The S&P 500 futures trade roughly in-line with fair value as yesterday's mixed bias carries over to the futures market, albeit to a lesser extent. The Nasdaq 100 futures trade 0.4% below fair value amid continued selling pressure in the growth stocks.
The Treasury market, which has had a key influence on trading dynamics this year, is calming down following two days of selling in longer-dated maturities. The 10-yr yield is down two basis points to 1.65% while the 2-yr yield is up one basis point to 0.77%.
Investors are awaiting the ADP Employment Change report for December (Briefing.comconsensus 425,000) at 8:15 a.m. ETand the FOMC Minutes from the December meeting at 2:00 p.m. ET. For what it's worth, the preliminary IHS Markit Services PMI for December will be released at 9:45 a.m. ET.
AT&T (T 25.97, +0.33, +1.3%), which is up 4.2% over the past two days, is up another 1.3% in pre-market action after providing encouraging business metrics. The company reported 3.2 million postpaid phone net additions for FY21, as well as better-than-expected global HBO Max and HBO subscribers for year's end.
The U.S. Dollar Index is down 0.1% to 96.13. WTI crude futures are up 0.3%, or $0.22, to $77.21/bbl.
In U.S. Corporate news:
AT&T (T 25.97, +0.33): +1.3% after reporting 3.2 million postpaid phone net additions for FY21 -- its highest figure in more than a decade -- and reporting better-than-expected global HBO Max and HBO subscribers.
Intel (INTC 53.55, +0.41): +0.8% after receiving an upgrade to Outperform from Market Perform at Northland Capital.
Beyond Meat (BYND 67.85, +6.23): +10.1% after announcing its fried chicken product will launch in KFC restaurants nationwide, starting Monday.
RPM Inc (RPM 97.21, +0.10): +0.1% after missing EPS estimates on above-consensus revenue and issuing upside fiscal Q3 sales guidance.
Simply Good Foods (SMPL 43.50, +1.15): +2.7% after beating top and bottom-line estimates and guiding FY22 revenue above consensus.
Reviewing overnight developments:
Equity indices in the Asia-Pacific region ended the midweek session on a mostly lower note. Japan's Nikkei: +0.1% Hong Kong's Hang Seng: -1.6% China's Shanghai Composite: -1.0% India's Sensex: +0.6% South Korea's Kospi: -1.2% Australia's ASX All Ordinaries: -0.3%.
In economic data:
Japan's December Household Confidence 39.1 (expected 39.8; last 39.2)
India's December Nikkei Services PMI 55.5 (expected 57.5; last 58.1)
Singapore's November Retail Sales 2.5% m/m (last 0.7%); 1.9% yr/yr (last 7.5%)
Australia's December ANZ Job Advertisements -5.5% m/m (last 9.9%)
Hong Kong's December Manufacturing PMI 50.8 (last 52.6)
In news:
China International Capital Corporation expects China's Q4 growth at 4.1%.
FT reported that banks in China have reduced lending.
South Korea's Finance Minister said that the country's housing market has been stabilizing, as prices fall due to lower taxes and stricter lending standards.
Australia and Japan are expected to sign a treaty to strengthen their defense and security ties.
North Korea reportedly conducted a missile test.
Major European indices trade in the green with Germany's DAX (+0.7%) showing relative strength. STOXX Europe 600: +0.1% Germany's DAX: +0.7% U.K.'s FTSE 100: +0.1% France's CAC 40: +0.5% Italy's FTSE MIB: +0.3% Spain's IBEX 35: +0.1%.
In economic data:
Eurozone's December Services PMI 53.1 (expected 53.3; last 55.9)
Germany's December Services PMI 48.7 (expected 48.4; last 52.7)
France's December Services PMI 57.0 (expected 57.1; last 57.4) and December Consumer Confidence 100 (expected 97; last 98)
Italy's December Services PMI 53.0 (expected 54.0; last 55.9)
Spain's December Services PMI 55.8 (expected 57.5; last 59.8) and December Consumer Confidence 81.3 (last 84.6)
In news:
Most December Services PMI readings from regional economies remained in expansionary territory while Germany's Services PMI fell to 48.7, indicating contraction.
Italy's CPI increased 3.9% yr/yr in December, representing the fastest rate of price growth since 2008.
Intesa Sanpaolo and Unicredit are reportedly interested in KKR's IT unit. Spain sold 3-, 7-, and 15-yr debt while Germany sold 10-yr debt to good demand.
