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Marketwise Inc is a multi-brand subscription services platform providing premium financial research, software, education, and tools for investors. Its products are built for high-value financial research, education, actionable investment ideas and investment software. It is a digital, direct-to-consumer company offering its research across a variety of platforms including mobile, desktops, and tablets.

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iShares MSCI Israel Capped Investable Market Index Fund

ISRA

Pentagon Says U.S. Fully Supports Israel's Right To Defend Itself After Iran's "Significant" Attack

Wells Fargo analyst Matthew Akers maintains Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAH#NYSE">BAH</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $165 to $185.

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

Wells Fargo Maintains Overweight on Booz Allen Hamilton, Raises Price Target to $185

Macro Notification

General

U.S. State Department Says Israel Has The Right To Defend Itself, But We Will Coordinate With Them On What Any Response Looks Like

When deciding whether to buy, sell, or hold a stock, investors often rely on analyst recommendations. Media reports about rating changes by these brokerage-firm-employed (or sell-side) analysts often influence a stock&#39;s price, but are they really important?
Before we discuss the reliability of brokerage recommendations and how to use them to your advantage, let&#39;s see what these Wall Street heavyweights think about Arista Networks (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/anet#NYSE">ANET</a>).
Arista Networks currently has an average brokerage recommendation of 1.67, on a scale of 1 to 5 (Strong Buy to Strong Sell), calculated based on the actual recommendations (Buy, Hold, Sell, etc.) made by 23 brokerage firms. An ABR of 1.67 approximates between Strong Buy and Buy.
Of the 23 recommendations that derive the current ABR, 15 are Strong Buy and two are Buy. Strong Buy and Buy respectively account for 65.2% and 8.7% of all recommendations.
<h2>Brokerage Recommendation Trends for ANET</h2>
<img alt="Broker Rating Breakdown Chart for ANET" class="chart" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/yesopchart/brokerage_bar/ANET_10012024.png" style="width:100%" title="" /> 
While the ABR calls for buying Arista Networks, it may not be wise to make an investment decision solely based on this information. Several studies have shown limited to no success of brokerage recommendations in guiding investors to pick stocks with the best price increase potential.
Do you wonder why? As a result of the vested interest of brokerage firms in a stock they cover, their analysts tend to rate it with a strong positive bias. According to our research, brokerage firms assign five &quot;Strong Buy&quot; recommendations for every &quot;Strong Sell&quot; recommendation.
In other words, their interests aren&#39;t always aligned with retail investors, rarely indicating where the price of a stock could actually be heading. Therefore, the best use of this information could be validating your own research or an indicator that has proven to be highly successful in predicting a stock&#39;s price movement.
Zacks Rank, our proprietary stock rating tool with an impressive externally audited track record, categorizes stocks into five groups, ranging from Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) to Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell), and is an effective indicator of a stock&#39;s price performance in the near future. Therefore, using the ABR to validate the Zacks Rank could be an efficient way of making a profitable investment decision.
<h2>ABR Should Not Be Confused With Zacks Rank</h2>
Although both Zacks Rank and ABR are displayed in a range of 1-5, they are different measures altogether.
The ABR is calculated solely based on brokerage recommendations and is typically displayed with decimals (example: 1.28). In contrast, the Zacks Rank is a quantitative model allowing investors to harness the power of earnings estimate revisions. It is displayed in whole numbers -- 1 to 5.
It has been and continues to be the case that analysts employed by brokerage firms are overly optimistic with their recommendations. Because of their employers&#39; vested interests, these analysts issue more favorable ratings than their research would support, misguiding investors far more often than helping them.
In contrast, the Zacks Rank is driven by earnings estimate revisions. And near-term stock price movements are strongly correlated with trends in earnings estimate revisions, according to empirical research.
In addition, the different Zacks Rank grades are applied proportionately to all stocks for which brokerage analysts provide current-year earnings estimates. In other words, this tool always maintains a balance among its five ranks.
There is also a key difference between the ABR and Zacks Rank when it comes to freshness. When you look at the ABR, it may not be up-to-date. Nonetheless, since brokerage analysts constantly revise their earnings estimates to reflect changing business trends, and their actions get reflected in the Zacks Rank quickly enough, it is always timely in predicting future stock prices.
<h2>Is ANET a Good Investment?</h2>
In terms of earnings estimate revisions for Arista Networks, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for the current year has remained unchanged over the past month at $8.24.
Analysts&#39; steady views regarding the company&#39;s earnings prospects, as indicated by an unchanged consensus estimate, could be a legitimate reason for the stock to perform in line with the broader market in the near term.
The size of the recent change in the consensus estimate, along with three other factors related to earnings estimates, has resulted in a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold) for Arista Networks.
It may therefore be prudent to be a little cautious with the Buy-equivalent ABR for Arista Networks.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2343971/wall-street-analysts-think-arista-networks-anet-is-a-good-investment-is-it?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-fundamental_analysis|average_broker_rating-2343971">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Earnings

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ANET

Wall Street Analysts Think Arista Networks Is a Good Investment: Is It?

AMZN

Amazon Pharmacy Customers Can Have Their Medications Pre-Sorted Into Packets Using New Pillpack Feature

Wells Fargo analyst Matthew Akers maintains CACI International (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CACI#NYSE">CACI</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $525 to $577.

CACI

Wells Fargo Maintains Overweight on CACI International, Raises Price Target to $577

Pentagon Says We Condemn These Reckless Attacks By Iran And Call On Iran To Halt Further Attacks, Including By Proxy Forces; U.S. Navy Destroyers Fired About A Dozen Interceptors Against Iranian Missiles Headed To Israel; Not Aware Of Any Warning By Iran Ahead Of Attack On Israel; No Other U.S. Military Assets, Beyond The Navy Destroyers, Helped Shoot Down Iranian Missiles, All Of Which Were Fired From Inside Iran

Wells Fargo analyst Matthew Akers maintains Leidos Holdings (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LDOS#NYSE">LDOS</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $172 to $183.

