Microsoft Option Alert: Mar 21 $415 Puts at the Ask: 4507 vs 9951 OI

Microsoft Option Alert: Mar 21 $415 Puts at the Ask: 4507 @ $7.9 vs 9951 OI; Ref=$417.56

Microsoft Option Alert: Dec, 2026 $480 Calls at the Bid: 300 vs 2907 OI

Microsoft Option Alert: Dec, 2026 $480 Calls at the Bid: 300 @ $44.1 vs 2907 OI; Ref=$417.365

Microsoft Option Alert: Jun 20 $420 Puts at the Ask: 500 vs 6029 OI

Microsoft Option Alert: Jun 20 $420 Puts at the Ask: 500 @ $25.1 vs 6029 OI; Ref=$408.475

Microsoft Option Alert: Jun, 2027 $380 Puts at the Ask: 150 vs 64 OI

Microsoft Option Alert: Jun, 2027 $380 Puts at the Ask: 150 @ $35.95 vs 64 OI; Ref=$407.37

Microsoft Option Alert: Jun, 2027 $380 Puts Sweep (4) near the Ask: 150 vs 64 OI

Microsoft Option Alert: Jun, 2027 $380 Puts Sweep (4) near the Ask: 150 @ $36.078 vs 64 OI; Ref=$407.23

Microsoft Option Alert: Dec 19 $240 Calls at the Ask: 80 vs 173 OI

Microsoft Option Alert: Dec 19 $240 Calls at the Ask: 80 @ $176.55 vs 173 OI; Ref=$407.83

Microsoft Option Alert: Aug 15 $360 Calls at the Bid: 100 vs 889 OI

Microsoft Option Alert: Aug 15 $360 Calls at the Bid: 100 @ $63.01 vs 889 OI; Ref=$407.61

Microsoft Option Alert: Dec, 2027 $210 Calls at the Bid: 25 vs 1237 OI

Microsoft Option Alert: Dec, 2027 $210 Calls at the Bid: 25 @ $222.0 vs 1237 OI; Ref=$408.1943

Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) 주식

MICROSOFT CORP

Microsoft

Microsoft develops and licenses consumer and enterprise software. It is known for its Windows operating systems and Office productivity suite. The company is organized into three equally sized broad segments: productivity and business processes (legacy Microsoft Office, cloud-based Office 365, Exchange, SharePoint, Skype, LinkedIn, Dynamics), intelligence cloud (infrastructure- and platform-as-a-service offerings Azure, Windows Server OS, SQL Server), and more personal computing (Windows Client, Xbox, Bing search, display advertising, and Surface laptops, tablets, and desktops).

Business,People,And,Humanoid,Ai,Robot,Sitting,And,Waiting,For

Equities

News

Markets

MSFT

NVDA

TSLA

피규어AI(Figure AI) CEO인 브렛 애드콕(Brett Adcock)은 엔비디아(NASDAQ:NVDA)가 첨단 휴머노이드 로봇 개발에 중요한 역할을 하고 있다고 강조하면서, 엔비디아가 테슬라(NASDAQ:TSLA)와 경쟁 속에서 휴머노이드 분야에 필수적인 칩 제조업체로 자리매김하고 있다고 말했다.

제프 베이조스가 투자한 피규어AI, 엔비디아 GPU 활용해 머스크의 테슬라와 휴머노이드 경쟁

Artificial Intelligence as a Key Growth Driver

Tech

CRWV

GOOG

GOOGL

한 주가 마무리되면서 기술 세계는 흥미로운 뉴스와 발전으로 떠들썩하다. 코어위브(NASDAQ:CRWV)의 기대를 모은 IPO부터 일론 머스크의 대규모 인수까지, 따라잡아야 할 많은 내용이 있다. 주요 뉴스에 대한 간단한 정리를 해보겠다.

주간 인공지능 뉴스: 코어위브 IPO, 일론 머스크의 xAI 인수, 중국의 화웨이의 진보 등

bulls and bears 22ai

AMZN

CVNA

벤징가는 지난주 많은 투자자들이 선호하는 주식의 전망을 살펴봤다 — 여기 우리의 주요 스토리 몇 가지를 소개한다. 미국 주식 시장은 무역 긴장과 인플레이션 우려가 고조되면서 지난주 하락했다. S&amp;P 500 지수는 2% 하락했고, 다우존스 산업평균지수는 1.7% 떨어졌으며, 나스닥 종합지수는 2.7% 감소해 최근 몇 년 중 가장 나쁜 주 중 하나로 기록되었다.

벤징가 불스 앤 베어스: 쉐브론, 마이크로소프트, 나이키 그리고 관세로 인해 자동차 산업이 휘청

Microsoft Corp

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in MSFT usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 248 extraordinary options activities for Microsoft. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 43% leaning bullish and 39% bearish. Among these notable options, 129 are puts, totaling $9,995,941, and 119 are calls, amounting to $8,253,185.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $115.0 to $530.0 for Microsoft over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Microsoft's options for a given strike price.
Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Microsoft's whale activity within a strike price range from $115.0 to $530.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Microsoft Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743451257_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>MSFT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$14.65</td>
<td>$14.55</td>
<td>$14.65</td>
<td>$365.00</td>
<td>$366.2K</td>
<td>3.5K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSFT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/04/25</td>
<td>$0.8</td>
<td>$0.75</td>
<td>$0.8</td>
<td>$390.00</td>
<td>$271.7K</td>
<td>3.3K</td>
<td>12.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSFT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$19.45</td>
<td>$19.4</td>
<td>$19.4</td>
<td>$375.00</td>
<td>$193.9K</td>
<td>2.1K</td>
<td>118</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSFT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$19.4</td>
<td>$19.25</td>
<td>$19.35</td>
<td>$375.00</td>
<td>$193.5K</td>
<td>2.1K</td>
<td>418</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSFT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$19.45</td>
<td>$19.35</td>
<td>$19.35</td>
<td>$375.00</td>
<td>$193.5K</td>
<td>2.1K</td>
<td>318</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Microsoft</h3>
Microsoft develops and licenses consumer and enterprise software. It is known for its Windows operating systems and Office productivity suite. The company is organized into three equally sized broad segments: productivity and business processes (legacy Microsoft Office, cloud-based Office 365, Exchange, SharePoint, Skype, LinkedIn, Dynamics), intelligence cloud (infrastructure- and platform-as-a-service offerings Azure, Windows Server OS, SQL Server), and more personal computing (Windows Client, Xbox, Bing search, display advertising, and Surface laptops, tablets, and desktops).
In light of the recent options history for Microsoft, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Microsoft's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 18,083,669, the price of MSFT is down by -1.14%, reaching $374.49.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 24 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Microsoft</h3>
Over the past month, 5 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $518.0.
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&#x2A; An analyst from Stifel has decided to maintain their Buy rating on Microsoft, which currently sits at a price target of $475. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Tigress Financial persists with their Buy rating on Microsoft, maintaining a target price of $595. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Wedbush has revised its rating downward to Outperform, adjusting the price target to $550. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Jefferies continues to hold a Buy rating for Microsoft, targeting a price of $500. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Scotiabank lowers its rating to Sector Outperform with a new price target of $470.
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Microsoft options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Options

This Is What Whales Are Betting On Microsoft

<a href="https://x.com/sama/status/1906793591944646898?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet" title="https://x.com/sama/status/1906793591944646898?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet">https://x.com/sama/status/1906793591944646898?ref_src=twsrc%5Egoogle%7Ctwcamp%5Eserp%7Ctwgr%5Etweet</a>

Sam Altman Says 'we are planning to release our first open-weigh language model since GPT-2.'

