High-Growth Investments

argenx SE

argenx SE (ARGX) is a biotechnology company that develops therapies to treat patients with autoimmune diseases like Myasthenia Gravis. The company has three indications of VYVGART for the treatment of Myasthenia Gravis, and strong demand for these treatments continues to add to its top and bottom lines.

In fact, product sales jumped 98.4% year-over-year to $790.05 million in the first quarter. That crushed analysts’ expectations for $737.13 million. First-quarter earnings soared to $169.47 million, or $2.58 per share, up from a loss of $1.04 per share in the same quarter a year ago. Analysts expected earnings of $2.34 per share, so argenx posted a 10.3% earnings surprise.

Looking ahead to the second quarter, analysts have increased earnings estimates by nearly 9% in the past three months. Second-quarter earnings are now forecast to surge 543.9% year-over-year to $2.64 per share, while revenue is expected to rise 72.3% year-over-year to $776.89 million. ARGX is a Conservative buy below $630.

SOM Technicals:

2-28-25: Closed at 624.67. Trade pressures are rising into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 632.54.

3-8-25: Closed at 637.80. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 551.59.

3-14-25: Closed at 604.96. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target 646.06. A break below 586.50 sogmals lower.

3-21-25: Closed at 615.02. Trade pressues are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 629.85.

3-28-25: Closed at 589.15. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is the last pivot at 562.06.

4-5-25: Closed at 555.11. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 545.36.

4-12-25: Closed at 581.10. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 601.06.

4-18-25: Closed at 596.20. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 619.00.

4-26-25: Closed at 614.76. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 682.42.

5-2-25: Closed at 649.67. Trade pressures are up but declining. The next target up is 682.42.

5-10-25: Closed at 549.65. Trade pressures are down hard. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 500.42.

5-17-25: Closed at 565.73. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 588.62.

5-24-25: Closed at 587.61. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 594.77.

 

Carpenter Technology Corporation

Carpenter Technology Corporation (CRS) develops specialty alloys, including stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, magnetic iron, powder metals and titanium. So, the company is benefiting from growth in the specialty alloys market, which is anticipated to grow at a 4.3% compound annual growth rate and reach nearly $29 billion by 2031.

Growing demand for these specialty alloys was apparent in the company’s latest quarter results. During its third quarter in fiscal year 2025, sales rose 6.1% year-over-year to $727 million. Adjusted earnings increased 53% year-over-year to a record $137.8 million, or $1.88 per share. The consensus estimate called for earnings of $1.74 per share, so Carpenter Technology posted an 8% earnings surprise.

Following the third-quarter earnings beat and the company’s increased outlook for 2025, analysts have upped fourth-quarter earnings estimates over the past three months. Fourth-quarter earnings are now expected to grow 12.6% year-over-year to $2.05 per share. CRS is a Moderately Aggressive buy below $269.

SOM Technicals:

12-13-24: Closed at 174.09. Trade pressures are down and trending. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 150.21.

12-21-24: Closed at 169.97. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down remains 150.91.

12-27-24: Closed at 170.66. Trade pressures are up but turning down. Volumes are now neutral. The next target down is 163.00.

1-3-25: Closed at 180.13. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 182.64.

1-11-25: Closed at 185.96. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 195.20.

1-18-25: Closed at 206.58. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are  bullish. The next target up is 211.54.

1-24-25: Closed at 210.70. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 213.65.

1-31-25: Closed at 193.06. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 178.11.

2-8-25: Closed at 187.94. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 178.41.

2-15-25: Closed at 188.44. Trade presures are down but rising. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 191.93.

2-21-25: Closed at 195.10. Trde pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 187.98.

2-28-25: Closed at 204.07. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 208.91.

3-8-25: Closed at 180.26. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 156.92.

3-14-25: Closed at 183.50. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. After a low of 165.14, the next target up is 186.82.

3-21-25: Closed at 183.81. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 176.94.

3-28-25: Closed at 181.28. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is support at 172.30.

4-5-25: Closed at 151.66. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 138.16.

4-12-25: Closed at 170.88. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 177.31.

4-18-25: Closed at 170.21. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 166.51.

4-26-25: Closed at 199.00. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 216.00.

5-2-25: Closed at 213.01. Trade presures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 216.00.

5-10-25: Closed at 217.14. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 197.20.

5-17-25: Closed at 231.88. Trade pressure are up. Volumes are bulish. The next target up is 234.52.

5-24-25: Closed at 230.16. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bulish. The next target down is 217.83.

 

Exelixis, Inc.

Exelixis, Inc. (EXEL) was a new addition to the High-Growth Investments Buy List in the March Monthly Issue. If you recall, it’s an oncology company focused on developing new medicines to improve survival rates for patients with difficult-to-treat cancers. And Exelixis’ flagship product, CABOMETYX, serves as the foundation of its commitment to discover and develop the next generation of cancer treatments.

Thanks to increased demand for CABOMETYX, Exelixis achieved better-than-expected results for its first quarter – and it boosted its outlook for fiscal year 2025.

During the first quarter, revenue rose 30.6% year-over-year to $555.4 million, while earnings soared 245.4% year-over-year to $179.6 million, or $0.62 per share. The analyst community expected revenue of $500.96 million and earnings of $0.44 per share, so Exelixis posted a 10.9% revenue surprise and a 40.9% earnings surprise.

For fiscal year 2025, Exelixis now expects total revenue between $2.25 billion and $2.35 billion, up from previous estimates of $2.15 billion to $2.25 billion. The new outlook also represents 3.7% to 8.3% annual revenue growth. EXEL is a Conservative buy below $47.

SOM Technicals:

5-24-25: Closed at 42.39. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 41.31.

 

Palantir Technologies, Inc.

Palantir Technologies, Inc. (PLTR) specializes in data analysis, as it’s built platforms that integrate, manage and secure data – and then it layers applications on top of these platforms for human-driven, machine-assisted analysis. In addition to data analysis, though, Palantir also has several other platforms: an AI platform, the Foundry platform, the Gotham software platform and the Apollo platform.

Just this week, Palantir Technologies inked a strategic partnership with Divergent Technologies, Inc. Under the terms of the partnership, Palantir Technologies’ customers will now gain access to Divergent’s digital manufacturing solutions, which will help “identify and solve production shortages and new product developments.”

Strong demand for Palantir Technologies’ AI software also continues to add to its top and bottom lines. In fact, it drove revenue to $884 million in the first quarter, topping estimates for $862.13 million. Adjusted first-quarter earnings jumped 69.8% year-over-year to $334.4 million, or $0.13 per share, which was in line with analysts’ expectations.

Thanks to the positive first-quarter results, Palantir Technologies also increased its full-year outlook. The company now expects 2025 revenue between $3.89 billion and $3.902 billion, compared to previous estimates for $3.75 billion. In turn, analysts have also upped their second-quarter earnings estimates and now expect earnings to increase 55.5% year-over-year. PLTR is a Moderately Aggressive buy below $147.

SOM Technicals:

4-26-25: Closed at 112.70. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 118.66.

5-2-25: Closed at 124.28. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 131.06.

5-10-25: Closed at 116.72. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. The next target up down is 95.62.

5-17-25: Closed at 125.60. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volmes are bullish. The next target down is 118.67.

5-24-25: Closed at 123.31. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 103.85.

 

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (SFM) offers healthy, nutritional food in the U.S. Currently, the company operates more than 440 stores, with California as its biggest market with 149 stores. The majority of its food items are natural or organic, and it also provides many gluten-free, plant-based, grass-fed, non-GMO and raw food options.

During the first quarter, Sprouts Farmers Market opened three new stores, bringing its total store count to 443 stores in 24 U.S. states. First-quarter comparable store sales grew 11.7%.

Sprouts Farmers Market also reported that total first-quarter sales increased 19% year-over-year to $2.2 billion, and earnings rose 61.6% year-over-year to $1.81 per share. The consensus estimate called for earnings of $1.55 per share on $2.21 billion in sales, so SFM posted a 16.8% earnings surprise and a slight sales surprise.

The company’s outlook also remains robust, as it expects second-quarter earnings per share between $1.19 and $1.23. That represents between 26.6% and 30.9% year-over-year earnings growth. The analyst community has also upped second-quarter earnings estimates by nearly 13% in the past three months, so another quarterly earnings surprise is likely. SFM is a Moderately Aggressive buy below $184.

SOM Technicals:

11-22-24: Closed at 147.13. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 148.56.

12-06-24: Closed at 154.04. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 155.87.

12-13-24: Closed at 147.79. Trade pressures are up but turning down. Volumes are bearish. the next target down is 142.69.

12-20-24: Closed at 131.70. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 126.86.

12-20-24: Closed at 128.50. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 126.74.

1-3-25: Closed at 134.65. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 148.97.

1-11-25: Closed at 137.98. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 134.61.

1-18-25: Closed at 139.25. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 148.97.

1-24-25: Closed at 146.75. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 148.97.

1-31-25: Closed at 158.34. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. At resisitance, a move below 152.03 would signal lower.

2-8-25: Closed at 167.97. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish.The next target up is 172.77.

2-15-25: Closed at 177.12. Trade pressures are up. Volum es are bullish. The next target up is 184.00.

2-21-25: Closed at 143.32. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 129.71.

2-28-25: Closed at 148.40. Trade pressures are up into the neutral zone. Volumes are bearish. The next target up is 156.66.

3-8-25: Closed at 136.97. Trade preessures are down. volumes are bullish. The next target down is 129.71.

3-14-25: Closed at 136.75. Trade pressure are up into the neutral zone. After a low of 30.06, the next target up is 143.51.

3-21-25: Closed at 142.39. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 143.51.

3-28-25: Closed at 147.76. Trade pressures are up, but turning down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is support at 134.86.

4-5-25: Closed at 145.29. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 142.96.

4-12-25: Closed at 157.27. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 163.31.

4-18-25: Closed at 160.99. Trade pressures are up but declioning. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 163.31.

4-26-25: Closed at 167.54. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 174.51.

5-2-25: Closed at 173.83. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bearish. The next target up is 183.87.

5-10-25: Closed at 161.77. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 153.60.

5-17-25: Closed at 167.42. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 174.56.

5-24-25: Closed at 163.43. Trade pressures are down. Volum es are bearish. The next target down is 153.69.

 

High-Growth Investments

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (AEM) is a Canadian gold mining company that’s directly in line to benefit from rising gold prices. The fact is Agnico Eagle Mines is the third-largest gold producer in the world, with operations in not only Canada but also Australia, Finland and Mexico. And strong production from its mines added handsomely to its top and bottom lines in the most recent quarter.

In fact, the company produced 873,794 ounces of gold in the quarter and sold 842,965 ounces. Agnico Eagle Mines maintained its production outlook for the year, expecting gold production between 3.3 million ounces and 3.5 million ounces.

First-quarter adjusted earnings surged 101.3% year-over-year to a record $770 million, or $1.53 per share, which compared to $377 million, or $0.76 per share, in the first quarter of 2024. The consensus estimate called for earnings of $1.38 per share, so AEM posted a 10.9% earnings surprise.

Agnico Eagle Mines also noted that it will pay a quarterly dividend of $0.40 per share on June 16. All shareholders of record on May 30 will receive the dividend. The stock has a 1.3% dividend yield. AEM is a Conservative buy below $128.

SOM Technicals:

2-28-25: Closed at 96.28. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 101.45.

3-8-25: Closed at 98.79. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 101.45.

3-14-25: Closed at 103.60. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next targewt up is 104.49.

3-21-25: Closed at 104.34. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 101.40.

3-28-25: Clossed at 107.35. Trade pressure are up. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 105.12.

4-5-25: Closed at 99.48. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 97.21.

4-12-25: Closed at 117.65. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 120.

4-18-25: Closed at 121.53. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 125.94.

4-26-25: Closed at 118.50. Trade pressures are doiwn. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 112.93.

5-2-25: Closed at 114.85. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 104.38.

