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- Biotech Stock Jumps 45%
Biotech Stock Jumps 45%
A massive asset management firm just smashed records with a trillion-dollar asset haul, while a construction equipment major is plunging on interest rate woes, and a tiny biotech stock is soaring 45%. Find out who’s moving the markets today!
Market Disruptor
New Jersey’s record-breaking $2.4 billion iGaming revenue proves one thing: this market isn’t just growing—it’s exploding.
But while most operators chase razor-thin sports betting margins, one company is playing a different game.
It’s targeting high-value VIP players—the ones who spend big and stay longer. The results? A staggering $2.13 return for every $1 spent on marketing, a 20% retention rate (twice the industry norm), and 60% revenue growth last year.
With a proprietary AI-driven platform and a bold expansion into Latin America, this company is set to dominate the next phase of iGaming’s evolution.
Futures 📈
What to Watch
Earnings:
Mastercard [MA]: Premarket
Marsh & McLennan Companies [MMC]: Premarket
Apple [AAPL]: Aftermarket
Visa [V]: Aftermarket
KLA [KLAC]: Aftermarket
Economic Reports:
GDP (Q4): 8:30 a.m.
Initial Jobless Claims (Jan): 8:30 a.m.
Pending Home Sales (Dec): 10:00 a.m.
Asset Management
Blackstone’s Profit Surging Upon Dealmaking Boom, Assets Hit Record $1.13 Trillion
Blackstone reported a significant jump in fourth-quarter earnings, outperforming Wall Street forecasts as dealmaking activity picked up in the quarter.
The investment giant posted distributable earnings of $2.2 billion, or $1.69 per share, well above analysts’ expectations of $1.46 per share. This marks a 56% increase from the $1.4 billion reported a year earlier.
Assets under management surged to a record $1.13 trillion, reflecting strong investor inflows. The firm brought in $57.5 billion during the quarter, contributing to a full-year total of $171.5 billion. Blackstone also deployed $41.6 billion in capital, signaling confidence in expanding its portfolio.
CEO Steve Schwarzman highlighted that earnings growth accelerated at its fastest pace in over two years, with investment activity, inflows, and asset realizations reaching multi-year highs. The firm’s fee-related earnings soared 76% to a quarterly record of $1.84 billion, driving a 2.5% rise in premarket trading.
The outlook for leveraged buyouts remains bright as declining borrowing costs improve financing conditions. Blackstone has been actively pursuing major deals, including an $8 billion acquisition of Jersey Mike’s Subs and a $4 billion agreement to take Retail Opportunity Investments private.
Additionally, Blackstone recently announced its largest real estate acquisition in Japan, securing a prime Tokyo office building for $2.6 billion. Lower interest rates are expected to further strengthen corporate earnings and deal activity in the coming months.
Biotechnology
Thermo Fisher Reporting Strong Revenue Growth But Stock Dipping
Thermo Fisher Scientific [NYSE: TMO] posted higher-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings today, driven by increasing demand for its laboratory tools and services used in drug development.
The Massachusetts-based company reported an adjusted profit of $6.10 per share, surpassing analyst projections of $5.94 per share. Revenue is also up 5% year-over-year, reaching $11.40 billion—slightly ahead of the expected $11.28 billion.
The company’s laboratory products segment, which supplies essential materials for clinical trials and pharmaceutical research, contributed $5.94 billion in revenue. However, this figure is just short of the anticipated $5.97 billion. The division accounts for more than half of Thermo Fisher’s total sales.
Thermo Fisher’s stock is down 3% in premarket trade.
The broader biotech sector has faced challenges in recent years as funding tightened due to high interest rates. While recent rate cuts may create a more favorable environment, smaller biotech firms remain cautious with spending. Competitor Danaher recently echoed these concerns.
Earlier this week, Franco-German biotech firm Sartorius reported a 23.1% increase in fourth-quarter orders for its core Bioprocess Solutions division, fueling optimism in the life sciences sector. This positive momentum has contributed to stronger performance across major industry players, including Thermo Fisher.
Crisis to Opportunity
As wildfires rage and hurricanes leave devastation in their wake, one company is stepping in—not just to clean up, but to profit.
Securing contracts worth up to $35M, this company is turning debris into dollars, capitalizing on the booming demand for scrap metal and disaster recovery services.
With a growing presence in a $42B market, it’s positioned to be a major player in the rebuilding efforts across the U.S.
Disaster recovery is big business—and this stock could be one of the biggest winners.
Construction & Mining Equipment
Caterpillar Stock Dropping on Lower Earnings Amid Dealer Caution and High Interest Rates
Caterpillar posted a drop in fourth-quarter earnings as equipment demand weakened due to high borrowing costs and economic uncertainty.
The company reported an adjusted profit per share of $5.14, down from $5.23 in the same period last year. Total revenue is also down, falling to $16.22 billion from $17.1 billion.