Ratings for Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) were provided by 16 analysts in the past three months, showcasing a mix of bullish and bearish perspectives.
In the table below, you'll find a summary of their recent ratings, revealing the shifting sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the previous months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Insights from analysts' 12-month price targets are revealed, presenting an average target of $506.44, a high estimate of $595.00, and a low estimate of $425.00. A negative shift in sentiment is evident as analysts have decreased the average price target by 0.66%. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743444081_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Investigating Analyst Ratings: An Elaborate Study</h2>
In examining recent analyst actions, we gain insights into how financial experts perceive Microsoft. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Brent Thill</td>
<td>Jefferies</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$500.00</td>
<td>$550.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ivan Feinseth</td>
<td>Tigress Financial</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$595.00</td>
<td>$550.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Daniel Ives</td>
<td>Wedbush</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$550.00</td>
<td>$550.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Patrick Colville</td>
<td>Scotiabank</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Sector Outperform</td>
<td>$470.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gil Luria</td>
<td>DA Davidson</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$450.00</td>
<td>$425.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brad Reback</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$475.00</td>
<td>$515.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Karl Keirstead</td>
<td>UBS</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$510.00</td>
<td>$525.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gil Luria</td>
<td>DA Davidson</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$425.00</td>
<td>$425.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rishi Jaluria</td>
<td>RBC Capital</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$500.00</td>
<td>$500.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Keith Weiss</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$530.00</td>
<td>$540.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gregg Moskowitz</td>
<td>Mizuho</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$500.00</td>
<td>$510.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Thomas Blakey</td>
<td>Cantor Fitzgerald</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$509.00</td>
<td>$509.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brent Bracelin</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$520.00</td>
<td>$520.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Keith Weiss</td>
<td>Morgan Stanley</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$540.00</td>
<td>$548.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Thomas Blakey</td>
<td>Cantor Fitzgerald</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$509.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Brent Bracelin</td>
<td>Piper Sandler</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$520.00</td>
<td>$470.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: In response to dynamic market conditions and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their reaction to recent developments related to Microsoft. This insight gives a snapshot of analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Analysts unravel qualitative evaluations for stocks, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings offer insights into expectations for the relative performance of Microsoft compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts navigate through adjustments in price targets, providing estimates for Microsoft's future value. Comparing current and prior targets offers insights into analysts' evolving expectations.</li>
</ul>
Considering these analyst evaluations in conjunction with other financial indicators can offer a comprehensive understanding of Microsoft's market position. Stay informed and make well-informed decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSFT/analyst-ratings?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Stay up to date on Microsoft analyst ratings.</a>
<h2>All You Need to Know About Microsoft</h2>
Microsoft develops and licenses consumer and enterprise software. It is known for its Windows operating systems and Office productivity suite. The company is organized into three equally sized broad segments: productivity and business processes (legacy Microsoft Office, cloud-based Office 365, Exchange, SharePoint, Skype, LinkedIn, Dynamics), intelligence cloud (infrastructure- and platform-as-a-service offerings Azure, Windows Server OS, SQL Server), and more personal computing (Windows Client, Xbox, Bing search, display advertising, and Surface laptops, tablets, and desktops).
<h3>Microsoft: Financial Performance Dissected</h3>
Market Capitalization: Boasting an elevated market capitalization, the company surpasses industry averages. This signals substantial size and strong market recognition.
Revenue Growth: Microsoft displayed positive results in 3 months. As of 31 December, 2024, the company achieved a solid revenue growth rate of approximately 12.27%. This indicates a notable increase in the company's top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company trails behind with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Information Technology sector.
Net Margin: Microsoft's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional net margin, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable net margin of 34.62%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Microsoft's ROE excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching 8.17%. This signifies robust financial management and efficient use of shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Microsoft's ROA surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 4.56% ROA, the company effectively utilizes its assets for optimal returns.
Debt Management: Microsoft's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average at 0.21, reflecting a lower dependency on debt financing and a more conservative financial approach.
<h2>The Core of Analyst Ratings: What Every Investor Should Know</h2>
Analyst ratings serve as essential indicators of stock performance, provided by experts in banking and financial systems. These specialists diligently analyze company financial statements, participate in conference calls, and engage with insiders to generate quarterly ratings for individual stocks.
Some analysts also offer predictions for helpful metrics such as earnings, revenue, and growth estimates to provide further guidance as to what to do with certain tickers. It is important to keep in mind that while stock and sector analysts are specialists, they are also human and can only forecast their beliefs to traders.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=analyst-ratings&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Analyst Ratings

Demystifying Microsoft: Insights From 16 Analyst Reviews

Leading artificial intelligence chip maker <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44445158/nvidias-4-trillion-ambitions-could-drive-the-stock-to-new-frontiers-in-2025">Nvidia</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) plans to invest hundreds of billions of dollars in the U.S. supply chain over the next four years. CEO <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44450770/nvidia-ceo-jensen-huangs-joke-sparks-concerns-over-rapid-depreciation-of-ai-chips">Jensen Huang</a> told the<a href="https://www.ft.com/content/3fd3a717-2fbf-42ef-bb08-5baecdeb1985"> Financial Times</a> that the increased U.S. production was being made possible thanks to suppliers such as the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44453733/apples-iphone-18-to-get-massive-boost-with-2nm-a20-chiptsmcs-yields-surge-past-70-says-top-analyst">Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company </a>(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NASDAQ">TSM</a>) and Foxconn (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FXCOF#NASDAQ">FXCOF</a>).
&#8220;Overall, we will procure, over the course of the next four years, probably half a trillion dollars worth of electronics in total,&#8221; Huang told the FT. &#8220;And I think we can easily see ourselves manufacturing several hundred billion of it here in the U.S.&#8221;
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Available Energy: A Crucial Factor</h2>
Huang, speaking on March 18 during his company&#8217;s <a href="https://www.nvidia.com/gtc/keynote/">GTC convention</a>, believed the Trump administration&#8217;s &#8220;America First&#8221; policy would enable his company to ramp up chip production in the U.S.&nbsp;
&#8220;Having the support of an administration who cares about the success of this industry and not allowing energy to be an obstacle is a phenomenal result for AI in the U.S.,&#8221; he told the FT.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Nvidia Part Of A U.S. Onshore Tech Explosion</h2>
Huang&#8217;s sentiments follow pledges by other tech companies to onshore manufacturing in the U.S. rather than overseas. Apple has committed to spending<a href="https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/02/apple-will-spend-more-than-500-billion-usd-in-the-us-over-the-next-four-years/"> $500 billion</a> in the U.S. over the next four years, expanding teams and facilities in Michigan, Texas, California, Arizona, Nevada, Iowa, Oregon, North Carolina, and Washington.&nbsp;
Trending: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/vatom-adv">Invest in the Future of Digital Engagement. Own a Piece of the $100 Billion Metaverse Today for Just $500.</a>
TSMC has already committed a $100 billion investment in a chip fabrication plant in Arizona, which<a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/articles/2025/03/another-historic-investment-secured-under-president-trump/#:~:text=Secretary%20of%20Commerce%20Howard%20Lutnick,with%20a%20$100%20billion%20investment.%E2%80%9D"> President Donald Trump</a> has said would create thousands of jobs bringing Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s investment to "about $165 billion."
&#8220;TSMC investing in the U.S. provides for a substantial step up in our supply chain resilience,&#8221; Huang told the FT.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Pledging To Build In The U.S.: A Hedge Against Tariffs</h2>
TSMC&#8217;s Taiwan-based production facilities have been an increasingly pivotal part of Nvidia and Apple&#8217;s manufacturing process, which Trump was once keen to change, previously threatening to<a href="https://foreignpolicy.com/2025/02/24/taiwan-tsmc-trump-semiconductors-chips-technology-intel/"> impose tariffs on Taiwan</a>. By pledging to build new facilities in the U.S., Trump said that Taiwan<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/mar/04/taiwan-trump-semiconductor-deal-tsmc"> avoided a 25% tariff</a>.&nbsp;
&#8220;TSMC already has plants in the US and Japan, and it&#8217;s now building a new plant in Germany,&#8221;&nbsp; Taiwanese presidential office spokesperson Karen Kuo told the<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/mar/04/taiwan-trump-semiconductor-deal-tsmc"> Guardian</a>. &#8220;These have nothing to do with tariffs. TSMC&#8217;s global expansion is a crucial development.&#8221;
See Also: Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">invest pre-IPO from $0.55 per share now</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Data Center Revolution Amid AI Arms Race</h2>
Trump has been basking in a wave of tech commitments to manufacture products in the U.S.
&#8220;GE Aerospace (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GE#NYSE">GE</a>) announced on Tuesday a nearly $1 billion investment in U.S. manufacturing, the latest company to do so under the Trump administration… It marks the latest company to put money back into the U.S. economy,&#8221; Trump said.&nbsp;
Other tech companies or those that finance them have also announced big U.S.-based investments. Meta (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) has announced a<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/24/technology/meta-data-center.html"> $65 billion investment</a>, most of which will be used to construct new data centers to fuel its AI operations. This follows investments from Google, Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), and Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) in data centers as the AI arms race heats up.&nbsp;
Trump has announced a joint venture between OpenAI, SoftBank, and Oracle (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>) called<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/technology/trump-openai-stargate-artificial-intelligence.html"> Stargate</a>, which aims to invest at least<a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/01/21/technology/trump-openai-stargate-artificial-intelligence.html"> $100 billion in U.S. data centers</a>. Many of these data centers will house the incredibly powerful GPU computers powering the AI revolution. Nvidia currently has between <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/06/02/nvidia-dominates-the-ai-chip-market-but-theres-rising-competition-.html">70% and 95%</a> of the AI chip market used in GPUs.
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FXCOF

