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FTCH

GME

MARA

RDHL

VVOS

Benzinga's Stock Whisper Index highlights five stocks: Marathon Digital Holdings (MARA), Farfetch Limited (FTCH), GameStop Corporation (GME), Vivos Therapeutics (VVOS), and Redhill Biopharma (RDHL). MARA saw investor interest as Bitcoin prices soared and MicroStrategy (MSTR) bought more BTC. FTCH experienced volatility and rumors of going private, delaying Q3 results. GME surged with high trading volume and an upcoming Q3 report. VVOS received FDA clearance for sleep apnea treatment, causing a significant stock increase. RDHL gained market exclusivity for Talicia, boosting its stock price.

Portfolio Pulse from Chris Katje

December 01, 2023 | 6:39 pm

ACB

BTI

CBDD

CURLF

OGI

TLRY

German lawmakers are preparing to vote on a marijuana legalization measure, with the Health Minister optimistic about its implementation next year. The measure includes provisions for recreational use, cultivation, and social clubs. However, the Bundesrat, particularly Bavaria, may challenge the reform. U.S. and Canadian cannabis companies like Tilray Brands Inc., Aurora Cannabis Inc., and Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. are well-positioned to capitalize on the German market. CBD of Denver Inc. is expanding in Europe with plans for Cannabis Clubs in Germany. Organigram Holdings Inc. has a supply agreement with Sanity Group GmbH, which also received investment from British American Tobacco and Snoop Dogg's Casa Verde Capital. Cantourage, a Berlin startup, is the first medical cannabis company listed on the Frankfurt stock exchange.

Portfolio Pulse from Jelena Martinovic

December 01, 2023 | 6:35 pm

JNJ

KVUE

UBS has upgraded Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) from Neutral to Buy with a new price target of $180, citing a bullish outlook on its pharmaceutical business and MedTech growth. JNJ's recent spinoff of its consumer health company Kenvue Inc (NYSE:KVUE) allows it to focus on healthcare and MedTech. Despite concerns over talc litigation impacting JNJ's stock, UBS is confident in JNJ's ability to outperform consensus expectations in Pharma sales and achieve MedTech growth.

Portfolio Pulse from Vandana Singh

December 01, 2023 | 6:05 pm

WEN

Activist investor Blackwells Capital is reportedly planning a challenge to the board of directors at Wendy's. This move could signal a push for changes within the company's operations or strategic direction. The involvement of an activist investor often leads to increased scrutiny of a company's performance and can result in significant shifts in governance and strategy.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

December 01, 2023 | 6:00 pm

LMNR

Shares of Limoneira Co (NASDAQ: LMNR) are surging after the company's Board of Directors initiated a process to explore strategic alternatives to maximize shareholder value. These alternatives could include a sale, merger, or other transactions. Stephens Inc and Squire Patton Boggs have been retained as financial and legal advisors, respectively. Despite a strong financial position with reduced net debt, the company's Q3 revenue declined, with significant drops in lemon and avocado sales due to supply chain and inflationary pressures. No timeline for the strategic process has been provided, and there's no assurance of a definitive outcome. LMNR shares rose 18.52% to $18.02.

Portfolio Pulse from Shivani Kumaresan

December 01, 2023 | 5:33 pm

EGRNF

Evergrande Group (OTC: EGRNF) is in urgent talks with major foreign creditors to avoid the liquidation of its offshore businesses. The company is offering creditors about 20% ownership in its parent company to comply with Chinese regulatory demands, which include no new debt issuance. Discussions with Dubai-based NWTN about investing in Evergrande's EV division are ongoing, following a paused $500 million investment for a 28% stake in Evergrande Auto. The company's default in late 2021 has been a focal point in China's real estate crisis.

Portfolio Pulse from Vandana Singh

December 01, 2023 | 5:25 pm

AMZN

Beta Technologies, an electric aerospace company backed by Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:AMZN), is expanding in New York with a $41 million investment in Plattsburgh International Airport. The expansion is supported by a $20 million state grant and aligns with New York's zero-emission vehicle investment. It will create 85 jobs and establish a manufacturing and assembly hub for electric aircraft. Beta's recent achievements include a 1,730-mile flight and delivering its first product to the U.S. Air Force. The hybrid aircraft market is expected to grow significantly by 2030.

Portfolio Pulse from Anusuya Lahiri

December 01, 2023 | 5:11 pm

ETRN

Equitrans Midstream is reportedly exploring strategic options, which may include a potential sale, causing its shares to trade higher.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

December 01, 2023 | 5:02 pm

Stephens & Co. has maintained its Equal-Weight rating on Kroger (NYSE:KR) but lowered its price target from $52.00 to $50.00. Kroger's shares are currently trading at $44.20, down 0.15% over the last 24 hours. The new price target suggests a potential upside of 13.11%. Kroger, a leading American grocer, is in the process of acquiring Albertsons in a $25 billion deal, pending regulatory approval, expected to close in 2024.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Insights

December 01, 2023 | 5:00 pm

VSTO

Vista Outdoor Inc (NYSE: VSTO) announced leadership changes with the resignation of Gary L. McArthur as Interim CEO, effective December 1, 2023. McArthur will continue as an independent Director. Eric Nyman and Jason Vanderbrink have been appointed as Co-CEOs, with no additional compensation for their new roles. Additionally, Andrew Keegan has been appointed as CFO after serving as Interim CFO since November 2022. VSTO shares saw a slight decline of 0.51% to $28.07.

Portfolio Pulse from Shivani Kumaresan

December 01, 2023 | 4:09 pm