The S&P 500 futures trade 18 points, or 0.4%, below fair value to start the week, as dip-buying efforts remain sparse following last week's retreat. The Nasdaq 100 futures underperform and trade 1.0% below fair value.
Risk sentiment has been pressured by concerns surrounding rising rates and the Fed's indication to tighten policy more aggressively, as well as a report from the Washington Post indicating that Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) is no longer interested in passing any legislation resembling the Build Back Better Act.
The mega-caps are struggling in pre-market action, weighing heavily on the index futures, even though interest rates are behaving themselves this morning. TheVanguard Mega Cap Growth ETF (MGK 246.00, -2.27) is currently down 0.9%.
The 2-yr yield is unchanged at 0.87%, and the 10-yr yield is up one basis point to 1.78% after seeing resistance overnight at 1.80%. The U.S. Dollar Index is up 0.3% to 96.00. WTI crude futures are down 0.7% to $78.34/bbl.
In M&A news, Take-Two Interactive (TTWO 150.46, -14.14, -8.6%) will acquire all the outstanding shares of Zynga (ZNGA 9.16, +3.16, +52.3%) in a cash and stock transaction valued at $9.86 per Zynga share with a total enterprise value of approximately $12.7 billion. TTWO shares are down 8.6%.
Today's economic data will be limited to Wholesale Inventories for November (Briefing.comconsensus 1.2%) at 10:00 a.m. ET.
In U.S. Corporate news:
Zynga (ZNGA 9.16, +3.16): +52.3% after agreeing to merge with Take-Two Interactive (TTWO 150.46, -14.14, -8.6%) in a cash and stock deal that values the total enterprise value of Zynga at approximately $12.7 billion.
lululemon athletica (LULU 336.01, -19.20): -5.4% after issuing downside EPS and revenue guidance for the fourth quarter.
Exact Sciences (EXAS 77.00, +1.34): +1.8% after issuing upside revenue guidance for the fourth quarter.
Crocs (CROX 128.97, +3.27): +2.6% after guiding Q4 revenue above consensus and reaffirming its FY22 guidance.
PayPal (PYPL 186.00, -1.60): -0.9% amid a report from Bloomberg that it's exploring the launch of its own stablecoin as part of its cryptocurrency push.
Reviewing overnight developments:
Equity indices in the Asia-Pacific region began the week on a mixed note while Japan's Nikkei was closed for a holiday. Japan's Nikkei: CLOSED Hong Kong's Hang Seng: +1.1% China's Shanghai Composite: +0.4% India's Sensex: +1.1% South Korea's Kospi: -1.0% Australia's ASX All Ordinaries: -0.1%.
In economic data:
Australia's November Building Approvals 3.6% m/m (expected 3.2%; last -13.6%) and Private House Approvals 1.4% m/m (last 4.3%). December MI Inflation Gauge 0.2% m/m (last 0.3%)
In news:
The Chinese government is taking steps to facilitate purchases of distressed assets by state-backed property developers.
Australia's Prime Minister Morrison said that it is too early to determine the impact of the Omicron variant on the economy.
Major European indices trade below their flat lines. STOXX Europe 600: -0.6% Germany's DAX: -0.4% U.K.'s FTSE 100: -0.2% France's CAC 40: -0.6% Italy's FTSE MIB: -0.2% Spain's IBEX 35: -0.1%.
In economic data:
Eurozone's November Unemployment Rate 7.2%, as expected (last 7.3%) and January Sentix Investor Confidence 14.9 (expected 12.0; last 13.5)
Italy's November Unemployment Rate 9.2% (expected 9.3%; last 9.4%)
In news:
British lawmakers are reportedly pushing Chancellor Sunak to levy a windfall tax on oil and gas companies operating in the North Sea.
The Italian government is expected to spend EUR2 bln on supporting companies impacted by the pandemic.
European Central Bank policymaker Schabel said that the "green transition" poses upside risks to medium-term inflation, but she doesn't see signs of broader second order effects.
