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Tag: XOM

  • Highest Dividend Paying Stocks From Each Sector

    When looking at the highest dividend-paying stocks, investors tend to objectively judge solely on the basis of objective yield-related metrics and fundamentals. However, in many cases, investors show a preference for specific economic sectors, given the potential they find them to hold. For this reason, the specific sector the stock belongs to, also plays a critical role in their judgment of whether or not to add to their portfolio.

    Choosing between dividend stocks

    There hardly comes a better time to invest in stocks for those chasing dividends than in present circumstances. The raging bull market has come to a halt, leaving stocks of all classes trading significantly below their prices from barely a year ago. Although the S&P 500 has been recovering in the prior months, prices for many stocks still do not match up with robust fundamentals. The result is stocks trading at a discount, with inflated dividend yields. Accumulating these stocks in the present would result in a hefty dividend return, with a relatively small investment amount. In this article, we present the 7 highest dividend-paying stocks that belong to different sectors of the economy. This would allow sufficient diversification for those that seek to hold a safe and robust portfolio, delivering them dividend returns. It would also help point to which stock pays the best dividend in each sector.

    Energy Sector – Exxon Mobile

    The first name we present is the well-known oil and gas giant, Exxon Mobil Corp. (NYSE: XOM) which is a great stock for any dividend chaser to consider investing in. Dividend seekers would be pleased to know that Exxon Mobil has been rolling out dividends to its shareholders for an incredible 140 years. This means that throughout all the global stresses of the 20th and 21st century, XOM holders have without fail been earning a share of value through the company. At present, the company’s dividend yields at 3.78%, which stands above the sector median of 3.11%. This impressive yield enhances the attractiveness of the company to a significant degree.

    Shareholders can rely on the company’s robust business model. Its upside potential is further boosted by the deleveraging it has undertaken, capitalizing on the high cashflows earned during the high-margin inflationary period in the last year. Its strong balance sheet makes it capable to ride through broader headwinds in terms of supply chain complications, and geopolitical uncertainty.

    Healthcare Sector – Medtronic PLC

    Next up, we move onwards to the healthcare sector and take a look at the medical technology’s global leader, Metronic PLC (NYSE: MDT). The company, which holds a market cap of $125 billion dominates the markets of each segment it occupies at a global level. These segments include diabetes, cardiac & vascular, minimally invasive therapies, and restorative therapies.

    Given the strong market position this giant occupies, it has transformed itself into a free cash flow generator, by tapping into global demand for medical technology across hospitals. In its first quarter for 2022, the company reported a free cash flow figure of a whopping $5.2 billion. The result is an extremely strong dividend cushion. This means MDT is highly capable of sustaining and growing its dividends over time, as opposed to companies buried under overwhelming debt. It further holds a healthy 2.89% forward dividend yield, in comparison to the healthcare average of 1.34%.

    Industrials Sector – Genco Shipping & Trading Limited

    In the industrial sector, if we have to pick the highest dividend-paying stock, there is hardly a better pick than Genco Shipping & Trading Limited (NYSE: GNK). In the wake of bearish panic in the wider market, and broader macroeconomic headwinds, Genco has remained relatively stable throughout the year, falling by a mere 2% in the last 12 months. This comes despite the improving fundamentals that the company has been experiencing lately. In its most FY22Q2 results, Genco reports a 13.85% year-on-year revenue rise, and an exceptionally impressive 47% EPS jump.

    The GNK share price remaining unchanged in the wake of such impressive results indicates the significant discount it is presently trading at. As a result, the company’s forward dividend yield stands at an incredible 11%. Buying the stock now while its yield is in double-digit figures would be a great investment. To add to this dividend king’s strengths, the management has stated that it is confident that drydocking costs will be substantially lowered during Q3. They have also hinted at diverting some of this value towards a potential dividend hike.

    Financial Sector – Ares Management Corporation

    Next up, we turn to the highest dividend-paying stock, which belongs to the financial sector, and which holds extremely promising growth prospects. We are talking about none other than ARES Management Corporation (NYSE: ARES), which is a US-based alternative asset management and direct lending group. Given its unique business model, it remains largely resilient to macroeconomic headwinds, which makes it less cyclical than its peers in the financial sector.

    Given the stock’s 24% rise in the last month alone, it no longer is a value stock but remains extremely robust fundamentals and prospects. With rising interest rates, ARE’s forward prospects remain extremely high and enhance profit margins. The CAGR of ARE’s dividends in the last 5 years stands at an impressive 19.4%, owing to these interest rate trends. With its 75.5% payout, most of these benefits are diverted to shareholders in the form of dividends which yield 3.3%. Hardly does one come across such a high payout rate, while still benefiting from promising growth potential.

    Consumer Staples Sector – Flower Foods Inc.

