It's not every day a billionaire says a product idea makes him "want to die." But leave it to Elon Musk to put a stake in the smartphone hype—while still keeping one hand on the shovel.



At a <a href="https://youtu.be/2ffHMNuOTQQ?si=fxLrU9uuBV-FFMQb">Pennsylvania town hall in October</a>, someone cut straight to the point:



"I want to know when the X phone's coming out."



Musk didn't hesitate. "Man, I sure hope we don't have to make a phone. That's a lot of work," he said. "The idea of making a phone makes me want to die. But if we have to make a phone, we will. But we will aspire not to make a phone."



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The crowd laughed. Musk didn't. He made it clear this wasn't about competition—it was about pressure. Specifically, pressure from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45483794/apple-iphone-production-in-us-not-feasible-samsungs-surprise-launch-and-more-this-week-in-appleverse">tech giants like Apple</a> and Google.



"They need to make sure they don't have a heavy hand in the App Store… or they will create a forcing function for there to be a competitor."



This wasn't the first time Musk toyed with the idea. Back in November 2023 at the New York Times DealBook Summit, he gave the same energy when asked if he'd ever make a phone—especially as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40973399/apples-former-design-maestro-jony-ive-confirms-hes-joined-forces-with-openais-sam-altman-for-a-new-a">rumors swirled</a> about <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/05/45338125/openais-sam-altman-reaches-out-o-elon-musk-amid-ongoing-social-media-spat-lets-be-friends">OpenAI CEO Sam Altman</a> teaming up with legendary Apple designer Jony Ive on a sleek AI-powered device.



"I don't think there's a real need to make a phone," Musk told Times journalist and CNBC host Andrew Ross Sorkin.



"If there's an essential need to make a phone, I'll make a phone. But I've got a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/45063886/elon-musk-wants-tesla-to-be-most-valuable-company-in-the-world-but-top-investor-doubts-ev-giants-rise-without-apple-style-marketing-strategy">lot of fish to fry</a>."



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-scaling-fast-from-spacex-orders-to-600-homes-built-this-60k-foldable-home-may-be-the-future-of-housing">this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share.</a>



And if you're wondering what a Musk-designed phone might look like? Don't. He's already mentally past it.



"You've got basically a black rectangle. How do you make that better?"



His answer: skip the screen altogether. When asked what the future of communication looks like in his head, he pointed there literally.



"Yeah, good phrase—in the head. A Neuralink."



"The best interface would be a neural interface directly to your brain. So that would <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45160705/elon-musk-says-neuralink-will-ultimately-be-available-to-all-as-fda-grants-breakthrough-status-for-speech-restoring-brain-tech">be a Neuralink</a>."



So no, Musk doesn't want to build a phone. He thinks it's a "black rectangle" dead-end. He'd rather hook your brain up to a chip than join the smartphone war.



But if Apple picks a fight?



He'll sigh. He'll grumble. And then—he just might build it.



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Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

Elon Musk Says The Idea Of Creating A Phone Makes Him 'Want To Die' But He Will If There's A Need — Although He's 'Got A Lot Of Fish To Fry'

President Donald Trump has issued a stringent ultimatum to&nbsp;Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>). He has demanded that the tech behemoth start manufacturing iPhones within the United States or&nbsp;be prepared to face a minimum 25% tariff on iPhones produced overseas.



What Happened: The Apple shares fell 3% on Friday. The company has slipped roughly 20% year-to-date, as escalating pressure from Trump's threats converges with rising doubts about the company's position in the fast-evolving AI landscape.



Trump&nbsp;is the latest in a&nbsp;series of attempts over the past decade to persuade Apple to shift its supply chain to the US. Despite these efforts, Apple has chosen to relocate its&nbsp;production from China to other&nbsp;Asian countries such as India, Vietnam, and Thailand. It is estimated that China still manufactures around 80% of iPhones.



In a&nbsp;<a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114556874484491575" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">post</a>&nbsp;on his Truth Social platform, Trump wrote he had &#8220;long ago informed Tim Cook of Apple that I expect their iPhone's that will be sold in the United States of America will be manufactured and built in the United States, not India, or anyplace else.&#8221;



According to a report <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2025/05/23/technology/apple-iphone-trump-india-china.html">by</a> The New York Times, industry analysts, including Wayne Lam from TechInsights, believe that moving iPhone production to the US would be an expensive and challenging endeavor, potentially causing iPhone prices to soar to $2,000 or more. 



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45585977/apple-raises-iphone-trade-in-prices-in-china-to-fend-off-huawei-xiaomi-amid-lagging-sales">Apple Raises iPhone Trade-In Prices In China To Fend Off Huawei, Xiaomi Amid Lagging Sales</a>



This would require Apple to make significant investments in new machinery and heavily depend on automation due to the smaller US population.



Experts in supply chain management consider the proposed shift to US production in 2025 as ill-advised, given the iPhone&#8217;s age and the possibility of it being superseded by AI-based devices within the next decade. 



Apple&#8217;s previous attempt at US-based assembly for Mac desktop computers in 2013 encountered significant challenges, including labor issues and supply chain complications.



Even though Apple has increased iPhone production in India to circumvent local import taxes, the company continues to rely heavily on China for the assembly of intricate iPhone components.



Why It Matters: This ultimatum from President Trump underscores the ongoing tension between the US government and Apple over the company&#8217;s manufacturing practices. The proposed tariff could significantly impact Apple&#8217;s bottom line and potentially lead to higher prices for consumers. 



The situation also highlights the broader issue of global supply chains and the challenges companies face in balancing cost, efficiency, and political pressures.



