에 대한 최신 뉴스 Upwork (NASDAQ:UPWK) 주식

Upwork

Upwork Inc is a United States-based company that operates an online marketplace that enables businesses to find and work with skilled independent professionals. The company develops platform for hiring and freelancing purposes. Its products offering include Upwork Basic, Upwork Plus, Upwork Business, Upwork Enterprise, and Upwork Payroll. The business generates revenue from Talent and Clients across the USA, India, the Philippines and the rest of the world. Substantial income is derived from providing services to clients.

Earnings

News

Pre-Market Outlook

Markets

Trading Ideas

CDMO

UPWK

목요일(7일) 아침, 미국 주식 선물이 상승세를 보인 가운데, 오늘 투자자들의 관심을 끌 만한 종목은 다음과 같다. 

목요일 주목해야 할 주식: 허쉬, 업워크, 할리버튼, 애비드 바이오서비스 및 블록

After-Hours Center

Movers

업워크(NASDAQ:UPWK) 주가는 수요일(6일) 장 마감 후 3분기 실적을 발표한 이후 상승하고 있다. 실적 보고서의 주요 수치를 살펴보자.실적 세부 사항: 업워크의 분기 주당순이익은 29센트로 애널리스트 컨센서스 예상치 26센트를 상회했다. 또한 분기 매출은 1억 9380만 달러로, 애널리스트 컨센서스 예상치 1억 8585만 달러를 상회했으며, 지난해 같은 기간 매출 1억 7573만 달러보다 증가했다.

업워크 3분기 실적 호조, 지침 상향, 자사주매입 발표 후 주가 상승

Guidance

글로벌 프리랜서 플랫폼 기업인 업워크(NASDAQ:UPWK)는 수요일 시장 마감 후 2분기 재무 결과를 발표한 후 주가가 하락했다. 이번 분기의 핵심 지표는 다음과 같다.

업워크: 2분기 매출 예상 상회, EPS 미달, AI 관련 업무 급증 발표 후 주가 하락

Upwork Inc

CORRECTION: Citigroup analyst Christian Wetherbee maintains FTAI Aviation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FTAI#NASDAQ">FTAI</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $64.5 to $67 - Retracting this headline, as its incorrect which was published on 3rd Jan 2025.

FTAI

CORRECTION: Citigroup Maintains Buy on FTAI Aviation, Raises Price Target to $67 (Originally Published on 3rd Jan 2025 - Retracting This Headline, As Its Incorrect)

While America is undoubtedly the place to make money and become famous, its invasive celebrity culture, divisive politics or the need for another type of creative inspiration is causing celebrities to flee and relocate to Europe.
Here are some well-known names who have departed the U.S. for foreign climes and their reasons why:
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Eva Longoria&nbsp;</h2>
Former Desperate Housewives actress turned producer and political activist Eva Longoria is still a major name in Hollywood. Her new movie, &#8220;Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Road Trip&#8221; (see the EW feature), is due out in March 2025. However, she no longer calls the U.S. home, deciding to split her time between Spain – where she often works – and her husband José Bastón&#8217;s homeland of Mexico.
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/arrived-private-credit-yf">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?</li>
<li>Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl-y2"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a></li>
</ul>
The multi-hyphenate star told Marie Claire her reason for living outside the U.S.:
&#8220;I had my whole adult life here. But even before [the pandemic], it was changing. The vibe was different. And then COVID happened and it pushed it over the edge. Whether it&#8217;s the homelessness or the taxes, not that I want to shit on California – it just feels like this chapter in my life is done now.&#8221;
&#8220;I&#8217;m privileged,&#8221; the nine-generation Texan later added. &#8220;I get to escape and go somewhere. Most Americans aren&#8217;t so lucky. They&#8217;re going to be stuck in this dystopian country and my anxiety and sadness is for them.&#8221;
See Also: Unlock the hidden potential of commercial real estate —<a href="https://equitymultiple.com/benzinga?invite=benzinga&amp;utm_campaign=product-promotion-earn&amp;utm_source=yahooFinance&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_content=unlockboost-yahoo"> This platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today!</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Britney Spears</h2>
After years of conservatorship and intense paparazzi scrutiny of her life, Britney Spears now calls Mexico home.&nbsp;
According to Variety: &#8220;It really kind of hurts my feelings that the paparazzi make my face look like I&#8217;m wearing like a white Jason mask,&#8221; Spears said. &#8220;It doesn&#8217;t even look like me. They&#8217;ve always been incredibly cruel to me, the paparazzi and pictures and the way they&#8217;ve illustrated me to be in some of it.&#8221; Because the treatment has been &#8220;extremely mean and cruel,&#8221; Spears explained, &#8220;That&#8217;s why I&#8217;ve moved to Mexico.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lindsay Lohan</h2>
There was a time just over a decade ago when actress Lindsay Lohan was hardly out of the headlines for bad behavior, as a recent CNN story illustrated. Since then, Lohan has kept a fairly low profile, recently coming back in several <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42342303/netflix-stock-reaches-new-all-time-high-this-week-whats-driving-the-surge">Netflix</a> projects, including the just-released Christmas movie, &#8220;Our Little Secret.&#8221; The reason for Lohan&#8217;s absence from the headlines is because, since 2014, she has called the tabloid-averse Dubai home, telling Flaunt of her adopted home city:
&#8220;It&#8217;s still a city. So it&#8217;s pretty similar. I mean, I do anything that anyone else does in their daily life. I&#8217;m up with my son in the mornings, I do breakfast with him, go to my pilates, come home for lunch and go to the park, the same things that any normal mom would do in their daily life. Or you would do it in LA. I think the only difference is the time zone shift. There&#8217;s a big disconnect between when work starts for me and other places. I can do my work calls with New York at like three or four, around this time and then LA picks up later.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ellen DeGeneres</h2>
Comedian, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/10/41148149/inside-ellen-degeneress-real-estate-side-hustle-as-she-reflects-on-life-after-comedy">house flipper</a> and former chat show host Ellen DeGeneres and her wife, Portia de Rossi, have moved to England&#8217;s bucolic Cotswolds. Their move was definitely not career- or palazzi-motivated but rather a response to Donald Trump&#8217;s 2024 election win.
Trending: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die." <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/connect-invest-real-estate-notes-y2">These high-yield real estate notes that pay 7.5% &#8211; 9% make earning passive income easier than ever.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Lily Collins and Charlie McDowell</h2>
Best known for the series &#8220;Emily In Paris,&#8221; Lily Collins and her husband, Charlie McDowell, relocated to Copenhagen in 2023 after honeymooning there two years earlier. They co-own the media production and real estate company Case Study Copenhagen. Lily, the daughter of Brit-pop/rock legend <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/42451185/phil-collins-reflects-on-life-and-drumming-in-new-drumeo-documentary">Phil Collins</a>, has dual British and U.S. citizenship.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Janet Jackson</h2>
Being a Jackson means never being out of the spotlight. Perhaps influenced by how the media harangued her brother Michael, Janet Jackson has lived in London since 2016. According to the Guardian, the &#8220;Control&#8221; singer stayed in the UK after her divorce from fashion billionaire Wissam Al Mana, who is from Qatar but lives in London, because they co-parent their son.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Richard Gere</h2>
Richard Gere, who currently stars alongside Michael Fassbender and Jeffrey Wright in the political drama The Agency on Paramount+, recently spoke to Vanity Fair Spain about his desire to move to Spain, where his wife Alejandra Silva is from.
&#8220;For me, going to Madrid is going to be a great adventure because I have never lived full-time outside the United States. And I think it will be very interesting for my children as well. For Alejandra, it will be wonderful to be closer to her family, her lifelong friends and her culture. She was very generous in giving me six years living in my world, so I think it is only fair that I give her at least another six living in hers.&#8221;
Gere added, &#8220;In any case, I love Spain and I think your lifestyle is fabulous. Also, your ability to live, transmitting joy and happiness. It is a beautiful place, the food is extraordinary and the people exude sensitivity and generosity, as well as a strong will to laugh and enjoy. So I&#8217;m looking forward to going there.&#8221;
Trending: This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to <a href="https://arrivedhomes.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=15&amp;aff_id=1006&amp;aff_sub=yahoo&amp;aff_sub2=byerscta100">become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100 for properties like the Byer House from Stranger Things.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">George and Amal Clooney</h2>
The Clooneys own homes worldwide but have decided that they will raise their children primarily in a château in Brignoles, France, in a home purchased in 2021, according to a story in<a href="https://www.hellomagazine.com/homes/705577/george-and-amal-clooney-set-to-leave-83m-french-chateau-behind-report/"> Hello.</a> The couple&#8217;s search for a &#8220;peaceful life&#8221; was said to have inspired the decision. Their home is a 25-minute drive from Château Miraval, formerly co-owned by George&#8217;s close friend, fellow actor Brad Pitt and ex-wife Angelina Jolie.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Christina Milian</h2>
Singer-actress Christina Milian, seen most recently as Detective Maria LaGuerta in the Dexter prequel, told the Jennifer Hudson Show, &#8220;My husband is French and we&#8217;ve been together for over seven or eight years and for like the last three or four years, we were commuting back and forth every six months. And then we decided to commit to it last year because our kids were going to go to school.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Josh Hartnett and Tamsin Egerton</h2>
Actor Josh Hartnett, seen most recently in M. Night Shyamalan's<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hJiPAJKjUVg"> &#8220;Trap&#8221;</a> has called the beatific English countryside home for the last several years, where he lives with his British wife, actor Tamsin Egerton. In 2024, he told the<a href="https://www.theguardian.com/film/article/2024/jul/28/i-didnt-want-to-be-swallowed-up-actor-josh-hartnett-on-swapping-hollywood-for-hampshire"> </a>Guardian, &#8220;I didn&#8217;t want to be swallowed up,&#8221; regarding his move from Hollywood to Hampshire.&nbsp;
Trending: Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, and<a href="https://equitymultiple.com/benzinga?invite=benzinga&amp;utm_campaign=product-promotion-earn&amp;utm_source=yahooFinance&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_content=stockmarket-yahoo"> this platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000 offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today!</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Antonio Banderas</h2>
Spanish actor Antonio Banderas may not have been a Hollywood native but had called LA home for many decades while starring in a slew of blockbuster films such as &#8220;Interview with the Vampire&#8221; and &#8220;Evita.&#8221; However, five years ago, the actor decided to trade sun-soaked California for rain-soaked England – Cobham, Surrey, to be precise, where he moved with his partner, Dutch-German financial consultant Nicole Kimpel.
&#8220;I find Surrey completely magical,&#8221; the actor said in an interview with<a href="https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/zorro-swaps-swashbuckling-for-surrey-banderas-my-stockbroker-belt-magic-m56wstw9p"> </a>The Sunday Times the year following his 2019 purchase. &#8220;I am not a party person anymore, so I have the space and peace to write and really get inside my own head – I am working on several of my own scripts.&#8221;&nbsp;
Banderas added, &#8220;I go cycling in the woods and everyone in Cobham, Weybridge and Esher is incredibly friendly. Above all, I am surrounded by nature. I love watching the deer and foxes that come to my garden.&#8221;
Clearly, the British weather got the best of him because, in 2021, Banderas put his Surrey mansion on the market and moved back to his home city of Malaga in coastal Spain, where, among other projects, he is very involved with the city&#8217;s Soho Theatre.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>During market downturns, investors are learning that unlike equities, these<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/connect-invest-real-estate-notes-y2"> high-yield real estate notes that pay 7.5% &#8211; 9% are protected by resilient assets, buffering against losses.</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/arrived-private-credit-yf">Arrived Home's Private Credit Fund&#8217;s has historically paid an annualized dividend yield of 8.1%&#x2A;</a>, which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate with just a $100 minimum.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/arrived-private-credit-yf"> </a></li>
</ul>

Real Estate

These 11 Celebs Have Quietly Moved Out Of The U.S. To Regain Privacy and Political Stability