LDOS

Wells Fargo Maintains Overweight on Leidos Holdings, Raises Price Target to $183

Many investors are going full macro mode right now, focusing too much on today&#39;s data and not on tomorrow&#39;s implications. The U.S. election is coming up in a little over a month, a new earnings season is underway, and lots of economic data is pending for the Federal Reserve (the Fed) to consider further interest rate cuts before 2024 is over.
So far, the path is set for more rate cuts, with other countries starting to follow this same view, China being the latest to cut by 50 basis points last week. Some are still pointing to economic data like unemployment and contracting manufacturing PMI index readings for the past 22 months to quote a &lsquo;hard landing,&#39; but sticking to this view might keep these investors 100% bearish and potentially miss out on some of the potential rallies that can still be had.
One potential rally can be found in shares of Salesforce Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/crm#NYSE">CRM</a>), especially now that Wall Street has reiterated a new boost on the stock&#39;s price target, pointing to further upside in the coming quarters. The reason behind the boost is exactly what retail investors should focus on in their portfolio strategy, and it has to do with the economy and business model for cloud businesses in the technology sector.
<h2>What If the Bears Are Right? What Happens to Salesforce Stock?</h2>
A bearish scenario for the S&amp;P 500 doesn&#39;t have to mean a bearish scenario for all stocks. If the bearish scenario plays out, unemployment might keep heading higher, and businesses will have to look for alternatives in hiring and managing their workforce today.
This is where Salesforce stock comes into play. As a cloud-based platform, Salesforce can streamline and improve most business processes in today&#39;s economy. This means cost savings and increased efficiency for its customers. So, if unemployment is on the rise in this bearish scenario, businesses can keep expensive employees on payroll or adjust for the slowdown by implementing technology.
Salesforce stock bulls can now understand where new demand will come from, but the rest of the business model is what will deliver the stability and predictability that helped Wall Street analysts land a higher price target. Cloud service businesses like Salesforce, Adobe Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/adbe#NASDAQ">ADBE</a>), and Workday Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/wday#NASDAQ">WDAY</a>) all operate under a subscription model, which can be critical during a hard landing.
Why? Subscriptions provide more predictable and stable cash flows for the companies that receive them, making projections and valuations easier to calculate despite any uncertainty and volatility in the overall market. That&#39;s for the bearish side, but what if the bulls are right and the market actually does well?
Salesforce also has a bullish scenario at play: Businesses need to use the platform to manage the higher business activity if the economy does manage to pull a &lsquo;soft landing&#39;. Whichever way investors look at Salesforce stock, there is a path for it to move higher, which is why Wall Street analysts felt comfortable boosting it.
<h2>Where Analysts See Salesforce Heading Next</h2>
The consensus price target for Salesforce stock is now set at $308 a share, which calls for a net 11.3% upside from where the stock trades today. Those at Wedbush stand out from the pack, with a recent price boost as recently as last week, setting the valuation up to $325 a share, calling for a much higher 17.5% net upside from today&#39;s price.
Wedbush is not alone, however, as analysts at Piper Sandler agreed on a $325 price target for Salesforce stock last week. This shows investors that the rest of Wall Street sentiment is now shifting to the bullish end for this company, and both economic scenarios seem to back the business model&#39;s predictability and stability for the future.
Even though Salesforce stock trades at 86% of its 52-week high today, there is still much more upside aside from current analyst upgrades. Compared to the rest of the computer sector, Salesforce offers a discount based on several valuation multiples.
On a price-to-earnings (P/E) basis, Salesforce trades at a 49.8x multiple. This current valuation places Salesforce at a 78.5% discount to the computer sector&#39;s average P/E valuation of 232.7x today, creating a path for a potential new 52-week high for Salesforce.
On a price-to-book (P/B) basis, Salesforce trades at a 4.6x valuation compared to the computer sector&#39;s valuation of 7.2x. This shows investors how Salesforce stock could have more room to move higher despite already trading near its 52-week high. The bullishness in the face of this discount didn&#39;t stop on Wall Street, however.
Those at Centaurus Financial decided to boost their holdings in Salesforce stock by 23.4% as recently as September 2024, bringing their net investment up to $3.2 million today. Even the Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan doubled its holding in September, bringing its net allocation up to $48.1 million to show investors another bullish angle for Salesforce stock.
The article &quot;<a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/stock-ideas/salesforce-stock-gets-a-wall-street-boost-cloud-businesses-back/">Salesforce Stock Gets a Wall Street Boost, Cloud Businesses Back?</a>&quot; first appeared on MarketBeat.

Tech

ADBE

WDAY

Salesforce Stock Gets a Wall Street Boost, Cloud Businesses Back?

The Last Prisoner Project (LPP) marked a milestone in its relentless fight for justice last weekend at Sony Hall in New York City. 
To celebrate the occasion, LPP hosted the Journey to Justice Gala, which brought together a diverse group of advocates, former prisoners and industry leaders.
The gala, an emotional and impactful evening, showcased the human stories behind the fight for cannabis reform. The night's proceeds will support LPP's legal, policy and reentry services, ensuring the continuation of these vital programs. Each table at the gala was named after an LPP constituent. Guests were provided with badges that told the story of those whose lives have been upended by harsh cannabis laws. QR codes on the badges directed attendees to resources and donation platforms, further driving home the urgency of the cause.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Advocacy At The Forefront</h3>
Stephanie Shepard, LPP's director of advocacy and a former prisoner herself, opened the event with a deeply personal reflection on her journey. "I was convicted in New York, so it's full circle to be here supporting this cause, when I was supported by so many people in this room," Shepard said, highlighting the powerful community that LPP has built over the years.
Sarah Gersten, LPP's executive director and co-founding member, emphasized the profound impact of the organization's Cannabis Justice Initiative (CJI). "I'm so proud to say that our CJI has represented over 300 clients and reduced over 100 years of prison time for our constituents," Gersten said. Her words resonated even more as she introduced Andy Cox, one of the initiative's success stories. Cox, who had been serving a life sentence for cannabis, was released early thanks to LPP's advocacy. In a moving speech, Cox shared, "If it weren't for LPP and Goodwin, I would still be sitting in a dark and lonely federal prison cell."
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Free And Still Fighting</h3>
The event also highlighted the importance of public support in driving change. NFL Hall of Famer Calvin "Megatron" Johnson introduced Michael Thompson of Michigan who spent more than two decades behind bars for a nonviolent cannabis sale. National support and LPP's advocacy led to Thompson's clemency in 2021. "They are true fighters. All you gotta do is care, all you gotta do is care," Thompson said passionately.
LPP's co-founding member Mary Bailey took the stage to honor Richard DeLisi, who served 32 years for a nonviolent cannabis offense. DeLisi's story is a symbol of the devastation caused by unjust cannabis laws. Since his release in 2020, DeLisi and his family have been vocal advocates for reform, using their cannabis brand, DeLisioso, to raise funds for LPP and other organizations. Bailey reflected on witnessing DeLisi's reunion with his family. "I will never forget the feeling of watching a family reunite after 32 years."
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Call For Clemency And Reform</h3>
Among the event&#8217;s notable moments was a message from Maryland Governor Wes Moore, who praised LPP's &#8216;Pen to Right History&#8217; campaign. The initiative challenges leaders across the U.S. to follow his example by signing executive clemency orders to release individuals incarcerated for cannabis. JoJo Simmons also presented an award to Richeda Sinclair for her advocacy work on behalf of her father, Ricardo Ashmeade, who is currently serving a 22-year sentence for a cannabis offense.
The emotional weight of the evening peaked when LPP's advocacy associate Donte West honored his former prison bunkmate, Kyle Page. Their stories of incarceration and subsequent advocacy reflect the resilience and determination of those still fighting for freedom.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">A Night Of Unforgettable Performances</h3>
In addition to the inspiring speeches, the gala featured performances that energized the room. Damian and Stephen Marley took the stage for an acoustic medley, including their hit song &#8220;Medication,&#8221; followed by a tribute to their father, Bob Marley, with &#8220;Get Up, Stand Up.&#8221; M-1 and Umi of dead prez performed their iconic track &#8220;Hip-Hop&#8221; and Keith Shocklee of Public Enemy closed the night with a DJ set that kept the crowd dancing.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Importance Of Continued Support</h3>
The night was made possible through the generous support of sponsors, including HBI International, makers of RAW rolling papers, which have donated $200,000 to LPP's reentry grant program. Their contributions, along with those of Dutchie, Goodwin, Wana Brand Foundation and others, have enabled LPP to continue its mission to free cannabis prisoners and help them rebuild their lives.
For those unable to attend, LPP continues its work through initiatives like the #Countdown4Clemency campaign, pushing for President Biden to grant clemency to those still imprisoned for cannabis offenses. More information can be found on LPP's website.
Photo Credit: Johnny Nunez/Getty Images for Last Prisoner Project
This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Cannabis

