts from state officials creating fierce competition to licensed medical cannabis retailers. To add to the mix, Maryland just celebrated the first anniversary of the legal cannabis sales launch that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/07/33089882/its-official-marylands-cannabis-legalization-law-is-in-effect-sales-already-going-strong#:~:text=%22Maryland%2C%20starting%20today%2C%20recreational,competitive%20and%20more%20equitable%20economy.%22">took place on July 1, 2023,</a> which is yet another challenge with its lower prices for cannabis.</p>
<p><strong>Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/02/37220237/dcs-weed-gifting-goes-legit-nebraskans-want-medical-marijuana-legalized-and-more-cannabis-regs">DC&#8217;s Weed Gifting Goes Legit, Nebraskans Want Medical Marijuana Legalized And More Cannabis Regs</a></strong></p>
<p>It remains to be seen if the longstanding prohibition in Washington, D.C. regarding allowing recreational cannabis sales is coming to an end, as a GOP House committee has recently introduced a spending bill that removes it.</p>
<p>The fiscal year <a href="https://docs.house.gov/meetings/AP/AP23/20240605/117405/BILLS-118-SC-AP-FY2025-FServices-FY25FSGGSubcommitteeMark.pdf">2025 spending bill</a>, is an effort from Rep. <strong>Dave Joyce</strong> (R-OH), co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus and the primary advocate for bipartisan cannabis banking reform. As highlighted by Benzinga's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/patricio-liddle-0">Patricio Liddle</a> recently, Joyce's leadership has seen the exclusion of the rider that barred D.C. from using local funds to regulate recreational cannabis, a provision championed by Rep. <strong>Andy Harris</strong> (R-MD) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/22/04/26490230/update-dcs-council-rejects-bill-to-establish-a-system-of-recreational-cannabis-commerce">in prior years.</a></p>
<p><strong>Read Next:</strong></p>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/04/38190919/predatory-practices-in-missouri-washington-d-c-mayor-declares-420-tax-holiday-on-medical-marijua"><strong>&#8216;Predatory Practices&#8217; In Missouri, Washington D.C. Mayor Declares 4/20 Tax Holiday On Medical Marijuana And More Cannabis Reg Updates</strong></a></li>
</ul>
<p><em>Interested in the latest developments in cannabis policy and regulation? Hear directly from top experts at the Benzinga Cannabis Market Spotlight event in New Jersey on June 17th. </em><a href="https://cannabismarketspotlight.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Get your tickets now</em></a><em> before prices surge by following </em><a href="https://cannabismarketspotlight.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>this link</em></a><em>.</em></p>


Cannabis

Government

Regulations

Politics

Medical Marijuana Market In D.C. At Risk Of Perishing, Affected Business Owner Explains

