Latest Business News
Companies Making Headlines Before the Bell
Adobe
Adobe's stock gained 2.4% before the bell after Morgan Stanley upgraded shares to overweight from equal weight and boosted its price target, citing artificial intelligence tailwinds.
Chevron
Shares of Chevron rose 1.6% after Goldman Sachs upgraded Chevron to buy from neutral and hiked its price target. Analysts said the oil giant is due for a breakout.
Ford Motor
Ford Motor's shares declined 1.1% after Jefferies downgraded the stock to hold, citing weakness in Model E guidance.
Walt Disney
Walt Disney's stock rose 0.7% after Disney reportedly brought back two former executives who were previously considered potential successors to Bob Iger, according to a Financial Times report citing people familiar. The two executives are Kevin Mayer and Tom Staggs.
XPeng
The U.S.-listed shares of Chinese electric vehicle maker XPeng fell 2% in premarket trading. UBS downgraded the company to neutral from buy after the stock's extraordinary run-up, saying it expects near-term upside has been priced in. The stock is up 135% this year.
Hasbro
Toymaker Hasbro added 2.9% before the bell after Bank of America upgraded the stock to buy from neutral. Bank of America said the company should beat expectations for earnings when it reports on Thursday given the strong demand for the Lord of the Rings Magic set.
United Parcel Service
Shares of United Parcel Service fell 1% after Credit Suisse downgraded UPS to neutral from outperform, citing labor concerns.
GoodRX
The digital healthcare platform, GoodRX, saw shares rise more than 8% premarket after Cowen upgraded the stock to outperform. Cowen mentioned that GoodRX's pharmacy benefit management partnerships help not just generate a new revenue stream but also solidify the company's position in the healthcare ecosystem. Cowen also raised its price target to reflect about 78% potential upside.
SBA Communications
Shares of SBA Communications fell 16% in premarket trading. The real estate investment trust involved in wireless communications infrastructure is set to report its second-quarter results after the close on Monday.
ON Semiconductor
The chipmaker's shares gained 1.9% ahead of second-quarter earnings. ON Semiconductor is projected to report earnings of $1.21 per share on revenue of $2.02 billion, according to analysts polled by FactSet. It's set to report results Monday morning.
Conclusion: Hot Take on Impact for New Business
The recent news surrounding various companies before the bell highlights the dynamic nature of the stock market and the potential impact it can have on businesses, both established and emerging. For new businesses looking to enter the market or expand their presence, staying informed about these developments can provide valuable insights and perspectives.
One important aspect to note is the influence of analysts' recommendations and upgrades/downgrades on stock performance. We see examples like Morgan Stanley upgrading Adobe and Goldman Sachs upgrading Chevron, which led to positive movement in their stock prices. These upgrades can bring attention to companies, potentially attracting investors and increasing market confidence. Conversely, downgrades, as seen with Ford Motor and UPS, can result in stock declines. Understanding the factors behind these recommendations, such as AI tailwinds, oil industry projections, or labor concerns, can enable new businesses to gauge market sentiment and make informed decisions.
The return of two former executives to Walt Disney, who were once considered potential successors to CEO Bob Iger, also underlines the importance of leadership transitions and their perception among investors. Such developments can create speculation about future strategies and the company's long-term prospects. New businesses can take note of how leadership changes and succession planning play a role in investor sentiment and market reactions.
Additionally, the volatility of the electric vehicle market demonstrated by XPeng's stock falling after a significant run-up serves as a reminder of the importance of considering market trends and expectations. New businesses operating in rapidly evolving industries should carefully evaluate their growth potential and investor sentiment to manage expectations and avoid potential pitfalls.
Ultimately, a new business should closely monitor such news and market developments to stay ahead of industry trends, identify potential opportunities, and mitigate potential risks. While individual stock movements may not directly impact every new business, understanding market dynamics and investor sentiment can provide valuable insights for strategic decision-making and positioning in the competitive landscape.
Article First Published at: https://www.cnbc.com/2023/07/31/stocks-making-the-biggest-moves-premarket-hasbro-adobe-goodrx-sba-communications-and-more.html