    Next up, we turn to the highest dividend-paying stock, which belongs to US bakery product leader, Flower Foods Inc. (NYSE: FLO). Flower Foods has many things going for it, which would spark the interest of any dividend seeker. For one, the company has been enjoying tremendous growth, at a rapid pace, and is likely to do so well into the future. It is an all-weather company capable of surviving tough macroeconomic pressures, by passing over increased cost burdens to its customers. This price inelasticity makes the business highly resilient. Moreover, its large size and placement give it high levels of efficiency resulting from economies of scale. This gives it a significant competitive advantage over its regional peers.

    Flower Foods has consecutively upped its dividend payments to shareholders in the last 8 years. This shows its resilience given all the macroeconomic stresses of this period, including Covid-related lockdowns and restrictions. Its 3.2% dividend yield with a 67% payout makes it highly promising for those looking to strengthen their portfolio against inflationary or recessionary pressures.

    Communication Services Sector – Lumen Technologies Inc.

    Lumen Technologies Inc. (NYSE: LUMN) is a tech company that offers communications services throughout the United States and internationally. Owing to macroeconomic stresses and other headwinds facing the wider communication sector, Lumen too faced the adverse impacts of a business slowdown on its results. Its revenue had seen a 6.3% YoY decrease, as a result of these wider pressures.

    Despite these conditions, Lumen enjoys substantial cashflows which allow it to cover its dividend commitments with relative ease.  The management claims its cash flow position allows it to sustain dividends to shareholders well into the foreseeable future. Its low price and commitment to dividends have brought up its dividend yield to an incredible 9.4%. A yield of such a high magnitude is unlikely to remain this high, once the company overcomes present, short-term challenges.

    What is most impressive about LUMN is the immense growth potential it possesses, looking beyond short-term obstacles. The company is increasingly committing to quantum fiber operations, which resulted in 25,000 new subscribers in its most recent quarter. The company has sold off redundant assets to deliver net proceeds of $7 billion, which will be allocated to this high-growth domain. This is likely to further boost its dividend attractiveness.

    Consumer Discretionary Sector – Target Corporation

    We end our list of the highest dividend-paying stocks, with the undisputed dividend king itself, Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT). The stock has always been a favorite among dividend chasers, but two recent factors bring its attraction to unprecedented levels. The 17% price plummet in the last six months makes the stock’s dividend yield highly favorable. Secondly, a recent dividend increase announcement by management to $1.08 per share, shoots up its forward yield from 2.55% to an impressive 3.10%. This dividend increase amounts to a whopping 20%. The result is a present yield of 2.61%, which is the highest Target has ever offered.

    TGT is not only the highest dividend-paying stock but one that orders exceptional stability and growth prospects to one’s portfolio. It is extremely well-suited to survive through the worst of inflationary pressures, given its business model. Its large scale offers it a substantial competitive advantage over most players in the industry.

    Conclusion

    Every economic sector offers unique strengths that are most well-suited against a different set of circumstances. Dividend seekers tend to prefer stocks belonging to specific sectors, over those belonging to others. In this article, 7 different stocks have been highlighted, ranging from 7 different sectors. The list points out the highest dividend-paying stocks in each sector. Each of these is well suited for inclusion in any dividend chaser’s portfolio, given their strong fundamentals.

  • Top 5 Upgraded Stocks For Q3

    When uncertainty clouds the markets, investors have little room to take confident positions in stocks of their preference. This is precisely the condition of the financial markets today, at a global level. During these circumstances, the prudent approach would be to look to the upgraded stocks of financial analysts and experts. The recommendations put forth by analysts do hold significant weight, as they are the outcome of rigorous technical analysis, and a study of fundamentals, momentum, and wider trends. For this reason, many, especially beginner investors, turn to analysts’ guidance.

    Analysts delivering guidance.

    The first two quarters of 2022 have both been rocky and unpredictable, by a wide array of metrics. With the market entering into bear territory, many had lost fortunes amassed over several years. Looking toward the next quarter, we observe that there is little to say as to which direction things will take. In light of this, we explore the top 5 stocks analysts recommend for the third quarter of the current financial year.

    EMCOR Group

    In terms of analyst favorites in the upcoming months, EMCOR Group Inc (NYSE: EME) stands as one of the leading names in upgraded stocks. The company specializes in complex activities in the domain of electrical and mechanical construction at an industrial level. Ever since the performance slowdown during the pandemic in 2020, this specialist contractor has been seeing a surge in both its top and bottom-line figures. While the stock is presently trading at $114, its target price stands at almost $138. Moreover, just in FY22Q2, Sidoti analyst, Brian Russo upgraded the position on EME from neutral to buy.

    The extent of impressive performance can be glanced at in its recent quarter two results for 2022. Where analysts had set a consensus quarterly revenue of $2.6 billion, the company managed to successfully deliver $2.71 billion. This reflected an over-achievement amounting to $110 million. Even more impressive was the company’s bottom-line performance. Where analysts expected a quarterly EPS figure of $1.70, EMCOR had gone on to earn an impressive $1.99 per share.