A Gala For Cannabis Justice: Inside The Last Prisoner Project's NYC Event, Featuring Damian And Stephen Marley

White House Says Important That Both Parties In Port Workers' Strike Come To Table And Negotiate In Good Faith; Only Fair That Port Workers See Meaningful Increase In Their Wages; Time For USMX To Negotiate A Fair Contract

Stephens initiated coverage on Thermo Fisher Scientific (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TMO#NYSE">TMO</a>) and cited the company as an industry leader in the broader life science tools/services/ diagnostics industry, with fiscal year 2023 sales of almost $42.9 billion.
The analyst highlights Thermo Fisher&#8217;s extensive product and service portfolio and its significant revenue base. Over the past decade, the company has expanded its presence in the biopharma sector through strategic mergers and acquisitions, enhancing its market exposure.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/07/39930516/thermo-fisher-q2-earnings-marginal-revenue-dip-completes-olink-acquisition-lifts-annual-profit-outl" rel="noreferrer noopener">Thermo Fisher Q2 Earnings: Marginal Revenue Dip, Completes Olink Acquisition, Lifts Annual Profit Outlook</a>.
Thermo Fisher has around 18% share of the estimated total addressable market at more than $235 billion.
Stephens says disciplined M&amp;A strategy and organic growth opportunities have the potential to support a long runway for long-term growth and margin expansion.
Thermo Fisher&#8217;s pharma services assets, especially its contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO), are well positioned in today&#8217;s market. The company is set to capitalize on growth opportunities in the injectables sector, driven by GLP-1 demand, and in biologics drug substance production, supported by the BIOSECURE bill.
Stephens analyst writes, &#8220;After a difficult couple of years for the broader LS tools complex, 2025 should be a better year, but we have tried to assume a gradual recovery in our estimates.&#8221;
Stephens initiated coverage with an Overweight rating and a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TMO/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">price target of $680</a>.
The company&#8217;s Practical Process Improvement (PPI) system fosters ongoing enhancements and plays a crucial role in realizing synergies from acquisitions.
However, pursuing larger mergers and acquisitions may face greater challenges due to Thermo Fisher&#8217;s large scale and the heightened scrutiny of an active Federal Trade Commission.
Despite this, Thermo Fisher&#8217;s diverse portfolio offers ample organic growth potential, and there are still M&amp;A opportunities, particularly in bioprocessing, cell and gene therapy markets, and related service areas, per the analyst.
Price Action: TMO stock is down 0.83% at $613.45 at last check Tuesday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41124391/qualcomm-partners-with-stmicroelectronics-to-boost-ai-powered-iot-connectivity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Qualcomm Partners With STMicroelectronics To Boost AI-Powered IoT Connectivity</a>.</li>
</ul>

Analyst Color

Equities

Health Care

Initiation

Industry Leader Thermo Fisher's Contract Services Positioned For Growth Amid Popular Demand For GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs, Analyst Initiates With Long-Term Growth Potential