Despite a generally lackluster year in New York City real estate, the ultrarich sent <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/09/40977423/44-of-luxury-homes-bought-with-cash-but-this-0-5-fed-rate-cut-could-raise-luxury-home-prices-by-110k">superluxury</a> sales soaring as high as the skyscrapers in which their new homes are housed.&nbsp;
Proving the saying "there's one rule for the rich and another for everyone else," more than $11 billion went into contract for luxury homes priced over $4 million, Bloomberg reported – an 8.5% increase from last year.&nbsp;
&#8220;In terms of the $10 million and above market, what I call the trophy market, it&#8217;s the second-biggest year ever,&#8221; broker Donna Olshan, who compiled a report of the city&#8217;s biggest sales in 2024, said. Specifically, at least 278 contracts were signed at prices of $10 million and above. Olshan added: &#8220;It&#8217;s looking like the same old; the rich get richer and everybody else doesn&#8217;t do as well.&#8221;
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>Unlock the hidden potential of commercial real estate —<a href="https://equitymultiple.com/benzinga?invite=benzinga&amp;utm_campaign=product-promotion-earn&amp;utm_source=yahooFinance&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_content=unlockboost-yahoo"> This platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today!</a></li>
<li>Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl-y2"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a></li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Record Breaking Prices</h2>
Big spending has lifted luxury Manhattan pricing to new heights. The average asking price for condominiums within that exclusive category is now just over $3,000 a square foot, a record, Olshan said.
The story behind the staggering sales is hardly new. It adheres to the trusted adage "build it and they will come."&nbsp;
&#8220;Here&#8217;s the story,&#8221; Olshan explained. &#8220;That number was completely fueled by new-development sales. People want new. They want freedom of ownership they get with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/11/42232442/8-billion-deal-luxe-apartments-and-a-central-park-condo-the-property-portfolio-of-jersey-mikes-founder">condos</a>, they want new infrastructure, they want amenities and so that&#8217;s where they&#8217;re going.&#8221;
See Also: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://arrivedhomes.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=15&amp;aff_id=1006&amp;aff_sub=yahoo&amp;aff_sub2=jeffbezos100"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $100.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Co-op Sales Are Flagging</h2>
By contrast, co-op sales in the city were down and town house sales stagnated. &#8220;One big problem is that the huge gap between condos and co-ops continues to grow,&#8221; Olshan continued, referring to the $4 million-plus category. &#8220;Condos outsold co-ops 879 to 265.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Biggest Deals Of The Year</h2>
Most of Manhattan&#8217;s biggest sales were condos, many in some of the city&#8217;s most celebrated new developments. Three, in fact, were in the same building.
500 W. 18th St. East Penthouse 26 – $47 million: Designed by envelope-pushing starchitect Bjarke Ingels, the penthouse is located in the West Tower of the One High Line development. The full-floor 7,000 square-foot apartment has six bedrooms and seven-and-a-half baths.
4 E. 79th St – $56 million: This is not a new condo but a mammoth 15,000-square-foot 22-room town house steps from Central Park. Old-school New York glamor with a priceless location, the 130-year-old home is rare, 35 feet wide and entirely renovated.
730 Fifth Ave., 24A – $61.6 million: Located in the coveted condo/hotel Aman in Midtown Manhattan, the buyer, Terence Chan, a private equity executive based in Hong Kong, went into contract six years ago before construction. The 6,300-square-foot apartment contains four bedrooms and five bathrooms.&nbsp;
Trending: Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, and<a href="https://equitymultiple.com/benzinga?invite=benzinga&amp;utm_campaign=product-promotion-earn&amp;utm_source=yahooFinance&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_content=stockmarket-yahoo"> this platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000 offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today!</a>
730 Fifth Ave., 23A – $64 million: What&#8217;s interesting about this 6,300-square-foot condo in the Aman is that the second sale was a flip. The first closed for $50.6 million – in March, likely a pre-construction price agreed years earlier – then sold again for $64 million.
138 W. 11th St.– $72.5 million: A new town house record, this 45-foot wide, 11,000 square foot home comprises two side-by-side homes combined into one. The Wall Street Journal reported that the seller was tied to Dexter Goei, former CEO of Altice USA, who purchased it for roughly $31 million in 2016.
520 Park Ave., Duplex Penthouse 63 – $79 million: One of the most famous luxury condo buildings in Manhattan is 520 Park Avenue, designed by famed architect <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/42474776/stunning-robert-a-m-stern-designed-estate-on-georgias-saint-simons-island-to-auction-via-sothebys-co">Robert A.M. Stern</a>. This 8,310-square-foot duplex enjoys an expansive curving central staircase and five bedrooms. The original asking price was $100 million.
220 Central Park South, 18A &amp; 63 – $81.5 million: One sale for two units near the top of Central Park Tower. This unique arrangement included 15 rooms, seven bedrooms and 10 baths.
730 Fifth Ave., 26A – $135 million: The most expensive sale of the year (at the time of writing) was purchased in the Aman in an unfinished state by the building&#8217;s developer Vlad Doronin. No doubt he got a good deal for his investment.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to <a href="https://arrivedhomes.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=15&amp;aff_id=1006&amp;aff_sub=yahoo&amp;aff_sub2=byerscta100">become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100 for properties like the Byer House from Stranger Things.</a></li>
<li>The<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/equitymultiple-yf"> Ascent Income Fund</a> from EquityMultiple targets stable income from senior commercial real estate debt positions and has a historical distribution yield of 12.1% backed by real assets.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/equitymultiple-yf"> Earn a 1% return boost on your first EquityMultiple investment when you sign up here (accredited investors only)</a>.</li>
</ul>

The Super Rich Go Crazy For New York's Luxury Real Estate As $11 Billion Changes Hands

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) listed six AI trends in a December blog post that it expects to shine in 2025. Here's a look at what one of the most influential AI hyperscalers sees in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42735573/two-magnificent-7-giants-snubbed-in-dan-ives-top-10-tech-winners-for-the-ai-revolution-into-2025-but-palantir-salesforce-and-snowflake-made-the-cut">the year ahead</a>.
AI Models: Microsoft expects AI models to become <a href="https://news.microsoft.com/source/features/ai/6-ai-trends-youll-see-more-of-in-2025/">more capable</a> and more useful in 2025 and pointed to models with advanced reasoning capabilities, such as <a href="https://openai.com/index/introducing-openai-o1-preview/">OpenAI o1</a>. Microsoft said the models will continue to advance and will create new and more useful AI experiences in 2025.&nbsp;
AI Agents: The company listed AI-powered agents, such as Microsoft 365 Copilot, as an example of AI becoming more useful with advancements in memory and reasoning in 2025.&nbsp;
"Think of agents as the apps of the AI era," says Charles Lamanna, Microsoft's corporate vice president of business and industry Copilot.&nbsp;
"Just as we use different apps for various tasks, agents will begin to transform every business process, revolutionizing the way we work and manage our organizations,"&nbsp; Lamanna added.&nbsp;
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42743937/natural-gas-prices-spike-as-bone-chilling-arctic-blast-approaches">Natural Gas Prices Spike As &#8216;Bone-Chilling&#8217; Arctic Blast Approaches</a>
AI Companions: Microsoft also touted Copilot as an "AI companion" that will assist users in their daily lives. The company said Copilot will evolve over the coming year to allow users to be more connected and can simply prioritize tasks outside of the workplace.&nbsp;
Scientific Advancements: AI will also enable huge advancements in scientific research, Microsoft said. The company highlighted natural sciences, sustainable materials, drug discovery and human health as areas where AI has the potential to make breakthroughs in 2025.&nbsp;
Energy Efficiency: The AI giant sees a focus on improved energy efficiency in data centers becoming standardized across the industry in 2025. Microsoft reiterated its goal of becoming "a carbon negative, water positive, zero waste company by 2030."&nbsp;
"In 2025 and beyond we're going to increasingly have a holistic view of data centers, energy and resources, so that we can maximize the efficiency of our entire infrastructure," said Mark Russinovich, Azure's chief technology officer, deputy chief information security officer and technical fellow.&nbsp;
AI Safety: Microsoft also revealed that a focus on building AI safely will be an industry trend in 2025.&nbsp;
"One of the biggest developments this coming year can be summarized in two words: testing and customization," Microsoft's blog stated.&nbsp;
The company said it will continue to work to build safe AI applications by developing tough and comprehensive testing.&nbsp;
"Even as models get safer, we need to bring testing and measurement up to the worst of the worst threats that we see — testing that represents a sophisticated adversarial user and what they're able to do," said Sarah Bird, Microsoft's chief product officer of Responsible AI.
"We have the foundation, and we're going to continue to iterate on it moving forward."&nbsp;
Read More:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42768507/china-slaps-export-restrictions-on-dozens-of-us-companies-boeing-lockheed-martin-general-dynamics-raytheon-affected">China&#8217;s Export Crackdown Hits Boeing, Lockheed Martin And More&nbsp;</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Large Cap

Tech

MSFT

Microsoft Highlights 6 AI Trends For 2025

Mark Cuban, the long-standing&nbsp;face of the Dallas Mavericks, has sold his&nbsp;majority stake in the franchise. The sale, which took place in late 2023, marks the end of Cuban&#8217;s 23-year tenure as the team&#8217;s majority owner.
What Happened: Cuban sold his majority stake for a staggering $3.5 billion. This significant move represents a new chapter for both the Mavericks and Cuban, who played a pivotal role in elevating the team from mediocrity to one of the most respected organizations in the NBA.
In a recent <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppxI5B-M_SI">video</a> interaction, Cuban cited new business ventures and family considerations as the primary reasons for the sale.
&#8220;In&nbsp;a social media world today,&nbsp;the critics of the ownership&nbsp;of any professional sports team&nbsp;can be brutal,&#8221; Cuban said. &#8220;I don&#8217;t&nbsp;want my kids potentially feeling&nbsp;the pressure to walk into&nbsp;my spot as owner and&nbsp;try to deal with that.&#8221;
The majority stake was purchased by Miriam Adelson, widow of late casino tycoon Sheldon Adelson, and her son-in-law, Patrick Dumont, who assumed the role of the team&#8217;s governor.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/41703723/mark-cubans-million-dollar-advice-to-teens-if-i-were-16-again-id-start-this-lucrative-side-hustle">Mark Cuban&#8217;s Million-Dollar Advice To Teens: &#8216;If I Were 16 Again, I&#8217;d Start This Lucrative Side Hustle&#8217;</a>
Despite the sale, Cuban will retain&nbsp;a 27 percent stake and&nbsp;continue to oversee basketball operations,&nbsp;ensuring the team&#8217;s future remains closely linked to its Dallas roots.
Why It Matters: Under Cuban&#8217;s leadership, the Mavericks underwent a significant transformation, evolving from a struggling team to NBA champions in 2011.&nbsp;His passion for the game&nbsp;and investment in state-of-the-art facilities set a new standard for other franchises. 
&#8220;When&nbsp;I bought the Mavs, it&nbsp;wasn&#8217;t a financial investment,&#8221; Cuban said. &#8220;And honestly, selling it wasn&#8217;t&nbsp;something I was excited to&nbsp;do, but I thought it&nbsp;was the right time to&nbsp;do it. None of this&nbsp;was about economics; it was&nbsp;and is about matters of&nbsp;the heart.&#8221;
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42716074/mark-cuban-criticizes-meme-coins-as-a-hustle-and-money-gamble-like-a-game-of-musical-chairs-with-money">Mark Cuban Criticizes Meme Coins as a &#8216;Hustle&#8217; and Money Gamble: &#8216;Like a Game of Musical Chairs With Money&#8217;</a>

Sports

Success Stories

Mark Cuban on Selling Dallas Mavericks Stake: 'I Didn't Want My Kids Feeling the Pressure of Walking Into My Spot'

VeriSign (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRSN#NASDAQ">VRSN</a>), the largest internet stock held by Berkshire Hathaway, has been spotlighted <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42714309/warren-buffetts-stock-market-advice-ignore-neighbors-whispers-on-stock-tips-focus-on-long-term-value">as a &#8220;top pick&#8221; for 2025 by Citi analysts</a>.
What Happened: In the closing days of 2024,&nbsp;Berkshire Hathaway, under the leadership of&nbsp;Warren Buffett, augmented its stake in VeriSign. With a $2.7 billion stake, Berkshire Hathaway has emerged as the largest shareholder of VeriSign, boasting nearly 14% ownership.
VeriSign, established in 1995, offers&nbsp;domain registration and listing services&nbsp;and is a key player in operating internet infrastructure. It holds the exclusive&nbsp;registry for .com and .net&nbsp;domains and runs&nbsp;two of the 13 global&nbsp;internet root servers.
According to a report <a href="https://markets.businessinsider.com/news/stocks/warren-buffett-favorite-internet-stock-called-top-pick-berkshire-hathaway-2025-1?_gl=1&#x2A;1czjvp&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTg0NzY4ODM4Mi4xNjg2OTgyMzcy&#x2A;_ga_E21CV80ZCZ&#x2A;MTczNTk3OTk5OC43MDIuMS4xNzM1OTgwMTk4LjIzLjAuMA..">by</a> Business Insider, Citi analysts have projected a promising 2025 for VeriSign, setting a $238 price target, which indicates a potential upside of 16% from the current levels. In an optimistic scenario, Citi predicts the stock could escalate to $312, suggesting a potential upside of over 50%.
&#8220;We view Verisign as being one of the safer plays in Internet with a narrower range of outcomes given its almost utility-like nature as a domain registry, ability to pass on regular price increases that leads to a resiliant top-line, and best in class EBITDA margins, providing what we believe to be an attractive risk/reward for investors,&#8221; the Citi analyst told the outlet.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/stock-split/24/12/42716194/how-warren-buffett-decides-when-to-sell-a-stock-if-the-competitive-advantage-disappears-we-sell">How Warren Buffett Decides When To Sell a Stock: &#8216;If the Competitive Advantage Disappears&#8230;We Sell&#8217;</a>
VeriSign ranks among the top five&nbsp;most profitable companies in the&nbsp;S&amp;P 500, securing the fifth position for the highest profit margin and third for operating margin. Citi has expressed positivity regarding the&nbsp;recent month-over-month growth in .com&nbsp;domain registrations, which could signify year-over-year growth in 2025.
Despite&nbsp;a tough year, with the&nbsp;stock experiencing a mere 2% rise&nbsp;compared to a 23% gain&nbsp;for the S&amp;P 500, Citi maintains that VeriSign&#8217;s current valuation positions it as&nbsp;a top stock pick for&nbsp;2025.
Why It Matters: The endorsement from Citi comes as a significant development for VeriSign. 
The company&#8217;s performance and Berkshire Hathaway&#8217;s increased stake in it underline its potential for growth. With the internet domain industry expected to expand, VeriSign&#8217;s exclusive rights to .com and .net domains could further bolster its position. 
The company&#8217;s high profitability and Citi&#8217;s optimistic projections make it a stock to watch in 2025.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42638957/warren-buffetts-timeless-advice-if-youre-gonna-do-dumb-things-because-your-stock-goes-down-you-shouldnt-own-a-stock-at-all" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warren Buffett&#8217;s Timeless Advice For Investing $10,000: ‘If You&#8217;re Gonna Do Dumb Things Because Your Your Stock Goes Down, You Shouldn't Own A Stock At All'</a>
Image: Shutterstock

VRSN

This Warren Buffett-Backed Stock Is A 2025 'Top Pick' With Big Gains Ahead, Says Analyst

