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Diabetes-Focused Insulet Forecasts Strong 2026 Growth, Stock Soars
Benzinga· 2026-02-18 18:57
Core Viewpoint - Insulet Corporation reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings and provided optimistic guidance for 2026, leading to a rise in stock price [1] Financial Performance - Fourth-quarter adjusted earnings reached $1.55 per share, surpassing the consensus estimate of $1.45 [1] - Sales for the quarter were $783.8 million, reflecting a year-over-year increase of 31.2% or 29% in constant currency, exceeding the consensus of $768.69 million [2] - Total Omnipod revenue was $781.8 million, up 33.5% year-over-year or 31.3% in constant currency [2] - Gross margin improved to 72.5%, an increase of 40 basis points from the prior year [3] - Operating income was $146.3 million, representing 18.7% of revenue, also up 40 basis points year-over-year [3] Share Buyback - The board approved a $350 million increase in share repurchase authorization, with plans to allocate approximately $300 million toward repurchases in the first quarter of 2026 [4] 2026 Guidance - Insulet forecasts fiscal 2026 sales between $3.250 billion and $3.304 billion, indicating a year-over-year growth of 20%-22% [5] - The guidance includes total Omnipod Products growth projected between 21%-23% [5] - Adjusted operating margin is expected to expand by approximately 100 basis points, with adjusted earnings per share anticipated to grow by over 25% [6] - First-quarter 2026 sales are expected to be between $705.5 million and $716.94 million, compared to the consensus of $713.41 million [6]
Trump’s Japan Deal Puts LNG, GE Vernova, Rare Earth Stocks - GE Vernova (NYSE:GEV), MP Materials (NYSE:MP)
Benzinga· 2026-02-18 18:51
Investment Wave Overview - A significant investment wave from Japan is focusing on U.S. energy and industrial markets, with a commitment of $550 billion targeting LNG exports, power generation, and critical minerals [1] LNG Exporters - U.S. liquefied natural gas exporters are poised to benefit, particularly with a new LNG facility in Texas aimed at expanding export capacity and enhancing America's energy dominance [2] - Japan, as one of the largest LNG importers, is expected to establish long-term supply agreements with U.S. exporters, which is crucial for the investment strategy [2] Power Infrastructure - GE Vernova, specializing in power generation equipment and energy infrastructure, is well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing global demand for reliable gas-based electricity generation [3] Critical Minerals - The focus on critical minerals is intensifying, as they are vital for defense systems, energy infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing, making domestic production a national priority [4] - The influx of foreign capital into strategic U.S. industries is boosting positive sentiment across sectors such as LNG exporters, power infrastructure providers, and rare earth producers, which are seen as essential to America's economic and energy future [4]
Trump's $550B Japan Deal Puts LNG, GE Vernova, And Rare Earth Stocks In Focus
Benzinga· 2026-02-18 18:51
Investment Wave Overview - A significant investment wave from Japan is focusing on U.S. energy and industrial markets, with a commitment of $550 billion targeting LNG exports, power generation, and critical minerals [1] LNG Exporters - U.S. liquefied natural gas exporters are poised to benefit, particularly with a new LNG facility in Texas aimed at expanding export capacity and enhancing America's energy dominance [2] - Japan, as one of the largest LNG importers, is expected to establish long-term supply agreements with U.S. exporters, which is crucial for the investment strategy [2] Power Infrastructure - GE Vernova, specializing in power generation equipment and energy infrastructure, is well-positioned to capitalize on the increasing global demand for reliable gas-based electricity generation [3] Critical Minerals - The focus on critical minerals is intensifying, as they are vital for defense systems, energy infrastructure, and advanced manufacturing, making domestic production a national priority [4] - The influx of foreign capital into strategic U.S. industries is boosting positive sentiment across sectors such as LNG exporters, power infrastructure providers, and rare earth producers, which are seen as essential to America's economic and energy future [4]
Short Squeeze And Earnings: Why Wingstop Stock Spiked Wednesday - Wingstop (NASDAQ:WING)
Benzinga· 2026-02-18 18:50
Core Insights - Wingstop's stock experienced a significant increase of over 12% amid heavy trading, driven by elevated short interest of over 17% of the tradable float, which likely intensified buying pressure [1][6][7] Quarterly Metrics - Wingstop reported system-wide sales of $1.3 billion in Q4 2025, reflecting a 9.3% increase from 2024 - The company opened 124 net new restaurants, achieving a domestic restaurant average unit volume (AUV) of $2.0 million - Domestic same-store sales decreased by 5.8% compared to the previous year, while digital orders constituted 73.2% of system-wide sales - Operating income rose to $46.835 million from $41.840 million a year ago - Adjusted EBITDA increased by 9.8% to $61.878 million from $56.348 million year-over-year [2] Restaurant Network - As of December 27, Wingstop operated 3,056 restaurants globally, with 2,586 located in the U.S. and 470 in international markets and U.S. territories - Among U.S. locations, 2,529 were franchised and 57 were company-owned, while all international units were franchised - The company ended the quarter with cash and equivalents totaling $196.572 million [3] Dividend Declaration - On February 17, Wingstop declared a quarterly dividend of 30 cents per share, amounting to approximately $8.3 million, scheduled for payment on March 27, 2026 [4] Outlook - The company anticipates flat to low-single-digit growth in domestic same-store sales for fiscal 2026 - Global unit growth is projected at 15% to 16% - Selling, general and administrative expenses (SG&A) are expected to be between $151 million and $154 million, including $3 million in restructuring charges - Stock-based compensation expense is estimated at about $32 million, with net interest expense around $43 million and depreciation and amortization expected to be approximately $30 million [5] Elevated Short Interest - Wingstop has a short float of approximately 3.66 million shares, representing 17.33% of its publicly traded float, indicating a high level of short interest among investors - Trading volume reached about 1.90 million shares, significantly exceeding the 100-day average volume of roughly 724,785 shares, indicating heightened trading activity [6]
