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Construction Partners Paving Its Way To A Record High. Key Rating Upgraded.
Investors· 2025-12-17 19:46
BREAKING: Dow Futures Fall After Stocks Bounce Today's Spotlight IBD's 12 Days of Holiday Deals Celebrate the holidays with big discounts on IBD's premium products every day from Dec. 13-24. Get Market Insights on IBD Live Join IBD Live to watch and discuss the market action in real time with a team of top market analysts. Is the Santa Claus Rally Real? Something big may be coming to town—check out IBD's guide to the Santa Claus Rally. CPI Inflation Turns Cold, Though Data Has Issues; S&P 500 Rallies (© Chr ...
Comcast Stock (+5.4%): Activist Buzz, Spinoff Fuel Rally
Forbes· 2025-12-17 19:45
Core Insights - Comcast (CMCSA) saw a stock increase of +5.4%, closing at $29.73, driven by significant trading activity in swaps and over-the-counter options, often linked to activist investors [1] - The upcoming spinoff of Comcast's cable networks in early January 2026 is contributing to positive sentiment around the stock [1] - The stock's current valuation is considered depressed, raising questions about whether the recent price movement is due to genuine strategic re-rating or speculative trading [1] Trading Activity - There is a notable institutional presence in the trading dynamics, indicating participation from both long-term investors and event-driven funds [4] - The trading profile suggests accumulation by 'Smart Money', with ongoing buying pressure and sophisticated options activity [6] - Relative Volume (RVOL) reached 89.7 million shares, 178% above the three-month average, with call options making up 86.59% of the overall volume [13] Financial Management - Comcast has declared the redemption of $2.75 billion in notes, showcasing its financial strength and proactive capital management [3] - The company is strategically adjusting its portfolio, indicating a deliberate approach to value creation [3] Future Outlook - The combination of potential activist involvement, strategic portfolio adjustments through the spinoff, and strong institutional backing suggests a robust movement in the stock [8] - The stock is trading at 5 times EBITDA, presenting an attractive risk/reward ratio, with a key resistance level at the $30 mark [8] - A decisive breach above this psychological threshold could lead to further upward movement as short sellers cover their positions [8]
Wells Fargo Stock 2026 Outlook
Forbes· 2025-12-17 19:45
Core Insights - Wells Fargo has experienced a significant stock increase of approximately 32% in 2025, indicating a shift from a defensive recovery to a growth phase following the removal of the asset cap and strong earnings performance in Q3 [2][5]. Asset Cap Removal - The Federal Reserve lifted the $1.95 trillion asset cap in June 2025, which had restricted Wells Fargo's balance-sheet growth since 2018 [5]. - With the cap removed, Wells Fargo has adjusted its medium-term Return on Tangible Common Equity (ROCE) target to 17%-18%, up from 15%, reflecting increased confidence in growth potential [5]. Changing Rate Environment - The Federal Open Market Committee cut the federal funds rate by 25 basis points to a range of 3.50%-3.75% in December 2025, marking a shift from a hawkish stance [6]. - Treasury yields have decreased, with the 10-year yield dropping to approximately 4.16% from over 4.40% in June, creating a mixed scenario for banks like Wells Fargo [6]. Impact on Net Interest Income - Wells Fargo is asset-sensitive, meaning declining rates could reduce net interest income by compressing the margin between loan yields and deposit costs [7]. - However, the removal of the asset cap allows Wells Fargo to pursue balance-sheet growth, providing a competitive advantage over peers like JPMorgan [7]. Growth Strategies - The bank is focusing on onboarding substantial commercial operating deposits, which are cheaper and more reliable than wholesale funding, enhancing its funding profile [8]. - Wells Fargo is expanding into higher-yielding loan sectors, such as credit cards and corporate lending, to counterbalance margin pressure from declining rates [8]. Capital Markets and Investment Banking - Lower interest rates and a more predictable economic outlook favor capital markets activity, stimulating mergers and acquisitions, as well as debt and equity issuance [9]. - The removal of the asset cap allows Wells Fargo to rebuild its Investment Banking division and offer financing commitments necessary for competing in significant corporate transactions [9]. Business Focus Areas - The bank aims to re-engage with new and existing commercial clients to expand its low-cost deposit base [11]. - It is also focused on growing its balance sheet to compete effectively in global markets and capital-intensive investment banking activities [11]. - Additionally, Wells Fargo plans to increase loans in critical sectors, including residential mortgages [11].