ORCL

Nvidia To Invest Billions In U.S. Supply Chain As Tech Companies Commit To Trump's Onshoring Pledge

Many investors start their journey toward financial security with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44486348/58-year-old-with-3m-portfolio-makes-bold-retirement-move-i-want-to-test-it-out-before-i-actually-retire-with-1m-in-dividend-stocks">stocks</a>, and a successful investing strategy involves considering the risks, adapting, and thinking about the long-term rewards.
For some, a well-balanced <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/03/44519403/a-new-investor-shares-his-dividend-portfolio-that-earns-206-year-on-reddit-wondering-if-this-is-a-solid-set-up">portfolio</a> contains stocks, bonds, and small-cap investments, while for others, a mix of international stocks and ETFs is a favorite approach since it offers broader diversification. Either way, a combo of these assets ensures both growth and protection against a market downturn and is a great strategy for those unwilling to risk their money unnecessarily.
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A 30-year-old investor with a $65,000 portfolio has taken to Reddit to ask how to strike that balance in his portfolio. Primarily invested in Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOO#NYSE">VOO</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), he also holds individual stocks like NVIDIA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Alphabet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>, GOOGL)), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), and Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), but plans to exit them soon.
&#8220;I am planning to change the composition moving forward and adding [Vanguard Total International Stock ETF (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/vxus#NASDAQ">VXUS</a>)] (International exposure ETF), [iShares Core S&amp;P Small-Cap ETF (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ijr#NYSE">IJR</a>)] (Small-cap stocks ETF), and [Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (NASDAQ: BND] (Bonds exposure) along with my VOO and QQQ. I like it boring for my risk profile,&#8221; he said.
The poster&#8217;s main goal is long-term growth, but he&#8217;s open to feedback on improving diversification and managing risk. The r/Portfolios community has shared its thoughts in the comments, so let&#8217;s see those.
Trending: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to Diversify a $65,000 Portfolio? Reddit Debates Possible Low-Risk Options</h2>
Overexposure to Large-Cap Growth Stocks Isn&#8217;t a Good Idea
Several Redditors pointed out that VOO and QQQ heavily overlap, meaning the investor&#8217;s portfolio is not as diversified as he thinks.
&#8220;You&#8217;re just long all the same s&#8211;t, large-cap equities. You want multiple return streams in case large-cap equities have a drawdown. If you work a job, own a house, and own equities, you are triple long on the same bet that would destroy you as all are affected by a recession,&#8221; a commenter says.
A Redditor pointed out that a mix of large-cap stocks isn&#8217;t a complete retirement portfolio, and suggested other assets to balance it.
&#8220;Large-cap U.S. stocks can be a great investment, but they&#8217;re not a complete retirement portfolio. Other assets should be included, such as smaller-cap U.S. stocks, international stocks, and bonds,&#8221; the Redditor wrote.
While not against big tech, this commenter recommended the poster add non-tech exposure in his portfolio.
&#8220;I don't see picking high-quality companies that are in the index as redundant, you're overweighting the highest quality companies in the index and which drive its returns. I would look for maybe one high-quality non-big tech name. I love the credit rating agencies (S&amp;P and [Moody's (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/mco#NYSE">MCO</a>)]), but there are others, the three large credit card companies too,&#8221; he said.
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Stick to Index Funds
Many advised the investor to drop the individual stocks he holds since they're already covered in VOO and QQQ, creating unnecessary concentration.
&#8220;Remove all redundancies and focus on VOO (almost everything you own is in VOO),&#8221; a Reddit user suggested.
&#8220;Good that you&#8217;re making an effort to invest, but there&#8217;s a lot of redundancy here. The Mag 7 already makes up a huge portion of VOO, why do you feel that you need to be even more extended in those stocks? If you really want to stock-pick on the side, I&#8217;d recommend focusing on lesser-known stocks (not penny stocks) that aren&#8217;t heavily weighted in the S&amp;P 500 (preferably not in it at all),&#8221; a commenter advised.
Reinforcing the idea that stock-picking isn&#8217;t adding value if the stocks are already in the ETF he has, this Redditor suggested the poster go all in in VOO or diversify more.
&#8220;I&#8217;d diversify some. VOO's major holdings are already included in the individual stocks you're holding. Might as well go more into VOO (and keep [Amazon (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/amzn#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>)] if you&#8217;re still really bullish on them),&#8221; he said.
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Personal Finance

VXUS

30-Year-Old With $65K In Stocks Sparks Debate – 'Focusing Mostly On ETFs' But Now Betting On Bonds, Small Caps, And International Plays

In today's rapidly changing and highly competitive business world, it is vital for investors and industry enthusiasts to carefully assess companies. In this article, we will perform a comprehensive industry comparison, evaluating Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) against its key competitors in the Software industry. By analyzing important financial metrics, market position, and growth prospects, we aim to provide valuable insights for investors and shed light on company's performance within the industry.
<h3>Microsoft Background</h3>
Microsoft develops and licenses consumer and enterprise software. It is known for its Windows operating systems and Office productivity suite. The company is organized into three equally sized broad segments: productivity and business processes (legacy Microsoft Office, cloud-based Office 365, Exchange, SharePoint, Skype, LinkedIn, Dynamics), intelligence cloud (infrastructure- and platform-as-a-service offerings Azure, Windows Server OS, SQL Server), and more personal computing (Windows Client, Xbox, Bing search, display advertising, and Surface laptops, tablets, and desktops).
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>P/E</th>
<th>P/B</th>
<th>P/S</th>
<th>ROE</th>
<th>EBITDA (in billions)</th>
<th>Gross Profit (in billions)</th>
<th>Revenue Growth</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Microsoft Corp</td>
<td>30.52</td>
<td>9.30</td>
<td>10.81</td>
<td>8.17%</td>
<td>$36.79</td>
<td>$47.83</td>
<td>12.27%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oracle Corp</td>
<td>33.07</td>
<td>23.61</td>
<td>7.21</td>
<td>19.27%</td>
<td>$5.89</td>
<td>$9.94</td>
<td>6.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ServiceNow Inc</td>
<td>116.63</td>
<td>17.14</td>
<td>15.14</td>
<td>4.06%</td>
<td>$0.62</td>
<td>$2.33</td>
<td>21.34%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Palo Alto Networks Inc</td>
<td>97.60</td>
<td>17.94</td>
<td>14.29</td>
<td>4.35%</td>
<td>$0.41</td>
<td>$1.66</td>
<td>14.29%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fortinet Inc</td>
<td>42.74</td>
<td>49.73</td>
<td>12.52</td>
<td>43.82%</td>
<td>$0.66</td>
<td>$1.35</td>
<td>17.31%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gen Digital Inc</td>
<td>25.91</td>
<td>7.57</td>
<td>4.25</td>
<td>7.48%</td>
<td>$0.45</td>
<td>$0.79</td>
<td>4.01%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Monday.Com Ltd</td>
<td>398.40</td>
<td>12.17</td>
<td>13.32</td>
<td>2.3%</td>
<td>$0.07</td>
<td>$0.24</td>
<td>32.29%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dolby Laboratories Inc</td>
<td>29.60</td>
<td>3.07</td>
<td>5.91</td>
<td>2.72%</td>
<td>$0.11</td>
<td>$0.32</td>
<td>13.13%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CommVault Systems Inc</td>
<td>42.63</td>
<td>24.76</td>
<td>7.76</td>
<td>3.9%</td>
<td>$0.02</td>
<td>$0.21</td>
<td>21.13%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Qualys Inc</td>
<td>27.35</td>
<td>9.72</td>
<td>7.82</td>
<td>9.49%</td>
<td>$0.05</td>
<td>$0.13</td>
<td>10.11%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SolarWinds Corp</td>
<td>28.80</td>
<td>2.28</td>
<td>4.04</td>
<td>5.26%</td>
<td>$0.07</td>
<td>$0.19</td>
<td>6.14%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Progress Software Corp</td>
<td>33.37</td>
<td>5.04</td>
<td>3.03</td>
<td>0.27%</td>
<td>$0.05</td>
<td>$0.18</td>
<td>21.47%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Teradata Corp</td>
<td>19.81</td>
<td>16.59</td>
<td>1.29</td>
<td>19.38%</td>
<td>$0.06</td>
<td>$0.24</td>
<td>-10.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Rapid7 Inc</td>
<td>68.97</td>
<td>99.65</td>
<td>2.07</td>
<td>-25.97%</td>
<td>$0.02</td>
<td>$0.15</td>
<td>5.36%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average</td>
<td>74.22</td>
<td>22.25</td>
<td>7.59</td>
<td>7.41%</td>
<td>$0.65</td>
<td>$1.36</td>
<td>12.5%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<style>
 table {
 width: 100%;
 border-collapse: collapse;
 font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
 font-size: 14px;
 }