U.S. equity futures:
S&P 500 Futures: -7 @ 4,789
DJIA Futures: -28 @ 36,772
Nasdaq 100 Futures: -71 @ 16,208
Overseas:
Europe: DAX +0.7%, FTSE +0.1%, CAC +0.5%
Asia: Nikkei +0.1%, Hang Seng -1.6%, Shanghai Composite -1.0%
Commodities:
Crude Oil +0.23 @ 77.22
Nat Gas +0.075 @ 3.792
Gold +3.60 @ 1818.20
Silver +0.004 @ 23.060
Copper -0.0230 @ 4.4520
U.S. Summary:
Earnings/Guidance (Full Earnings Calendar):
ACM Research (ACMR) guides FY21 and FY22 revs above consensus
AT&T (T) provides Q4/FY21 metrics ahead of Citi conference
Infinity Pharmaceutical (INFI) provided an update on eganelisib clinical development plans and 2022 guidance
Inspire Medical Systems (INSP) issues upside Q4 revenue guidance
MillerKnoll (MLKN) misses by $0.05, misses on revs; guides Q3 EPS below consensus, revs above consensus; co noted its ability to produce and ship orders was impacted by global supply chain disruptions
NETSTREIT (NTST) sees FY22 FFO guidance in line
O2Micro (OIIM) guides Q4 revs below consensus; cites short term supply chain issues with a wafer supplier
OraSure (OSUR) lowers Q4 revenue guidance below consensus
RPM Inc (RPM) misses by $0.04, beats on revs; sees Q3 sales above consensus
Senseonics (SENS) provides operational updates, reaffirms FY21 revenue guidance
Simply Good Foods (SMPL) beats by $0.09, beats on revs; guides FY22 revs above consensus
SMART Global (SGH) beats by $0.16, beats on revs; guides midpoint of JanQ EPS above consensus, revs in-line; also announces 2-for-1 stock split
General News:
Members from both parties have begun preliminary talks about providing additional COVID-19 relief funding, according to the Washington Post
Omicron is causing a smaller portion of hospitalized patients to require ICU or mechanical ventilation. About 50-65% of NY hospital admissions were admitted for other reasons and then tested positive, according to the New York Times
CDC updates isolation guidlines for people who test positive for COVID-19 with no symptoms; If you are unable to get a test 5 days after last close contact with someone with COVID-19, you can leave your home after day 5 if you have been without COVID-19 symptoms throughout the 5-day period
Ontario, Canada closed schools, indoor dining, and theaters due to Omicron
Indiana has begun restricting access to COVID-19 tests based on symptoms and age risk factors, according to NBC News
Actinum Pharma (ATNM) and EpicentRx, Inc. entered into a research collaboration to study Actinium's Actimab-A targeted radiotherapy in combination with RRx-001
Agree Realty (ADC) issues 2022 investment guidance and provides portfolio update
Allegiant Travel (ALGT) plans to purchase 50 Boeing (BA) 737 MAX jets totaling $5 bln, according to Reuters
AlloVir (ALVR): FDA grants regenerative medicine advanced therapy Designation to AlloVir's Posoleucel for the Treatment of Adenovirus Infections in Adults and Children Post-Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplantation
Ambarella (AMBA) announces launch of CV3 AI domain controller family
Annexon (ANNX) reports Phase 2 data for ANX005 in Huntington's disease
Athira Pharma (ATHA) Provides 2022 Pipeline Outlook
Beyond Meat (BYND): KFC to launch Beyond Meat's meatless chicken on its menus starting Monday, according to CNBC
Bicycle Therapeutics (BCYC) announces continued clinical progress and updates to management team
Biohaven Pharmaceutical (BHVN) and Pfizer (PFE) complete collaboration transaction for commercialization of rimegepant and zavegepant outside United States
Boeing (BA): UK announces GBP 460 million logistics contract to sustain more than 600 UK jobs
BuzzFeed (BZFD) expects to name a Chief Operating Officer of BuzzFeed responsible for all revenue functions for the Company
Cato (CATO) announces planned retirement of CFO John R. Howe, effective January 17
Cellectis (CLLS) Provides Business Objectives for 2022 and Updates its Corporate Presentation
Connect Biopharma (CNTB) reports detailed positive dataset from the global phase 2b trial of CBP-201 in adult patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis
DocGo (DCGO) awarded two new contracts to Ambulnz by DocGo in the state of Nevada
Duck Creek Technology (DCT) partners with UK insurtech motor insurer startup Adiona
EVgo Inc. (EVGO) announced the appointment of Dennis Kish as COO, effective January 2022
Funko (FNKO) appoints Charles Denson as Chairman of the Board, effective immediately
Henry Schein (HSIC) CFO Steven Paladino plans to retire effective April 29, 2022
