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EXR Rallies 15% in 3 Months: Time to Buy, Hold or Sell the Stock?
ZACKS· 2025-07-04 15:45
Core Insights - Extra Space Storage Inc. (EXR) has experienced a share price increase of 15.5% over the past three months, outperforming its industry average of 10.3% and its peers like Public Storage (PSA) and National Storage Affiliates Trust (NSA) [1][8] - The company has demonstrated strong fundamentals, with a solid long-term outlook, but current valuations and macroeconomic uncertainties suggest a "Hold" stance may be prudent [2][18] - Extra Space Storage has increased its dividend six times in the past five years, with a five-year annualized dividend growth rate of 12.61% [3] Financial Performance - In Q1 2025, EXR reported core funds from operations (FFO) per share of $2.00, exceeding the Zacks Consensus Estimate of $1.96, and reflecting a 2% increase from the prior year [4][8] - Same-store occupancy was reported at 93.4%, indicating strong operational performance [4][8] Strategic Growth - The company acquired 12 operating stores for $153.8 million in Q1 2025 and added 113 stores to its third-party management platform [5] - EXR's focus on improving its balance sheet includes reducing secured debt and increasing the size of its unencumbered asset pool, with 78.8% of total debt being fixed-rate as of March 31, 2025 [6][9] Market Dynamics - Demand for self-storage is supported by lifestyle changes such as downsizing and remote work, contributing to strong occupancy rates [6] - The self-storage asset class is characterized by low capital expenditure requirements and high operating margins, making it resilient during economic downturns [6] Valuation Concerns - Despite solid fundamentals, EXR's stock is trading at a forward price-to-FFO multiple of approximately 18.38X, which is higher than its industry peers [12][13] - The stock's valuation has become stretched after its recent performance, leading to caution for new investors [12][18] Revenue Growth Challenges - The company anticipates challenges in revenue growth due to new customer price sensitivity, projecting negative growth in same-store revenues for the full year 2025 [16] - Same-store net operating income (NOI) is expected to range from negative 3.00% to 0.25% growth [16] Investment Outlook - Extra Space Storage is viewed as a sector leader with strong cash flows and an attractive dividend, but the recent rally has priced in much of the near-term upside [17][18] - Investors are advised to maintain their positions while monitoring upcoming earnings and macroeconomic developments, with new investors potentially waiting for a pullback before entering [18]
GitLab's DevSecOps Growth Momentum Continues: A Sign for More Upside?
ZACKS· 2025-07-04 15:26
Key Takeaways GitLab is gaining from strong demand for its DevSecOps platform and enterprise customer expansion. New releases, such as GitLab 18 and Duo with Amazon Q, are enhancing security, AI, and DevOps workflows. GTLB's partnerships with major cloud providers are boosting its footprint among large enterprises.GitLab (GTLB) is benefiting from strong demand for its DevSecOps platform. Its solutions, such as GitLab Ultimate, Dedicated, and GitLab Duo, play a significant role in driving customer adoption ...
GM Beats Tesla in EV Growth, Reports 7% Jump in Overall Q2 Deliveries
ZACKS· 2025-07-04 15:20
Key Takeaways GM's Q2 sales rose 7.3%, building on a 16.7% Q1 gain, marking its strongest H1 performance since 2019. Chevrolet EV sales soared 134% in H1, while Cadillac led the luxury EV market in Q2. GM plans $4B in U.S. investments to boost production and offset tariffs and policy impacts.General Motors Company (GM) has witnessed a 7.3% hike in its year-on-year sales growth in the second quarter, totaling deliveries of 746,588 vehicles, following a 16.7% increase in the first quarter. Deliveries rose 1 ...
IBM's Neudesic Boosts Cloud Security Capabilities: An Ace Up Sleeve?
ZACKS· 2025-07-04 15:16
Key Takeaways Neudesic renewed its Microsoft Cloud Security Specialization to secure hybrid and multi-cloud systems. The move deepens IBM's integration with Microsoft and strengthens its enterprise security offerings. The certification supports IBM's growth in cloud consulting, boosting its presence across key industries.Neudesic, a subsidiary of International Business Machines Corporation (IBM) , has renewed its Cloud Security Specialization with Microsoft Corporation (MSFT) to continue delivering enterp ...
T Optimizes Portfolio With Strategic Divestiture: Will it Fuel Growth?
ZACKS· 2025-07-04 15:11
Key Takeaways T has completed the divestiture of its remaining 70% stake in DIRECTV to streamline operations. The move frees capital to cut debt and accelerate investments in 5G and nationwide fiber expansion. T has gained $19B from past TPG distributions and will receive another $7.6B from the deal by 2029.AT&T, Inc. (T) recently announced that it has completed the divestiture of its remaining 70% stake in DIRECTV. In the second half of 2024, AT&T inked an agreement with TPG Capital, a prominent private ...
Navitas' GaN Power ICs Gaining Traction: What's Fueling It?
