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5 big analyst AI moves: Arm impresses; key year for Baidu; Gemini Ultra hype

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5 big analyst AI moves: Arm impresses; key year for Baidu; Gemini Ultra hype
© Reuters

Here are the biggest analyst moves in the area of artificial intelligence (AI) for this week.

InvestingPro subscribers always get first dibs on market-moving AI analyst comments.

Jefferies impressed with Arm , expects AI momentum to continue

UK-based chipmaker Arm Holdings ADR (NASDAQ:) soared 60% in the past week as investors scrambled to buy the company’s shares in the wake of its impressive FQ3 results and guidance.

Amidst this optimism, Jefferies analysts raised forecasts on ARM and hiked their target price to $115 from $98.

“Stronger-than-expected FYQ3 results and FYQ4 guidance reinforces our view that ARM is a key beneficiary of rising demand for edge AI devices, especially premium smartphones,” they said.

“Royalty growth is forecast to accelerate due to a faster transition to devices using V9 architecture, which has double the royalty rates of V8. AI is also driving higher chip design activity and, therefore, higher licensing revenue.”

Morgan Stanley lifts estimates on Nvidia, cites ‘very strong near-term picture’

The excitement surrounding NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:) continues unabated.

Despite surging 50% since the start of 2024, Wall Street remains confident that NVDA, a key player in the ongoing AI boom, has more to offer.

On Wednesday, Morgan Stanley analysts raised their estimates on the chipmaker, citing “a very strong near-term picture.” In the long run, cloud commentary remains encouraging, though the broker expects a plateau in 2025.

“We remain very comfortable with the competitive dynamic despite the enthusiasm for alternatives,” analysts wrote in a note.

“The 2025 picture is a tougher call – we expect another very strong training year, but it remains to be seen if that drives incremental growth for training from what is already more than 30% of cloud budgets in CY24,” they added.

Bernstein analyst: 2024 is Baidu’s “make or break” year

Elsewhere, Chinese technology and AI giant Baidu Inc (NASDAQ:) is facing a “make or break” year, according to Bernstein analysts.

Specifically, the company is striving to expand its AI capabilities across its business operations while facing intensified competition from AI enhancements.

Analsyts said there are three primary aspects of Baidu’s AI strategy that investors should examine to either confirm or refute the investment rationale.

First, Baidu must secure additional ad revenue through search optimization in a mature market, requiring a significant gain in market share and improved conversion rates, they said.

Secondly, the success of its revamped AI-integrated apps is crucial for increasing user engagement and transitioning to transaction-based monetization, necessitating a standout app experience.

“To succeed here, Baidu will need to execute flawlessly with a “killer’ app experience AND demonstrate the ability to drive CPS user engagement (an area they have not had success in to-date.),” they wrote.

Lastly, in the cloud sector, Baidu’s ability to maintain its lead hinges on the QianFan AI developer platform’s appeal to developers, aiming for differentiation without engaging in a price war, to shift the cloud market share in its favor.

BofA elevates Palantir PT to $24 amid robust AI demand

Earlier in the week, BofA Securities analysts lifted the target price on Palantir Technologies Inc (NYSE:) from $21 to $24 and reiterated a Buy rating.

Citing the strong surge in US commercial sales and the addition of 40 new customers during FQ4, Mora said Palantir’s AI platform (AIP) is “still in its infancy and already contributing in a meaningful way.”

“We expect the momentum to continue. We think this remarkable growth is a sign of Palantir’s unique position as an enabler of AI-powered data-driven decision making in a tangible, accessible, and operational way,” analysts said.

Moreover, the potential for growth within the US Government (USG) sector remains substantial.

As software becomes ever more essential to military operations, major contractors appear to be falling behind. The increase in USG sales is expected to be driven by various elements, such as a robust portfolio of ready-to-deploy solutions to meet the fast-paced demand for software and the deepening of customer relationships, among other factors.

Citi bullish on Google’s Gemini Ultra, raises target price

Google owner Alphabet Inc Class A (NASDAQ:) introduced Gemini Ultra this week, its most advanced large language model (LLM) yet.