<p><strong>Murphy USA</strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/musa#NYSE">MUSA</a>) is set to release second-quarter results on Jul 31. The current Zacks Consensus Estimate for the to-be-reported quarter is a profit of $6.90 per share on revenues of $5.6 billion.</p>
<p>Let&#39;s delve into the factors that might have influenced the downstream operator&#39;s results in the June quarter. But it&#39;s worth taking a look at MUSA&#39;s previous-quarter performance first.</p>
<h3>Highlights of Q1 Earnings &amp; Surprise History</h3>
<p>In the last reported quarter, the El Dorado, AR-based motor fuel retailer missed the consensus mark due to lower fuel margins and weak petroleum product sales. MUSA had reported earnings per share of $3.12, well below the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $4.09. Revenues of $4.8 billion generated by the firm also came below the consensus mark by $25 million.</p>
<p>MUSA beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings in two of the last four quarters and missed in the other two, resulting in an earnings surprise of 3.1%, on average. This is depicted in the graph below:</p>
<div class="chart_embed">
<h3>Murphy USA Inc. Price and EPS Surprise</h3>
<p><img alt="Murphy USA Inc. Price and EPS Surprise" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/charts/98/1721817755.png" style="height:266px; width:553px" title="" /></p>
<p>Murphy USA Inc. price-eps-surprise | Murphy USA Inc. Quote</p>
<h3>Trend in Estimate Revision</h3>
<p>The Zacks Consensus Estimate for the second-quarter bottom line has been revised 2.7% upward in the past seven days. The estimated figure indicates a 14.6% improvement year over year. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues, meanwhile, suggests essentially no change from the year-ago period.</p>
</div>
<h3>Factors to Consider</h3>
<p>Our model sees MUSA&#39;s total fuel contribution gain 15.5% quarter over quarter to $330.5 million due to margin expansion. Moreover, total fuel contribution (including retail fuel margin plus product supply and wholesale results) is likely to have come in at 26.6 cents per gallon compared to 24.8 cents in the first quarter of 2024.</p>
<p>Murphy USA is also expected to have benefited from sequentially higher petroleum product sales during the quarter. Our model projects the company&#39;s second-quarter petroleum product sales at $4.3 billion, up 13.7% from the previous quarter&#39;s level of $3.8 billion. Further, our model predicts MUSA to clock merchandise sales of $1.1 billion compared with the first quarter&#39;s $1 billion. This increase in sales is likely to have had a positive effect on the second-quarter revenues and cash flows of Murphy USA.</p>
<p>On a further bullish note, the rise in MUSA&#39;s retail fuel gallons might have supported the company&#39;s to-be-reported bottom line. Going by our model, the company&#39;s second-quarter retail fuel volume is likely to have totaled 1,241.8 million gallons, gaining around 90 million gallons from the January-March period. Our model also projects volumes on a same-store sales basis (or fuel gallons per store) to have gained around 6% from the first quarter of 2024 to 241 thousand.</p>
<h3>Why a Likely Positive Surprise?</h3>
<p>Our proven model predicts an earnings beat for Murphy USA this season. The combination of a positive Earnings ESP and a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), 2 (Buy) or 3 (Hold) increases the odds of an earnings beat.</p>
<p>MUSA has an Earnings ESP of +0.10% and a Zacks Rank #3.</p>
<h3>Other Stocks to Consider</h3>
<p>Murphy USA is not the only company looking up this earnings cycle. Here are some other firms that you may want to consider on the basis of our model:</p>
<p><strong>Enterprise Products Partners L.P.</strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/epd#NYSE">EPD</a>) has an Earnings ESP of +4.25% and a Zacks Rank #3. The firm is scheduled to release earnings on Jul 30.</p>
<p>The 2024 Zacks Consensus Estimate for Enterprise Products Partners indicates 7.5% year-over-year earnings per share growth. It has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 1%, on average. Valued at around $65.1 billion, EPD has gone up 10.5% in a year.</p>
<p><strong>Northern Oil and Gas</strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/nog#NYSE">NOG</a>) has an Earnings ESP of +1.93% and a Zacks Rank #3. The firm is scheduled to release earnings on Jul 30.</p>
<p>Over the past 30 days, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for Northern Oil and Gas&#39; 2024 earnings has moved up 2.1%. It has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 4.5%, on average. Valued at around $4.1 billion, NOG has inched up 1.9% in a year.</p>
<p><strong>Transocean Ltd.</strong> (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rig#NYSE">RIG</a>) has an Earnings ESP of +20.67% and a Zacks Rank #3. The firm is scheduled to release earnings on Jul 31.</p>
<p>Transocean&#39;s expected EPS growth rate for three to five years is currently 32.6%, which compares favorably with the industry&#39;s growth rate of 17.6%. It has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 11.8%, on average. Valued at around $5.1 billion, RIG has lost 35.3% in a year.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2307654/can-murphy-usa-musa-pull-off-a-strong-show-in-q2-earnings?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|earnings_preview-2307654">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a></p>


Earnings Beats

MUSA

Can Murphy USA Pull Off a Strong Show in Q2 Earnings?