Every great investor has a different favorite sector, but two things they have in common are excellent vision and timing. It's not that they win every time, but more often than not, their instincts are proven right in the long run. With that in mind, Cathie Wood's recent purchase of five million shares of Archer Aviation stock takes on a different meaning now that the company has announced a reverse stock split.
Cathie Wood, the CEO of<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42664623/cathie-wood-led-ark-invests-monday-moves-dumps-tesla-palantir-stock-adds-amazon"> ARK Invest</a>, has always had a reputation for making aggressive trades in the tech sector. So, when she bought five million shares of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) company Archer Aviation in late 2023, it looked like par for the course. At the time, Archer shares were trading below $10 per share, which created tremendous upside for traders with the means to buy millions of shares at a time.
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/arrived-private-credit-yf">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?</li>
<li>During market downturns, investors are learning that unlike equities, these<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/connect-invest-real-estate-notes-y2"> high-yield real estate notes that pay 7.5% &#8211; 9% are protected by resilient assets, buffering against losses.</a></li>
</ul>
Archer's business model revolves around developing personal flight vehicles that serve as "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/content/42677924/could-the-mysterious-drone-sightings-be-evtol-air-taxis">air taxis</a>" to move travelers from place to place much more easily than cars. It's a concept from The Jetsons or a 1960s television show trying to envision what transportation would look like in the 21st century. At the time of Wood's purchase, which was split over several months, several positive developments occurred at Archer.
In December, Archer partnered with Anduril, a defense contractor making autonomous military applications and products. Archer paired that announcement with the news that it had raised another $340 million in capital from United Airlines and Stellantis, who both own equity in Archer. It looked like all systems were going for a big 2025 and then Archer announced a reverse stock split.
See Also: Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, and<a href="https://equitymultiple.com/benzinga?invite=benzinga&amp;utm_campaign=product-promotion-earn&amp;utm_source=yahooFinance&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_content=stockmarket-yahoo"> this platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000 offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today!</a>
At a Dec. 20 shareholders meeting, Archer shareholders approved a proposal to &#8220;increase the number of authorized shares of the Company&#8217;s Class A common stock available for issuance from 700,000,000 to 1,400,000,000.&#8221; The company also changed its bylaws to limit ownership, control or even investment in the company to American citizens.
That change may be related to Archer's new partnership with Anduril. If the company will be providing products and services under military contracts, it's likely they will focus heavily on the U.S. defense industry. Having foreign ownership of a company with that kind of profile and client base may compromise its ability to work on top-secret projects.
Trending: This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to <a href="https://arrivedhomes.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=15&amp;aff_id=1006&amp;aff_sub=yahoo&amp;aff_sub2=byerscta100">become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100 for properties like the Byer House from Stranger Things.</a>
However, news of the stock split sent Archer's share price downward from the $11 range to its current price of $9.75. That might provide a golden opportunity for Cathie Wood to buy even more shares. It remains to be seen whether she will, but it does seem clear that she's a big believer in Archer Aviation's long-term future. If you missed the chance to jump in when the price was under $10, you can still buy the dip before this stock rebounds.
Either way, Cathie Wood and ARK Investments will come out ahead. Public records show that Ark's initial purchase of 2.5 million shares occurred between Oct. 28 and November 13th, when<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ACHR"> Archer</a> was available for $3.20 and $4.20. She bought 2.5 million more shares on December 13th for $7.39 per share. So, even with the dip in share price due to the stock split, buying five million Archer shares was a winning trade for Cathie Wood.
Wondering if your investments can get you to a $5,000,000 nest egg? Speak to a financial advisor today.<a href="https://smartasset.com/retirement/find-a-financial-planner?utm_source=benzinga&amp;utm_campaign=ben&amp;utm_content=y2_5MilNestEgg"> SmartAsset&#8217;s free tool matches you up with up to three vetted financial advisors who serve your area, and you can interview your advisor matches at no cost</a> to decide which one is right for you.&nbsp;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Interest Rates Are Falling, But These Yields Aren't Going Anywhere</h2>
Lower interest rates mean some investments won't yield what they did in months past, but you don't have to lose those gains. Certain private market real estate investments are giving retail investors the opportunity to capitalize on these high-yield opportunities.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/arrived-private-credit-yf">Arrived Home's Private Credit Fund&#8217;s has historically paid an annualized dividend yield of 8.1%&#x2A;</a>, which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate. The best part? Unlike other private credit funds, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/arrived-private-credit-yf">this one has a minimum investment of only $100.&nbsp;</a>
Looking for fractional real estate investment opportunities? The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/alternative-investments/real-estate">Benzinga Real Estate Screener</a> features the latest offerings.&nbsp;

Cathie Wood Buys 5 Million Shares Of This Aviation Stock Selling For Under $10/Per Share – Is It A Good Buy For You?

In an investment world often driven by speculation and fleeting trends, Warren Buffett's insights serve as a reminder that solid principles are the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/stock-split/24/12/42716194/how-warren-buffett-decides-when-to-sell-a-stock-if-the-competitive-advantage-disappears-we-sell">foundation of successful investing</a>.
As Buffett humorously points out, the rules of math don't change—when the market becomes irrational, it's often a signal to step back, wait for reality to realign, and seize opportunities when prices reflect true value.
Buffett marked his 50th year at the helm of Berkshire Hathaway in 2015. Buffett&#8217;s annual letter to shareholders disclosed that a successor has been prepared to step in when Buffett decides to retire or passes away. Buffett expressed his confidence in the successor, stating that they would outperform him in certain areas.
In his letter, Buffett also shared his views on investment strategies, cautioning shareholders to be wary when financial markets seem disconnected from reality. He suggested taking a pause and returning to buy stocks when prices are more affordable.
&#8220;Periodically, financial markets will become divorced from reality – you can count on that. Never forget that 2+2 will always equal 4. And when someone tells you how old-fashioned that math is, zip up your wallet, take a vacation and come back in a few years to buy stocks at cheap prices.&#8221; Buffett said during the annual shareholder <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zh0L7ObIFHQ&amp;t=7s">meet</a> in 2015. 
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42638957/warren-buffetts-timeless-advice-if-youre-gonna-do-dumb-things-because-your-stock-goes-down-you-shouldnt-own-a-stock-at-all" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warren Buffett&#8217;s Timeless Advice For Investing $10,000: ‘If You&#8217;re Gonna Do Dumb Things Because Your Your Stock Goes Down, You Shouldn't Own A Stock At All'</a>
Buffett also highlighted the company&#8217;s active audit function and praised Airbnb&#8217;s efforts to provide accommodations for shareholders attending the annual meeting in Omaha. He also spoke about the spectacle of the meeting, which includes a parade featuring Texas longhorns and a Wells Fargo stagecoach.
Buffett&#8217;s advice on investment strategies also provides valuable insights for shareholders. His caution against buying stocks when markets seem disconnected from reality is particularly relevant in today&#8217;s volatile financial climate.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42714309/warren-buffetts-stock-market-advice-ignore-neighbors-whispers-on-stock-tips-focus-on-long-term-value" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warren Buffett's Stock Market Advice: Ignore Neighbor's Whispers On Stock Tips, Focus On Long-Term Value</a>

Warren Buffett's Advice for Overpriced Stocks: 'Zip up Your Wallet, Take a Vacation, and Come Back in a Few Years To Buy Stocks at Cheap Prices'

The man responsible for the detonation of a Tesla Cybertruck in front of the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Wednesday morning had previously <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/01/42757028/tesla-cybertruck-ignites-outside-trump-international-hotel-in-las-vegas">called for a violent purge of Democrats</a>.
What Happened: 37-year-old Matthew Livelsberger carried out the attack, injuring seven people before taking his own life. According to a report <a href="https://www.8newsnow.com/news/local-news/police-to-release-more-details-at-in-las-vegas-new-years-day-explosion/">by</a> KLAS, the Las Vegas CBS affiliate, Livelsberger left behind notes on his phones and laptop found in the burned-out vehicle.
These notes revealed the Green Beret&#8217;s call to fellow service members and others dissatisfied with the country&#8217;s direction to instigate a &#8220;purge&#8221; of Washington, with Democrats as the primary target.
The note confirmed by the police <a href="https://www.8newsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/59/2025/01/PO-003a-01-03-25-Livelsbergers-Letters-1.pdf">read</a>, &#8220;TIME TO WAKE UP! We are being led by weak and feckless leadership who only serve to enrich themselves. Military and vets move on DC starting now. Militias facilitate and augment this activity. Occupy every major road along fed buildings and the campus of fed buildings by the hundreds of thousands. Lock the highways around down with semis right after everybody gets in. Hold until the purge is complete. Try peaceful means first, but be prepared to fight to get the Dems out of the fed government and military by any means necessary. They all must go and a hard reset must occur for our country to avoid collapse.&#8221;
In another note, Livelsberger expressed his resentment towards the country&#8217;s&nbsp;wealthy and the direction of&nbsp;its culture. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42635605/exclusive-eric-trump-predicts-inflation-drop-through-energy-policies-and-spending-cuts">EXCLUSIVE: Eric Trump Predicts Inflation Drop Through Energy Policies And Spending Cuts</a>
He&nbsp;praised President-elect Donald Trump and&nbsp;Trump allies Robert F. Kennedy&nbsp;Jr. and Elon Musk, while criticizing&nbsp;President Joe Biden, Vice President&nbsp;Kamala Harris, and diversity, equity,&nbsp;and inclusion initiatives.
&#8220;Consider this last sunset of ‘24 and my actions the end of our sickness and a new chapter of health for our people. Rally around the Trump, Musk, Kennedy, and ride this wave to the highest hegemony for all Americans! We are second to no one,&#8221; he wrote.
Why It Matters: Livelsberger&#8217;s actions and messages highlight a deeply troubled individual, who resorted to violence to express his dissatisfaction with the current state of affairs in the country. 
His call for a &#8220;purge&#8221; of Democrats and his praise for certain political figures underscore the deep political divides and heightened tensions within the nation. 
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence that can stem from such extreme ideologies.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42714387/tech-titans-warm-up-to-donald-trump-who-says-everybody-wants-to-be-my-friend-claims-bill-gates-asked-to-come-to-mar-a-lago">Tech Titans Warm Up To Donald Trump, Who Says &#8216;Everybody Wants To Be My Friend,&#8217; Claims Bill Gates Asked To Come To Mar-a-Lago</a>

Politics

Trump Hotel Bomber's Chilling Messages Unearthed: 'TIME TO WAKE UP, Fight To Get Dems Out of Fed Government and Military by Any Means'

Imagine running a business for most of your life, pouring in hard work, sweat and dedication and then, one day, it's no longer yours. That's exactly what happened to a 43-year-old former tire and auto repair shop owner who <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42714002/whats-the-feeling-when-you-become-a-millionaire-kevin-oleary-shares-his-take-on-the-defining-moment">recently sold</a> his third-generation family business and shared his story on the popular r/small business <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/smallbusiness/comments/1hnyik9/sold_my_business_yesterday_crazy_feeling/">subreddit</a>. After years of relentless effort, he finally stepped away and now, he's trying to figure out what comes next.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Legacy Passed Down</h2>
The business had been a staple in the community since its founding by his grandfather. He had worked in the shop since he was 12 and officially took over 16 years ago. Eight years ago, he bought the business outright from his parents. It was his life, his identity and his passion.
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>The global games market is projected to generate $272B by the end of the year —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gameflip"> for $0.55/share, this VC-backed startup with a 7M+ userbase gives investors easy access to this asset market.</a></li>
<li>It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $70 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a></li>
</ul>
But the business world is ever-changing. He had built the shop into a powerhouse, focused on top-tier customer service and well-compensated employees. Yet, the challenges of the auto repair industry weighed heavily on him. "Technicians are nearly impossible to find and that is only going to get worse," he shared. "Kids don&#8217;t want to be mechanics or if they think they do, after a short while they change their mind."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">An Industry in Flux</h2>
The auto repair industry isn't what it used to be. The landscape has shifted dramatically with the rise of electric vehicles (EVs). "I'm in California, so EVs are an issue. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/37954402/ev-owners-may-have-bigger-cool-factor-but-their-tires-are-literally-tiring-them-out-more-than-gas-ca">There is nothing to fix on them, just tires</a>. They go through tires very quickly, but I couldn&#8217;t make it on just tires – too competitive and insufficient profit. I need brake jobs, water pumps, ball joints, struts, etc. That's where the money is at."
Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/largest-brokerage-firms-in-the-u-s">large investment firms</a> have steadily bought well-established shops, consolidating the market. "There's been a few very large investment companies buying up shops for several years. I&#8217;ve watched many of my friends get bought out. It was my turn, finally."
See Also: Inspired by Uber and Airbnb &#8211; Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets &#8211; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.26/share!</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Day One: A New Reality</h2>
The day after selling his business, the reality hit him hard. For decades, he'd been up at the crack of dawn, running the shop and managing employees. But on his first day of freedom, he was … lost.
"When I woke up at 7 a.m., I was shocked. Normally, I would have already been at the shop for an hour at that time," he said. Instead, he spent the day making breakfast for his family, cleaning the garage, hitting the gym and even getting a massage. A far cry from the grueling schedule he'd been used to.
Even so, he couldn't quite let go. "I only checked the cameras 11 times today to see how my guys were doing."
Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's Next?</h2>
Selling the business has given him something he's never had before: time. Time to spend with his family, explore hobbies and think about what's next. He plans to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/09/40776473/it-was-boring-kevin-oleary-explored-every-beach-on-earth-after-he-first-got-rich-but-the-highs-and-l">take at least a year off</a> but keeps his eyes open for opportunities.
The sale was a mix of relief and nostalgia. "It's worth it. Push hard, then get out when the time is right. I think I timed it perfectly. Now, the fun begins."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Reactions</h2>
This story evoked many reactions. One person said they sold their business too, stressing the importance of selling at the right time. Another talked about how hard it is to find good mechanics these days, saying it's a problem everyone in the industry faces.&nbsp;
A few people were worried that big companies buying family-owned businesses could hurt workers and customers. On the funny side, one commenter joked, "So you were … tired?" showing that even serious topics can bring out humor. These comments show how many people relate to the ups and downs of owning a business.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a></li>
<li>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?</li>
</ul>

'Now, The Fun Begins' – A 3rd Generation Business Owner Sold His Business Recently And Shared How Shocked He Was The Day After