Read Next



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/44780473/apple-escapes-supply-chain-crisis-as-trump-excludes-popular-electronics-from-tariffs">Apple Escapes Supply Chain Crisis As Trump Excludes Popular Electronics From Tariffs</a>



Image: Shutterstock/Novikov Aleksey

News

Tech

AAPL

Trump's Apple Tariff Threat Hits Stock Hard, But Here's Why iPhones Can't Just Be 'Made in America'

Each week, Benzinga's Stock Whisper Index uses a combination of proprietary data and pattern recognition to showcase five stocks that are just under the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/stock-whisper-index" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surface and deserve attention</a>.



Investors are constantly on the hunt for undervalued, under-followed and emerging stocks. With countless methods available to retail traders, the challenge often lies in sifting through the abundance of information to uncover new opportunities and understand why certain stocks should be of interest.



Read Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/05/45171636/exclusive-aprils-20-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-where-do-tesla-apple-palantir-nvidia-stocks-rank" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: April's 20 Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro — Where Do Tesla, Apple, Palantir, Nvidia Stocks Rank?</a>



Here&#8217;s a look at the Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the week ending May 23:



Halozyme Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HALO#NASDAQ">HALO</a>): The biotech company saw increased interest from readers during the week, which comes a couple weeks after first-quarter financial results. The company <a href="https://ir.halozyme.com/news/news-details/2025/HALOZYME-RAISES-2025-FINANCIAL-GUIDANCE-RANGES-AND-REPORTS-STRONG-FIRST-QUARTER-2025-RESULTS/default.aspx">beat </a>analyst estimates for both earnings per share and revenue in the quarter. Halozyme also announced a new $250 million share buyback and raised full-year guidance. The company highlighted three blockbuster brands and four recently launched products. The company sees several growth catalysts coming in the future months through owned drugs and partnerships. Analysts were mixed on the stock after financial results with Morgan Stanley<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/HALO/analyst-ratings"> downgrading the stock</a> and Wells Fargo raising the price target. The stock was up around 5% over the last week, as shown on the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0523">Benzinga Pro chart</a> below.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0523"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="995" height="501" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23173420/Screenshot-424.png" alt="" class="wp-image-926666" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23173420/Screenshot-424.png 995w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23173420/Screenshot-424-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23173420/Screenshot-424-768x387.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 995px) 100vw, 995px" /></a></figure>



Tradeweb Markets Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TW#NASDAQ">TW</a>): The fixed income trading company saw increased interest from readers during the week. The company <a href="https://investors.tradeweb.com/news-releases/news-release-details/tradeweb-reports-april-2025-total-trading-volume-578-trillion">reported </a>April metrics recently with average daily volume for the month hitting $2.7 trillion, up 38.6% year-over-year. Tradeweb saw several records in the month including average daily volume for US government bonds, municipal bonds, US ETFs and more. Tradeweb analysts have <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/TW/analyst-ratings">raised the price targets</a> on the stock and this one could be one to watch in June with the company presenting at the Piper Sandler conference on June 5. The company's next quarterly results could see strong results and raised guidance if the trends from April continue.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0523"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="499" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23173438/Screenshot-425.png" alt="" class="wp-image-926667" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23173438/Screenshot-425.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23173438/Screenshot-425-300x150.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23173438/Screenshot-425-768x384.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>



AMETEK Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AME#NYSE">AME</a>): The autonomous industrial company saw strong interest during the week, likely due to a recently announced acquisition and quarterly financial results. AMETEK's first quarter <a href="https://investors.ametek.com/news-releases/news-release-details/ametek-announces-first-quarter-results-3">saw </a>earnings per share beat analyst estimates, marking more than 10 straight quarters of beats, while sales just missed analyst estimates. The company said it was pleased with the first quarter and despite headwinds like macro uncertainties and tariffs, sees a strong fiscal year. The company also announced it will <a href="https://investors.ametek.com/news-releases/news-release-details/ametek-acquire-faro-technologies">acquire </a>FARO Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FARO#NASDAQ">FARO</a>) at an enterprise value of $920 million. The acquisition will be done using stock and cash and is expected to boost its precision segment. Faro has annual sales of around $340 million. The earnings and acquisition saw interest increase in the company, which puts this one on the watchlist as its operations with autonomous tools could be one of the fast-growing segments.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0523"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="504" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23173451/Screenshot-426.png" alt="" class="wp-image-926668" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23173451/Screenshot-426.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23173451/Screenshot-426-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23173451/Screenshot-426-768x387.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>



Alliant Energy (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LNT#NASDAQ">LNT</a>): The utility company <a href="https://investors.alliantenergy.com/News--Presentations/news/news-details/2025/Alliant-Energy-Announces-First-Quarter-2025-Results/default.aspx">reported </a>first-quarter financial results on May 8 with earnings per share and revenue beating analyst estimates, marking three straight quarters of double beats. The company also reaffirmed its full-year guidance and announced new details on financing plans. The company owns Interstate Power and Light Company and Wisconsin Power and Light Company, providing electric to around one million customers and natural gas to around 430,000 customers in the Midwest. Jeffries <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/LNT/analyst-ratings">upgraded the stock</a> from Hold to Buy after the financial results.