U.S. equity futures:
S&P 500 Futures: -30 @ 4,647
DJIA Futures: -115 @ 36,116
Nasdaq 100 Futures: -192 @ 15,400
Overseas:
Europe: DAX -0.4%, FTSE -0.2%, CAC -0.6%
Asia: Nikkei CLOSED, Hang Seng +1.1%, Shanghai Composite +0.4%
Commodities:
Crude Oil -0.48 @ 78.42
Nat Gas +0.253 @ 4.169
Gold -5.25 @ 1792.15
Silver -0.072 @ 22.337
Copper -0.0140 @ 4.3960
U.S. Summary:
Earnings/Guidance (Full Earnings Calendar):
908 Devices (MASS) sees Q4 revs in-line with expectations
Alnylam Pharma (ALNY) sees FY21 revs below consensus
Amarin (AMRN) sees FY21 guidance
ASE Technology (ASX) reports December sales NT 59.665 bln, up 18.6% yr/yr
AtriCure (ATRC) sees Q4 revs above consensus
AZZ (AZZ) beats by $0.03, misses on revs; guides FY22 EPS in-line, reaffirms FY22 revs guidance
Cardinal Health (CAH) provided a fiscal year 2022 financial update for the Medical segment
CareDx (CDNA) sees Q4 revs above consensus
Commercial Metals (CMC) beats by $0.43, misses on revs; provides outlook
Dexcom (DXCM) sees Q4 revs above consensus; sees FY22 revs below consensus
Elanco Animal Health (ELAN) reaffirms FY21 EPS guidance in slide presentation
Emergent BioSolutions (EBS) sees FY21 revs above consensus; sees FY22 revs in-line
Exact Sciences (EXAS) sees Q4 revs above consensus
Exelixis (EXEL) sees Q4 revs below consensus; sees FY22 revs below consensus
FIGS, Inc. (FIGS) sees Q4 revs above consensus
Genesco (GCO) provides Q4 update; reaffirms outlook but sees EPS above the midpoint of the range
GOL Linhas Aereas Inteligentes S.A. (GOL) updates guidance
Hologic (HOLX) sees Q1 revs above consensus; sees Q1 EPS in-line
Invitae (NVTA) provides FY21 revenue guidance
IsoPlexis (ISO) sees FY21 revs above consensus
Jazz Pharma (JAZZ) reaffirms FY21 guidance
J. Jill (JILL) expects Q4 sales to increase 12-13%
lululemon athletica (LULU) sees Q4 EPS/revs below consensus
Merck's (MRK) KEYTRUDA showed statistically significant improvement in disease-free survival versus placebo as adjuvant treatment for patients with stage IB-IIIA non-small cell lung cancer regardless of PD-L1 expression
NanoString Technologies (NSTG) sees Q4 revs above consensus
Nevro (NVRO) sees Q4 revs above consensus
OneSpaWorld (OSW) sees Q4 revs above consensus
Paragon 28 (FNA) sees Q4 revs above consensus
Rapid Micro Biosystems (RPID) sees Q4 revs and FY22 revs below consensus
Sight Sciences (SGHT) sees Q4 revs above single estimate
SOPHiA GENETICS SA (SOPH) sees FY22 revs in line in slide presentation
Spirit Realty Capital (SRC) sees Q4 FFO below consensus; sees FY22 FFO in line
Taiwan Semi (TSM) reports December sales +32.4% yr/yr to NT 155.4 bln
TCR Therapeutics (TCRR) Announces 2022 Strategic Priorities and Anticipated Milestones
Tilly's (TLYS) reports holiday sales; sees Q4 EPS and revs below consensus
Tilray (TLRY) beats by $0.07, misses on revs
ViewRay (VRAY) sees Q4 in-line with consensus
WEC Energy Group (WEC) reaffirms EPS guidance for FY22
General News:
Supreme Court will likely soon issue ruling blocking President Biden's vaccination mandate on private businesses. However, the court could support the mandate for healthcare workers, according to CNN
The Biden Administration is developing new financial, technology, and military sanctions against Russia if they invade Ukraine. US and Russia will hold talks today, according to the New York Times
Senator Joe Manchin (D-WV) retracts his $1.8 trillion spending offer he made to White House last year and is not interested in voting for legislation resembling the Build Back Better bill. White House remains optimistic that a deal can be reached despite this retraction, according to the Washington Post
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA) says additional coronavirus funding could be attached to government funding bill ahead of February 18deadline, according to Bloomberg
