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Why Uber Could Keep Climbing: Tax Breaks, AV Partnerships, Strong Bookings Fuel Analyst Optimism
Benzinga· 2025-07-08 18:42
Core Viewpoint - BofA Securities analyst Justin Post maintains a Buy rating on Uber Technologies and raises the price target from $97 to $115, indicating strong confidence in Uber's growth potential for 2025 [1] Group 1: Financial Projections and Earnings - Post estimates that U.S.-based Uber drivers will generate approximately $42 billion in earnings this year [4] - Projected total tips for Uber drivers in 2025 could reach around $5.7 billion, representing 14% of driver earnings, based on an average tip rate of 7% on estimated $88 billion in U.S. gross bookings [4] - Fiscal 2025 sales are projected at $50.7 billion with an EPS of $3.04 [6] Group 2: Autonomous Vehicle (AV) Developments - Optimism about Uber's autonomous vehicle position is growing due to its global partnerships, which have crossed 20, and its ability to scale AVs with Waymo [2] - Moove, an Uber-backed AV fleet manager, is raising $1.2 billion to support its partnership with Waymo, focusing initially on Phoenix and Miami [5] - The development of multiple AV suppliers coexisting long-term is reinforced by the successful funding of Moove, which may encourage other OEMs to invest in Level 4 automation [6] Group 3: Tax Implications for Drivers - The "No Tax on Tips" clause in the Big Beautiful Bill extends benefits to gig workers, including Uber drivers, allowing for federal income tax savings with a maximum deduction of $25,000 [3] - An estimated average federal tax rate of 18% implies about $1 billion in potential tax savings for drivers, equating to a 2.5% boost in driver pay [4] - The tax break is expected to modestly increase driver supply, indirectly supporting Uber's take rate [5]
Stock Of The Day: Will Tesla Rebound?
Benzinga· 2025-07-08 18:13
Core Insights - Tesla's stock has recently experienced volatility, with significant resistance observed at the $359 level, indicating a pattern of buyer's remorse [1][2] - The stock has found support around the $285 level, which was previously a support level in early June, demonstrating seller's remorse [4][6] Group 1: Resistance Levels - Resistance at $359 was created by remorseful buyers who sold their shares to break even after initially purchasing at that price [2][4] - This resistance has been observed multiple times throughout the year, indicating a recurring pattern in trading behavior [2][4] Group 2: Support Levels - Support at $285 formed due to remorseful sellers who regretted selling their shares when the price rallied back [5][6] - The stock's ability to find support at previously established levels highlights the psychological factors influencing trading decisions [5][6] Group 3: Trading Lessons - The trading patterns of Tesla illustrate the concepts of buyer's remorse leading to resistance and seller's remorse leading to support [7] - Understanding these psychological factors can aid traders in making informed decisions and identifying potential profit opportunities [7]
Why Did ZyVersa Therapeutics Stock Shoot Higher On Tuesday?
Benzinga· 2025-07-08 17:48
Core Insights - ZyVersa Therapeutics is advancing its Cholesterol Efflux Mediator VAR 200, which has received FDA authorization for Emergency Compassionate Use in a patient with ApoCII amyloidosis [2][3] - The company is conducting a Phase 2a clinical trial for diabetic kidney disease (DKD) to gather data that will support the ongoing development of VAR 200 [3][4] - ZyVersa has entered into a warrant inducement agreement with an institutional investor, raising $2 million through the exercise of Series A-2 and A-3 warrants at a reduced price [7] Company Developments - VAR 200 is an injectable drug in Phase 2 development aimed at reducing renal lipid accumulation, which is critical for kidney health [4][5] - Preclinical studies have shown that VAR 200 can lower cholesterol and lipid levels, protect against renal injury, and improve proteinuria in animal models [5][6] - The company is exploring additional indications for VAR 200, including Alport Syndrome and diabetic kidney disease, as part of its indication expansion strategy [6] Market Performance - ZyVersa's stock (ZVSA) experienced a significant increase of 56%, reaching $1.03, with a trading volume of 160.9 million shares compared to the average of 4.03 million [1][7]
Gold Falls 1%; ProKidney Shares Spike Higher