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0523"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="499" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23173504/Screenshot-427.png" alt="" class="wp-image-926669" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23173504/Screenshot-427.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23173504/Screenshot-427-300x150.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23173504/Screenshot-427-768x384.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>



Ares Acquisition Corporation II (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AACT#NYSE">AACT</a>): Several SPACs saw increased interest from readers during the week and higher share prices. Ares Acquisition<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/04/44809515/george-soros-cathie-wood-backed-autonomous-trucking-firm-kodiak-robotics-set-to-go-public-via-spac-merger-to-tap-4-trillion-market"> announced a merger</a> with autonomous trucking company Kodiak Robotics. Increased interest for the SPAC could be due to the autonomous space seeing a boost from a recent test drive from Aurora and anticipation for Tesla's robotaxi launch in June. Kodiak says it has logged over 2.6 million autonomous driving miles in "real-world conditions." Investors in the company and SPAC merger deal includes Ares, Soros Fund Management and Ark Investments. The merger is expected to be completed in the second half of 2025.  



<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0523"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="511" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23173526/Screenshot-428.png" alt="" class="wp-image-926670" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23173526/Screenshot-428.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23173526/Screenshot-428-300x154.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/23173526/Screenshot-428-768x394.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>



Stay tuned for next week's report, and follow Benzinga Pro for all the latest headlines and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0523" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top market-moving stories here.</a>



Read the latest Stock Whisper Index reports here:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/04/45029510/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-62" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">April 25</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/05/45183831/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-63" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May 2</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/05/45335286/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-64" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">May 9</a></li>



<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/05/45482435/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-65">May 16 </a></li>
</ul>



Read Next:



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/04/45112477/exclusive-if-meta-is-forced-to-divest-instagram-whatsapp-or-facebook-43-pick-this-standout" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: If Meta Is Forced To Divest Instagram, WhatsApp, Or Facebook, 43% Pick This Standout</a></li>
</ul>

Exclusives

Trading Ideas

AACT

FARO

HALO

Benzinga's 'Stock Whisper' Index: 5 Stocks Investors Secretly Monitor But Don't Talk About Yet

Benzinga examined the prospects for<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> many investors' favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here's a look at some of our top stories.



U.S. markets experienced heightened volatility this week as President Donald Trump intensified trade tensions by threatening a 25% tariff on foreign-made Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) products and announcing a 50% tariff on European Union imports starting June 1. These announcements led to a decline in major indices, with the S&amp;P 500 falling 0.7%, the Dow Jones dropping 0.6%, and the Nasdaq decreasing by 1%. Apple shares were particularly affected, losing 3% in value.



Investor concerns over the U.S. fiscal outlook grew as the 30-year Treasury yield briefly surpassed 5.15%, reflecting apprehensions about rising deficits and debt sustainability. A weak 20-year Treasury auction further exacerbated these fears, indicating diminished demand for long-term U.S. debt.



Looking ahead, market participants are closely monitoring upcoming U.S.-China trade negotiations and potential adjustments to existing tariffs. The Federal Reserve's stance on interest rates remains a focal point, especially as real borrowing costs rise, tightening broader financial conditions. Additionally, corporate earnings reports and economic indicators will continue to influence market dynamics in the coming weeks.



Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week's most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.







The Bulls



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/05/45544614/google-could-smart-glasses-smart-speech-spark-the-stocks-next-big-leap">"Google: Could smart glasses, speech spark the stock's next big leap?"</a>, by Surbhi Jain, reports that Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) is gaining investor attention as its partnership with Warby Parker to develop AI-powered smart glasses and advancements in speech recognition technology signal a potential new growth narrative beyond search.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/05/45574763/goldman-sachs-defense-stock-golden-dome">"Goldman Sachs: Golden Dome is big win for this defense stock"</a>, by Piero Cingari, reports that Goldman Sachs Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>) analyst Noah Poponak reiterated a Buy rating on L3Harris Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LHX#NYSE">LHX</a>), highlighting its potential to secure billions in contracts from the Trump administration's $175 billion "Golden Dome" missile defense initiative.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/05/45531583/amd-nvidia-shares-jump-after-musk-highlights-xais-gpu-needs-we-expect-to-still-buy-a-lot">"AMD, Nvidia shares jump after Musk highlights xAI's GPU needs: ‘We expect to still buy a lot'"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) and NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) shares rose after Elon Musk stated that Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and xAI plan to purchase "a lot" of GPUs from both companies to support AI initiatives like robotaxis and the Optimus robot.



For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/05/45541780/d-wave-quantum-stock-extends-rally-as-momentum-builds-following-launch-of-new-quantum-system">D-Wave Quantum Stock Extends Rally As Momentum Builds Following Launch Of New Quantum System</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45517783/magnificent-7-stun-the-street-with-the-best-earnings-beat-since-2021">Magnificent 7 Stun The Street With Best Earnings Beat Since 2021</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45540768/medtronic-beats-q4-forecasts-hikes-dividend-plans-diabetes-spinoff">Medtronic Beats Q4 Forecasts, Hikes Dividend, Plans Diabetes Spinoff</a>







The Bears



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/05/45568107/solar-energy-stocks-drop-as-house-approves-major-rollback-of-climate-incentives">"Solar energy stocks drop as House approves major rollback of climate incentives"</a>, by Erica Kollmann, reports that Sunrun Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RUN#NASDAQ">RUN</a>) shares fell after the House passed President Trump's "One Big, Beautiful Bill," which rolls back key climate incentives, leaving the solar industry facing uncertainty as the bill moves to the Senate.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45540759/target-stock-slips-as-q1-earnings-miss-estimates-fy2025-outlook-cut-amid-slowing-sales">"Target stock slips as Q1 earnings miss estimates, FY2025 outlook cut amid slowing sales"</a>, by Nabaparna Bhattacharya, reports that Target Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TGT#NYSE">TGT</a>) shares fell after the company missed Q1 earnings expectations and lowered its FY2025 outlook, citing a 3.8% drop in comparable sales driven by tariffs, weakened consumer sentiment, and backlash from scaling back diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/rumors/25/05/45555558/wolfspeed-stock-plunges-59-on-bankruptcy-fears-options-traders-cash-in">"Wolfspeed stock plunges 59% on bankruptcy fears: Options traders cash in"</a>, by Erica Kollmann, reports that Wolfspeed Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WOLF#NYSE">WOLF</a>) shares plummeted 59% to $1.28 after reports emerged that the company is preparing to file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy, with options traders profiting from heavy put activity ahead of the news.