Humanigen (HGEN) announces target enrollment in phase 2/3 ACTIV-5/BET-B trial of lenzilumab for the treatment of COVID-19 has been achieved
Inhibrx (INBX) announces initial Phase 1 dose escalation results for INBRX-106
Intellia Therapeutics (NTLA) and Kyvema Therapeutics announced a licensing and collaboration agreement for the development of an allogeneic CD19 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapy for the treatment of a variety of B cell-mediated autoimmune diseases
Jazz Pharma (JAZZ) publishes positive, pivotal phase 3 Data of Xywav oral solution for idiopathic hypersomnia
Mannkind (MNKD) extends collaboration with Thirona Bio on fibrotic lung diseases
Matrix Service (MTRX) adds execs to grow market position in hydrogen and renewable energy
Nikola Corporation (NKLA): USA Truck (USAK) has entered into a Letter of Intent for an initial purchase of 10 Nikola Tre BEV trucks from Thompson Truck Centers, a member of the Nikola Corporation sales and service dealer network
Nikola (NKLA) dropped 2018 $2 bln lawsuit against Tesla (TSLA), according to Bloomberg
NRx Pharmaceuticals (NRXP) submits Emergency Use Authorization application to FDA for ZYESAMI (aviptadil) to treat patients at immediate risk of death from COVID-19 despite treatment with remdesivir and other approved therapies
Nutanix (NTNX) eliminates dual-class stock structure
NuVasive (NUVA) receives FDA 510(k) clearance for expanded indications of use for Attrax Putty with its comprehensive thoracolumbar interbody portfolio for spine surgery
Oncternal Therapeutics (ONCT) announces agreement with the FDA on Phase 3 registrational study design for zilovertamab
Organon (OGN) and Samsung Bioepis' sBLA for their citrate-free, high-concentration HUMIRA (adalimumab) biosimilar candidate was accepted
Palantir Technologies (PLTR) to expand in South Korea
PG&E (PCG): California believes PG&E is responsible for Sierra Nevada fire, according to the Wall Street Journal
Pfizer (PFE) and BioNTech (BNTX) sign new global collaboration agreement to develop first mRNA-based shingles vaccine
PowerFleet (PWFL) has appointed experienced software industry leader Steve Towe as the company's new Chief Executive Officer
Shopify (SHOP) is getting near decision to open up physical stores, according to Business Insider
Sony (SONY) will establish an operating company "Sony Mobility Inc." in the spring of 2022, through which the company intends to explore entry into the EV market
Tradeweb Markets (TW) reports total trading volume for December of $20.0 trillion
Trinity Industries (TRN) discloses Stock Repurchase Agreement with ValueAct Master Fund
UGI Corp (UGI) has entered into a 15-year agreement with California-based technology developer, Vertimass, to utilize their catalytic technology to produce renewable fuels from renewable-ethanol in the U.S. and Europe
Valaris (VAL) announces several new contract awards
Verona Pharma (VRNA) completes enrollment in ENHANCE-1 48-week subset
Walmart (WMT) To expand InHome delivery, reaching 30 million U.S. homes in 2022
Walmart (WMT) and Kroger (KR) raise prices for coronavirus tests, according to Bloomberg
Wejo (WEJO) announces Wejo Natural Edge platform, in partnership with Microsoft (MSFT)
Zynerba Pharma (ZYNE) provides clinical development updates on FXS, ASD, 22q, and DEE
M&A:
Amneal Pharmaceuticals (AMRX) will acquire Saol's Baclofen franchise, including Lioresal and LYVISPAH as well as a pipeline product under development
Driven Brands (DRVN) acquires Auto Glass Now for $170 mln
High Tide (HITI) to acquire Fastendr retail kiosk and smart locker technology through acquisition of Bud Room
Mainz Biomed B.V. (MYNZ) acquires exclusive rights to novel mRNA biomarkers
McGrath RentCorp (MGRC) acquires assets of Titan Storage Containers; terms of acquisition not disclosed
MYR Group (MYGR) acquires Powerline Plus Companies, which generated revenue of approximately $80 mln over last two years
Pactiv Evergreen (PTVE) to sell its carton packaging and filling machinery businesses in China, Korea and Taiwan
Primo Water (PRMW) acquires Clear Mountain Refreshment Services and Mountain Valley distributor business; financial terms not disclosed
Renewable Energy (REGI) acquires Amber Resources and its affiliated entities M.O Dion & Sons and Amber Petroleum Products; financial terms not disclosed
SmartRent (SMRT) acquires iQuue, which is expected to add approximately $2.0 mln in annual recurring revenue
VPC Impact Acquisition Holdings III (VPCC) stockholders approve business combination with Dave Inc.
