Small-Cap Stocks Poised for a Rally: Lazard Expert Predicts 30-50% Surge

Lazard’s global head of small-cap equity, Sean Gallagher, predicts a significant rally in small-cap stocks, fueled by declining interest rates and attractive valuations. He expects the iShares Russell 2000 ETF (IWM) to surge between 30% and 50% in the next year, closing the gap with large-cap counterparts. Gallagher’s bullish outlook is supported by the substantial valuation gap between small and large caps, with small caps appearing exceptionally cheap after removing non-earners from the index.

Cresco Labs: A Potential Cannabis Gem Despite Valuation Discount

Cresco Labs, a leading multi-state operator (MSO) in the U.S. cannabis market, is attracting attention from analysts despite its discounted valuation compared to peers. Zuanic & Associates sees significant upside potential driven by regulatory changes and the company’s strong financial performance. Cresco’s strategic positioning in key states like Ohio, Florida, and Pennsylvania, coupled with its robust financial health, makes it an attractive investment prospect.

American Express Downgraded to Neutral by BofA Securities Amidst Challenging Spending Environment

BofA Securities analyst Kenneth Bruce downgraded American Express to Neutral, citing concerns over subdued billings growth and a premium valuation. Bruce believes the spending environment is challenging, even for high-end consumers, as evidenced by recent commentary from retailers and travel companies. While Bruce maintains a favorable view of American Express’s long-term strategy, he sees limited upside potential for the stock in the short term.

LivePerson (LPSN): Fast-Paced Momentum at a Bargain

LivePerson (LPSN) is a customer-service technology company that is currently experiencing significant price momentum. The stock has gained 33.8% over the past four weeks and 58.5% over the past 12 weeks. Its fast-paced momentum, indicated by a beta of 1.73, makes it a strong candidate for investors looking to capitalize on momentum stocks. Additionally, LPSN’s attractive valuation, with a Price-to-Sales ratio of 0.26, makes it a compelling investment opportunity.

Byju’s Founder Faces Insolvency as Ed-Tech Giant’s Valuation Plummets

Byju Raveendran, founder of the once highly valued ed-tech giant Byju’s, faces a major setback as the company undergoes insolvency proceedings. The company’s valuation has plummeted from USD 22 billion to under USD 2 billion, and Raveendran faces allegations of financial mismanagement and compliance issues. This marks a dramatic fall from grace for the startup billionaire who once soared to success in the education technology sector.

Oyo Raises $100-$125 Million in Funding, Valuation Set at $2.5 Billion

Oyo, the global budget-hotel chain, is reportedly raising $100-$125 million in new funding, bringing its valuation down to $2.5 billion. This news comes after Oyo recently refinanced its existing $450 million Term Loan B, achieving a lower interest rate. The company also reported its first profitable year in 2023-24, with a net profit of Rs 100 crore. Oyo anticipates annual savings of $8-10 million in the first year and $15-17 million thereafter due to the refinancing.

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