    EMCOR Group, owing to its robust market position has been on a rapid growth trend. Its revenue climbed from $7.55 billion to $9.18 billion between 2016 and 2019. This took a dip during the pandemic in 2020, falling to $8.8 billion. 2021 had thus brought an impressive rebound, with revenue climbing up to $9.9 billion, ensuring companies’ position in upgraded stocks. Profitability throughout these periods has also been surging. In just a single year, the company managed to nearly triple its net earnings of $132.9 million in 2020, to an incredible $383.5 million in 2021.

    The reason this stock is so favored amongst analysts is due to its trading at discount levels. This is a result of the bear market conditions, where the S&P 500 dipped by 7.85% in the last 12 months. During this time, EME fell by a similar magnitude of 6.89%. A slip by this level is significant, especially given the rock-solid fundamentals and impressive financial growth the company is experiencing.

    SeaWorld Entertainment

    Another big name stock on the analysts’ radar has been the theme park and entertainment company, SeaWorld Entertainment Inc. (NYSE: SEAS), which operates several theme parks and water park attractions across several US states. Recently, Deutsche Bank labeled SEAS as being a ‘Catalyst Call: Buy Idea’, as a result of its top and bottom-line results being “achievable” for Q2, and the full year. With a present price of $45 per share, analysts have placed the stock’s target at over $78, indicating significant upside potential.

    The reason for this shift comes as the company continues to deliver impressive revenue and earnings figures. After the lifting of Covid-related restrictions placed on the industry, SEAS is once again operating at full-blown capacity. It has also managed to increase its potential revenue capacity per person from $66 in 2019 to $80 in its most recent quarter. This explains its impressive topline improvement and its placement in the list of upgraded stocks.

    Despite this strong fundamental position, SEAS has fallen from over $76, down to a mere $45, in just the last three months alone. A drop of 40%, without a fundamental deficiency, points to a significant undervaluation, which analysts have evidently identified.

    In fact, SeaWorld’s financials are so strong, that its management has been actively seeking to expand through acquisitions. The company had initiated talks with Cedar Fair LP (NYSE: FUN) for an acquisition, earlier this year. Although the talks were unsuccessful, it points to the company’s short and long-term strategic vision geared toward expansion. Moreover, during Q2, SEAS also announced a share buyback program worth $250 million. This indicates its willingness to return value to its shareholders.

    Enphase Energy

    Enphase Energy Inc. (NASDAQ: ENPH) is one stock that has been in the center of the market spotlight for many investors. Enphase Energy is a solar and home energy solutions company. Despite incredible macroeconomic headwinds, that have forced even corporate giants to shed significant market value, ENPH has performed remarkably. In just the last six months, the stock has almost doubled its price from $140 to $276.

    Many have argued that the hype has essentially overvalued ENPH, considering the trajectory of the wider market. However, some highly credible analysts feel that this is no overvaluation, and the price is trading close to the stock’s intrinsic value. Goldman Sachs, for instance, has raised the ENPH target price from its previous $244 to $290. Similarly, Credit Suisse has upgraded its classification of the stock from neutral to outperform, with the target price set at $281. These analyst positions indicate that, despite investor concerns, the stock remains a buy.

    These analysts’ stances on the stock are far from unsubstantiated, given some significant tailwinds supporting the wider industry. Enphase Energy, the microinverter market leader in the US, as well as a premium player in America’s MLPE duopoly stands well positioned to soar as a result of these tailwinds. Its capital-light business model, which gives it an edge above its peers in the industry, delivers significant cash flow to support business growth. Additionally, its expansion into new and lucrative business markets, such as the EV charging space, further stands to enhance its upside potential. All of these high-promise opportunities, coupled with the company’s strong execution, as observed in its stellar revenue and earnings growth, reinforces the analysts’ optimism regarding ENPH.

    Wingstop Inc.

    Analysts appear bullish on the stock of Wingstop Inc. (NASDAQ: WING). The company franchises and operates restaurants across 44 American states, and 7 countries in the world. WING is presently trading at $116, yet its target price has been set at $135, indicating an upside potential of 16%. Brokerage and research firm, Cowen, recently bumped up the target price of WING to $140. This suggests that the upside potential could be as high as 21%, at present levels.

    In just the past month, WING gained by 68%, so an additional 21% upside would amount to its price essentially doubling from where it stood in late June of 2022.

    Growth at such levels and its position in upgraded stocks comes as no surprise considering Wingstop management’s ambitions and their ability to execute. There is a renewed emphasis on brand awareness through innovative marketing and customer-oriented ads on social platforms. These moves signal a significant jump in the company’s ambitions, to which it will allocate up to $50 million per annum. Moreover, the company leadership has also decided to increase the per restaurant contribution to national marketing from 4% to 5%.