Syndicate:
Alexandria RE (ARE) commences public offering of 6.5 mln common shares
Docebo (DCBO) files for $200 mln common stock offering by selling shareholder
Intra-Cellular Therapies (ITCI) priced of its previously announced underwritten public offering of 9,523,810 shares of its common stock at a public offering price of $42.00/share
Latham Group (SWIM) files for 12 mln share common stock offering
IPOs:
Expected to Price:
Amylyx Pharmaceuticals (Nasdaq: AMLX): The developer of therapies for the treatment of ALS and neurodegenerative diseases is expected to price its 8.8 M share IPO between $18-$20.
CinCor (Nasdaq: CINC): The clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing its lead clinical candidate, CIN-107, for treatment of hypertension and other cardio-renal diseases is expected to price its 11.0 M share IPO between $15-$17.
Gapping Up/Down
Gapping up:
MYNZ +65.9%, WEJO +22.2%, SENS +14.9%, BYND+9.9%, WATT +9.1%, HGEN +5.6%, SONY +4.2%, NRXP +4%, ONCT +3%, BCEL +2.1%, ACMR +1.8%, NKLA +1.6%, PFE +1.4%, NTNX +1.1%
Gapping down:
ANNX -22.9%, SWIM -9.4%, ARE -5.5%, SGH -4.4%, MLKN -3.1%, AMBA -1.9%, DCBO -1.7%, ITCI -1.5%
Analyst Research (see Upgrades/Downgradescalendarfor full list):
Upgrades
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Citigroup; tgt $30
American Equity Investment Life (AEL) upgraded to Outperform from In-line at Evercore ISI; tgt raised to $46
American Equity Investment Life (AEL) upgraded to Overweight from Neutral at Piper Sandler; tgt raised to $46
Ameriprise Financial (AMP) upgraded to Outperform from In-line at Evercore ISI; tgt raised to $362
Cheesecake Factory (CAKE) upgraded to Overweight from Equal-Weight at Stephens; tgt lowered to $47
Chesapeake Energy (CHK) upgraded to Overweight from Equal Weight at Wells Fargo; tgt $84
Chevron (CVX) upgraded to Overweight from Equal Weight at Wells Fargo
Dominion Energy (D) upgraded to Buy from Neutral at UBS; tgt raised to $98
Edgewell Personal Care (EPC) upgraded to Overweight from Underweight at Wells Fargo; tgt raised to $55
Emerson (EMR) upgraded to Outperform from Sector Perform at RBC Capital Mkts; tgt raised to $116
Garmin (GRMN) upgraded to Buy from Hold at Deutsche Bank; tgt raised to $160
Intel (INTC) upgraded to Outperform from Market Perform at Northland Capital; tgt $62
Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG) upgraded to Buy from Neutral at UBS
Downgrades:
Adobe (ADBE) downgraded to Neutral from Buy at UBS; tgt lowered to $575
Allegiant Travel (ALGT) downgraded to Mkt Perform from Strong Buy at Raymond James
American Tower (AMT) downgraded to Underweight from Neutral at JP Morgan; tgt lowered to $271
Amgen (AMGN) downgraded to Neutral from Buy at BofA Securities; tgt lowered to $255
AVROBIO (AVRO) downgraded to Neutral from Buy at BTIG Research
BP (BP) downgraded to Underweight from Overweight at Wells Fargo
Brighthouse Financial (BHF) downgraded to In-line from Outperform at Evercore ISI; tgt lowered to $60
CNO Financial (CNO) downgraded to Neutral from Overweight at Piper Sandler; tgt lowered to $27
Crown Castle (CCI) downgraded to Neutral from Overweight at JP Morgan; tgt $200
Domino's Pizza (DPZ) downgraded to Underweight from Equal-Weight at Stephens; tgt $500
Enerpac Tool Group (EPAC) downgraded to Underperform from Sector Perform at RBC Capital Mkts
Estee Lauder (EL) downgraded to Neutral from Buy at BofA Securities; tgt raised to $375
Fortis (FTS) downgraded to Neutral from Buy at UBS
Forward Air (FRWD) downgraded to Neutral from Outperform at Robert W. Baird; tgt raised to $125
GoHealth (GOCO) downgraded to Underperform from Buy at BofA Securities; tgt lowered to $3.50
Salesforce (CRM) downgraded to Neutral from Buy at UBS; tgt lowered to $265
Others:
ADT (ADT) resumed with a Buy at Citigroup; tgt $10.25
AdTheorent (ADTH) initiated with a Buy at Canaccord Genuity; tgt $12
