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With U.S. stock futures trading higher this morning on Monday, some of the stocks that may grab investor focus today are as follows:
<ul>
<li>Wall Street expects Bath &amp; Body Works, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BBWI#NYSE">BBWI</a>) to report quarterly earnings at 47 cents per share on revenue of $1.58 billion before the opening bell, according to data from <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro</a>. Bath &amp; Body Works shares rose 2.6% to $31.51 in after-hours trading.</li>
<li>Analysts are expecting Agilent Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/A#NYSE">A</a>) to post quarterly earnings at $1.41 per share on revenue of $1.67 billion. The company will release earnings after the markets close. Agilent shares gained 0.8% to $134.96 in after-hours trading.</li>
<li>Silexion Therapeutics Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLXN#NASDAQ">SLXN</a>) reported a 1-for-9 reverse share split. Silexion Therapeutics shares dipped 11.2% to $0.2725 in the after-hours trading session.</li>
</ul>
Check out our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket/">premarket coverage here</a>
<ul>
<li>After the markets close, Woodward, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WWD#NASDAQ">WWD</a>) is projected to post quarterly earnings at $1.26 per share on revenue of $811.01 million. Woodward shares rose 0.3% to $176.49 in after-hours trading.</li>
<li>Analysts expect Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZM#NASDAQ">ZM</a>) to report quarterly earnings at $1.31 per share on revenue of $1.16 billion after the closing bell. Zoom Video shares gained 1.3% to $86.95 in after-hours trading.</li>
</ul>
Check This Out:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42137942/jim-cramer-says-this-stock-is-a-bitcoin-play-and-he-prefers-to-own-bitcoin"> </a>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42137942/jim-cramer-says-this-stock-is-a-bitcoin-play-and-he-prefers-to-own-bitcoin">Jim Cramer Says This Stock Is A Bitcoin Play And He Prefers To Own Bitcoin</a></li>
</ul>
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Agilent, Bath & Body Works And 3 Stocks To Watch Heading Into Monday

<ul>
<li>Attruby is the first and only approved product with a label specifying near-complete stabilization of TTR. Attruby has been shown to preserve the native function of TTR as a transport protein of thyroxine and vitamin A and to demonstrate benefit on cardiovascular outcomes</li>
<li>Attruby demonstrated the most rapid benefit seen in any Phase 3 study of ATTR-CM to date:</li>
<li>In as few as 3 months, the time to first event (all-cause mortality (ACM) or cardiovascular-related hospitalizations (CVH)) durably separated relative to placebo</li>
<li>A 42% reduction in composite ACM and recurrent CVH events relative to placebo at Month 30</li>
<li>A 50% reduction in the cumulative frequency of CVH events relative to placebo at Month 30</li>
<li>To honor the courage of our U.S. clinical trial participants, BridgeBio will provide these patients Attruby free for life</li>
<li>To learn about our extensive suite of programs to provide access to Attruby call 1-888-55-BRIDGE (1-888-552-7434)</li>
<li>With this approval, BridgeBio will receive a $500 million payment under our royalty funding agreement</li>
</ul>

BBIO

Reported Friday, BridgeBio's Attruby Earns FDA Nod As First Therapy With ≥90% TTR Stabilization, Offering Hope For ATTR-CM Patients