Can SMCI Stock Recover If It Falls Another 30%?
Forbes· 2025-12-17 19:45
Core Insights - Super Micro Computer (SMCI) shares have decreased by 13.1% over the last 21 trading days, indicating a shift in investor interest away from AI-related stocks and highlighting execution risks and margin pressures faced by the company [1] - The stock's recent decline raises questions about whether this weakness is temporary or indicative of deeper issues within the company [1] Company Overview - Super Micro Computer is valued at $19 billion with a revenue of $21 billion, currently priced at $31.66 per share [3] - The company has experienced a revenue growth of 11.9% over the last 12 months, with an operating margin of 4.4% [3] - The liquidity position shows a Debt to Equity ratio of 0.17 and a Cash to Assets ratio of 0.29 [3] Valuation Metrics - The stock is currently trading at a P/E ratio of 36.0 and a P/EBIT ratio of 28.9, indicating a moderate valuation [8] - Historically, the stock has offered a median return of 30.9% within a year following sharp declines since 2010 [8] Downturn Resilience - If SMCI stock were to dip another 20-30% to $22, it has been noted that the stock has experienced a slightly worse impact than the S&P 500 index during various economic downturns [5] - The stock fell 34.5% from a peak of $35.33 on August 7, 2023, to $23.15 on September 21, 2023, compared to a peak-to-trough drop of 25.4% for the S&P 500 [9] - Historical performance shows that the stock has fully regained its pre-Crisis peak after significant declines, including a 45.8% drop during the 2020 Covid Pandemic and a 59.6% drop from 2017 to 2018 [10][11] Investment Strategy - A well-diversified portfolio is recommended to mitigate risks and seize growth opportunities, as individual stock choices can be unpredictable [12] - The Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio, which includes 30 different stocks, has consistently outperformed its benchmark indices, delivering superior returns with reduced risk [13]
Should You Be Cautious About Intel Stock?
Forbes· 2025-12-17 19:45
Core Viewpoint - The overall outlook on Intel Corporation (INTC) stock is negative, with a recommendation to sell, as operational performance and financial standings are weak, despite a moderate valuation [1][3]. Valuation - Intel's valuation appears moderate compared to the broader market, indicating that the stock may not be accurately priced given its underlying performance issues [6]. Growth - Intel's top line has contracted at an average rate of -7.6% over the past three years, with revenues decreasing by 1.5% from $54 billion to $53 billion in the last 12 months [8]. - Quarterly revenues increased by 2.8% to $14 billion in the most recent quarter compared to $13 billion a year ago [8]. Profitability - The operating income for Intel over the last 12 months was -$104 million, resulting in an operating margin of -0.2% [9]. - The company generated nearly $8.6 billion in operating cash flow during this timeframe, with a cash flow margin of 16.0% [9]. - Intel produced approximately $198 million in net income, indicating a net margin of about 0.4% [9]. Financial Stability - As of the latest quarter, Intel's debt stood at $47 billion, with a market cap of $168 billion, resulting in a debt-to-equity ratio of 30.7% [10]. - Intel's cash (including equivalents) constitutes $31 billion of $205 billion in total assets, yielding a cash-to-assets ratio of 15.1% [10]. Downturn Resilience - Intel has underperformed compared to the S&P 500 index during various economic downturns, indicating vulnerability to market fluctuations [11]. - The stock has experienced significant declines during past crises, including a 63.3% drop from a peak of $68.26 on April 9, 2021, to $25.04 on October 11, 2022 [13].
