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Kohl’s Shares Plunge 11%

Economy

Kohl’s Corporation (NYSE: KSS) shares plunged 11% following a disappointing Q3 earnings report and a sharp downgrade of its fiscal 2024 outlook. The department store chain reported adjusted earnings per share of $0.20, significantly below analysts’ expectations of $0.31. Revenue declined 8.8% year-over-year to $3.51 billion, missing the consensus estimate of $3.65 billion, while comparable sales fell 9.3%, reflecting continued weakness in its core apparel and footwear categories.

In response to the challenging environment, Kohl’s cut its full-year earnings forecast. The new range is $1.20 to $1.50 per share. This is a stark reduction from its prior outlook. It is also below Wall Street’s consensus of $1.86. The company now expects full-year net sales to decline by 7%-8%. Comparable sales are projected to drop 6%-7%. This signals further headwinds in the months ahead.

CEO Tom Kingsbury acknowledged the struggles in key categories but highlighted growth in segments like Sephora and home decor. However, these gains were insufficient to offset the broader declines. On a positive note, gross margin improved slightly, rising 20 basis points to 39.1%, and inventory levels were reduced by 3% year-over-year.

Kohl’s is facing mounting challenges. Weak consumer demand is weighing

Kohl’s shares Chart Analysis

KSS/USD 15-Minute Chart

The 15-minute chart of Kohl’s Corporation (NYSE: KSS) demonstrates significant price action and momentum shifts over recent sessions. After a prolonged downtrend, the stock bottomed near $16.12 on the 20th before experiencing a sharp bullish reversal. A strong green candlestick on the 22nd signals robust buying interest, pushing the price above $18.

The RSI (Relative Strength Index) initially showed oversold conditions below 30 before recovering, peaking above 70, signalling overbought territory during the recent surge. Currently, RSI is at 55.71, suggesting neutral momentum but leaning towards consolidation. The price now sits around $18.34, reflecting a slight pullback after reaching a session high of $18.74.

Resistance appears near $18.50–$18.75 as the price struggled to maintain upward momentum. Support levels can be observed around $17.00–$17.50, offering potential entry points if a retracement occurs. The recent price breakout and volume spikes suggest a bullish bias in the short term, though continued strength is contingent on holding above $18.

Traders should monitor RSI divergence and volume patterns to confirm a potential continuation of the uptrend or a reversal. A break above $18.75 could pave the way for higher highs, while failure to hold $18 may signal a correction toward key support zones.

The post Kohl’s Shares Plunge 11% appeared first on FinanceBrokerage.

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Stocks

A Bullish Opportunity in CrowdStrike (CRWD) with OptionsPlay Strategy Center

Stocks

As cyber threats continue to escalate globally, CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (CRWD) has emerged as a leading cybersecurity firm poised for significant growth. After an outage earlier this year, CrowdStrike’s stock price has lagged for much of 2024, but recent stock price action suggests that CRWD is potentially gearing up to break out. In this analysis, we’ll explore the bullish signals from both technical and fundamental perspectives and outline an optimal options strategy to capitalize on this opportunity—all identified instantly using the OptionsPlay Strategy Center within StockCharts.com.

Examining CRWD’s chart reveals several compelling bullish indicators:

  • Recovery above gap level of $335. CRWD has rebounded above the critical gap level of $335, previously affected by a failed release that impacted Microsoft Corp. (MSFT). This recovery signifies a strong reversal in market sentiment.
  • Breakout and retest of support. The stock has broken above this important resistance level and successfully retested it as support.
  • Momentum towards 52-week highs. With the successful retest, CrowdStrike’s stock price shows signs of potentially retesting its 52-week highs around $400 and breaking out above it.

FIGURE 1. DAILY CHART OF CROWDSTRIKE STOCK PRICE. CRWD has broken above an important resistance level and could retest its 52-week high, potentially even breaking above it.Chart source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

CrowdStrike’s fundamentals further bolster the bullish thesis:

  • Robust revenue growth. In its Q2 FY2025 earnings report dated August 30, 2024, CrowdStrike reported revenue of $963.9 million, marking a 32% year-over-year increase.
  • Significant ARR increase. The company’s Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) grew by 32% to $3.86 billion, with $217.6 million added in the quarter.
  • Improved profitability. CrowdStrike achieved a net income of $47 million, reflecting enhanced profitability and operational efficiency.

Despite the challenges posed by the outage, CrowdStrike’s strong revenue and ARR growth demonstrate its resilience and robust market demand for its cybersecurity solutions. The company’s focus on innovation and expanding its product offerings positions it well for long-term growth in the competitive cybersecurity landscape.

Options Strategy for CrowdStrike

 To capitalize on this bullish outlook, the OptionsPlay Strategy Center suggests selling the January 3, 2025, $370/$340 Put Vertical for a $12.80 credit per share.

