Up and Coming Biorobotics Stock Jumps 28% Today

Good Afternoon! 

Hey, everyone. It's Adam from Elite Trade Club. 

Here’s what moved the market today.

Markets 📈

The market hit midweek in stride with gains for U.S. indexes. The Russell 2K fared the best, ending the day up 1.24%.

  • DJIA [+0.14%]

  • S&P 500 [+0.42%]

  • Nasdaq [+0.57%]

  • Russell 2K [+1.24%]

After training 100+ pro traders and making millions from investing, former market maker Jonathan Rose teaches his options strategies each weekday at 11 a.m. ET.

Market-Moving News 📈

Target Tames Shrink: New Strategies and Store Closures Boost Profit Margins

Target is making notable progress in controlling inventory shrink, which includes issues like theft and damage. According to CFO Michael Fiddelke, the company has managed to stabilize shrink levels, an achievement that has positively impacted profit margins. In the second quarter, Target reported a gross profit margin of 28.9%, surpassing expectations and marking an improvement from last year's 27%.

Last year, shrink added over $500 million in costs, affecting Target's financial performance and reducing operating margins. In response, the company has implemented several measures, such as installing locking cases for high-theft merchandise and investing in enhanced security and training. Target also closed nine stores last October in areas severely impacted by theft and organized crime, including locations in Harlem, Seattle, and Portland.

In addition to these steps, Target plans to collaborate with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's investigations division to develop advanced cyber defense technologies aimed at tackling fraud and other crimes.

Other retailers are also addressing shrink. Walmart has noted improvements in its shrink rates, while Dollar General is shifting away from self-checkout to enhance customer engagement and reduce losses. TJX Companies, the parent of TJ Maxx and Marshalls, has introduced body cameras for loss prevention, which have contributed to a reduction in theft incidents.

Ford Delays EV Truck, Cancels SUV to Focus on Hybrids and Commercial Vehicles

Ford Motor Company is adjusting its approach to electric vehicles by postponing the launch of a next-generation all-electric pickup truck and canceling its planned three-row electric SUV. Instead, the company will concentrate on hybrid models and electric commercial vehicles. In 2026, Ford plans to introduce a new electric commercial van, followed by the release of two electric pickup trucks in 2027.

The full-size truck will be produced at a Tennessee facility currently under construction, while a specialized team in California is developing the midsize truck. Ford’s decision to focus on these areas is driven by its expertise in commercial trucks and SUVs, which the company views as key to maintaining its competitive edge.

This strategic shift comes with financial implications. Ford anticipates a noncash charge of about $400 million due to the write-down of assets linked to the discontinued three-row SUV. Additionally, the company may face up to $1.5 billion in extra costs, which could affect its short-term financial performance.

Despite the challenges in the EV market, Ford is committed to its existing electric models, including the Mustang Mach-E and F-150 Lightning. The company plans to share more details about its future electrification strategy in 2025.

Microsoft Teams Unifies Personal and Work Accounts in New Single-App Update

Microsoft has rolled out a unified Teams app designed to simplify the management of personal, work, and education accounts in one place. After a period of testing, this updated version is now available for both Windows and Mac users, making it easier to navigate between different Teams accounts and switch between tenants.

This update is particularly useful for those who manage multiple accounts, as it consolidates them into a single app. It also allows users to join meetings as guests without the hassle of signing in repeatedly, streamlining both professional and personal interactions.

Previously, managing separate Teams apps for different accounts was cumbersome, especially after Windows 11 initially integrated Teams only for personal use in the taskbar. Users often found it confusing to keep track of which app to use for work or personal meetings. This new update resolves that issue by allowing personal and work accounts to operate side by side within the same app. Notifications have also been enhanced to clearly indicate which account they are associated with.

Existing users on Windows or Mac will automatically receive this update, and new users can download the unified app from Microsoft’s website. This streamlined approach is expected to improve overall user experience and productivity.

Long line of investors eyeballing 2024's smartest biotech play. This could pad investors pockets with gobs of healthy potential profits over the next several years.

Top Winners and Losers 🔥

Stronghold Digital Mining [SDIG] $5.34 (+82.25%)

Stronghold Digital Mining announced it would be bought out by rival Bitcoin Miner Bitfarms.

Virax Biolabs [VRAX] $6.40 (+79.78%)

Virax Biolabs retains upward momentum as mpox outbreaks continue to spread through African nations.

Procept BioRobotics [PRCT] $83.44 (+28.36%)

Procept BioRobotics received FDA clearance for its AI-powered HYDROS robotic system earlier today.

Titan Pharmaceuticals [TTNP] $8.10 (-19.00%)

Titan Pharmaceuticals falls back to earth following yesterday’s merger agreement with KE Sdn. Bhd.

PagSeguro Digital Ltd [PAGS] $12.47 (-14.53%)

PagSeguro Digital drips downward despite record income numbers for Q2.

Connexa Sports Technologies [YYAI] $7.63 (-14.08%)

Connexa Sports Technologies flounders amid difficulties retaining Nasdaq compliance.

That's it for today! Please, write us back, and let us know what you think of the Closing Bell Roundup. We're always eager to hear feedback!

Thanks for reading. I'll see you at the next open! 

Best Regards,
Adam G.
Elite Trade Club

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