5-10-25: Closed at 117.32. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 111.59.

5-17-25: Closed at 107.90. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 100.69.

 

argenx SE

argenx SE (ARGX) is a biotechnology company that develops therapies to treat patients with autoimmune diseases like Myasthenia Gravis. The company has three indications of VYVGART for the treatment of Myasthenia Gravis, and strong demand for these treatments is expected to continue to add to its top and bottom lines.

argenx is scheduled to announce first-quarter results on May 8. First-quarter earnings are forecast to surge to $2.16 per share, up from an earnings loss of $0.97 per share in the same quarter last year. The analyst community has also increased earnings estimates over the past three months, which is setting the company up for a positive earnings surprise.

First-quarter revenue is expected to jump 92% year-over-year to $737.13 million, compared to $383.84 million in the same quarter a year ago. ARGX is a Conservative buy below $657.

SOM Technicals:

2-28-25: Closed at 624.67. Trade pressures are rising into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 632.54.

3-8-25: Closed at 637.80. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 551.59.

3-14-25: Closed at 604.96. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target 646.06. A break below 586.50 sogmals lower.

3-21-25: Closed at 615.02. Trade pressues are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 629.85.

3-28-25: Closed at 589.15. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is the last pivot at 562.06.

4-5-25: Closed at 555.11. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 545.36.

4-12-25: Closed at 581.10. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 601.06.

4-18-25: Closed at 596.20. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 619.00.

4-26-25: Closed at 614.76. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 682.42.

5-2-25: Closed at 649.67. Trade pressures are up but declining. The next target up is 682.42.

5-10-25: Closed at 549.65. Trade pressures are down hard. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 500.42.

5-17-25: Closed at 565.73. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 588.62.

 

Carpenter Technology Corporation

Carpenter Technology Corporation (CRS) develops specialty alloys, including stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, magnetic iron, powder metals and titanium. Persistent demand for these alloys has added to its top and bottom lines, which was apparent in the company’s latest quarter results. In fact, the company achieved its most profitable quarter in company history.

Third-quarter adjusted earnings jumped 53% year-over-year to a record $137.8 million, or $1.88 per share. Analysts expected adjusted earnings of $1.74 per share, so Carpenter Technology posted an 8% earnings surprise. Third-quarter sales grew 6.1% year-over-year to $727 million, compared to $684.9 million. The analyst community expected total sales of $729.35 million.

Given the strength of its most recent quarter, Carpenter Technology increased its fiscal year 2025 outlook. The company now expects full-year operating earnings between $520 million and $527 million, or about 50% annual earnings growth. Fourth-quarter operating earnings are forecast to be between $146 million and $153 million. CRS is a Moderately Aggressive buy below $229.

SOM Technicals:

12-13-24: Closed at 174.09. Trade pressures are down and trending. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 150.21.

12-21-24: Closed at 169.97. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down remains 150.91.

12-27-24: Closed at 170.66. Trade pressures are up but turning down. Volumes are now neutral. The next target down is 163.00.

1-3-25: Closed at 180.13. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 182.64.

1-11-25: Closed at 185.96. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 195.20.

1-18-25: Closed at 206.58. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are  bullish. The next target up is 211.54.

1-24-25: Closed at 210.70. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 213.65.

1-31-25: Closed at 193.06. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 178.11.

2-8-25: Closed at 187.94. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 178.41.

2-15-25: Closed at 188.44. Trade presures are down but rising. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 191.93.

2-21-25: Closed at 195.10. Trde pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 187.98.

2-28-25: Closed at 204.07. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 208.91.

3-8-25: Closed at 180.26. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 156.92.

3-14-25: Closed at 183.50. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. After a low of 165.14, the next target up is 186.82.

3-21-25: Closed at 183.81. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 176.94.

3-28-25: Closed at 181.28. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is support at 172.30.

4-5-25: Closed at 151.66. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 138.16.

4-12-25: Closed at 170.88. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 177.31.

4-18-25: Closed at 170.21. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 166.51.

4-26-25: Closed at 199.00. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 216.00.

5-2-25: Closed at 213.01. Trade presures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 216.00.

5-10-25: Closed at 217.14. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 197.20.

5-17-25: Closed at 231.88. Trade pressure are up. Volumes are bulish. The next target up is 234.52.

 

Palantir Technologies, Inc.

Palantir Technologies, Inc. (PLTR) specializes in data analysis, as it’s built platforms that integrate, manage and secure data – and then it layers applications on top of these platforms for human-driven, machine-assisted analysis. In addition to data analysis, though, Palantir also has several other platforms: an AI platform, the Foundry platform, the Gotham software platform and the Apollo platform.

Demand has been particularly strong for its AI solutions – and I suspect that will be apparent in the company’s upcoming quarterly results. Palantir will announce first-quarter results on May 5.

First-quarter earnings are forecast to increase 62.5% year-over-year to $0.13 per share, up from $0.08 per share in the same quarter a year ago. Analysts have also upped earnings estimates in the past three months, which is setting the company up for a fifth-straight quarterly earnings surprise.

Sales are expected to rise 36% year-over-year to $862.97 million, compared to $634.34 million in the first quarter of 2024. PLTR is a Moderately Aggressive buy below $129.

SOM Technicals:

4-26-25: Closed at 112.70. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 118.66.

5-2-25: Closed at 124.28. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 131.06.

5-10-25: Closed at 116.72. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. The next target up down is 95.62.

5-17-25: Closed at 125.60. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volmes are bullish. The next target down is 118.67.

 

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (SFM) offers healthy, nutritional food in 24 U.S. states. Currently, the company operates more than 450 stores across the U.S., with California as its biggest market with 151 stores. The majority of its food items are natural or organic, and it also provides many gluten-free, plant-based, grass-fed, non-GMO and raw food options.

Sprouts Famers Market is scheduled to announce results for the first quarter on Wednesday, April 30. The current consensus estimate calls for earnings of $1.54 per share and sales of $2.2 billion, which represents 37.5% year-over-year earnings growth and 16.8% year-over-year sales growth.

The analyst community has increased earnings estimates by 20% in the past three months, so a fifth-straight quarterly earnings surprise is likely. SFM is a Moderately Aggressive buy below $187.

SOM Technicals:

11-22-24: Closed at 147.13. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 148.56.

12-06-24: Closed at 154.04. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 155.87.

12-13-24: Closed at 147.79. Trade pressures are up but turning down. Volumes are bearish. the next target down is 142.69.

12-20-24: Closed at 131.70. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 126.86.

12-20-24: Closed at 128.50. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 126.74.

1-3-25: Closed at 134.65. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 148.97.

1-11-25: Closed at 137.98. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 134.61.

1-18-25: Closed at 139.25. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 148.97.

1-24-25: Closed at 146.75. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 148.97.

1-31-25: Closed at 158.34. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. At resisitance, a move below 152.03 would signal lower.

2-8-25: Closed at 167.97. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish.The next target up is 172.77.

2-15-25: Closed at 177.12. Trade pressures are up. Volum es are bullish. The next target up is 184.00.

2-21-25: Closed at 143.32. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 129.71.

2-28-25: Closed at 148.40. Trade pressures are up into the neutral zone. Volumes are bearish. The next target up is 156.66.

3-8-25: Closed at 136.97. Trade preessures are down. volumes are bullish. The next target down is 129.71.

3-14-25: Closed at 136.75. Trade pressure are up into the neutral zone. After a low of 30.06, the next target up is 143.51.

3-21-25: Closed at 142.39. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 143.51.

3-28-25: Closed at 147.76. Trade pressures are up, but turning down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is support at 134.86.

4-5-25: Closed at 145.29. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 142.96.

4-12-25: Closed at 157.27. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 163.31.

4-18-25: Closed at 160.99. Trade pressures are up but declioning. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 163.31.

4-26-25: Closed at 167.54. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 174.51.

5-2-25: Closed at 173.83. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bearish. The next target up is 183.87.

5-10-25: Closed at 161.77. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 153.60.

5-17-25: Closed at 167.42. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 174.56.

High-Growth Investments

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd.

Agnico Eagle Mines Ltd. (AEM), our Canadian gold mining company, continues to benefit from the surge in gold prices. In the first three months of 2025, gold prices have increased nearly 15% and are sitting near all-time highs. And gold prices are up about 38% in the past 12 months.

The fact is gold is considered a safe haven in times of economic uncertainty, and all of the uncertainty surrounding global central banks, the Trump 2.0 tariffs and slowing economic growth has driven many investors back to the yellow metal this year. And we don’t have to wait long to see how demand for gold and rising prices have added to Agnico Eagle Mines’ top and bottom lines.

Agnico Eagle Mines is scheduled to announce results for its first quarter in fiscal year 2025 on April 24. The analyst community expects first-quarter earnings of $1.14 per share and total revenue of $2.27 billion, which represents 21.6% year-over-year earnings growth and 24% year-over-year revenue growth.

The analyst community has also increased earnings estimates slightly in the past month. As you know, positive analyst revisions typically precede future earnings surprises. AEM is a Conservative buy below $118.

SOM Technicals:

2-28-25: Closed at 96.28. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 101.45.

3-8-25: Closed at 98.79. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 101.45.

3-14-25: Closed at 103.60. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next targewt up is 104.49.

3-21-25: Closed at 104.34. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 101.40.

3-28-25: Clossed at 107.35. Trade pressure are up. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 105.12.

4-5-25: Closed at 99.48. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 97.21.

4-12-25: Closed at 117.65. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 120.

4-18-25: Closed at 121.53. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 125.94.

 

Argenx SE

Argenx SE (ARGX) is a biotechnology company that develops therapies to treat patients with autoimmune diseases like Myasthenia Gravis. The company has three indications of VYVGART for the treatment of Myasthenia Gravis, and strong demand for these treatments drove VYVGART sales 84% year-over-year to $2.19 billion in 2024.

And thanks to persistent demand for VYVGART, Argenx reported that the company’s total sales nearly doubled in fiscal year 2024. The company achieved total revenue of $2.52 billion in 2024, up from $1.27 billion in 2023.

Looking forward to fiscal year 2025, analysts expect robust growth in Argenx’s total sales. Full-year 2025 sales are forecast to increase 57.5% year-over-year to $3.38 billion. Full-year earnings are also expected to surge 684.8% year-over-year to $12.40 per share.

In the near-term, the consensus estimate calls for first-quarter earnings of $1.92 per share and total sales of $748.22 million. That’s up from an earnings per share loss of $0.97 and sales of $383.84 million, in the first quarter of 2024. Analysts also continue to increase earnings estimates, which bodes well for another earnings surprise. ARGX is a Conservative buy below $635.

SOM Technicals:

2-28-25: Closed at 624.67. Trade pressures are rising into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 632.54.

3-8-25: Closed at 637.80. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 551.59.

3-14-25: Closed at 604.96. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target 646.06. A break below 586.50 sogmals lower.

3-21-25: Closed at 615.02. Trade pressues are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 629.85.

3-28-25: Closed at 589.15. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is the last pivot at 562.06.

4-5-25: Closed at 555.11. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 545.36.

4-12-25: Closed at 581.10. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 601.06.

4-18-25: Closed at 596.20. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 619.00

 

Carpenter Technology Corporation

Carpenter Technology Corporation (CRS) develops specialty alloys, including stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, magnetic iron, powder metals and titanium. Persistent demand for these alloys has added to its top and bottom lines, which has attracted institutional investors. The stock continues to earn an A Quantitative grade thanks to this persistent institutional buying pressure.

Just how strong are the company’s fundamentals? Well, for its third quarter in fiscal year 2025, earnings are forecast to increase 45.4% year-over-year to $1.73 per share, and revenue is expected to grow 6.4% year-over-year to $728.8 million.

Fiscal year 2025 estimates also remain robust. The current consensus estimate calls for full-year earnings of $7.16 per share and revenue of $2.94 billion, which represents 51% annual earnings growth and 6.5% annual revenue growth. CRS is a Moderately Aggressive buy below $207.