For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/05/45554854/health-care-stocks-like-unitedhealth-cvs-tank-on-wednesday-heres-why">Health Care Stocks Like UnitedHealth, CVS Tank On Wednesday: Here's Why</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45567780/hims-hers-health-stock-is-tumbling-thursday-whats-happening">Hims &amp; Hers Health Stock Is Tumbling Thursday: What's Happening?</a>



<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/05/45532892/legendary-investor-jeremy-grantham-warns-of-50-stock-market-crash">Legendary Investor Jeremy Grantham Warns Of 50% Stock Market Crash</a>







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



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Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Alphabet, L3Harris, Target — And Latest Tariff News Roils Markets

Markets were rocked this week by mounting tensions in the U.S. Treasury market after Moody's downgraded the nation&#8217;s credit rating, stripping it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/05/45500872/30-year-treasury-yields-hit-5-what-that-means-for-stocks">of its top-tier status.</a>



Investor sentiment weakened further midweek when a 20-year Treasury auction revealed soft demand, fueling concerns about <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/05/45550324/us-bond-market-flashing-red-30-year-yield-tops-5-prices-tank-to-october-2023-lows">future government borrowing needs.</a>



This sparked a sell-off in long-term bonds, sending the 30-year Treasury yield as high as 5.15%, before easing back toward 5% by Friday.



Adding to fiscal concerns, President Donald Trump, alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, announced a $175 billion initiative dubbed the "Golden Dome," a multi-layered missile defense project intended to shield the U.S. from foreign military threats, including <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/space/25/05/45584539/donald-trumps-175-billion-golden-dome-could-trigger-a-new-space-arms-race-expert-warns-its-opening-a-pandoras-box">hypersonic and ballistic missiles.</a>



On the political front, the House of Representatives passed what Trump called the "One, Big, Beautiful Bill" — a sweeping <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/05/45564489/trumps-big-tax-bill-clears-the-house-30-year-yields-jump-to-515-as-bond-market-freaks">tax and spending package.</a> According to the Congressional Budget Office, the bill could increase the federal budget deficit by $3 trillion to $4 trillion over the next decade.



Trade tensions flared anew on Friday. Trump took to Truth Social to threaten Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) with 25% tariffs if it doesn't move production <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/05/45586328/itariff-threat-trump-turns-up-the-heat-but-apples-chart-still-holds-the-line">back to the U.S.</a>



Later, he announced 50% tariffs on goods from the European Union, effective June 1, as talks between <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/05/45585283/trump-tariff-threat-hits-europe-stocks-sink-as-50-duties-loom">Washington and Brussels cooled.</a>



The move marks the sharpest escalation in transatlantic trade relations in years. In 2024, U.S. imports from the EU reached $687 billion, with a record goods trade deficit of $236 billion. In March 2025 alone, the U.S. imported $91.9 billion from the bloc, racking up a $47 billion monthly deficit, as firms accelerated shipments <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/25/05/45587689/trump-sparks-new-chapter-in-transatlantic-trade-war-what-the-us-buys-from-europe">ahead of the tariffs.</a>



On the economic front, May's Purchasing Managers' Index surveys delivered a mixed signal. Activity in both services and manufacturing sectors grew faster than expected, indicating underlying strength. However, the data also showed the sharpest rise in input prices in nearly three <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/05/45567476/us-business-activity-rebounds-in-may-but-tariff-fueled-inflation-surges-at-fastest-pace-in-3-years">years, stoking inflationary fears.</a>



With stocks, the U.S. dollar and Treasuries all losing ground this week, investors sought protection against government instability and risks of currency debasement.



Gold prices — as tracked by the SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>) — jumped more than 4% over the week, recovering all of last week&#8217;s losses and inching back toward record territory. Meanwhile, Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) exploded past the $111,000 mark for the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45589015/bitcoin-rockets-to-record-highs-amid-trumps-commitment-and-swedens-corporate-treasury-move">first time in history.</a>



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Trump's Tariff Fireworks Resume, Treasury Yields Top 5% As Fiscal Concerns Grow: This Week In Markets

Matthew Zorn, an attorney known for suing the federal government over <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/cannabis">cannabis and psychedelics policy</a>, is now joining it.



Zorn has been appointed Deputy General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) under Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., with a focus on psychedelics policy, according to two sources cited by <a class="" href="https://www.marijuanamoment.net/lawyer-who-sued-federal-health-agency-to-release-marijuana-documents-now-works-there-with-focus-on-psychedelics/">Marijuana Moment's Kyle Jaeger</a>. The outlet also reported that Zorn is being referred to internally as the department's "psychedelics czar." The hiring was further confirmed by <a href="https://x.com/natsfert/status/1926039985607602501">Politico reporter Natalie Fertig</a>, who also cited two sources familiar with the matter.



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Why This Matters</h3>



Zorn's legal work has made headlines in recent years for helping push forward federal drug policy reform. He successfully sued HHS to release its 2023 scientific review recommending the reclassification of marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, a pivotal moment in the current rescheduling effort.



He has also represented physicians and terminal patients in litigation against the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), seeking federal permission to access psilocybin therapy under Right to Try laws. While courts have thus far sided with the DEA in that case, the litigation helped elevate national awareness of the issue.