Airlines cancelled 5000 flights over the weekend, according to the New York Times
Major port city in China has went under partial lockdown, according to the L.A Times
A new COVID-19 variant was discovered in Cyprus, according to CNBC
Drug makers will meet with EMA regarding vaccine that targets Omicron, according to Bloomberg
Toy makers pull out of major trade show due to Omicron, according to the New York Post
Abbott Labs (ABT) will provide 350,000 tests to Chicago Public Schools, according to NBC News
ACADIA Pharmaceuticals (ACAD) and Stoke Therapeutics (STOK) announce collaboration for novel RNA-based medicines
Airbnb (ABNB): Some lawmakers are concerned about AirBnb's business in Xinjiang, according to Reuters
Amazon (AMZN) files new legal challenge related to Future Group, according to Reuters
Anavex (AVXL) reports positive results from Phase 1 clinical trial of ANAVEX3-71
Beam Therapeutics (BEAM) Reports Progress Across Ex Vivo and In Vivo Pipeline of Base Editing Therapeutics and Outlines Key Anticipated 2022 Milestones
Beam Therapeutics (BEAM) and Pfizer (PFE) enter exclusive multi-target research collaboration to advance novel in vivo base editing programs for a range of rare diseases
Berkeley Lights (BLI) and Aanika Biosciences announce partnership to improve food safety by commercializing antimicrobial peptides through proprietary high-throughput, functional screening service
BioMarin (BMRN) Announces Stable and Durable Annualized Bleed Control in the Largest Phase 3 Gene Therapy Study in Adults with Severe Hemophilia A; 134-Participant Study Met All Primary and Secondary Efficacy Endpoints at Two Year Analysis
Century Therapeutics (IPSC) and Bristol-Myers (BMY) enter collaboration agreement to develop iPSC-derived allogeneic cell therapies
China Life Insurance (LFC) reports Chairman and Secretary under disciplinary review and investigation by the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission
Codex DNA (DNAY) announces strategic collaboration and licensing agreement with Pfizer (PFE) to access and further develop Codex DNA's novel EDS technology for potential application by Pfizer for its mRNA-based vaccines and other biopharma products
Consensus Cloud Solutions (CCSI) names James Malone as CFO
Cullinan Management (CGEM) entered into a collaboration agreement with the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai to develop novel small molecule immune modulators
CureVac (CVAC) publishes timeline for several programs
Dole plc (DOLE) voluntarily recalling salads produced at Springfield, OH and Soledad, CA facilities
Exact Sciences (EXAS) signs Licensing Agreement with OncXerna; Acquires PreventionGenetics
Facebook (FB) to expand in Texas, according to Bloomberg
Foxconn (FXCNY) plant in India will reopen Wednesday, according to Reuters
General Motors (GM) acknowledged California emission rules, according to Reuters
Guardant Health (GH) announces litigation settlement with Foundation Medicine; Foundation Medicine will pay Guardant Health $25 mln plus future royalties
Humanigen (HGEN) aligns with FDA on potential registration phase 3 study for lenzilumab with CAR-T
IDEAYA Biosciences (IDYA) provides portfolio update ahead of JP Morgan Healthcare conference
Iovance Biotherapeutics (IOVA) to present data on TIL cell therapy
Millicom (TIGO) International Cellular CFO Tim Pennington to retire
Moderna (MRNA) to collaborate with Carisma to develop in vivo engineered chimeric antigen receptor monocytes
Molecular Partners (MOLN) and Novartis Report Positive Topline Data from Phase 2 Study for Ensovibep (MP0420), a DARPin Antiviral Therapeutic for COVID-19
NANOBIOTIX (NBTX) Provides Corporate Update and Highlights Key 2022 Milestone Targets
Nemaura Medical (NMRD) appointed Arash Ghadar to serve as the Company's Chief Operating Officer
Ocugen (OCGN) reports COVAXIN booster dose study demonstrates robust immune responses and long-term safety