Economist Peter Schiff has criticized President-elect Donald Trump&#8216;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/42150794/trump-picks-hedge-fund-exec-scott-bessent-as-treasury-secretary-what-president-elects-choice-means-for-americas-economic-future">decision to pick</a> hedge fund executive Scott Bessent as the new U.S. Treasury Secretary.
What Happened: According to his post on X (formerly Twitter), Schiff took a jibe at Trump and quipped that Bessent should be called the &#8220;Secretary of the Debt&#8221; instead of &#8220;Secretary of the Treasury.&#8221;
Schiff said the new Treasury Secretary&#8217;s job would be &#8220;to continue the Ponzi,&#8221; because Trump has promised tax cuts during his tenure.
Reducing tax collections could lead to higher government borrowings in the debt market, however, Trump remains confident that his proposed task force DOGE or the Department of Government Efficiency would successfully <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42131911/donald-trump-appointed-doge-to-have-marginal-impact-saving-50-100-billion-says-analyst-as-elon-musk-aims-to-target-500-billion-plus-in-federal-expenditures">reduce &#8220;wasteful spending&#8221;</a> without the need to borrow more.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Trump picked Scott Bessent to be the new Secretary of the Treasury. But his actual title should be Secretary of the Debt. His job is to continue the Ponzi. He must find buyers for trillions in new Treasury debt each year and convince current holders to roll it over as it matures.
&mdash; Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) <a href="https://twitter.com/PeterSchiff/status/1860323656796185017?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/42150794/trump-picks-hedge-fund-exec-scott-bessent-as-treasury-secretary-what-president-elects-choice-means-for-americas-economic-future">Trump Picks Hedge Fund Exec Scott Bessent As Treasury Secretary: What President-Elect&#8217;s Choice Means For America&#8217;s Economic Future</a>
As Treasury Secretary, Bessent will replace outgoing Secretary Janet Yellen, overseeing financial institutions and combating financial crimes at a time when <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/42140842/sp-500-faces-volatile-2025-as-inflation-boom-could-return-bank-of-america-strategist" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the national debt has ballooned to $36 trillion</a>.
It&#8217;s not just the ballooning deficit that is a cause of concern &#8211; the interest payments on this debt set the alarm bells ringing.
Billionaire investor Ray Dalio <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40934156/billionaire-ray-dalio-warns-fed-faces-tough-road-ahead-balancing-interest-rate-cuts-and-enormous-us">warned that the U.S.</a> may have to resort to monetizing its debt, similar to Japan&#8217;s approach. This could lead to depreciated currency values and lower bond yields.
&#8220;I see a big depreciation in the value of that debt through a combination of artificial low real rates, so you won&#8217;t be compensated,&#8221; Dalio said.
The government has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40869188/robert-kiyosaki-rings-alarm-bells-over-soaring-us-debt-the-dollar-is-trash">already spent $1 trillion</a> on footing the interest bill on its national debt this year.
Why It Matters: The role of Treasury Security has been previously criticized by other economists as well. Gordon Johnson, chief executive officer and founder at GLJ Research, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42088394/economist-gordon-johnson-slams-federal-reserve-for-asset-owner-centric-policies-says-fed-needs-to-focus-on-the-real-economy-over-stock-markets">recently said in a podcast</a> that there is constant intervention by the U.S. Secretary of the Treasury, Janet Yellen along with Federal Reserve's Chairman, Jerome Powell, whenever there is a spike in the benchmark yields.
"In early 2024, the Fed cut its pace of quantitative tightening by $30 billion a month, which is just the amount they were letting roll off. And recently, Janet Yellen announced that she is going to buy $4 billion in U.S. Treasury bonds per week. There is just constant intervention by these entities whenever the yields start to spike. It's them trying to disallow any dysfunction or rather I would argue functioning in the Treasury markets."
Also read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42088394/economist-gordon-johnson-slams-federal-reserve-for-asset-owner-centric-policies-says-fed-needs-to-focus-on-the-real-economy-over-stock-markets">Gordon Johnson Slams Federal Reserve For Asset-Owner Centric Policies, Says Jerome Powell Needs To Focus On &#8216;Real Economy&#8217;: &#8216;&#8230;The Stock Market Will Be Fine&#8217;</a>
In October, Bessent assured that a new Trump administration would <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/10/41308042/trump-adviser-defends-ex-presidents-economic-policies-strong-dollar-would-natural" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">support a strong dollar</a>, countering previous suggestions of a weaker dollar to boost exports. According to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/41909846/trumps-treasury-pick-frontrunner-scott-bessent-could-shift-wall-street-crypto" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">betting markets</a>, Bessent was a frontrunner with an 82% probability of securing the nomination. His appointment could significantly impact Wall Street and the crypto sector.
Scott Bessent&#8217;s Holdings As Per 13F Filings
The latest <a href="https://13f.info/13f/000117266124004716-key-square-capital-management-llc-q3-2024">third-quarter 13F filing</a> from Bessent's Key Square Group fund shows that they have liquidated all their holding in the September quarter.
In the <a href="https://13f.info/13f/000117266124003417-key-square-capital-management-llc-q2-2024">second quarter</a>, the fund had a highly concentrated portfolio, with equal investments in two banking-focused ETFs: the SPDR S&amp;P Regional Banking ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KRE#NYSE">KRE</a>) and the SPDR S&amp;P Bank ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KBE#NYSE">KBE</a>), each making up 50% of the fund.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/42137295/as-mstrs-michael-saylor-says-warren-buffett-is-destroying-berkshire-capital-analyst-suggests-overpricedhot-stock-market-could-be-the-reason-oracle-of-omaha-is-sitting-on-325b-cash">As MSTR&#8217;s Michael Saylor Says Warren Buffett Is &#8216;Destroying&#8217; Berkshire Capital, Analyst Suggests &#8216;Overpriced…Hot Stock Market&#8217; Could Be The Reason Oracle Of Omaha Is Sitting On $325B Cash</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