Zorn's transition from courtroom adversary to federal policymaker is significant, especially at a time when top officials in the Trump administration are signaling growing support for psychedelics research, particularly for veterans facing PTSD and traumatic brain injury.



According to Marijuana Moment, the new administration has made psychedelic-assisted therapy a clear priority:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The FDA recently stated that exploring the therapeutic potential of psychedelics such as psilocybin and ibogaine is a "top priority."</li>



<li>VA Secretary Doug Collins said during a congressional hearing that his agency is seeing "positive outcomes" from psychedelic therapy studies, and is exploring the use of vouchers for veterans to access treatment outside the VA system.</li>



<li>RFK Jr. himself has previously called for legalizing psychedelics in therapeutic settings and using tax revenue to fund recovery programs.</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Tuesday Watchlist: Psychedelics Stocks And ETFs</h3>



With markets closed on Monday for Memorial Day, investors will be watching Tuesday's trading session for potential movement in psychedelics-linked equities following this regulatory development.



Here are key stocks and ETFs to watch:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Compass Pathways (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMPS#NASDAQ">CMPS</a>)</li>



<li>MindMed (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MNMD#NASDAQ">MNMD</a>)</li>



<li>Cybin Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CYBN#NYSE">CYBN</a>)</li>



<li>Atai Life Sciences (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ATAI#NASDAQ">ATAI</a>)</li>



<li>Seelos Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SEEL#NASDAQ">SEEL</a>)</li>



<li>The AdvisorShares Psychedelics ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PSIL#NYSE">PSIL</a>)</li>
</ul>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What's Next?</h3>



While Zorn's new role does not automatically translate into regulatory change, it represents a clear shift: someone with a history of challenging government secrecy and opposing agency decisions is now in a position to help steer policy from within.



His appointment may bolster investor confidence in the long-term legitimacy of psychedelic-assisted therapy, particularly as the Trump administration continues to frame these treatments as potential lifelines for military veterans and trauma survivors.



Benzinga will continue monitoring regulatory updates, litigation outcomes and biotech developments in the psychedelic space.



Photo: Shutterstock

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Ex-Gov't Foe Joins Trump, RFK Jr.'s HHS To Lead Psychedelics Policy: What It Means For Investors

President Donald Trump has reignited trade tensions by demanding that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) produce its iPhones domestically if the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45599904/trump-confirms-25-tariff-on-samsung-and-other-companies-making-smartphones-outside-the-us" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">devices are to be sold in the United States</a>.



In a post on Truth Social Friday, the former president warned that iPhones manufactured abroad—specifically in India—could face a steep import tax of at least 25%. This move could significantly reshape the tech giant&#8217;s global supply chain.



Gene Munster, Managing Partner at Deepwater Asset Management, addressed the economic impact of such a tariff in a <a target="_blank" href="https://x.com/munster_gene/status/1925999154959892482?s=46&amp;t=ULQgdjrI963eH_sS6HFNXw" rel="noreferrer noopener">post </a>on X.



See Also:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/05/45581129/trump-gala-dinner-saw-president-wine-and-dine-top-memecoin-holders-as-protestors-flashed-don-the-con-signs-exclusive" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Gala Dinner Saw President Wine And Dine Top Memecoin Holders As Protestors Flashed ‘Don The Con' Signs — Exclusive – Benzinga</a>



&#8220;The market appears to be miscalculating the impact of an iPhone 25% tariff,&#8221; Munster cautioned in his post.



He noted that a 25% tax on the import cost of an iPhone—typically around $560—would translate to a retail hike of about $140.



That would bring the average U.S. iPhone price from $970 to approximately $1,110, a 14% jump.



According to Munster, most consumers wouldn&#8217;t feel the full brunt of the increase due to installment-based contracts.



He estimated that the added monthly cost could range from $4 to $6.



&#8220;That increase of $140 is 80% of the time, spread out over 24 or 36 months via carrier contract. That means the price for the average iPhone buyer would increase by only $4 to $6 a month,&#8221; Munster writes.



However, if Apple were to absorb the tariff, its gross margins could dip from 44% to 41%.



Separately, Munster warned last week that OpenAI could pose the most serious<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/05/45560144/apple-faces-first-serious-threat-in-20-years-as-openai-acquires-iphone-makers-former-design-chief-jony-ives-hardware-startup-says-gene-munster" rel="noreferrer noopener"> competitive threat to </a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/05/45560144/apple-faces-first-serious-threat-in-20-years-as-openai-acquires-iphone-makers-former-design-chief-jony-ives-hardware-startup-says-gene-munster" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple</a><a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/05/45560144/apple-faces-first-serious-threat-in-20-years-as-openai-acquires-iphone-makers-former-design-chief-jony-ives-hardware-startup-says-gene-munster" rel="noreferrer noopener"> in two decades.</a>



He referenced the AI firm&#8217;s $6.5 billion acquisition of the hardware venture started by former Apple design lead Jony Ive as a pivotal moment that could impact Apple&#8217;s future dominance in consumer tech.



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General

$4 A Month? Gene Munster Unpacks Trump's iPhone Tariff Math - Says 'Market Appears To Be Miscalculating the Impact'

A house in the vicinity of President Donald Trump&#8216;s Mar-a-Lago estate&nbsp;in Palm Beach, Florida, is&nbsp;up for sale at a price 32 times higher than its original purchase price.



What Happened: A home on Algoma Road&nbsp;was listed for sale at $12.5 million, a significant increase from the $385,000 it was bought for in 1981. The 1981 price is equivalent to approximately $1,328,610 today, according to&nbsp;the American Institute for Economic&nbsp;Research&#8217;s cost-of-living calculator.