Trade Structure of the Put Vertical

  • Sell: January 3, 2025, $370 put option at $21.40
  • Buy: January 3, 2025, $340 Put Option at $8.60
  • Net Credit: $1,280 per contract

FIGURE 2. RISK CURVE AND TRADE DETAILS OF CROWDSTRIKE PUT VERTICAL STRATEGY. The put vertical strategy allows you to profit even if CrowdStrike’s stock price moves sideways.Image source: OptionsPlay Strategy Center in StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

Trade Details

  • Maximum Potential Reward: $1,280
  • Maximum Potential Risk: $1,720
  • Breakeven Point: $357.20
  • Probability of Profit: 56.30%

 This bullish strategy, known as a bull put spread, profits if CrowdStrike’s stock price remains above the breakeven point by the expiration date.

This strategy benefits from time decay and allows for profit even if the stock remains stagnant or rises moderately. It provides a favorable risk-to-reward ratio while aligning with the bullish outlook on CrowdStrike.

Unlock Real-Time Trade Ideas

This bullish opportunity in CrowdStrike stock was swiftly identified using the OptionsPlay Strategy Center within StockCharts.com. The platform automatically scanned the market, highlighted CRWD as a strong candidate for continued upward movement, and structured the optimal options trade in real-time (see below).

FIGURE 3. CRWD SCREENED AS BULLISH OUTPERFORMER. By selecting Bullish Outperformance from the Technical Scan dropdown menu and Bull Put Strategy from the Strategy dropdown menu, CRWD was screened as a candidate for further upside.Image source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

By subscribing to the OptionsPlay Strategy Center, you can:

  • Effortlessly Discover Trading Opportunities. Access comprehensive technical and options strategies in real time to find the best trading opportunities.
  • Receive Optimal Trade Structuring. Get tailored options strategies that align with your market outlook and risk tolerance.
  • Save Time with Actionable Insights. Eliminate hours of research with actionable trade ideas delivered instantly, allowing you to make informed decisions swiftly.

Don’t miss out on valuable trading opportunities. Subscribe to the OptionsPlay Strategy Center today and elevate your trading journey with tools designed to keep you ahead of the market. Access real-time trade ideas like the one discussed in this article and find the best options trades within seconds daily. Let OptionsPlay be your partner in navigating the markets efficiently and effectively.

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Stocks

Market Movements Today: Investors Rejoice as Stocks Rally, Bitcoin and Gold Backslide

Stocks

It’s a short trading week, and the stock market is rallying. It’s clear that Wall Street liked President-elect Donald Trump’s choice of Scott Bessent for Treasury Secretary. 

The broader stock market indexes closed higher, with the Dow Jones Industrial Average ($INDU) closing at a new record. The S&P 500 ($SPX) tried to meet its all-time high, but didn’t. The Nasdaq Composite ($COMPQ), meanwhile, is still struggling to close above its November 7 low of 19084.

Small caps were the best performers. The S&P 500 Small Cap Index ($SML) rose 1.80%, and the S&P 400 Mid Cap Index ($MID) was close behind, rising 1.45%. Both indexes hit a new record high.

Overall, it was a green day in the equities world, as can be seen by Monday’s MarketCarpet.

FIGURE 1. MARKETCARPET FOR NOVEMBER 25, 2024. Overall, it’s a sea of green except for the Energy sector.Image source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

The bond market breathed a sigh of relief—Treasury yields fell, and bond prices rose. The iShares 20+ Year Bond ETF (TLT) rose about 2.59% on Monday. But the gap up in price is just a blip in the weekly chart of TLT (see below).

FIGURE 2. WEEKLY CHART OF TLT. Monday’s gap up isn’t enough to change the big picture. TLT is still trading below its 21-day EMA and close to its 2023 low. It’s a long way from a bullish trend.Chart source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

TLT is still trading below its 21-day exponential moving average (EMA). It’s also close to its 2023 low. One day doesn’t make a trend, but it’s worth watching this chart closely.

While stocks and bond prices rose, other assets that have been rallying lately saw significant declines. Gold prices, oil, and the US dollar experienced steep declines on Monday. Some news surfaced that a peace deal may be in the works between Israel and Hezbollah. With that in mind, investors may be less worried about geopolitical risks and have switched to a risk-off sentiment.

The daily chart of the SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) below shows the depth of Monday’s fall in gold prices.

FIGURE 3. DAILY CHART OF SPDR GOLD SHARES ETF (GLD). After bouncing off its November low, GLD looked like it was headed toward its all-time high. Monday’s price action broke that move.Chart source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

It was a surprising reversal. After reaching a high on October 30, GLD dropped 8.30%, bounced and made up for most of that drop. But Monday’s price action gets it closer to the November low. GLD is also trading below its 25-day simple moving average (SMA), which is now starting to trend lower.

Monday was not Bitcoin’s day either. After hitting its psychological 100K level and failing to close there, $BTCUSD declined 4.46%.

FIGURE 4. DAILY CHART OF $BTCUSD. Monday’s steep fall didn’t disrupt the cryptocurrency’s bullish trend. The MACD is turning lower but not enough to warrant a trend reversal.Chart source: StockCharts.com. For educational purposes.