Nearly a year ago, the tech behemoth launched Google Bard, its hurried response to OpenAI’s ChatGPT. However, Bard will now be replaced by Gemini Ultra, which Citi analysts believes has “multiple potential benefits.”

The analysts highlighted three key advantages Alphabet’s new LLM provides, including 1) an increase in product innovation with the launch of new Gemini-based products across search, ads, and enterprise; 2) enhanced adoption of Google’s GenAI tools, leading to improved search efficiency, more comprehensive results, and broader query responses; and “3) a more cohesive strategy with one brand across Google.”

Analysts reaffirmed a Buy rating on GOOGL and raised the price target to $168.

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Five9 stock hits 52-week low at $28.74 amid market challenges

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In a turbulent market environment, Five9 (NASDAQ:) Inc’s stock has touched a 52-week low, reaching a price level of $28.74. This significant downturn reflects a broader trend for the cloud software company, which has seen its shares plummet by -58.79% over the past year. Investors are closely monitoring Five9’s performance as it navigates through a period of heightened volatility and shifting industry dynamics, which have contributed to the stock’s current valuation at this low point. The company’s efforts to rebound from this position will be under scrutiny in the coming quarters as market participants look for signs of a strategic turnaround or further indications of market pressures.

In other recent news, Five9 Inc . has achieved an annual revenue run rate exceeding $1 billion in Q2, a significant milestone despite lowering its annual revenue guidance by 3.8% due to customer budget constraints. The company’s adjusted EBITDA margin rose to 17% of revenue, contributing to a strong operating cash flow of $126 million. The company also confirmed plans to reduce its global workforce by approximately 7% by the end of 2024, a strategic move projected to cost between $12 million and $15 million.

Five9’s recent acquisition of Acqueon, a firm specializing in proactive outbound omnichannel customer engagement, aims to expand its AI offerings and bolster its growth. This move is in line with the company’s focus on managing expenses and improving profitability, with initiatives like FedRAMP and expansion into India anticipated to improve gross margins.

In their analysis, Piper Sandler maintained an Overweight rating for Five9, with a steady price target of $47.00, while Needham and BTIG both maintained a Buy rating with price targets of $48.00 and $45.00 respectively. These ratings reflect the firms’ confidence in Five9’s strategic positioning and potential for growth, despite the current challenges and workforce reduction.

InvestingPro Insights

Amid the current market conditions, Five9 Inc’s recent performance can be put into perspective with select data from InvestingPro. The company’s market capitalization stands at roughly $2.15 billion, indicating the size and scale of the business amidst its challenges. Despite the stock’s decline, analysts are showing a hint of optimism, with 20 analysts having revised their earnings estimates upwards for the upcoming period. This could signal a potential turnaround in sentiment or underlying business performance.

Importantly, Five9’s liquid assets are reported to surpass short-term obligations, suggesting that the company maintains a degree of financial flexibility to navigate its current difficulties. Furthermore, while the stock is trading near its 52-week low, it’s worth noting that the relative strength index (RSI) suggests the stock is in oversold territory, which can sometimes precede a rebound in share price. Investors looking for comprehensive analysis and additional InvestingPro Tips on Five9 can find more insights, including 14 other tips, at https://www.investing.com/pro/FIVN.

In terms of financial health, the company operates with a moderate level of debt and is expected to become profitable this year, according to analysts’ predictions. These elements may offer some solace to investors considering the stock’s substantial price fall over the last year. For those seeking a deeper dive into Five9’s valuation and future prospects, the InvestingPro platform provides a fair value estimate of $45.04, which is considerably higher than the current trading price, suggesting potential undervaluation.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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TD Cowen maintains Buy on Terns Pharmaceuticals

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TD Cowen reiterated its Buy rating on shares of Terns Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:TERN), following the company’s investor call. The call was held to manage expectations for the upcoming Phase 1/2 CARDINAL study data for chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The firm noted the challenges in measuring the efficacy endpoint (EP) due to disease progression and the absence of treatment switch guidelines, which makes major molecular response (MMR) a challenging efficacy endpoint for Phase 1/2 trials.