Benzinga· 2025-07-08 17:25
Market Overview - U.S. stocks showed mixed performance with the Dow Jones index declining by 0.35% to 44,249.09, while the NASDAQ increased by 0.07% to 20,427.63 and the S&P 500 fell by 0.03% to 6,228.39 [1] - Energy shares experienced a notable increase of 2.1%, while utilities stocks decreased by 1.9% [1] Used Vehicle Market - The US Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index rose by 1.6% month-over-month for June, following a 1.4% decline in May [2][11] Commodity Market - Oil prices increased by 0.3% to $68.14, while gold prices decreased by 1.1% to $3,306.90. Silver fell by 0.8% to $36.625, and copper dropped by 0.5% to $5.0000 [5] European Market - European shares showed positive movement with the eurozone's STOXX 600 rising by 0.40%, Spain's IBEX 35 Index up by 0.10%, London's FTSE 100 gaining 0.46%, Germany's DAX 40 increasing by 0.68%, and France's CAC 40 rising by 0.46% [6] Asian Market - Asian markets closed higher, with Japan's Nikkei gaining 0.26%, Hong Kong's Hang Seng climbing 1.09%, China's Shanghai Composite increasing by 0.70%, and India's BSE Sensex rising by 0.32% [7] Company News - ENDRA Life Sciences Inc. saw its shares surge by 134% to $8.10 after announcing a US patent for a "Radio Frequency Applicator" [9] - ProKidney Corp. shares surged by 218% to $1.95 following positive topline results from its Phase 2 REGEN-007 trial for chronic kidney disease and diabetes [9] - Humacyte, Inc. shares increased by 20% to $2.5750 after receiving Electronic Catalog Listing approval from the US Defense Logistics Agency [9] - Blue Gold Limited shares dropped by 21% to $58.75 after announcing the formation of its inaugural Advisory Board for Blockchain Evolution [9] - Sunrun Inc. shares fell by 11% to $9.84 after President Trump signed an executive order to end clean-energy tax credits [9] - Apogee Therapeutics, Inc. shares decreased by 8% to $36.24 following the release of data from its Phase 2 APEX clinical trial for atopic dermatitis [9]
AMC Declares War On Empty Seats With 50% Midweek Discounts—Genius Or Desperation?
Benzinga· 2025-07-08 15:17
Core Viewpoint - AMC Entertainment is expanding its discount movie ticket promotion to include 50% off on both Tuesdays and Wednesdays for its Stubs loyalty members, aiming to attract more moviegoers and enhance revenue streams [1][2][3]. Group 1: Promotion Details - The promotion offers 50% off movie tickets on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, starting July 8, specifically for AMC Stubs members [2]. - In addition to ticket discounts, AMC is providing a small combo (popcorn and drink) at 50% off on the same days [2][3]. - The promotion applies to premium theaters and experiences, enhancing the value proposition for customers [3]. Group 2: Competitive Impact - The discounts may exert pressure on other movie theater chains, such as Cinemark Holdings [4]. - AMC has a substantial customer base with 36 million members in its free AMC Stubs loyalty program, which could amplify the impact of the promotion [4]. Group 3: Advertising Strategy - AMC is increasing advertising before movies in partnership with National CineMedia Inc., which may lead to around 30 minutes of ads before screenings [6]. - The introduction of discount movie days could help mitigate the potential negative reception of increased advertising by maintaining perceived value for moviegoers [6]. Group 4: Financial Performance - AMC has reported a significant recovery in demand since April, with the April 2025 domestic box office being double that of April 2024 [8]. - The company experienced its third-biggest revenue total for a five-day period during the Memorial Day holiday weekend in over a decade [8]. - AMC's stock has seen a 1.5% increase to $2.92, although it remains down 28.9% year-to-date in 2025 [9].
Oklo, NuScale, Hims Defy Trump Tariffs - And Power The Russell 2000 Toward New Highs
Benzinga· 2025-07-08 15:08
As tariff fears ripple across markets with President Donald Trump sending tariff letters to 12 countries, small-cap resilience is stealing the spotlight. The Russell 2000 index is soaring toward creating new all-time highs. The iShares Russell 2000 ETF IWM, which tracks the Russell 2000 index, is up over 25% from April 8 lows.The recovery is powered in part by a few unlikely stars – Oklo Inc OKLO, NuScale Power Corp SMR and Hims & Hers Health Inc HIMS – each bucking macro gloom with year-to-date gains of 15 ...