 th, td {
 padding: 8px;
 text-align: left;
 }

 th {
 background-color: #293a5a;
 color: #fff;
 text-align: left;
 }

 tr:nth-child(even) {
 background-color: #f2f4f8;
 }

 tr:hover {
 background-color: #e1e4ea;
 }

 td:nth-child(3), td:nth-child(5) {
 text-align: left;
 }

 .dividend-amount {
 font-weight: bold;
 color: #0d6efd;
 }

 .dividend-frequency {
 font-size: 12px;
 color: #6c757d;
 }
 </style>By analyzing Microsoft, we can infer the following trends: 
<ul>
<li>
The stock's Price to Earnings ratio of 30.52 is lower than the industry average by 0.41x, suggesting potential value in the eyes of market participants.
</li>
<li>
With a Price to Book ratio of 9.3, significantly falling below the industry average by 0.42x, it suggests undervaluation and the possibility of untapped growth prospects.
</li>
<li>
The stock's relatively high Price to Sales ratio of 10.81, surpassing the industry average by 1.42x, may indicate an aspect of overvaluation in terms of sales performance.
</li>
<li>
The Return on Equity (ROE) of 8.17% is 0.76% above the industry average, highlighting efficient use of equity to generate profits.
</li>
<li>
Compared to its industry, the company has higher Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of $36.79 Billion, which is 56.6x above the industry average, indicating stronger profitability and robust cash flow generation.
</li>
<li>
Compared to its industry, the company has higher gross profit of $47.83 Billion, which indicates 35.17x above the industry average, indicating stronger profitability and higher earnings from its core operations.
</li>
<li>
The company's revenue growth of 12.27% is significantly below the industry average of 12.5%. This suggests a potential struggle in generating increased sales volume.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Debt To Equity Ratio</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1743433220_0.png" alt="debt to equity" />
The debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio gauges the extent to which a company has financed its operations through debt relative to equity.
Considering the debt-to-equity ratio in industry comparisons allows for a concise evaluation of a company's financial health and risk profile, aiding in informed decision-making.
By considering the Debt-to-Equity ratio, Microsoft can be compared to its top 4 peers, leading to the following observations:
<ul>
<li>
Microsoft is in a relatively stronger financial position compared to its top 4 peers, as evidenced by its lower debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21.
</li>
<li>
This implies that the company relies less on debt financing and has a more favorable balance between debt and equity.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Takeaways</h3>
For Microsoft in the Software industry, the PE and PB ratios suggest that the company is undervalued compared to its peers, indicating potential for growth. However, the high PS ratio implies that the stock may be overvalued based on its revenue. In terms of profitability, Microsoft's high ROE, EBITDA, and gross profit margins outperform industry standards, reflecting strong financial performance. The low revenue growth rate may indicate a need for strategic initiatives to drive top-line growth and maintain competitiveness in the sector.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Trading Ideas

Industry Comparison: Evaluating Microsoft Against Competitors In Software Industry

WIIM

Microsoft shares are trading lower after Jefferies lowered its price target on the stock from $550 to $500.

Jefferies analyst Brent Thill maintains Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $550 to $500.

Price Target

Jefferies Maintains Buy on Microsoft, Lowers Price Target to $500

<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-31/alphabet-s-ai-drug-unit-raises-600-million-from-openai-backer" title="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-31/alphabet-s-ai-drug-unit-raises-600-million-from-openai-backer">https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-03-31/alphabet-s-ai-drug-unit-raises-600-million-from-openai-backer</a>

'Alphabet's AI Drug Unit Raises $600 Million From OpenAI Backer' - Bloomberg

As CoreWeave Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWV#NASDAQ">CRWV</a>) closed at its exact initial public offering price of $40 apiece on Friday, this analyst highlights the challenges for the &#8220;tough&#8221; IPO, stemming from several reasons, including the reduction in artificial intelligence spending by companies in 2025.
What Happened: Dan Niles, the founder and portfolio manager of Niles Investment Management, described the CoreWeave IPO as a &#8220;tough&#8221; one as it closed at the exact IPO price on its listing day. He said in an X posy that a solid deal is one where the stock is up 15-30% from its IPO price on the opening day of trade.
According to Niles, the AI cloud infrastructure company closed at the IPO price because it was backed by Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>). The chipmaker, led by Jensen Huang, is a 6% investor and contributes at least 15% to CoreWeave&#8217;s revenue. However, Niles wasn&#8217;t convinced that Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), which contributes to 62% of CRWV&#8217;s revenue, did not invest $12 billion for extra capacity.
&#8220;What is more troubling to me is the news story that $MSFT, a 62% customer of Coreweave, turned down a $12B option for more capacity. OpenAI reportedly took this capacity, but Microsoft generates a lot of free cash flow to fund their spending, while OpenAI loses a tremendous amount and will need to raise capital in the future to fund their capex desires,&#8221; he said.
He also recalled Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. ADR (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) chairman, Jack Ma&#8216;s March 25 statement on AI spending, where he said that pouring a lot of money ahead of significant demand wasn&#8217;t &#8220;entirely necessary&#8221;.
Niles said that these factors, along with reciprocal tariffs on April 2nd, do not bode well for how CoreWeave is likely to trade this upcoming week or related AI names.
&#8220;AI capex spending by mid-year will be going through a digestion phase due to a slowdown in training demand,&#8221; Niles said.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">As it relates to the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24CRWV&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$CRWV</a> IPO on Friday, a solid deal is one where the stock is up 15-30% from its IPO price on the opening day of trade. The issuing company is happy at not having underpriced the deal too much in raising capital. Investors receiving the IPO shares are happy for…
&mdash; Dan Niles (@DanielTNiles) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanielTNiles/status/1906500919794991223?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 31, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44554923/goldman-sachs-warns-us-stocks-are-at-risk-of-further-declines-but-policy-pivot-from-trump-or-fed-could-stoke-reco">Goldman Sachs Warns US Stocks ‘Are At Risk Of Further Declines,' But Policy Pivot From Trump Or Fed Could Stoke Recovery </a>
Why It Matters: The shares of CRWV dropped 3.73% to $38.51 apiece in premarket on Monday.
Despite the short-term outlook, Niles said that &#8220;Longer-term, I still believe AI capex spending is likely to double by the end of the decade from current levels driven by inference demand.&#8221;
Addressing the 62% revenue from Microsoft, CRWV&#8217;s CEO, Michael Intrator, turned down the concerns over <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44549825/nvidia-backed-coreweaves-ceo-defends-microsoft-openai-revenue-concentration-due-to-mind-bendingly-large-deals">client concentration</a> on the listing day. 
&#8220;They say that we had 60% of revenue from Microsoft, and then we signed a contract with OpenAI for just under $12 billion, and now we&#8217;re less than 50%,&#8221; he said in an <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/03/28/coreweave-ceo-michael-intrator-ipo-going-public-ai-company/">interview</a> with Fortune on Friday. &#8220;All the big players that need this type of infrastructure … those are our customers.&#8221; 
Price Action: While CRWV&#8217;s shares were down in premarket, the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>), which track the S&amp;P 500 index and Nasdaq 100 index, respectively, dropped in premarket on Monday. The SPY was down 0.91% to $550.59, while the QQQ declined 1.33% to $462.69, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a> data.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/03/44555936/scott-bessent-has-worst-job-in-the-world-today-says-black-swan-author-nassim-taleb-as-treasury-secretary-knows-the-implications-of-steep-tariffs">Scott Bessent Has &#8216;Worst Job In The World Today,&#8217; Says Black Swan Author Nassim Taleb, As Treasury Secretary Knows The Implications Of Steep Tariffs </a></li>
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General