The overall trend is still bullish; if it falls below its 21-day EMA, the sentiment may become bearish.

The Bottom Line

Many big moves on Monday suggested that investors may be less fearful heading into the Thanksgiving holiday. The Cboe Volatility Index ($VIX), often considered the fear gauge, is now below 15, further confirming that investors are complacent.

There are a couple of relevant events taking place this week. Tuesday is the FOMC minutes and, on Wednesday, we get the October personal-consumption expenditures price index (PCE). If either of these are vastly different from expectations, which I doubt, there may be significant shifts in the market.

Keep an eye on your StockCharts Dashboard regularly. If there are any shifts in market dynamics, that’s the first place you’ll see it.

Disclaimer: This blog is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as financial advice. The ideas and strategies should never be used without first assessing your own personal and financial situation, or without consulting a financial professional.

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Investing

Element79 Corporate Financing Update

Investing

(TheNewswire)

VANCOUVER, BC The N ewswire November 25, 2024 Element79 Gold Corp. (CSE: ELEM) (OTC: ELMGF) (FSE: 7YS) (‘Element79’, or the ‘Company ‘) Pursuant to the Company’s previous announcements for its private placement, the Company has determined that it will not be pursuing further funding under the non-brokered private placement (the ‘Private Placement’). On November 15, 2024 the Company announced that it had raised for aggregate gross proceeds of $500,024 and issued 5,000,240 units (each, a ‘Unit’) at a price of $0.10 per Unit.

About Element79 Gold Corp.

Element79 Gold is a mining company with a focus on exploring and developing its past-producing, high-grade gold and silver mine, the Lucero project located in Arequipa, Peru, with the intent to restart production at the mine and through reprocessing its tailings, in the near term.

The Company holds a portfolio of four properties along the Battle Mountain trend in Nevada, and the projects are believed to have significant potential for near-term resource development. The Company has retained the Clover project for resource development purposes and signed a binding agreement to sell three projects with a closing date on or before November 30, 2024.

The Company also holds an option to acquire a 100% interest in the Dale Property, 90 unpatented mining claims located approximately 100 km southwest of Timmins, Ontario, and has recently announced that it has transferred this project to its wholly owned subsidiary, Synergy Metals Corp, and is advancing through the Plan of Arrangement spin-out process.

For more information about the Company, please visit www.element79.gold

Contact Information

For corporate matters, please contact:

James C. Tworek, Chief Executive Officer

E-mail: jt@element79.gold

For investor relations inquiries, please contact:

Investor Relations Department

Phone: +1.403.850.8050

E-mail: investors@element79.gold

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements

This press contains ‘forward‐looking information’ and ‘forward-looking statements’ under applicable securities laws (collectively, ‘forward‐looking statements’). These statements relate to future events or the Company’s future performance, business prospects or opportunities that are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable and assumptions of management made considering management’s experience and perception of historical trends, current conditions and expected future developments. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: the Company’s business strategy; future planning processes; exploration activities; the timing and result of exploration activities; capital projects and exploration activities and the possible results thereof; acquisition opportunities; and the impact of acquisitions, if any, on the Company. Assumptions may prove to be incorrect and actual results may differ materially from those anticipated. Consequently, forward-looking statements cannot be guaranteed. As such, investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance upon forward-looking statements as there can be no assurance that the plans, assumptions or expectations upon which they are placed will occur. All statements other than statements of historical fact may be forward‐looking statements. Any statements that express or involve discussions with respect to predictions, expectations, beliefs, plans, projections, objectives or future events or performance (often, but not always, using words or phrases such as ‘seek’, ‘anticipate’, ‘plan’, ‘continue’, ‘estimate’, ‘expect’, ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘project’, ‘predict’, ‘forecast’, ‘potential’, ‘target’, ‘intend’, ‘could’, ‘might’, ‘should’, ‘believe’ and similar expressions) are not statements of historical fact and may be ‘forward‐looking statements’.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor the Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Copyright (c) 2024 TheNewswire – All rights reserved.

News Provided by TheNewsWire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Investing

Kipushi Zinc Mine Reopens in DRC After 31 Year Production Hiatus

Investing

Ivanhoe Mines (TSX:IVN,OTCQX:IVPAF) and the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) marked a major milestone with the reopening of the Kipushi mine after a 31 year operational hiatus.

An 800,000 metric ton (MT) per year concentrator facility was completed at Kipushi in May, with first concentrate produced in June. The mine’s projected output for the year is between 50,000 and 70,000 MT of zinc in concentrate.

Over the next five years, Ivanhoe expects annual production at Kipushi to average 278,000 MT, driven by a targeted recovery rate target of 96 percent and an average concentrate grade of 55 percent contained zinc.

The reopening of the site is seen bringing economic optimism to the region. The concentrator facility’s construction and operational setup provided jobs and investment, boosting the local economy.

Situated in Haut-Katanga province, Kipushi hosts high-grade zinc, copper, lead and germanium deposits. The restart coincides with the centenary of its initial operations in 1924, adding to the event’s historical importance.