The house, built in 1952, spans 2,493 square feet and is situated&nbsp;on a third of an&nbsp;acre. It features four bedrooms and four bathrooms. 



The property was last purchased by Joyce Vaughn and her late husband, management-consulting executive Clother Hathaway Vaughn III, as per Palm Beach County tax rolls, which was reported <a href="https://www.palmbeachdailynews.com/story/business/real-estate/2025/05/21/new-listing-of-house-in-trump-mar-a-lago-security-zone-is-possible-tear-down-palm-beach-florida/83752437007/">by</a> The Palm Beach Daily News.



The property also boasts a private pool and is located&nbsp;within the secured Presidential Security&nbsp;Zone,&nbsp;overseen by the U.S. Coast&nbsp;Guard. The house is approximately&nbsp;250 feet away from deeded&nbsp;beach access and is described as offering a &#8220;unique island lifestyle combined with&nbsp;a truly elite level of&nbsp;privacy.&#8221;



Also Read: <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>



The listing agent,&nbsp;Margit Brandt of Premier Estate&nbsp;Properties, stated that the property&nbsp;presents a special opportunity for&nbsp;a buyer to build their&nbsp;dream home in one of&nbsp;the most exclusive locations in the world.



Why It Matters: The listing of this property at such a high price point underscores the increasing value of real estate in the Palm Beach area, particularly in the vicinity of the Mar-a-Lago estate. 



The property&#8217;s location within the Presidential Security Zone adds to its exclusivity and appeal, offering a level of security and privacy that is highly sought after in today&#8217;s market. 



The potential&nbsp;for a buyer to build&nbsp;their dream home in such a prestigious location further enhances the property&#8217;s appeal and justifies its high listing price.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/07/33108839/donald-trumps-former-press-secretary-says-she-saw-trump-showing-classified-documents-to-mar-a-lago-g">Donald Trump&#8217;s Former Press Secretary Says She Saw Trump Showing Classified Documents To Mar-A-Lago Guests</a>



Image: Shutterstock/Bill Perry

Real Estate

Trump's Mar-a-Lago Neighbor Lists Home for $12.5 Million — 32 Times Original Price

Seattle-based ElastixAI, founded just months ago by veteran engineers behind <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45260075/apple-teams-up-with-ai-startup-anthropic-to-integrate-claude-sonnet-into-xcode-challenging-microsofts-github-copilot">Apple</a>'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) $200 million acquisition of Xnor, has raised $16 million from top-tier investors, including Bellevue-based capital venture company FUSE.



The stealth-mode startup with elite Apple pedigree is quietly tackling one of the most expensive pain points in artificial intelligence deployment: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/43256925/chamath-palihapitiya-warns-of-ai-shift-the-battle-is-now-more-about-ai-inference-vs-training-as-deepseek-sparks-nvidia-selloff">inference</a>,<a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2025/exclusive-former-apple-leaders-raise-16m-for-stealthy-seattle-startup-building-ai-inference-tech/"> GeekWire</a> reports.



Don't Miss:



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<li>Hasbro, MGM, and Skechers trust this AI marketing firm — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/rad-intel">Invest before it's too late.</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 $0.30/share with a $1000 minimum.</a></li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Elite Founders With Track Records at Apple, Waymo, Meta, and AI2</h2>



The founding team behind ElastixAI is no stranger to cutting-edge AI. According to GeekWire, CEO Mohammad Rastegari was co-founder and chief technology officer of Xnor, which was acquired by Apple in 2020 for its groundbreaking edge-based AI tools.



He spent four years at Apple following the acquisition and most recently served as a distinguished scientist at Meta (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>). Rastegari is also an affiliate assistant professor at the University of Washington and spent five years at the Allen Institute for AI, co-founded by the late Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) visionary Paul Allen, GeekWire says.



Chief technology officer Saman Naderiparizi, who led hardware engineering at Xnor, was also a senior engineering manager at Apple. He's joined by third co-founder Mahyar Najibi, a former Apple engineer who also spent time at Waymo, Google's self-driving car project, GeekWire reports.



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-scaling-fast-from-spacex-orders-to-600-homes-built-this-60k-foldable-home-may-be-the-future-of-housing">this is your last chance to become an investor for $0.80 per share.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Building a Scalable Inference Layer for AI's Next Generation</h2>



While training AI models gets most of the headlines, inference is where the real-world costs pile up. According to<a href="https://www.techtarget.com/searchenterpriseai/tip/AI-inference-vs-training-Key-differences-and-tradeoffs"> TechTarget</a>, every time a chatbot generates or replies to a question, a recommendation system suggests a new item or a smart device reacts to a real-world prompt, the model is performing inference. These post-deployment processes happen at scale and in real time, often thousands or millions of times a day. That volume drives up compute costs, latency concerns, and energy consumption.



GeekWire says that ElastixAI is focused on flexibility and configurability, giving enterprises and hyperscalers the ability to tune their inference infrastructure to specific needs. Whether running on edge devices or large cloud environments, the company's software-centric platform is designed to reduce both compute load and operational cost.



&#8220;We saw a gap when it comes to delivering AI inference at scale and at low cost,&#8221; Rastegari told GeekWire.



