Stock Markets
Big media shares shed gains as focus shifts to actors’ strike
© Reuters. FILE PHOTO: SAG-AFTRA actors and Writers Guild of America (WGA) writers walk the picket line outside Disney Studios in Burbank, California, U.S., July 25, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Blake/File Photo
By Yuvraj Malik and Zaheer Kachwala
(Reuters) -Big media companies gave up early share gains from hopes of an end to screenwriters’ strike on Monday as focus shifted to an ongoing strike by actors, whose resolution is crucial for a full return to work in Hollywood.
Warner Bros Discovery (NASDAQ:), Paramount Global, Walt Disney (NYSE:) were down 0.3% to 2.1% in choppy trading, after rising as much as 4% before the markets opened.
The union representing roughly 11,500 film and television writers entered a tentative three-year deal on Sunday, which now needs an approval from the guild leadership and union members.
But a strike by a larger guild of actors is still on.
Nearly 160,000 film and television actors, stunt performers and other media professionals walked off the job in July, demanding higher wages and protection against artificial intelligence use.
Investors of the media companies have been concerned about the financial fallout of the strikes that had initially boosted cash flows due to lower spending, but has now started eating into earnings.
The deal with writers “will also mean the studios and streaming services will now focus fully on actors’ demands,” said Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown.
“Already it’s likely that the big studios will face a significant hit in 12-18 months time, with so little in the pipeline and bosses are now desperate for new content to attract eyes to big and small screens.”
WBD, whose CEO David Zaslav played a key role in contract negotiations with the writers, had earlier warned that the company’s full-year adjusted core profit would take a hit of up to $500 million due to projects delays from disruptions.
Its shares have dropped nearly 14% since the writers’ strike started on May 2, while Paramount, Disney and Netflix (NASDAQ:) have lost between 20% and 45%. In comparison, the benchmark has risen nearly 5%.
Netflix, however, was up about 1% as analysts have said the streaming giant was better placed than its media rivals as it has production operations and staff in regions outside of the U.S., which are not impacted by the strike.
Media reports said the agreement with writers includes increased royalties, mandatory staffing for television writing rooms and protections over the use of AI.
“The total spend on shows will be little changed, as studios will either cut spending from other elements of show production, or reduce the number of new shows they produce (a process already underway) to pay for increased costs from writers,” said Rosenblatt analyst Barton Crockett.
Stock Markets
Truist cuts Editas Medicine target to $8, keeps buy rating
On Monday, Truist Securities revised its price target for Editas Medicine (NASDAQ:), a company specializing in gene editing technology. The firm reduced the target to $8.00 from the previous $12.00 while retaining a Buy rating on the stock.
The adjustment follows the company’s third-quarter report, which did not present any unexpected results following recent announcements. The analyst indicated that Editas Medicine is expected to provide updated data on its reni-cel therapy at the upcoming American Society of Hematology (ASH) meeting, as well as updates on its in vivo program in the first quarter of 2025.
The reassessment of the reni-cel program prompted the analyst to moderate the outlook, leading to the lowered price target. Despite this change, the firm continues to support a Buy rating for Editas Medicine shares, suggesting confidence in the company’s long-term potential.
Editas Medicine is actively engaged in the development of gene-editing therapies, with reni-cel being one of its key investigational treatments. The forthcoming data presentations are anticipated to shed more light on the progress and efficacy of these treatments.
The updated price target of $8.00 reflects a more conservative valuation of Editas Medicine by Truist Securities, while the maintained Buy rating indicates a positive view of the stock’s future performance despite the recent adjustments.
In other recent news, Editas Medicine has been the focus of several analyst adjustments. Wells Fargo reduced its price target for Editas from $27.00 to $9.00, while maintaining an Overweight rating. This adjustment followed Editas Medicine’s disclosure of preclinical data for its in vivo hematopoietic stem and progenitor cell (HSPC) editing program.
The company also announced its intention to partner or out-license its reni-cel therapy. Baird also lowered its target for Editas Medicine to $10 from $18, keeping an Outperform rating.
The company has made significant strides in gene editing treatments for sickle cell disease and beta-thalassemia. It reported high levels of editing in hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. Additionally, Editas secured an upfront payment of $57 million from a financing agreement with DRI Healthcare Trust. Leerink Partners and Truist Securities maintained their Market Perform and Buy ratings respectively on Editas’ stock.
InvestingPro Insights
Recent financial data from InvestingPro provides additional context to Truist Securities’ revised outlook on Editas Medicine (NASDAQ:EDIT). The company’s market capitalization stands at $245.89 million, reflecting its current valuation in the biotech sector. Editas’ stock has experienced significant volatility, with a 41.8% price decline over the past three months and a 48.68% drop in the last six months, aligning with the analyst’s more cautious stance.
InvestingPro Tips highlight that Editas is quickly burning through cash and is not expected to be profitable this year, factors that likely influenced Truist’s decision to lower the price target. The company’s gross profit margin is weak, with a negative 165.65% for the last twelve months as of Q2 2024, underscoring the challenges in its developmental stage.
Despite these headwinds, Editas maintains a strong liquidity position. An InvestingPro Tip notes that the company’s liquid assets exceed short-term obligations, providing some financial flexibility as it advances its gene-editing therapies. This could be crucial as Editas prepares to present updated data on reni-cel and its in vivo program.
For investors seeking a more comprehensive analysis, InvestingPro offers 13 additional tips for Editas Medicine, providing deeper insights into the company’s financial health and market position.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.
