Core Viewpoint - Stifel projects a 9% upside for the S&P 500 in 2026 under stable economic conditions, but warns of a potential 20% decline if a recession occurs [1][7]. Economic Outlook - The Federal Reserve has increased its growth forecast for 2026, with Stifel assigning a 25% probability of a recession occurring [2]. - The labor market shows signs of weakness, with rising unemployment and layoffs, which could negatively impact consumer spending that constitutes 68% of GDP [3]. Market Conditions - Stock valuations are historically high, with the median pullback during recessionary periods since World War II averaging 20% [4]. - The S&P 500's equity risk premium is nearing levels seen during the dot-com bubble, indicating potential overvaluation [8]. Investment Strategy - Stifel recommends building hedge positions with defensive stocks to mitigate risks associated with a potential bear market [9]. - Speculative assets have already seen significant declines, suggesting a broader market downturn could follow [5].

Core Insights - American Bitcoin Corp. (NASDAQ:ABTC) is experiencing a valuation shift that is attracting data-driven investors despite recent volatility [1][2] Valuation Shift Amidst Volatility - Following a significant sell-off, ABTC's value score in Benzinga Edge's Stock Rankings increased from 27.15 to 41.59 week-on-week, indicating a more favorable alignment of the stock's market price with its assets and earnings potential compared to peers [2] - The rise in the value percentile suggests a potential entry point for investors focusing on the company's asset-heavy balance sheet rather than immediate price sentiment [3] Analyst Optimism vs. Price Trend - Roth Capital analyst Darren Aftahi initiated coverage with a "Buy" rating and a $4 price target, indicating a potential upside of over 100% from recent closing prices [3] - Aftahi's accuracy rate is noted to be 47% [4] Recent Performance and Asset Valuation - ABTC has seen a price decline of 62.88% over the last month due to the expiration of lock-up periods for early investors, including co-founder Eric Trump [4] - The company currently holds 4,783 BTC, valued at approximately $432 million [5] - Despite closing 5.67% lower at $1.83 on Thursday, ABTC has fallen by 64.47% over the last six months and 8.50% year-to-date, although it was up 1.64% in premarket trading on Friday [5]

Core Viewpoint - Stifel projects a 9% upside for the S&P 500 in 2026 if the US economy remains stable, but warns of a potential 20% decline in the event of a recession [1][2] Economic Outlook - A recession is not the base case for Stifel or other major banks, with a 25% chance assigned to a downturn occurring next year [2] - The Federal Reserve has increased its growth forecast for 2026, indicating a more optimistic economic outlook [2] Labor Market Concerns - The labor market shows signs of instability, with rising unemployment and layoffs, which could lead to reduced consumer spending [3] - Consumer spending accounts for 68% of GDP, making its decline a significant concern for economic health [3] Stock Valuation Risks - Current stock valuations are historically high, with median pullbacks during recessions averaging 20% and average drops at 23% since World War II [4] - The S&P 500 is considered expensive, and P/E ratios may become critical in a downturn [4] Speculative Assets and Market Behavior - In the event of a bear market, speculative assets are expected to decline first, followed by the broader market [5] - A basket of seven highly-volatile stocks has already seen significant declines, indicating a shift in market sentiment [5] Defensive Investment Recommendations - Despite a positive base case for the S&P 500, Stifel recommends building hedge positions with defensive stocks [6] - Suggested funds for exposure to defensive assets include Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Fund (XLP), Invesco S&P 500 Low Volatility ETF (SPLV), JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPI), and iMGP DBi Managed Futures Strategy ETF (DBMF) [6]

Core Insights - The article discusses the importance of staying updated on stocks in the biotech, pharma, and healthcare sectors, highlighting the potential for investment opportunities driven by key trends and catalysts [1]. Company Overview - Geron (GERN) is a commercial-stage pharmaceutical company based in Foster City, California, with shares trading at $1.54 and a market capitalization of approximately $1 billion as of June [1]. Analyst Background - Edmund Ingham, a biotech consultant with over 5 years of experience, has compiled detailed reports on more than 1,000 companies in the biotech, healthcare, and pharma sectors. He leads the investing group Haggerston BioHealth, which caters to both novice and experienced investors [2].