SOM Technicals:

12-13-24: Closed at 174.09. Trade pressures are down and trending. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 150.21.

12-21-24: Closed at 169.97. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down remains 150.91.

12-27-24: Closed at 170.66. Trade pressures are up but turning down. Volumes are now neutral. The next target down is 163.00.

1-3-25: Closed at 180.13. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 182.64.

1-11-25: Closed at 185.96. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 195.20.

1-18-25: Closed at 206.58. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are  bullish. The next target up is 211.54.

1-24-25: Closed at 210.70. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 213.65.

1-31-25: Closed at 193.06. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 178.11.

2-8-25: Closed at 187.94. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 178.41.

2-15-25: Closed at 188.44. Trade presures are down but rising. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 191.93.

2-21-25: Closed at 195.10. Trde pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 187.98.

2-28-25: Closed at 204.07. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 208.91.

3-8-25: Closed at 180.26. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 156.92.

3-14-25: Closed at 183.50. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. After a low of 165.14, the next target up is 186.82.

3-21-25: Closed at 183.81. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 176.94.

3-28-25: Closed at 181.28. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is support at 172.30.

4-5-25: Closed at 151.66. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 138.16.

4-12-25: Closed at 170.88. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 177.31.

4-18-25: Closed at 170.21. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 166.51.

 

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.

Howmet Aerospace, Inc. (HWM) is a Pennsylvania-based company that develops engineered solutions for the aerospace and industrial industries. Specifically, Howmet Aerospace operates four main businesses: engine products, fastening systems, engineered structures and forged wheels.

Recently, Howmet Aerospace noted an uptick in demand for parts that used to be manufactured at the SPS factory in Philadelphia, as production was halted there after a fire. Howmet Aerospace has the necessary certifications to manufacture some of these parts, and it is working diligently to meet customers’ demands.

Howmet Aerospace is also benefiting from increases in plane production at big airplane manufacturers like Boeing Co. (BA) and Airbus. Howmet Aerospace aims to help Boeing achieve its goal of 38 planes (737 MAX planes) per month.

So, it’s not too surprising that the analyst community has increased first-quarter earnings estimates over the past month. First-quarter earnings are now forecast to jump 36.8% year-over-year to $0.78 per share, up from $0.57 per share in the same quarter a year ago. Revenue is expected to rise 6.65% year-over-year to $1.95 billion. HWM is a Moderately Aggressive buy below $144.

SOM Technicals:

10-28-24: Opened at 102.08. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 102.88.

11-8-24: Closed at 113.65. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 115.38.

11-16-24: Closed at 112.01. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 108.64.

11-16-24: Closed at 118.44. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 119.28.

12-06-24: Closed at 118.31. Trade pressures are up but have turned down. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 120.71.

12-13-24: Closed at 113.43. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 106.65.

12-20-24: Closed at 110.83. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down remains 106.65.

12-27-24: Closed at 111.23. Trade pressures are up but turning down. Volumes are now neutral. The next target down is 106.65.

1-3-25: Closed at 112.76. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 118.47.

1-11-25: Closed at 112.64. Trade pressures are rising into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 118.50.

1-18-25: Closed at 125.30. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 129.47.

1-24-25: Closed at 127.03. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. the next target down is 125.00. 

1-31-25: Closed at 126.58. Trade pressures are rising into the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 122.61.

2-8-25: Closed at 127.70. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next taerget up is 129.47.

2-15-25: closed at 133.42. Trade pressures are up into the neutral zone. volum es are bullish. The next target up is 134.85.

2-21-25: Closed at 129.83. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 127.37.

3-28-25: Closed at 129.69. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. Support is at 124.57.

4-5-25: Closed at 112.13. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 107.72.

4-12-25: Closed at 125.67. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 136.90.

4-18-25: Closed at 123.23. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 113.47.

 

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (SFM) offers healthy, nutritional food in 24 U.S. states. Currently, the company operates more than 450 stores across the U.S., with California as its biggest market with 151 stores. The majority of its food items are natural or organic, and it also provides many gluten-free, plant-based, grass-fed, non-GMO and raw food options.

Even though the New Year’s resolutions have worn off at this point, it’s clear that folks have started to make healthier eating a lifestyle change. Sprouts Farmers Market achieved sales of $2.0 billion and earnings of $0.79 in the fourth quarter, which represented 18% year-over-year sales growth and 61.2% year-over-year earnings growth.

In the wake of the strong quarter results, analysts have increased first-quarter earnings estimates by 20% in the past two months. First-quarter earnings are now forecast to increase 37.5% year-over-year to $1.54 per share, while sales are expected to grow 16.8% year-over-year to $2.2 billion. SFM is a Moderately Aggressive buy below $166.

SOM Technicals:

11-22-24: Closed at 147.13. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 148.56.

12-06-24: Closed at 154.04. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 155.87.

12-13-24: Closed at 147.79. Trade pressures are up but turning down. Volumes are bearish. the next target down is 142.69.

12-20-24: Closed at 131.70. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 126.86.

12-20-24: Closed at 128.50. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 126.74.

1-3-25: Closed at 134.65. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 148.97.

1-11-25: Closed at 137.98. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 134.61.

1-18-25: Closed at 139.25. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 148.97.

1-24-25: Closed at 146.75. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 148.97.

1-31-25: Closed at 158.34. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. At resisitance, a move below 152.03 would signal lower.

2-8-25: Closed at 167.97. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish.The next target up is 172.77.

2-15-25: Closed at 177.12. Trade pressures are up. Volum es are bullish. The next target up is 184.00.

2-21-25: Closed at 143.32. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 129.71.

2-28-25: Closed at 148.40. Trade pressures are up into the neutral zone. Volumes are bearish. The next target up is 156.66.

3-8-25: Closed at 136.97. Trade preessures are down. volumes are bullish. The next target down is 129.71.

3-14-25: Closed at 136.75. Trade pressure are up into the neutral zone. After a low of 30.06, the next target up is 143.51.

3-21-25: Closed at 142.39. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 143.51.

3-28-25: Closed at 147.76. Trade pressures are up, but turning down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is support at 134.86.

4-5-25: Closed at 145.29. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 142.96.

4-12-25: Closed at 157.27. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 163.31.

4-18-25: Closed at 160.99. Trade pressures are up but declioning. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 163.31.

 

High-Growth Investments

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited

Agnico Eagle Mines Limited (AEM) is a Canadian mining company that’s focused primarily on gold. In fact, it’s the third-largest gold producer in the world, with operations in not only Canada, but also Australia, Finland and Mexico. In fiscal year 2024, Agnico Eagle Mines produced 3.5 million ounces of gold, a new record for the company.

For the fourth quarter, the company reported record adjusted earnings of $632.0 million, or $1.26 per share, which represented a 125% year-over-year increase. Analysts only expected adjusted earnings of $1.17 per share, so AEM posted a 7.7% earnings surprise.

Agnico Eagle Mines also achieved adjusted earnings of $4.24 per share in fiscal year 2024, or 89.3% annual earnings growth. The company also announced that it will pay a quarterly dividend of $0.40 per share on March 14 to all shareholders of record on February 28. The stock has a 1.7% dividend yield. AEM is a Conservative buy below $104.

SOM Technicals:

2-28-25: Closed at 96.28. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 101.45.

3-8-25: Closed at 98.79. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 101.45.

3-14-25: Closed at 103.60. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next targewt up is 104.49.

3-21-25: Closed at 104.34. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 101.40.

 

argenx SE

argenx SE (ARGX) was a new addition to the High-Growth Investments Buy List in the February Monthly Issue. As a biotechnology company, argenx develops therapies to treat patients with autoimmune diseases like Myasthenia Gravis. The company developed Efgartigimod, which is the first neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) approved for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

The company noted that it exceeded 10,000 patients across its three indications of VYVGART in 2024, and continued demand for the treatment is expected to help the company become profitable in 2025. VYVGART sales totaled $2.19 billion in 2024, up from $1.19 billion in 2023.

For fiscal year 2024, argenx achieved total sales of $2.52 billion and earnings of $833.0 million, which was up from sales of $1.27 billion and an earnings loss in fiscal year 2023. Full-year 2024 earnings per share came in at $12.78.

For the fourth quarter, argenx reported total sales of $761.0 million and earnings of $99.0 million, compared to sales of $418.0 million and an earnings loss in the fourth quarter of 2023. argenx also announced fourth-quarter earnings per share of $11.79. The consensus estimate called for earnings of $2.05 per share and sales of $737.68 million. ARGX is a Conservative buy below $661.

SOM Technicals:

2-28-25: Closed at 624.67. Trade pressures are rising into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 632.54.

3-8-25: Closed at 637.80. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 551.59.

3-14-25: Closed at 604.96. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target 646.06. A break below 586.50 sogmals lower.

3-21-25: Closed at 615.02. Trade pressues are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 629.85.

 

Carpenter Technology Corporation

Carpenter Technology Corporation (CRS) develops specialty alloys, offering more than 500 alloys including stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, magnetic iron, powder metals and titanium. The alloys are used in products, parts and components by customers around the world. In fact, Carpenter Technology has operations throughout the U.S., Europe and Asia.

Back in January, Carpenter Technology released better-than-expected results for its second quarter in fiscal year 2025. Adjusted earnings soared 95.3% year-over-year to $1.66 per share, topping analysts’ estimates for $1.61 per share. Second-quarter sales rose 8.4% year-over-year to $676.9 million.

The second quarter represented the most profitable quarter in Carpenter Technology’s history – and as a result, the company increased its outlook for 2025. In the wake of the strong outlook and positive quarterly results, the analyst community has upped its third-quarter earnings estimates, with earnings now forecast to rise 48% year-over-year. CRS is a Moderately Aggressive buy below $230.

SOM Technicals:

12-13-24: Closed at 174.09. Trade pressures are down and trending. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 150.21.

12-21-24: Closed at 169.97. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down remains 150.91.

12-27-24: Closed at 170.66. Trade pressures are up but turning down. Volumes are now neutral. The next target down is 163.00.

1-3-25: Closed at 180.13. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 182.64.

1-11-25: Closed at 185.96. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 195.20.

1-18-25: Closed at 206.58. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are  bullish. The next target up is 211.54.

1-24-25: Closed at 210.70. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 213.65.

1-31-25: Closed at 193.06. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 178.11.

2-8-25: Closed at 187.94. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 178.41.

2-15-25: Closed at 188.44. Trade presures are down but rising. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 191.93.

2-21-25: Closed at 195.10. Trde pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 187.98.

2-28-25: Closed at 204.07. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 208.91.

3-8-25: Closed at 180.26. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 156.92.

3-14-25: Closed at 183.50. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. After a low of 165.14, the next target up is 186.82.

3-21-25: Closed at 183.81. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 176.94.

 

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (SFM) offers healthy, nutritional food at its more than 400 stores in 23 U.S. states. The company boasts that the majority of its food items are natural or organic, and it also provides many gluten-free, plant-based, grass-fed, non-GMO and raw food options. And based on recent results, consumers appreciate the variety of offerings at Sprouts Farmers Market stores.

Fourth-quarter sales rose 18% year-over-year to $2.0 billion, while earnings increased 61.2% year-over-year to $0.79 per share. The analyst community expected earnings of $0.73 per share and sales of $1.96 billion, so SFM posted an 8.2% earnings surprise and a slight sales surprise.

Sprouts Farmers Market also provided a strong outlook for its fiscal year 2025, expecting annual sales growth between 10.5% and 12.5% and annual earnings growth between 20.5% and 24.8%. Following the positive guidance, analysts have increased earnings estimates for the next several quarters. SFM is a Moderately Aggressive buy below $166.

SOM Technicals:

11-22-24: Closed at 147.13. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 148.56.

12-06-24: Closed at 154.04. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 155.87.