Real estate investing can get creative, especially when taxes are involved. Just ask Seattle-based investor Ludomir Wanot. He's found a way to pair savvy property deals with massive tax incentives that could slash his taxable income. His big focus for 2025? Mobile home parks.
Wanot, who built his wealth through <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-invest-in-real-estate">long-term rentals,</a> sees mobile home parks as a win-win. For him, it's all about the numbers. &#8220;The government actually allows you to depreciate at least up to 60% of the purchase price of the value of the asset in year one,&#8221; he explained to Business Insider. Translation? If he buys a property for $1 million, like he did in New York, he can write off up to $600,000 in the first year. "That basically reduced my taxable income to zero."
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>CEO of Integris gathered a team of senior investment managers who have $34.22 billion in combined owned and managed assets in the West Coast —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/integris"> here&#8217;s how to invest in their private credit fund that targets 12% annual interest rate.</a></li>
<li>This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to <a href="https://arrivedhomes.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=15&amp;aff_id=1006&amp;aff_sub=yahoo&amp;aff_sub2=byerscta100">become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100 for properties like the Byer House from Stranger Things.</a></li>
</ul>
But it's not just about the tax break. Wanot likes that mobile home parks provide affordable housing while letting him rebuild communities. "I'm providing housing for people that only make maybe $1,000 a month, at a significantly lower rate, around $200 a month," he said. And while he's helping his tenants, he's also reaping big incentives from Uncle Sam.
Finding Deals In A Tough Market
Other investors are gearing up for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/types-of-real-estate-investments">different strategies. </a>Mike Zuber, who built a rental empire in Fresno, California, says 2025 will be all about spotting motivated sellers. "I think there are some people that will just have to sell – life events, death, divorce, all of that," Zuber explained to BI. With rising costs keeping buyers out of the market, he's betting those dated, less-than-perfect homes will end up in investors' hands.
&#8220;I'm prepared to write offers that make sense at a high cost of capital,&#8221; he said. For Zuber, patience is key.
See Also: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl-y2"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a>
Playing The Long Game
Meanwhile, Dion McNeeley, another seasoned investor, is weighing a strategic sale of one of his properties. By leveraging an IRS rule, McNeeley could defer taxes on his gains and funnel them into another deal. This kind of move, known as a 1031 exchange, lets investors swap properties without triggering a hefty tax bill.
Whether it's mobile home parks, off-loading a property or waiting for deals, these investors are thinking ahead. For Wanot, the $600,000 tax play underscores just how much real estate can still deliver – if you know where to look and how to play the game. He said, "It's all about using the system to your advantage," he told BI.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, and<a href="https://equitymultiple.com/benzinga?invite=benzinga&amp;utm_campaign=product-promotion-earn&amp;utm_source=yahooFinance&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_content=stockmarket-yahoo"> this platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000 offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today!</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/arrived-private-credit-yf">Arrived Home's Private Credit Fund&#8217;s has historically paid an annualized dividend yield of 8.1%&#x2A;</a>, which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate with just a $100 minimum.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/arrived-private-credit-yf"> </a></li>
</ul>

The $600,000 Tax Move One Investor Is Banking On Next Year

Personal finance expert <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42625459/listener-asks-suze-orman-how-to-stop-her-mother-from-wasting-money-on-life-insurance-orman-says-do-a-prepaid-funeral">Suze Orman</a> recently addressed a listener's question about protecting her financial assets for her children during a second marriage. On a <a href="https://omny.fm/shows/suze-ormans-women-and-money/ask-kt-and-suze-anything-why-buying-a-condo-can-en">recent episode</a> of the Women &amp; Money podcast, Orman provided advice to Susan, who is navigating financial decisions after marrying her high school sweetheart at age 67.&nbsp;
Susan explained her situation: she's selling a home in California that she inherited from her mother and expects a $700,000 profit.&nbsp;
 "I may invest 200 to 300,000 of it in our eventual second home," Susan wrote. "If we sell his home as well, my plan is that we will both contribute equal amounts to the new home. The rest I would like to put in a combination of Alliant CDs and maybe a Vanguard VOO."
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/1milsaved"> The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
<li>The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?</li>
</ul>
Susan and her husband have children from previous marriages and they want to ensure that their respective children inherit their individual assets.&nbsp;
Orman acknowledged Susan's heartfelt story but emphasized safeguarding her <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/41865970/parents-want-to-take-away-inheritance-from-daughter-not-living-according-to-the-bible-dave-ramsey-says-dont-use-this-as-punishment">children's inheritance</a>. One of Orman's main recommendations was to avoid titling the property as joint tenants with right of survivorship.&nbsp;
"If you were to die, your half automatically goes to him," Orman said. "How you hold title to property overrides the wishes of your trust, your will, his trust and his will." This would potentially leave Susan's children disinherited from her assets tied to the home.&nbsp;
See Also: During market downturns, investors are learning that unlike equities, these<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/connect-invest-real-estate-notes"> high-yield real estate notes that pay 7.5% &#8211; 9% are protected by resilient assets, buffering against losses.</a>
Instead, Orman recommended holding the property as tenants in common, a structure that allows each spouse to specify how their share of the property will be distributed upon their death. Through a trust, Orman explained that Susan could ensure her portion of the property goes to her children while her husband's share goes to his children.&nbsp;
Orman also suggested adding a life estate clause in the trust. This would grant the surviving spouse the right to live in the property for the remainder of their life while preserving the ultimate <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/11/41866296/with-warren-buffett-donating-99-of-his-fortune-whats-left-for-his-three-children-well-its-complicated">inheritance for the children</a>.
Regarding the remaining $400,000 to $500,000 from Susan's home sale, Orman advised prioritizing safety and liquidity. She suggested a combination of Alliant Credit Union CDs, Treasury notes or a government money market account at Schwab. These options align with Susan's goal of keeping the funds secure and accessible while earning modest returns.
For those considering growth investments, Orman recommended caution, suggesting Susan wait until she has more clarity about her long-term financial needs.
Trending: Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a>
Orman's advice highlights a broader financial principle: in blended families, it's essential to structure asset ownership carefully to preserve inheritance plans. Even in the happiest of marriages, misunderstandings or legal oversights can lead to unintended consequences.
By maintaining separate accounts and clearly defining ownership through a trust or legal agreement, couples can honor their commitments to each other while protecting their <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42489400/is-it-better-to-leave-children-a-401k-or-cash-suze-orman-proposes-a-3rd-option-but-adds-stop-worrying-about-the-kids">children's financial future</a>.
While Susan's situation is unique, Orman's advice resonates with many older adults navigating second marriages. Open communication, proper estate planning and the right financial strategies can ensure everyone involved – spouses and children alike – benefits from clarity and fairness.
For those facing similar decisions, consulting with a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-online-financial-advisors">financial advisor</a> or estate planning attorney can provide personalized guidance and peace of mind.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
<li>Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die." <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/connect-invest-real-estate-notes">These high-yield real estate notes that pay 7.5% &#8211; 9% make earning passive income easier than ever.</a></li>
</ul>

Personal Finance

'Keep It Separate': Suze Orman Warns Listener About Protecting Her Children's Inheritance When Buying A Home With A New Spouse

The European Union&#8216;s (EU) USB-C directive has officially come into force, mandating a universal charging port for electronic devices. The directive, effective from 2025, requires mobile <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42736387/eu-usb-c-directive-kicks-in-what-it-means-for-you-your-devices-and-the-planet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">phones to feature a USB-C port</a>.
Cyberhaven, a data-loss prevention startup, has confirmed a security breach involving its&nbsp;Google Chrome&nbsp;browser extension. Hackers managed to release a malicious update capable of stealing user <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42712841/google-chrome-users-beware-this-holiday-season-cyber-security-firms-browser-extension-hijacked-by-attackers" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">passwords and session tokens</a>.
President-elect&nbsp;Donald Trump has sought a &#8220;political resolution&#8221; of the TikTok ban, urging the Supreme Court to&nbsp;postpone a&nbsp;law that threatens to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42712643/trump-asks-supreme-court-to-delay-tiktok-ban-as-he-pursues-a-political-resolution" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">block the social media app</a>.
Venezuela's Supreme Court has levied a $10 million fine against&nbsp;ByteDance-owned&nbsp;TikTok&nbsp;for its alleged failure to curb the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42758430/tiktok-fined-10-million-in-venezuela-as-supreme-court-blames-platform-for-failing-to-prevent-deadly-viral-challenges" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">spread of&nbsp;hazardous viral challenges</a>.
Streaming &amp; Music Platforms
Explicit content has been discovered in&nbsp;Spotify Technology S.A.&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPOT#NYSE">SPOT</a>) search results, sparking user outrage over apparent moderation loopholes. A Reddit user shared a screenshot showing a pornographic video appearing in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42716915/spotify-users-discover-adult-content-hidden-in-search-results-sparking-outrage-over-moderation-loopholes" rel="noreferrer noopener">search results for British rapper&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42716915/spotify-users-discover-adult-content-hidden-in-search-results-sparking-outrage-over-moderation-loopholes" rel="noreferrer noopener">M.I.A</a>.
Netflix, Inc.&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) Squid Game&nbsp;is back in the spotlight&nbsp;with its second season, and fans are buzzing <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/01/42759975/squid-game-season-3-everything-you-need-to-know-about-the-thrilling-finale-coming-in-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">about the third and final season</a>.
Smartphones
Samsung Electronics Co.&#8217;s&nbsp;(OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SSNLF#OTC">SSNLF</a>) Galaxy S25 Slim, identified as model SM-S937, is reportedly not launching&nbsp;alongside the rest&nbsp;of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42717053/galaxy-s25-slim-delayed-samsungs-sleek-new-model-wont-reportedly-be-part-of-the-first-wave-in-early-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">the&nbsp;</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42717053/galaxy-s25-slim-delayed-samsungs-sleek-new-model-wont-reportedly-be-part-of-the-first-wave-in-early-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">S25</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42717053/galaxy-s25-slim-delayed-samsungs-sleek-new-model-wont-reportedly-be-part-of-the-first-wave-in-early-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">&nbsp;series in early 2025</a>.
Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) has stopped selling its&nbsp;iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus,&nbsp;and third-generation iPhone SE models across <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42712752/apple-halts-iphone-14-iphone-se-sales-in-eu-heres-why" rel="noreferrer noopener">most EU countries</a>.
A new leak reiterates that&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;is reportedly set to&nbsp;improve the display technology&nbsp;in its upcoming&nbsp;iPhone 17&nbsp;series. Over the weekend, Weibo-based Chinese leaker&nbsp;Digital Chat Station&nbsp;said that supply chain materials support the rumors of a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42736353/iphone-17-to-get-display-upgrade-as-apple-finally-ditches-60hz-technology-new-leak-reiterates-possibility" rel="noreferrer noopener">higher refresh rate for the standard iPhone 17</a>.
Apple is offering discounts of up to 500 yuan ($68.50) on its&nbsp;iPhone 16&nbsp;models in China as it&nbsp;faces increasing competition&nbsp;from&nbsp;Huawei Technologies. Apple has launched a rare promotional event in China, set <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/01/42759147/apple-discounts-iphone-16-prices-in-china-by-up-to-68-5-as-it-battles-huaweis-resurgence-in-the-country" rel="noreferrer noopener">to run from Jan. 4 to Jan. 7, 2025</a>.
Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42739523/apple-amazon-samsung-and-nintendo-what-tech-marvels-are-these-giants-cooking-in-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple, Amazon, Samsung, And Nintendo: What Tech Marvels Are These Giants Cooking In 2025</a>
Technology &amp; Artificial Intelligence (AI)
Amid a surge in demand for AI chip package substrates,&nbsp;Ibiden Co.,&nbsp;a significant supplier for&nbsp;Nvidia Corp.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), is evaluating the possibility of hastening its production capacity expansion. This move comes as the company aims to keep pace with <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42718022/days-after-key-nvidia-supplier-warned-of-ai-spending-slowdown-another-nvda-partner-considers-accelerating-expansion-to-meet-growing-demand" rel="noreferrer noopener">the growing needs of the AI industry</a>.
Cathie Wood, CEO and CIO of&nbsp;Ark Invest&nbsp;shared her optimistic outlook for 2025, highlighting advancements in robotics, energy storage, artificial intelligence, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42758213/cathie-woods-ark-invest-predicts-explosive-growth-in-2025-innovation-is-going-to-scale-dramatically-as-the-economy-begins-to-get-rid-of-regulations-under-this-new-administration" rel="noreferrer noopener">blockchain technology, and multiomics</a>.
Encode, a nonprofit organization, has joined forces with&nbsp;Elon Musk in a legal effort to prevent&nbsp;OpenAI&nbsp;from transitioning into a for-profit entity. This move comes as Encode files a request to submit an <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42712824/elon-musks-legal-battle-against-openais-for-profit-transition-joined-by-non-profit-encode" rel="noreferrer noopener">amicus brief in support of Musk's injunction</a>.
Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)-backed OpenAI has revealed its plans to evolve into a Delaware Public Benefit Corporation (PBC). The company aims to balance shareholder and stakeholder interests <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42712683/openai-lays-out-its-for-profit-transition-plans-says-it-must-evolve-to-advance-its-agi-mission" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">while maintaining its public benefit mission</a>.
Image: Shutterstock

AAPL

NFLX

NVDA

SPOT

SSNLF

Consumer Tech News (Dec 30-Jan 3): Apple Stops Selling iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, iPhone SE, Trump Seeks A 'Political Resolution' Of TikTok Ban & More

In a move that has left millions of Americans perplexed, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41207039/bidens-presidency-hits-hard-households-now-forking-over-2-500-more-annually-for-groceries-can-yo">Biden administration</a> quietly canceled two major student loan forgiveness plans.&nbsp;
These proposals were supposed to be lifelines for borrowers drowning in debt after years – or even decades – of repayment struggles. But now, the plans have been shelved, leaving many borrowers wondering what's next.
The U.S. Department of Education announced the withdrawal in a notice in the Federal Register, citing "operational challenges" as the reason for the sudden withdrawal. The department is shifting its focus to helping at-risk borrowers return to repayment plans.&nbsp;
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?</li>
<li>Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a></li>
</ul>
For perspective, the numbers are staggering: more than 43 million Americans owe a combined $1.7 trillion in student loan debt. These now-canceled plans, often called "Plan B," were supposed to pick up the pieces after the Supreme Court rejected Biden's original effort to forgive up to $400 billion in June 2023.&nbsp;
That initial plan could have helped 40 million borrowers, but the court&#8217;s ruling forced the administration to regroup. Plan B was designed to provide targeted relief for those facing unique hardships such as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42728529/suze-orman-warns-medicare-doesnt-cover-everything-why-you-need-2000-for-drugs-and-1676-for-hospital-costs-in-2025">medical bills</a>, child care costs or even natural disasters.&nbsp;
The decision has drawn mixed reactions. Persis Yu, deputy executive director of the Student Borrower Protection Center, didn't hold back her disappointment. "President Biden's proposals would have freed millions from the crushing weight of the student debt crisis and unlocked economic mobility for millions more workers and families," Yu said.
See Also: Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/1milsaved"> The percentage may shock you</a>.
Not everyone saw these plans as the solution, though. Critics of broad student loan forgiveness have long argued that it's unfair to saddle taxpayers – especially those who didn't go to college or have already paid off their loans – with the bill.&nbsp;
"The Biden Administration is not forgiving debt; they&#8217;re just transferring the responsibility to pay it back from those who willingly took on the loan," Sen. Bill Cassidy said on his <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kgK7hMfFj88">YouTube channel</a>.&nbsp;
While the decision to scrap Plan B was a setback for broad forgiveness efforts, the administration hasn't abandoned debt relief entirely. On the same day the administration announced the withdrawal, it approved $4.28 billion in loan forgiveness for nearly 55,000 public service workers under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program.&nbsp;
Trending: Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a>
PSLF wipes out loans for government and nonprofit employees who have made consistent payments for 10 years. The Teacher Loan Forgiveness program can provide up to $17,500 in relief for teachers in low-income schools as per Federal Student Aid.&nbsp;
Mark Kantrowitz, a well-known higher education expert, said the timing of the withdrawal wasn't surprising. "The Biden administration knew that the proposals for broad student loan forgiveness would have been thwarted by the Trump administration," Kantrowitz told CNBC. Trump has been a vocal critic of loan forgiveness, calling Biden's plans "vile" and "illegal."
Borrowers still hoping for relief have options. Federal resources like Studentaid.gov offer information on loan forgiveness programs and groups like The Institute of Student Loan Advisors can help borrowers explore state-specific opportunities.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/62-years-old-with-1-mil-saved">I&#8217;m 62 Years Old And Have $1.2 Million Saved. Is This Enough to Retire Stress-Free?</a></li>
</ul>