<p><strong>Visa Inc </strong>(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/V#NYSE">V</a>) shares tanked in early trading on Wednesday, after the company reported its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/07/39934931/whats-going-on-with-visas-stock-after-earnings">fiscal third-quarter results</a>.</p>
<p>The results came amid an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings">exciting earnings season</a>. Here are some key analyst takeaways.</p>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Piper Sandler On Visa</strong></h1>
<p>Analyst <strong>Arvind Ramnani </strong>maintained an Overweight rating while cutting the price target from $322 to $319.</p>
<p><strong>Visa reported quarterly revenues at $8.9 billion, slightly missing the Street expectations, while non-GAAP earnings of $2.42 per share surpassed expectations, Ramnani said.</strong></p>
<p>"Service and Other revenue both exceeded Street expectations, while International Transaction and Data Processing revenue lagged slightly below modeled estimates," the analyst stated. "We are encouraged by momentum within Value-Added Services and expect VAS to continue to be a growth driver," he further wrote.</p>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>BofA Securities On Visa</strong></h1>
<p>Analyst <strong>Jason Kupferberg</strong> reiterated a Neutral rating while reducing the price target from $297 to $279.</p>
<p><strong>Visa&#8217;s quarterly results were "worse than expected," which could continue exerting pressure on the stock, Kupferberg said.</strong></p>
<p>"The quarter could also spark louder debates about the growth outlook for V&#8217;s core business, which we estimate slowed to ~3% in F3Q," the analyst wrote. The company's core business appears "somewhat soft," with weakness in lower-income US cohorts and a further deceleration in APAC, he added.</p>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Goldman Sachs On Visa</strong></h1>
<p>Analyst <strong>Will Nance</strong> reaffirmed a Buy rating while cutting the price target from $334 to $317.</p>
<p>Visa recorded weaker volumes in the quarter, "particularly in APAC, driven by softer macro trends," Nance said. "This was largely offset by below-the-line items, driving in-line EPS," he added.</p>
<p><strong>Although management reiterated the full-year guidance, they sounded "incrementally more cautious on the macro environment, with incremental weakness in the U.S. low end consumer adding to continued softness in Asia," the analyst wrote. </strong>There is a sequential decline in July spending trends, he further stated.</p>
<p>Check out <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">other analyst stock ratings</a>.</p>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>JPMorgan On Visa</strong></h1>
<p>Analyst <strong>Tien-tsin Huang </strong>maintained an Overweight rating while cutting the price target from $300 to $290.</p>
<p>Visa reported 10% revenue growth for the second consecutive quarter, with upside being driven by "incentives and acceleration in new flows despite slightly weaker volume primarily out of Asia," Huang said. Management reiterated the guidance, "implying modest acceleration for F4Q, which we view as a victory for the stock considering perception of building headwinds," he added.</p>
<p><strong>"Consistent with our expectations, Visa framed consumer health as generally stable while acknowledging some softness among lower-end consumers and macro pressures in mainland China," the analyst further wrote.</strong></p>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>KeyBanc Capital Markets On Visa</strong></h1>
<p>Analyst <strong>Alex Markgraf </strong>reiterated an Overweight rating and price target of $300.</p>
<p><strong>Visa's payments volume rose by 7% year-on-year, while cross-border volumes climbed 14%, Markgraf said.</strong></p>
<p>&#8220;Through the first three weeks of July, U.S. payment volumes have risen by 4% year-on-year, with debit up 4% and credit 3%, primarily due to "a combination of factors such as weather, Prime Day timing and the CrowdStrike / Windows outage," the analyst stated.</p>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>BMO Capital Markets On Visa</strong></h1>
<p>Analyst <strong>Rufus Hone</strong> reaffirmed an Outperform rating and price target of $300.</p>
<p>Despite an in-line quarterly performance and broadly unchanged full-year guidance, <strong>"Investors will likely remain cautious on V near term given the slight deceleration QoQ across payment volume, transactions and cross-border volumes," Hone wrote in a note.</strong></p>
<p>While Visa continues to generate around 10% revenue growth, driven by strong trends in Value-Added Services and accelerating New Flows growth, "investors worry about the sustainability of double-digit top-line growth in FY25," he added.</p>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>RBC Capital Markets On Visa</strong></h1>
<p>Analyst <strong>Daniel Perlin </strong>maintained an Outperform rating and price target of $315.</p>
<p><strong>Visa's full-year guidance indicates "high single-digit to low double-digit net revenue growth on a nominal-dollar basis, while on an adjusted constant-dollar basis, net revenue growth is expected to be in the low-double digits," Perlin said.</strong></p>
<p>For the fiscal fourth quarter, the company guided to "low double-digit adj. constant-dollar net revenue growth, high single-digit operating expense growth, and adj. EPS growth in the high end of low double-digits," he added.</p>
<p><strong>V Price Action:</strong> Shares of Visa had declined by 3.96% to $254.30 at the time of publication on Wednesday.</p>
<p><em>Photo: Shutterstock</em></p>