BABA

CoreWeave's 'Tough' IPO: A Warning Sign For AI Investors? Expert Flags Microsoft's Rejection

Figure AI CEO Brett Adcock emphasizes Nvidia Corp.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) crucial role in the development of advanced humanoid robots, positioning the chipmaker as essential to the emerging sector amid competition with Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>).
What Happened: &#8220;We use Nvidia in two ways today. We use both for training new models that we do quite a lot now and for on-board inference,&#8221; Adcock said during an early March interview with Amit Kukreja. &#8220;We need some sort of way to command actions out of the robot&#8230; I think they&#8217;re great. [Nvidia CEO] Jensen Huang is a great guy and the team has been supportive.&#8221;
Adcock&#8217;s company has made remarkable progress since its founding less than three years ago, developing two versions of its humanoid robots and creating a foundation model called Helix AI designed to reason like humans. According to Reuters, the company recently reached a valuation of $39.5 billion and has begun shipping robots to commercial customers.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">I sat down with Brett Adcock, CEO and Founder of Figure AI, to discuss the future of humanoid robots. In less than three years since its inception, Figure has built versions 01 and 02 of their humanoids, developed a foundation model called Helix AI to reason like humans, shipped… <a href="https://t.co/ERhrAinqdj">pic.twitter.com/ERhrAinqdj</a>
&mdash; amit (@amitisinvesting) <a href="https://twitter.com/amitisinvesting/status/1895891287166812262?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 1, 2025</a></blockquote>
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See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/03/44555936/scott-bessent-has-worst-job-in-the-world-today-says-black-swan-author-nassim-taleb-as-treasury-secretary-knows-the-implications-of-steep-tariffs">Scott Bessent Has &#8216;Worst Job In The World Today,&#8217; Says Black Swan Author Nassim Taleb, As Treasury Secretary Knows The Implications Of Steep Tariffs</a>
Why It Matters: Figure AI recently secured $675 million in funding from investors including Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), OpenAI, and Jeff Bezos. This investment prompted Tesla CEO Elon Musk to respond with &#8220;Bring it on&#8221; via social media, pitching Tesla&#8217;s Optimus humanoid <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37416207/elon-musk-says-bring-it-on-to-openai-microsoft-and-bezos-675m-humanoid-robot-venture-pitches-teslas">robot as a direct competitor</a>.
Tesla&#8217;s Optimus has been in development for two years. During Tesla&#8217;s second quarter of 2023 earnings call, Musk predicted the robot would become capable enough to perform &#8220;something useful&#8221; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/07/33296666/elon-musk-says-1st-optimus-bot-set-to-walk-by-november-with-in-house-actuators">in Tesla factories in 2024</a>.
Adcock believes Figure AI has advantages in vertical integration, suggesting that successful humanoid robots require tight coordination between hardware and AI.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44555726/chamath-palihapitiya-claims-tesla-attacks-part-of-organized-effort-against-elon-musks-doge-role">Chamath Palihapitiya Claims Tesla Attacks Part Of &#8216;Organized Effort&#8217; Against Elon Musk&#8217;s DOGE Role</a></li>
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Image via Shutterstock
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Nvidia GPUs Power Jeff Bezos-Backed Figure AI As It Competes With Elon Musk's Tesla In Humanoid Robotics

As industry giants like Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) and OpenAI throw their weight behind a rising AI protocol, Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) CEO has offered a cryptic but telling response.
What Happened: Over the past week, momentum has surged around the Model Context Protocol, an open standard designed to help AI agents interact seamlessly with real-world tools, interfaces, and data sources.
On March 26, the developers behind MCP released an updated version of the protocol, introducing major upgrades in security, real-time communication, and interoperability.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://in.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43772135/ex-openai-chief-scientist-ilya-sutskevers-ai-startup-valued-at-30-billion-in-latest-funding-round-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ex-OpenAI Chief Scientist Ilya Sutskever&#8217;s AI Startup Valued At $30 Billion In Latest Funding Round: Report</a>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">A new version of the MCP spec was finalized today. Some of the major changes: &#8211; Auth framework based on OAuth 2.1 &#8211; Replaced the previous HTTP+SSE transport with Streamable HTTP transport &#8211; Support for JSON-RPC batching &#8211; Tool annotations for better describing tool behavior
&mdash; Alex Albert (@alexalbert__) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexalbert__/status/1904908450473324721?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
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The news quickly gained traction after ChatGPT-parent OpenAI announced it would support MCP across its platform.&nbsp;
&#8220;People love MCP, and we are excited to add support across our products,&#8221; said OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, adding, &#8220;Available today in the agents SDK and support for chatgpt desktop app + responses api coming soon!&#8221;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Great to see OpenAI adding support for MCP! It&#39;s amazing to think that in less than 4 months, MCP has gone from just an idea we had at Anthropic on how to make integrations easier for devs to the industry standard for all AI app integrations. <a href="https://t.co/maDD1e3D3Z">https://t.co/maDD1e3D3Z</a>
&mdash; Alex Albert (@alexalbert__) <a href="https://twitter.com/alexalbert__/status/1904965223448006805?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, Microsoft also confirmed its support, launching Playwright-MCP — a tool that wraps Microsoft's browser automation technology in the MCP format. This move allows AI agents like Anthropic's Claude to interact with the web using real browser actions like clicking, typing, and navigation, all powered by the Chrome accessibility tree.
On Sunday, Google CEO Sundar Pichai's subtle response further instigated curiosity across the developer community.
Taking to X, formerly Twitter, Pichai said, "To MCP or not to MCP, that's the question. [Let me know] in comments." The Shakespeare-inspired post offered no confirmation but hinted that Google is closely watching the space.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">To MCP or not to MCP, that&#39;s the question. Lmk in comments
&mdash; Sundar Pichai (@sundarpichai) <a href="https://twitter.com/sundarpichai/status/1906484930957193255?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 30, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Why It Matters: MCP, originally developed by Anthropic and supported by projects like LangChain, aims to create a common "language" that enables agents to reason about and use external tools efficiently.
Before OpenAI and Microsoft's endorsement, it was unclear whether the protocol would gain traction beyond niche developer circles. Now, with two of the largest players in generative AI aligning behind MCP, the ecosystem is beginning to coalesce around a shared standard — potentially reducing fragmentation and accelerating innovation.
The inclusion of OAuth 2.1, streamable HTTP transport, and JSON-RPC batching makes MCP 0.2 a robust, developer-friendly update, designed for real-world applications, <a href="https://venturebeat.com/ai/the-open-source-model-context-protocol-was-just-updated-heres-why-its-a-big-deal/">according</a> to Venture Beat.
Tool annotations and modular architecture give teams the flexibility to adopt what they need without being locked into a monolithic stack.
Image via Shutterstock
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