Plans To Forgive $4.28 Billion In Student Loans For 54,900 Borrowers Halted – What This Means For Millions Still Drowning In Debt

Benzinga examined the prospects for<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas"> many investors&#8217; favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here&#8217;s a look at some of our top stories.
The Nasdaq and S&amp;P 500 ended a five-day losing streak on Friday, but the week closed with the S&amp;P down 0.48%, the Dow losing 0.60%, and the Nasdaq dropping 0.51%.
Rising Treasury yields, including a 30-year high of 4.8%, raised borrowing cost concerns and drove record December outflows from the iShares 20+ Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLT#NASDAQ">TLT</a>), as markets carried weak momentum <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/01/42796485/goodbye-santa-rally-tesla-falters-on-deliveries-investors-flee-bonds-ahead-of-trumps-second-term-this-week-in-the-market">into the new year.</a>
Meanwhile, the U.S. manufacturing sector showed signs of stabilization in December, with the ISM Manufacturing PMI climbing to 49.3%, its highest since April 2024, though still marking the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/01/42790042/us-manufacturing-activity-tops-expectations-in-december-rises-to-9-month-highs">ninth consecutive month of contraction.</a>
Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week&#8217;s most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Bulls</h3>
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42751367/netflix-posts-record-debut-with-squid-game-season-2-heres-how-many-people-watched-show">Netflix Posts Record Debut With &#8216;Squid Game&#8217; Season 2: Here&#8217;s How Many People Watched Show</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/chris-katje">Chris Katje</a>, highlights Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) achieving 68 million views for &#8220;Squid Game&#8221; Season 2 in its first week, setting a company record, alongside NFL Christmas Day games driving additional subscriber engagement.
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/42758813/shytoshi-kusama-clears-the-air-on-shiba-inu-role-memecoin-rivalry-our-drive-was-to-overtake-dogecoin">Shytoshi Kusama Clears The Air On Shiba Inu Role, Memecoin Rivalry: &#8216;Our Drive Was To Overtake Dogecoin&#8217;</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/aniket-verma">Aniket Verma</a>, features Shytoshi Kusama clarifying that Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>) was founded by Ryoshi, not him, and sharing the project's early vision to surpass Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>).
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/12/42734220/bill-ackman-sends-fannie-mae-freddie-mac-stocks-soaring-trump-likes-big-deals">Bill Ackman Sends Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac Stocks Soaring: &#8216;Trump Likes Big Deals&#8217;</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/erica-kollmann">Erica Kollmann</a>, discusses Bill Ackman's bullish view on Fannie Mae (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FNMA#OTC">FNMA</a>) and Freddie Mac (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FMCC#OTC">FMCC</a>) stocks, citing their potential for large gains as conservatorship could end under Donald Trump's administration, with Ackman highlighting asymmetric upside for investors.
For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42709387/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet">Benzinga&#8217;s &#8216;Stock Whisper&#8217; Index: 5 Stocks Investors Secretly Monitor But Don&#8217;t Talk About Yet</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s/25/01/42769181/natural-gas-prices-surge-as-arctic-blast-freezes-us-3-stocks-on-the-move">Natural Gas Prices Surge As Arctic Blast Freezes US: 3 Stocks On The Move</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/42777529/goldman-sachs-adds-3-stocks-to-conviction-list-flags-5-market-trends-to-monitor-in-2025">Goldman Sachs Adds 3 Stocks To &#8216;Conviction List,&#8217; Flags 5 Market Trends To Monitor In 2025</a>
The Bears
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/42777950/teslas-first-sales-drop-splits-wall-street-2025-will-be-the-prove-it-year">Tesla&#8217;s First Sales Drop Splits Wall Street: &#8216;2025 Will Be The Prove It Year&#8217;</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/chris-katje">Chris Katje</a>, highlights Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) facing mixed analyst reactions after missing Q4 delivery estimates, with Wedbush's Daniel Ives forecasting a 20%-30% growth rebound in 2025, while Ross Gerber criticized reliance on discounts to boost sales.
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42735744/pharma-bro-martin-shkreli-predicts-doom-for-michael-saylors-microstrategy-as-stock-dips-below-300-in-after-hours-trading">Pharma Bro Martin Shkreli Predicts Liquidation Doom For MicroStrategy Amid Fall Below $300, Says Bitcoin Will Hit $250K Without Michael Saylor</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/aniket-verma">Aniket Verma</a>, features Martin Shkreli's warning of potential liquidation for MicroStrategy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) as its stock fell below $300, predicting Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) could hit $250,000 without the influence of its co-founder Michael Saylor.
&#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42699274/boeing-engineers-leave-struggling-planemaker-for-space-companies-report">Boeing Engineers Leave Struggling Planemaker For Space Companies: Report</a>,&#8221; by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/anan-ashraf">Anan Ashraf</a>, highlights talent migration from Boeing Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) to firms like SpaceX and Blue Origin as engineer tenures drop, potentially delaying new aircraft development, though Boeing says its voluntary attrition rate remains low with competitive pay and benefits.
For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/01/42790373/apple-iphones-lose-ground-in-china-as-subsidies-boost-huawei-domestic-rivals">Apple iPhones Lose Ground In China As Subsidies Boost Huawei, Domestic Rivals</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/travel/25/01/42791291/jetblue-fined-2-million-for-chronic-flight-delays-delta-united-rank-among-most-on-time-airlines">JetBlue Fined $2 Million For &#8216;Chronic Flight Delays&#8217;: Delta, United Rank Among Most On-Time Airlines</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/short-ideas/22/10/29205954/paul-tudor-jones-correctly-predicted-the-1987-stock-market-crash-heres-what-the-billion">Paul Tudor Jones Correctly Predicted The 1987 Stock Market Crash: Here&#8217;s What The Billionaire Hedge Fund Manager Says Is Coming Next</a>
Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following<a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga"> Benzinga</a><a href="http://twitter.com/Benzinga"> on Twitter</a>.
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

Cryptocurrency

Equities

Long Ideas

Short Ideas

$BTC

$DOGE

$SHIB

FMCC

FNMA

MSTR

iShares Trust Barclays 20+ Year Treasury Bond Fund

TSLA

Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Tesla, Netflix, MicroStrategy — And Shiba Inu Strives To Outpace Dogecoin In Crypto

Walgreens is pulling the plug on 1,200 stores over the next three years. That's no small cut. And they're not the only ones feeling the squeeze. Business Insider reported that CVS and Rite Aid are scaling back too. So, how does a business in the middle of a <a href="https://academic.oup.com/ajhp/article-abstract/81/14/583/7657643">$722 billion industry</a> end up here?
Let's break it down.
Big Numbers, Bigger Problems
Pharmacies should be killing it. Seven out of 10 Americans rely on prescription meds. That's a steady stream of cash, right? Not quite. Walgreens says a quarter of their stores are losing money. CVS is slashing 3,000 jobs and closing hundreds of locations. Rite Aid? They're stuck in bankruptcy mode, shutting stores to stay afloat.
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $70 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a></li>
<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a></li>
</ul>
The stores that survive <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/08/40437498/pharmacy-chains-like-cvs-health-walgreens-boots-alliance-confront-shifting-consumer-habits-and-pro">aren't faring much better. </a>Shelves are half-empty. Everything is locked up. And finding someone to unlock that deodorant? Good luck with that scavenger hunt.
What's Eating Pharmacies Alive?
It's not just Walgreens and CVS. Convenience stores like 7-Eleven are shutting down, too. Blame it on what people are calling the "retail apocalypse." COVID-19 may have kick-started it, but this isn't just a pandemic problem.
Elizabeth Anderson, a health care analyst, told BI, "None of these things is a new factor. But you compound that for years and years and eventually, you get to kind of a breaking point."
That breaking point? It's here.
See Also: The global games market is projected to generate $272B by the end of the year —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gameflip"> for $0.55/share, this VC-backed startup with a 7M+ userbase gives investors easy access to this asset market.</a>
Amazon And Friends Are Winning
Who needs a pharmacy run when Amazon can drop your ibuprofen, snacks and toilet paper on your doorstep? Often cheaper and easier.
Amazon isn't the only threat; Walmart and Target are grabbing pharmacy customers. Last year, Walmart launched <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41457803/walmart-launches-same-day-pharmacy-delivery-upping-competition-for-cvs-walgreens">same-day pharmacy delivery.</a> Even Dollar General is in the mix, snagging budget-conscious shoppers. The more annoying pharmacies make it to shop – locked shelves, anyone? – the faster people bail.
Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a>
Pandemic Boost? That's Over
The pandemic gave pharmacies a brief lifeline. Vaccines and COVID test kits drove foot traffic and revenue. But that wave has passed and the problems that were always there are now front and center.
Can Pharmacies Make A Comeback?
Walgreens and CVS are trying to adapt, but the game has changed. People want convenience. They want low prices. And they won't stick around for stores that don't deliver.
For now, the closures keep coming. If pharmacies don't evolve fast, this could just be the start.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>Inspired by Uber and Airbnb &#8211; Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets &#8211; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.26/share!</a></li>
<li>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/arrived-private-credit-fund">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?</li>
</ul>

Startups

Why Walgreens Is Shuttering 1,200 Stores While Pharma Sales Soar To $722 Billion

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/09/41097203/bill-gates-has-spent-150-million-on-real-estate-from-a-seattle-mansion-to-275-000-acres-of-farmland">Bill Gates is one of the richest men in the world</a>, but he's not exactly clinging to the title. In fact, the Microsoft cofounder has said he wants to fall off the billionaires' list entirely – thanks to his commitment to giving away the majority of his fortune through the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation.&nbsp;
Gates is famous for his philanthropy but also for his down-to-earth quirks. He <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/01/36664032/bill-gates-spent-over-30-million-on-a-book-in-the-1990s-but-he-wears-a-cheap-24-casio-watch">wears a $10 Casio watch</a>, owns a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/05/39083570/billionaire-bill-gates-has-a-mcdonalds-gold-card-that-gives-him-free-food-for-life-worldwide">McDonald's Gold Card</a> that grants him free Big Macs anywhere in the world and has no interest in flaunting his wealth with flashy cars or designer suits.
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die." <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/connect-invest-real-estate-notes-y2">These high-yield real estate notes that pay 7.5% &#8211; 9% make earning passive income easier than ever.</a></li>
<li>If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/arrived-private-credit-yf">7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it</a>?</li>
</ul>
But while he's no stranger to frugality, Gates knows when to open his wallet – whether it's for private jets, sprawling real estate or even paying fines for improperly placed manure bins at his daughter Jennifer's $8.7 million horse farm in Florida.
This manure-related mishap cost Gates $42,000 in fines but was all part of supporting Jennifer's equestrian ambitions. According to a 2014 Page Six article, when Jennifer was just 15, Gates purchased the Wellington, Florida, farm in the heart of the equestrian world. The estate featured stables for 20 horses, training facilities and easy access to the Winter Equestrian Festival.
However, even billionaires can't escape local regulations. Gates was fined $250 a day for violating a Wellington code requiring manure bins to be at least 100 feet from bodies of water. The bin was too close to a nearby pond and the necessary permits for the structure were never secured.&nbsp;
See Also: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl-y2"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a>
Page Six also reported that months of warnings to move the "giant manure store" existed before the Gates' property was hit with penalties of $250 per day for two code violations.
While the fines hardly dented Gates' wallet, they highlighted the lengths he was willing to go to nurture his daughter's passion.
And those lengths were extraordinary. Gates reportedly spent $1 million on Jennifer's first rookie competition, leased four top-tier horses and even rented a lavish 8-bedroom mansion in Wellington for $600,000 to ensure she had access to the best training facilities, according to a Forbes 2012 article. When private jet charters were needed to shuttle the family back and forth between Washington and Florida, Gates didn't hesitate.
Trending: This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to <a href="https://arrivedhomes.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=15&amp;aff_id=1006&amp;aff_sub=yahoo&amp;aff_sub2=byerscta100">become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100 for properties like the Byer House from Stranger Things.</a>
Beyond the manure fiasco, Gates has poured significant resources into Wellington real estate, investing upward of $37 million in the equestrian hub over the years. Today, Jennifer owns her own $16 million horse farm, a gift from her parents and continues to compete at an elite level.
Gates' approach to wealth is fascinating because of its contrasts. On the one hand, he plans to leave his kids a modest $10 million inheritance each, ensuring they stay grounded. On the other hand, he's willing to spend millions to fuel their dreams. For Jennifer, that meant creating the ultimate environment to pursue her love of show jumping.
At his core, Gates balances his eccentricities – like that McDonald's Gold Card and his aversion to ostentatious spending – with deep generosity, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42622967/bill-gates-answers-why-he-doesnt-just-voluntarily-pay-more-in-taxes-people-pay-taxes-as-an-obligation-of-law-not-out-of-charity">both as a philanthropist and a dad</a>. Whether eradicating global health crises or dealing with manure-related code violations, Gates is proof that even billionaires juggle the extraordinary and the oddly mundane.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>During market downturns, investors are learning that unlike equities, these<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/connect-invest-real-estate-notes-y2"> high-yield real estate notes that pay 7.5% &#8211; 9% are protected by resilient assets, buffering against losses.</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/arrived-private-credit-yf">Arrived Home's Private Credit Fund&#8217;s has historically paid an annualized dividend yield of 8.1%&#x2A;</a>, which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate with just a $100 minimum.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/arrived-private-credit-yf"> </a></li>
</ul>