12-13-24: Closed at 147.79. Trade pressures are up but turning down. Volumes are bearish. the next target down is 142.69.

12-20-24: Closed at 131.70. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 126.86.

12-20-24: Closed at 128.50. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 126.74.

1-3-25: Closed at 134.65. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 148.97.

1-11-25: Closed at 137.98. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 134.61.

1-18-25: Closed at 139.25. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 148.97.

1-24-25: Closed at 146.75. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 148.97.

1-31-25: Closed at 158.34. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. At resisitance, a move below 152.03 would signal lower.

2-8-25: Closed at 167.97. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish.The next target up is 172.77.

2-15-25: Closed at 177.12. Trade pressures are up. Volum es are bullish. The next target up is 184.00.

2-21-25: Closed at 143.32. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 129.71.

2-28-25: Closed at 148.40. Trade pressures are up into the neutral zone. Volumes are bearish. The next target up is 156.66.

3-8-25: Closed at 136.97. Trade preessures are down. volumes are bullish. The next target down is 129.71.

3-14-25: Closed at 136.75. Trade pressure are up into the neutral zone. After a low of a30.06, the next target up is 143.51.

3-21-25: Closed at 142.39. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 143.51.

 

Targa Resources Corporation

Targa Resources Corporation (TRGP) is a midstream energy company that provides gathering and processing systems and logistics and transportation systems. The company operates more than 31,000 miles of natural gas pipelines and 53 processing plants, which service top natural gas and crude oil-producing basins in the U.S.

Targa Resources experienced robust demand for its systems in 2024, which led to record Permian, natural gas liquids (NGL) transportation, fractionation and liquified petroleum gas (LPG) export volumes in its fiscal year 2024. Targa Resources reported full-year earnings of $1.28 billion and total revenue of $16.38 billion, which represented 53% annual earnings growth and 2% annual revenue growth.

Following the positive results, the analyst community has increased its estimates for the first quarter in fiscal year 2025 by 13.6% in the past week alone. First-quarter earnings are now forecast to rise 46.7% year-over-year to $2.01 per share, compared to $1.37 per share in the same quarter a year ago. TRGP is a Conservative buy below $220.

SOM Technicals:

5-25-24: Closed at 114.28. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 111.90.

6-2-24: Closed at 118.23. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 119.68.

6-8-24: Closed at 118.01. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 119.68.

6-15-24: Closed at 119.00. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 117.63.

6-23-24: Closed at 125.10. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 123.65.

6-30-24: Closed at 128.78. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 130.53.

7-5-24: Closed at 132.49. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 139.71.

7-12-24: Closed at 135.05. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 137.41.

7-20-24: Closed at 136.37. Trade pressures are up. Volumes remain bullish. The next target up is 139.96.

8-3-24: Closed at 130.58. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 126.70.

8-11-24: Closed at 135.69. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 139.35, the prior high.

8-16-24: Closed at 142.83. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 150.00.

8-26-24: Closed at 145.47. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 151.82.

9-28-24: Closed at 146.80. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 140.89.

10-5-24. Closed at 158.02. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 159.07.

10-12-24: Closed at 165.76. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is169.90.

10-18-24: Closed at 162.75. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 157.41.

10-28-24: Closed at 164.72. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 160.29.

11-8-24: Closed at 192.28. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 195.00.

11-16-24: Closed at 196.04. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 197.14.

11-22-24: Closed at 207.31. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 210.40.

12-06-24: Closed at 194.34. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 182.70.

12-13-24: Closed at 184.62. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 172.37.

12-20-24: Closed at 176.89. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 187.58.

12-27-24: Closed at 177.36. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 172.13.

1-3-25: Closed at 188.17. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 193.02.

1-11-25: Closed at 193.30. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 187.15.

1-18-25: Closed at 215.72. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 225.15.

1-24-25: Closed at 209.07. Trade pressures are down to the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 199.17.

1-31-25: Closed at 196.80. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 179.83.

2-8-25: Closed at 201.42. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 194.61.

2-15-25: Closed at 205.36. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is the 214 resistance.

2-21-25: Closed at 200.36. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 194.61.

2-28-25: Closed at 201.72. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bearish. The next target up is 207.21.

3-8-25: Closed at 181.91. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 163.24.

3-14-25: Closed at 190.30. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. After a low of 175.00, the next target up is 199.51.

3-21-25: Closed at 197.40. Trade pressures are up but turming down. Voumes are bullish. The next target down is 190.99.

Carpenter Technology Corporation

Carpenter Technology Corporation (CRS) develops specialty alloys, offering more than 500 alloys, including stainless steel, nickel, cobalt, magnetic iron, powder metals and titanium. The alloys are used in products, parts and components by customers around the world.

Strong demand for its alloys has added to the company’s top and bottom lines in recent quarters – and that was apparent in Carpenter Technology’s latest results on Thursday.

For its second quarter in fiscal year 2025, Carpenter Technology reported that operating earnings soared 70% year-over-year to a new record of $118.9 million. Adjusted earnings surged 95.3% year-over-year to $1.66 per share, up from $0.85 per share in the second quarter of 2024. The consensus estimate called for adjusted earnings of $1.61 per share.

Given that the second quarter was the second most profitable quarter in Carpenter Technology’s history, the company also upped its outlook for 2025. Operating earnings are now forecast to be between $500 million and $520 million, compared to previous estimates for $460.0 million to $500.0 million. CRS is an Aggressive buy below $227.

SOM Technicals:

12-13-24: Closed at 174.09. Trade pressures are down and trending. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 150.21.

12-21-24: Closed at 169.97. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down remains 150.91.

12-27-24: Closed at 170.66. Trade pressures are up but turning down. Volumes are now neutral. The next target down is 163.00.

1-3-25: Closed at 180.13. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 182.64.

1-11-25: Closed at 185.96. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 195.20.

1-18-25: Closed at 206.58. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are  bullish. The next target up is 211.54.

1-24-25: Closed at 210.70. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 213.65.

1-31-25: Closed at 193.06. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 178.11.

2-8-25: Closed at 187.94. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 178.41.

2-15-25: Closed at 188.44. Trade presures are down but rising. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 191.93.

2-21-25: Closed at 195.10. Trde pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 187.98.

 

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.

Howmet Aerospace, Inc. (HWM) is a Pennsylvania-based company that develops engineered solutions for the aerospace and industrial industries. Specifically, Howmet Aerospace operates four main businesses: engine products, fastening systems, engineered structures and forged wheels.

Howmet Aerospace is scheduled to release fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 results on February 13.

For the fourth quarter, earnings are forecast to increase 35.8% year-over-year to $0.72 per share, up from $0.53 per share in the same quarter a year ago. Revenue is expected to rise 8.5% year-over-year to $1.88 billion. Analysts have upped earnings estimates slightly in the past three months, so a fifth-straight quarterly earnings surprise is likely.

For its fiscal year 2024, Howmet Aerospace is expected to achieve earnings of $2.67 per share on $7.42 billion in revenue. That translates to 45.1% annual earnings growth and 11.7% annual revenue growth. HWM is a Moderately Aggressive buy below $141.

SOM Technicals:

10-28-24: Opened at 102.08. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 102.88.

11-8-24: Closed at 113.65. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 115.38.

11-16-24: Closed at 112.01. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 108.64.

11-16-24: Closed at 118.44. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 119.28.

12-06-24: Closed at 118.31. Trade pressures are up but have turned down. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 120.71.

12-13-24: Closed at 113.43. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 106.65.

12-20-24: Closed at 110.83. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down remains 106.65.

12-27-24: Closed at 111.23. Trade pressures are up but turning down. Volumes are now neutral. The next target down is 106.65.

1-3-25: Closed at 112.76. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 118.47.

1-11-25: Closed at 112.64. Trade pressures are rising into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 118.50.

1-18-25: Closed at 125.30. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 129.47.

1-24-25: Closed at 127.03. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. the next target down is 125.00. 

1-31-25: Closed at 126.58. Trade pressures are rising into the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 122.61.

2-8-25: Closed at 127.70. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next taerget up is 129.47.

2-15-25: closed at 133.42. Trade pressures are up into the neutral zone. volum es are bullish. The next target up is 134.85.

2-21-25: Closed at 129.83. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 127.37.

 

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (SFM) offers healthy, nutritional food at over 400 stores in 23 U.S. The company boasts that the majority of its food items are natural or organic, and it also provides many gluten-free, plant-based, grass-fed, non-GMO and raw food options.

Sprouts Famers Market plans to post fourth-quarter and full-year 2024 results on February 20.

Fourth-quarter earnings are forecast to jump 46.9% year-over-year to $0.72 per share, compared to $0.49 per share in the same quarter a year ago. Revenue is expected to rise 15% year-over-year to $1.95 billion. The analyst community has revised fourth-quarter earnings estimates 26.3% higher in the past three months, which bodes well for a quarterly earnings surprise.

For full-year 2024, the current consensus estimate calls for earnings of $3.67 per share on $7.68 billion in revenue. That represents 29.2% annual earnings growth and 12.3% annual revenue growth. SFM is a Conservative buy below $176.

SOM Technicals:

11-22-24: Closed at 147.13. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 148.56.

12-06-24: Closed at 154.04. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 155.87.

12-13-24: Closed at 147.79. Trade pressures are up but turning down. Volumes are bearish. the next target down is 142.69.

12-20-24: Closed at 131.70. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 126.86.

12-20-24: Closed at 128.50. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 126.74.

1-3-25: Closed at 134.65. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 148.97.

1-11-25: Closed at 137.98. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 134.61.

1-18-25: Closed at 139.25. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 148.97.

1-24-25: Closed at 146.75. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 148.97.

1-31-25: Closed at 158.34. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. At resisitance, a move below 152.03 would signal lower.

2-8-25: Closed at 167.97. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish.The next target up is 172.77.

2-15-25: Closed at 177.12. Trade pressures are up. Volum es are bullish. The next target up is 184.00.

2-21-25: Closed at 143.32. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 129.71.

 

Targa Resources Corporation

Targa Resources Corporation (TRGP) is a midstream energy company that provides gathering and processing systems as well as logistics and transportation systems. The company operates more than 31,000 miles of natural gas pipelines and 53 processing plants, which service top natural gas and crude oil-producing basins in the U.S.

Targa Resources will also announce fourth-quarter and fiscal year 2024 results on February 20.

For the fourth quarter, analysts expect earnings of $1.82 per share and revenue of $4.66 billion, up from earnings of $1.50 per share and revenue of $4.24 billion in the fourth quarter of 2023. Full-year earnings are forecast to more than double year-over-year to $6.52 per share, compared to $3.00 per share in 2023. Revenue is anticipated to grow 10.7% year-over-year to $17.79 billion. TRGP is a Conservative buy below $216.

SOM Technicals:

5-25-24: Closed at 114.28. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 111.90.

6-2-24: Closed at 118.23. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 119.68.

6-8-24: Closed at 118.01. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 119.68.

6-15-24: Closed at 119.00. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 117.63.

6-23-24: Closed at 125.10. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 123.65.

6-30-24: Closed at 128.78. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 130.53.

7-5-24: Closed at 132.49. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 139.71.

7-12-24: Closed at 135.05. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 137.41.

7-20-24: Closed at 136.37. Trade pressures are up. Volumes remain bullish. The next target up is 139.96.

8-3-24: Closed at 130.58. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 126.70.

8-11-24: Closed at 135.69. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 139.35, the prior high.

8-16-24: Closed at 142.83. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 150.00.

8-26-24: Closed at 145.47. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 151.82.

9-28-24: Closed at 146.80. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 140.89.

10-5-24. Closed at 158.02. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 159.07.

10-12-24: Closed at 165.76. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is169.90.

10-18-24: Closed at 162.75. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 157.41.

10-28-24: Closed at 164.72. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 160.29.

11-8-24: Closed at 192.28. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 195.00.

11-16-24: Closed at 196.04. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 197.14.

11-22-24: Closed at 207.31. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 210.40.

