^{_{Welcome to the TraderTV Live Morning Research Note. Here's what's making major moves in the market today.}}

0830 - Initial Jobless Claims: Expected 224k; Prior 220k
0830 - Continuing Jobless Claims: Expected 1,890K; Prior 1,870K
0830 - Philadelphia Fed Manufacturing: Expected 8.8; Prior 18.2
1000 - Existing Home Sales (Feb): Expected 3.95M; Prior 4.08M
1000 - Existing Home Sales (MoM): Prior -4.9%
1630- Fed’s Balance Sheet: Prior 6,760B

Tesla Inc.

-1.51%

Tesla’s shares remain under pressure after Piper Sandler cut its price target to $450 from $500, citing lower 2025 delivery expectations due to factory shutdowns and the Model Y changeover, rather than political factors. Despite this, analysts see Tesla as undervalued based on autos, energy, and full-self-driving, with no contribution from AI or humanoid robots. Meanwhile, Tesla is recalling 46,096 Cybertrucks due to an exterior panel detachment risk, affecting nearly all units delivered so far. The stock fell 2% in premarket trading as concerns grow over slowing EV demand, high recall volumes, and shifting consumer sentiment.

TSLA

Microsoft Corp.

-0.11%

Microsoft is set to launch its first cloud region in Malaysia by mid-2025, with three data centers in the greater Kuala Lumpur area as part of its $2.2 billion investment. The move is expected to generate $10.9 billion in revenues and create over 37,000 jobs over the next four years, positioning Malaysia as a key cloud and AI hub in Southeast Asia. Despite ongoing U.S. export controls on semiconductor chips, Microsoft says its operations remain on track. The expansion strengthens Microsoft’s footprint in the region and aligns with its broader AI and cloud computing growth strategy.

MSFT

PDD Holdings (PDD)

-6.4%

Shares of the operator of Pinduoduo in China and Temu internationally are lower premarket after the company missed market estimates for quarterly revenue. They reported 110.61 billion yuan ($15.27 billion) for the quarter ending December 31, below the 115.38 billion yuan expected. Despite deep discounts and government stimulus, weak consumer demand in China weighed on sales. . PDD’s net income rose to 27.45 billion yuan from 23.28 billion yuan a year earlier. Its U.S.-listed shares fell over 3% in premarket trading.

BABA, JD

Five Below Inc. (FIVE)

+10.1%

Trading significantly higher despite having reported mixed fourth-quarter results, with revenue of $1.391 billion slightly beating estimates of $1.386 billion, and adjusted EPS of $3.48 topping forecasts of $3.38. Revenue rose 4% year-over-year, but comparable sales fell 3%. For Q1, Five Below expects revenue between $905 million and $925 million, above estimates of $898.08 million, and adjusted EPS of $0.50 to $0.61, ahead of the $0.49 consensus. For fiscal 2025, it forecasts revenue of $4.21 billion to $4.33 billion (versus $4.27 billion expected) and adjusted EPS of $4.10 to $4.72, below the $5.06 estimate. The company trades with 9.4% short float

Quantum Stocks

-4.5%

The Group continues to trade with higher relative volume and are lower heading into todays Nvidia Quantum days where CEO Jensen Huang and Industry leaders are expected to discuss upcoming trends. D-Wave has introduced Quantum Blockchain Architecture which they claim features enhanced security over classical computing

QBTS, IONQ, RGTI, QUBT, ARQQ

Microchip Technology Inc.

-6.49%

Microchip Technology (MCHP) shares dropped 7.44% premarket to $50.51 after announcing a $1.35 billion public offering of depositary shares, each representing 1/20th of a newly issued Series A Mandatory Convertible Preferred Stock. Underwriters have a 13-day option to purchase an additional $135 million. Proceeds will fund capped call transactions to reduce dilution and repay existing debt, including commercial paper notes. Microchip also unveiled its new AVR SD family of microcontrollers (MCUs) with integrated functional safety. Investors can gain exposure through ETFs like KNGZ and XSD.

MCHP

Darden Restaurants Inc.

-0.61%

Darden Restaurants reported mixed fiscal Q3 results, with adjusted EPS of $2.80 beating expectations, but revenue of $3.16 billion falling short. Same-store sales growth was weaker than expected, with Olive Garden up 0.6% (vs. 1.5% est.) and LongHorn Steakhouse up 2.6% (vs. 5% est.). The fine-dining segment and other brands saw slight declines. Sales growth was primarily driven by the Chuy’s acquisition, though the Tex-Mex chain won’t be included in same-store sales until fiscal Q4 2026. The company reaffirmed its $12.1 billion revenue outlook and narrowed its EPS guidance. Shares dipped nearly 1% premarket.

DRI

Chevron Corp.

-0.48%

The Trump administration is considering extending Chevron's license to operate in Venezuela, potentially reversing a recent decision that required the company to wind down operations by April. The U.S. is also exploring tariffs or financial penalties on countries purchasing Venezuelan oil, aiming to limit foreign influence, particularly from China, while securing Chevron’s role in maintaining U.S. oil supply. This move could put additional pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to negotiate. Chevron continues to engage with U.S. officials on matters impacting its business but declined to comment further on the discussions.

CVX

Sag Holdings (SAG)

+60%

The low float (3.59m) Vehicle parts company is gapping up significantly on higher than average volumes. This is despite no particular news story though it is garnering some social media attention.