Analyst Color

Earnings Misses

Reiteration

Movers

Visa Faces Continued Softer Macro Trends: These 7 Analysts Dive Into Q3 Results

<p>Barclays  analyst Mathieu Robilliard   maintains Iridium Comms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IRDM#NASDAQ">IRDM</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $44 to $45.</p>


IRDM

Barclays Maintains Overweight on Iridium Comms, Raises Price Target to $45

<p>RBC Capital  analyst Nik Modi   reiterates Kimberly-Clark (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KMB#NYSE">KMB</a>) with a Outperform and maintains $165 price target.</p>


RBC Capital Reiterates Outperform on Kimberly-Clark, Maintains $165 Price Target

Bausch Health Shares Halted Pending News

<p><strong>Goldman Sachs </strong>analyst James Schneider reiterated a Buy rating on <strong>AT&amp;T Inc</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/T#NYSE">T</a>) with a price target of $22.</p>
<p>AT&amp;T reported fiscal 2024 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/07/39929205/at-t-q2-earnings-strong-wireless-net-adds-higher-free-cash-flow-stable-annual-outlook" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">second-quarter revenue</a> of $29.8 billion — just below Goldman Sachs&#8217;s and the Stret&#8217;s estimate of $30 billion. </p>
<ul>
<li>Adjusted EBITDA of $11.34 billion was in line with Goldman Sachs&#8217;s estimate of $11.37 billion and the Street&#8217;s estimate of $11.31 billion.  </li>
<li>Free cash flow of $4.6 billion was above Goldman Sachs&#8217;s estimate at $4.3 billion and the Street at $4.3 billion on lower capital investment. </li>
<li>Wireless service revenue of $16.3 billion was in line with Goldman Sachs&#8217;s estimate at $16.2 billion, and the Street at $16.2 billion.</li>
<li>Postpaid phone net adds came in at over 419,000, which was well ahead of Goldman Sachs at more than 275,000 and the Street at more than 266,000. </li>
<li>Wireless EBITDA of $9.20 billion was in line with Goldman Sachs&#8217;s estimate at $9.29 billion and the Street at $9.18 billion.</li>
<li>Fiber net additions of 239,000-plus were below Goldman Sachs&#8217;s at +260k and the Street&#8217;s at more than 255,000.</li>
<li>Wireless service revenue growth stands at +3% versus Goldman Sachs&#8217;s estimate of +3.2% and the Street at +3.1%.</li>
<li>Adjusted EPS remains at $2.15-$2.25 versus Goldman Sachs&#8217;s estimate at $2.24 and the Street at $2.20.</li>
</ul>
<p>Schneider expects the stock to trade modestly higher following results given more robust phone net additions, in light of lowered expectations following a <strong>Verizon Communications Inc</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VZ#NYSE">VZ</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/07/39883078/verizon-q2-earnings-wireless-revenue-and-broadband-subs-gain-traction-sales-fall-short-of-expectati" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a>. </p>
<p><strong>Price Action:</strong> AT&amp;T stock gained 27% in the last 12 months. Investors can gain exposure to the stock through <strong>Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VYM#NYSE">VYM</a>) and <strong>Vanguard Value ETF</strong> (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VTV#NYSE">VTV</a>). T shares traded higher by 4.26% at $18.98 at the last check on Wednesday.</p>
<p><strong>Now Read: </strong></p>
<ul>
<li><strong><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/39934981/us-services-activity-hits-28-month-peak-price-pressures-continue-to-ease-economist-">US Services Activity Hits 28-Month Peak, Price Pressures Continue To Ease: Economist Calls It &#8216;A Goldilocks Scenario&#8217;</a></strong></li>
</ul>
<p><em>Image: Shutterstock</em></p>