Dealers have been reluctant to replenish inventory as construction firms delay equipment purchases, wary of fluctuating interest rates and inflation concerns. The initial surge in demand fueled by the 2021 infrastructure law has now eased, further dampening sales.
Adding to the uncertainty, contractors are treading cautiously amid questions surrounding future government spending policies under the Trump administration. The Federal Reserve's slow approach to interest rate reductions has also contributed to hesitation in capital investments.
Caterpillar’s stock is down 3.8% in premarket trade.
Despite these headwinds, Caterpillar remains a key player in the construction and mining sectors, with analysts closely monitoring how future policy shifts and economic conditions might impact demand.
Media & Entertainment
Comcast Beating Profit Forecasts Despite Broadband Decline, Planning Cable Network Spinoff
Comcast reported better-than-expected fourth-quarter earnings today, driven by a narrowing loss at Peacock and a surge in studio profits fueled by the success of “Wicked.” The company posted a net income of $4.78 billion, a 46.6% increase year over year, while adjusted earnings rose 8.3% to $3.7 billion. Revenue grew 2.1% to $31.92 billion, surpassing analyst projections of $31.63 billion.
Peacock continued to shrink its losses, reporting a $372 million deficit for the quarter—less than half of the $825 million loss recorded a year earlier.
The streaming platform’s revenue climbed 28% to $1.3 billion, though total paid subscribers remained steady at 36 million. Meanwhile, Comcast’s media division saw a 3.5% revenue boost to $7.2 billion, with profits soaring 175% to $298 million.
Comcast’s studios division saw an 85% surge in profit, largely due to “Wicked’s” box office success. However, the company’s broadband segment faced setbacks, losing 139,000 domestic customers, partially due to hurricane-related disruptions.
Comcast’s shares are down 3% in premarket trade.
Looking ahead, Comcast is preparing to spin off its cable networks into a new publicly traded company, tentatively named SpinCo. This entity will include USA Network, CNBC, MSNBC, and E!, reaching 70 million U.S. households and generating $7 billion in annual revenue. The tax-free spinoff is expected to be completed within a year.
Movers and Shakers
Tectonic Therapeutic, Inc. [TECX] - Last Close: $25.72
Tectonic Therapeutic, Inc., is a clinical-stage biotechnology company focused on developing therapeutic proteins and antibodies that modulate G-Protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs), a significant class of drug targets.
Its stock is surging 45% in premarket trade after announcing positive interim data from its Phase 1b trial of its TX45 treatment in patients with Group 2 Pulmonary Hypertension associated with Heart Failure with preserved Ejection Fraction (PH-HFpEF).
My Take: The trial results are an extremely positive news for Tectonic. This stock has jumped more than 100% in the last one year. It might be a good bet to keep it on your radar.
Polyrizon Ltd. [PLRZ] - Last Close: $1.30
Polyrizon Ltd. is a development-stage biotech company specializing in innovative intranasal hydrogels.
The firm is filing a divisional patent application for its Trap & Target™ (T&T) intranasal drug delivery platform, which is leading to a 12% surge in its premarket price.
My Take: While the news of the patent application could be a big move for PLRZ, its best to approach development-stage biotech stocks with caution considering how volatile their fortunes might be.
International Business Machines [IBM] - Last Close: $228.63
Renowned global technology and consulting company IBM’s stock is surging 9% in pre-market trading today after surpassing analysts' forecasts of revenue and earnings on the back of strong growth in its generative AI business, which now stands at over $5 billion, up nearly $2 billion from the previous quarter.
My Take: IBM is on a rebound after a poor earnings show in the last quarter. The firm is taking an early lead in the Gen AI space, making it an exciting bet for the future. Keep a close eye on this stock.
Technology
This Nasdaq-listed company is revolutionizing AI in the booming $124 billion smart glass industry.
Its cutting-edge tech is already deployed by giants like Boeing, Mercedes-Benz, and National Geographic, powering everything from cockpit shading to energy-efficient buildings.
With $240M in projected aerospace revenue, this AI-driven innovator is on the fast track to dominate the market.
Everything Else
Oil giant Shell faces a drop in profit and plans to cut costs for refinery expansion.
UPS shares are tumbling upon poor Q4 results and 2025 outlook.
Strong defense spending boosted Northrop’s profits despite cost challenges.
Southwest Airlines sees robust revenue growth as industry demand rebounds.
Lazard reported stronger profits amid a resurgence in mergers and acquisitions.
Swedish retailer H&M eyes recovery amid challenging market conditions.
Lower Azure growth and a cautious forecast weigh on Microsoft shares.
Tesla outlined plans for affordable models and autonomy to regain momentum in 2025.
Meta posted 21% revenue growth as it bets big on AI and future innovation.
Strong revenue and earnings fail to prevent ServiceNow shares from tumbling.
That’s all for today. Thank you for reading. If you have any feedback, please reply to this email.
Best Regards,
— Adam Garcia
Elite Trade Club
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