Bill Gates Is So Frugal He Wears A $10 Watch But Spent $42,000 In Fines For Manure Bins At His Daughter's $8.7 Million Florida Horse Farm

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/11/41750727/kevin-oleary-supports-elon-musks-2-trillion-plan-to-slash-government-spending-with-trumps-backing-it">Elon Musk </a>doesn't shy away from big ideas or bold predictions, but his latest warning is a wake-up call for America.&nbsp;
During a recent appearance on <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7qZl_5xHoBw">The Joe Rogan Experience</a>, Musk pulled no punches when discussing the U.S. economy. His verdict? The country is heading toward financial collapse if drastic action isn't taken.
"We're drowning in debt," Musk said, referring to the $36.14 trillion the U.S. owes, as reported by the Treasury Department. He explained that interest payments alone comprise 23% of all federal revenue. "If this keeps up, the entire government budget will go to paying interest. That means no money for Social Security, no Medicare, nothing. America would be toast."
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>The global games market is projected to generate $272B by the end of the year —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gameflip"> for $0.55/share, this VC-backed startup with a 7M+ userbase gives investors easy access to this asset market.</a></li>
<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a></li>
</ul>
Musk's warning hit a nerve and for good reason. Interest payments on the debt are already skyrocketing. In 2024, the government spent over $1 trillion on interest – a staggering figure compared to $4.92 trillion in total revenue.&nbsp;
The Congressional Budget Office predicts those payments will keep climbing, potentially outpacing Medicare and defense spending within a decade.
Musk didn't stop at identifying the problem; he proposed a solution: cutting federal spending by 30%. However, not everyone thinks that's realistic. Marc Goldwein, an expert from the Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, quickly critiqued Musk's suggestion.&nbsp;
"Cuts of that magnitude would be borderline impossible without touching programs like Social Security or causing severe economic pain," Goldwein said. He added that most of the federal budget is tied to mandatory spending, leaving little room for discretionary cuts.
Trending: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elon-musk-told-the-u-n-if-they-could-show-a-plan-for-ending-world-hunger-hed-donate-6-billion-i-will-sell-tesla-stock-right-now-and-do-it">Elon Musk Told The U.N. If They Could Show A Plan For Ending World Hunger He'd Donate $6 Billion – ‘I Will Sell Tesla Stock Right Now And Do It'</a>
Ever the skeptic, Joe Rogan asked Musk how this would impact everyday Americans. Musk didn't sugarcoat it. "It means inflation will spike, jobs will disappear and systems we rely on will collapse," he said. "This isn't some far-off possibility – it's already starting to happen."
Experts are divided on Musk's approach but agree the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41720492/anthony-scaramucci-predicts-u-s-will-tackle-debt-crisis-bitcoin-value-will-triple-and-reve"> debt crisis</a> is serious. According to the Peterson Foundation, unchecked debt could lead to higher interest rates, slower economic growth and lower household incomes.&nbsp;
"This isn't just about government budgets," their recent report stated. "It's about the economic future of every American family."
Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen has warned Congress that the U.S. could hit its debt ceiling as early as January 2025. In a letter reported by The Associated Press, Yellen urged Congress to take immediate action to protect credit and the full faith of the USA.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li>Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a></li>
<li>‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">You can invest today for just $0.26/share with a $1000 minimum.</a></li>
</ul>

There Won't Be Money For Social Security': Elon Musk Tells Joe Rogan About Looming Bankruptcy And $1.1 Trillion Interest

Each trading day features hundreds of headlines and press releases on Benzinga Pro, a source for traders to see the latest news on the overall market <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent010325&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">and individual tickers.</a>
Here is a look at the most-searched stocks on Benzinga Pro for 2024. Current prices and year-to-date performance are based on Dec. 31 and do not include dividends. Data for the month of November was not tracked.
1. NVIDIA Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>)
<ul>
<li>Current Price: $134.29</li>
<li>52-Week Range: $47.32 to $152.89</li>
<li>2024 Return: +178.8%</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/10/41150827/exclusive-top-20-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-in-september-2024-where-do-tesla-nvidia-apple">September</a>/<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/11/41718416/exclusive-top-20-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-in-october-2024-where-do-tesla-nvidia-apple-d">October</a>/<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/01/42755273/exclusive-top-20-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-in-december-2024-where-do-tesla-nvidia-quantum-computing-stock-rank">December </a>Ranks: 1st/2nd/3rd</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/exclusives/24/07/39603613/exclusive-top-10-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-in-first-half-2024-where-do-nvidia-tesla-pala">First Half 2024 Rank</a>: 1st</li>
</ul>
2. Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>)
<ul>
<li>Current Price: $403.84</li>
<li>52-Week Range: $138.80 to $488.54</li>
<li>2024 Return: +62.5%</li>
<li>September/October/December Ranks: 3rd/1st/1st</li>
<li>First Half 2024 Rank: 3rd</li>
</ul>
3. SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>)
<ul>
<li>Current Price: $586.08</li>
<li>52-Week Range: $466.44 to $609.07</li>
<li>2024 Return: +24.0%</li>
<li>September/October/December Ranks: 2nd/4th/4th</li>
<li>First Half 2024 Rank: 2nd</li>
</ul>
4. Super Micro Computer (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>)
<ul>
<li>Current Price: $30.48</li>
<li>52-Week Range: $17.25 to $122.90</li>
<li>2024 Return: +6.8%</li>
<li>September/October/December Ranks: 7th/5th/2nd</li>
<li>First Half 2024 Rank: 5th</li>
</ul>
5. Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>)
<ul>
<li>Current Price: $250.42</li>
<li>52-Week Range: $164.08 to $260.09</li>
<li>2024 Return: +34.9%</li>
<li>September/October/December Ranks: 4th/8th/Not in Top 20</li>
<li>First Half 2024 Rank: 4th</li>
</ul>
6. Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>)
<ul>
<li>Current Price: $120.79</li>
<li>52-Week Range: $117.91 to $227.30</li>
<li>2024 Return: -12.8%</li>
<li>September/October/December Ranks: Not in Top 20/7th/13th</li>
<li>First Half 2024 Rank: 6th</li>
</ul>
7. Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>)
<ul>
<li>Current Price: $75.63</li>
<li>52-Week Range: $15.67 to $77.98</li>
<li>2024 Return: +356.2%</li>
<li>September/October/December Ranks: 12th/14th/6th</li>
<li>First Half 2024 Rank: 10th</li>
</ul>
8. Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>)
<ul>
<li>Current Price: $511.23</li>
<li>52-Week Range: $395.35 to $539.15</li>
<li>2024 Return: +27.0%</li>
<li>September/October/December Ranks: 6th/15th/20th</li>
<li>First Half 2024 Rank: 9th</li>
</ul>
9. Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>)
<ul>
<li>Current Price: $219.39</li>
<li>52-Week Range: $144.05 to $233.00</li>
<li>2024 Return: +46.3%</li>
<li>September/October/December Ranks: Not in Top 20/11th/Not in Top 20</li>
<li>First Half 2024 Rank: 12th</li>
</ul>
10. GameStop Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GME#NYSE">GME</a>)
<ul>
<li>Current Price: $31.34</li>
<li>52-Week Range: $9.95 to $64.83</li>
<li>2024 Return: +88.0%</li>
<li>September/October/December Ranks: Not in Top 20/Not in Top 20/Not in Top 20</li>
<li>First Half 2024 Rank: 7th</li>
</ul>
Did You Know?
Congress Is Making Huge Investments. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/?utm_source=BZprocontent010325">Get Tips On What They Bought And Sold Ahead Of The 2024 Election With Our Easy-to-Use Tool</a>
Honorable Mentions:&nbsp;The following stocks were the 11th&nbsp;to 20th&nbsp;most-searched tickers on&nbsp;<a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent090324&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>&nbsp;in 2024 and their ranking in the first half of 2024.
11. Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>): 11th
12. MARA Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MARA#NASDAQ">MARA</a>): 8th
13. Trump Media &amp; Technology Group (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DJT#NASDAQ">DJT</a>): Not in Top 20
14. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>): 14th
15. SoundHound AI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SOUN#NASDAQ">SOUN</a>): 13th
16. Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>): 17th
17. Boeing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>): 18th
18. Micron Technology (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MU#NASDAQ">MU</a>): Not in Top 20
19. MicroStrategy Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>): Not in Top 20
20. Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>): Not in Top 20
Why It's Important: Nvidia takes the crown as the most-searched ticker on Benzinga Pro in 2024, which comes as the stock often ranked in the top three on a monthly basis. With a gain of over 170% in 2024, Nvidia was one of the top performing S&amp;P 500 stocks. Nvidia also briefly became the most valuable company in the world multiple times in 2024.
Tesla ranked second for searches, which isn't a huge surprise given the company's loyal fan base and the stock ranking among the top three most months, including multiple months in first month.
The SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust, which is the largest ETF, ranked third for the year, which comes after the ETF ranked second in the first half of 2024 and was passed by Tesla to end the year. The ETF has often been a top performer on Benzinga Pro searches over the years.
Super Micro Computer ranked fourth for the year as it was one of the most widely followed stories of a soaring stock that later attracted short reports and concerns for fraud and accounting irregularities.
Apple ranked fifth, but the stock could move down the list in 2025 if trends hold. Apple was ranked outside of the top 20 in the month of December, which is rather unusual for the world's most valuable company.
Palantir rose in the second half of 2024 for Benzinga Pro searches going from 10th in the first half of the year to end the year ranked seventh. A huge gain in the company's share price likely contributed.
Another top storyline in 2024 was the return of Roaring Kitty, aka Keith Gill, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/24/05/38793704/who-is-roaring-kitty-why-does-his-return-to-social-media-matter-for-gamestop-stock">to social media</a>, which sent shares of GameStop soaring in several months of 2024. The stock ranked seventh for searches in the first half. While the stock has not been as popular in the later months of 2024, GameStop ended the year as the 10th most-searched ticker and shares were up 88%.
A soaring price of Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) in 2024 helped lead to several crypto related stocks soar in interest in the later half of 2024 and overall on the year. Bitcoin hit new all-time highs after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41778425/bitcoins-all-time-high-a-groundbreaking-milestone-and-strong-post-election-rally-coming-ex">the 2024 election </a>and hit the $100,000 milestone in December 2024. MARA Holdings, Coinbase and MicroStrategy all ranked among the top 20 searched tickers for the year.
Trump Media &amp; Technology, which is a media company co-founded by President-elect Donald Trump, ranked 13th on the year. The stock saw a surge in price and huge interest as the 2024 election neared before shares fell and interest minimized after his win.
Overall, the 2024 year saw nine of the top 10 most-searched tickers in the first six months of 2024 remain the most-searched tickers for the year with Amazon.com moving into the top 10 and MARA moving down to 12th place.
Of the top 20 most-searched tickers for the full year, 16 were among the 20 most-searched tickers for the first half of the year.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/10/41584466/these-10-stocks-were-the-best-s-p-500-performers-in-2017-when-trump-was-president-will-history-r" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">These 10 Stocks Were The Best S&amp;P 500 Performers In 2017 When Trump Was President: Will History Repeat Itself?</a></li>
</ul>

Exclusives

AMZN

COIN

INTC

MARA

PLTR

SMCI

SOUN

EXCLUSIVE: Top 20 Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro In 2024 — Where Do Tesla, Nvidia, GameStop, Trump Media Stocks Rank?

Karl Brauer of iSeeCars on Friday said that he does not believe Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) can achieve Elon Musk&#8217;s target of 20% to 30% sales growth in 2025 even with a lower-priced model.
What Happened: &#8220;The ramp-up time just to produce an all-new model is going to take longer&#8230; Elon likes to talk big numbers, he is famous for that but I am not sure that&#8217;s realistic,&#8221; Brauer said in an <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/video/2025/01/03/musks-2025-growth-target-for-tesla-is-not-realistic-says-analyst.html">appearance</a> on CNBC. 
Tesla, however, needs an affordable model, the analyst said, while adding that the company&#8217;s latest addition to its lineup- the Cybertruck- was too expensive to create a major surge in sales.
China has an exceptional ability to manufacture low-cost EVs while being financially successful, Brauer said, while adding that even if Tesla releases a lower-cost EV, it will likely not have the same profit levels as BYD and other rival Chinese EV makers.
Why It Matters: The year 2024 marks the first year that Tesla's annual deliveries have fallen (1.1%) as compared to the previous year. In 2023, Tesla delivered 1,808,581 vehicles around the globe.
To mark a growth over last year, the company had to deliver at least 514,926 vehicles in the three months through the end of December. However, the company could not even breach the 500,000 target.
The company reported on Thursday that it delivered just&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/01/42766117/tesla-stock-tumbles-on-q4-deliveries-whats-going-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">495,570 BEVs in the three months</a>, below analyst estimates, raising doubts about the company&#8217;s future sales.
During Tesla&#8217;s third-quarter earnings in October, the company said that it is preparing to launch new vehicles, including more affordable models, starting in the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39923738/tesla-reiterates-new-electric-vehicles-on-track-for-2025-but-ceo-elon-musk-refuses-to-divulge-detail" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">first half of 2025.</a> The lower-cost offering is expected to revive the company&#8217;s aging car lineup and drive sales growth.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link.</a>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/42801755/gm-overtakes-ford-ev-sales-in-q4-with-equinox-ev-sells-670-units-of-escalade-iq-priced-at-130000" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GM Overtakes Ford EV Sales In Q4 With Equinox EV, Sells 670 Units Of Escalade IQ Priced At $130,000</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Elon Musk 'Likes To Talk Big Numbers' But His Growth Target For Tesla Is Not 'Realistic,' Says Analyst

BTIG raised the firm's price target on Upwork (UPWK) to $18 from $16 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares as part of a broader research note previe...

Upwork price target raised to $18 from $16 at BTIG

Catch up on the top industries and stocks that were impacted, or were predicted to be impacted, by the comments, actions and policies of President-...

Trump Trade: U.S. Steel slides as President-elect 'totally against' Nippon deal

UBS analyst Joshua Chan raised the firm's price target on Upwork (UPWK) to $18 from $17 and keeps a Neutral rating on the shares after hosting the ...