    Given that Wingstop stands on the verge of dynamically scaling up, and expanding its business, analysts are confident of the growth trajectory its stock is inevitably going to ride upon.

    Exxon Mobil

    The final stock we present is that of the globally renowned oil and gas company, Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM). The strength of the stock’s fundamentals, combined with its stock market performance, points to possibly significant upside potential. The last few months have brought in record high levels of crude oil, catalyzed by supply chain disruptions from Eastern Europe, and sanctions on giant oil producer, Russia. The result was soaring levels of inflation, which particularly impacted crude oil.

    With market prices of oil reaching new heights, the outcome for oil producers like Exxon Mobil was record-high profit margins. The surge in revenue also improved liquidity figures substantially. Despite such renewed growth opportunity, the stock’s $90 price is still marginally close to its price in 2018, which did not offer such a strong opportunity. This price is lower than anticipated given the drop in global oil prices in the last month. Despite this, however, the future looks extremely bright for XOM.

    The company is taking the patient route of using its short-term explosive gains to enhance its longer-term financial sustainability. The CEO of Exxon Mobil has disclosed some of these forward-looking plans in the company’s recent earnings call:

    “We are making outstanding progress on our high-value growth developments in Guyana, the Permian and LNG. Our new Corpus Christi Chemical Complex is up and running ahead of schedule and generated positive earnings and cash flow in its first quarter of operations.” He had also gone on to discuss the company’s strategy of pursuing low-carbon, biofuels, and hydrogen-based energy solutions, in light of the global energy transition.

    Perhaps these are the factors as to why analysts remain so optimistic regarding XOM and the company have successfully made its place 5 best-upgraded stocks. Earlier in July, Piper Sandler bumped up its target price from $102 to $109, reclassifying it from neutral to overweight. Similarly, in June 2022, Credit Suisse upgraded the stock to an “outperformer” with a target of an impressive $125.

    Conclusion

    Analyst picks are the guiding light to the uncertain investor during times of turmoil. When market participants lose confidence in their outlook of stocks, the best route might just be to turn to the technical-minded. Analysts employ rigorous valuation models, whilst factoring in relevant trend-related variables. These approaches are usually objectively sound in identifying which stock holds upside potential worth investing in. The stocks discussed above are some of the top upgraded stock picks for Q3 of the present financial year.

  • Early Morning Vibes: 4 Top Movers To Watch For Weekend

    Early Morning Vibes: 4 Top Movers To Watch For Weekend

    Investors remain concerned about the situation in the bond markets. Last week, Fed Chairman Jerome Powell was able to calm the markets somewhat, but yesterday his speech went down the wrong way with investors. During his speech, he indicated that the bond market situation has his attention, but he saw no reason to intervene yet.

    Powell also said it is very likely that inflation will rise further as the economy recovers, but he thinks this will only be a temporary effect. Without sustained inflation coupled with a return to full employment, the central bank is unlikely to hike interest rates. His thoughts combined with the lack of measures led to rising interest rates again.

    At the same time, this was again enough reason for investors to hit the sell buttons. Technology was again the bitten dog, the Nasdaq closed 2.11% lower at 12,723 points. The S&P 500 did less badly with a loss of 1.34% to 3,768 points. The same shares as Wednesday were sold off again. For example, we saw Baidu again lose more than 6.2% and Tesla also fell by 4.86%.

    The Nasdaq has fallen below 13,000 points with all the violence through the support surface. The technology fair is now in the red for the current year. In Thursday’s Morning Call I already indicated that the breakthrough of the neckline of the head & shoulder pattern has a price target of approximately 12,000 points.

    Today Top Movers

    Waitr Holdings Inc. (WTRH) stock soared 20.74% to $3.61 in the pre-market trading. The firm recently declared partnership with Flow Payments to create a compliant marketplace, delivery and payment solution for dispensaries selling cannabis.

    Sify Technologies Limited (NASDAQ: SIFY) shares are trading up 38.15% at $3.73 at the time of writing. According to people with knowledge of the matter, Blackstone Group Inc. is in talks to acquire a minority stake in Sify Technologies Ltd.(SIFY), an Indian technology company. Company’s 52-week ranged between $0.56 to $5.89. 

    XTL Biopharmaceuticals Ltd. (XTLB) grew over 159.52% at $7.5 in pre-market trading today.

    CLPS Incorporation (CLPS), a Information Technology Services company, rose about 44.93% at $6.0 in pre-market trading Friday. The company reported today in its unaudited financial results for the six months ended December 31, 2020, that revenues increased by $15.7 million, or 37.0%, to $58.3 million from $42.6 million in the prior year period.

    Top Upgrades & Downgrades

    DZ Bank turned bullish on Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM), upgrading the stock to “Hold” and assigning a $58 price target. 

    Cisco Systems Inc (CSCO) has won the favor of JPMorgan’s equity research team. The firm upgraded the shares from Neutral to Overweight and moved their price target to $55, suggesting 23.42% additional upside for the stock. 

    Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB) received an upgrade from analysts at Goldman Sachs, who also set their one-year price target on the stock to $45. They keep their rating on FITB as Buy from Buy in a recently issued research note. 

    Earlier Friday Raymond James reduced its rating on Senseonics Holdings Inc (SENS) stock to Underperform from Market Perform. 

    JPMorgan analysts reduced their investment ratings, saying in research reports covered by the media that it’s rating for Nikola Corporation has been changed to Neutral from Overweight. 

    Analysts at ICICI Securities downgraded Wipro Limited (WIT)’s stock to Sell from Reduce Friday.

    Latest Insider Activity

    Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) EVP, CFO & Treasurer KUMAR DEVINDER announced the sale of shares taking place on Mar 02 at $86.09 for some 63,044 shares. The total came to more than $5.43 million. 

    PayPal Holdings Inc. (PYPL) EVP, Chief Bus. Aff. & Legal O Pentland Adele Louise sold on Mar 03 a total of 60,677 shares at $261.21 on average. The insider’s sale generated proceeds of almost $19.66 million. 

    Viatris Inc. (VTRS) Director CORNWELL W DON declared the purchase of shares taking place on Mar 03 at $13.84 for some 3,000 shares. The transaction amount was around $41515.0. 

    Vistra Corp. (VST) Director BARBAS PAUL M bought on Mar 03 a total 67,159 shares at $16.42 on average. The purchase cost the insider an estimated $197,040.

    Important Earnings


    Top US earnings releases scheduled for today include Big Lots Inc. (NYSE:BIG). It will announce its Jan 2021 financial results. The company is expected to report earnings of $2.5 per share from revenues of $1.74B in the three-month period. 

    Analysts expect Hibbett Sports Inc. (NASDAQ:HIBB) to report a net income (adjusted) of $1.37 per share, when the company releases its quarterly results shortly. Revenue for the fiscal quarter ended Jan 2021 is predicted to come in at $378.42M.

  • Early Morning Vibes: Watch These 4 Stocks Today

    The US stock indexes were traded in small ranges on January 12. The S&P 500 has risen symbolically by 0.04% to 3801 points, with the Dow Jones and the NASDAQ contributing 0.19% and 0.28%, respectively. New drivers have been absent. The Russel 2000 small-cap index nevertheless increased by 1.77 percent, which indicates an increased propensity for risk. The energy industry was the pioneer in growth and has benefited 3.5% from the upward oil dynamics. The telecom market has sunk by 1.5 percent under pressure.

    Corporate Updates

    Walmart (WMT: + 1.15%) announced plans to create a fintech startup in partnership with venture capital fund Ribbit Capital, which backs broker Robinhood.

    Intel (INTC: + 3.3%) will increase production of new server processors. The company also unveiled 12th generation Alder Lake processors.

    Sports streaming service fuboTV (FUBO: + 34.2%) takes over the Vigtory bookmaker to launch its own bookmaker service by the end of the year.

    Today, foreign financial markets show mixed trends. The background of the news is quiet. Current activities in the United States linked to Donald Trump’s potential arrest had little impact on the movement of quotes as they does not conflict with the vaccine programme. The administration of Trump has meanwhile revealed reforms to promote the vaccine process. The key point of these improvements was that the second dose vaccine was spread rather than stored for two weeks. The list of people who will get the coronavirus vaccine has risen and there will be a substantial rise in the number of vaccination stations. The financial group is currently less concerned with morbidity and hospitalization rates. On 6 January the last maximum number of people injured was 132,5 thousand.

    Investors took a wait-and-see stance before big developments on Thursday and Friday. Note that on 14 January Joseph Biden will deliver a package of economic support initiatives and the season of quarterly bank reports will commence on 15 January. Consolidation is most likely in this regard during the current session.

    Economic news

    The December Core CPI will be published today. In November, the growth of the indicator is forecast to decline from 0.2% to 0.1% m/m. Despite substantial monetary and fiscal stimuli, inflationary pressures are expected to stay subdued in the short term. The second half of this year is expected to see a steady acceleration of inflation. The Sentiment Index of Freedom Finance plummeted to 58 out of 100. The measure represents the belief of industry players that the global economy will rebound in 2021. The possibility of mass vaccines alleviates fears over the harmful consequences of the coronavirus pandemic.

    Technical picture

    The S&P 500 is technically vulnerable to short-term consolidation. The day before, there was no effort to establish a correctional movement: buyers were solid. However, the RSI indicator remains close to the overbought zone, which still limits the growth prospects. Besides, in the area of ​​3825-3830 points, there is strong resistance in the form of the upper border of the equidistant channel. If a corrective movement develops, the first significant target for the S & P500 will be the level of 3700 points.

