Top Stocks Soar: Applovin, Kroger, Vertiv, Mercadolibre, Barrick Gold Shine Bright

1. Applovin (Nasdaq: APP)
Applovin surged by 8.24%. AppLovin disclosed multiple insider trades recently, with significant sell transactions by directors. B of A Securities and Jefferies maintained buy ratings, raising target prices to $120 and $108 respectively. Benchmark maintained a sell rating with a $66 price target.

2. The Kroger (NYSE: KR)
The Kroger surged by 7.2%. The Kroger (KR) is engaged in legal proceedings with the FTC regarding its $246 billion acquisition of Albertsons (ACI). Telsey Advisory Group maintains an "Outperform" rating with a target price of $62. The company recently issued bonds to fund the acquisition and raised its annual sales forecast.

3. Vertiv Holdings (NYSE: VRT)
Vertiv Holdings gained solidly by 5.27%. Vertiv Holdings disclosed seven insider transactions on September 4, 2024, including an executive buying 30,200 shares on September 3, 2024. Vertiv's H1 2024 revenue was $3.592 billion, with a net profit of $172 million. Evercore ISI and Mizuho maintain Outperform ratings.

4. Mercadolibre (Nasdaq: MELI)
Mercadolibre gained solidly by 4.61%. B of A Securities, Cantor Fitzgerald, Susquehanna, and BTIG all maintain positive ratings on Mercadolibre, raising their price targets to $2500, $2530, $2350, and $2250 respectively. Mercadolibre's 2024 mid-year report shows revenue of $94.06 billion, a 38.92% increase year-over-year.

5. Barrick Gold (NYSE: GOLD)
Barrick Gold gained solidly by 4.25%. Argus Research upgraded Barrick Gold to Buy, setting a $24.00 price target. The company reported H1 2024 revenue of $5.91 billion, up 7.91% year-over-year, with net profit at $1.12 billion. Scotiabank maintains Barrick Gold as Sector Outperform, raising the target to $25.00.