Articles for tag: Investing, Mutual Funds

April 30, 2024

Ron Finklestien

Vertex (VRTX) to Report Q1 Earnings: What’s in the Cards?

Vertex Pharmaceuticals Incorporated VRTX is scheduled to release first-quarter 2024 results on May 6, after market close. Let’s see how things might have shaped up for the quarter to be reported. Factors to Consider Vertex currently markets four cystic fibrosis (CF) products — Trikafta/Kaftrio, Symdeko (marketed as Symkevi in Europe), Orkambi and Kalydeco. The company’s revenues in the to-be-reported quarter are likely to have been driven by the robust uptake of its blockbuster CF medicine, Trikafta/Kaftrio (Trikafta’s brand name in Europe). Sales growth of the drug is expected to have been driven by solid demand in the international market, coupled with

April 29, 2024

Ron Finklestien

Mondelez (MDLZ) Gears Up for Q1 Earnings: What to Expect?

Mondelez International, Inc. MDLZ is likely to deliver a top-and-bottom-line decline when it reports first-quarter 2024 earnings on Apr 30. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for revenues is pegged at $9.15 billion, which suggests a drop of 0.2% from the prior-year quarter’s reported figure. The consensus mark for quarterly earnings has remained unchanged in the past 30 days at 88 cents per share. This indicates a decline of 1.1% from the year-ago quarter’s reported figure. MDLZ has a trailing four-quarter earnings surprise of 8.6%, on average. Factors to Note Mondelez has been battling cost inflation for a while now. For 2024,

April 22, 2024

Ron Finklestien

Truist (TFC) Q1 Earnings Top on Higher Fee Income, Costs Dip

Truist Financial’s TFC first-quarter 2024 adjusted earnings of 90 cents per share handily surpassed the Zacks Consensus Estimate of 78 cents. The figure in the reported quarter excludes the FDIC special assessment charges and accelerated Truist Insurance Holdings (“TIH”) equity compensation expense. The figure also grew 12.5% year over year. Results benefited from higher non-interest income and a decline in expenses. Also, provisions fell slightly in the quarter. However, a decrease in net interest income (NII) due to higher funding costs and lower average loan balance was the undermining factor. Net income available to common shareholders (GAAP basis) was $1.09

April 10, 2024

Ron Finklestien

Trinseo Elevates Innovation with PFAS-Free Flame-Retardant Plastic Grades Trinseo Elevates Innovation with PFAS-Free Flame-Retardant Plastic Grades

 Trinseo PLC has unveiled a groundbreaking line of flame-retardant resins, EMERGE PC 8600PV, 8600PR, and EMERGE PC/ABS 7360E65, devoid of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and halogenated additives. The industry has historically relied on PFAS compounds for their exceptional flame-retardant properties and resilience to various elements.  These innovative products, while retaining essential performance qualities, cater to the mounting consumer demand and regulatory directives to diminish PFAS employment, particularly in the realms of consumer electronics and electrical engineering. Primarily introduced in the Asia-Pacific market, these resin grades cater to a diverse array of applications ranging from IT devices, electronic gadgets, battery

April 8, 2024

Ron Finklestien

MindMed (MNMD) Stock Soars: The Prescription for Investor Growth MindMed (MNMD) Stock Soars: The Prescription for Investor Growth

Trailblazing the Market Shares of the illustrious Mind Medicine (MindMed) Inc. (MNMD) have ascended an impressive 154% in the past three months, leaving the rest of the medical-biomedical and genetics industry in its wake with a decline of 4.2%. The Medicine Miracle: MM120 MindMed is making strides in advancing its flagship pipeline candidate MM120 (lysergide D-tartrate) for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Breakthrough Validation The FDA recently bestowed a breakthrough therapy designation upon MM120 for GAD treatment, underscoring the immense potential of this innovative solution. Proven Efficacy The phase IIb MMED008 study revealed the remarkable efficiency of MM120,

