Core Insights - Carvana is set to join the S&P 500 on December 22, marking a significant turnaround for the company, which was previously considered a "zombie" by Wall Street [1][4] Company Performance - Carvana went public in 2017 with an IPO price of $15, but shares closed their first trading day at approximately $11. Sales increased from $859 million in 2017 to nearly $4 billion in 2019, although expenses grew rapidly, leaving the company unprofitable [2] - The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global manufacturing, leading to a surge in used car prices and a tripling of Carvana's sales in the two years following the pandemic's onset. The stock price soared from about $29 in March 2020 to a record high of $370 in August 2021, reflecting a 1,160% increase [3] Financial Challenges - Carvana's debt tripled, and the company faced significant challenges when the Federal Reserve began raising interest rates in March 2022, which increased debt costs and reduced car demand. The stock plummeted to an all-time low of $3.72 in December 2022 [5] - In response, Carvana implemented a cost-cutting strategy that included layoffs and restructuring, along with a deal with creditors to alleviate its debt burden. This led to a plateau in interest expenses and a decline in operating costs, resulting in shares closing at a record $399.77, up over 10,000% in three years [6] Market Sentiment - Despite skepticism from short-sellers regarding the legitimacy of Carvana's turnaround, investor confidence has returned, with shares rising another 10% following the announcement of its inclusion in the S&P 500 [7] - Being added to the S&P 500 is expected to bring tangible benefits, as an estimated $13 trillion is indexed to the S&P 500, necessitating the purchase of Carvana stock by investment funds tracking the index [8]

Core Insights - Hecla Mining experienced a significant share price increase of over 42% in September due to multiple factors, including a notable analyst price target hike and inclusion in a prominent stock index [1][4]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Hecla Mining's share price surged more than 42% in September, driven by various positive developments [1]. - The company was included in the S&P SmallCap 600 index, effective September 22, which contributed to its stock performance [2][3]. Group 2: Analyst Recommendations - RBC Capital's analyst Michael Siperco raised Hecla's price target by 50%, from $8 to $12 per share, maintaining an outperform (buy) recommendation [4]. - The timing of the analyst's price target increase coincided with Hecla's inclusion in the S&P SmallCap 600 index, suggesting a potential correlation [5]. Group 3: Financial Performance - Hecla reported a 24% year-over-year revenue growth in its second quarter, reaching $304 million, with a gross profit of $34 million compared to a loss of nearly $9 million in the previous year [6].

Core Viewpoint - AppLovin's stock has seen a significant increase of nearly 19% this week, driven by its inclusion in the S&P 500 index and a raised price target from an analyst [1][2]. Index Inclusion - S&P Dow Jones Indices announced that AppLovin will be included in the S&P 500 index as part of its quarterly rebalancing, effective before market open on September 22 [2][3]. Analyst Price Target - Wedbush analyst Alicia Reese raised her price target for AppLovin by 17% to $725 per share, indicating a potential upside of nearly 25% from its recent closing price [4][5].

Core Insights - Krispy Kreme's stock experienced a 25% increase during a trading week shortened by the July Fourth holiday, primarily due to its inclusion in several new stock indexes and executive transitions [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Index Inclusion - Krispy Kreme's stock is now part of multiple equity trackers, including the Russell 2000 Value index, Russell 2500 Value index, Russell Small Cap Comp Value index, and Russell 3000E Value index, in addition to its existing position in the Russell 2000 [2]. - Inclusion in these indexes enhances the stock's prestige and increases its popularity due to the demand from index funds that are limited to stocks within specific indexes [4]. Group 2: Executive Transitions - Effective July 11, Krispy Kreme will have a new CFO, Raphael Duvivier, who is currently the president of international business and a long-serving executive, replacing Jeremiah Ashukian [5]. - Alison Holder has been promoted from chief product officer to chief brand and product officer, bringing 25 years of experience with the company, including roles in consumer insights [6]. Group 3: Business Performance - Despite the positive stock movements, Krispy Kreme has faced flat to stagnant revenue and has reported more quarterly net losses than profits, indicating limited growth opportunities in a health-conscious market [7].