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Twilio Shows Durable Profitability Even With Fee Headwinds: Analyst
Benzinga· 2026-02-13 19:20
Core Insights - Twilio Inc. reported a strong fourth-quarter earnings beat and provided optimistic guidance for 2026, leading to a rise in stock price [1][2] Group 1: Q4 Performance - Twilio's revenue grew 14% year over year to approximately $1.36 billion, indicating broad-based strength across products and channels [2] - Voice segment experienced its best growth in three years, while messaging trends remained solid, and self-serve and ISV revenue increased by over 25% [3] - Multi-product customer adoption rose by 26%, and software add-ons like Verify grew more than 20% [3] Group 2: FY26 Outlook - Twilio's fiscal 2026 guidance exceeded expectations, projecting around 12% revenue growth at the midpoint, with adjusted operating income and free cash flow of about $1.05 billion, leading to an operating margin near 18.5% [4] Group 3: Profitability and Margins - Despite margin pressures from rising A2P fees, Twilio maintained profitability through platform efficiencies and cost discipline, with an operating margin of 18.8% and adjusted EPS of $1.33, surpassing expectations [6] - The company anticipates first-quarter revenue of $1.34 billion and EPS of $1.30 [6] Group 4: AI and Market Positioning - Strong momentum in Voice AI, which surged over 60% year over year, along with significant customer wins, reinforces Twilio's role as a foundational layer for AI-driven communications [5]
'Hedge America' Trade Takes Over The S&P 500: Here's How You Can Take Part - SPDR Gold Shares (ARCA:GLD), iShares Silver Trust (ARCA:SLV)
Benzinga· 2026-02-13 19:06
Core Insights - Despite concerns about foreign investors selling U.S. assets, stock inflows remain robust, although foreign purchases of U.S. Treasuries have significantly decreased, leading to the emergence of the "hedge America" trade narrative [1][2]. Group 1: Market Reactions - Danish pension fund Akademiker Pension's $100 million sale of U.S. Treasuries was characterized as routine business due to deficit concerns rather than a political stance, indicating a shift towards hedging rather than outright selling [2]. - The U.S. dollar index (DXY) has decreased to 96.83 from a high of 108, reflecting a broader trend of dollar depreciation [3]. Group 2: Asset Performance - The S&P 500 is near all-time highs at $6,877, while silver prices have more than doubled from last year, currently above $77, showcasing strong performance in equities and commodities despite dollar weakness [4]. - Foreign investments in U.S. equities reached $689 billion through November 2025, significantly up from $197 billion the previous year, indicating a strong appetite for U.S. stocks [7]. Group 3: Market Sentiment and Predictions - Polymarket traders show varied expectations for Federal Reserve rate cuts, with 27% odds for either two or three cuts in 2026, and a declining market perception of a U.S. recession now at 24% [5]. - Rate cuts typically lead to a weaker dollar as investors seek better yields abroad, while increased liquidity tends to boost stocks and commodities [6]. Group 4: Crypto Market Dynamics - The anticipated correlation between cryptocurrency and gold during dollar depreciation has not materialized, with Bitcoin experiencing a 50% drop from its October highs, suggesting a potential decline in the 'digital gold' narrative [8].
Zillow Stock Drops Nearly 20% This Week After Earnings Miss
Benzinga· 2026-02-13 18:56
Core Viewpoint - Zillow's stock is currently trading at depressed levels, with mixed signals regarding its future performance and valuation Financial Performance - In the fourth quarter, Zillow reported revenue of approximately $654 million, slightly exceeding Wall Street expectations, while adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of 39 cents missed consensus by one cent [2] - Management has guided first-quarter revenue to a range of $700 million to $710 million, surpassing estimates of around $690 million, indicating ongoing top-line growth despite investor concerns about margins and profitability [2] Valuation Concerns - Legal costs and the emergence of new competitors are currently weighing on Zillow's stock valuation, creating near-term uncertainty [3] - There is potential for Zillow to benefit from normalized legal spending and a recovery in the housing market in the long term [3] Technical Indicators - The Relative Strength Index (RSI) is at 16.12, indicating that the stock is in oversold territory, which may suggest a potential reversal if buying interest increases [4] - The Moving Average Convergence Divergence (MACD) is below its signal line, reinforcing the bearish sentiment surrounding the stock [4] - The combination of an oversold RSI and bearish MACD indicates mixed momentum, suggesting that traders should remain cautious [4] Stock Performance - As of the latest publication, Zillow's shares were down 0.32% at $43.56, with a week-to-date decline of approximately 19.6% [5] - The stock is trading near its 52-week low of $43.22, with key resistance identified at $45.00 and key support at $43.00 [5]