AT&T Expected to Rise on Strong Phone Net Additions and Robust Guidance: Analyst

<p>RBC Capital  analyst Ken Herbert   maintains Lockheed Martin (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>) with a Sector Perform and raises the price target from $470 to $500.</p>


RBC Capital Maintains Sector Perform on Lockheed Martin, Raises Price Target to $500

<p>Barclays  analyst Andrew Mok   maintains HCA Healthcare (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HCA#NYSE">HCA</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $376 to $396.</p>


Barclays Maintains Overweight on HCA Healthcare, Raises Price Target to $396

<p>Morgan Stanley  analyst Joseph Moore   maintains NXP Semiconductors (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NXPI#NASDAQ">NXPI</a>) with a Equal-Weight and lowers the price target from $275 to $271.</p>


NXPI

Morgan Stanley Maintains Equal-Weight on NXP Semiconductors, Lowers Price Target to $271

<p>RBC Capital  analyst Ashish Sabadra   reiterates MSCI (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSCI#NYSE">MSCI</a>) with a Outperform and maintains $638 price target.</p>


MSCI

RBC Capital Reiterates Outperform on MSCI, Maintains $638 Price Target

<p>Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards Datadog (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DDOG#NASDAQ">DDOG</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 DDOG usually suggests something big is about to happen.</p>
<p>We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 12 extraordinary options activities for Datadog. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.</p>
<p>The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 75% leaning bullish and 16% bearish. Among these notable options, 3 are puts, totaling $611,720, and 9 are calls, amounting to $433,844.</p>
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
<p>Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $100.0 to $130.0 for Datadog during the past quarter. </p>
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
<p>Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in Datadog's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to Datadog's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $100.0 to $130.0 over the preceding 30 days.</p>
<h3>Datadog Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<p><img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1721837788_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" /></p>
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>
<p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th><strong>Symbol</strong></th>
<th><strong>PUT/CALL</strong></th>
<th><strong>Trade Type</strong></th>
<th><strong>Sentiment</strong></th>
<th><strong>Exp. Date</strong></th>
<th><strong>Ask</strong></th>
<th><strong>Bid</strong></th>
<th><strong>Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Strike Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Total Trade Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Open Interest</strong></th>
<th><strong>Volume</strong></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>DDOG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/23/24</td>
<td>$1.56</td>
<td>$1.13</td>
<td>$1.16</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$522.0K</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>4.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DDOG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$13.2</td>
<td>$13.15</td>
<td>$13.2</td>
<td>$125.00</td>
<td>$97.6K</td>
<td>2.7K</td>
<td>78</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DDOG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/02/24</td>
<td>$1.13</td>
<td>$1.05</td>
<td>$1.04</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
<td>$74.0K</td>
<td>2.6K</td>
<td>710</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DDOG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/02/24</td>
<td>$4.2</td>
<td>$4.15</td>
<td>$4.15</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$52.7K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td>168</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DDOG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/02/24</td>
<td>$2.47</td>
<td>$2.3</td>
<td>$2.3</td>
<td>$125.00</td>
<td>$50.4K</td>
<td>251</td>
<td>227</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<h3>About Datadog</h3>
<p>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.</p>
<p>In light of the recent options history for Datadog, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.</p>
<h3>Where Is Datadog Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 1,671,422, the price of DDOG is down -3.81% at $118.51. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 15 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Datadog</h3>
<p>A total of 5 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $157.0.</p>
<ul>
<li>Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Wedbush lowers its rating to Outperform with a new price target of $155.</li>
<li>An analyst from Evercore ISI Group downgraded its action to Outperform with a price target of $150. </li>
<li>Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Loop Capital keeps a Buy rating on Datadog with a target price of $160. </li>
<li>In a cautious move, an analyst from Needham downgraded its rating to Buy, setting a price target of $165. </li>
<li>In a positive move, an analyst from Mizuho has upgraded their rating to Outperform and adjusted the price target to $155. </li>
</ul>
<p>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 Datadog options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.</p>