12-06-24: Closed at 194.34. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 182.70.

12-13-24: Closed at 184.62. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 172.37.

12-20-24: Closed at 176.89. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 187.58.

12-27-24: Closed at 177.36. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 172.13.

1-3-25: Closed at 188.17. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 193.02.

1-11-25: Closed at 193.30. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 187.15.

1-18-25: Closed at 215.72. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 225.15.

1-24-25: Closed at 209.07. Trade pressures are down to the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 199.17.

1-31-25: Closed at 196.80. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 179.83.

2-8-25: Closed at 201.42. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 194.61.

2-15-25: Closed at 205.36. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is the 214 resistance.

2-21-25: Closed at 200.36. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 194.61.

 

United Airlines Holdings, Inc.

United Airlines Holdings, Inc. (UAL) was a new addition to the High-Growth Investments Buy List in the January Monthly Issue. As you probably know, United Airlines Holdings is the parent company of United Airlines, the biggest airline in the world and the number one airline in the U.S. The company transports people and cargo, with nearly 350 destinations on six continents.

United Airlines recently reported better-than-expected quarterly results. For the fourth quarter, United Airlines announced adjusted earnings of $1.09 billion, or $3.26 per share, and revenue of $14.7 billion. That represented 64.2% year-over-year earnings growth and 7.8% year-over-year revenue growth. The consensus estimate called for earnings of $3.03 per share and revenue of $14.34 billion.

The company also provided a strong outlook for the first quarter. United Airlines expects first-quarter adjusted earnings per share between $0.75 and $1.25, which is up from a loss in the same quarter a year ago. The outlook was much higher than analysts’ initial estimates, so earnings estimates have been revised 89.3% higher in the past week alone! UAL is a Moderately Aggressive buy below $121.

SOM Technicals:

1-31-25: Closed at 105.84. Trade pessures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target downis 96.84.

2-8-25: Closed at 109.00. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 114.78.

2-15-25: Closed at 104.26. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are now neutral. The next target down is 96.84.

2-21-25: Closed at 95.89. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 85.00.

 

High-Growth Investments

Carpenter Technology Corporation

Carpenter Technology Corporation (CRS) was a new addition to the High-Growth Investments Buy List in the November Monthly Issue. If you recall, Carpenter Technology develops specialty alloys, offering more than 500 alloys around the world. This includes stainless steels, nickel, cobalt, magnetic iron, powder metals and titanium.

After achieving its “most profitable first quarter” in the company’s history, Carpenter Technology is gearing up for another stunning quarterly earnings report, as demand remains robust for its alloys.

Second-quarter earnings are now forecast to jump 88% year-over-year to $1.60 per share, up from $0.85 per share in the same quarter a year ago. That’s also up from analysts’ estimates of $1.45 per share just a month ago. As you know, positive analyst revisions often precede future earnings surprises. Revenue is expected to grow 15.9% year-over-year to $723.62 million. CRS is a Moderately Aggressive buy below $194.

SOM Technicals:

12-13-24: Closed at 174.09. Trade pressures are down and trending. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 150.21.

12-21-24: Closed at 169.97. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down remains 150.91.

12-27-24: Closed at 170.66. Trade pressures are up but turning down. Volumes are now neutral. The next target down is 163.00.

1-3-25: Closed at 180.13. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 182.64.

1-11-25: Closed at 185.96. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 195.20.

1-18-25: Closed at 206.58. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are  bullish. The next target up is 211.54.

1-24-25: Closed at 210.70. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 213.65.

 

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.

Howmet Aerospace, Inc. (HWM) is a Pennsylvania-based company that develops engineered solutions for the aerospace and industrial industries. Specifically, Howmet Aerospace operates four main businesses, including engine products, fastening systems, engineered structures and forged wheels.

The commercial aerospace market has been a particularly lucrative corner of Howmet Aerospace’s business recently, with commercial aerospace market revenue rising 17% year-over-year in the third quarter. I should also add that it accounts for more than 50% of its total business.

Given the strength of its business, analysts expect strong fourth-quarter results. Total fourth-quarter revenue is forecast to grow 8.6% year-over-year to $1.88 billion, while earnings are expected to increase 35.7% year-over-year to $0.72 per share. Analysts have also upped earnings estimates over the past two months, so a fifth-straight quarterly earnings surprise is likely. HWM is a Moderately Aggressive buy below $123.

SOM Technicals:

10-28-24: Opened at 102.08. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 102.88.

11-8-24: Closed at 113.65. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 115.38.

11-16-24: Closed at 112.01. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 108.64.

11-16-24: Closed at 118.44. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 119.28.

12-06-24: Closed at 118.31. Trade pressures are up but have turned down. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 120.71.

12-13-24: Closed at 113.43. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 106.65.

12-20-24: Closed at 110.83. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down remains 106.65.

12-27-24: Closed at 111.23. Trade pressures are up but turning down. Volumes are now neutral. The next target down is 106.65.

1-3-25: Closed at 112.76. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 118.47.

1-11-25: Closed at 112.64. Trade pressures are rising into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 118.50.

1-18-25: Closed at 125.30. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 129.47.

1-24-25: Closed at 127.03. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. the next target down is 125.00. 

 

The Progressive Corporation

The Progressive Corporation (PGR) is a well-known insurance provider, offering everything from car, boat and motorcycle insurance to homeowners, renters and commercial insurance. The company also offers popular insurance bundles, where folks can bundle their auto and property insurance for lower rates. And Progressive continues to benefit from high insurance rates.

Just last week, Progressive reported that its net premiums written rose 18% year-over-year to $5.56 billion in November, and net premiums earned grew 19% year-over-year to $6.04 billion. The company also noted that earnings per share increased 48% year-over-year to $1.71 per share, up from $1.15 per share in November 2023.

So, fourth-quarter earnings are now forecast to rise 15% year-over-year to $3.42 per share, up from estimates of $3.08 per share a month ago. PGR is a Conservative buy below $259.

SOM Technicals:

4/27/24: Closed at 205.03. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 199.79.

5-4-24: Closed at 208.72. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 206.06.

5-10-24: Closed at 210.17. Trade pressures are neutral. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 211.49.

5-18-24: Closed at 209.22. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 201.34.

5-25-24: Closed at 203.91. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 191.19.

6-2-24: Closed at 211.18. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 214.90.

6-8-24: Closed at 212.53. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 219.12.

6-15-24: Closed at 203.92. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are bearish. The next target up is 218.20.

6-23-24: Closed at 209.19. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 206.

6-30-24: Closed at 207.71. Trade pressures are up into the neutral zone. Volumes are bearish. The next target up is 218.69.

7-5-24: Closed at 210.18. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 205.22.

7-12-24: Closed at 213.30. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 218.69.

7-20-24: Closed at 219.35. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bearish. The next target down 212.57.

8-3-24: Closed at 216.94. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next  target up is 240.00.

8-11-24: Closed at 221.73. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 227.32.

8-16-24: Closed at 236.77. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 244.22.

8-26-24: Closed at 242.45. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 246.40.

8-30-24: Closed at 252.20. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 261.59.

9-7-24: Closed at 248.69. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 244.68.

9-14-24: Closed at 255.46. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 267.50.

9-28-24: Closed at 251.10. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 244.03.

10-5-24: Closed at 255.36. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish The next target up is 262.01.

10-12-24: Closed at 254.02. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 256.27.

10-18-24: Closed at 251.12. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 242.32.

10-28-24: Closed at 244.31. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 235.46.

11-8-24: Closed at 261.52. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 266.04.

11-16-24: Closed at 255.78. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 251.43.

11-22-24: Closed at 266.08. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 268.04.

12-06-24: Closed at 254.04. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 249.66.

12-13-24: Closed at 251.80. Trade pressures are up into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 256.89.

12-20-24: Closed at 239.97. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 228.01.

12-27-24: Closed at 241.02. Trade pressures are up into the neutral zone. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 236.90.

1-3-25: Closed at 242.22. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 244.68.

1-11-25: Closed at 235.61. Trade pressures are up, but declining. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 230.06.

1-18-25: Closed at 243.68. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 247.77

1-24-25: Closed at 238.82. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 232.23.

 

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (SFM) offers healthy, nutritional food at over 400 stores in 23 U.S. states. The company boasts that most of its food items are natural or organic, and it also provides many gluten-free, plant-based, grass-fed, non-GMO and raw food options.

At the start of every New Year, folks set their goals and resolutions for the upcoming 12 months – and often those goals include eating healthier and exercising more. Sprouts Farmers Market is directly aligned to profit from folks’ New Year’s resolutions to eat healthier.

As a result, it’s not too surprising that analysts have revised their earnings estimates higher for the next several quarters. Fourth-quarter earnings are expected to increase 47.3% year-over-year to $0.72 per share, up from estimates for $0.57 per share a month ago. As you know, positive analyst revisions typically precede future earnings surprises. SFM is a Conservative buy below $142.

SOM Technicals:

11-22-24: Closed at 147.13. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 148.56.

12-06-24: Closed at 154.04. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 155.87.

12-13-24: Closed at 147.79. Trade pressures are up but turning down. Volumes are bearish. the next target down is 142.69.

12-20-24: Closed at 131.70. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 126.86.

12-20-24: Closed at 128.50. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 126.74.

1-3-25: Closed at 134.65. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 148.97.

1-11-25: Closed at 137.98. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 134.61.

1-18-25: Closed at 139.25. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 148.97.

1-24-25: Closed at 146.75. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 148.97.

 

Targa Resources Corporation

Targa Resources Corporation (TRGP) is a midstream energy company that provides gathering and processing systems and logistics and transportation systems. The company operates more than 31,000 miles of natural gas pipelines and 53 processing plants, which service top natural gas and crude oil-producing basins in the U.S.

As you may have guessed, Targa Resources is well-positioned to benefit from Trump 2.0’s “drill, baby, drill” policies and the upcoming renaissance in natural gas. But even before this adds to the company’s top and bottom lines, the analyst community expects stunning results for its fiscal year 2024.

Full-year earnings are now forecast to more than double year-over-year to $6.50 per share, up from $3.00 per share in 2023. Earnings estimates have also been revised 6.2% higher in the past three months. TRGP is a Conservative buy below $188.

SOM Technicals:

5-25-24: Closed at 114.28. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 111.90.

6-2-24: Closed at 118.23. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 119.68.

6-8-24: Closed at 118.01. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 119.68.

6-15-24: Closed at 119.00. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 117.63.

6-23-24: Closed at 125.10. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 123.65.

6-30-24: Closed at 128.78. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 130.53.

7-5-24: Closed at 132.49. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 139.71.

7-12-24: Closed at 135.05. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 137.41.

7-20-24: Closed at 136.37. Trade pressures are up. Volumes remain bullish. The next target up is 139.96.

8-3-24: Closed at 130.58. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 126.70.

8-11-24: Closed at 135.69. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 139.35, the prior high.

8-16-24: Closed at 142.83. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 150.00.

8-26-24: Closed at 145.47. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 151.82.

9-28-24: Closed at 146.80. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 140.89.

10-5-24. Closed at 158.02. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 159.07.

10-12-24: Closed at 165.76. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is169.90.

10-18-24: Closed at 162.75. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 157.41.

10-28-24: Closed at 164.72. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 160.29.

11-8-24: Closed at 192.28. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 195.00.

11-16-24: Closed at 196.04. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 197.14.

11-22-24: Closed at 207.31. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 210.40.

12-06-24: Closed at 194.34. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 182.70.

12-13-24: Closed at 184.62. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 172.37.

12-20-24: Closed at 176.89. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 187.58.

12-27-24: Closed at 177.36. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 172.13.

1-3-25: Closed at 188.17. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 193.02.

1-11-25: Closed at 193.30. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 187.15.

1-18-25: Closed at 215.72. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 225.15.

1-24-25: Closed at 209.07. Trade pressures are down to the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 199.17.