CRISPR Therapeutics Spotlights Momentum For Lead Gene Therapy As Adoption Widens
Benzinga· 2026-02-13 18:45
Core Insights - Casgevy, the gene-editing therapy for sickle cell disease and transfusion-dependent beta thalassemia, generated $54 million in Q4 revenue and $116 million for the full year, with 64 patients receiving infusions in 2025, including 30 in Q4 [1] - The initiation of treatment for 147 patients globally in 2025 nearly tripled compared to 2024, indicating strong momentum heading into 2026 [1][2] - William Blair analysts express confidence that the increase in first cell collections will lead to significantly higher revenue in 2026 [2] - The company is advancing its in vivo liver editing programs, with CTX310 in Phase 1b trials for lipid disorders and CTX321 progressing through enabling studies, with updates expected in H2 2026 [2] - The siRNA-based candidate CTX611 is in Phase 2 trials for knee replacement surgery patients and may have broader applications in thromboembolic diseases [3] - CRISPR Therapeutics ended 2025 with $1.98 billion in cash and marketable securities, while R&D expenses rose to $83.5 million in Q4, and the net loss widened to $130.6 million from $37.3 million a year earlier [4] - CRISPR Therapeutics shares increased by 8.81% to $53.24 at the time of publication [4]
Russia’s Ukraine Infrastructure Attacks Turn Industrial ETFs Into War Trade - iShares Global Infrastructure ETF (NASDAQ:IGF), FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund (ARCA:NFRA), Globa
Benzinga· 2026-02-13 18:24
Core Insights - Russia's drone and missile strikes on Ukraine's infrastructure have highlighted the importance of infrastructure resilience, which may influence investments in industrial and infrastructure-related ETFs [1][3][6] Investment Perspective - The ongoing attacks have targeted Ukraine's energy infrastructure, leading to power outages and necessitating repair work, which underscores a structural shift towards rebuilding energy grids and transport links globally [2][3][4] - Infrastructure ETFs, particularly those focused on utilities, energy pipelines, and transport companies, are expected to benefit from increased investments in power grid hardening and reconstruction efforts [4][6] Infrastructure Trends - Ukraine is moving parts of its power grid underground to enhance resilience, indicating a long-term trend in infrastructure development despite the high costs involved [5] - The global perspective on infrastructure resilience is expanding beyond conflict zones, with governments in the US and Europe aligning their investments with infrastructure and industrial ETFs [6] ETF Dynamics - Infrastructure ETFs are characterized by a slower reaction to market changes compared to defense stocks, as infrastructure spending typically unfolds over several years [7] - The ongoing geopolitical conflicts and targeted attacks on infrastructure support the investment thesis that resilience spending is becoming a fundamental aspect of global fiscal policy [7][10] Key Infrastructure Projects - Focus areas include grid reinforcement, undergrounding projects, railway and port reconstruction, energy diversification efforts, and cross-border infrastructure upgrades [8][9]
Why Is Ultragenyx Stock Sinking Friday?
Benzinga· 2026-02-13 18:21
Core Insights - The upcoming year is a pivotal moment for the company, with two potential product launches and a crucial data readout expected to significantly boost commercial revenue [1] - A strategic restructuring plan is being implemented to lower operating expenses and align resources with high-impact opportunities in the rare disease sector [2] FDA Update - The company received an Incomplete Response Letter (IRL) from the FDA regarding its resubmitted marketing application for UX111 (rebisufligene etisparvovec) gene therapy for Sanfilippo syndrome type A, requesting additional documentation for resubmission [3] Earnings Snapshot - The company reported a fourth-quarter loss of $1.29 per share, missing the consensus estimate of $1.14, while sales increased to $207 million from $165 million year-over-year, surpassing the consensus of $196.97 million [4] - Revenue from Crysvita was $145 million, Dojolvi reached $32 million, and Evkeeza sales were $17 million [4] Strategic Restructuring - A strategic restructuring plan has been initiated, including a 10% workforce reduction affecting approximately 130 employees, aimed at reducing expenses and partially reinvesting to support future growth [5] - The company aims to achieve profitability by 2027 through significant cost discipline and revenue growth from current and new product launches [5] Outlook - The company forecasts fiscal 2026 sales between $730 million and $760 million, below the consensus of $786.93 million, with Crysvita revenue expected to be between $500 million and $520 million and Dojolvi revenue projected at $100 million to $110 million [6] Market Reaction - Following the announcements, Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical shares fell by 10.21% to $21.10 [7]