Speaking at the mine reopening, Ivanhoe Mines President Marna Cloete emphasized Kipushi’s dual role in advancing sustainable resource development and fostering community empowerment.

“Today, we are breathing new life into one of the world’s richest deposits, together proving that responsible mining can drive shared prosperity,” she said in a press release published on November 21.

Gécamines Chairman Guy-Robert Lukama Nkunzi also underscored the project’s significance for the area. He described the mine as the community’s ‘beating heart,’ with its reopening symbolizing economic opportunity.

Ivanhoe notes that output from Kipushi is poised to contribute to global zinc supply amid increasing demand for the metal, which is vital for construction, galvanization and renewable energy infrastructure.

The mine’s copper, lead and germanium production will further enhance its profile as a key resource hub.

Kipushi complements Ivanhoe’s flagship Kamoa-Kakula copper project in the DRC. The company is also in the construction phase at its Platreef palladium-nickel-platinum-rhodium-copper-gold project in South Africa.

Ivanhoe shares responded positively to the reopening, reflecting market confidence in the mine’s prospects.

The reopening ceremony was attended by national and local dignitaries, as well as President Félix Tshisekedi. He highlighted the partnership between Ivanhoe Mines and state-owned Gécamines, which jointly operate the site.

Securities Disclosure: I, Giann Liguid, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Investing

First Helium Initiates Process to License & Drill the Leduc Anomaly

Investing

First Helium Inc. (‘First Helium’ or the ‘Company’) (TSXV: HELI) (OTCQB: FHELF) (FRA: 2MC) today announced that it has completed its field survey activities and selected the surface location for its Leduc anomaly test well planned for drilling this winter. The survey will be used to prepare necessary regulatory applications for drilling approval. The well location has been selected based on a thorough evaluation of recently acquired proprietary 3D seismic data where the Company has identified a significant anomaly in the Leduc Formation which it believes to be prospective for oil. To date, the Company has drilled two successful Leduc oil wells at Worsley, including the 1-30 and 4-29 Leduc oil pool discoveries, respectively, which together have produced more than 113,000 barrels of light oil, generating in excess of $13 million in revenue and $8 million in cash flow.

‘The completion of our recent financing will allow us to proceed with a number of operations this winter, which include testing the large 3D seismic anomaly targeting Leduc oil, and completing the previously drilled Blue Ridge horizontal well targeting helium-enriched natural gas. If successful, these operations will set the stage for immediate cash flow for the Company, coupled with the accelerated development of oil and helium enriched natural gas at Worsley, executed alone or with larger partners,’ said Ed Bereznicki, President & CEO of First Helium.

‘These operations represent a very important next step for the Company in de-risking the Leduc and Blue Ridge plays, respectively. Each has the potential to unlock significant, follow up development drilling on the Company’s 53,000-acre, 100% owned land base’, added Mr. Bereznicki.

Highlights of the Worsley Winter Program

This winter, the Company is planning to undertake a number of significant operations at Worsley, including:

Leduc Formation:

  • The Company has also selected surface locations on three additional Leduc drill targets identified on proprietary 3D seismic, including one drilling location (‘7-30’) which was assigned ‘proved plus probable undeveloped’ oil reserves of 196,700 barrels 1 by Sproule, its independent evaluator. Depending on timing, and capital availability, the Company may elect to pursue one or more of these additional Leduc drill targets.

Figure 1:

First Helium Worsley Proprietary 3D Seismic Leduc Interpretation

Blue Ridge Formation:

  • Completion and testing of the previously drilled 5-27 horizontal Blue Ridge well is planned (see Figure 2) to establish a repeatable, high margin, helium-enriched natural gas play targeted to deliver significant volumes of helium gas production. The project’s potential scale and enhanced profitability will serve to attract partnership opportunities.

Figure 2:

West Helium Worsley Blue Ridge Development Scenario

Together, the vertical Leduc play, along with the Blue Ridge play combine to provide tremendous opportunity for scalability and future growth, all on existing (100 per-cent) Company held lands. Given the large potential opportunity of the Worsley project, the Company will continue to explore potential partnerships to accelerate the development of its rich asset base.

Notes:
(1) Gross Proved plus Probable Undeveloped reserves, per Sproule Associates Limited (‘Sproule’), Evaluation of the P&NG Reserves of First Helium Inc. in the Beaton Area of Alberta (as of March 31, 2023).   See First Helium’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca .

ABOUT First Helium

Led by a core Senior Executive Team with diverse and extensive backgrounds in Oil & Gas Exploration and Operations, Mining, Finance, and Capital Markets, First Helium seeks to be one of the leading independent providers of helium gas in North America.

First Helium holds over 53,000 acres along the highly prospective Worsley Trend in Northern Alberta which has been the core of its exploration and development drilling activities to date.