Applied Materials (AMAT) resumed with a Buy at Jefferies; tgt $197
Asana (ASAN) initiated with a Neutral at DA Davidson; tgt $65
Ballard Power (BLDP) initiated with a Sector Weight at KeyBanc Capital Markets
Beam Therapeutics (BEAM) initiated with a Buy at Guggenheim; tgt $130
Beyond Meat (BYND) resumed with an Underperform at BofA Securities; tgt lowered to $55
Bloom Energy (BE) resumed with an Overweight from Sector Weight at KeyBanc Capital Markets; tgt $30
Euronet (EEFT) resumed with an Outperform at William Blair
FuelCell Energy (FCEL) initiated with a Sector Weight at KeyBanc Capital Markets
Innovid Corp. (CTV) initiated with a Mkt Outperform at JMP Securities; tgt $11
Upcoming Events:
Econ Data:
07:00 ET: MBA Mortgage Applications Index for Jan 1 (Briefing.comConsensus NA; Prior NA)
08:15 ET: ADP Employment Change for Dec (Briefing.comConsensus 425K; Prior 534K)
09:45 ET: IHS Markit Services PMI - Prelim for Dec (Briefing.comConsensus NA; Prior 57.5)
10:30 ET: EIA Crude Oil Inventories for Jan 1 (Briefing.comConsensus NA; Prior -3.58M)
14:00 ET: FOMC Minutes for Dec 15
Earnings:
Tuesday (Jan 4)
Afternoon: MLKN SGH
Wednesday (Jan 5)
Morning: RPM SMPL
Afternoon: RGP
Thursday (Jan 6)
Morning: ANGO BBBY CAG STZ HELE LW LNN SCHN WBA
Afternoon: DCT PSMT WDFC
Friday (Jan 7)
Morning: AYI GBX
Asia & Europe detail:
Asia: Nikkei +0.1%, Hang Seng -1.6%, Shanghai Composite -1.0%
Equity indices in the Asia-Pacific region ended the midweek session on a mostly lower note. China International Capital Corporation expects China's Q4 growth at 4.1%. FT reported that banks in China have reduced lending. South Korea's Finance Minister said that the country's housing market has been stabilizing, as prices fall due to lower taxes and stricter lending standards. Australia and Japan are expected to sign a treaty to strengthen their defense and security ties. North Korea reportedly conducted a missile test.
In economic data:
Japan's December Household Confidence 39.1 (expected 39.8; last 39.2)
India's December Nikkei Services PMI 55.5 (expected 57.5; last 58.1)
Singapore's November Retail Sales 2.5% m/m (last 0.7%); 1.9% yr/yr (last 7.5%)
Australia's December ANZ Job Advertisements -5.5% m/m (last 9.9%)
Hong Kong's December Manufacturing PMI 50.8 (last 52.6)
---Equity Markets---
Japan's Nikkei: +0.1%
Hong Kong's Hang Seng: -1.6%
China's Shanghai Composite: -1.0%
India's Sensex: +0.6%
South Korea's Kospi: -1.2%
Australia's ASX All Ordinaries: -0.3%
---FX---
USD/JPY: -0.4% to 115.65
USD/CNH: -0.1% to 6.3698
USD/INR: -0.2% to 74.35
Europe: DAX +0.7%, FTSE +0.1%, CAC +0.5%
Major European indices trade in the green with Germany's DAX (+0.7%) showing relative strength. Most December Services PMI readings from regional economies remained in expansionary territory while Germany's Services PMI fell to 48.7, indicating contraction. Italy's CPI increased 3.9% yr/yr in December, representing the fastest rate of price growth since 2008. Intesa Sanpaolo and Unicredit are reportedly interested in KKR's IT unit. Spain sold 3-, 7-, and 15-yr debt while Germany sold 10-yr debt to good demand.
In economic data:
Eurozone's December Services PMI 53.1 (expected 53.3; last 55.9)
Germany's December Services PMI 48.7 (expected 48.4; last 52.7)
France's December Services PMI 57.0 (expected 57.1; last 57.4) and December Consumer Confidence 100 (expected 97; last 98)
Italy's December Services PMI 53.0 (expected 54.0; last 55.9)
Spain's December Services PMI 55.8 (expected 57.5; last 59.8) and December Consumer Confidence 81.3 (last 84.6)
---Equity Markets---
STOXX Europe 600: +0.1%
Germany's DAX: +0.7%
U.K.'s FTSE 100: +0.1%
France's CAC 40: +0.5%
Italy's FTSE MIB: +0.3%
Spain's IBEX 35: +0.1%
---FX---
EUR/USD: +0.3% to 1.1318
GBP/USD: +0.1% to 1.3543
USD/CHF: -0.1% to 0.9150
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