    Today Top Movers

    ‎Aprea Therapeutics Inc (APRE) gained over 18.13% at $6.06 in pre-market ‎trading on Wednesday after the company provided financial updates.

    ‎ ‎‎Plug Power Inc (PLUG) share price jumped 3.53% to $68.35 during the early morning ‎trading session on Wednesday after declaring a partnership with Renault, a French automaker, to become a leader in Hydrogen LCV.‎ ‎

    ‎Tonix Pharmaceuticals Holding Corp (TNXP), a biotechnology company, soared ‎about 30.81% ‎at $1.21 in pre-market trading Wednesday following the pricing $40M common stock offering.‎‎‎ ‎‎

    ‎Fluent Inc (FLNT) stock ascended 12.15% at $6.00 in the pre-‎market trading today.‎

    Top Upgrades & Downgrades

    JP Morgan turned bullish on Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM), upgrading the stock to “Overweight” and assigning a $56.0 price target, representing a potential upside of 16.97% from Tuesday’s close. 

    Sabra Health Care REIT Inc. (SBRA) has won the favor of Jefferies’s equity research team. The firm upgraded the shares from Hold to Buy and moved their price target to $20.0, suggesting 17.03% additional upside for the stock. 

    Omega Healthcare Investors Inc. (OHI) received an upgrade from analysts at Jefferies, who also set their one-year price target on the stock to $40.0. They changed their rating on OHI to Buy from Hold in a recently issued research note. 

    Earlier Wednesday KeyBanc reduced its rating on Take-Two Interactive Software Inc. (TTWO) stock to Sector Weight from Overweight. 

    Piper Sandler analysts reduced their investment ratings, saying in research reports covered by the media that it’s rating for The PNC Financial Services Group Inc. (PNC) has been changed to Neutral from Overweight and the new price target is set at $167. 

    Analysts at HSBC downgraded DuPont de Nemours Inc. (DD)’s stock to Hold from Buy Wednesday.

    Latest Insider Activity

    Tyme Technologies Inc. (TYME) 10% Owner Demurjian Michael announced the sale of shares taking place on Jan 11 at $1.62 for some 20,000 shares. The total came to more than $32426.

    Hecla Mining Company (HL) Director Rogers Terry V sold on Jan 08 a total 48,103 shares at $6.25 on average. The insider’s sale generated proceeds of almost $0.28 million.

    Foot Locker Inc. (FL) 10% Owner Vesa Equity Investment S.a r.l declared the purchase of shares taking place on Jan 04 at $39.00 for some 8,581 shares. The transaction amount was around $0.33 million.

    DermTech Inc. (DMTK) 10% Owner RTW INVESTMENTS, LP bought on Jan 07 a total 3,087,216 shares at $29.50 on average. The purchase cost the insider an estimated $5.9 million.

    Important Earnings

    Top US earnings releases scheduled for today include Infosys Limited (NYSE: INFY). It will announce its Dec 2020 financial results. The company is expected to report earnings of $0.15 per share from revenues of $3.38B in the three-month period.

    Analysts expect Washington Federal Inc. (NASDAQ:WAFD) to report a net income (adjusted) of $0.42 per share, when the bank releases its quarterly results shortly. Revenue for the fiscal quarter ended Dec 2020 is predicted to come in at $115.53M.

    Volt Information Sciences Inc. (VOLT), due to announce earnings after the market closes today, is expected to report earnings of $0.01 per share from revenues of $205.5M recently concluded three-month period.

  • ‎26 stocks making the biggest moves premarket today

    ‎26 stocks making the biggest moves premarket today

    ‎Mereo BioPharma Group plc (MREO) stock plunged -7.78% to $3.32 in the pre-‎market trading after declaring collaboration and license agreement with Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical ‎Inc. (RARE), for Setrusumab in Osteogenesis Imperfecta.‎

    ‎Naked Brand Group Limited (NASDAQ: NAKD) shares are trading up ‎‎11.45% ‎at ‎‎$0.2044 at the time of writing. Company’s 52-week ranged between $0.07 to $3.70.‎

    ‎Exela Technologies Inc. (XELA) is down more than -9.79% at $0.4128 in pre-market ‎hours Monday December 21, 2020 following the announcement from the firm that it has entered into ‎a 5-year, $145 million term loan facility with Angelo Gordon, a global alternative investment firm. The ‎stock had jumped over 26.10% to $0.46 in the last trading session.‎

    ‎Zomedica Corp. (ZOM) tumbled over -5.22% at $0.1959 in pre-market trading today.‎

    Before the trading started on December 21, 2020, BlackBerry Limited (BB) is down -‎‎3.17% to reach $6.73 after releasing financial results for the three months ended November 30, 2020. It ‎has been trading in a 52-week range of $2.70 to $9.69.‎

    ‎General Electric Company (GE), a Specialty Industrial Machinery company, dropped ‎about -6.11% at $10.15 in pre-market trading Monday after announcing expiration and results of its ‎debt tender offers.‎