McCormick &amp; Company, Incorporated (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mkc#NYSE">MKC</a>) reported solid third-quarter fiscal 2024 results, wherein the top and bottom lines beat the Zacks Consensus Estimate, and earnings increased year over year.
The company achieved a significant milestone by delivering overall global positive volume growth in the quarter, indicating improving trends across both business segments. The momentum is expected to carry into the fourth quarter. In the Consumer segment, MKC recorded solid volume growth despite facing a challenging macroeconomic environment in China. Meanwhile, in the Flavor Solutions segment, sequential volume improvements were realized, driven by strong growth in Branded Foodservice.
Management continues to bolster its position across major markets and core categories by focusing on growth levers such as brand marketing, product and packaging innovation, category management and proprietary technology. The company expects its cost-saving initiatives to help fund future investments and drive operating margin expansion. The year-to-date results, combined with strategic growth plans, reinforce confidence in achieving the mid-to-high range of projected sales growth for 2024.
<div class="chart_embed">
<h3>McCormick &amp; Company, Incorporated Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise 
<img alt="McCormick &amp; Company, Incorporated Price, Consensus and EPS Surprise" src="https://staticx-tuner.zacks.com/images/charts/ae/1727790166.png" style="height:265px; width:576px" title="" /></h3>
McCormick &amp; Company, Incorporated price-consensus-eps-surprise-chart | McCormick &amp; Company, Incorporated Quote
</div>
<h2>MKC&#39;s Quarterly Performance: Key Metrics and Insights</h2>
Adjusted earnings of 83 cents per share increased from 65 cents reported in the year-ago quarter. The metric came above the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 68 cents per share, representing a surprise of 22.1%. The year-over-year upside can be attributed to greater operating profit, the timing of a specific tax benefit and increased income from unconsolidated operations, fueled by robust performance from McCormick de Mexico, the company&#39;s largest joint venture.
This global leader in flavor generated sales of $1,679.8 million, flat year over year, including minimum impacts from currency movements. Impacts from the company&#39;s strategic decision to divest its canning business were offset by a 1% increase in volume backed by the Consumer segment, somewhat negated by pricing. The top line exceeded the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1,664 million.
McCormick&#39;s gross profit margin expanded 170 basis points. The upside can be attributed to improved mix and cost savings from the Comprehensive Continuous Improvement&nbsp;program.
The adjusted operating income came in at $288 million, up 15% year over year, reflecting gross margin expansion and reduced SG&amp;A expenses.
<h2>Decoding MKC&#39;s Segmental Performance</h2>
Consumer: Sales remained flat year over year at $937.4 million, with a negligible impact on currency movements. Sales were hurt by a 1% decline from pricing actions, offset by 1% volume growth. Volume growth in the Americas and the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (&quot;EMEA&quot;) regions was partly negated by declines in the Asia-Pacific region (APAC). Sales remained flat year over year in the Americas while moving up 3% in the EMEA region. Segment sales dipped 1% in the APAC.
Flavor Solutions: Sales in the segment inched down 1% to $742.4 million. On a constant-currency basis, sales were flat year over year as a 1% rise in pricing was countered by the company&#39;s strategic move to sell off its canning business. Flavor Solutions&#39; sales in the Americas grew 2%. Flavor Solutions&#39; sales in the EMEA fell by 8%. Sales in the APAC market fell 1% year over year.
<h2>MKC&#39;s Financial Health Snapshot</h2>
McCormick exited the quarter with cash and cash equivalents of $200.8 million, long-term debt of $3,343.1 million and total shareholders&#39; equity of $5,451 million. In the nine months ended Aug. 31, 2024, net cash provided by operating activities was $463.2 million.
<h2>What to Expect From MKC in 2024?</h2>
For fiscal 2024, McCormick is focused on strengthening its volume trends and prioritizing investments to fuel profits. The company&#39;s CCI and Global Operating Effectiveness programs are driving growth investments and operating margin expansion. Management anticipates currency movements to have a minimal impact on 2024 results.
For 2024, management expects sales to range between a 1% decline and 1% growth, including minimal currency impacts. The company anticipates witnessing a favorable impact of pricing actions undertaken in the prior year. Volume trends are likely to improve due to solid brands and targeted investments. However, its decision to discontinue the low-margin business and sell the canning business is likely to put some pressure on volume during 2024.
Management expects adjusted operating income to grow 4-6%, including minimal currency impacts. This is likely to be driven by gross margin expansion, somewhat offset by a major rise in brand marketing investments.
Management envisions 2024 adjusted EPS in the band of $2.85-$2.90, which suggests a 5-7% increase from the year-ago period, including minimal currency impacts. On a GAAP basis, McCormick projects 2024 earnings in the range of $2.81- $2.86 per share compared with the year-ago period figure of $2.52.
This Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock has rallied 17.2% in the past three months compared with the industry&#39;s growth of 8.8%.
<h2>Other Top Staple Stocks</h2>
Here, we have highlighted three other top-ranked consumer staple stocks &mdash; The Chef&#39;s Warehouse (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/chef#NASDAQ">CHEF</a>), Flowers Foods (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/flo#NYSE">FLO</a>) and Kimberly-Clark Corporation&nbsp;(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/kmb#NYSE">KMB</a>).
The Chef&#39;s Warehouse, which engages in the distribution of specialty food products, currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy).
CHEF has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 33.7%, on average. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for The Chef&#39;s Warehouse&#39;s current fiscal year sales and earnings indicates growth of 9.7% and 12.6%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers.
Flowers Foods, one of the largest producers of packaged bakery foods in the United States, currently carries a Zacks Rank #2. FLO has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 1.9%, on average.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Flowers Foods&#39; current financial-year sales and earnings implies growth of around 1% and 5%, respectively, from the year-ago reported numbers.
Kimberly-Clark is a personal care and consumer tissue product company that currently carries a Zacks Rank of 2.
The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Kimberly-Clark&#39;s current fiscal-year earnings indicates an advancement of 10.4% from the year-ago reported figure. KMB has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 12.6%, on average.
<a href="https://www.zacks.com/stock/news/2344136/mccormick-q3-earnings-top-estimates-mkc-volumes-improve-y-y?cid=CS-BENZ-FT-analyst_blog|earnings_article-2344136">To read this article on Zacks.com click here.</a>

Earnings Beats

Mid Cap

Small Cap

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CHEF

McCormick Q3 Earnings Top Estimates, MKC Volumes Improve Y/Y

Square Enix Holdings Co Ltd (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SQNXF#OTC">SQNXF</a>) has confirmed its intention to release Final Fantasy 16 on Xbox.
Naoki "Yoshi-P" Yoshida, the producer behind both Final Fantasy 14 and Final Fantasy 16, addressed the situation during an interview <a href="https://www.si.com/videogames/features/final-fantasy-14-naoki-yoshida-interview">with </a>Video Games.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/08/40448062/square-enix-announces-final-fantasy-16-pc-release-date-and-pricing">Square Enix Announces Final Fantasy 16 PC Release Date And Pricing</a>
"Of course we did announce the PC version of the game, so looking towards the Xbox version, we do want to release it on Xbox," Yoshida stated. 
"But when it comes to the specifics such as when the game would be available and such, we are not in a position to be able to share anything. But of course, I want to say that it's not as if there's zero hope, and we very much do want to achieve that. So players should not give up in terms of their hopes," he added.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">From Exclusive To Multi-Platform</h3>
Launched in June 2023 as a PlayStation 5 exclusive, Final Fantasy 16 has since expanded its availability, with a PC version released last month. 
The game&#8217;s transition to multi-platform is part of Square Enix's broader strategy to adapt to a shifting gaming landscape. Yoshida&#8217;s comments highlight a growing acknowledgment within the company of the importance of accessibility across various platforms to meet the diverse preferences of players.
Despite the excitement surrounding Final Fantasy 16, Square Enix has expressed concern over its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/23/09/34589295/can-square-enix-recover-2b-value-drop-after-final-fantasy-16-release">commercial performance. </a>
In a financial briefing held in May but disclosed in September, Takashi Kiryu, the company's president and representative director, revealed: &#8220;In the HD Games sub-segment, we released multiple new titles, including major titles such as Final Fantasy 16 and Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth, but profits unfortunately did not meet our expectations.&#8221;
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Adapting To Market Dynamics</h3>
In light of these financial challenges, Square Enix is restructuring its business model to enhance profitability. This includes a new multi-platform strategy that not only encompasses PC and Xbox but also aims for future compatibility with the next Nintendo ADR (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NTDOY#OTC">NTDOY</a>) console. 
However, as part of this reworking, the company has canceled several games, signaling a more selective approach to its development pipeline.
Last month, Yoshida suggested it might be time for fresh leadership to guide the franchise into the future, hinting at the potential for a younger generation to take the reins for Final Fantasy 17.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/09/40925388/why-final-fantasy-16-7-rebirth-didnt-hit-profit-targets-according-to-square-enix">Why Final Fantasy 16, 7 Rebirth Didn&#8217;t Hit Profit Targets, According To Square Enix</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Gaming

NTDOY

SQNXF

Final Fantasy 16 On Xbox? Square Enix Hints At A Possible Release

Wells Fargo analyst Roger Read maintains APA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APA#NASDAQ">APA</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $49 to $47.