The interim Phase 1/2 data aims to evaluate descriptive efficacy signals, considering patients’ baseline BCR-ABL levels and treatment history. The analyst highlighted that the once-daily (QD) dosing and the lack of food effect could potentially enhance the quality of life for patients compared to other allosteric tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).

Terns Pharmaceuticals has been focusing on the development of improved treatment options for CML. The company’s approach to dosing, which does not require food intake, may offer a more convenient alternative for patients, potentially leading to better adherence and outcomes.

The topline data from the 6-month Phase 1/2 CARDINAL study is anticipated to be available in 2025. This data will provide further insights into the treatment’s efficacy and safety, which are critical factors in the ongoing development and potential approval process.

Investors and stakeholders in Terns Pharmaceuticals are expected to closely monitor the progress of the CARDINAL study, as it could have a significant impact on the company’s future prospects and position in the CML treatment landscape.

In other recent news, Terns Pharmaceuticals has experienced significant developments. The biopharmaceutical company reported robust earnings and revenue results, with Mizuho Securities maintaining an Outperform rating on Terns shares, citing strong enthusiasm for the company’s drug, TERN-701, a potential treatment for chronic myeloid leukemia.

The firm expects the first interim Phase 1 CARDINAL study data for TERN-701 in December.

Terns also announced the appointment of Elona Kogan as its new chief legal officer, a move that underscores the company’s strategic development and pipeline advancement.

The company also secured an extension of its office lease in Foster City, California, through 2027, reflecting Terns Pharmaceuticals’ operational stability and long-term planning.

In terms of clinical trials, Terns has made progress in its ongoing Phase 1 study of TERN-701, with interim findings suggesting the drug can be administered once daily with or without food.

This development, coupled with the forthcoming Phase 1 data for another of Terns’ drugs, TERN-601—an oral GLP-1 receptor agonist for obesity—expected next month, underscores the company’s commitment to innovative therapies.

These recent developments, from financial performance to executive appointments and clinical trials, highlight Terns Pharmaceuticals’ ongoing efforts to advance its strategic objectives and deliver on its mission. The company’s activities are closely watched by investors and industry analysts, including those from Mizuho Securities, who continue to support the company’s potential.

InvestingPro Insights

As Terns Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:TERN) navigates the complexities of its Phase 1/2 CARDINAL study, investors are keeping a keen eye on the company’s financial health and stock performance. According to InvestingPro, Terns holds more cash than debt, which is a positive signal for financial stability. Additionally, with five analysts revising their earnings upwards for the upcoming period, there is a sense of optimism about the company’s potential performance.

However, it’s important to note that Terns is not currently profitable and has been quickly burning through cash, which may raise concerns about long-term sustainability. The company’s P/E Ratio stands at -5.71, reflecting these profitability challenges. Despite these hurdles, Terns has managed a 1 Year Price Total Return of 45.42%, indicating some investor confidence in the company’s growth prospects. The anticipated fair value from analysts stands at 15 USD, while the InvestingPro Fair Value is calculated at 5.8 USD, highlighting a divergence in valuation perspectives.

For those looking for more in-depth analysis, additional InvestingPro Tips on Terns Pharmaceuticals can be found at https://www.investing.com/pro/TERN, offering a comprehensive look at the company’s financial details and stock performance.

This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.

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Macron discussed support for Ukraine and Gaza ceasefire with Germany’s Scholz

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© Reuters. France's President Emmanuel Macron and Germany's Chancellor Olaf Scholz shake hands as they meet during the 33rd Evian Annual Meeting to promote economic co-operation at Evian in the French Alps, France, September 6, 2024.     Olivier Chassignole/Pool via REUTERS

PARIS (Reuters) – French President Emmanuel Macron discussed the importance of maintaining support for Ukraine and the need for a ceasefire in Gaza during talks on Friday with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, said the French presidency.

Regarding Ukraine, the two leaders expressed their determination to support the country “for as long and as intensively as necessary” in its war against Russia, the Elysee said.

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