Stock Markets
Cemex stock hits 52-week low at $5.17 amid market challenges
Cemex SAB de CV (NYSE:), a leading materials company in the construction industry, has seen its stock price touch a 52-week low, dipping to $5.17. This price level reflects a significant downturn from its previous positions, marking a challenging period for the company. Over the past year, Cemex’s stock has experienced a notable decline, with a 1-year change showing a decrease of 22.42%. This downturn is indicative of the broader pressures facing the construction sector, including fluctuating demand and cost pressures, which have impacted the company’s market valuation and investor confidence.
In other recent news, CEMEX has reported a year of substantial growth and strategic optimization despite facing natural disasters and undergoing significant divestitures. The company announced divestitures amounting to $2.2 billion, concentrating on operations in the Dominican Republic, Guatemala, and the Philippines. In spite of severe weather conditions, including three major hurricanes in the U.S., CEMEX achieved a net income increase of over 200% year-over-year.
CEMEX’s growth strategy, initiated in 2019, has resulted in a 14% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) since 2020. The company also reported a 3% reduction in Scope 1 emissions and received a €157 million grant from the EU for a carbon capture project in Germany.
Analysts from Thompson Davis and Goldman Sachs questioned the company’s valuation strategies and the impact of Mexican residential demand on CEMEX, respectively. In response, CEMEX executives emphasized careful evaluation of operational changes and positive expectations for significant impact starting in 2025.
These are among the recent developments that underline CEMEX’s resilience and strategic focus, allowing it to navigate a challenging environment while maintaining a positive outlook for growth.
InvestingPro Insights
Cemex’s recent stock performance aligns with several key insights from InvestingPro. The company is currently trading near its 52-week low, as reflected in the article, with InvestingPro data showing the stock price at $5.18 at the previous close. This represents just 56.02% of its 52-week high, underscoring the significant downturn mentioned.
Despite the challenging market conditions, InvestingPro Tips highlight that Cemex remains a prominent player in the Construction Materials industry. The company’s Price to Book ratio of 0.63 suggests it may be undervalued relative to its assets, potentially offering value for investors looking beyond current market sentiment.
Importantly, an InvestingPro Tip indicates that net income is expected to grow this year, which could provide a positive catalyst for the stock. This growth expectation, combined with the company’s low valuation multiples, may present an opportunity for investors willing to weather the current downturn.
For those seeking a more comprehensive analysis, InvestingPro offers 7 additional tips that could provide further insights into Cemex’s financial health and future prospects.
This article was generated with the support of AI and reviewed by an editor. For more information see our T&C.
Stock Markets
Jefferies cuts Booz Allen stock rating to Hold, sees slowdown in the long-term
On Monday, Jefferies adjusted its stance on shares of Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE:), downgrading the stock from Buy to Hold, though the firm increased the price target to $190 from $180. The revision comes despite acknowledging the company’s strong management and share price performance.
The analyst from Jefferies noted that while Booz Allen Hamilton has shown stellar performance, a pause on the stock is suggested as earnings per share (EPS) revisions through the fiscal year 2025 (ending in March 2025) may be limited.
The limited potential for EPS revisions is attributed to margins being range-bound, with the Defense sector—accounting for 48% of sales and approximately 10% margins—outperforming the Civil sector, which makes up 33% of sales and has a 13% margin. The analyst further pointed out that there is an anticipated slowdown in organic growth excluding items, from 11% in the fiscal year 2025 to 8% in fiscal years 2026 to 2027 estimates.
The new price target of $190 is based on a 30% market premium or twice the three-year average, reflecting the analyst’s valuation of the stock. This price target suggests a modest upside from the previous target, indicating a positive outlook on the company’s value despite the rating downgrade.
The downgrade to Hold reflects a cautious approach towards Booz Allen Hamilton’s stock, considering the expected limitations in earnings growth and margin expansion in the upcoming years. The firm’s analysis suggests that while the company has been performing well, future gains might not be as robust as in the previous periods.
In other recent news, Booz Allen Hamilton reported a robust second quarter for fiscal year 2025, with major revenue hikes in its civil, defense, and intelligence sectors.
The company’s VOLT growth strategy, a record $41 billion backlog, a $115 million insurance recovery, and a $200 million boost from payroll modernization were significant contributors to this performance. Adjusted EBITDA reached $364 million, a 25% year-over-year increase, and net income surged by 129% to $390 million.
Despite the loss of the Advana contract and a Department of Veterans Affairs contract to Deloitte, Booz Allen maintains a strong demand environment with a qualified pipeline of over $20 billion.
The firm’s operating model allows for quick adaptation to client needs amid shifting priorities, and recruitment and retention trends remain strong, making Booz Allen an attractive destination for tech talent. These recent developments emphasize Booz Allen’s strong market presence and potential for continued growth.
InvestingPro Insights
While Jefferies has downgraded Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE:BAH) to Hold, recent data from InvestingPro paints a nuanced picture of the company’s financial health and market performance. BAH’s revenue growth of 13.94% over the last twelve months and a strong 18.01% quarterly growth align with the company’s solid performance noted in the article.
The stock’s P/E ratio of 28.58 and an adjusted P/E ratio of 31.27 for the last twelve months as of Q2 2025 suggest that investors are willing to pay a premium for BAH’s earnings, which could be justified by its consistent growth. This valuation is further supported by the company’s robust EBITDA growth of 30.89% over the same period.
InvestingPro Tips highlight that BAH has raised its dividend for 9 consecutive years and maintained payments for 13 years, indicating a commitment to shareholder returns. This is particularly relevant given the article’s focus on the company’s financial outlook. Additionally, the tip that BAH operates with a moderate level of debt provides context to the company’s financial stability, which could be a factor in its ability to navigate potential growth slowdowns mentioned in the analyst’s report.
For investors seeking a more comprehensive analysis, InvestingPro offers 11 additional tips that could provide further insights into BAH’s market position and future prospects.
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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