 

The following is provided by Navellier with technical comment from South Ocean Management – pls do your own due diligence.

https://navelliergrowth.investorplace.com/

High-Growth Investments

Guidewire Software, Inc.

Guidewire Software, Inc. (GWRE) provides a platform that serves property and casual (P&C) insurance companies around the world. The company’s platform combines artificial intelligence, analytics, core and digital, allowing P&C insurers to digitally transform their businesses and how they operate. Its core products include InsuranceSuite and InsuranceNow.

Guidewire Software is expected to announce results for its first quarter in fiscal year 2025 in early December – and the analyst community expects blowout results.

First-quarter earnings are forecast to surge to $0.29 per share, up from $0.00 per share in the first quarter of 2024. Analysts have also increased earnings estimates by 38% in the past three months, which is setting the company up for another big earnings surprise. Guidewire Software posted a 100%, 95.9%, 105.2% and 14% earnings surprise in the four quarters of fiscal year 2024, respectively.

First-quarter revenue is expected to rise 22.4% year-over-year to $253.94 million, compared to $207.4 million in the same quarter a year ago. GWRE is a Conservative buy below $219.

SOM Technicals:

11-22-24: Closed at 202.82. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 204.88.

12-06-24: Closed at 177.57. Trade pressures collapse. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 164.78.

12-13-24: Closed at 172.76. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 166.11. 

 

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.

Howmet Aerospace, Inc. (HWM) is a Pennsylvania-based company that develops engineered solutions for the aerospace and industrial industries. Specifically, Howmet Aerospace operates four main businesses, including engine products, fastening systems, engineered structures and forged wheels.

Strong demand from the commercial aerospace market continues to drive the company’s strong top- and bottom-line growth. Total third-quarter revenue rose 11% year-over-year to $1.84 billion, and Howmet Aerospace achieved a 17% increase in commercial aerospace market revenue.

Adjusted third-quarter earnings increased 51% year-over-year to $290.0 million, or $0.71 per share, up from $192.0 million, or $0.46 per share, in the same quarter a year ago. Analysts expected earnings of $0.65 per share, so Howmet Aerospace posted a 9.2% earnings surprise.

Following the strong third-quarter results, analysts have upped fourth-quarter earnings estimates over the past month. Fourth-quarter earnings are now forecast to increase 35.6% year-over-year to $0.72 per share. HWM is a Moderately Aggressive buy below $130.

SOM Technicals:

10-28-24: Opened at 102.08. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 102.88.

11-8-24: Closed at 113.65. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 115.38.

11-16-24: Closed at 112.01. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 108.64.

11-16-24: Closed at 118.44. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 119.28.

12-06-24: Closed at 118.31. Trade pressures are up but have turned down. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 120.71.

12-13-24: Closed at 113.43. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 106.65.

 

The Progressive Corporation

The Progressive Corporation (PGR) is a well-known insurance provider, offering everything from car, boat and motorcycle insurance to homeowners, renters and commercial insurance. The company also offers popular insurance bundles, in which folks can bundle their auto and property insurance for lower rates. And Progressive continues to benefit from high insurance rates.

Recently, Progressive reported that its net premiums written and net premiums earned both increased 19% in October, rising to $6.58 billion and $6.39 billion, respectively. Earnings in October grew 1% to $408.2 million, or $0.69 per share, compared to $406.0 million, or $0.68 per share, in October 2023.

So, looking ahead to the fourth quarter, analysts have increased earnings estimates in the past week. Fourth-quarter earnings are now forecast to rise 4.9% year-over-year to $3.12 per share, compared to $2.97 per share in the fourth quarter of 2023. PGR is a Conservative buy below $284.

SOM Technicals:

4/27/24: Closed at 205.03. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 199.79.

5-4-24: Closed at 208.72. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 206.06.

5-10-24: Closed at 210.17. Trade pressures are neutral. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 211.49.

5-18-24: Closed at 209.22. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 201.34.

5-25-24: Closed at 203.91. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 191.19.

6-2-24: Closed at 211.18. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 214.90.

6-8-24: Closed at 212.53. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 219.12.

6-15-24: Closed at 203.92. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are bearish. The next target up is 218.20.

6-23-24: Closed at 209.19. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 206.

6-30-24: Closed at 207.71. Trade pressures are up into the neutral zone. Volumes are bearish. The next target up is 218.69.

7-5-24: Closed at 210.18. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 205.22.

7-12-24: Closed at 213.30. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 218.69.

7-20-24: Closed at 219.35. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bearish. The next target down 212.57.

8-3-24: Closed at 216.94. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next  target up is 240.00.

8-11-24: Closed at 221.73. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 227.32.

8-16-24: Closed at 236.77. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 244.22.

8-26-24: Closed at 242.45. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 246.40.

8-30-24: Closed at 252.20. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 261.59.

9-7-24: Closed at 248.69. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 244.68.

9-14-24: Closed at 255.46. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 267.50.

9-28-24: Closed at 251.10. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 244.03.

10-5-24: Closed at 255.36. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish The next target up is 262.01.

10-12-24: Closed at 254.02. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 256.27.

10-18-24: Closed at 251.12. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 242.32.

10-28-24: Closed at 244.31. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 235.46.

11-8-24: Closed at 261.52. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 266.04.

11-16-24: Closed at 255.78. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 251.43.

11-22-24: Closed at 266.08. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 268.04.

12-06-24: Closed at 254.04. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 249.66.

12-13-24: Closed at 251.80. Trade pressures are up into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 256.89.

 

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc.

Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. (SFM) was a new addition to the High-Growth Investments Buy List in the November Monthly Issue. The company focuses on offering healthy, nutritional food at its more than 400 stores in 23 U.S. states. The company boasts that the majority of its food items are natural or organic, and it also provides many gluten-free, plant-based, grass-fed, non-GMO and raw food options.

During the third quarter, Sprouts Farmers Market opened nine new stores, bringing its total store count to 428. Comparable store sales growth was 8.4% in the quarter.

Third-quarter earnings increased 40% year-over-year to $91.6 million, or $0.91 per share, which topped estimates for $0.77 per share. Revenue rose 14% year-over-year to $1.9 billion, also beating estimates for $1.88 billion.

Looking ahead, the company expects fourth-quarter adjusted earnings per share between $0.67 and $0.71 and full-year earnings per share between $3.64 and $3.68. That compares to earnings of $0.49 per share in the fourth quarter of 2023 and $2.84 per share in fiscal year 2023. SFM is a Conservative buy below $158.

SOM Technicals:

11-22-24: Closed at 147.13. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 148.56.

12-06-24: Closed at 154.04. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 155.87.

12-13-24: Closed at 147.79. Trade pressures are up but turning down. Volumes are bearish. the next target down is 142.69.

 

Targa Resources Corporation

Targa Resources Corporation (TRGP) is a midstream energy company that provides gathering and processing systems and logistics and transportation systems. The company operates more than 31,000 miles of natural gas pipelines and 53 processing plants, which service top natural gas and crude oil-producing basins in the U.S.

Thanks to strong volumes in the Permian Basin, as well as increased natural gas liquids (NGLs) sales, Targa Resources achieved better-than-expected results in its third quarter.

Third-quarter earnings increased 76% year-over-year to $387.4 million, up from $220.0 million in the same quarter a year ago. Earnings of $1.92 per share exceeded analysts’ estimates for $1.61 per share by 19.1%. Revenue of $3.85 billion fell short of analysts’ expectations for $4.06 billion.

In the wake of the positive third-quarter results, analysts have increased fourth-quarter earnings estimates. Analysts now expect fourth-quarter earnings to rise 23.4% year-over-year to $1.85 per share, compared to estimates for only $1.81 per share a month ago. TRGP is a Conservative buy below $222.

SOM Technicals:

5-25-24: Closed at 114.28. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 111.90.

6-2-24: Closed at 118.23. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 119.68.

6-8-24: Closed at 118.01. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 119.68.

6-15-24: Closed at 119.00. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 117.63.

6-23-24: Closed at 125.10. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 123.65.

6-30-24: Closed at 128.78. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 130.53.

7-5-24: Closed at 132.49. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 139.71.

7-12-24: Closed at 135.05. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 137.41.

7-20-24: Closed at 136.37. Trade pressures are up. Volumes remain bullish. The next target up is 139.96.

8-3-24: Closed at 130.58. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 126.70.

8-11-24: Closed at 135.69. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 139.35, the prior high.

8-16-24: Closed at 142.83. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 150.00.

8-26-24: Closed at 145.47. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 151.82.

9-28-24: Closed at 146.80. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 140.89.

10-5-24. Closed at 158.02. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 159.07.

10-12-24: Closed at 165.76. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is169.90.

10-18-24: Closed at 162.75. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 157.41.

10-28-24: Closed at 164.72. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 160.29.

11-8-24: Closed at 192.28. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 195.00.

11-16-24: Closed at 196.04. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 197.14.

11-22-24: Closed at 207.31. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 210.40.

12-06-24: Closed at 194.34. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 182.70.

12-13-24: Closed at 184.62. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 172.37.

High-Growth Investments

The Allstate Corporation

The Allstate Corporation (ALL) is a leading insurance provider that’s kept its customers in “good hands” for more than 90 years. Today, Allstate has nearly 193 million policies, and through these policies, it provides a variety of insurance products and services, including auto, boat, motorcycle, homeowners, renters, life and business insurance.

Allstate plans to publish third-quarter results on October 30. While earnings estimates have been lowered recently, third-quarter earnings are still forecast to surge 211.1% year-over-year to $2.52 per share. The company also has a history of posting big earnings surprises, as it topped analysts’ estimates by 76.1%, 45.9%, 30.2% and 335.1% in the past four quarters, respectively.

I should also add that Allstate is one of our High-Growth Investment companies that has a long history of rewarding its shareholders. In fact, Allstate has paid a dividend for a whopping 124 straight quarters! The company paid a dividend of $0.92 per share on October 1. The stock has a 1.9% dividend yield. ALL is a Conservative buy below $202.

SOM Technicals:

8-3-24: Closed at 178.82. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 188.86.

8-11-24: Closed at 171.03. Trade pressures are rising to the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 168.07.

8-16-24: Closed at 178.11. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 175.48.

8-26-24: Closed at 180.51. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 184.31.

8-30-24: Closed at 188.94. Trade pressures are bullish. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 194.68.

9-7-24: Closed at 185.36. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 180.99.

9-14-24: Closed at 188.30. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 191.33, the previous high.

9-28-24: Closed at 188.36. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 183.62.

10-5-24: Closed at 190.57. Trade pressures are rising into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is the prior high at 103.97.

10-12-24: Closed at 188.28. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 193.97.

10-18-24: Closed at 195.37. Trade pressures are up but turning down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 191.33.

10-28-24 Closed at 189.21. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 183.87.

11-8-24: Closed at 196.90. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 198.79, which is resistance.

11-16-24: Closed at 196.88. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 192.23.

 

Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.

Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. (COKE) bottles and distributes a vast range of beverage products and flavors, including Coca-Cola branded products, as well as well-known energy drinks, sparkling and still beverages, carbonated and non-carbonated drinks.

Recently, Coca-Cola Consolidated increased its quarterly dividend by 400%. The company will now pay a quarterly dividend of $2.50 per share, up from its previous dividend of $0.50 per share. Clearly, the company is confident in its business and its ability to continue to reward shareholders.

Coca-Cola Consolidated will announce third-quarter results on October 30. There still aren’t any analysts following the company, but Coca-Cola Consolidated has continued to post solid earnings and sales growth quarter after quarter – and we are up by roughly 41% in less than a year.  COKE is a Conservative buy below $1,385.

SOM Technicals:

8-3-24: Closed at 1274.20. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 1345.00.

8-11-24: Closed at 1259.41. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 1217.49.

8-16-24: Closed at 1270.17. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 1305.70.

8-26-24: Closed at 1339.75. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 1319.69.

8-30-24: Closed at 1342.40. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 1285.96.