Wells Fargo Maintains Overweight on APA, Lowers Price Target to $47

Wells Fargo analyst Roger Read maintains Chesapeake Energy (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHK#NASDAQ">CHK</a>) with a Equal-Weight and raises the price target from $77 to $83.

Wells Fargo Maintains Equal-Weight on Chesapeake Energy, Raises Price Target to $83

Sui's (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">SUI</a>) price has decreased 4.04% over the past 24 hours to $1.75. This is contrary to the coins performance over the past week where it has experienced an up-trend of 7.0%, moving from $1.67 to its current price.
The chart below compares the price movement and volatility for Sui over the past 24 hours (left) to its price movement over the past week (right). The gray bands are Bollinger Bands, measuring the volatility for both the daily and weekly price movements. The wider the bands are, or the larger the gray area is at any given moment, the larger the volatility.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727809423_0.png" alt="price_chart" />
Sui's trading volume has climbed 45.0% over the past week, moving in tandem, directionally, with the overall circulating supply of the coin, which has increased 3.08%. This brings the circulating supply to 2.76 billion, which makes up an estimated 27.64% of its max supply of 10.00 billion. According to our data, the current market cap ranking for SUI is #25 at $4.83 billion.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727809423_1.png" alt="supply_and_vol" />
<a href="https://www.coingecko.com/en/api">Powered by CoinGecko API</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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Cryptocurrency Sui Decreases More Than 4% Within 24 hours

Barclays analyst Tim Long maintained an Underweight rating on Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) with a price target of $186.
Long noted there was much news about increased iPhone builds in early July, a few weeks after the introduction of Apple Intelligence.
Based on the analyst&#8217;s recent supply chain channel checks, he noted Apple may just have cut roughly 3 million units of a key semiconductor component in iPhones for the December quarter. If confirmed, this would be the earliest build cut in recent history.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/10/41114632/taiwan-semiconductors-2-nm-breakthrough-puts-taiwan-a-decade-ahead-of-chinas-semiconductor-industry" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s 2-Nm Breakthrough Puts Taiwan a Decade Ahead of China&#8217;s Semiconductor Industry: Report</a>
Long&#8217;s sell-through checks point to 15% year-on-year declines for global iPhone 16 sales in the first week of sales.
The analyst also tracked iPhone availability globally across geographies, suggesting softer demand for iPhone 16 relative to last year. Wait times across major geographies Long tracked were much shorter versus the previous year.
While the supply chain constraints on iPhone 15 pro models extended lead times last year, Long noted this still points to potentially weaker-than-expected demand, especially across the U.S. and China.
He said the data points indicated a softer demand than previously anticipated.
Overall, possible iPhone build cuts, weak sell-throughs and shorter lead times suggest a softer start to the iPhone 16 cycle with a negative mix shift due to weakening consumer spending, macro pressure and competition, Long said.
He noted Apple Intelligence in the Chinese language will not be rolled out until 2025, which may dampen early enthusiasm for the iPhone 16 in that critical market.
The analyst said Europe is&nbsp;also likely to see a staggered AI launch through 2025, which could limit excitement for the new device.
Long noted Apple&#8217;s order cut this time, if confirmed,&nbsp;implies the earliest cut in recent cycles as Apple typically makes its first order adjustment in early to mid-October based on sell-through data points.
Long noted September quarter iPhone units are on track for 51 million as the best case, assuming some channels fill in line or better versus last year due to more selling days. The earlier iPhone launch added two days of sell-through to the September quarter, but this is known, according to the analyst. The analyst noted the July and August sell-through was flattish year-on-year.
The December quarter looks increasingly at risk with the recent order cuts if sell-throughs continue to disappoint. This is due to the staggered roll-out of Apple Intelligence, limited adoption of AI outside of the U.S. and the need for hardware differentiation.
AAPL Price Action: AAPL stock is down 3.19% at $225.57 at publication Friday.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/41100053/apples-iphone-16-pro-demand-correction-in-sight-analyst-highlights-delivery-trends-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple&#8217;s iPhone 16 Pro Demand Correction In Sight: Analyst Highlights Delivery Trends Across Global Markets</a></li>
</ul>
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Apple's iPhone 16 Cycle Faces Headwinds: Analyst Warns Of Weaker Demand, Macro Pressures, Potential Early Production Cuts

