Core Insights - Amgen Inc. is recognized as a top choice for retirement portfolios due to its strategic investments and growth potential [1][4] - The company announced a $650 million upgrade to its manufacturing facility in Juncos, Puerto Rico, expected to create approximately 750 jobs [1][2] - This investment aims to enhance medicine production capacities and integrate innovative technology into operations [1] Investment and Expansion - Amgen's recent investments include a $1 billion expansion in North Carolina, a $900 million factory expansion in Ohio, and a $600 million science and innovation center in California [2] - The company attributes its local manufacturing and research investments to favorable legislation, including the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 and the One Big Beautiful Bill Act of 2025 [2] Company Overview - Amgen Inc. is a global biopharmaceutical company focusing on human treatments for various health conditions, including cardiovascular diseases, hematology, inflammation, cancer, and bone health [3]

Economic Indicators - US MBA mortgage applications fell by -12.7% in the week ended September 26, with the purchase mortgage sub-index down -1.0% and the refinancing sub-index down -20.6% [1] - The September ISM manufacturing index rose +0.4 to a 7-month high of 49.1, exceeding expectations of 49.0 [6] - The September ADP employment change unexpectedly fell by -32,000, marking the largest decline in 2.5 years, while August was revised lower to -3,000 from +54,000 [5] Market Reactions - Stocks initially moved lower due to the US government shutdown, but later recovered, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 reaching new all-time highs [2][4] - The dollar index fell to a one-week low, while gold prices climbed to a record high amid risk-off sentiment [2] - Rising corporate earnings expectations are a bullish backdrop for stocks, with over 22% of S&P 500 companies providing guidance for Q3 earnings that are expected to beat analysts' expectations [8] Sector Performance - Pharmaceutical stocks rallied, with AstraZeneca closing up more than +9% and Eli Lilly up more than +8%, driven by hopes from Pfizer's deal with the US government [15] - Chipmakers and AI-infrastructure stocks also saw gains, with Super Micro Computer closing up more than +9% and Micron Technology up more than +8% [16] - Grocery retailers declined after Amazon announced a new private-label food brand, leading to Dollar Tree and Dollar General closing down more than -4% and -3% respectively [22] Upcoming Economic Data - Weekly initial unemployment claims are expected to increase by +7,000 to 225,000, and August factory orders are expected to rise by +1.4% month-over-month [9] - September nonfarm payrolls are anticipated to increase by +51,000, with the unemployment rate expected to remain unchanged at 4.3% [9]

Group 1 - Amgen shares crossed above their 200-day moving average of $287.75, reaching a high of $296.76 per share, and are currently up about 5% on the day [1] - The 52-week low for Amgen shares is $253.30, while the 52-week high is $335.88, with the last trade recorded at $297.50 [4]

Market Overview - The current market rally is supported by factors such as the Federal Reserve's cutting cycle, corporate profit margins, and infrastructural investments, which are driving earnings growth [2] - Easing tariff uncertainties are also contributing positively to the market environment [2] - The labor market is showing signs of resilience, with slow hiring but no expected rise in layoffs due to strong corporate profits [3] Investment Strategy - The article discusses the Top 12 Blue Chip Stocks to buy at 52-week lows, indicating a strategy focused on stocks trading between 0% to 10% of their 52-week lows [6] - The methodology involves analyzing hedge fund holdings to identify stocks that may outperform the market [7] Company Insights Unilever PLC (NYSE:UL) - Current price is $59.17, with a 52-week range of $54.32 to $65.66 and 27 hedge fund holders [8] - The company is facing challenges in emerging markets, particularly in Latin America, which is limiting growth potential [10] - Despite difficulties in key markets like India and China, Unilever is performing moderately well in developed markets [11] Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) - Current price is $273.97, with a 52-week range of $253.30 to $335.88 and 62 hedge fund holders [12] - The company is increasing its manufacturing capacity in the U.S. due to tariffs on pharmaceutical imports, with a $900 million investment in Ohio and plans for a new R&D center in California [13] - Amgen is also investing $650 million to expand drug manufacturing in Puerto Rico [13]

Core Insights - Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:AMGN) is recognized as a significant large-cap value stock, although it currently holds a Sell rating from Bank of America Securities with a price target of $272.00 [1] - The company announced a $650 million expansion of its U.S. manufacturing network, which is expected to create approximately 750 new jobs and enhance drug production capabilities [2] - Amgen specializes in biotechnology, focusing on the discovery, development, manufacturing, and marketing of human therapeutics, particularly for complex cancers with unmet medical needs [3] Company Developments - The $650 million investment will support the integration of advanced technologies in the operations process at its biologics manufacturing facility in Juncos [2] - The expansion is part of Amgen's strategy to increase production capacity and meet growing demand for its therapeutics [2] Market Position - While Amgen shows potential as an investment, there are suggestions that certain AI stocks may offer better upside potential with lower downside risk [4]

Core Viewpoint - Amgen plans to invest $650 million to enhance drug production at its Juncos, Puerto Rico facility, as part of a broader strategy to expand its U.S. manufacturing network [1][4]. Investment and Job Creation - The investment is projected to create nearly 750 jobs, including construction and highly-skilled manufacturing positions, while also supporting advanced technology upgrades at the Juncos facility [2][3]. Expansion Strategy - Amgen's expansion aligns with its commitment to U.S. innovation and manufacturing, having previously invested $900 million in its New Albany, Ohio facility and $1 billion for a new factory in Holly Springs, North Carolina [4]. Financial Performance - In 2023, Amgen generated $33.4 billion in revenue, a 19% increase from the previous year, but net income in 2024 fell to $4.1 billion, a nearly 40% decline due to higher operating expenses and acquisition costs [6]. Industry Context - Other biopharmaceutical companies are also increasing investments in U.S. manufacturing, with GSK committing $30 billion and Eli Lilly planning multibillion-dollar factories in Texas and Virginia [8].