Options

What the Options Market Tells Us About Datadog

<p>Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards Synopsys (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNPS#NASDAQ">SNPS</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 SNPS usually suggests something big is about to happen.</p>
<p>We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 8 extraordinary options activities for Synopsys. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.</p>
<p>The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 25% leaning bullish and 62% bearish. Among these notable options, 3 are puts, totaling $90,620, and 5 are calls, amounting to $311,354.</p>
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
<p>Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $550.0 to $700.0 for Synopsys over the last 3 months. </p>
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
<p>Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for Synopsys's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across Synopsys's significant trades, within a strike price range of $550.0 to $700.0, over the past month.</p>
<h3>Synopsys Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<p><img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1721837783_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" /></p>
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>
<p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th><strong>Symbol</strong></th>
<th><strong>PUT/CALL</strong></th>
<th><strong>Trade Type</strong></th>
<th><strong>Sentiment</strong></th>
<th><strong>Exp. Date</strong></th>
<th><strong>Ask</strong></th>
<th><strong>Bid</strong></th>
<th><strong>Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Strike Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Total Trade Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Open Interest</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Volume</strong></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>SNPS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$13.8</td>
<td>$13.7</td>
<td>$13.7</td>
<td>$620.00</td>
<td>$132.8K</td>
<td>266</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">181</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SNPS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/20/24</td>
<td>$13.7</td>
<td>$13.6</td>
<td>$13.6</td>
<td>$620.00</td>
<td>$77.5K</td>
<td>266</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">58</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SNPS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$15.4</td>
<td>$14.8</td>
<td>$15.4</td>
<td>$700.00</td>
<td>$40.0K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">71</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SNPS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>08/16/24</td>
<td>$34.3</td>
<td>$31.6</td>
<td>$32.97</td>
<td>$600.00</td>
<td>$32.9K</td>
<td>218</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SNPS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$15.4</td>
<td>$14.6</td>
<td>$15.4</td>
<td>$700.00</td>
<td>$32.3K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">100</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<h3>About Synopsys</h3>
<p>Synopsys is a provider of electronic design automation software, intellectual property, and software integrity products. EDA software automates the chip design process, enhancing design accuracy, productivity, and complexity in a full-flow end-to-end solution. The firm's growing SI business allows customers to continuously manage and test the code base for security and quality. Synopsys' comprehensive portfolio is benefiting from a mutual convergence of semiconductor companies moving up-stack toward systems-like companies, and systems companies moving down-stack toward in-house chip design. The resulting expansion in EDA customers alongside secular digitalization of various end markets benefits EDA vendors like Synopsys.</p>
<p>After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Synopsys, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.</p>
<h3>Current Position of Synopsys</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 335,446, the price of SNPS is down by -4.39%, reaching $562.52.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 28 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Synopsys</h3>
<p>Over the past month, 3 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $679.3333333333334.</p>
<ul>
<li>An analyst from Piper Sandler has decided to maintain their Overweight rating on Synopsys, which currently sits at a price target of $687. </li>
<li>An analyst from Keybanc persists with their Overweight rating on Synopsys, maintaining a target price of $690. </li>
<li>An analyst from Baird has decided to maintain their Outperform rating on Synopsys, which currently sits at a price target of $661. </li>
</ul>
<p>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.</p>
<p>If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Synopsys, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.</p>


SNPS

Decoding Synopsys's Options Activity: What's the Big Picture?