Bonds can be a smart strategy for individuals looking to diversify their portfolios and achieve more predictable returns. While stocks offer the potential for higher growth, they also come with greater volatility. On the other hand, bonds are generally considered less risky and can provide a steady income stream, making them particularly attractive to those seeking stability and consistent returns.
Wondering how to incorporate bonds into your portfolio? Keep reading to learn how to invest in different types of bonds, including municipal, corporate, government, and foreign bonds &ndash; and which is right for you.
<h2>Determine Your Investment Goals</h2>
Before investing in bonds, it&#39;s important to define how bonds will align with your broader investment objectives. For instance, an investor nearing retirement might prioritize a consistent income stream to supplement their retirement savings. In this case, they might consider bonds with higher coupon payments. Conversely, a young investor with a long investment horizon focused on growing their capital might choose bonds with lower yields but higher growth potential.
So, what are your financial priorities? What are you trying to achieve with your investments? What level of risk are you comfortable taking? Once you clearly understand your goals, you can start exploring different types of bonds and strategies to find the one that best fits your needs.
<h2>Assess Your Risk Tolerance</h2>
Now that you have a clear picture of your investment goals, the next step is to assess your risk tolerance. This will help you determine how much of your portfolio to allocate to bonds. Risk tolerance refers to your ability and willingness to accept potential losses in pursuit of higher returns. A higher risk tolerance generally suggests a greater willingness to invest in assets with higher potential returns but also higher potential losses. Conversely, a lower risk tolerance indicates a preference for investments that are considered safer and less volatile, even if their potential returns may be lower.
Your risk tolerance will directly influence your bond investment decisions. Investors with a higher risk tolerance allocate a smaller portion of their portfolio to bonds and consider investments in lower-rated or corporate bonds, which generally offer higher potential returns but also carry a greater risk of default. On the other hand, risk-averse investors might prefer a larger allocation to bonds, focusing on high-quality, low-risk bonds like government bonds, which offer a more predictable income stream but with lower potential growth.
<h2>How to Invest in Different Types of Bonds</h2>
Various types of bonds are available to investors, each with its own risk and return characteristics. Understanding the subtle differences of each type is crucial for making informed investment choices.
<h3>Municipal Bonds</h3>
State and local governments issue municipal bonds to finance public projects like schools, roads, and infrastructure, offering investors the potential for tax-advantaged income. These bonds can be acquired through brokerage accounts, financial advisors, online bond platforms, banks, or directly from the issuing municipality.
A key factor in evaluating municipal bonds is the creditworthiness of the issuing municipality, reflected in their credit rating. A strong credit rating indicates a higher likelihood of repayment, minimizing default risk. You should also be aware that interest earned on municipal bonds is typically exempt from federal income tax and may be exempt from state and local taxes, making them particularly attractive to investors in higher tax brackets.
However, it&#39;s essential to recognize that municipal bonds are subject to certain risks. Like all bonds, their prices can fluctuate with changes in interest rates. Additionally, municipal bonds carry the risk of default if the issuing municipality is unable to meet its debt obligations.
<h3>Corporate Bonds</h3>
Companies issue corporate bonds to raise capital for various purposes. Corporate bonds offer the potential for higher returns than government bonds. However, this comes with a greater risk of default. When investing in corporate bonds, it&#39;s essential to carefully evaluate the financial health of the issuing company. You can purchase corporate bonds through brokerage accounts, financial advisors, online bond platforms, banks, or directly from the issuing company. Bonds can be bought at issuance or on the secondary market.
To assess the risk associated with a corporate bond, you should consider the issuing company&#39;s credit rating. A higher credit rating indicates a lower risk of default. The bond&#39;s yield and coupon rate also play a crucial role. The yield represents the annual return you can expect to receive, while the coupon rate determines the interest payments paid periodically.
It&#39;s essential to understand that the higher potential returns of corporate bonds come with a greater risk of default. Investors should thoroughly research the issuing company&#39;s financial stability, including profitability, debt levels, and overall business prospects, to determine the potential risks associated with a specific bond. Additionally, interest rate changes can affect bond prices, so investors should consider the impact of possible interest rate fluctuations on the value of their corporate bonds.
<h3>Government Bonds</h3>
Government bonds, often regarded as among the safest investments, are issued by various levels of government, including federal, state, and local. They come in multiple forms, each with its features:
<ul>
<li>Treasury Bonds: Treasury bonds have maturities of 20 years or more, making them suitable for long-term investments. They offer a fixed interest rate paid semi-annually and are subject to federal income tax but are exempt from state and local taxes.</li>
<li>Treasury Notes: Treasury notes have maturities ranging from 2 to 10 years. Like Treasury bonds, they offer a fixed interest rate paid semi-annually and are subject to federal income tax but exempt from state and local taxes. Their shorter maturity makes them a good option for investors who need a balance between liquidity and long-term growth.</li>
<li>Treasury Bills: Treasury bills have maturities ranging from 4 to 52 weeks. Unlike bonds and notes, they do not pay interest but are sold at a discount to their face value. The difference between the purchase price and the face value represents the interest earned. Treasury bills are considered highly liquid and are ideal for short-term investments.</li>
<li>Treasury Inflation-Protected Securities (TIPS): TIPS are designed to protect investors from inflation. The principal amount of a TIPS bond increases with inflation, ensuring that the investor receives a real return on their investment. Because TIPS interest payments are adjusted based on inflation rates, they provide a hedge against declining purchasing power.</li>
</ul>
You can purchase these treasury bonds directly from the U.S. Treasury by utilizing its Treasury Direct website or through traditional avenues like brokerage accounts, banks, and financial institutions.
It is important to note that interest rates directly affect the return on bonds, and you should consider whether a fixed or inflation-adjusted yield aligns with your investment goals. Additionally, consider a bond&#39;s maturity date in relation to your time horizon. For example, an investor saving for retirement might choose bonds with longer maturities, while those seeking a short-term investment might prefer shorter-term bonds.
While government bonds are generally viewed as low-risk, it&#39;s essential to remember that bond prices can fluctuate with interest rate movements. Therefore, you should carefully consider the impact of interest rate changes on their bond holdings. Also, it is essential to note that while U.S. Treasury bonds are exempt from state and local taxes, interest income is still subject to federal income tax.
<h3>Foreign Bonds</h3>
Investing in foreign bonds can offer diversification benefits, but it&#39;s crucial to understand the unique considerations involved. You can access foreign bonds through several avenues, including international brokerage accounts, domestic brokerage accounts with foreign bond access, and direct purchases through foreign markets. While these options offer varying levels of complexity and control, investing in foreign bond funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can provide a simplified approach to gaining exposure to international bonds.
When choosing foreign bonds, understanding the impact of currency exchange rate fluctuations is paramount. A weakening U.S. dollar, for instance, can negatively impact the returns on foreign bonds held by U.S. investors. Additionally, assessing the creditworthiness of the issuing foreign government or corporation and considering the political stability of the issuing country are critical steps in mitigating risk.
While foreign bonds offer the potential for higher returns, they also carry additional risks. Currency risk, stemming from fluctuations in exchange rates, can significantly impact returns. Political risk, associated with instability or changes in government policies, can create uncertainty and affect bond prices. Lastly, differences in market regulations between foreign and domestic markets can pose challenges for investors unfamiliar with these intricacies.
Before investing in foreign bonds, you should carefully consider these risks, conduct thorough research, and consult with a financial advisor to ensure a comprehensive understanding of international bond markets.
<h2>Strategies for Bond Investing</h2>
While sophisticated bond investment strategies exist, several beginner-friendly approaches can be implemented.
<h3>Buy-and-Hold</h3>
The buy-and-hold strategy involves purchasing bonds, holding them until maturity, and receiving the total face value back. This approach minimizes transaction costs and offers predictable returns if the bond issuer doesn&#39;t default. Investors seeking stable income and minimal risk often find this strategy suitable.
<h3>Bond Laddering</h3>
Bond laddering involves strategically diversifying investments across bonds with varying maturity dates. For example, you might allocate a portion of your funds to a one-year bond, another portion to a three-year bond, and a final portion to a five-year bond.&nbsp;
As each bond matures, you can reinvest the proceeds into another bond, potentially with a different maturity date, creating a &quot;ladder&quot; of bonds. This approach helps mitigate interest rate risk. If interest rates rise, the maturing bonds with shorter maturities can be reinvested at higher rates, potentially offsetting the potential loss in value of the longer-term bonds. Additionally, bond laddering provides a regular income stream as bonds mature at different times, ensuring a steady flow of funds.
<h3>Reinvesting Interest Payments</h3>
Reinvesting interest payments earned from bonds into new bonds can accelerate portfolio growth through compounding returns. This strategy allows earned interest to generate further interest, amplifying returns over time. For example, an investor receives interest payments from their existing bonds and uses them to purchase new bonds. As this cycle continues, the initial investment grows faster than it would if the interest were withdrawn. While it may seem minor, reinvesting interest payments can significantly impact long-term investment returns.
<h3>Bond Mutual Funds and ETFs</h3>
Investing in bond mutual funds or exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offers a convenient way to diversify across a broad range of bonds with a single investment. These funds are managed by professionals who select and monitor a basket of bonds, aiming to achieve specific investment objectives. Bond funds offer investors exposure to various bond sectors, including government, corporate, and international, without needing to select and manage each bond individually. Additionally, bond funds provide greater liquidity and diversification than investing in individual bonds.
<h2>The Cost of Buying Bonds</h2>
While the price of a bond is determined by its face value, investors should be aware of additional costs associated with bond purchases. Understanding these costs is essential for accurately evaluating potential returns.
<h3>Transaction Fees and Commissions</h3>
Brokerage firms often charge transaction fees or commissions for buying and selling individual bonds. These fees can vary depending on the brokerage firm, the type of bond, and the transaction volume. You should carefully compare fees from different brokers to minimize these expenses.
<h3>Secondary Market Premiums and Discounts</h3>
Bonds purchased on the secondary market may trade at a premium or discount to their face value. A premium reflects a price higher than the face value, while a discount represents a price lower than the face value. These premiums or discounts are influenced by factors such as interest rate movements and the perceived creditworthiness of the issuer.
<h3>Fund Fees</h3>
Bond mutual funds and exchange-traded funds (ETFs) typically charge management fees and expense ratios. These fees represent the costs of managing the fund and covering its operating expenses. It&#39;s important to compare these fees across different funds to ensure that you are receiving competitive returns for the fees you pay.
<h3>Tax Implications</h3>
It&#39;s crucial to remember that interest income earned from bonds is generally taxable. Capital gains realized from selling bonds at a profit are also subject to taxation. You should consult with a tax professional to understand the specific tax implications of their bond investments.
<h2>Choosing the Right Bond for You</h2>
Investing in bonds can be a powerful strategy for diversifying your portfolio and achieving more predictable returns. You can build a portfolio that meets your needs by aligning your bond investments with your risk tolerance, financial goals, and investment horizon. Understanding each bond type&#39;s unique characteristics and risks is crucial for making informed decisions.
The article &quot;<a href="https://www.marketbeat.com/learn/how-to-invest-in-bonds-a-beginners-guide/">How to Invest in Bonds: A Beginner&#39;s Guide</a>&quot; first appeared on MarketBeat.