Upwork price target raised to $18 from $17 at UBS

Cloud computing has become the cornerstone of the evolving workplace, enabling flexibility, efficiency, and innovation across industries. Thus, fundamentally sound cloud computing stocks Zoom Communications (ZM), DocuSign (DOCU), and Upwork (UPWK) might be solid buys. Read further... The cloud computing industry has significantly transformed IT services by offering scalable and flexible solutions to businesses. This shift has fostered the growth of the Internet technology services sector, which includes platforms for communication, document management, and remote work. Among the major stocks leading the charge in this industry are Zoom Communications (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/ZM/">ZM</a>), DocuSign (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/DOCU/">DOCU</a>), and Upwork (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/UPWK/">UPWK</a>).
The rise of remote and hybrid work environments has spotlighted cloud computing as the backbone of modern productivity and collaboration. Emerging trends in this industry include the widespread adoption of hybrid cloud environments, AI-driven services, and advanced collaboration tools. Driving forces behind this growth include the demand for cost-effective, agile solutions that enable businesses to scale and innovate.
The global cloud computing market is expected to grow at a <a href="https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/cloud-computing-industry#:~:text=The%20global%20cloud%20computing%20market%20size%20was%20estimated,are%20realizing%20the%20transformative%20power%20of%20cloud%20computing.">CAGR of 21.2%</a> from 2024 to 2030.
As a result, the global IT services market, valued at <a href="https://www.precedenceresearch.com/it-services-market">$1.4 trillion in 2023</a>, is expected to reach nearly $3 trillion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 7.1%. This expansion is driven by the broad adoption of cloud computing technologies, highlighting the increasing reliance on cloud-based services to meet the evolving needs of businesses worldwide.
Considering these conducive trends, let's examine the cloud computing stocks in detail.
Zoom Communications Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/ZM/">ZM</a>)
ZM provides a comprehensive, unified communications platform, offering products such as Zoom Meetings, Zoom Phone, Zoom Rooms, and Zoom Webinars, alongside solutions like the Zoom Developer Platform and Zoom Contact Center. Its services cater to diverse end-users, including individuals and industries like education, healthcare, finance, government, and retail.
On September 18, ZM and Mitel Networks announced a strategic partnership to offer a hybrid cloud solution integrating Zoom Workplace and AI Companion with Mitel's communication platform. This initiative aims to meet enterprise demand for secure, hybrid unified communications, enhancing productivity while leveraging existing Mitel investments.
On September 24, ZM introduced new add-on products and functionalities to enhance its advanced enterprise offerings. These additions aim to help organizations address critical compliance, security, privacy, survivability, and manageability needs within the Zoom platform.
During the fiscal third quarter that ended October 31, 2024, ZM's revenue increased 3.6% year-over-year to $1.18 billion. Its non-GAAP income from operations grew 2.4% from the year-ago value to $457.79 million. In addition, the company's non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per share came in at $435.07 million and $1.38, up 8.4% and 7% over the prior-year quarter, respectively.
Street expects ZM's revenue for the fiscal year (ending January 31, 2025) to increase 3.2% year-over-year to $4.67 billion. Its <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/eps.asp">EPS</a> for the same year is expected to increase 5.1% year-over-year to $5.47. It surpassed the Street's EPS estimates in all of the trailing four quarters, which is impressive.
Over the past year, the stock has gained 21.3% to close the last trading session at $83.36. It soared 15.9% year-to-date.
ZM's <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a> reflect its robust outlook. The stock has an overall rating of B, equating to a Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 distinct factors, with each factor weighted to an optimal degree.
ZM has a B grade in Value, Sentiment, and Quality. It is ranked #11 out of 78 stocks in the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/technology-services/">Technology – Services</a> industry.
Beyond what we have stated above, we also have given ZM grades for Growth, Momentum, and Stability. Get all the ZM's ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/ZM/">here</a>.
DocuSign, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/DOCU/">DOCU</a>)
DOCU provides electronic signature solutions and tools like Contract Lifecycle Management, Document Generation, and Gen for Salesforce, catering to businesses, real estate professionals, and government agencies. Its features support identification, notarization, and compliance needs for users across industries, including life sciences and federal institutions.
In the fiscal third quarter ended October 31, 2024, DOCU's total revenue reached $754.82 million, up 7.8% year-over-year. Its non-GAAP income from operations was $223.08 million, up 19% from the year-ago value. Moreover, its non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per share stood at $ 188.50 million and $ 0.90, respectively, representing increases of 15.1% and 13.9% over the prior-year quarter.
Street expects DOCU's revenue and EPS for the fourth quarter ending January 31, 2025, to increase 6.2% and 9.9% year-over-year to $756.47 million and $ 0.84, respectively. It surpassed the Street's revenue and EPS estimates in all of the trailing four quarters.
Over the past year, the stock has gained 81.7% to close the last trading session at $83.68. It soared 40.8% year-to-date.
DOCU's POWR Ratings reflect strong prospects. The stock has an overall rating of A, translating to a Strong Buy in our proprietary rating system.
It has an A grade for Quality and a B for Growth and Value. It is ranked #3 out of 18 stocks in the A-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/software-saas/">Software - SAAS</a> industry.
To access DOCU's Momentum, Stability, and Sentiment ratings, click <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/DOCU/">here</a>.
Upwork Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/UPWK/">UPWK</a>)
UPWK connects businesses with freelancers and agencies worldwide, offering talent across diverse fields like design and software development. Its platform streamlines sourcing, contracting, and collaboration, with services such as Upwork Payroll and Enterprise solutions.
UPWK's total revenue increased 10.3% year-over-year to $193.78 million in the third quarter that ended on September 30, 2024. Its non-GAAP income from operations came in at $ 39.96 million, up 35.6% year-over-year. Its non-GAAP net income came in at $ 39.16 million, up 35.6% year-over-year, while its non-GAAP EPS grew 38.1% from the year-ago value to $0.29.
Analysts expect UPWK's EPS and revenue for the year ending December 31, 2024, to increase 95.8% and 10.1% year-over-year to $ 1.02 and $ 758.80 million, respectively. It surpassed the street revenue estimates in each of the trailing four years.
Shares of UPWK have gained 19.3% over the past year and 11.2% year-to-date to close the last trading session at $ 16.54.
UPWK's POWR Ratings reflect strong prospects. The stock has an overall rating of B, translating to a Buy in our proprietary rating system.
It has a B grade for Growth, Value, and Quality. Within the B-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet-services/">Internet – Services</a> industry, it is ranked #3 out of 25 stocks.
Click <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/UPWK/">here</a> to see UPWK's ratings for Momentum, Stability, and Sentiment.
What To Do Next?
Get your hands on this special report with 3 low priced companies with tremendous upside potential even in today's volatile markets:
<a href="https://report.stocknews.com/free-report/3stocks/?formplacement=artbotad_3s">3 Stocks to DOUBLE This Year &gt;</a>

<hr />
ZM shares were unchanged in premarket trading Friday. Year-to-date, ZM has gained 15.92%, versus a 28.84% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Kritika Sarmah</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Kritika-Sarmah_Image-3.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Her interest in risky instruments and passion for writing made Kritika an analyst and financial journalist. She earned her bachelor's degree in commerce and is currently pursuing the CFA program. With her fundamental approach, she aims to help investors identify untapped investment opportunities.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=kritika-sarmah">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/zm-docu-upwk-3-cloud-computing-stocks-enabling-the-future-of-work/>3 Cloud Computing Stocks Enabling the Future of Work</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

3 Cloud Computing Stocks Enabling the Future of Work

BTIG analyst Marvin Fong maintained a Buy rating on Upwork (UPWK – Research Report) today and set a price target of $18.00. The company's shares cl...

BTIG Sticks to Its Buy Rating for Upwork (UPWK)

Upwork: Macro Weakness More Important Than AI For Now

Year Of The Dragon: Comprehensive Review Of My 2024 Stock Picks, And Current Ratings

With the surge in online businesses, the domain registration market is flourishing. Against this backdrop, does VeriSign's (VRSN) exclusive control over .com and .net domains make it a compelling and secure investment opportunity? Read on… The increasing digitization of businesses, the growth of internet-connected devices, and the rising importance of online branding have all contributed to the growth of the domain name market in recent years. As more businesses recognize the necessity of a robust online presence, the demand for domain names continues to rise.
Amid this thriving environment, VeriSign, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/VRSN/">VRSN</a>) stands out with its exclusive rights to manage .com and .net domain names. As the sole administrator of .com domains, VRSN controls a critical piece of internet infrastructure, solidifying its position as a highly valuable asset in the digital world.
Apart from that, the company also operates a directory for .name and .cc; and back-end systems for .edu, domain names, having established a monopoly in the domain name market.
By the end of the third quarter of 2024, VRSN reported a total of 169.6 million .com and .net domain name registrations in its domain name base. During this period, the company processed <a href="https://investor.verisign.com/news-releases/news-release-details/verisign-reports-third-quarter-2024-results">9.3 million new domain registrations</a> for .com and .net. Additionally, the final renewal rate for .com and .net domains stood at 72.7%.
VRSN's efforts resonate not only in its offerings but also in its stock performance. The stock climbed 9% over the past three months and delivered a gain of 16.4% over the past six months, closing the last trading session at $206.96.
Now, let us delve deeper into the factors that could shape VRSN's performance in the near future.
Stable Historical Growth
Over the past three years, VRSN has demonstrated consistent growth across key financial metrics. Its revenue grew at a CAGR of 5.7%, while EBITDA rose at a 6.7% CAGR. Moreover, operational income (EBIT) expanded at a CAGR of 7.4%, Additionally, VRSN's net income and EPS grew at a CAGR of 12% and 16.6%, respectively.
Strong Financials
For the fiscal 2024 third quarter that ended September 30, VRSN's revenues increased 3.8% year-over-year to $390.60 million. Its operating income grew 5.9% from the prior year's quarter to $269.30 million.
Moreover, the company's net income and EPS rose 6.8% and 13.1% year-over-year to $201.30 million and $2.07, respectively. As of September 30, 2024, VRSN's cash and cash equivalents amounted to $267.30 million compared to $240.10 million on December 31, 2023.
Favorable Analyst Estimates
Analysts expect VRSN's revenue and EPS for the fiscal year that ended December 2024 to increase 4.3% and 1.7% year-over-year to $1.56 billion and $8.03, respectively. Moreover, the company exceeded the consensus revenue and EPS estimates in each of the four trailing quarters, which is noteworthy.
For the full fiscal year ending December 2025, VRSN's revenue and EPS are expected to rise 3.5% and 8.1% from the previous year, reaching $1.61 billion and $8.68, respectively.
High Profitability
VRSN's trailing-12-month <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/gross_profit_margin.asp">gross profit margin</a> of 87.58% is 72.4% higher than the industry average of 50.82%. Its trailing-12-month EBITDA margin stands at 70.62%, 576.9% higher than the industry average of 10.43%.
In addition, the company boasts a trailing-12-month net income margin of 55.69%, which is significantly higher than the sector average of 3.79%. Also, the stock's trailing-12-month levered FCF margin of 47.21% outperforms the industry average of 11.39% by 314.4%.
POWR Ratings Reflects Optimism
VRSN's sound fundamentals are reflected in its <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a>. The stock has an overall rating of B, which equates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by taking into account 118 different factors, with each factor weighted to an optimal degree.
VRSN has an A grade for Quality, supported by profitability measures that exceed industry benchmarks. Its B grade for Sentiment is in line with the optimistic analyst estimates.
Within the B-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet-services/">Internet - Services</a> industry, VRSN is ranked #10 out of 24 stocks. Beyond what is stated above, we have also given VRSN grades for Stability, Momentum, Growth, and Value. Get all VRSN ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/VRSN/">here</a>.
Bottom Line
Having established a monopoly in the domain name market and owning exclusive rights to manage the highly demanded .com and .net domain names, VRSN stands out as a titan in the industry. As companies increasingly tidy up their online presence, the growth of the company seems to only go up from here.
Considering VRSN's high profitability, strong financials, optimistic analyst estimates, and strategic market position, now might be the ideal time to consider adding VRSN to one's investment portfolio.
How Does VeriSign, Inc. (VRSN) Stack Up Against Its Peers?
Although VRSN's near-term outlook appears sound, it may be worthwhile to explore its industry peers, who also exhibit even stronger POWR Ratings. So, consider these A (Strong Buy) and B (Buy) rated stocks from the Internet - Services industry:
Upwork Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/UPWK/">UPWK</a>)
Similarweb Ltd. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/SMWB/">SMWB</a>)
Liquidity Services, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/LQDT/">LQDT</a>)
To explore more A or B-rated Internet - Services stocks, <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet-services/">click here</a>.
What To Do Next?
Get your hands on this special report with 3 low priced companies with tremendous upside potential even in today's volatile markets:
<a href="https://report.stocknews.com/free-report/3stocks/?formplacement=artbotad_3s">3 Stocks to DOUBLE This Year &gt;</a>

<hr />
VRSN shares were unchanged in premarket trading Thursday. Year-to-date, VRSN has declined 0.00%, versus a 0.00% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Aanchal Sugandh</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Aanchal-Sugandh_Headshot.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Aanchal's passion for financial markets drives her work as an investment analyst and journalist. She earned her bachelor's degree in finance and is pursuing the CFA program.

She is proficient at assessing the long-term prospects of stocks with her fundamental analysis skills. Her goal is to help investors build portfolios with sustainable returns.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=aanchal-sugandh">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/vrsn-upwk-smwb-lqdt-does-verisigns-domain-monopoly-make-it-a-safe-bet-for/>Does Verisign's Domain Monopoly Make It a Safe Bet for Investors?</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

Does Verisign's Domain Monopoly Make It a Safe Bet for Investors?