What the Options Market Tells Us About Ciena - Ciena (NYSE:CIEN)
Benzinga· 2026-02-13 18:00
Group 1 - Deep-pocketed investors are adopting a bullish approach towards Ciena, indicating potential significant developments ahead [1] - Recent options activities for Ciena show 15 extraordinary trades, with 40% of investors leaning bullish and 33% bearish; notable trades include 3 puts totaling $226,376 and 12 calls amounting to $555,175 [2] - Major market movers are focusing on a price band between $125.0 and $450.0 for Ciena over the last three months [3] Group 2 - The average open interest for Ciena options is 82.08, with a total volume of 87.00; the last 30 days show significant call and put option activity within the $125.0 to $450.0 strike price corridor [4] - Ciena is a telecommunications equipment provider specializing in optical transport technologies, serving various industries including communication services, web-scale providers, and large enterprises [5] - Recent expert opinions indicate a consensus target price of $270.0 for Ciena, with differing ratings from analysts [7] Group 3 - Ciena's stock price is currently $291.0, reflecting a 2.01% increase; RSI indicators suggest the stock may be approaching overbought conditions [9] - Upcoming earnings are expected to be released in 20 days, with one analyst lowering the rating to Neutral and a new price target of $260, while another maintains a Buy rating with a target price of $280 [9]
What the Options Market Tells Us About Super Micro Computer - Super Micro Computer (NASDAQ:SMCI)
Benzinga· 2026-02-13 18:00
Group 1 - Whales have adopted a bearish stance on Super Micro Computer, with 53% of trades being bearish and only 34% bullish [1] - A total of 26 trades were detected, comprising 12 puts amounting to $1,174,873 and 14 calls totaling $562,078 [1] - The expected price movement for Super Micro Computer is projected within a range of $20.0 to $60.0 over the past quarter [2] Group 2 - Analyzing volume and open interest is crucial for understanding liquidity and investor interest in Super Micro Computer's options [3] - The trading volume for Super Micro Computer stands at 10,197,432, with the stock price currently at $31.04, reflecting a 1.99% increase [6] - The average price target set by five professional analysts for Super Micro Computer is $44.4 [5]
MP Materials Has 33% Upside, Says JPMorgan - MP Materials (NYSE:MP)
Benzinga· 2026-02-13 18:00
Core Viewpoint - MP Materials Corp may benefit from a government-backed price floor for rare earths, providing a unique earnings setup with potential upside [1] Group 1: Price Floor and Earnings Protection - The Department of Defense agreement establishes a $110/kg price floor for NdPr starting October 1, providing a safety net in a volatile market [2] - If NdPr prices stay above this level, MP retains full upside potential until its 10X magnet facility reaches capacity later this decade, creating an asymmetric risk-reward scenario [3] Group 2: Production and Financial Outlook - Investors are focused on midstream NdPr production and the initial commercial magnet ramp expected in the second half of 2026, despite a potentially quiet near-term quarter [4] - EBITDA is projected to turn positive in the fourth quarter due to DoD top-off payments, with a long-term EBITDA floor estimated at $650 million once the 10X facility is fully operational [4] Group 3: Strategic Importance of Rare Earths - MP shares have rebounded this year alongside rising NdPr prices, although market volatility persists due to trade policies and retail participation [5] - The strategic nature of rare earth security is viewed as structural rather than cyclical, positioning MP as a key player in building a strategic franchise in the industry [5]
MP Materials Backed By $110 DoD Price Floor As JPMorgan Sees 33% Upside
Benzinga· 2026-02-13 18:00
Core Viewpoint - MP Materials Corp may benefit from a government-backed price floor for rare earths, providing a unique earnings setup with potential upside [1] Group 1: Price Floor and Earnings Protection - The Department of Defense agreement establishes a $110/kg price floor for NdPr starting October 1, offering protection in a volatile market [2] - If NdPr prices stay above this level, MP retains full upside until its 10X magnet facility reaches capacity later this decade, creating an asymmetric risk-reward profile [3] Group 2: Production and Growth Outlook - Investors are focused on midstream NdPr production and the initial commercial magnet ramp expected in the second half of 2026, despite a potentially quiet near-term quarter [4] - EBITDA is projected to turn positive in Q4 due to DoD payments, with a long-term EBITDA floor estimated at $650 million once the 10X facility is fully operational [4] Group 3: Strategic Importance of Rare Earths - MP shares have rebounded this year as NdPr prices rise, although volatility persists due to trade policies and retail participation [5] - The strategic nature of rare earth security is viewed as structural rather than cyclical, positioning MP as a key player in building a strategic franchise [5]