OpenAI And Microsoft Back MCP Standard For Web-Surfing AI Agents; Google's Sundar Pichai Asks A Shakespearean Question

As the week wraps up, the tech world has been abuzz with exciting news and developments. From CoreWeave Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWV#NASDAQ">CRWV</a>) much-anticipated IPO to Elon Musk&#8217;s massive acquisition, there&#8217;s a lot to catch up on. Here&#8217;s a quick look at the top stories that made headlines.
CoreWeave&#8217;s IPO and Revenue Concentration
AI cloud infrastructure company, CoreWeave Inc., backed by Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), made its public market debut last Friday. CEO Michael Intrator defended the company&#8217;s client concentration, attributing it to &#8220;mind-bendingly large deals&#8221; with Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) and OpenAI. Intrator believes that the skepticism overlooks the company&#8217;s long-term growth potential.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44549825/nvidia-backed-coreweaves-ceo-defends-microsoft-openai-revenue-concentration-due-to-mind-bendingly-large-deals">Read the full article here.</a>
Elon Musk&#8217;s $33 Billion Acquisition
In a significant move, Elon Musk&#8217;s AI startup xAI acquired his social media company X, formerly Twitter, in an all-stock deal valued at $33 billion. The combined entity is now reportedly worth $80 billion.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44549314/elon-musk-acquires-his-own-social-media-platform-x-through-xai-in-33-billion-deal-says-combined-entity-now-worth-80-billion">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44508234/ontario-premier-doug-ford-supports-retaliatory-tariffs-amid-us-auto-levy-inflict-as-much-pain-as-possible">Ontario Premier Doug Ford Supports Retaliatory Tariffs Amid US Auto Levy: &#8216;Inflict As Much Pain As Possible&#8217;</a>
Microsoft&#8217;s Wake-Up Call
Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella has urged his teams to match the speed and impact of China&#8217;s DeepSeek, which launched a top-ranking AI product on the App Store with a team of just 200 engineers. Nadella&#8217;s call to action came during an internal employee town hall last month.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44529954/microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-admits-chinas-deepseek-was-a-wake-up-call-tells-employees-its-time-to-build-real-products-not-just-research-thats-the-new-bar-to-me">Read the full article here.</a>
Huawei&#8217;s AI Chip Advancements
Despite US sanctions, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang has warned that Huawei Technologies Co. is becoming the &#8220;single most formidable technology company&#8221; in China. The Chinese tech giant has reportedly doubled its AI chip yields to 40%.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44488569/chinas-huawei-reportedly-doubles-ai-chip-yields-to-40-now-nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-warns-that-the-chinese-tech-giant-is-the-most-formidable-competitor-despite-us-sanctions">Read the full article here.</a>
Google&#8217;s Most Intelligent AI
Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google unveiled Gemini 2.5 Pro, its most intelligent AI model ever. The new model is designed to pause and think before answering complex questions. Google CEO Sundar Pichai shared the development on X.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44487389/sundar-pichai-shows-off-googles-most-intelligent-ai-ever-with-a-dinosaur-video-game-that-even-you-could-make-with-a-simple-prompt">Read the full article here.</a>
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Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

CoreWeave IPO, Elon Musk'x xAI Acquires X, Microsoft's Wake-Up Call, China's Huawei Makes Advances, And More: This Week In AI

Benzinga examined the prospects for<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> many investors' favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here's a look at some of our top stories.
U.S. stock markets declined this week amid escalating trade tensions and inflation concerns. The S&amp;P 500 fell 2%, the Dow Jones Industrial Average dropped 1.7%, and the Nasdaq Composite decreased by 2.7%, marking one of the worst weeks in recent years.
President Donald Trump's announcement of a 25% tariff on imported automobiles and parts contributed to market volatility. Automotive stocks were notably impacted; General Motors (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>) tumbled over 7%, and Ford (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/F#NYSE">F</a>) slid 3.9%. Conversely, electric vehicle manufacturers like Tesla (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) edged up 0.4%, as their U.S.-based production is less affected by the tariffs.
Beyond the auto sector, economic indicators added to investor unease. The Federal Reserve's preferred inflation gauge, the core Personal Consumption Expenditures (PCE) price index, rose 0.4% in February, bringing the annual rate to 2.8%, above the Fed's 2% target. Additionally, consumer spending data fell short of expectations, exacerbating fears of economic slowdown amid President Trump's tariff policies.
Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week's most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.

The Bulls
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/03/44512999/chevron-hits-52-week-high-warren-buffetts-5th-largest-holding-is-on-fire-but-should-you-buy">"Chevron Hits 52-Week High: Warren Buffett's 5th Largest Holding Is On Fire — But Should You Buy?"</a>, by Surbhi Jain, reports that Chevron Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>) hit a 52-week high as rising oil prices and Warren Buffett's ongoing support strengthened investor confidence.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44515782/microsoft-halts-expansion-plans-yet-analysts-still-rank-it-among-top-investment-picks">"Microsoft Halts Expansion Plans, Yet Analysts Still Rank It Among Top Investment Picks"</a>, by Anusuya Lahiri, explains why analysts remain bullish on Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) despite the tech giant pausing major data center expansions amid concerns of AI overcapacity.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/upgrades/25/03/44477982/carvana-analyst-says-its-time-to-buy-the-potential-amazon-of-auto-retail">"Carvana Analyst Says It's Time To Buy The Potential ‘Amazon Of Auto Retail'"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Morgan Stanley analyst Adam Jonas upgraded Carvana Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVNA#NYSE">CVNA</a>) from Equal-Weight to Overweight, raising the price target from $260 to $280, citing the company's potential to dominate auto retail akin to Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>).
For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/03/44504468/concentrix-shares-pop-on-strong-q1-results-raised-revenue-guidance">Concentrix Shares Pop On Strong Q1 Results, Raised Revenue Guidance</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/03/44517249/stock-of-the-day-will-the-move-higher-in-sysco-continue">Stock Of The Day – Will The Move Higher In Sysco Continue?</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/03/44460563/tesla-jumps-10-on-china-fsd-optimism-tariff-easing-hopes">Tesla Jumps 10% On China FSD Optimism, Tariff Easing Hopes</a>

The Bears
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/03/44500068/novo-nordisk-stock-sinks-to-52-week-lows-weight-loss-boom-losing-steam">"Novo Nordisk Stock Sinks To 52-Week Lows: Weight Loss Boom Losing Steam?"</a>, by Surbhi Jain, reports that Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>) shares have plunged 44% year-over-year, hitting a 52-week low amid investor concerns over competition from Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) and the company's recent $2 billion acquisition of rights to a Chinese obesity drug.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/03/44513787/nike-stock-hits-52-week-lows-is-the-sneaker-king-losing-its-step">"Nike Stock Hits 52-Week Lows: Is The Sneaker King Losing Its Step?"</a>, by Surbhi Jain, shows Nike Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NKE#NYSE">NKE</a>) tumbling to a 52-week low as slowing sales in China and rising competition challenge the global sneaker giant's dominance.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44475805/homebuilders-kb-home-lennar-cut-prices-as-homebuyer-demand-has-slowed-materially">"Homebuilders KB Home, Lennar Cut Prices As Homebuyer Demand Has Slowed Materially"</a>, by Erica Kollmann, reports that KB Home (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KBH#NYSE">KBH</a>) and Lennar Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LEN#NYSE">LEN</a>) are reducing home prices and offering incentives as elevated mortgage rates have significantly dampened buyer demand.
For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44517020/ev-maker-mullen-automotive-to-further-cut-costs-and-slash-workforce">EV Maker Mullen Automotive To Further Cut Costs And Slash Workforce: Details</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44465410/snow-white-disappoints-at-box-office-will-remake-hurt-disneys-marvel-magic-in-2025">‘Snow White' Disappoints At Box Office: Will Remake Hurt Disney's Marvel Magic In 2025?</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/offerings/25/03/44511664/why-is-teslas-chinese-rival-nio-stock-diving-today">Why Is Tesla's Chinese Rival NIO Stock Diving Today? (UPDATED)</a>

Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following <a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga</a><a href="http://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> on X</a>.
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Chevron, Microsoft, Nike — And Tariffs Have Automotive Sector Reeling

Last week, Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) co-founder and philanthropist Bill Gates lamented the growing divide between the U.S. and China, saying it's blocking access to critical climate and technology innovations.
What Happened: In a wide-ranging interview during an Express Adda event, Gates praised China's leadership in renewable energy, artificial intelligence, and battery technology, while expressing concern that geopolitical tensions are hindering global collaboration on major challenges like climate change.
"China has been absolutely a pioneer," Gates said, noting its dominance in solar panel manufacturing, battery innovation, and AI research. "It's a real shame for the world that the U.S.-China tension means that the willingness to access those goods is quite limited."
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/03/44506409/steve-jobs-warned-34-years-ago-about-america-being-hollowed-out-by-foreign-manufacturing-a-concern-trump-now-echoes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Steve Jobs Warned 34 Years Ago About America Being ‘Hollowed Out' By Foreign Manufacturing — A Concern Trump Now Echoes</a>
Gates underscored the scale of China's contributions, calling the country "out in front" on critical green technologies and saying its research institutions have achieved "deep" scientific capabilities.
He pointed to electric vehicles as an area where American tariffs are impeding progress, noting, "There just won't be many Chinese EVs sold in the United States" due to high import barriers.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Why It's Important: Gates' comments come as the U.S. and China remain locked in strategic and economic competition, particularly around semiconductors, clean energy, and AI.
Earlier this week, the U.S. added over <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/news/global/25/03/44494896/us-adds-50-chinese-entities-to-export-restriction-list-curtailing-access-to-nvidia-amd-chips">50 Chinese entities to an</a> export restriction list, aiming to curb China&#8217;s advancements in AI and semiconductor technology. This move is part of a broader strategy to limit China&#8217;s access to cutting-edge technology from companies like NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>).
Meanwhile, China has been <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44451449/china-courts-apple-pfizer-eli-lilly-amid-us-pressure-vice-premier-says-beijing-will-continue-to-improve-the-business-environment">actively courting multinational companies</a>, including Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and Eli Lilly and Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>), to improve its business environment amidst these pressures.
China is reportedly considering <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/news/global/25/03/44448798/china-ponders-export-limitations-to-quell-trumps-trade-onslaught">export restrictions</a> in response to U.S. economic actions.
Additionally, talks are ongoing about a <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/news/global/25/03/44235317/trump-xi-discuss-potential-birthday-summit-amid-rising-trade-tensions-report">possible &#8220;birthday summit&#8221; between</a> Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping in June.
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<iframe loading="lazy" title="Bill Gates Exclusive Interview on Future of Tech, AI &amp; Global Impact &#x7C; Bill Gates Latest Interview" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Iq1yfTbrWyw?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>
</figure>
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Global

AAPL

Microsoft Co-Founder Bill Gates Praises China As A Pioneer In Solar, Batteries, And AI: Warns Tensions Are Stifling Global Innovation

As CoreWeave Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWV#NASDAQ">CRWV</a>) makes its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/ipos/25/03/44516779/coreweave-inc-ipos-tomorrow-heres-what-you-need-to-know">public market debut</a>, CEO Michael Intrator pushes back on concerns over client concentration and insists that investor skepticism is missing the company's long-term value and growth potential.
What Happened: CoreWeave, the AI cloud <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/25/03/44140237/coreweave-acquires-weights-biases-to-enhance-ai-development">infrastructure company backed</a> by Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), officially began trading on Friday in one of the year's most anticipated IPOs.
While the company has reported explosive 700% year-over-year revenue growth, much of that success <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/03/44240048/openai-secures-near-12-billion-coreweave-deal-taking-stake-in-cloud-firm-ahead-of-35-billion-ipo-to-reportedly-reduce-microsoft-dependence">hinges on two major clients</a>: Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) and ChatGPT-maker OpenAI, which together account for the majority of its income.
Critics have raised red flags over this revenue concentration, but CEO Intrator isn't fazed.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/03/44508019/tesla-and-other-us-robotics-giants-demand-federal-strategy-to-compete-with-chinas-138-billion-push-warn-america-will-lose-the-race-without-it" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tesla And Other US Robotics Giants Demand Federal Strategy To Compete With China's $138 Billion Push — Warn America Will Lose The Race Without It</a>
"They say that we had 60% of revenue from Microsoft, and then we signed a contract with OpenAI for just under $12 billion, and now we're less than 50%," he said in an <a href="https://fortune.com/2025/03/28/coreweave-ceo-michael-intrator-ipo-going-public-ai-company/">interview</a> with Fortune on Friday. "All the big players that need this type of infrastructure … those are our customers."
Intrator also acknowledged that the size of deals with hyperscalers like Microsoft and OpenAI naturally skews revenue distribution.&nbsp;
"When you win one of those mind-bendingly large deals … there will be concentration," he added. He also pointed out that clients such as JPMorgan Chase &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</a>), IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>), and Jane Street use CoreWeave's infrastructure for narrower, but still valuable, workloads.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
The CEO also believes that Wall Street may not fully understand CoreWeave's positioning yet.&nbsp;
"There's a divergence between what the capital markets and what the media is thinking, and what I am feeling down in the trenches," he said. "What I am feeling … is relentless demand. We need more compute. We need larger compute."
CoreWeave's IPO is seen as a <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/news/ipos/25/03/44520808/nvidia-backed-coreweave-ipo-5-things-investors-need-to-know-before-buying-shares">key test of how public markets</a> are responding to the AI infrastructure boom. Though the company had to scale back its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/ipos/25/03/44100280/nvidia-backed-coreweave-files-for-ipo-amid-explosive-ai-growth-revenue-surges-737-to-1-9-billion">initial offering</a>, Intrator said going public was a strategic move to improve access to the debt markets and reduce capital costs.
He also dismissed concerns about entering the market too soon. "The boldness of coming to this market amid the turmoil is because of a fundamental belief that, over time, I will be able to generate enormous value for my investors," Intrator said.
Price Action: In after-hours trading, CoreWeave shares were down by 0.07% and reached $39.97 at the time of writing, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Nvidia-Backed CoreWeave's CEO Defends Microsoft, OpenAI Revenue Concentration Due To 'Mind-Bendingly Large Deals