Buy PG Stock Over Colgate-Palmolive?
Forbes· 2025-12-17 19:45
POLAND - 2025/09/07: In this photo illustration, the Procter and Gamble (P&G) company logo is seen displayed on a smartphone screen. (Photo Illustration by Piotr Swat/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesProcter & Gamble (NYSE: PG) stock has recently caught attention after Jim Cramer made a positive case for the stock. Both PG and its rival Colgate-Palmolive (CL) are down approximately 12% year-to-date, lagging behind the broader S&P 500, which has risen by 16%.If ...
ServiceNow: Buy The Dip In NOW Stock?
Forbes· 2025-12-17 19:45
Core Viewpoint - ServiceNow's stock dropped 11% following the announcement of a $7 billion acquisition of Armis, leading to analyst downgrades and investor concerns [2][3] Valuation and Performance - ServiceNow's current stock price of approximately $780 is considered appealing, but its high valuation makes it sensitive to negative surprises, presenting a challenging entry point [3] - The company's price-to-sales (P/S) ratio is 15.2 compared to 3.2 for the S&P 500, and its price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio stands at 111.4 versus 23.5 for the benchmark [11] - ServiceNow's revenues have grown significantly, with a 21.1% increase from $10 billion to $13 billion over the last 12 months, compared to 6.0% growth for the S&P 500 [11] - The operating income for the last four quarters totaled $1.8 billion, resulting in an operating margin of 13.9%, which is lower than the S&P 500's 18.8% [11] Financial Strength - ServiceNow's balance sheet is strong, with a debt of $2.4 billion and a market capitalization of $162 billion, leading to a low debt-to-equity ratio of 1.2% compared to 21.2% for the S&P 500 [11] - The company has a cash-to-assets ratio of 24.8%, significantly higher than the S&P 500's 6.9%, indicating strong liquidity [11] Growth and Profitability - ServiceNow's average revenue growth rate over the past three years is 22.3%, outperforming the S&P 500's 5.5% [11] - The company's profit margins are above most companies in the Trefis coverage universe, reflecting strong profitability [8] Resilience During Downturns - ServiceNow's stock has shown slightly better performance than the S&P 500 during recent downturns, indicating moderate resilience [10] - The overall assessment of ServiceNow's performance across key metrics is categorized as "Very Strong" for growth and financial stability, and "Strong" for profitability [15]
The Case For Buying Visa Stock Today
Forbes· 2025-12-17 19:45
Visa (V) stock may represent a strong buying opportunity at this time. Why? Because you receive high margins – indicative of pricing power and cash generation ability – for a discounted price. Companies like this produce consistent, predictable profits and cash flows, which lower risk and permit capital reinvestment. The market typically rewards this behavior.SAN FRANCISCO - FEBRUARY 25: Visa credit cards are arranged on a desk February 25, 2008 in San Francisco, California. Visa Inc. is hoping that its ini ...
Can Coinbase Stock Rally From 250?
Forbes· 2025-12-17 19:45
SAN ANSELMO, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 15: In this photo illustration, the Coinbase and Bitcoin logos are displayed on a phone screen on February 15, 2024 in San Anselmo, California. Coinbase stock has risen 5 percent ahead of the company reporting fourth-quarter earnings today on news that Bitcoin has surged above $52,000. (Photo Illustration by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)Getty ImagesCoinbase Global (COIN) stock ought to be on your radar. Here’s why – it is presently trading within the support zone ($237.90 ...
Should You Buy The Dip In AVGO Stock?
Forbes· 2025-12-17 19:45
CANADA - 2025/12/15: In this photo illustration, the Broadcom logo is seen in the background beside a printed circuit board (PCB). (Photo Illustration by Thomas Fuller/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty ImagesBroadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO) recently experienced a 15% decline within a week, falling to approximately $340. What caused this? Management indicated that increasing sales of custom AI processors—which have lower margins—will reduce the company's overall gross margins ...