April 5, 2024

Ron Finklestien

Revolutionizing Cancer Treatment: Merck (MRK) Embarks on Phase III Study for KRAS Candidate

Merck’s Innovative Approach to Combat NSCLC Merck (MRK) has embarked on a groundbreaking journey with the initiation of a phase III study focusing on its oral KRAS G12C inhibitor candidate, MK-1084, aiming to revolutionize cancer treatment, particularly for patients battling metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Pioneering Research and Promising Results The study will delve into the effectiveness of MK-1084 in combination with Merck’s renowned PD-L1 inhibitor, Keytruda, for patients with metastatic NSCLC characterized by specific KRAS G12C mutations and high PD-L1 expression. In past research endeavors, the synergy of MK-1084 and Keytruda showed promising anti-tumor activity, beckoning hope for

April 4, 2024

Ron Finklestien

Analysis of Promising Manufacturing Stocks After PMI Expansion Rebound: U.S. Manufacturing PMI Bounces Back After 16 Months

In a surprising turn of events, U.S. manufacturing activities showcased an impressive rebound in March, serving as a testament to the robust underlying strength of the economy. The Institute of Supply Management (ISM) recently revealed that its U.S. manufacturing index stood at 50.3%, surpassing the consensus estimate of 48.6%. This marked a significant improvement from February’s figure of 47.8%. Noteworthy is the fact that any reading above 50% indicates an expansion in manufacturing activities. The manufacturing sector, being the second-largest component of the U.S. economy, constitutes approximately 10-12% of the GDP. Throughout the pandemic period, unlike other sectors, manufacturing activities

April 4, 2024

Ron Finklestien

An Uplifting Saga: Xenia Hotels (XHR)

Checking Into Xenia Hotels & Resorts, Inc. Known as XHR, this company is experiencing a reawakening in lodging demand following turbulent years amidst the pandemic. Surging ahead with a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), XHR is projected to show earnings growth in 2024. Xenia Hotels & Resorts is a Real Estate Investment Trust (REIT) specializing in luxury and upper upscale hotels and resorts. It boasts 32 hotels with 9,514 rooms spread across 14 states. These iconic establishments are managed or licensed by renowned hospitality giants like Marriott, Hyatt, Kimpton, Fairmont, Loews, Hilton, The Kessler Collection, and Davidson. A Victory Lap

April 1, 2024

Ron Finklestien

Revolutionizing Hospitality: NetSuite’s Integration Sets New Standards

NetSuite Enhances Restaurant Operations with MICROS Simphony Connector Oracle’s ORCL NetSuite has raised the bar for the restaurant and hospitality industries by unveiling the innovative Connector for MICROS Simphony. This revolutionary integration is designed to propel businesses towards heightened productivity and well-informed decision-making. Seamless Data Exchange and Financial Insights By bridging Oracle’s reputable restaurant point-of-sale (POS) solution with NetSuite’s cloud business suite, the connector facilitates smooth data flow between systems. The integration offers a daily automated import of crucial financial and inventory data from Simphony to NetSuite, streamlining financial reporting processes for faster book closings and enhanced financial visibility, particularly

March 27, 2024

Ron Finklestien

The Rise of Cencora (COR): A Prescient Investment Move

Reasons to Consider the Surge in Cencora (COR) Stock Cencora, Inc. COR stands at the threshold of a lucrative growth phase, propelled by its robust U.S. Healthcare Solutions division and a flurry of new product unveilings. Despite the looming shadow of fierce competition, the stock has soared by 18.2% year-to-date, eclipsing the industry’s 5.8% ascend. In comparison, the S&P 500 Index has inched up by 9.3% over the same time period. A Gargantuan in the Pharmaceutical Realm Cencora proudly stands as one of the globe’s largest pharmaceutical service behemoths, specializing in drug distribution and ancillary services aimed at curbing healthcare