Building on its successful 15-25 helium discovery well at the Worsley project, the Company has identified numerous follow-up drill locations and acquired an expansive infrastructure system to facilitate future exploration and development across its Worsley land base. Cash flow from its successful oil wells at Worsley has helped support First Helium’s ongoing exploration and development growth strategy. Further potential oil drilling locations have also been identified on the Company’s Worsley land base.

For more information about the Company, please visit www.firsthelium.com .

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Edward J. Bereznicki
President, CEO and Director

CONTACT INFORMATION

First Helium Inc.
Investor Relations
Email: ir@firsthelium.com
Phone: 1-833-HELIUM1 (1-833-435-4861)

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. The use of any of the words ‘anticipate’, ‘plan’, ‘continue’, ‘expect’, ‘estimate’, ‘objective’, ‘may’, ‘will’, ‘project’, ‘should’, ‘predict’, ‘potential’ and similar expressions are intended to identify forward looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward looking statements concerning the completion of future planned activities. Although the Company believes that the expectations and assumptions on which the forward-looking statements are based are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on the forward-looking statements because the Company cannot give any assurance that they will prove correct. Since forward looking statements address future events and conditions, they involve inherent assumptions, risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of assumptions, factors and risks. These assumptions and risks include, but are not limited to, assumptions and risks associated with the state of the equity financing markets and regulatory approval.

Management has provided the above summary of risks and assumptions related to forward looking statements in this press release in order to provide readers with a more comprehensive perspective on the Company’s future operations. The Company’s actual results, performance or achievement could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements and, accordingly, no assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive from them. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this press release, and, other than as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

SOURCE: First Helium Inc.

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bf8b83dd-ca0e-42a0-94fc-99b981ae9347

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d4b00224-de76-498d-801f-d7c2b03ce12d

News Provided by GlobeNewswire via QuoteMedia

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Investing

Investing in Graphene Companies (Updated 2024)

Investing

Graphene is often heralded as the “wonder material” of the 21st century, and investing in graphene companies offers investors exposure to a growing number of graphene applications across a diverse set of industries.

In terms of size, Grand View Research is forecasting that the global graphene market will grow at a compound annual growth rate of 35.1 percent between 2024 and 2030 to reach US$1.61 billion. The firm says that revenue for electronics industry applications will be a major contributor to the growth in demand for graphene.

Demand for graphene coatings and composites will come from the energy storage, aerospace and automotive industries industries, among others. Graphene coatings are used in batteries, conductors and generators to improve energy efficiency and performance, while lightweight graphene composites are being used in aircraft and automobiles.

According to Fortune Business Insights, the graphene market is mainly being driven by demand from the Asia-Pacific region, due in large part to favorable government policies, academic researching and increasing graphene investment. Rising demand from the automotive, marine, aerospace and defense industries in this region are also important factors.

For those interested in how to invest in graphene, here’s a look at seven publicly traded graphene companies making moves in the market today, based on research gleaned from intelligence firms Grand View Research and Fortune Business Insights.

These top graphene stocks are listed in alphabetical order, and all data was accurate as of September 25, 2024.

1. Black Swan Graphene (TSXV:SWAN)

Press ReleasesCompany Profile

Market cap: C$14.4 million

Black Swan Graphene describes itself as an emerging powerhouse in the bulk graphene business. UK-based global chemicals manufacturer Thomas Swan & Co. holds a 15 percent interest in Black Swan and brings a portfolio of patents and intellectual property related to graphene production. Through this partnership, Black Swan is building out a fully integrated supply chain from mine to graphene products.

Black Swan has launched a number of new graphene products in 2024, such as its GraphCore 01 family of graphene nanoplatelets products, which includes powders and polymer-ready masterbatches designed for the polymer industry.

In June, the company announced a commercial partnership with advanced materials engineering company Graphene Composites that will see Black Swan’s graphene used in the fabrication of GC Shield, a patented ballistic protection technology.

The following month, the company secured a distribution and sales agreement with UK-based manufacturer of plastic materials Broadway Colours. Under the agreement, Broadway will incorporate Black Swan’s graphene nanoplatelets in the manufacture of graphene enhanced masterbatches for plastic manufacturing.

2. CVD Equipment (NASDAQ:CVV)

Company Profile

Market cap: US$22.29 million

CVD Equipment produces chemical vapor deposition, gas control and other types of equipment and process solutions for developing and creating materials and coatings for a range of industrial applications, including aerospace engine components, medical implants, semiconductors, battery nanomaterials and solar cells.

CVD processing can be used to produce graphene and nanomaterials such as carbon nanotubes and silicon nanowires. Its PVT200 system is designed to grow silicon carbide crystals for the manufacture of 200 millimeter wafers. The company’s first half of the year saw orders worth US$16.9 million, up from US$15.8 million in the same period in 2023.

Orders from key customers included an order for its PVT200 system from a new customer as well as a multi-system order from an industrial customer for its silicone carbide CVD coating reactors.