The startup remains in stealth, but its positioning puts it in conversation with major players like Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Coreweave (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWV#NASDAQ">CRWV</a>), and inference-focused startups such as Fireworks.ai and Together.ai, GeekWire says.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/this-ai-imaging-technology-has-been-used-in-more-than-500-surgeries-now-you-can-be-part-of-the-ai-imaging-revolution">Be part of the next med-tech breakthrough for only $350 — 500+ surgeries already done with nView's AI system.</a>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Strong Investor Support In a Crowded AI Infrastructure Race</h2>



The $16 million round includes participation from Catapult, Tyche Partners, Liquid 2 Ventures, and DNX Ventures, according to GeekWire.&nbsp;



Cameron Borumand, general partner at FUSE, told GeekWire the firm was "thrilled to back the elite technical founders at Elastix to solve the hardest problems around scaling compute and infrastructure in the fast-growing AI inference market."



The company is also well-placed within Seattle's booming AI scene. With Apple's growing presence in the region and continued investment in foundational technologies, ElastixAI has access to both talent and infrastructure, according to GeekWire.



As AI demand continues to surge, inference platforms are becoming critical infrastructure. ElastixAI's unique combination of flexibility, leadership, and investor confidence may position it as one of the most closely watched stealth startups of the future.



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<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 $0.30/share!</a></li>
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Ex-Apple Engineers Behind $200M Xnor Deal Launch ElastixAI, Secure $16M To Revolutionize AI Inference Across Devices

British retail giant Marks &amp; Spencer is bracing for losses exceeding $400 million following a severe cyberattack, which has disrupted its business and exposed sensitive customer data.



What Happened: According to a <a href="https://corporate.marksandspencer.com/sites/marksandspencer/files/05-2025/fy25-rns.pdf">note</a> from the company, the cyberattack has taken a toll on M&amp;S&#8217;s fiscal year 2025-2026 operating budget, with a projected $403 million dip in profits &#8220;before cost mitigation, insurance and trading actions.&#8221;



In the statement, CEO&nbsp;Stuart Machin&nbsp;revealed that the company has been grappling with the cyberattack for several weeks, leading to a &#8220;limited period of disruption.&#8221; 



Despite the hurdles, the team has been working round the clock to manage the incident and restore normal operations, with customer service being a top priority.



Machin, however, cautioned that sales disruptions could persist for the next two months. The cyberattack, which was announced on April 22, has significantly affected online sales and trading profit, especially in the Fashion, Home, and Beauty sectors.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/03/44211409/bank-of-america-sounds-alarm-on-massive-data-breach-millions-could-be-affected-is-your-account-safe">Bank Of America Alerts Customers To Data Breach, Offers Identity Theft Protection For Affected Accounts</a>



The cybercriminals succeeded in accessing sensitive personal information of M&amp;S&nbsp;customers, including contact details, date&nbsp;of birth,&nbsp;and online order history. 



The&nbsp;breach is suspected to be part of a larger&nbsp;operation by a hacking group&nbsp;known as &#8220;DragonForce,&#8221;&nbsp;which has also claimed responsibility&nbsp;for a similar incident at the Co-op Food grocery chain in the UK.



Why It Matters: This incident underscores the increasing threat posed by cyberattacks to businesses worldwide. It highlights the need for robust cybersecurity measures and the potential financial implications of such breaches. 



As companies continue to digitize their operations, the risk of cyberattacks and the associated financial and reputational damage is likely to rise. 



This incident serves as a wake-up call for businesses to prioritize cybersecurity and invest in measures to protect their operations and customer data.



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Image: Shutterstock/WD Stock Photos

Retail Giant Faces $403 Million Hit After Cyberattack Exposes Customer Data

If Bill Gates had never given up on his Microsoft stock or engaged in philanthropy at the scale he did, he would be much richer than Elon Musk. By retaining his original stake, Gates would have become the world's first trillionaire, with a fortune of more than $1.2 trillion.



What Happened: In the mid-1980s, Gates owned 49% of Microsoft. This amounted to approximately 11.2 million shares. According <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/mattdurot/2025/05/09/bill-gates-would-be-a-trillionaire-if-hed-kept-all-his-microsoft-stock/?utm_source=TWITTER&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;utm_campaign=forbes">to</a> Forbes, that stake would be worth $1.4 trillion in the present day. Dividends would have further added $100 billion in after-tax cash. Combined, Gates and his ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, would have been worth $1.5 trillion—ranking them much ahead of every billionaire on the planet.



However, Gates gradually sold off his Microsoft holdings over the years. Today, he owns 0.9% of the company, which is valued at around $28 billion. His wealth is now distributed across companies such as Republic Services, Deere &amp; Co, and Four Seasons Hotels via his Cascade Investments office. French Gates, who kept a portion of assets in their 2021 divorce, holds approximately 380,000 Microsoft shares, which are worth under $200 million.



See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45513907/is-elon-musks-influence-fading-in-white-house-report-highlights-sharp-decline-in-trump-mentions-truth-social-posts-official-briefings">Is Elon Musk Losing Clout In White House? Report Flags Sharp Drop In Trump Mentions, Truth Social Posts, Official Briefings</a>



Why It Matters: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/25/04/44659151/bill-and-melinda-gates-agreed-its-not-fair-we-have-so-much-wealth-and-say-their-money-opens-doors-most-people-will-never-get-through">The Gates' decision</a> to donate to philanthropic causes reshaped the trajectory of both their lives. Through the Gates Foundation, the former couple has channelled more than $47.7 billion to initiatives tackling issues like health, poverty, and education. Recently, Gates announced that he will <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45286464/bill-gates-commits-99-of-his-remaining-fortune-to-gates-foundation-set-to-wind-down-in-20-years-somebody-should-give-more-money-than-i-did">donate 99% of his remaining&nbsp;tech fortune to the foundation</a>, which will wind down in 20 years.



French Gates, meanwhile, established Pivotal Philanthropies in 2022 and committed $1 billion to back women's and girls' rights. After resigning as co-chair of the Gates Foundation in 2024, she announced another $12.5 billion commitment to her independent work.