PayPal (PYPL) exploring the launch of its own stablecoin as part of its cryptocurrency push, according Bloomberg
Pixelworks (PXLW) CFO Elias Nader has resigned; co names Haley Aman as new CFO
PTC Therapeutics (PTCT) Provides an Update on Commercial Progress and R&D Pipeline at 40th Annual J.P. Morgan Healthcare Conference
Royal Caribbean (RCL) paused some of its operations due to Omicron, according to Reuters
Schlumberger (SLB) is adjusting operations planning due to rising COVID-19 cases, according to Reuters
Shockwave Medical (SWAV) received takeover interest, according to Bloomberg
SmileDirectClub (SDC) CFO Kyle Wailes to step down
Sorrento Therapeutics (SRNE) announces unexpected passing of CFO Najjam Asghar
Tesla (TSLA) CEO Elon Musk tweets that full self driving price will increase to $12,000 on Jan 17
Verve Therapeutics (VERV) Announces 2022 Anticipated Milestones and Preclinical Data on Potential Additional Dosing Regimens for its Novel Base Editing Programs
Vale S.A. (VALE) updates impact of rainfall in Minas Gerais
M&A:
Apria (APR) to be acquired by Owens & Minor (OMI) for $37.50/share in cash
Enterprise Products (EPD) acquires interests in Navitas Midstream Partners for $3.25 bln
Griffon Corporation (GFF) Sends Letter to Shareholders Highlighting Strategic and Financial Benefits of Acquisition of Hunter Fan Company
Penumbra (PEN) says it is not in discussions with Shockwave Medical (SWAV) to pursue a business combination or similar transaction
R1 RCM (RCM) to acquire Cloudmed, a leader in Revenue Intelligence solutions for healthcare providers, in transaction valued at $4.1 bln
Takeda Pharma (TAK) announces the exercise of its option to acquire Adaptate Biotherapeutics; financial terms not disclosed
W&T Offshore (WTI) acquires producing properties in Gulf of Mexico
Zynga (ZNGA) and Take-Two (TTWO) to merge in cash and stock deal which values the total enterprise at approx. $12.7 bln
Syndicate:
No syndicate news of note.
IPOs:
Expected to Price:
Justworks (Nasdaq: JW): The cloud-based software platform that gives small and medium-sized businesses access to benefits, payroll, human resources and compliance support is expected to price its 7.0 M share IPO between $29-$32.
TPG, Inc. (Nasdaq: TPG): The leading global alternative asset manager is expected to price its 33.9 M share IPO between $28-$31.
Verdant Earth Technologies (Nasdaq: VDNT): The development stage green energy company is expected to price its 6.3 M share IPO between $7-$9.
Gapping Up/Down
Gapping up:
MOLN +19.3%, OCGN +8.4%, BEAM +8%, SWAV+6.4%, BMRN +5.6%, NSTG +5.3%, PTRA +3.4%, HGEN +3.2%, HOLX +3%, SDC +2.4%, CVAC +1.9%, EXAS +1.6%, ALNY +1.2%, EVRG +0.8%, MGM +0.8%
Gapping down:
EXEL -3.8%, LFC -2.5%, KOR -2.2%, PXLW -0.5%
Analyst Research (see Upgrades/Downgradescalendarfor full list):
Upgrades
Antero Resources (AR) upgraded to Outperform from Market Perform at BMO Capital Markets; tgt raised to $28
CenterPoint (CNP) upgraded to Outperform from Market Perform at BMO Capital Markets; tgt raised to $31
Generac (GNRC) upgraded to Buy from Neutral at UBS; tgt lowered to $480
Gossamer Bio (GOSS) upgraded to Outperform from Neutral at SMBC Nikko; tgt $24
Hersha Hospitality Trust (HT) upgraded to Mkt Perform from Underperform at Raymond James
Hyatt Hotels (H) upgraded to Buy from Underperform at BofA Securities; tgt raised to $110
Independence Realty Trust (IRT) upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Compass Point; tgt $27.75
Infosys (INFY) upgraded to Positive from Neutral at Susquehanna; tgt raised to $29
Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) upgraded to Buy from Neutral at BTIG Research; tgt $372
L3Harris (LHX) upgraded to Overweight from Equal Weight at Wells Fargo
Downgrades:
Airbnb (ABNB) downgraded to Neutral from Overweight at Piper Sandler; tgt lowered to $169