ZACKS· 2025-07-04 15:06
Core Insights - Navitas Semiconductor (NVTS) is a significant player in the next generation of power semiconductors, particularly in GaN technologies, which are driving innovation and growth in the semiconductor market [1][2] - The GaN semiconductor device market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 6.1% from 2023 to 2028, attracting investments from major tech firms like NVIDIA and Tesla [1] - Navitas' GaN business revenues increased over 50% year-over-year in 2024, indicating strong momentum across various high-growth markets [3][8] Company Performance - Navitas has achieved over 180 GaN charger design wins in 2024 and supplies all top 10 global smartphone manufacturers, showcasing its strong position in the Mobile & Consumer segment [3][8] - The company is expanding into emerging markets through strategic partnerships, such as with Transsion in Africa and Jio in India [3] - In the Electric Vehicle sector, Navitas secured its first design win with Changan Auto for an onboard charger, featuring 6kW/L power density and 96% efficiency [4] Product Development - Navitas is set to launch new 80 - 120V GaN devices in 2025, targeting the 48V DC-DC converter market [4] - The company introduced bidirectional GaN ICs for solar applications, with the first use case expected in solar microinverters by late 2025 [4] Competitive Landscape - Power Integrations' GaN business is also experiencing growth, contributing to a 15% year-over-year revenue increase in Q1 2025, with a focus on high-voltage applications [5] - STMicroelectronics is expanding its GaN technology through a partnership with Innoscience to accelerate development and manufacturing [6] Stock Performance - Year-to-date, Navitas' stock has surged 79.3%, outperforming the industry and S&P 500 growth rates of 13.4% and 5.4%, respectively [7] - The stock trades at a forward 12-month price-to-sales (P/S) ratio of 15.0X, significantly higher than the industry average of 7.5X [9] Financial Estimates - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NVTS' loss per share has decreased over the past 60 days, indicating a potential shift in financial outlook [10]
Boeing Stock Set for a Ride as NASA Progresses in Artemis II Program
ZACKS· 2025-07-04 15:00
Core Insights - NASA's Artemis II mission, the first crewed flight in its lunar return program, is set to launch in April 2026 and has reached critical milestones, boosting investor interest in Boeing, a key contractor in the Space Launch System (SLS) program [1][5]. Group 1: Artemis II Mission Progress - NASA announced the completion of the Program Specific Engineering Test for the Artemis II core stage on July 2, 2025, and conducted its first mission simulation in early June [2]. - The integration of the Artemis II SLS core stage with its solid rocket boosters was successfully completed in March [2]. - Boeing is the prime contractor for the SLS rocket, responsible for its core stage, upper stage, and avionics systems, and is currently building core stages for all future Artemis missions [3]. Group 2: Financial Implications for Boeing - The Artemis II mission represents a strategic revenue driver for Boeing, with its Defense, Space & Security segment accounting for nearly 36% of total revenues in 2024 [4]. - The ongoing Artemis program implies recurring revenue potential for Boeing, enhancing its positioning in the $500 billion global space economy [5]. - Boeing's sales are projected to grow by 25.6% in 2025 and 16.2% in 2026, indicating strong financial performance [8][16]. Group 3: Competitive Landscape - Other companies involved in the SLS program, such as Lockheed Martin and L3Harris Technologies, are also expected to benefit from the progress of the Artemis II mission [9]. - Lockheed Martin is the prime contractor for the Orion spacecraft, which will carry astronauts in the Artemis II mission, having achieved significant milestones in its development [10]. - L3Harris Technologies, through its Aerojet Rocketdyne business unit, provides the RS-25 engines for the SLS core stage, completing the installation of all four engines for the Artemis II mission [11]. Group 4: Market Performance and Valuation - Boeing shares have risen by 22% year to date, in line with the industry's growth of 22.2% [14]. - Boeing is currently trading at a forward 12-month sales multiple of 1.80X, which is approximately 18.9% lower than the industry average of 2.22X [15]. - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for Boeing's sales in 2025 and 2026 indicates year-over-year increases of 25.6% and 16.2%, respectively [16].
UnitedHealth Under Fire as Medicaid & Centene Bombshell Rattle Sector
ZACKS· 2025-07-04 15:00
Key Takeaways UNH faces pressure as Medicaid rolls shrink and key federal subsidies are poised for elimination. UNH's Medicare Advantage membership rose 6.3% in Q1 2025, continuing momentum from prior annual gains. CNC pulled 2025 guidance due to cost and enrollment issues, sending shares down 41.2% and hitting peers.UnitedHealth Group Incorporated (UNH) continues to face challenges amid a turbulent healthcare insurance landscape. The passage of the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” through Congress, ready for ...
Will Tesla's Worst-Ever Q2 Vehicle Sales Drop Shake its ETFs?
ZACKS· 2025-07-04 15:00
Tesla Inc. (TSLA) reported a decline in global deliveries once again for the second quarter of 2025, marking its second consecutive quarterly drop. This has deepened concerns about sliding demand and rising competition in the global EV race. However, Tesla shares have risen 5% following the weak delivery report, underscoring its solid growth prospects (read: How to Find Attractively Priced Growth Stocks).   This has put ETFs with a substantial allocation to this luxury carmaker in focus. These include Simpl ...
Why Affirm Holdings (AFRM) is a Top Momentum Stock for the Long-Term
ZACKS· 2025-07-04 14:56
For new and old investors, taking full advantage of the stock market and investing with confidence are common goals. Zacks Premium provides lots of different ways to do both.The popular research service can help you become a smarter, more self-assured investor, giving you access to daily updates of the Zacks Rank and Zacks Industry Rank, the Zacks #1 Rank List, Equity Research reports, and Premium stock screens.Zacks Premium also includes the Zacks Style Scores. What are the Zacks Style Scores? The Zacks St ...