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/01/43303778/bill-gates-says-this-book-on-ai-will-change-every-industry-predicts-millions-of-jobs-will-vanish-by-2030">Bill Gates</a> once expressed a deep concern about Microsoft&#8217;s future (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) when he stepped down as CEO in 2000. He worried the company might lose its famed standard of excellence and that the chance to guide it back might one day be missed.&nbsp;
Even as he moved toward focusing on his philanthropic work, those early misgivings lingered in his mind. Despite the anxiety, Microsoft has charted an impressive course over the years.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Leadership That Transformed a Giant</h2>
Gates' fears eventually proved unnecessary. Steve Ballmer, who steered the company from 2000 until 2014, pushed Microsoft to unprecedented heights, setting the stage for the current era under Satya Nadella. He has been at the helm since 2014.
A look at the numbers reveals the scale of the transformation. According to <a href="https://www.statmuse.com/money/ask/microsoft-market-cap-historical">Statmuse</a>, Microsoft&#8217;s market capitalization reached $3.1 trillion on Dec. 31. Moreover, <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/investor/reports/ar24/index.html?utm_">Microsoft's annual reports</a> show that the company pulled in over $245 billion in annual revenue for fiscal 2024, a 16% jump from the previous year.
These milestones paint a picture of a company that met and exceeded early expectations. Gates hasn&#8217;t entirely stepped away. In a <a href="https://www.wsj.com/tech/bill-gates-interview-5-things-e11c3fa2">Wall Street Journal interview</a> on Jan. 26, he said, "I love doing product reviews, and [Satya Nadella] brings me in to do that." He added that while that's only 15% of his time, it helps him stay up to date, particularly in artificial intelligence, where Microsoft has made major moves.&nbsp;
Trending: BlackRock is calling 2025 the year of alternative assets. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">One firm from NYC has quietly built a group of 60,000+ investors who have all joined in on an alt asset class previously exclusive to billionaires like Bezos and Gates.</a>
This ongoing involvement allows him to harness the company&#8217;s vast resources to support the philanthropic foundation he co-founded with his ex-wife, Melinda French Gates. Though he left the CEO chair in 2000 and the board in 2020, his role as an advisor remains influential in shaping the company&#8217;s future.
Adding a dose of counterbalance to the success story, some industry experts see potential challenges ahead. Gil Luria, senior analyst at D.A. Davidson, said that Microsoft&#8217;s hefty investment in artificial intelligence—an $80 billion initiative scheduled for 2025—coupled with economic uncertainties, could pose risks, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/microsofts-costs-focus-fears-rise-over-slow-payoff-ai-2024-07-29">Reuters</a> reported.
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According to<a href="https://www.marketwatch.com/story/microsoft-has-been-the-worst-big-tech-stock-lately-heres-why-it-may-become-the-best-c0e5794e"> MarketWatch</a>, Luria's Neutral rating with a $425 target reflects the idea that while Microsoft&#8217;s track record is impressive, the optimal moment for investors might still be ahead.
On Jan. 29, Microsoft's stock fell 4.5% in after-hours trading after the company forecast slower growth in its Azure cloud computing division and faced concerns over rising AI-related expenditures, according to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/microsoft-beats-quarterly-revenue-estimates-2025-01-29/">Reuters</a>.&nbsp;
The company's capital expenditures reached $22.6 billion, exceeding analyst expectations and raising questions about near-term financial returns. Additionally, growing competition from lower-cost AI models developed by Chinese firms has fueled concerns about Microsoft's ability to monetize its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43903135/ais-19-9-trillion-impact-could-create-the-first-trillionaire-but-mark-cuban-says-it-wont-be-musk-or-bezos">AI</a> investments effectively.
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Bill Gates Says He Feared Microsoft Would Struggle Without Him—Now It's Worth $3 Trillion And Thriving

<a href="https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/openais-latest-funding-round-comes-with-a-20-billion-catch-1e47d27d?mod=latest_headlines" title="https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/openais-latest-funding-round-comes-with-a-20-billion-catch-1e47d27d?mod=latest_headlines">https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/openais-latest-funding-round-comes-with-a-20-billion-catch-1e47d27d?mod=latest_headlines</a>

'OpenAI's Latest Funding Round Comes With A $20B Catch; A Stipulation Of The Funding Round, Led By Softbank, Adds Pressure To OpenAI's Efforts To Convert To A For-Profit Company' - WSJ

The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/magnificent-seven">Magnificent 7 stocks</a> are among those having a rough start to 2025 with all seven leading technology stocks down and the majority underperforming against the S&amp;P 500.
Benzinga readers picked their favorite Mag 7 stock to outperform the others over the next three months.
What Happened: Concerns over tariffs and macroeconomic issues have put a damper on the stock market and sent the prices of many leading stocks and indexes down in the first<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/03/44149681/magnificent-seven-leadership-questioned-mags-etf-stumbles-ai-trade-losing-steam"> three months of the year.</a>
While many of the Magnificent 7 stocks have outperformed the S&amp;P 500 over the last five years, they could struggle to maintain that outperformance over the next year if current trends continue.
Here's a look at how Benzinga readers feel about the key seven technology stocks right now.
"The Magnificent 7 stocks have recently rebounded. Which one do you believe will outperform the others over the next 3 months?" Benzinga asked.
Here are the results:
<ul>
<li>Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>): 23%</li>
<li>NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>): 19%</li>
<li>Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>): 18%</li>
<li>Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>): 13%</li>
<li>Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>): 12%</li>
<li>Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>)(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>): 11%</li>
<li>Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>): 5%</li>
</ul>
The poll found Amazon to be the winner predicted to outperform the other Mag 7 stocks over the next three months. Nvidia ranked second in the poll, narrowly beating Tesla.
Amazon may be the winner given its role in the retail sector and being less impacted by tariff and macroeconomic concerns as shoppers look for value and convenience.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/44057422/bitcoin-magnificent-7-lose-safe-haven-status-in-2025-as-china-etfs-dow-stocks-outperform">Bitcoin, Magnificent 7 Lose Safe-Haven Status In 2025 As China ETFs, Dow Stocks Outperform</a>
Why It's Important: Here are the current year-to-date and one-year performances of the Mag 7 stocks:
<ul>
<li>Amazon: -11.6% year-to-date, +7.9% one-year</li>
<li>Nvidia: -20.6% year-to-date, +21.7% one-year</li>
<li>Tesla: -29.7% year-to-date, +51.7% one-year</li>
<li>Meta: -2.3% year-to-date, +20.6% one-year</li>
<li>Apple: -9.9% year-to-date, +28.2% one-year</li>
<li>Alphabet: -17.2% year-to-date, +4.0% one-year</li>
<li>Microsoft: -8.7% year-to-date, -9.2% one-year</li>
</ul>
The Roundhill Magnificent Seven ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MAGS#BATS">MAGS</a>), which tracks the seven stocks, is down 14.1% year-to-date and is up 18.8% over the last year.
For comparison, the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>), which tracks the S&amp;P 500, is down 4.4% year-to-date in 2025 and up 6.8% over the last year.
Meta is currently the only Mag 7 stock outperforming the SPY year-to-date in 2025. Amazon trails the S&amp;P 500 year-to-date in 2025 and is slightly higher over the last year.
For comparison, a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/42121665/could-another-magnificent-7-stock-beat-nvidia-in-2025-poll-says-not-likely-27-pick-this-potential-winner">November Benzinga reader poll</a> asked if any Mag 7 stock would outperform Nvidia in 2025. Here were those results:
<ul>
<li>None – Nvidia will dominate: 48%</li>
<li>Tesla: 27%</li>
<li>Amazon: 8%</li>
<li>Meta: 7%</li>
<li>Alphabet: 6%</li>
<li>Microsoft: 3%</li>
<li>Apple: 2%</li>
</ul>
The poll found the near-majority predicting Nvidia will have the strongest growth in 2025 and dominate the Magnificent 7 stocks once again.
Coming in second place, and the stock that could have the best chance to pass Nvidia according to readers, was Tesla at 27%.
Amazon ranked third in that poll, which could show that sentiment has shifted away from Nvidia and Tesla being the top Mag 7 stocks and instead investors are looking to Amazon as the leader for 2025.
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</ul>
The study was conducted by Benzinga from March 25, 2025 through March 28, 2025. It included the responses of a diverse population of adults 18 or older. Opting into the survey was completely voluntary, with no incentives offered to potential respondents. The study reflects results from 104 adults.
Photo gguy via Shutterstock

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Date	Put/Call	Strike Price	Exp Date	DTE	Trade Vol	Day Vol	Vol / OI	OI	Trade Type	Sentiment
02:18 PMFeb 20, 2025	PUT	$415.00	Mar 21, 2025	-11	5308	4507	53	9951	TRADE	BEARISH
02:17 PMFeb 20, 2025	CALL	$480.00	Dec 18, 2026	626	302	300	10	2907	TRADE	BULLISH
12:32 PMFeb 18, 2025	PUT	$420.00	Jun 20, 2025	80	503	500	8	6029	TRADE	BEARISH
03:37 PMFeb 14, 2025	PUT	$380.00	Jun 17, 2027	807	300	150	469	64	TRADE	BEARISH
03:36 PMFeb 14, 2025	PUT	$380.00	Jun 17, 2027	807	150	150	234	64	SWEEP	BEARISH
01:15 PMFeb 14, 2025	CALL	$240.00	Dec 19, 2025	262	112	80	65	173	TRADE	BULLISH
10:59 AMFeb 14, 2025	CALL	$360.00	Aug 15, 2025	136	506	100	57	889	TRADE	NEUTRAL
12:41 PMFeb 13, 2025	CALL	$210.00	Dec 17, 2027	990	28	25	2	1237	TRADE	BEARISH