9-7-24: Closed at 1329.90. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 1285.96.

9-13-24: Closed at 1296.96. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 1233.97.

9-28-24: Closed at 1295.96. Trade pressures are rising into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 1306.31.

10-5-24: Closed at 1292.09. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 1260.

10-12-24: Closed at 1282.91. Trade pressures are up. Volumes remain neutral. The next target up is 1396.03.

10-18-24: Closed at 1287.46. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is low pivot at 1252.

10-28-24: Closed at 1230.58. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 1134.13.

11-8-24: Closed at 1224.56. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 1258.00.

11-16-24: Closed at 1210.70. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are now neutral. The next target down is 1121.11.

 

Howmet Aerospace, Inc.

Howmet Aerospace, Inc. (HWM) is a Pennsylvania-based company that develops engineered solutions for the aerospace and industrial industries. Specifically, Howmet Aerospace operates four main businesses, including engine products, fastening systems, engineered structures and forged wheels.

The commercial aerospace industry has been a big driver of Howmet Aerospace’s growth in recent years, and that’s been apparent in the company’s recent quarterly results. Second-quarter revenue grew 14% year-over-year to $1.88 billion, and adjusted earnings increased 52.5% year-over-year to $276.0 million, or $0.67 per share. Both were new records and topped analysts’ expectations.

Given the strong second-quarter results, Howmet Aerospace upped its outlook for fiscal year 2024. Full-year revenue is now forecast to be between $7.4 billion and $7.48 billion and adjusted earnings per share are expected to be between $2.53 and $2.57.

In turn, the analyst community has increased third-quarter estimates. For the third quarter, the company is now expected to achieve earnings of $0.65 per share and revenue of $1.85 billion. That translates to 41.3% year-over-year earnings growth and 11.7% year-over-year revenue growth. Howmet Aerospace will release third-quarter results on November 6.

We’re up by more than 30% since adding HWM in our July Monthly Issue. HWM is a Moderately Aggressive buy below $112.

SOM Technicals:

10-28-24: Opened at 102.08. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 102.88.

11-8-24: Closed at 113.65. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are neutral. The next target up is 115.38.

11-16-24: Closed at 112.01. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 108.64.

 

The Progressive Corporation

The Progressive Corporation (PGR) is a well-known insurance provider, offering everything from car, boat and motorcycle insurance to homeowners, renters and commercial insurance. The company also offers popular insurance bundles, in which folks can bundle their auto and property insurance for lower rates. And Progressive continues to benefit from high insurance rates.

PGR shares have had a strong showing this fall, up about 14% from the beginning of August until today, bringing our total gain to nearly 30% since March. Part of the stock’s recent strength can certainly be attributed to positive quarterly results.

Third-quarter earnings more than doubled year-over-year to $2.33 billion, or $3.97 per share, compared to $1.12 billion, or $1.89 per share in the same quarter a year ago. Analysts expected earnings of $3.66 per share, so Progressive posted an 8.5% earnings surprise.

I should also add that analysts have increased full-year 2024 earnings estimates in the past three months. Progressive is now expected to achieve 113.9% annual earnings growth in fiscal year 2024. PGR is a Conservative buy below $260.

SOM Technicals:

4/27/24: Closed at 205.03. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 199.79.

5-4-24: Closed at 208.72. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 206.06.

5-10-24: Closed at 210.17. Trade pressures are neutral. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 211.49.

5-18-24: Closed at 209.22. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 201.34.

5-25-24: Closed at 203.91. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 191.19.

6-2-24: Closed at 211.18. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 214.90.

6-8-24: Closed at 212.53. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 219.12.

6-15-24: Closed at 203.92. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are bearish. The next target up is 218.20.

6-23-24: Closed at 209.19. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 206.

6-30-24: Closed at 207.71. Trade pressures are up into the neutral zone. Volumes are bearish. The next target up is 218.69.

7-5-24: Closed at 210.18. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 205.22.

7-12-24: Closed at 213.30. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 218.69.

7-20-24: Closed at 219.35. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bearish. The next target down 212.57.

8-3-24: Closed at 216.94. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next  target up is 240.00.

8-11-24: Closed at 221.73. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 227.32.

8-16-24: Closed at 236.77. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 244.22.

8-26-24: Closed at 242.45. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 246.40.

8-30-24: Closed at 252.20. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 261.59.

9-7-24: Closed at 248.69. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 244.68.

9-14-24: Closed at 255.46. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 267.50.

9-28-24: Closed at 251.10. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 244.03.

10-5-24: Closed at 255.36. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish The next target up is 262.01.

10-12-24: Closed at 254.02. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 256.27.

10-18-24: Closed at 251.12. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 242.32.

10-28-24: Closed at 244.31. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 235.46.

11-8-24: Closed at 261.52. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 266.04.

11-16-24: Closed at 255.78. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 251.43.

 

Targa Resources Corporation

Targa Resources Corporation (TRGP) is a midstream energy company that provides gathering and processing systems and logistics and transportation systems. The company operates more than 31,000 miles of natural gas pipelines and 53 processing plants, which service top natural gas and crude oil-producing basins in the U.S.

Over the past three months, the analyst community has increased third-quarter earnings estimates by about 11%. As you know, positive analyst revisions typically precede future earnings surprises. So, Targa Resources is likely gearing up for a quarterly earnings surprise on November 5.

Third-quarter earnings are forecast to increase 56.7% year-over-year to $1.52 per share, up from $0.97 per share in the same quarter a year ago. Revenue is expected to dip 4.1% year-over-year to $4.4 billion, compared to $4.6 billion in the third quarter of 2023.

We’ve more than doubled our money with this one, and TRGP remains a Conservative buy below $176.

SOM Technicals:

5-25-24: Closed at 114.28. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 111.90.

6-2-24: Closed at 118.23. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 119.68.

6-8-24: Closed at 118.01. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 119.68.

6-15-24: Closed at 119.00. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 117.63.

6-23-24: Closed at 125.10. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 123.65.

6-30-24: Closed at 128.78. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 130.53.

7-5-24: Closed at 132.49. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 139.71.

7-12-24: Closed at 135.05. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 137.41.

7-20-24: Closed at 136.37. Trade pressures are up. Volumes remain bullish. The next target up is 139.96.

8-3-24: Closed at 130.58. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 126.70.

8-11-24: Closed at 135.69. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 139.35, the prior high.

8-16-24: Closed at 142.83. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 150.00.

8-26-24: Closed at 145.47. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 151.82.

9-28-24: Closed at 146.80. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 140.89.

10-5-24. Closed at 158.02. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 159.07.

10-12-24: Closed at 165.76. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is169.90.

10-18-24: Closed at 162.75. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 157.41.

10-28-24: Closed at 164.72. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 160.29.

11-8-24: Closed at 192.28. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 195.00.

11-16-24: Closed at 196.04. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 197.14.

 

High-Growth Investments

The Allstate Corporation

The Allstate Corporation (ALL) is a leading insurance provider that’s kept its customers in “good hands” for more than 90 years. Today, Allstate has nearly 193 million policies, and through these policies, it provides a variety of insurance products and services, including auto, boat, motorcycle, homeowners, renters, life and business insurance.

Allstate is scheduled to release results for the third quarter on October 30. Third-quarter earnings are forecast to surge 296.3% year-over-year to $3.21 per share, up from $0.89 per share in the same quarter a year ago. Revenue is expected to rise 13.3% year-over-year to $14.94 billion.

I should also add that Allstate has a history of posting big earnings surprises, as it posted earnings surprises of 76.1%, 45.9%, 30.2% and 335.1% in the past four quarters, respectively. Analysts have increased earnings estimates over the past two months, so another quarterly earnings surprise is likely. ALL is a Conservative buy below $202.

SOM Technicals:

8-3-24: Closed at 178.82. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 188.86.

8-11-24: Closed at 171.03. Trade pressures are rising to the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 168.07.

8-16-24: Closed at 178.11. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 175.48.

8-26-24: Closed at 180.51. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 184.31.

8-30-24: Closed at 188.94. Trade pressures are bullish. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 194.68.

9-7-24: Closed at 185.36. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 180.99.

9-14-24: Closed at 188.30. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 191.33, the previous high.

9-28-24: Closed at 188.36. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 183.62.

10-5-24: Closed at 190.57. Trade pressures are rising into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is the prior high at 103.97.

10-12-24: Closed at 188.28. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 193.97.

10-18-24: Closed at 195.37. Trade pressures are up but turning down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 191.33.

 

Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.

Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. (COKE) bottles and distributes a vast range of beverage products and flavors, including Coca-Cola branded products, as well as well-known energy drinks, sparkling and still beverages, carbonated and non-carbonated drinks.

During the first six months of the year, sales rose 2.3% year-over-year to $3.4 billion. Sparkling bottle/can sales increased 4% year-over-year to $2.0 billion, while still bottle/can sales grew 2.4% year-over-year to $1.1 billion. Income from operations climbed 7.9% year-over-year to $474.5 million.

While the company doesn’t have any analysts following it right now, Coca-Cola remains very optimistic about its business going forward. In fact, Coca-Cola Consolidated recently announced a big increase in its quarterly dividend.

The company will now pay a quarterly dividend of $2.50 per share, up from its previous dividend of $0.50 per share. The new dividend will be paid on November 8 to all shareholders of record on October 25. The stock has a 0.8% dividend yield. COKE is a Conservative buy below $1,426.

SOM Technicals:

8-3-24: Closed at 1274.20. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 1345.00.

8-11-24: Closed at 1259.41. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 1217.49.

8-16-24: Closed at 1270.17. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 1305.70.

8-26-24: Closed at 1339.75. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 1319.69.

8-30-24: Closed at 1342.40. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 1285.96.

9-7-24: Closed at 1329.90. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 1285.96.

9-13-24: Closed at 1296.96. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 1233.97.

9-28-24: Closed at 1295.96. Trade pressures are rising into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 1306.31.

10-5-24: Closed at 1292.09. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 1260.

10-12-24: Closed at 1282.91. Trade pressures are up. Volumes remain neutral. The next target up is 1396.03.

10-18-24: Closed at 1287.46. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is low pivot at 1252.

 

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) operates in the warehouse club industry, with 600 locations in 47 states and Puerto Rico, as well as 108 locations in Canada, 40 locations in Mexico, 33 locations in Japan and 29 locations in the U.K. The company also has locations in Australia, China, France, Iceland, Korea, New Zealand, Sweden and Taiwan.

Costco announced results for its fourth quarter and fiscal year 2024 after the stock market closed on Thursday. Interestingly, the company’s decision to start selling gold bars last fall proved to be a boon for its business. It’s estimated that Costco is selling between $100 million and $200 million in gold bars each month.

For the fourth quarter, Costco reported sales rose 1% year-over-year to $78.2 billion, just shy of estimates for $79.97 billion. Earnings grew 9% year-over-year to $2.354 billion, or $5.29 per share, compared to $2.16 billion, or $4.86 per share, in the fourth quarter of 2023. Analysts expected earnings of $5.07 per share.

Costco also reported total sales increased 5% year-over-year to $249.6 billion in its fiscal year 2024. Full-year earnings rose 17.1% year-over-year to $7.367 billion, or $16.56 per share, up from $6.292 billion, or 14.16 per share, in fiscal year 2023. COST is a Conservative buy below $946.

SOM Technicals:

8-30-24: Closed at 895.38. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 867.10.

9-7-24: Closed at 876.68. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 854.86.

9-14-24: Closed at 916.00. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 939.04.

9-28-24: Closed at 885.62. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 859.78.

10-5-24: Closed at 883.11. Trade pressures are rising onto the neutral zone. Volumes are bearish. The next target up is 899.

10-12-24: Closed at 889.03. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 881.04.

10-18-24: Closed at 889.56. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 875.10.