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How to Invest in Bonds: A Beginner's Guide

Over the past 24 hours, Pepe's (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">PEPE</a>) price has fallen 5.37% to $0.000010. This is opposite to its positive trend over the past week where it has experienced a 22.0% gain, moving from $0.0000085 to its current price. 
The chart below compares the price movement and volatility for Pepe over the past 24 hours (left) to its price movement over the past week (right). The gray bands are Bollinger Bands, measuring the volatility for both the daily and weekly price movements. The wider the bands are, or the larger the gray area is at any given moment, the larger the volatility.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727809354_0.png" alt="price_chart" />
The trading volume for the coin has increased 111.0% over the past week. while the overall circulating supply of the coin has decreased 0.08% This puts its current circulating supply at an estimated 100.0% of its max supply, which is 420.69 trillion. The current market cap ranking for PEPE is #27 at $4.30 billion.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1727809354_1.png" alt="supply_and_vol" />
<a href="https://www.coingecko.com/en/api">Powered by CoinGecko API</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

$PEPE

Cryptocurrency Pepe Falls More Than 5% In 24 hours

MarketWise's second-quarter letter to shareholders

MarketWise in charts: Paid subscribers, billings, and ARPU maintain downward trajectory in Q2

Companies in the Technology sector have received a lot of coverage today as analysts weigh in on MarketWise (MKTW – Research Report) and Exlservice...

Analysts Offer Insights on Technology Companies: MarketWise (MKTW) and Exlservice Holdings (EXLS)

Warning: MKTW is at high risk of performing badly

MarketWise (MKTW) has provided an announcement. Chad Curlett, the Chief Operating Officer of MarketWise, Inc., resigned on August 19, 2024, and fin...