"My parents taught me what generosity looked like through how they used their time and resources," Gates wrote in his Giving Pledge letter. "When the time came to choose what to do with my wealth from Microsoft, I knew I had to follow their example."



French Gates, too, echoed similar sentiments in her letter: "I recognize the absurdity of so much wealth being concentrated in the hands of one person, and I believe the only responsible thing to do with a fortune this size is give it away—as thoughtfully and impactfully as possible."



While Gates might have lost out on being the richest man on account of his philanthropic endeavors, he has not shied away from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45509139/more-than-a-feud-elon-musk-bill-gates-spat-sheds-light-on-competing-views-of-efficiency">openly criticising</a> the current richest man. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45311187/the-picture-of-the-worlds-richest-man-killing-the-worlds-poorest-children-is-not-a-pretty-one-says-bill-gates-slamming-elon-musk-over-abrupt-usaid-cuts">He recently said</a>, &#8220;The picture of the world&#8217;s richest man killing the world&#8217;s poorest children is not a pretty one,&#8221; referring to Musk's denouncement of USAID.



Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/05/45513883/larry-ellison-once-said-to-be-the-next-steve-jobs-you-need-that-obsessive-compulsive-personality-combined-with-picassos-aesthetic-and-edisons-inventiveness">Larry Ellison Once Said, To Be &#8216;The Next Steve Jobs,&#8217; You Need &#8216;That Obsessive Compulsive Personality&#8217; Combined With &#8216;Picasso&#8217;s Aesthetic and Edison&#8217;s Inventiveness&#8217;</a>



Photo courtesy: Alexandros Michailidis / Shutterstock

Bill Gates Could've Left Elon Musk In The Dust With A $1.2 Trillion Fortune — If He Hadn't Sold His Microsoft Stock Or Given It Away

Billionaire entrepreneur Mark Cuban has founded several successful companies. Cuban is also a minority owner of the Dallas Mavericks and has starred on the popular television show <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/shark-tank" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">"Shark Tank."</a>



He wouldn&#8217;t be where he is today if he retired in his mid-30s like&nbsp;he originally planned, and he owes a lot of that to his determination to be the best.&nbsp;



What To Know:&nbsp;As a young entrepreneur in his 20s, fresh out of Indiana University&#8217;s esteemed&nbsp;Kelley School of Business, Cuban founded&nbsp;software consulting business&nbsp;MicroSolutions.



According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2022/10/13/why-mark-cuban-didnt-retire-early-after-becoming-a-millionaire.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CNBC</a>, the young entrepreneur wanted&nbsp;to get rich and enter retirement&nbsp;by age 35.&nbsp;By the time he was 32, he sold the company for $6 million, pocketing around $2 million in profit.



But he didn't stop there like he initially&nbsp;planned. In a&nbsp;September 2022 episode of the&nbsp;<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mark-cuban-doesnt-believe-in-following-your-passions/id1346314086?i=1000579347983" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">"Re:Thinking"</a>&nbsp;podcast, he revealed why he couldn't just call it quits.&nbsp;



"I'm not retired because I'm too competitive," Cuban told&nbsp;Wharton psychologist&nbsp;Adam Grant&nbsp;on the show.&nbsp;



His get-rich-quick mentality drove much of his early decision-making, but chalking the MicroSolutions sale up as a win left the then-millionaire hungry for more.



Every entrepreneur wants to&nbsp;"be that entrepreneur that disrupts an industry and changes it,"&nbsp;Cuban said:&nbsp;"What&#8217;s better than that?"



Check This Out: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/05/45555781/mark-cubans-300-000-toilet-paper-bet-now-makes-200m-annually-these-5-shark-tank-bets-made-him-millio">Mark Cuban&#8217;s $300,000 Toilet Paper Bet Now Makes $200M Annually — These 5 Shark Tank Bets Made Him Millions</a>



He's well on his way to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/02/30672271/mark-cuban-aims-to-disrupt-a-365-billion-industry-with-the-only-startup-that-bears-his-name">disrupting the pharmaceutical industry</a>&nbsp;with the&nbsp;Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company, which he founded at the beginning of 2022.



Costplusdrugs.com's online pharmacy&nbsp;now carries hundreds of prescription products, which are delivered via&nbsp;mail to thousands of customers each day.



The company is transparent on costs,&nbsp;charging&nbsp;a standard markup on the&nbsp;drugs it sells. That&nbsp;results&nbsp;in prices that&nbsp;often come in at a fraction&nbsp;of the cost of their big pharma&nbsp;alternatives.&nbsp;As a public-benefit corporation, the company's&nbsp;mission of improving public health is just as important as the numbers at the bottom of the balance sheet.



Speaking with Grant on the podcast, Cuban noted&nbsp;that if he were in his 20s again, he would probably have the same mindset as he did before and would look to start something that he could sell for a quick profit.



"But now, the next dollar in my life,&nbsp;the marginal value of my next dollar is de minimis. It&#8217;s not going to change my life a lot. So my decision-making process is completely different," Cuban said.



Read Next:



<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45553078/mark-cuban-says-you-dont-need-to-have-life-figured-out-by-22-he-got-fired-slept-on-the-floor-partied-like-a-rockstar-and-still-became-rich">Mark Cuban Says You Don&#8217;t Need To Have Life Figured Out By 22 — He Got Fired, Slept on the Floor, &#8216;Partied Like A Rockstar,&#8217; And Still Became Rich</a></li>
</ul>



Some elements of this story were previously reported by Benzinga and it has been updated. 



Image: Kathy Hutchins/Shutterstock.

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