Why American Airlines Group Inc (AAL), Pandora (P) and J.D.Com Inc (JD) Are 3 of Today’s Best Stocks

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U.S. markets finished the week moderately higher on a quiet day, as investors digested recent financial events and the beginning of earnings season.

stock market todayOne notable boost to stocks came from Atlanta Fed President Dennis Lockhart, who said that a Fed rate hike is probably still to be delivered, either in October or December, even though there have been conflicting economic reports recently.

In economic news, September import prices were 0.1% lower — far less than the 0.5% decline expected by analysts. But export prices were 0.7% lower, which exceeded forecasts for a 0.2% drop. In addition, there was a 0.1% rise in wholesale inventories, but wholesale sales were 1% lower.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average rose 0.2%, the S&P 500 gained 0.1%, and the Nasdaq was up 0.4%. Sectors were mixed today, with basic materials stocks again showing strength.

Some market leaders today included American Airlines Group Inc (NASDAQ:AAL), Pandora (NYSE:P), and J.D.Com Inc (NASDAQ:JD), all of which rose sharply on positive news, making them three of today’s best stocks.

American Airlines Group Inc (AAL)

It was a solid day for AAL stock as the company announced its total revenue passenger miles (RPMs) were up 7.2% from one year ago to 18.1 billion seat miles. Total passenger load factor was 82.7% — up 2.7 percentage points from a year ago.

At the same time, American Airlines said its pre-tax profit margin will probably fall within the higher end of guidance statements of 17% to 18%, which is a bump up from the 16% to 18% figures previously given.

Investors were impressed that there is still a great deal of activity, especially from business travel, seeming less concerned that revenue could decline because of lower average fare costs.

AAL stock rose almost 7% on the day, and pushed back up to its 50-day moving average.

Pandora (P)

Pandora investors were singing its praises today after the online music streaming company explained why it purchased Ticketfly for $450 million on Wednesday. P stock rose nearly 7% on the day.

P stock fell significantly the last two days following the announcement. However, Pandora founder Tim Westergren told Bloomberg yesterday that the acquisition made perfect sense because the company can now connect artists who need to sell concert tickets with Pandora subscribers who are typically not hearing ads on local radio stations. He said they can create a marketplace where artists, fans and vendors can meet.

Some Wall Street analysts were concerned that Pandora had paid too much for Ticketfly, and that Pandora would have to spend a great deal of money on technological enhancements to create such a marketplace.

J.D.Com Inc (JD)

JD stock rose 4% today after the Chinese online sales company announced it will launch “German Mall,” another in a line of its country niche channels that feature authentic imports from leading global brands.

The German Mall will contain a wide variety of products that are made in Germany, such as cosmetics, foods, maternity and home products. In addition, JD has affiliated with the German Agricultural Society (DLG) to sell produce and wine on JD.com.

JD stock has been languishing since June, and recently made a “Death Cross” wherein the 50-day moving average crossed below the 200-day average.

As of this writing, Ethan Roberts does not hold a position in any of the aforementioned securities.

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Article printed from InvestorPlace Media, https://investorplace.com/2015/10/american-airlines-group-inc-aal-pandora-p-j-d-com-inc-jd-3-todays-best-stocks/.

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