    ‎Phunware Inc. (PHUN) lost over -10.38% at $0.95 in pre-‎‎market ‎trading ‎Monday ‎December 21, 2020.‎

    ‎American Airlines Group Inc. (AAL) lost over -7.03% at $15.35 in pre-market trading ‎Monday December 21, 2020.‎

    Before the trading started on December 21, 2020, Carnival Corporation & Plc (CCL) is ‎down -9.79% to reach $19.36. It has been trading in a 52-week range of $7.80 to $51.94.‎

    ‎FuelCell Energy Inc. (FCEL) stock moved down -4.3 percent to $8.9 in the pre-‎market trading after declaring that state regulators have improperly rescinded RFP awards for three ‎fuel cell projects previously selected in the Shared Clean Energy Facility program, putting its state high ‎tech manufacturing job growth at risk.‎

    ‎Exicure Inc. (XCUR) stock soared 7.04% to $2.13 in the pre-‎‎market ‎trading. ‎The ‎most ‎recent rating by BMO Capital Markets, on December 18, 2020, is ‎an ‎Outperform.‎

    ‎Genius Brands International Inc. (GNUS), a Entertainment company, rose about ‎‎3.18% at $1.62 in pre-market trading Monday. The firm recently revealed that it has licensed streaming ‎and select video-on-demand rights to the hit family series, The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss (20 x ‎‎22’), from The Jim Henson Company on Kartoon Channel!‎

    ‎SolarWinds Corporation (NYSE: SWI) shares are trading ‎up ‎‎6.7% ‎at ‎‎$15.13 ‎at ‎the ‎time of writing. Company’s 52-week ranged between $11.50 ‎to ‎‎$24.34. ‎Analysts ‎have ‎a ‎consensus ‎price target of $26. ‎

    ‎Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. (NCLH) lost over -10.01% at $22.66 in pre-‎market trading Monday December 21, 2020 after reporting that it has closed its previously announced ‎private offering of $850 million aggregate principal amount of its 5.875% senior notes due 2026 (the ‎‎“Notes”).‎

    Before the trading started on December 21, 2020, Nokia Corporation (NOK) is down ‎‎-5.25% to reach $3.79. The company recently declared that it has launched 5G services with Polkomtel, ‎operator of the Plus network, in the capital city of Warsaw as well as other major cities in the eastern ‎part of the country. It has been trading in a 52-week range of $2.34 to $5.14.‎

    ‎Corbus Pharmaceuticals Holdings Inc. (CRBP) is up more than 12.0% at $1.68 in pre-‎‎‎‎‎‎‎‎market hours Monday December 21, 2020. The stock had jumped ‎over ‎‎11.11% ‎to ‎‎$1.50 ‎in ‎the ‎last ‎trading session.‎

    ‎Schlumberger Limited (NYSE: SLB) shares are trading down -6.95% at $20.76 at the ‎time of writing. The firm will hold a conference call on January 22, 2021 to discuss the results for the ‎fourth quarter and full year ending December 31, 2020. Company’s 52-week ranged between $11.87 to ‎‎$41.14.‎

    ‎Exxon Mobil Corporation (NYSE: XOM) shares are trading down -5.27% ‎at ‎‎$40.48 ‎at ‎the time of writing. Company’s 52-week ranged between $30.11 to $71.37. Analysts ‎have ‎a ‎consensus ‎price target of $52.‎

    ‎Transocean Ltd. (RIG) is down more than -14.92% at $2.11 in pre-market hours ‎Monday December 21, 2020 after announcing successful court ruling granting its motion for summary ‎judgment and holding internal reorganization did not violate indenture. The stock had dropped over -‎‎3.50% to $2.48 in the last trading session.‎

    ‎Simon Property Group Inc. (SPG) tumbled over -5.07% at $81.1 in pre-market ‎trading today. The firm recently declared a common stock dividend for the fourth quarter 2020.‎
    ‎
    ‎Energy Transfer LP (ET), a Oil & Gas Midstream company, dropped about -‎‎‎‎5.9% ‎at ‎‎$6.38 in pre-market trading Monday.‎

    ‎Cinedigm Corp. (CIDM) stock moved up 4.11 percent to $0.798 in the pre-market ‎trading after revealing the launch of The Bob Ross Channel on the Roku platform.‎

    Before the trading started on December 21, 2020, Coty Inc. (COTY) is down -6.15% ‎to reach $6.56. The company lately reported two additions to its Board of Directors with the ‎appointments of Anna Adeola Makanju and Mariasun Aramburuzabala Larregui. It has been trading in ‎a 52-week range of $2.65 to $13.01.‎

    ‎JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) gained over 2.24% at $121.75 in pre-‎‎‎‎market ‎trading ‎Monday December 21, 2020. ‎