Core Viewpoint - Aris Mining Corporation (ARMN) has demonstrated significant stock performance, with a 123.3% increase over the past six months, outperforming both the industry and the S&P 500 [1][2]. Stock Performance - ARMN shares closed at $14.72, nearing a 52-week high of $14.83 and significantly above a 52-week low of $3.29, indicating strong upward momentum [3]. - The stock is trading above its 50-day and 200-day moving averages, reflecting confidence in the company's long-term prospects [3]. Production and Growth - In Q3 2025, ARMN produced 73,236 ounces of gold, a 25% increase from the previous quarter and a 36.6% year-over-year increase, positioning the company to meet its full-year production guidance of 230,000-275,000 ounces [9]. - The Segovia mine's second mill has significantly boosted production capacity, processing 219,550 tonnes of gold ore in Q3, up 31.6% year-over-year [10]. - The Marmato operation is expected to be a long-term growth driver, with first gold exploration in the Bulk Mining Zone anticipated in the second half of 2026 [11]. Future Projects - ARMN holds a 51% interest in the Soto Norte Project, which has been reaffirmed as a highly attractive undeveloped gold asset in the Americas [12]. - The Toroparu Project in Guyana has over 6.5 million ounces of gold resources and is projected to be a low-cost, long-lasting mine [12]. Financial Health - The company reported a cash balance of $417.9 million at the end of Q3, up from $310.2 million in Q2, and generated $90.8 million in cash flow after sustaining capital and taxes [13]. - ARMN's growing cash position supports ongoing investments in its projects, including Segovia and Marmato [13]. Cost Pressures - ARMN reported an increase in all-in-sustaining costs (AISC) per ounce to $1,641, up from $1,540 year-over-year, primarily due to higher sustaining capital expenditures [14]. - The increase in costs was attributed to higher volumes of purchased mill feed and increased royalty and social contribution expenses [15]. Valuation - ARMN is trading at a trailing price-to-earnings ratio of 6.71X, significantly lower than the industry average of 13.11X and compared to peers Newmont and Agnico Eagle Mines at 13.27X and 17.81X, respectively [20]. Conclusion - The advancements in Segovia and Marmato operations, along with a solid cash position and healthy cash flows, suggest that ARMN is well-positioned for long-term growth despite facing near-term challenges [21].

Core Viewpoint - Cisco is currently undervalued at 19 times earnings compared to its historical peak valuations of up to 150 times earnings, indicating a potential investment opportunity [1][2]. Group 1: Company Performance - Cisco has shown a significant recovery, with a 60% increase in value when dividends are included since a previous low [2]. - The company's stock has risen 34% this year, which is considered a strong performance in the technology sector [2]. Group 2: Leadership and Strategy - Chuck Robbins, the CEO of Cisco, is credited with effectively leading the company and driving its recent successes [2].

Core Viewpoint - Casey's General Stores, Inc. is a significant player in the convenience store industry, with a strong market presence and growth potential despite its premium valuation [1][3][5]. Company Overview - Casey's General Stores operates over 2,000 locations across the Midwest and Southern regions of the United States, offering a variety of products including fuel, groceries, and prepared foods [1]. - The company has a market capitalization of approximately $19.82 billion, indicating its substantial size in the market [5]. Stock Performance - As of late 2025, Casey's stock price is approximately $533.18, reflecting a decrease of about 5.34% or $30.06 from previous levels [4]. - The stock has fluctuated between a low of $529.84 and a high of $569.39 during the trading day, with a yearly high of $573.76 and a low of $372.09 [4]. Analyst Insights - Goldman Sachs set a price target of $530 for Casey's stock, indicating that it is trading near its expected value, with the stock currently at $533.76, about 0.70% higher than the target [2][6]. - The stock is trading at approximately 33 times its current-year earnings, suggesting a premium valuation, but this is supported by the company's strong market presence and growth potential [3][6]. Investor Interest - The trading volume for the day is 581,942 shares, indicating active investor interest in Casey's stock [5][6].

Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. TV host Jim Cramer is leaning back into the bank trade, saying that depressed valuations across the sector have created an opportunity, and that one stock, in particular, stands out with the most potential. Bank Stocks Are ‘All Cheap’ On Tuesday, in a post on X, the renowned host of CNBC’s “Mad Money” said, “The banks are all cheap,” while mentioning one particular banking stock as the “cheapest of all,” ...

Core Insights - AngloGold Ashanti PLC's stock has surged 265.7% year to date, significantly outperforming the Zacks Mining – Gold industry's increase of 132.7% [1] - The company has also outperformed other gold mining stocks, such as Agnico Eagle Mines and Newmont Corporation, which have risen 115.3% and 157% respectively [4] Financial Performance - AngloGold Ashanti's Q3 results showed a 17% year-over-year increase in gold production, leading to a 61.9% rise in gold revenues to $2.37 billion and a 136% increase in earnings per share to $1.32 [9][10] - The adjusted EBITDA for Q3 rose 9% to $1.56 million, despite facing higher operating costs, with total cash costs per ounce increasing 5% year over year to $1,225 [9][11] - The company generated a record $920 million in free cash flow in Q3, a 141% year-over-year increase, and improved its adjusted net debt to adjusted EBITDA ratio to 0.09X [13] Production Outlook - Gold production for 2025 is projected to be between 2.9 million and 3.225 million ounces, indicating a year-over-year growth of 9-21% [14] - The company is advancing growth projects, including investments in the Sukari and Geita mines, with plans to increase Geita's mineral reserves by 60% [18][19] Strategic Growth Initiatives - AngloGold Ashanti is executing a strategy of organic and inorganic growth, including the acquisition of Centamin, which added the Sukari mine to its portfolio [16] - The company has also completed the acquisition of Augusta Gold Corp, enhancing its presence in Nevada's emerging gold district [17] Market Conditions - Gold prices have increased 54.5% year to date, currently trending above $4,200 per ounce, supported by geopolitical tensions and central bank purchases [20] - The Zacks Consensus Estimate for AngloGold Ashanti's 2025 sales is $9.67 billion, reflecting a 66.9% year-over-year increase, with earnings expected to rise 149.3% to $5.51 per share [21] Valuation - The stock is currently trading at a forward 12-month earnings multiple of 12.49X, which is below the industry average of 12.73X, making it an attractive investment opportunity [25][28]

Group 1: United Parcel Service (UPS) - UPS is experiencing a 24% decline in stock price this year, trading at a price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of less than 15, significantly below the S&P 500 average of 25 [4][5] - The company has maintained a consistent revenue of around $21 billion in the last three quarters, but is focusing on improving profitability by reducing package volume for Amazon [4][5] - Despite current challenges from tariffs and a slowdown in global trade, the low valuation and nearly 7% dividend yield present an attractive investment opportunity [5] Group 2: Novo Nordisk - Novo Nordisk's stock has plummeted by 45% this year due to the resignation of its former CEO and a reduction in sales guidance, leading investors to favor rival Eli Lilly [6] - The stock is trading at a P/E ratio of just 13, which is considered low given the company's strong growth potential, with a 15% sales increase in the first nine months of the year when excluding currency impacts [6] - The company faces competition from compounding pharmacies selling copies of its drugs, Wegovy and Ozempic, which complicates its market position [8] Group 3: General Market Observations - UPS, Novo Nordisk, and Adobe are all trading below the S&P 500's average P/E ratio, indicating potential undervaluation despite their solid and profitable underlying businesses [7] - These companies possess promising long-term growth prospects that the market may not fully recognize [7]