Solar Stocks Sink: Trump Slashes Green Tax Breaks
Benzinga· 2025-07-08 14:57
Core Viewpoint - President Trump's executive order to expedite the phaseout of clean-energy tax credits has led to a significant drop in solar stocks, reflecting market concerns over the future of solar and wind energy projects [1][3]. Group 1: Executive Order Details - The executive order mandates a faster phaseout of clean-electricity tax credits for solar and wind projects, eliminating these credits within 45 days after the "Big Beautiful Bill" takes effect, likely before the end of 2025 [1][2]. - Trump expressed his opposition to subsidies for solar and wind, labeling them as "expensive and unreliable" energy sources [2]. Group 2: Market Impact - Following the announcement, solar stocks experienced notable declines: First Solar, Inc. (FSLR) fell by 3.89%, Sunrun, Inc. (RUN) dropped over 10%, and SolarEdge Technologies, Inc. (SEDG) decreased by 4.3% [3]. - TD Cowen downgraded Enphase Energy, Inc. (ENPH) from Buy to Hold and reduced its price target from $58 to $45, citing the negative impact of the tax credit elimination on U.S. residential solar demand, which is already facing challenges due to high interest rates [4].
J.B. Hunt Transport Gears Up For Q2 Print; These Most Accurate Analysts Revise Forecasts Ahead Of Earnings Call
Benzinga· 2025-07-08 14:17
Core Viewpoint - J.B. Hunt Transport Services, Inc. is expected to report stable earnings and revenue for the second quarter, maintaining figures from the previous year [1] Financial Performance - For the second quarter, analysts anticipate earnings of $1.32 per share, unchanged from the same period last year [1] - Projected quarterly revenue is $2.93 billion, consistent with the previous year's revenue [1] - In the first quarter, J.B. Hunt reported a 7.6% decline in profit [2] Stock Performance - Following the first quarter results, J.B. Hunt Transport shares fell by 2.2%, closing at $149.56 [2] Analyst Ratings - Truist Securities maintained a Hold rating and raised the price target from $130 to $140 [4] - Susquehanna maintained a Neutral rating and increased the price target from $140 to $155 [4] - Goldman Sachs downgraded the stock from Buy to Neutral with a price target of $164 [4] - JP Morgan maintained an Overweight rating but cut the price target from $167 to $150 [4] - UBS maintained a Buy rating and reduced the price target from $196 to $155 [4]
Why Is Penny Stock ProKidney Trading Higher On Tuesday?
Benzinga· 2025-07-08 13:05
Core Insights - ProKidney Corp. reported positive topline results from the Phase 2 REGEN-007 trial of rilparencel, showing significant improvement in kidney function for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and diabetes [1][3][4] Group 1: Trial Results - In Group 1 (n=24), the annual decline in estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) improved by 78%, from -5.8 mL/min/1.73m² to -1.3 mL/min/1.73m² after rilparencel injections, with a statistically significant difference of 4.6 mL/min/1.73m² per year (p<0.001) [3] - Of the 24 patients in Group 1, 15 (63%) met the key Phase 3 PROACT 1 inclusion criteria, showing similar efficacy results to the full Group 1 [4] Group 2: Additional Findings - In Group 2 (n=25), the eGFR slope improved by 50%, from -3.4 mL/min/1.73m² to -1.7 mL/min/1.73m², with a 1.7 mL/min/1.73m² per year difference that was not statistically significant (p=0.085) [5] - Of the 25 patients in Group 2, 15 (60%) received a second rilparencel injection after approximately 11 months, with no serious adverse events reported [6] Regulatory and Market Response - An FDA Type B meeting is scheduled for this summer to discuss the use of eGFR slope as a surrogate endpoint in the ongoing Phase 3 PROACT 1 study, aiming for accelerated approval [7] - Following the announcement, PROK stock rose by 56.6% to $0.95 during the premarket session [7]
Albertsons Companies Earnings Are Imminent; These Most Accurate Analysts Revise Forecasts Ahead Of Earnings Call
Benzinga· 2025-07-08 12:10
Group 1 - Albertsons Companies, Inc. is set to release its Q1 earnings results on July 15, with expected earnings of 54 cents per share, a decrease from 66 cents per share in the same period last year [1] - The company anticipates quarterly revenue of $24.69 billion, an increase from $24.27 billion a year earlier [1] Group 2 - On May 14, Albertsons launched its Own Brand, Chef's Counter™, aimed at providing chef-inspired flavors in a convenient and affordable manner [2] - Following the announcement, Albertsons shares rose by 3.7%, closing at $22.74 [2] Group 3 - Analysts have provided various ratings for Albertsons, with Telsey Advisory Group maintaining an Outperform rating and a price target of $24 [5] - BMO Capital upgraded the stock from Market Perform to Outperform, raising the price target from $19 to $25 [5] - JP Morgan maintained an Overweight rating and increased the price target from $24 to $31 [5] - Tigress Financial kept a Buy rating and raised the price target from $27 to $28 [5] - Evercore ISI Group maintained an In-Line rating but reduced the price target from $23 to $22 [5]