    ‎Apache Corporation (NASDAQ: APA) shares are trading down -11.29% at $13.6 at ‎the time of writing after announcing the donation of more than 64,000 trees to 56 nonprofit partner ‎organizations through the annual Apache Tree Grant Program. Company’s 52-week ranged between ‎‎$3.80 to $33.77. Analysts have a consensus price target of $16.‎

  • 15 Hot Stocks for Friday in Oil & Gas Industry

    Oil in London has risen above $50 a barrel for the first time since the pandemic brought the global economy to a halt in a remarkable rally that few predicted would soon happen.
    International index futures rose 2.8% on Thursday to a nine-month peak. The revival is a startling reversal for a business brought to a halt earlier this year by an unforeseen lack of demand. With places to hold surplus oil drying out, OPEC and its allies worked together to stagnate outflows and balance prices as the world searched for a vaccine.
    Last month’s reports by Pfizer Inc. and others that effective vaccinations will be carried out by spring enhanced the global demand forecast. In the wake of strong purchases by China’s private refiners, Asia appears to lead the physical demand turnaround. The U.S. dollar also declined, which boosted the appeal for currency-priced commodities and helped thrust Brent over $50.

    Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE:MRO) shares were trading up 2.10% at $7.30 at the time of writing on Thursday.

    Marathon Oil Corporation (NYSE:MRO) share price went from a low point around $3.02 to briefly over $14.07 in past 52 weeks, though shares have since pulled back to $7.30. MRO market cap has remained high, hitting $5.21B at the time of writing, giving it price-to-sales ratio of more than 1.

    If we look at the recent analyst rating MRO, Tudor Pickering upgraded coverage on MRO shares with a Buy rating and a $6.76 price target, which implies room for -0.54% downside momentum this year.

    Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) last closed at $44.01, in a 52-week range of $30.11 to $71.37. The firm reported on December 1, 2020, that it has completed a review of its forward business plans and will prioritize near-term capital spending on advantaged assets with the highest potential future value. Analysts have a consensus price target of $43.77.

    PetroleoBrasileiro S.A. – Petrobras (PBR) stock soar by 6.63% to $11.26. The most recent rating by Raymond James, on May 18, 2020, is at an Underperform.

    Kinder Morgan Inc. (NYSE:KMI) Shares headed rising, higher as much as 1.23%.The company recently declared its preliminary financial projections for 2021. The most recent rating by Wells Fargo, on November 30, 2020, is at an Equal weight.

    Energy Transfer LP (NYSE:ET) rose 5.08% after gaining more than $0.33 on Thursday.

    BP p.l.c. (BP) last closed at $22.41, in a 52-week range of $14.74 to $40.08. Analysts have a consensus price target of $28.19.

    Apache Corporation (APA) stock soar by 9.85% to $16.50. OnDecember 7, 2020, the board of directors of Apache Corporation (APA) has declared a regular cash dividend on the company’s common shares. The most recent rating by CapitalOne, on September 11, 2020, is at an Overweight.

    ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP) Shares headed rising, higher as much as 3.04%. The firm recently reported exchange offers. The most recent rating by BofA Securities, on November 02, 2020, is at a Buy.

    Kosmos Energy Ltd. (NYSE:KOS) rose 20.81% after gaining more than $0.41 on Thursday after reporting that it has closed the transaction with B.V. Dordtsche Petroleum Maatschappij (“Shell”), to farm down interests in Suriname, Sao Tome & Principe and Namibia for approximately $95 million, plus future contingent payments of up to $100 million.

    Schlumberger Limited (SLB) last closed at $23.38, in a 52-week range of $11.87 to $41.14. Analysts have a consensus price target of $22.96.

    Enterprise Products Partners L.P. (EPD) stock soar by 3.39% to $21.37 following the declaration from the firm that it has become a member of The Alliance to End Plastic Waste, an international community of CEOs from across the plastic value chain who are committed to addressing the global plastic waste challenge.The most recent rating by Wolfe Research, on November 23, 2020, is at an Outperform.

    The Williams Companies Inc. (NYSE:WMB) Shares headed falling, lower as much as -1.79%. The firm recently revealed the appointment of Rose Robeson as an independent director on the Board. The most recent rating by Goldman, on October 15, 2020, is at a Neutral.

    Chevron Corporation (NYSE:CVX) rose 3.22% after gaining more than $2.91 on Thursday. On December 3, 2020, the company reported a 2021 organic capital and exploratory budget of $14 billion.

    Halliburton Company (HAL) last closed at $19.99, in a 52-week range of $4.25 to $25.47. The firm on December 2, 2020 declared a partnership with Accenture (NYSE: ACN), to fast Halliburton’s digital supply chain transformation and support digitalization within the Company’s manufacturing function. Analysts have a consensus price target of $16.32.

    Range Resources Corporation (RRC) stock soar by 9.04% to $7.72. The most recent rating by Stephens, on November 16, 2020, is at an Overweight.