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Equity Actions

CMCSA

TMUS

Citigroup analyst Michael Rollins is bullish on Comcast Corp (NASDAQ:CMCSA), maintaining a Buy rating and raising the price target from $51 to $53. Rollins' optimism is based on Comcast's strong fourth-quarter FY23 results, which surpassed consensus estimates, and the company's increased dividend and new $15 billion share repurchase program. He anticipates revenue growth to be weighted towards the second half of the year due to the Olympics and elections, and expects broadband revenue growth from targeted ARPU expansion. Despite a slight negative expectation for subscriber volumes, Comcast is seen as well-positioned to improve value over the next 12 months, especially with its solid Cable financials and under-appreciated Content and entertainment segment.

Portfolio Pulse from Anusuya Lahiri

January 30, 2024 | 6:31 pm

HTLF

Heartland Financial USA (NASDAQ:HTLF) has received mixed analyst ratings over the past quarter, with 3 somewhat bullish and 1 indifferent rating. The average 12-month price target for HTLF has increased by 10.79% to $40.25, with a high estimate of $45.00 and a low of $35.00. Analysts from Stephens & Co., Piper Sandler, and Keefe, Bruyette & Woods have maintained or raised their ratings and price targets. HTLF's market capitalization is above industry average, but it faces challenges with a revenue decline of -6.09%, a net margin below industry average, and an ROA that is also below industry averages. However, it has an exceptional ROE of 2.66% and a conservative debt-to-equity ratio of 0.34.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Insights

January 30, 2024 | 6:01 pm

UPWK

Analysts have updated their ratings and price targets for Upwork (NASDAQ:UPWK), with 5 analysts offering views ranging from bullish to indifferent. The average 12-month price target is now $17.0, up from the previous $13.00, indicating a 30.77% increase. Analysts from JMP Securities, Jefferies, Needham, Roth MKM, and RBC Capital have maintained or raised their ratings and price targets. Upwork's financial performance shows strong revenue growth and net margin, but a lower ROE compared to industry averages. The company's low debt-to-equity ratio suggests a healthy balance between debt and equity.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Insights

January 30, 2024 | 6:00 pm

BAC

Analysts have varying opinions on Bank of America (NYSE:BAC), with recent ratings ranging from bullish to bearish. The average 12-month price target is $40.48, up 2.79% from the previous $39.38. Notable analysts from firms like Oppenheimer, Morgan Stanley, and Goldman Sachs have adjusted their price targets and ratings, reflecting changes in market dynamics and company performance. Bank of America, a major US financial institution, has seen a revenue decline of -12.75% and faces challenges with net margin, ROE, and ROA below industry standards, although it has a conservative debt-to-equity ratio.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Insights

January 30, 2024 | 6:00 pm

CHPT

ChargePoint Holdings (NYSE:CHPT) has seen an 8.9% increase in short interest since the last report, with 97.31 million shares sold short, representing 24.96% of available shares. It would take about 6.2 days to cover all short positions. While an increase in short interest can indicate bearish sentiment, it doesn't necessarily predict a price drop. ChargePoint's short interest is significantly higher than its peer group average of 9.05%.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Insights

January 30, 2024 | 6:00 pm

CISS

C3is Inc. (NASDAQ:CISS) experienced volatility after S.H.N. Financial reported a 9.1% stake in the company. The stock has had a volatile history, recently dropping over 13% last Friday after a 20% gain the previous Thursday. Trading volume spiked to over 68.3 million shares, far exceeding the 100-day average of 4.486 million. The high short interest of 11.81% may also be influencing the stock's movement. C3is provides international seaborne transportation services and operates two dry bulk carriers. The 200-day moving average is $0.76, while the current price is $0.15. The stock is up 11.6% at 15 cents.

Portfolio Pulse from Erica Kollmann

January 30, 2024 | 5:40 pm

AMDI

Amphitrite Digital has filed for an Initial Public Offering (IPO) and intends to list its Class A common shares on the NYSE American under the ticker symbol 'AMDI'.

Portfolio Pulse from Benzinga Newsdesk

January 30, 2024 | 5:23 pm

PHM

PulteGroup Inc (NYSE:PHM) reported a decline in Q4 fiscal 2023 total revenue by 15.5% to $4.29 billion, missing consensus estimates. EPS decreased to $3.28 but beat the consensus of $3.22. Home sale revenues dropped 16% Y/Y, but net new orders increased 57% Y/Y. The company announced a $1.5 billion increase to its share repurchase program, totaling $1.8 billion. CEO Ryan Marshall expressed optimism for 2024 due to lower interest rates. PHM shares rose 2.29% to $108.49.

Portfolio Pulse from Akanksha Bakshi

January 30, 2024 | 5:21 pm

SPY

Institutional investors recorded the second-largest weekly outflow from single stocks since 2008, led by sales in Tech, Discretionary, and Staples sectors. Despite this, the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY) reached new highs. The trend suggests a shift towards diversification, with institutions buying equity ETFs while selling single stocks. Private clients and hedge funds were buying as institutions sold, with a pivot towards mid and small-cap stocks and growth/blend ETFs over value ETFs.

Portfolio Pulse from Piero Cingari

January 30, 2024 | 5:13 pm

CCL

Carnival Corporation (NYSE:CCL) reported record-high booking volumes since November, with increased pricing and occupancy compared to 2023. The company will reroute 12 ships from the Red Sea, affecting its adjusted EPS by $0.07 to $0.08 for 2024, mainly in Q2. Despite this, Carnival expects strong bookings to offset the rerouting impact. Carnival also redeemed its $571 million 9.875% senior secured notes due 2027, clearing all second lien debt. The stock pays a dividend with a 4.21% yield as of Jan. 30, 2024.

Portfolio Pulse from Erica Kollmann

January 30, 2024 | 5:07 pm