Changing employment preferences and blending income opportunities with personal freedom have fueled the gig economy's rapid growth. Thus, investors can explore stable gig economy stocks, DoorDash (DASH), Upwork (UPWK), and Fiverr (FVRR), which are transforming how work gets done. Read on… The gig economy market has witnessed an impressive surge in recent years, driven by the sweeping wave of digitization reshaping businesses and services. As technology bridges gaps like never before, the demand for flexible, on-demand labor skyrockets, offering businesses the agility to adapt swiftly to market needs.
Amid this backdrop, investors could consider buying fundamentally stable gig economy stocks DoorDash, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/DASH/">DASH</a>), Upwork Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/UPWK/">UPWK</a>) and Fiverr International Ltd. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/FVRR/">FVRR</a>). These companies are actively transforming the workforce and are well-positioned to capitalize on the growth of the gig economy market.
The <a href="https://www.weforum.org/stories/2024/11/what-gig-economy-workers/">gig economy</a> is not just a trend but a revolution redefining how people work. In this dynamic ecosystem, independent contractors and freelancers take center stage, filling temporary and part-time roles. From ride-hailing apps to food delivery services, this innovative model drives productivity and employment growth globally.
In 2024 alone, the gig economy reached a staggering <a href="https://www.businessresearchinsights.com/market-reports/gig-economy-market-102503">market size of $556.7 billion</a>. By 2032, this number is projected to skyrocket to $1.85 trillion. <a href="https://velocityglobal.com/resources/blog/gig-economy-statistics/">More than 59 million American</a> citizens, 36% of the U.S. workforce, have embraced freelance work, reshaping the employment landscape and breaking conventional job norms.
This exponential growth stems from multiple factors. The rise of delivery applications now connects gig workers with countless homes for food and product deliveries. Flexible working hours appeal to those juggling responsibilities while rising living costs push many to seek income beyond traditional 9-to-5 employment.
According to a report by Business Research Insights, the global gig economy market size is expected to reach $1.85 trillion in 2032, growing at a <a href="https://www.businessresearchinsights.com/market-reports/gig-economy-market-102503">CAGR of 16.2%</a>.
Now, let us dive deep into the fundamentals of three gig economy stocks, starting with #3.
Stock #3: DoorDash, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/DASH/">DASH</a>)
DASH operates a commerce platform connecting merchants, consumers, and independent contractors. The company operates DoorDash Marketplace and Wolt Marketplace, which offer services like customer acquisition, demand generation, order fulfillment, merchandising, payment processing, and customer support.
On November 26, 2024, DASH Canada and Walmart Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/WMT/">WMT</a>) Canada <a href="https://ir.doordash.com/news/news-details/2024/Walmart-Canada-and-DoorDash-Canada-Join-Forces-To-Bring-Everyday-Low-Prices-To-More-Canadians/default.aspx">announced a collaboration</a> to provide Canadians across the country with on-demand access to grocery and general merchandise essentials. The collaboration aims to deliver affordable and convenient shopping options through the DASH app and ensure stable user growth for the company.
On October 30, 2024, DASH <a href="https://ir.doordash.com/news/news-details/2024/DoorDash-and-Lyft-Partner-to-Unlock-Exclusive-Benefits/default.aspx">announced a partnership</a> with Lyft (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/LYFT/">LYFT</a>) to offer monthly rideshare benefits for DashPass members at no additional cost and a free trial of DashPass for eligible LYFT riders. The partnership could drive customer growth for both companies and bring in new revenue streams through free trial offerings.
For the fiscal 2024 third quarter that ended September 30, DASH's revenue increased 25% year-over-year to $2.71 billion. Its <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/o/operatingincome.asp">income from operations</a> came in at $107 million, compared to a loss of $108 million in the previous year's quarter.
Additionally, net income attributable to DASH was reported to be $162 million compared to a net loss of $73 million in the previous year's quarter. Moreover, net income per share attributable to DASH Class A and Class B common stockholders amounted to $0.38 compared to a loss per share of $0.19 in the previous year's quarter.
Analysts expect DASH's revenue and EPS for the fiscal fourth quarter that ended December 2024 to increase 23.3% and 122.4% year-over-year to $2.84 billion and $0.94, respectively. The company topped the consensus revenue estimates in all four trailing quarters, which is impressive.
Shares of DASH have surged 58.8% over the past six months and 76.9% over the past year to close the last trading session at $170.65.
DASH <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a> reflect its sound fundamentals. The stock has an overall rating of B, which translates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings assess stocks by 118 different factors, each with its own weighting.
DASH has an A grade for Growth and a B for Sentiment and Quality. Within the B-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet-services/">Internet - Services</a> industry, DASH is ranked #8 out of 24 stocks.
In addition to the POWR Rating highlighted above, you can check DASH's ratings for Stability, Momentum, and Value <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/DASH/">here</a>.
Stock #2: Upwork Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/UPWK/">UPWK</a>)
UPWK operates a work marketplace that connects businesses with various independent professionals and agencies. Its work marketplace provides access to talent with various skills across a range of categories like administrative support, sales and marketing, design and creative, customer service, and more.
On October 16, 2024, UPWK <a href="https://investors.upwork.com/news-releases/news-release-details/upwork-expands-ai-innovation-and-unveils-new-solutions-better">enhanced Uma's AI capabilities</a>, boosting business-freelancer collaboration and productivity. The innovation strengthens UPWK's competitive edge, attracting more users and driving growth. By delivering superior outcomes tailored to diverse needs, the company is positioned as a leader in the AI revolution.
On August 1, 2024, UPWK <a href="https://investors.upwork.com/news-releases/news-release-details/beeline-and-upwork-announce-strategic-partnership-deliver">partnered with Beeline</a>, a top technology provider, to streamline hiring and centralize contingent workforce management. The collaboration offers enterprises an end-to-end solution to source, hire, and engage highly skilled independent professionals, enhancing efficiency and positioning UPWK as a key player in workforce innovation.
For the fiscal 2024 third quarter that ended September 30, UPWK's total revenue increased 10.3% year-over-year to $193.78 million. Its non-GAAP income from operations increased 35.6% from the year-ago value to $39.96 million.
Furthermore, the company's non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP EPS rose 35.6% and 38.1% from the prior year's quarter to $39.16 million and $0.29, respectively.
Street expects UPWK's revenue and EPS for the fiscal year that ended December 2024 to increase 10.1% and 95.8% year-over-year to $758.89 million and $1.02, respectively. Additionally, the company surpassed the consensus revenue and EPS estimates in all four trailing quarters, which is noteworthy.
UPWK's shares have surged 59.8% over the past three months to close the last trading session at $16.41.
UPWK's robust prospects are reflected in its POWR Ratings. The stock has an overall rating of B, which translates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system.
UPWK has a B grade for Growth, Value, and Quality. Within the Internet - Services industry, it is ranked #3 out of 24 stocks.
To access UPWK's Momentum, Stability, and Sentiment ratings, <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/UPWK/">click here</a>.
Stock #1: Fiverr International Ltd. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/FVRR/">FVRR</a>)
Headquartered in Tel Aviv, Israel, FVRR operates an online marketplace that enables sellers to sell their services and buyers to buy them. Its platform offers its services in various categories, including graphic and design, digital marketing, writing and translation, video and animation, music and audio, programming and tech, and more.
On December 12, 2024, FVRR <a href="https://investors.fiverr.com/news-releases/news-release-details/dynamic-matching-fiverrs-new-approach-finding-freelancers">released Dynamic Matching</a>, a new AI-assisted matching tool that transforms how businesses can find and hire freelancers. Simplifying the hiring process supports user growth and strengthens FVRR's position as a leader in freelance marketplace innovation.
For the fiscal third quarter that ended September 30, 2024, FVRR's revenue increased 7.7% year-over-year to $99.63 million. Its non-GAAP gross profit rose 6.2% from the year-ago value to $83.68 million.
Additionally, the company's non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP net income per share attributable to ordinary shareholders grew 8.7% and 16.9% from the prior year's quarter to $24.61 million and $0.69, respectively.
The consensus revenue and EPS estimates of $101.39 million and $0.68 for the fiscal fourth quarter that ended December 2024 exhibit a year-over-year rise of 10.8% and 21.4%, respectively. Moreover, the company surpassed the consensus revenue estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.
FVRR's shares have surged 30.8% over the past three months and 50.5% over the past six months to close the last trading session at $32.04.
FVRR's robust fundamentals are mirrored in its POWR Ratings. The stock has an overall rating of B, translating to a Buy in our proprietary rating system.
FVRR has a B grade for Growth, Value, and Quality. Within the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet/">Internet</a> industry, it is ranked #9 out of 84 stocks.
<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/FVRR/">Click here</a> to access FVRR's ratings for Stability, Momentum, and Sentiment.
What To Do Next?
Get your hands on this special report with 3 low priced companies with tremendous upside potential even in today's volatile markets:
<a href="https://report.stocknews.com/free-report/3stocks/?formplacement=artbotad_3s">3 Stocks to DOUBLE This Year &gt;</a>

<hr />
DASH shares were unchanged in premarket trading Friday. Year-to-date, DASH has gained 1.73%, versus a -0.25% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Aanchal Sugandh</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Aanchal-Sugandh_Headshot.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Aanchal's passion for financial markets drives her work as an investment analyst and journalist. She earned her bachelor's degree in finance and is pursuing the CFA program.

She is proficient at assessing the long-term prospects of stocks with her fundamental analysis skills. Her goal is to help investors build portfolios with sustainable returns.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=aanchal-sugandh">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/dash-upwk-fvrr-wmt-lyft-3-gig-economy-stocks-transforming-the-workforce/>3 Gig Economy Stocks Transforming the Workforce</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

3 Gig Economy Stocks Transforming the Workforce

BLDP

CARS

COLD

CPRI

CTAS

DASH

DLMAF

DLTR

DOCU

FVRR

GOLD

LQDT

LYFT

MATW

MKTX

NISTF

NPSCY

NVDY

PALL

PFFA

PLCE

PLTM

PPLT

QDTE

QYLD

REAL

SCHD

SMWB

SOXL

SPGI

SPYI

SSSS

THRM

TIXT

TQQQ

TRIP

Press Releases

Upwork to Present at Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference

Engine Capital Sends Letter to Upwork's Board of Directors Regarding Opportunities to Substantially Increase Shareholder Value

General

Upwork Confirms Receipt and Comments on Shareholder Letter

Analyst Ratings

Upwork Study Finds Companies That Integrate Distributed Work, Flexible Talent Strategies, and Advanced Technology Achieve Better Financial Outcomes

Upwork to Report Third Quarter Financial Results on November 6, 2024

Upwork Expands AI Innovation and Unveils New Solutions for Better Work Outcomes with Upwork Updates Fall 2024 Release

Upwork Announces Organizational Changes to Drive Continued Profitable Growth and Provides Preliminary Third Quarter 2024 Results Above Financial Guidance

Upwork Reports Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results

Upwork to Present at UBS Global Technology and AI Conference

Upwork to Present at 27th Annual Needham Growth Conference

Automatic Data Processing, Inc. - Common Stock

Automatic Data Processing

Alight

Asure Software

Barrett Business Services, Inc. - Common Stock

Barrett Bus Servs

Dayforce

DLH Holdings

First Advantage Corporation - Common Stock

First Advantage

Fiverr International Ltd. Ordinary Shares, no par value

Fiverr Intl

HireQuest

Heidrick & Struggles International, Inc. - Common Stock

Heidrick & Struggles Intl

Kelly Services, Inc. - Class A Common Stock

Kelly Services

Kelly Services, Inc. - Class B Common Stock

Kforce

Korn Ferry

ManpowerGroup

Mastech Digital

Insperity

Paycom Software

Paychex

Paylocity Holding Corporation - Common Stock

Paylocity Holding

Paycor HCM

Robert Half

Skillsoft

TrueBlue

Trinet Group

Citigroup

BTIG

Canaccord Genuity

JMP Securities

목요일(7일) 아침, 미국 주식 선물이 상승세를 보인 가운데, 오늘 투자자들의 관심을 끌 만한 종목은 다음과 같다.
<ul>
<li>월가에서는 실적 발표를 앞둔 허쉬 컴퍼니(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HSY#NYSE">HSY</a>)의 분기 주당순이익은 2.56달러, 매출운 30억 8천만 달러로 예상하고 있다. <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">벤징가 프로</a> 데이터에 따르면, 허쉬 주가는 장전 시간외거래에서 1.2% 상승한 177.98달러에 거래되고 있다.</li>
<li>업워크(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UPWK#NASDAQ">UPWK</a>)의 3분기 재무 실적은 예상치를 상회했고 1억 달러 규모의 자사주매입 프로그램을 발표했다. 또한 업워크는 4분기 매출을 1억 7,800만 달러~1억 8,300만 달러 범위, 조정 주당순이익을 24센트~28센트 범위로 예상했다. 업워크 주가는 장전 시간외거래에서 7% 상승한 15.60달러에 거래되고 있다.</li>
<li>애널리스트들은 실적 발표를 앞둔 할리버튼 컴퍼니(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HAL#NYSE">HAL</a>)의 분기 주당순이익을 75센트, 매출을 58억 3천만 달러로 예상한다. 오늘 개장 전 실적을 발표할 것이다. 장전 시간외거래에서 할리버튼의 주가는 0.3% 상승한 30.60달러에 거래되고 있다.</li>
</ul>
자세한 내용은 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket/">프리마켓 커버리지</a>를 확인하세요.
<ul>
<li>애비드 바이오서비스(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CDMO#NASDAQ">CDMO</a>)는 GHO 캐피털 파트너스와 앰퍼샌드에 11억 달러로 인수되기로 합의했다. 애비드의 주가는 장전 시간외거래에서 11.6% 상승한 12.25달러에 거래되고 있다.</li>
<li>애널리스트들은 곧 실적을 발표하는 블록(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SQ#NYSE">SQ</a>)의 주당순이익을 87센트, 매출을 62억 4천만 달러로 예상한다. 블록 주가는 장전 시간외거래에서 0.4% 상승한 77.98달러에 거래되고 있다.</li>
</ul>
더 읽기: <a href="https://kr.benzinga.com/news/global/europe/asml-%ED%99%80%EB%94%A9-%ED%8A%B8%EB%9F%BC%ED%94%84-%EB%8B%B9%EC%84%A0-%ED%9B%84-%EC%99%9C-2-%EC%9D%B4%EC%83%81-%ED%95%98%EB%9D%BD%ED%96%88%EC%9D%84%EA%B9%8C/">ASML 홀딩, 트럼프 당선 후 왜 2% 이상 하락했을까?</a>
사진 제공: 허쉬
Benzinga Pro의 독점 뉴스 및 도구로 더 많은 승리를 거두세요.
독점 속보 및 스캐너와 같은 Benzinga Pro의 강력한 도구 세트로 다른 트레이더보다 우위를 점하세요. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?t=be2bewe5mibe3bz3&amp;utm_source=bz-kor">여기를 클릭</a>하여 14일 무료 체험을 시작하세요.

Comments

Upwork

뉴스

에 대한 최신 뉴스 Upwork (NASDAQ:UPWK) 주식

목요일, 11월 07, 2024

수요일, 8월 07, 2024

사람들이 또한 지켜본다

뉴스

파트너 / 기고자

벤징가 글로벌