Group 1: AI Investment Opportunity - Artificial intelligence is considered the greatest investment opportunity of our lifetime, with a strong emphasis on the urgency to invest now [1] - Wall Street is investing hundreds of billions into AI, but there is a critical question regarding the energy supply needed to support this technology [2] - AI data centers consume as much energy as a small city, leading to concerns about power grid strain and rising electricity prices [2] Group 2: Company Overview - A specific company, largely overlooked by AI investors, is positioned to benefit from the increasing demand for energy due to AI [3] - This company owns critical energy infrastructure assets and is involved in the U.S. LNG exportation sector, which is expected to grow under the current administration's energy policies [7] - The company is debt-free and has a significant cash reserve, amounting to nearly one-third of its market cap, making it financially robust [8] Group 3: Market Position and Valuation - The company is trading at less than 7 times earnings, which is considered undervalued compared to its potential in the AI and energy sectors [10] - It also holds a substantial equity stake in another AI-related company, providing indirect exposure to multiple growth engines without a premium [9] - Wall Street is beginning to take notice of this company as it benefits from various market trends without the high valuations typical of the sector [8] Group 4: Future Outlook - The future of energy is closely tied to AI, with a focus on the need for infrastructure to support this technological shift [6] - The influx of talent into the AI sector is expected to drive rapid advancements and innovative ideas, further solidifying AI's role in the future economy [12] - The combination of AI, energy infrastructure, and favorable government policies presents a unique investment landscape with significant upside potential [14]

Core Insights - Amgen Inc. is recognized as one of the most undervalued stocks in the Dow according to analysts [1] - The company is expanding its U.S. manufacturing capabilities with a $650 million investment in Puerto Rico, which will create approximately 750 new jobs [2][4] - Amgen's recent financial performance shows a 9% year-over-year revenue increase to $9.2 billion and a 92% surge in GAAP earnings per share for Q2 2025 [4] Investment and Expansion Strategy - The $650 million expansion in Puerto Rico will enhance production efficiency and operational resilience, aligning with recent tariffs on imported pharmaceuticals [2] - This expansion follows previous investments of $900 million in Ohio and $1 billion in North Carolina, indicating a strategic focus on scaling production to support a growing product pipeline [3] - The investments are aimed at meeting rising demand while ensuring operational flexibility across key U.S. sites [3] Market Position and Analyst Outlook - Despite a recent pullback in stock price, analysts maintain a positive outlook on Amgen, viewing it as undervalued within the biotech sector [4]

Amgen (AMGN) - Amgen's stock has experienced a 4% decline over the past week, with a current rating of 72% Strong Sell according to Barchart Technical Opinion [1] - The stock has shown a 3-7-D sequence over the past 10 weeks, indicating three up weeks and seven down weeks, which is a rare quantitative signal [6] - In the fourth week of this sequence, the probability of upside success is 65.5%, significantly higher than the baseline probability of 48.8% [7] - The 50th-percentile price under the 3-7-D pathway is projected to be around $277.50, suggesting a potential bullish trade with a 275/280 bull call spread expiring on October 24 [8] Enphase Energy (ENPH) - Enphase Energy's stock has seen a short interest of approximately 20% of its float, indicating potential for a short squeeze [9] - The stock has printed a 6-4-D sequence, with six up weeks and four down weeks, resulting in an overall negative trajectory despite recent gains [10] - Under the 6-4-D pathway, the odds of upside success are higher than normal, with a recommended trade being a 37/40 bull call spread expiring on October 24, which could yield a payout of nearly 142% [12] Dutch Bros (BROS) - Dutch Bros has shown a modest gain of 1.37% since the start of the year, but its stock performance has been highly volatile [13] - The stock is rated as an 88% Strong Sell by Barchart Technical Opinion, indicating high risk [14] - Dutch Bros has also printed a 3-7-D sequence, which has historically shown a 100% upside probability in certain weeks, although this should be viewed cautiously due to the small sample size [15] - A potential trade opportunity is identified with a 55/58 bull call spread expiring on October 31, which could yield a maximum payout of nearly 161% [16]

Amgen - Amgen plans to invest $650 million to expand its U.S. manufacturing operations in Puerto Rico, creating approximately 750 jobs [2][9] - This investment is a direct response to President Trump's announcement of a 100% tariff on pharmaceutical products not manufactured domestically, effective October 1 [2][9] - Since late 2017, Amgen has invested over $40 billion in U.S. manufacturing and R&D, including a $900 million expansion in Ohio and a $1 billion investment in North Carolina earlier this year [3][9] Starbucks - Starbucks is closing 434 North American stores by the end of September, reducing its store count from 18,734 to 18,300 [4][9] - The closures are part of a restructuring plan aimed at improving financial stability and customer experience, with 900 non-retail employees being laid off [5][9] - Despite the closures, Starbucks plans to increase its North American store count in the next fiscal year and redesign over 1,000 locations [5][9] China's Industrial Sector - China's industrial profits surged by 20.4% year-over-year in August, a significant recovery from a -1.5% decline in July [6][9] - The cumulative industrial profit for January-August increased by 0.9% to ¥4.69 trillion, indicating potential stabilization in the manufacturing sector [6][7][9] JPMorgan and Alibaba - JPMorgan Chase increased its stake in Alibaba from 6.81% to 12.29% on September 22, signaling bullish sentiment towards the tech sector [8][10] - This move reflects growing confidence in Alibaba and the broader tech sector, driven by global AI developments and increasing domestic computing power demands [11]