CAT, CHTR, and LVS are among the stocks on the move today
U.S. stocks are mixed in afternoon trading, despite record highs early on for a trio of major indexes. Among specific equities in focus today are Dow stock Caterpillar Inc. (NYSE:CAT), cable company Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), and gaming guru Las Vegas Sands Corp. (NYSE:LVS). Here's a quick look at what's moving CAT, CHTR, and LVS.
Lowered Forecast Curbs Caterpillar Gains
CAT is down 1.6% at $96.56 after the company offered up a bleak 2017 earnings outlook, citing a "challenging" overall economic environment. Earlier, however, the stock hit a two-year high of $98.98, as its quarterly earnings did surpass the consensus view. Assuming the shares can get back on track, there's plenty of room for upgrades. Despite boasting a 65.6% year-over-year gain, CAT has still received "hold" or worse recommendations from 13 of 16 analysts.
Charter, Verizon Merger in the Works?
CHTR is fresh off a record high of $341.50, last seen up 5.7% at $328.07. The shares are hopping after reported talks of a Verizon Communications, Inc. (NYSE:VZ) merger -- though no formal offer has been made. Suffice it to say, today's upside explosion puts CHTR short sellers in a bad spot. Nearly 6% of the stock's float is sold short, which would take eight sessions to cover, at typical daily trading volumes.
Las Vegas Sands Slides on Earnings
LVS has shed 7.3% to hover at $52.49, as the casino operator's fourth-quarter earnings disappointed, hit by weak Macau results. Susquehanna responded by slashing its price target to $63 from $66 -- its second price-target cut on the shares in as many days. At present, LVS is testing support at its 200-day moving average, which has contained the stock's pullbacks since mid-July. Options traders, meanwhile, have been banking on a bounce. At the International Securities Exchange (ISE), Chicago Board Options Exchange (CBOE), and NASDAQ OMX PHLX (PHLX), the stock has amassed a 10-day call/put volume ratio of 4.03 -- in the high 82nd percentile of its annual range.
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