MarketWise COO Chad Curlett Resigns with Severance Deal

With solid financial performance, strategic alliances, and a unified platform for advanced data protection and cyber resilience, is Commvault Systems (CVLT) poised to be the next big player in cloud security? Read more to find out... Commvault Systems, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/CVLT/">CVLT</a>) is the gold standard in cyber resilience, safeguarding data for over 100,000 organizations and ensuring their businesses remain resilient and thrive. It provides innovative security and AI features to protect data from cyber threats, modern backup and recovery capabilities, and integration with top cloud providers and security partners.
CVLT reported better-than-expected first-quarter 2024 results. Commvault's total revenue came in at $224.70 million, surpassing analysts' estimate of $215.54 million. Moreover, CVLT recorded a 17% annualized recurring revenue (ARR) year-over-year growth to $803 million, and its subscription ARR rose to $636 million, up 28% year-over-year.
In addition, the company posted non-GAAP net income per share of $0.85, compared to the consensus estimate of $0.73.
Furthermore, Commvault provided updated guidance for the fiscal year 2025. The company expects its total revenues to be between $915 million and $925 million. Its total ARR is expected to increase 15% year-over-year. Its subscription revenue is anticipated to be between $522 million and $527 million, and subscription ARR will grow 23%-25% year-over-year.
For the 13th consecutive time, CVLT was <a href="https://community.commvault.com/news-events-7/13-times-a-gartner-magic-quadrant-leader-for-enterprise-backup-and-recovery-software-solutions-9300">positioned by Gartner as a Leader in the 2024 Magic Quadrant</a> for Enterprise Backup and Recovery Software Solutions based on its completeness of vision and ability to execute. Also, Commvault had been named a "Leader" and "Forward Mover" in the <a href="https://www.commvault.com/gc/gigaom-sonar-report-for-cloud-based-data-protection#:~:text=Commvault%20Named,Forward%20Mover%E2%80%8B&amp;text=The%202024%20GigaOm%20Sonar%20for,leaderboard%20among%2013%20competing%20vendors.">2024 GigaOm Sonar Report</a> for Cloud-Native Data Protection.
Shares of CVLT have gained 57.9% over the past six months and 119.9% over the past year to close the last trading session at $150.41. Also, the stock has surged 20.2% over the past month.
Let's look at factors that could influence CVLT's performance in the upcoming months.
Positive Recent Developments
On August 5, CVLT announced an <a href="https://www.commvault.com/news/commvault-expands-cybersecurity-ecosystem-with-leading-integration-partners#:~:text=TINTON%20FALLS%2C%20NJ%20%E2%80%93%20August%205,Google%20Cloud%2C%20Splunk%2C%20and%20Wiz">expansion of its cyber and data security ecosystem</a> through strategic integrations with several security partners, including Acante, Dasera, Google Cloud, Splunk, and Wiz.
These integrations are crucial in enhancing cyber resilience for joint customers across on-premises, hybrid, and cloud environments, from detecting potential threats or anomalies to identifying the location of sensitive data and speeding up clean recoveries.
On July 31, CVLT announced Microsoft 365 Backup Storage as an integrated component of Commvault&#xAE; Cloud Backup and Recovery for Microsoft 365. The Commvault Cloud platform, powered by Microsoft Azure, enables joint customers to deploy this integrated solution for enhanced cyber resilience while enabling single-pane-of-glass control that simplifies administration and delivers a low total cost of ownership (TCO).
Robust Financials
For the second quarter that ended June 30, 2024, CVLT's revenues increased 13.4% year-over-year to $224.67 million. Its gross margin rose 13.7% from the year-ago value to $184.88 million. Its non-GAAP income from operations grew 11% from the prior year's quarter to $48.30 million.
Additionally, the company's non-GAAP net income and earnings per share were $38.40 million and $0.85, compared to $32.53 million and $0.72 in the previous year's period, respectively. Its non-GAAP <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/f/freecashflow.asp">free cash flow</a> was $43.83 million, up 15.7% year-over-year.
Favorable Analyst Estimates
Analysts expect CVLT's revenue for the second quarter (ending September 2024) to grow 9.9% year-over-year to $220.97 million. The consensus EPS estimate of $0.76 for the ongoing quarter indicates an improvement of 8.2% year-over-year. Further, the company has topped consensus revenue and EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, which is impressive.
For the fiscal year ending March 2025, Street expects Commvault's revenue and EPS to increase 9.8% and 12.3% from the previous year to $921.31 million and $3.35, respectively. The company's revenue and EPS for the fiscal year 2026 are expected to grow 10% and 15.1% year-over-year to $1.01 billion and $3.85, respectively.
High Profitability
CVLT's trailing-12-month gross profit margin of 82% is 66.1% higher than the industry average of 49.36%. Likewise, the stock's trailing-12-month EBIT margin of 9.86% is 95.5% higher than the industry average of 5.05%. Moreover, its trailing-12-month net income margin of 20.19% is significantly higher than the industry average of 3.63%.
Further, the stock's trailing-12-month ROCE, ROTC, and ROTA of 77.04%, 22.33%, and 18.70% favorably compared to the industry averages of 4.41%, 2.76%, and 2.06%, respectively. Its trailing-12-month levered FCF margin of 24.55% is 132.8% higher than the industry average of 10.54%.
POWR Ratings Reflect Promise
CVLT's sound fundamentals are reflected in its <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a>. The stock has an overall rating of B, which translates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by taking into account 118 different factors, with each factor weighted to an optimal degree.
Our proprietary rating system also evaluates each stock based on eight distinct categories. CVLT has an A grade for Quality, consistent with its higher-than-industry profitability. In addition, the stock has a B grade for Growth and Sentiment, in sync with outstanding financial performance in the last reported quarter and optimistic analyst estimates.
Within the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/software-application/">Software - Application</a> industry, CVLT is ranked #14 out of 129 stocks.
Beyond what I have stated above, we have also given CVLT grades for Value, Momentum, and Stability. Get all CVLT ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/CVLT/">here</a>.
Bottom Line
CVLT has consistently demonstrated its leadership in the cloud resilience and data protection space, bolstered by robust financial performance and strategic integrations with leading cloud and cybersecurity partners.
What truly sets Commvault apart from its industry peers is its ability to protect a wide range of workloads, deliver enterprise-grade data protection, offer simple and scalable recovery, and uniquely advance cyber resiliency—all within a single, unified platform.
Given outstanding financials, accelerating profitability, and a promising long-term outlook, CVLT could be an ideal buy for solid returns.
How Does Commvault Systems, Inc. (CVLT) Stack Up Against Its Peers?
While CVLT has an overall POWR Rating of B, investors could also check out these other stocks within the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/software-application/">Software - Application</a> industry with an A (Strong Buy) rating: SS&amp;C Technologies Holdings Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/SSNC/">SSNC</a>), MarketWise Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/MKTW/">MKTW</a>), and Magic Software Enterprises Ltd. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/MGIC/">MGIC</a>).
To explore more A or B-rated software stocks, <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/software-application/">click here</a>.
What To Do Next?
Get your hands on this special report with 3 low priced companies with tremendous upside potential even in today's volatile markets:
<a href="https://report.stocknews.com/free-report/3stocks/?formplacement=artbotad_3s">3 Stocks to DOUBLE This Year &gt;</a>

<hr />
CVLT shares were unchanged in premarket trading Thursday. Year-to-date, CVLT has gained 88.37%, versus a 18.21% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Mangeet Kaur Bouns</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mangeet-Kaur-Bouns_Image-4.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Mangeet's keen interest in the stock market led her to become an investment researcher and financial journalist. Using her fundamental approach to analyzing stocks, Mangeet's looks to help retail investors understand the underlying factors before making investment decisions.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=mangeet-kaurbouns">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/cvlt-ssnc-mgic-mktw-could-commvault-systems-be-the-next-big-cloud-security-winner/>Could CommVault Systems Be the Next Big Cloud Security Winner?</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

Could CommVault Systems Be the Next Big Cloud Security Winner?

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MarketWise Announces Leadership Changes to Strengthen Operations and Business Performance; Declares Regular Dividend of Approximately $2.9 Million or $0.01 Per Share; Declares Special Dividend of Approximately $50.0 Million or $0.15 Per Share

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