3. Directa Plus (LSE:DCTA)

Company Profile

Market cap:GBP 16.7 million

Leading graphene nanoplatelet producer Directa Plus makes products designed for commercial applications such as textiles and composites. The Italy-based firm has developed a patented graphene material named G+ Graphene Plus, which is both portable and scalable. Directa Plus casts a wide net, even using its graphene for golf balls with the aim of improving users’ control and swings using elasticity.

Directa Plus inked in December 2023 what it called a ‘landmark agreement’ to acquire a proprietary system for preparing graphene compounds for market-ready battery and polymer applications, opening up two more potential markets for Directa Plus products.

In April 2024, the company announced the installation of its GiPave high-tech asphalt at the Imola Circuit for the Emilia-Romagna Grand Prix held in May 2024 as part of the Formula 1 World Championship. GiPave uses graphene and recycled plastics to create a cleaner, more sustainable asphalt product.

4. First Graphene (ASX:FGR,OTCQB:FGPHF)

Company Profile

Market cap: AU$31.22 million

First Graphene is an advanced materials company that has developed an environmentally sound method of converting ultra-high-grade graphite into the competitively priced, high-quality graphene in bulk quantities.

The firm is working with three Australian universities on developing graphene products and associated intellectual properties, including PureGRAPH, its graphene powder. First Graphene is vertically integrated, and applications for its products extend to fire retardancy, energy storage and concrete, among others.

In May, the company secured a distribution agreement with global distributor Bisley & Company. The agreement is initially for the Australian and New Zealand markets with the potential for additional markets. The five-year contract represents a significant milestone for the commercialization of First Graphene’s PureGRAPH material, according to the press release.

First Graphene joined a nine-member consortium in July to develop and commercialize lightweight impermeable cryogenic all-composite tanks for the safe storage and transport of liquid hydrogen. The next month, the company secured funding for a collaborative research project aimed at commercializing its Kainos technology for the production of ‘high-quality, battery-grade synthetic graphite and pristine graphene from petroleum feedstock using a scalable hydrodynamic cavitation manufacturing process.’

5. Haydale Graphene Industries (LSE:HAYD,OTC Pink:HDGHF)

Company Profile

Market cap: GBP 4.86 million

Through its subsidiaries, Haydale Graphene Industries designs, develops and commercializes advanced materials. The company has developed a patented proprietary and scalable plasma process that’s aimed at functionalizing graphene and other nanomaterials. Using the technology, Haydale is able to supply tailored solutions to both raw materials suppliers and product manufacturers.

Haydale has a partnership with the University of Manchester’s Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC), through which it is researching and developing graphene-based innovations such as conductive ink heating applications for the automotive and future homes sectors.

In July, Haydale announced that a feasibility study has shown initial indications that Haydale’s plasma-functionalized graphene can capture carbon dioxide.

6. NanoXplore (TSXV:GRA,OTCQX:NNXPF)

Company Profile

Market cap: C$378.75 million

Established in 2011, NanoXplore is able to produce high volumes of graphene at affordable prices due to its unique and environmentally friendly production process. The company’s GrapheneBlack graphene powder can be used in plastic products to greatly increase their reusability and recyclability.

NanoXplore is also targeting lithium-ion batteries with its patented SiliconGraphene battery anode material solution, which employs GrapheneBlack as a coating agent around silicon to make a safer, more reliable cell. NanoXplore’s graphene products are also being used in internal combustion engine vehicles.

Earlier this year, as part of its five year strategic plan, NanoXplore increased the production capacity at its St-Clotilde, Québec plant. The capacity expansion will enable the company to meet increased demand for its graphene-enhanced composite products.

In its Q4 and full year 2024 financials, the company reported record total revenues of C$38.13 million for the quarter, up 14 percent from the same quarter in the previous year; and record total revenues of C$129.99 million for the full year, up 5 percent over its fiscal 2023.

8. Talga Group (ASX:TLG,OTC Pink:TLGRF)

Company Profile

Market cap: AU$154.35 million

Talga Group is a vertically integrated battery anode and materials company, mining its own graphite and producing anodes. It has operations in Sweden, Japan, Australia, Germany and the UK. The company also produces graphene additives for use by materials manufacturers in applications such as concrete, coatings, plastics and energy storage.

Talga has the Talphite and Talphene lines of graphene products, which include conductive additives for battery cathode and anode products, solid-state anodes and graphite recycling.

The company is currently undertaking a scoping study to assess expansion options at its Vittangi graphite project in Sweden in an effort to better address the global battery anode market.

Private graphene companies

The graphene stocks listed above are by no means the only graphene-focused companies. Investors interested in graphene would also do well to learn more about the private companies focused on graphene technology, including ACS Material, Advanced Graphene Products, Graphene Platform, Graphenea, Grafoid and Universal Matter.

FAQs for graphene

What is graphene?

Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal lattice. First produced in 2004, when professors at England’s University of Manchester used Scotch tape to peel flakes of graphene off of graphite, the material is 200 times stronger than steel and thinner than a single sheet of paper. Graphene has many possible applications in various fields, such as batteries, sensors, solar panels, electronics, medical equipment and sports gear.

What are some good properties of graphene?

