Articles for author: Ron Finklestien

January 8, 2024

Ron Finklestien

BlackRock TCP Capital: Merging Into the Big Leagues in the BDC Space

Exploring the Potential Post-Merger For dividend investors, Business Development Companies (BDCs) hold a special place. The aftershocks of the banking crisis in early 2023 are expected to make the sector (BIZD) even more appealing over time. Amid my existing BDC favorites, BlackRock TCP Capital (NASDAQ:TCPC) has captured my attention with its recent merger announcement. This development has spurred a comprehensive analysis to ascertain TCPC’s potential to become a major player in the BDC landscape post-merger. Company Overview BlackRock TCP Capital is a BDC focusing on debt investments in private, middle-market companies with enterprise values typically ranging from $100 million to

January 8, 2024

Ron Finklestien

Five Below backs prior guidance ahead of ICR Conference presentation

Five Below Marches Ahead with Confident Strides A Pivotal Moment jetcityimage/iStock Editorial via Getty Images Five Below (NASDAQ:FIVE) decided to shed light on its financial standing prior to its eagerly anticipated appearance at the ICR Conference in Orlando, Florida this Monday. The bustling retailer unveiled its unyielding confidence in its expectations for the Q4 and full year fiscal 2023 results, assuring stakeholders that the net sales would nestle into the upper echelon of the range and that comparable sales would hover around 3%. Total sales for the holiday period surged upward by an impressive 15.6% to $1.16B, with comparable sales

January 8, 2024

Ron Finklestien

Best Growth Stocks to Buy for January 8th

Here are three stocks with buy ranks and strong growth characteristics for investors to consider today, January 8th: MercadoLibre, Inc. MELI: This e-commerce company carries a Zacks Rank #1, and has witnessed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings increasing 4.4% over the last 60 days. MercadoLibre, Inc. Price and Consensus MercadoLibre, Inc. price-consensus-chart | MercadoLibre, Inc. Quote MercadoLibre has a PEG ratio of 0.79 compared with 1.25 for the industry. The company possesses a Growth Score  of A. MercadoLibre, Inc. PEG Ratio (TTM) MercadoLibre, Inc. peg-ratio-ttm | MercadoLibre, Inc. Quote TIM S.A. TIMB: This telecommunications company carries

January 8, 2024

Ron Finklestien

Casey’s General Stores, Inc.: A Success Story of the Heartland

A General Store Giant Casey’s General Stores, Inc. (CASY) has successfully woven itself into the fabric of small-town America with over 2,500 convenience stores across 17 states, primarily in the Midwest. Casey’s offerings range from typical convenience store fare and grocery items to freshly prepared food, notably its renowned donuts, sandwiches, breakfast food, and above all, its pizzas. The company also operates self-service fuel stations at nearly every location. Casey’s has adapted to the retail evolution by launching digital offerings for enhanced convenience and customer loyalty through its mobile app and online ordering. This successful blend of convenience and community

January 8, 2024

Ron Finklestien

Assessing QQQ Potential Amid Interest Rate Talk Assessing QQQ Potential Amid Interest Rate Talk

The Fed and Bubbles As the Financial sector mulls over potential actions from the Fed, it’s worth noting that bubbles do in fact deflate as the Fed aggressively cuts interest rates. Historically, bubbles have expanded during loose monetary policy periods, often rallying around a certain narrative, inflating valuations to unrealistic levels. Following this, the Fed moves to tighten monetary policy by raising interest rates, causing the bubbles to deflate as liquidity dries up and valuations contract. Eventually, hikes in interest rates can invert the yield curve, leading to a recession, further accelerating the burst of the bubbles as corporate earnings

January 8, 2024

Ron Finklestien

Breakthrough Bipartisan Federal Spending Deal Reached by U.S. Congress Leaders Breakthrough Bipartisan Federal Spending Deal Reached by U.S. Congress Leaders

Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images News After months of gridlock, top U.S. Congressional leaders have achieved an unprecedented breakthrough by striking a bipartisan federal spending deal for the current fiscal year, significantly minimizing the likelihood of a perilous government shutdown next week. House Speaker Mike Johnson heralded the deal, which is earmarked at a formidable $1.59 trillion and includes $16 billion in additional spending cuts. The colossal fiscal framework comprises $886 billion for defense and $704 billion for non-defense spending. While the deal marks a significant milestone, there appears to be some discord regarding specifics. Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer asserted

January 8, 2024

Ron Finklestien

The Most Compelling Stocks to Consider Investing in on January 8th

Discerning investors should earmark the following stocks, which exhibit a buy rank and robust value attributes, for potential investment on January 8th: QuantaSing Group Limited QSG stands as a China-based online learning services enterprise with a stellar Zacks Rank #1. The company has observed the Zacks Consensus Estimate for its current year earnings skyrocket by an impressive 325% over the past 60 days. The Lure of QuantaSing Group Limited Unsponsored ADR’s Price and Consensus QuantaSing Group Limited Unsponsored ADR price-consensus-chart | QuantaSing Group Limited Unsponsored ADR Quote QuantaSing boasts a favorable price-to-earnings ratio (P/E) of 5.02, in comparison to the

January 8, 2024

Ron Finklestien

Bearish Outlook for Westlake Corporation (WLK) Westlake Corporation (WLK) Faces Uphill Battle Amidst Soaring Share Prices

Westlake Corporation (WLK) sees its shares scaling new heights, despite a dismal earnings outlook. Additionally, WLK’s position in the Chemical – Plastic segment currently ranks in the lowest 18% among 250 Zacks industries. The WLK Basics Westlake Corporation is a crucial manufacturer and supplier of essential materials and products. Its diverse offerings encompass ethylene, polyethylene, styrene, vinyl intermediates, PVC, fence, decking components, and more. The company harnesses internally-produced basic chemicals to produce higher value-added chemicals and building products. Its two primary segments are Performance and Essential Materials, as well as Housing and Infrastructure Products. However, Westlake faces headwinds in the

January 8, 2024

Ron Finklestien

Harpoon Therapeutics and Others Surge in Pre-Market Trading Harpoon Therapeutics and Others Surge in Pre-Market Trading

U.S. stock futures were lower this morning, with the Dow Jones futures falling around 150 points on Monday. Harpoon Therapeutics, Inc. (HARP) rose sharply in pre-market trading. Bloomberg reported that Merck is in advanced talks to buy Harpoon Therapeutics for $23 per share. Harpoon Therapeutics shares jumped 98.6% to $20.95 in pre-market trading. Here are some big stocks recording gains in today’s pre-market trading session. Heron Therapeutics, Inc. (HRTX) shares rose 14.1% to $2.02 in pre-market trading. Heron Therapeutics announced a five-year distribution partnership with CrossLink Life Sciences to expand promotional effort for ZYNRELEF. Better Home & Finance Holding Company

January 8, 2024

Ron Finklestien

Avoid Apple’s Overvalued Stock Or Bet On the Next Innovation?

When it comes to Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL), investors face a conundrum. Is it time to steer clear of this tech giant’s overpriced stock, or are there upcoming innovations that could justify a long position? Let’s dive into the rational, fact-based analysis to provide a fresh perspective for those holding or considering AAPL in their portfolio. The Case for Apple Amid the current share price, AAPL presents itself as an investment with limited potential to outperform in the near future. Though it is priced as a growth stock, its fundamental value resembles that of a traditional company. On the flip side, shorting