 

The Progressive Corporation

The Progressive Corporation (PGR) is a well-known insurance provider, offering everything from car, boat and motorcycle insurance to homeowners, renters and commercial insurance. The company also offers popular insurance bundles, in which folks can bundle their auto and property insurance for lower rates. And Progressive continues to benefit from high insurance rates.

For the third quarter, analysts have increased earnings estimates by 44% in the past three months, which is setting the company up for a fifth-straight quarterly earnings surprise. Third-quarter earnings are forecast to jump 67.5% year-over-year to $3.50 per share, up from $2.09 per share in the same quarter a year ago.

Progressive also plans to pay a quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share on October 11. All shareholders of record on October 3 will receive the dividend. The stock has a 0.16% dividend yield. PGR is a Conservative buy below $269.

SOM Technicals:

4/27/24: Closed at 205.03. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 199.79.

5-4-24: Closed at 208.72. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 206.06.

5-10-24: Closed at 210.17. Trade pressures are neutral. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 211.49.

5-18-24: Closed at 209.22. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 201.34.

5-25-24: Closed at 203.91. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 191.19.

6-2-24: Closed at 211.18. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 214.90.

6-8-24: Closed at 212.53. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 219.12.

6-15-24: Closed at 203.92. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are bearish. The next target up is 218.20.

6-23-24: Closed at 209.19. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 206.

6-30-24: Closed at 207.71. Trade pressures are up into the neutral zone. Volumes are bearish. The next target up is 218.69.

7-5-24: Closed at 210.18. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 205.22.

7-12-24: Closed at 213.30. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 218.69.

7-20-24: Closed at 219.35. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bearish. The next target down 212.57.

8-3-24: Closed at 216.94. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next  target up is 240.00.

8-11-24: Closed at 221.73. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 227.32.

8-16-24: Closed at 236.77. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 244.22.

8-26-24: Closed at 242.45. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 246.40.

8-30-24: Closed at 252.20. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 261.59.

9-7-24: Closed at 248.69. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 244.68.

9-14-24: Closed at 255.46. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 267.50.

9-28-24: Closed at 251.10. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 244.03.

10-5-24: Closed at 255.36. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish The next target up is 262.01.

10-12-24: Closed at 254.02. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 256.27.

10-18-24: Closed at 251.12. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 242.32.

 

Targa Resources Corporation

Targa Resources Corporation (TRGP) is a midstream energy company that provides gathering and processing systems as well as logistics and transportation systems. The company operates more than 31,000 miles of natural gas pipelines and 53 processing plants, which service top natural gas and crude oil-producing basins in the U.S.

You may recall that Targa Resources operates in the lucrative oil and natural gas-producing region in the Permian Basin. The company’s robust operations in this region are anticipated to continue to add handsomely to its top and bottom lines.

For the third quarter, the analyst community expects earnings to increase 55.7% year-over-year to $1.51 per share, compared to $0.97 per share in the third quarter of 2023. Analysts have revised earnings estimates 13.5% higher in the past three months, which bodes well for a second-straight quarterly earnings surprise. TRGP is a Conservative buy below $156.

SOM Technicals:

5-25-24: Closed at 114.28. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 111.90.

6-2-24: Closed at 118.23. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 119.68.

6-8-24: Closed at 118.01. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 119.68.

6-15-24: Closed at 119.00. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 117.63.

6-23-24: Closed at 125.10. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 123.65.

6-30-24: Closed at 128.78. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 130.53.

7-5-24: Closed at 132.49. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 139.71.

7-12-24: Closed at 135.05. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 137.41.

7-20-24: Closed at 136.37. Trade pressures are up. Volumes remain bullish. The next target up is 139.96.

8-3-24: Closed at 130.58. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 126.70.

8-11-24: Closed at 135.69. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 139.35, the prior high.

8-16-24: Closed at 142.83. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 150.00.

8-26-24: Closed at 145.47. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 151.82.

9-28-24: Closed at 146.80. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 140.89.

10-5-24. Closed at 158.02. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 159.07.

10-12-24: Closed at 165.76. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is169.90.

10-18-24: Closed at 162.75. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 157.41.

High-Growth Investments

The Allstate Corporation

The Allstate Corporation (ALL) is a leading insurance provider that’s kept its customers in “good hands” for more than 90 years. Today, Allstate has nearly 193 million policies, and through these policies, it provides a variety of insurance products and services, including auto, boat, motorcycle, homeowners, renters, life and business insurance.

Insurance may be a boring business, but it’s been a profitable one for Allstate. Second-quarter adjusted earnings surged to $429.0 million, or $1.61 per share, up from a loss of $1.16 million, or a $4.42 per share loss, in the second quarter of 2023. Analysts only expected earnings of $0.37 per share, so Allstate posted a whopping 335.1% earnings surprise.

Following the earnings beat, analysts have increased third-quarter earnings estimates over the past month. Third-quarter earnings are now forecast to soar 274.1% year-over-year to $3.03 per share, compared to $0.81 per share in the third quarter of 2023.

I should also add that Allstate is set to pay a quarterly dividend of $0.92 per share on October 1. All shareholders of record today, August 30, will receive the dividend. The stock has a 2.0% dividend yield. ALL is a Conservative buy below $201.

SOM Technicals:

8-3-24: Closed at 178.82. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 188.86.

8-11-24: Closed at 171.03. Trade pressures are rising to the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 168.07.

8-16-24: Closed at 178.11. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 175.48.

8-26-24: Closed at 180.51. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 184.31.

8-30-24: Closed at 188.94. Trade pressures are bullish. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 194.68.

9-7-24: Closed at 185.36. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 180.99.

9-14-24: Closed at 188.30. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 191.33, the previous high.

 

Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc.

Coca-Cola Consolidated, Inc. (COKE) bottles and distributes a vast range of beverage products and flavors, including Coca-Cola branded products, as well as well-known energy drinks, sparkling and still beverages, carbonated and non-carbonated drinks.

Coca-Cola Consolidated may not have any analysts following the stock yet, but it remains one of our Top Stocks due to persistent institutional buying pressure. The stock earns an A Quantitative grade, which means investors continue to load up on shares.

The company also provided solid results for its second quarter. Sales rose 3.3% year-over-year to $1.8 billion, with sparkling bottle/can sales accounting for $1.05 billion. Operating earnings grew 11% year-over-year to $259.1 million, while adjusted earnings increased 11.7% year-over-year to $192.8 million.

I should add that Coca-Cola Consolidated recently increased its quarterly dividend by a whopping 400%. The company will now pay a quarterly dividend of $2.50 per share, up from its previous $0.50 per share dividend. The dividend will be paid on November 8 to all shareholders of record on October 25. The stock has a 0.75% dividend yield. COKE is a Conservative buy below $1,465.

SOM Technicals:

8-3-24: Closed at 1274.20. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 1345.00.

8-11-24: Closed at 1259.41. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 1217.49.

8-16-24: Closed at 1270.17. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 1305.70.

8-26-24: Closed at 1339.75. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 1319.69.

8-30-24: Closed at 1342.40. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 1285.96.

9-7-24: Closed at 1329.90. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 1285.96.

9-13-24: Closed at 1296.96. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 1233.97.

 

Costco Wholesale Corporation

Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) operates in the warehouse club industry, and it has a global footprint: the company has 600 locations in 47 states and Puerto Rico, as well as 108 locations in Canada, 40 locations in Mexico, 33 locations in Japan and 29 locations in the U.K. The company also has locations in Australia, China, France, Iceland, Korea, New Zealand, Sweden and Taiwan.

During the first nine months of its fiscal year 2024, Costco achieved total sales of $174.76 billion, or a 7% year-over-year increase, and earnings of $5.01 billion, or $11.27 per share, or a 21.3% year-over-year rise. The company is scheduled to announce fourth-quarter and fiscal year results on September 26.

For the fourth quarter, earnings are forecast to grow 4.3% year-over-year to $5.07 per share and sales are expected to increase 1.6% year-over-year to $80.23 billion. Analysts have upped earnings estimates over the past three months, so a fifth-straight quarterly earnings surprise is likely.

Costco is also expected to report 15.4% annual earnings growth and 5.3% annual sales growth for its fiscal year 2024. COST is a Conservative buy below $952.

SOM Technicals:

8-30-24: Closed at 895.38. Trade pressures are down into the neutral zone. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 867.10.

9-7-24: Closed at 876.68. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 854.86.

9-14-24: Closed at 916.00. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 939.04.

 

The Progressive Corporation

The Progressive Corporation (PGR) is a well-known insurance provider, offering everything from car, boat and motorcycle insurance to homeowners, renters and commercial insurance. The company also offers popular insurance bundles, in which folks can bundle their auto and property insurance for lower rates. And Progressive continues to benefit from high insurance rates.

In July, Progressive noted that net premiums written totaled $6.38 billion and net premiums earned totaled $6.07 billion. That was up from net premiums written of $5.75 billion and net premiums earnings of $5.78 billion in June. Earnings in July came in at $813.5 million, or $1.38 per share, which compared to earnings of $802.7 million, or $1.37 per share in June. Progressive will report August results on September 13.

Progressive plans to pay a quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share on October 11. All shareholders of record on October 3 will receive the dividend. The stock has a 0.2% dividend yield. PGR is a Conservative buy below $268.

SOM Technicals:

4/27/24: Closed at 205.03. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 199.79.

5-4-24: Closed at 208.72. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 206.06.

5-10-24: Closed at 210.17. Trade pressures are neutral. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 211.49.

5-18-24: Closed at 209.22. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 201.34.

5-25-24: Closed at 203.91. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 191.19.

6-2-24: Closed at 211.18. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 214.90.

6-8-24: Closed at 212.53. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 219.12.

6-15-24: Closed at 203.92. Trade pressures are down but rising. Volumes are bearish. The next target up is 218.20.  

6-23-24: Closed at 209.19. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bullish. The next target down is 206.

6-30-24: Closed at 207.71. Trade pressures are up into the neutral zone. Volumes are bearish. The next target up is 218.69.

7-5-24: Closed at 210.18. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 205.22.

7-12-24: Closed at 213.30. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 218.69.

7-20-24: Closed at 219.35. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are bearish. The next target down 212.57.

8-3-24: Closed at 216.94. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next  target up is 240.00.

8-11-24: Closed at 221.73. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 227.32.

8-16-24: Closed at 236.77. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 244.22.

8-26-24: Closed at 242.45. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 246.40.

8-30-24: Closed at 252.20. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 261.59.

9-7-24: Closed at 248.69. Trade pressures are up but declining. Volumes are neutral. The next target down is 244.68.

9-14-24: Closed at 255.46. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 267.5.

 

Wingstop, Inc.

Wingstop, Inc. (WING) was a new addition to the High-Growth Investments Buy List in the August Monthly Issue. If you recall, Wingstop is a restaurant chain that offers buffalo-style chicken wings, with classic wings, boneless wings and chicken tenders, all offered with a wide selection of sauce flavors.

Wingstop operates more than 2,200 restaurants in the U.S., as well as in Colombia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Panama, Singapore, the U.K. and the United Arab Emirates.

During the second quarter, system-wide sales jumped 45.2% year-over-year to $1.2 billion, and Wingstop opened 73 new stores. Total second-quarter revenue increased 45.3% year-over-year to $155.7 million, topping estimates for $144.01 million. Second-quarter earnings soared nearly 70% year-over-year to $27.5 million, or $0.93 per share, also beating estimates for $0.82 per share.

Following the positive second-quarter results, analysts have increased third-quarter earnings estimates by 10.6% in the past month. Third-quarter earnings are now forecast to grow 36.2% year-over-year to $0.94 per share, and sales are expected to come in at $159.89 million. WING is a Moderately Aggressive buy below $426.

SOM Technicals:

8-30-24: Closed at 386.11. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 364.74.

9-7-24: Closed at 362.41. Trade pressures are down. Volumes are bearish. The next target down is 354.11.

9-14-24: Closed at 394.81. Trade pressures are up. Volumes are bullish. The next target up is 409.77, the prior high.