<p><strong>Quest Diagnostics</strong>&#39; (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/dgx#NYSE">DGX</a>) subsidiary, Haystack Oncology, and <strong>Lisata Therapeutics, Inc.</strong> (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/lsta#NASDAQ">LSTA</a>) recently announced a research collaboration for using the Haystack MRD (minimal residual disease) technology. Under the partnership, Lisata will deploy the highly sensitive technology to detect the circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in a clinical study evaluating certepetide plus chemotherapy as an investigational treatment for metastatic pancreatic cancer.</p>
<p>DGX completed the validation of the Haystack MRD test in March 2024. The Haystack MRD Early Experience Program has been oversubscribed, with nearly 20 leading cancer institutions as participants, paving the way for a nationwide launch of the clinical test later this year.</p>
<h3>More on Lisata Therapeutics</h3>
<p>As a clinical-stage pharmaceutical company, Lisata focuses on the discovery, development, and commercialization of innovative therapies for the treatment of advanced solid tumors and other major diseases. The company&#39;s lead product candidate, certepetide, is an investigational drug designed to activate a novel uptake pathway that allows co-administered or tethered anti-cancer drugs to target and penetrate solid tumors more effectively.</p>
<p>Building on its CendR Platform Technology, Lisata has forged noteworthy commercial and R&amp;D partnerships. The company expects to announce several clinical studies and business achievements over the next two years and projects that its available capital will fund operations into early 2026.</p>
<h3>News in Detail</h3>
<p>The FORTIFIDE study investigates the safety, tolerability and efficacy of certepetide when given as a four-hour continuous infusion in combination with standard-of-care treatment in subjects with metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC) who have progressed on FOLFIRINOX, a treatment for pancreatic cancer. According to the estimates of the American Cancer Society, more than 66,000 individuals nationwide will be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2024, with mPDAC accounting for more than 90% of these cases. Known for its highly aggressive form, the disease mainly advances to this stage due to a lack of early diagnosis or limited patient response to treatments.</p>
<p><img alt="Zacks Investment Research" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/articles/charts/2a/72285.jpg?v=65284551" /></p>
<p>Image Source: Zacks Investment Research</p>
<p>The research will use Haystack&#39;s MRD technology to measure serum ctDNA levels at multiple time points in patients throughout the study as an exploratory endpoint for analyzing the early therapeutic effect of certepetide. According to a Haystack Oncology representative, the collaboration underscores the value of the Haystack MRD technology in helping drive forward the development of novel treatments for solid tumor cancers.</p>
<p>Designed to detect ctDNA with exceptional sensitivity, Haystack&#39;s technology aims to provide crucial insights into ctDNA kinetics via serial measurements as an important and early indication of therapeutic response.</p>
<p><strong>Industry Prospects</strong></p>
<p>Per a Markets And Markets research report, the global MRD testing market was valued at $1.2 billion in 2022 and is expected to witness a CAGR of 14% by 2027. The market continues to be driven by the rising incidence and prevalence of cancer and hematological malignancies.</p>
<h3>Notable Partnerships Involving MRD Technology</h3>
<p>Earlier, in January 2024, Haystack Oncology announced a research collaboration with TriSalus Life Sciences to evaluate the therapeutic response and provide molecular insights in connection with the clinical development of TriSalus&#39; SD-101, an investigational class C toll-like receptor-9 (TLR9) agonist.</p>
<p>Additionally, Quest Diagnostics partnered with Ultima Genomics, involving the latter&#39;s next-generation sequencing&nbsp;technology in oncology and other clinical areas. DGX aims to deploy the Ultima technology for the possible development of lab-developed tests involving its Haystack solid-tumor MRD technology for future clinical and biopharmaceutical MRD applications, supplementing its current whole exome sequencing approach, as well as for certain future whole genome testing applications, such as rare disease detection in pediatric patients.</p>
<h3>Price Performance</h3>
<p>In the past year, shares of DGX have declined 2.8% against the industry&#39;s rise of 11%.</p>
<h3>Zacks Rank and Other Key Picks</h3>
<p>Quest Diagnostics currently carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy).</p>
<p>Some other top-ranked stocks in the broader medical space are <strong>Globus Medical </strong>(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/gmed#NYSE">GMED</a>) and <strong>Hims &amp; Hers Health </strong>(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/hims#NYSE">HIMS</a>). While Globus Medical sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Hims &amp; Hers Health carries a Zacks Rank #2 at present.</p>
<p>Globus Medical shares have risen 20% in the past year. Estimates for the company&#39;s earnings have remained constant at $2.82 in 2024 and at $3.32 in 2025 in the past 30 days.</p>
<p>GMED&#39;s earnings beat estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, delivering an average surprise of 10.8%. In the last reported quarter, it posted an earnings surprise of 30.9%.</p>
<p>Estimates for Hims &amp; Hers Health&#39;s 2024 earnings per share have moved upward 5.3% to 20 cents in the past 30 days. Shares of the company have surged 173% in the past year against the industry&#39;s 22.2% fall.</p>
<p>HIMS&#39; earnings surpassed estimates in three of the trailing four quarters and missed in one, the average surprise being 79.2%. In the last reported quarter, it delivered an earnings surprise of a staggering 150%.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2307520/quest-diagnostics-dgx-haystack-oncology-forges-new-mrd-deal?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|company_news_medical_sector-2307520">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a></p>