Northern Dynasty Stock Melts Down: Here's Why
Benzinga· 2026-02-18 18:40
Group 1 - The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) vetoed Northern Dynasty's Pebble Project in Alaska, citing potential irreparable harm to the Bristol Bay salmon fishery [2] - Northern Dynasty filed a lawsuit against the EPA's veto, claiming it was illegal and politically motivated, with investors betting on a favorable outcome due to the Trump administration's pro-mining stance [3][4] - The Department of Justice (DOJ) filed a legal brief supporting the EPA's veto, indicating a prolonged legal battle rather than a quick resolution [5] Group 2 - Northern Dynasty's stock (NAK) experienced a significant sell-off, dropping as much as 45% in early trading and reaching a five-month low, with trading volume exceeding 44 million shares [6] - At the time of publication, NAK was down 37.44%, trading at $1.27 [6]
What's Going On With Moody's Corporation Stock Today? - Moodys (NYSE:MCO)
Benzinga· 2026-02-18 18:29
Moody’s Corporation (NYSE:MCO) shares climbed Wednesday after the ratings and analytics firm delivered a strong quarter, driven by broad-based momentum across its business lines.Investors also focused on management’s upbeat outlook, as demand for decision-support tools and credit-market services held firm.Quarterly MetricsThe company reported fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share of $3.64, beating the analyst consensus estimate of $3.42. Quarterly sales of $1.889 billion (up 13% from the prior-year per ...
FDA Makes U-Turn Again On Moderna New Flu Vaccine Review, Stock Soars
Benzinga· 2026-02-18 18:20
The stock’s movement comes after the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) notified Moderna that its biologics license application for mRNA-1010 will proceed to review, adding pressure as broader markets experienced mixed trading.Following a Type A meeting, the FDA has assigned a Prescription Drug User Fee Act (PDUFA) goal date of August 5 for mRNA-1010, which is aimed at adults aged 50 and older.Pending review and FDA approval, mRNA-1010 would be available for U.S. adults 50 years of age and older, inclu ...
Starfighters Space (FJET) Shares Soar As Space Stocks Rebound
Benzinga· 2026-02-18 18:20
Group 1 - Starfighters Space Inc (NYSE:FJET) shares have experienced a significant increase of 87% over the past week, following a decline of over 50% at the beginning of 2026, indicating a potential recovery phase for the stock [1][4] - The recent rally in FJET stock is attributed to technical support, which may have triggered short-covering and dip-buying among traders [1][4] - The stock is currently trading 28.3% above its 20-day simple moving average (SMA), reflecting strong short-term momentum, with a 12-month increase of 10.82% [7] Group 2 - The overall market sentiment has shifted positively, as evidenced by the iShares Russell 2000 ETF rising approximately 1%, indicating renewed interest in small-cap and speculative growth stocks [2] - Reports regarding SpaceX potentially pursuing a $1.5 trillion IPO have negatively impacted other listed space stocks, leading investors to reassess valuations within the sector [3] - Starfighters Space operates from NASA's Kennedy Space Center and is involved in various aerospace activities, including air launch operations and hypersonic testing, positioning itself as a key player in the evolving space economy [5][6]
These Analysts Cut Their Forecasts On Waystar After Q4 Results
Benzinga· 2026-02-18 18:16
Group 1 - Waystar Holding Corp reported mixed fourth-quarter results, with earnings of 36 cents per share, missing the analyst consensus estimate of 39 cents per share [1] - The company reported quarterly sales of $303.538 million, exceeding the analyst consensus estimate of $293.920 million [1] - Following the earnings announcement, Waystar shares rose by 3.9% to trade at $25.25 [2] Group 2 - For FY2026, Waystar expects adjusted EPS in the range of $1.59 to $1.68, compared to market estimates of $1.64 [2] - The company anticipates sales between $1.274 billion and $1.294 billion, slightly above estimates of $1.284 billion [2] - Analysts have adjusted their price targets for Waystar following the earnings announcement [2]
What's Going On With L3Harris Stock Today? - L3Harris Technologies (NYSE:LHX)
Benzinga· 2026-02-18 18:13
Core Insights - L3Harris Technologies secured a significant submarine communications production award, enhancing its role in next-generation naval systems and increasing long-term revenue visibility related to U.S. defense programs [1][3] - The company recently obtained a nearly $400 million contract for solid rocket boost motors and LDACS for the THAAD interceptor system [2] Contract Details - The contract won from General Dynamics Electric Boat is the largest full-rate communications systems contract for L3Harris, covering multiple submarine shipsets for the next decade [3] - The deal includes production for Virginia-class and Columbia-class submarines, with deliveries expected through 2033 [3] - Future Columbia-class platforms and allied fleets may receive additional support under this program framework [3] Technological Advancements - The advanced systems are designed to improve connectivity and situational awareness for underwater crews operating in complex environments [4] - The ability for submarines to operate undetected is crucial for the U.S. Navy's strategic advantage, as emphasized by L3Harris executives [5] Defense Ecosystem Context - This award builds on decades of collaboration between L3Harris and U.S. naval programs, including legacy submarine platforms [5] - Virginia-class vessels are focused on fast-attack missions, while Columbia-class submarines will serve as the foundation for next-generation sea-based deterrence capabilities [6] Market Reaction - Following the announcement, L3Harris Technologies shares increased by 1.82%, reaching $352.87 [6]