A number of stocks fell in the afternoon session after markets pulled back amid hotter-than-expected inflation data. The main concern for investors was the July Producer Price Index (PPI), a measure of wholesale inflation. The higher-than-expected reading suggests that companies could face squeezed profit margins due to rising costs. This also reduces the likelihood of the Federal Reserve cutting interest rates, which could further dampen economic activity. Compounding these inflation fears are multiple reports signaling a weakening consumer.
A number of stocks jumped in the afternoon session after markets continued to rally as a surprisingly subdued inflation report fueled hopes for an imminent interest rate cut from the U.S. Federal Reserve. The July Consumer Price Index (CPI) report showed a year-over-year increase of 2.7%, which was slightly below market expectations. This tamer-than-expected inflation data was viewed by investors as a key signal that price pressures are easing. As a result, the market has strengthened its conviction that the U.S. Federal Reserve will implement an interest rate cut in September. The prospect of lower borrowing costs tends to boost corporate profitability and can stimulate economic activity, creating a more favorable environment for consumer-facing companies and fueling a broad-based market rally.
A number of stocks jumped in the morning session after the release of a favorable Consumer Price Index (CPI) report, which showed inflation cooling more than anticipated. The July report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics indicated a year-over-year inflation rate of 2.7%, just below the 2.8% economists had forecast. This suggests that price pressures on consumers may be easing. Particularly beneficial for the sector was the news that the food index remained flat, with grocery prices even declining by 0.1% month-over-month. This development is seen as a positive for the profitability of food, beverage, and personal care companies, as lower input costs and increased consumer purchasing power could boost sales.
The past year hasn't been kind to the stocks featured in this article.
Each has tumbled to their lowest points in 12 months, leaving investors to decide whether they're witnessing fire sales or falling knives.
Wall Street is overwhelmingly bullish on the stocks in this article, with price targets suggesting significant upside potential.
However, it’s worth remembering that analysts rarely issue sell ratings, partly because their firms often seek other business from the same companies they cover.
While profitability is essential, it doesn’t guarantee long-term success.
Some companies that rest on their margins will lose ground as competition intensifies - as Jeff Bezos said, "Your margin is my opportunity".
A stock with low volatility can be reassuring, but it doesn’t always mean strong long-term performance.
Investors who prioritize stability may miss out on higher-reward opportunities elsewhere.
Investors can certainly boost their returns by concentrating on stocks trading between $1 and $10.
However, a disciplined approach is necessary because many of these businesses are speculative and lack the underlying fundamentals to support their prices.
Value investing has created more billionaires than any other strategy, like Warren Buffett, who built his fortune by purchasing wonderful businesses at reasonable prices.
But these hidden gems are few and far between - many stocks that appear cheap often stay that way because they face structural issues.
Shares of beauty products company Coty (NYSE:COTY) jumped 7% in the afternoon session after WWD (Women's Wear Daily) reported that the company is exploring a potential sale. Sources suggested the company was in the very early stages of discussions to potentially sell off its business in two parts, separating its luxury division from its consumer division. This report raised investor optimism about a potential valuation increase for Coty.
Shares of beauty products company Coty (NYSE:COTY)
fell 10% in the afternoon session after the company reported mixed first quarter 2025 results which significantly beat analysts' EBITDA expectations, but revenue and EPS missed (though organic revenue beat). Organic sales in the Prestige segment dipped 2.5%, reflecting softer fragrance demand and a tough comparison from blockbuster launches last year, while Consumer Beauty sales fell 5% organically due to continued weakness in color cosmetics.
Zooming out, we think this was a decent quarter featuring some areas of strength but also some blemishes. The areas below expectations seem to be driving the move.
U.S. stocks traded mixed at midday Wednesday, as investors remained cautious ahead of the Federal Reserve’s upcoming policy decision, with Chair Jerome Powell set to speak at 2:30 p.m. ET.
Coty Inc. (NYSE:COTY) shares dip premarket after Q3 FY25 results miss expectations. Sales fell 6.3% YoY to $1.30B, below the $1.31B estimate. LFL revenue dropped 3%, with declines across Prestige and Consumer Beauty. Gross profit slipped 7.3%, while adjusted EPS came in at $0.01 vs. $0.06 expected.
Beauty products company Coty (NYSE:COTY) fell short of the market’s revenue expectations in Q1 CY2025, with sales falling 6.2% year on year to $1.30 billion. Its non-GAAP profit of $0.01 per share was 81% below analysts’ consensus estimates.
Stability is great, but low-volatility stocks may struggle to deliver market-beating returns over time as they sometimes underperform during bull markets.
Wall Street edged lower by midday Tuesday as uncertainty surrounding trade policies lingered, with investors adopting a cautious approach ahead of Wednesday’s Federal Reserve meeting.
What has Wall Street been buzzing about this week? Here is a quick look at the top 5 buy calls and the top 5 sell calls made by Wall Street's best analysts during the trading week of April 14-17, 2025.