Biotech

General

GMED

Hims & Hers Health, Inc. Class A Common Stock

HIMS

LSTA

Quest Diagnostics' Haystack Oncology Forges New MRD Deal

<p>Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bullish stance on <strong>Roper Techs</strong>.</p>
<p>Looking at options history for Roper Techs (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ROP#NASDAQ">ROP</a>) we detected 9 trades.</p>
<p>If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 66% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 11% with bearish.</p>
<p>From the overall spotted trades, 5 are puts, for a total amount of $144,940 and 4, calls, for a total amount of $257,923.</p>
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
<p>Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $270.0 to $560.0 for Roper Techs over the recent three months. </p>
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
<p>In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Roper Techs options trades today is 102.0 with a total volume of 742.00.</p>
<p>In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Roper Techs's big money trades within a strike price range of $270.0 to $560.0 over the last 30 days.</p>
<h3>Roper Techs 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<p><img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1721837778_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" /></p>
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>
<p>
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th><strong>Symbol</strong></th>
<th><strong>PUT/CALL</strong></th>
<th><strong>Trade Type</strong></th>
<th><strong>Sentiment</strong></th>
<th><strong>Exp. Date</strong></th>
<th><strong>Ask</strong></th>
<th><strong>Bid</strong></th>
<th><strong>Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Strike Price</strong></th>
<th><strong>Total Trade Price</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Open Interest</strong></th>
<th style="text-align: right;"><strong>Volume</strong></th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>ROP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$16.8</td>
<td>$11.3</td>
<td>$14.67</td>
<td>$560.00</td>
<td>$117.0K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">16</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">88</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ROP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>08/16/24</td>
<td>$185.8</td>
<td>$176.0</td>
<td>$181.0</td>
<td>$350.00</td>
<td>$72.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">26</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">4</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ROP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$14.1</td>
<td>$13.5</td>
<td>$13.96</td>
<td>$560.00</td>
<td>$41.7K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">16</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">216</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ROP</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/16/24</td>
<td>$28.0</td>
<td>$21.9</td>
<td>$24.2</td>
<td>$550.00</td>
<td>$31.4K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">366</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">88</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ROP</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/16/24</td>
<td>$22.8</td>
<td>$18.2</td>
<td>$18.6</td>
<td>$550.00</td>
<td>$29.7K</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">366</td>
<td style="text-align: right;">201</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</p>
<h3>About Roper Techs</h3>
<p>Roper Technologies is a diversified technology company that operates three segments: application software, network software, and technology enabled products. Roper acquires asset light, cash generative businesses and deploys excess cash to acquire further portfolio companies. The firm operates a highly decentralized model with portfolio company management holding autonomy and accountability for key operational decisions, and a small, centralized team overseeing capital deployment and providing executive coaching and reviewing strategic goals.</p>
<h3>Present Market Standing of Roper Techs</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 827,804, the price of ROP is down by 0.0%, reaching $574.27.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 0 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Roper Techs</h3>
<p>1 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $625.0.</p>
<ul>
<li>Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Barclays keeps a Overweight rating on Roper Techs with a target price of $625. </li>
</ul>
<p>Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Roper Techs with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.</p>


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