AVANGRID (AGR) downgraded to Underperform from Neutral at Mizuho; tgt lowered to $47
Gaming and Leisure Properties (GLPI) downgraded to Underperform from Buy at BofA Securities
Hilton (HLT) downgraded to Mkt Perform from Outperform at Bernstein; tgt $161
Las Vegas Sands (LVS) downgraded to Underperform from Neutral at BofA Securities; tgt lowered to $40
Others:
Accenture (ACN) initiated with a Neutral at Goldman; tgt $446
Agiliti (AGTI) assumed with a Buy at Citigroup; tgt raised to $28
Apria (APR) assumed with a Buy at Citigroup; tgt $39
ATI Physical Therapy (ATIP) assumed with a Neutral at Citigroup; tgt lowered to $3.50
Berkshire Hills Bancorp (BHLB) assumed with a Mkt Perform at Keefe Bruyette; tgt $30
Bright Health Group (BHG) assumed with a Neutral at Citigroup; tgt lowered to $3.50
Brookline Bancorp (BRKL) assumed with a Mkt Perform at Keefe Bruyette; tgt $18
California Resources Corp (CRC) resumed with a Buy at BofA Securities; tgt $64
Canadian Natrl Res (CNQ) resumed with a Buy at BofA Securities; tgt $54
Cano Health (CANO) assumed with a Buy at Citigroup; tgt lowered to $12
CGI Group (GIB) initiated with a Sell at Goldman; tgt $85.44
Chesapeake Energy (CHK) initiated with a Buy at BofA Securities; tgt $90
Clover Health (CLOV) assumed with a Neutral at Citigroup; tgt lowered to $3.50
Community Bank (CBU) assumed with a Mkt Perform at Keefe Bruyette; tgt $75
IBM (IBM) initiated with a Neutral at Goldman; tgt $140
Imperial Oil (IMO) resumed with a Buy at BofA Securities; tgt $47
InnovAge (INNV) assumed with a Neutral at Citigroup; tgt lowered to $5
KORE Group (KORE) initiated with a Hold at Deutsche Bank; tgt $8
Upcoming Events:
Econ Data:
10:00 ET: Wholesale Inventories for Nov (Briefing.comConsensus 1.2%; Prior 1.2%)
Earnings:
Monday (Jan 10)
Morning: AZZ CMC TLRY
Afternoon: ACCD
Tuesday (Jan 11)
Morning: ACI SNX
Wednesday (Jan 12)
Morning: JEF SJR
Afternoon: KBH
Thursday (Jan 13)
Morning: DAL TSM
Afternoon: WAFD
Friday (Jan 14)
Morning: BLK C FRC JPM WFC
Asia & Europe detail:
Asia: Nikkei CLOSED, Hang Seng +1.1%, Shanghai Composite +0.4%
Equity indices in the Asia-Pacific region began the week on a mixed note while Japan's Nikkei was closed for a holiday. The Chinese government is taking steps to facilitate purchases of distressed assets by state-backed property developers. Australia's Prime Minister Morrison said that it is too early to determine the impact of the Omicron variant on the economy.
In economic data:
Australia's November Building Approvals 3.6% m/m (expected 3.2%; last -13.6%) and Private House Approvals 1.4% m/m (last 4.3%). December MI Inflation Gauge 0.2% m/m (last 0.3%)
---Equity Markets---
Japan's Nikkei: CLOSED
Hong Kong's Hang Seng: +1.1%
China's Shanghai Composite: +0.4%
India's Sensex: +1.1%
South Korea's Kospi: -1.0%
Australia's ASX All Ordinaries: -0.1%
---FX---
USD/JPY: -0.2% to 115.31
USD/CNH: UNCH at 6.3773
USD/INR: -0.3% to 74.04
Europe: DAX -0.4%, FTSE -0.2%, CAC -0.6%
Major European indices trade below their flat lines. British lawmakers are reportedly pushing Chancellor Sunak to levy a windfall tax on oil and gas companies operating in the North Sea. The Italian government is expected to spend EUR2 bln on supporting companies impacted by the pandemic. European Central Bank policymaker Schabel said that the "green transition" poses upside risks to medium-term inflation, but she doesn't see signs of broader second order effects.
In economic data:
Eurozone's November Unemployment Rate 7.2%, as expected (last 7.3%) and January Sentix Investor Confidence 14.9 (expected 12.0; last 13.5)
Italy's November Unemployment Rate 9.2% (expected 9.3%; last 9.4%)
---Equity Markets---
STOXX Europe 600: -0.6%
Germany's DAX: -0.4%
U.K.'s FTSE 100: -0.2%
France's CAC 40: -0.6%
Italy's FTSE MIB: -0.2%
Spain's IBEX 35: -0.1%
---FX---
EUR/USD: -0.3% to 1.1325
GBP/USD: -0.1% to 1.3577
USD/CHF: +0.3% to 0.9217