Five interesting things that Hodges Capital research analysts discovered this week...

#1 BOX OFFICE BOOM: Last weekend's release of Marvel's "Deadpool & Wolverine" generated $205 million in domestic box office sales, representing this largest film debut in 2024 and the eighth-largest opening weekend in history.

#2 TEXAS POWER GENERATION: In 2023, Texas produced more electricity than any other state, generating twice as much as second-place Florida. Texas accounted for 13% of the nation's total electricity net generation last year. Texas is also the largest energy-consuming state and net energy supplier to other states. (According to EIA)

#3 OLYMPICS: A recent Gallup poll indicated a declining share of Americans plan to watch the Olympics. Down from 59% in 2012, only 35% of those surveyed plan to watch a great deal or a fair amount.

#4 CONSUMER SLOWDOWN: Rising credit card balances and increasing auto delinquencies in recent months have indicated a strain on consumer spending. However, real consumer spending was still up y/y by 0.2% in June compared to an increase of 0.4% in May, according to data published by Strategas.    

#5 NEW BUSINESS FORMATION: According to data provided by William Blair, new business formation weakened in the second quarter of this year, declining 4% compared to prior year levels. While higher rates may be finally impacting new business formation, current formations remain above pre-pandemic levels.

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