Graphene’s outstanding properties include high thermal and electrical conductivity, high elasticity and flexibility, high hardness and resistance, transparency and the ability to generate electricity via exposure to sunlight.

What is the difference between graphene and graphite?

Graphene and graphite are both allotropes of carbon, meaning they are structurally different forms of the same element. A key difference between them is that graphene is a single layer of graphite.

Securities Disclosure: I, Melissa Pistilli, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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Stocks

Week Ahead: NIFTY Defends This Crucial Support; Chase Rebounds Mindfully

Stocks

In a truncated trading week, the Indian equities closed the week with gains thanks to a robust technical rebound that it witnessed on Friday. The Nifty continued to wear a corrective look for three days; on the last trading day of the week, the Index managed to get itself into positive territory at close. Had it not been for the technical rebound on Friday, the Index would have been heading to yet another negative weekly close. The trading range stayed wider on the anticipated lines, and the Nifty oscillated in the 692.95 points range over the past four trading sessions. The volatility edged higher; the IndiaVIX surged and closed 8.95% higher at 16.10 on a weekly basis. The headline index closed with a net weekly gain of 374.55 points (+1.59%).

The markets saw some important technical levels getting tested. The Nifty tested and violated the 200-DMA, presently placed at 23593. It also tested the 50-week MA, which is currently at 23312. Thanks to the rebound seen on Friday, the Nifty managed to rebound from these levels and close above the 200-DMA. However, the Nifty is testing the crucial pattern resistance levels and is not entirely out of the woods yet. We also enter the expiry week of the monthly derivative series; the coming days will likely remain influenced by rollover-centric activities. In any case, 23500-23300 is a crucial support zone for the Index; as long as this zone stays defended, we are unlikely to see any further downside. However, if this zone gets violated, we will be in for an extended corrective period.

We are likely to see a stable start for the coming week. The levels of 24150 and 24300 shall act as resistance levels. Supports are likely to come in at 23650 and 23500 levels.

The weekly RSI stands at 47.59; it remains neutral and does not show any divergence against the price. The weekly MACD is bearish and trades below the signal line. The PPO is negative.

The weekly chart pattern analysis indicates that the Nifty is supported by an extended trendline, which aligns with the 50-week moving average currently at 23312. This level is a crucial support for the Nifty, and a breach of this point would weaken the markets further.

Despite a robust technical rebound after testing the 50-week MA, the Nifty is not yet out of the woods. The Nifty will have to defend the 23300 on a closing basis; it will also need to cross above the 24150-24300 to confirm a base formation at the current lows. Market participants need to guard their profits at higher levels. A cautious outlook is advised for the week; keep leveraged exposure at modest levels.

Sector Analysis for the Coming Week

In our look at Relative Rotation Graphs®, we compared various sectors against CNX500 (NIFTY 500 Index), which represents over 95% of the free float market cap of all the stocks listed.

Relative Rotation Graphs (RRG) show a lack of leadership as only Nifty IT, Financial Services, and Services Sector indices are inside the leading quadrant. However, these groups are expected to outperform the broader markets relatively.

The Nifty Pharma Index has rolled inside the weakening quadrant. The Nifty Midcap 100 and Consumption Index are also inside the weakening quadrant.

The FMCG Index has rolled inside the weakening quadrant. The Nifty Auto, Energy, Commodities, PSE, Infrastructure, and Media Indices are inside the weakening quadrant and may relatively underperform the broader markets. However, the PSE and the Infrastructure indices are improving relative momentum against the broader Nifty 500 index.

The Nifty Realty Index has rolled inside the improving quadrant, potentially signaling the onset of a phase of relative outperformance. The Metal, Nifty, Bank, and PSU indices are also in the improving quadrant.

Important Note: RRG charts show the relative strength and momentum of a group of stocks. In the above chart, they show relative performance against NIFTY500 Index (Broader Markets) and should not be used directly as buy or sell signals.

Milan Vaishnav, CMT, MSTA

Consulting Technical Analyst

www.EquityResearch.asia | www.ChartWizard.ae

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Stocks

Small and Mid Caps: Turning Lemons Into Lemonade

Stocks

No matter how you slice it, small and mid caps have been absolutely crushed on a relative basis since 2021. The unfortunate part about this is that most traders have recency bias. They believe whatever has been working will continue to work and things that haven’t been working should continue to be ignored. If you study stock market history, you know this isn’t how it works.

First, I want you to look at a small cap vs. large cap relative ratio (IWM:SPY) since the turn of the century:

It’s rather clear that small caps have been completely out of favor for the past 3 years. And this is what traders know and remember. But if we step back and look at the Big Picture, then we realize that there are times when small caps absolutely TROUNCE large caps. I believe we’re entering one of those bullish periods and I circled the recent action to illustrate it. While small caps have seen a big jump recently, this charts demonstrates that if this period of small cap leadership is just beginning, things could get VERY exciting into year end and throughout 2025. Shouldn’t we at least entertain this idea? For further confirmation of a major shift into small caps, watch the July relative high near 0.41. If that level is cleared, the odds of a much more significant rotation into small caps increase significantly.

I began discussing small cap outperformance all the way back in January 2024 at our MarketVision 2024 event where I laid out my themes for 2024. I indicated that the Fed’s lowering of the fed funds rate would send the small and mid cap spaces flying, which it has, though it was delayed as a result of the Fed keeping rates “higher for longer”. The stock market began anticipating a much lower fed funds rate back in July, when the June Core CPI came in much better than expected. Small caps RIPPED to the upside with the IWM outperforming the QQQ by 18 percentage points in just a little over two weeks – rapid and violent rotation that, in my opinion, predicted much more rotation to small and mid caps ahead. We’re now seeing that.

At EarningsBeats.com, we “draft” 10 equal-weighted stocks into our portfolios every quarter. At our draft on August 19th, we loaded our Aggressive Portfolio with small and mid cap stocks in anticipation of leadership in those asset classes. Our Aggressive Portfolio results were very impressive:

The S&P 500, from August 19th through the update on November 15th, gained 4.68%, but our Aggressive Portfolio scorched higher by 25.75%. That type of outperformance can make a big difference in your financial future. On Monday night, we announced the stocks that would be part of our Aggressive Portfolio for the next 90 days. Thus far, it’s a small sample, but results have been equally impressive:

After quintupling the S&P 500 in the prior quarter, our Aggressive Portfolio has upped its relative performance and currently is sextupling the S&P 500’s performance. One stock in this portfolio is Lemonade (LMND). When we announced our Aggressive Portfolio stocks that we “drafted” on Monday, LMND had just closed at 34.31. By Thursday, LMND had surged to an intraday high of 52.22, representing more than a 50% move in less than 3 days! While we certainly don’t expect this type of outperformance, it does underscore the possibilities when small and mid caps get on a roll and are seeing money rotate into these asset classes. Another stock in this Portfolio jumped nearly 25% and a couple others had gained more than 10%.

Learn More About Small and Mid Cap Stocks

Last weekend, I offered our FREE EB Digest subscribers a Special Offer. I produced a video highlighting a chart that is SCREAMING at us to buy small and mid cap stocks, along with 10 small and mid cap stocks that I really like. Some of these 10 made it into our Portfolios that were announced on Monday. I’m happy to extend this offer. Anyone that would like a copy of this Small and Mid Cap recording and also would like to see ALL of the stocks that are now in our Portfolios, CLICK HERE to start your 30-day FREE trial to our EB service. There’s a very simple fundamental reason why we’re seeing this shift into small and mid caps and I show you on the Small and Mid Cap recording. If I continue to be correct about this small and mid cap explosion, it’ll likely turn out to be your best decision of 2024. Kick the tires at EarningsBeats.com, check out our small and mid cap favorites, and get ready to improve your trading results!

It’s also the start of our Fall Special. Therefore, signing up for a FREE 30-day trial makes a ton of sense right now. If you like our service, you’ll have the opportunity to save $200 on our annual membership under the Fall Special. An annual membership will include your FREE registration into our MarketVision 2025 event in January, priced at more than $500 for non-members.

YouTube Show

Finally, my weekly market report, “Here’s Why Small and Mid Caps Will Keep Flying!”, was updated earlier and is now available on YouTube. Please “Like” the video and “Subscribe” to our YouTube channel as we continue to build our online community! Thanks so much for your support!

Happy trading!

Tom

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Investing

Danielle DiMartino Booth: Trump, Powell and US Recession Reality — Where to Focus Now

Investing

Weighing in on Fed Chair Jerome Powell’s November 14 comments, she said he remains steadfast in his message that while inflation is coming down to the Fed’s 2 percent target, there’s a bumpy path ahead that will require patience.

‘I think the idea here is not so much to hang onto every single word he’s saying about the economy, but rather to understand that he’s retaining flexibility and does not want to be pigeonholed into saying, ‘Okay, there was one report that came out and therefore we’re going to do this.’ I don’t think that’s his aim,’ DiMartino Booth explained.

In her view, the Fed is likely to cut by another 25 basis points at its next meeting in December.

DiMartino Booth also went over where investors may want to focus their portfolios right now, noting that in the current environment it makes sense to be defensive and protective of assets that generate returns.

‘To the extent that (investors are) going to be exposed to the stock market, they should also be focused on companies that behave like gold — that are defensive in nature, that have really strong cashflow streams and are able to maintain their dividends and provide safe harbor when other riskier asset classes don’t do the same,’ she said.

She added that even though the Fed is lowering rates, there’s a trend of investors turning toward cash.

‘It looks like they’re trying to pare back their risk exposure by increasing their cash holdings despite the fact that they’re getting a lower level of an interest stream off that,’ DiMartino Booth said.

Watch the interview above for more of her thoughts on the Fed, Powell and the outlook for the US economy.

Securities Disclosure: I, Charlotte McLeod, hold no direct investment interest in any company mentioned in this article.

This post appeared first on investingnews.com

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