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Federal Reserve

Economist Peter Schiff Criticizes Trump's Treasury Pick, Scott Bessent, Says He Will Have To Find Buyers For Trillions In New Debt Each Year: 'His Job Is To Continue The Ponzi'

The U.S. government reportedly plans to reduce Intel Corp's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/08/40230583/intels-8-5b-government-windfall-fails-to-stop-15-000-layoffs-at-chipmaker">$8.5 billion federal chips grant</a>.
What Happened: Intel, the largest beneficiary of CHIPS Act funding, is set to receive less than $8 billion, a reduction from the $8.5 billion initially announced earlier this year, <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/11/24/business/washington-curtails-intel-grant.html">reported</a> the New York Times, citing four people familiar with the matter.
Alongside the reduced grant, Intel was also set to receive up to $11 billion in loans as part of the package.
The adjustment reflects Intel's $3 billion contract with the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40864854/intel-bags-3-5b-contract-to-produce-chips-for-pentagon-report">Pentagon for chip production</a>.&nbsp;
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42131274/why-googles-chrome-battle-isnt-just-about-search-gene-munster-calls-it-a-tough-day-for-big-tech-on-the-regulatory-front?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Google&#8217;s Chrome Battle Goes Beyond The Browser: Gene Munster Outlines Wider Implications Of DOJ Going After The Search Giant</a>
The CHIPS Act signed into law in 2022, allocated $52.7 billion to strengthen U.S. semiconductor production and research, with $39 billion earmarked for production subsidies and $11 billion for R&amp;D.
Intel's grant reduction follows a preliminary agreement this spring, which initially promised nearly $20 billion in grants and loans for the company.
Intel has strongly advocated for the bill&#8217;s approval. The company was widely regarded as the law&#8217;s primary beneficiary. However, its business challenges added complexity to the negotiations over its final allocation.
Intel did not immediately respond to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga's</a> request for comments.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Why It Matters: The government cut Intel&#8217;s grant after the company delayed its Ohio chip facility timeline from 2025 to the decade's end, following its largest quarterly loss in 56 years.
The decision also reflects Intel's technology plans and market demand.
Despite efforts to rival Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>), Intel has struggled to prove it can <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/04/38067239/intel-targets-15b-in-foundry-revenue-by-2030-but-analyst-says-tsmc-will-be-10x-larg">match TSMC&#8217;s advanced</a> technology.
With the semiconductor industry being a critical driver of innovation and national security, any shifts in funding could influence the U.S. position in the global technology race, especially against competitors like China.
For Intel, the recalibration may require adjusting its strategy for expanding chip production facilities in Arizona and beyond, the report noted.
Moreover, Intel&#8217;s challenges are not limited to the U.S. market. In October, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41383055/china-launches-probe-into-intel-cites-national-security-risks-amid-trade-tensions-with-us">Cybersecurity Association of China</a> launched a probe into Intel, citing national security risks amid escalating trade tensions between the U.S. and China.
Intel&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/41686435/intel-says-it-wont-even-make-500m-from-gaudi-ai-chips-in-2024-despite-nvidia-minting-billions-ce">Gaudi AI accelerator program</a> is also expected to fall short of revenue targets, with CEO Pat Gelsinger acknowledging slower-than-anticipated adoption rates.
Last month, Intel reported a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/10/41665395/intel-stock-climbs-on-better-than-expected-q3-results-details">third-quarter loss of 46 cents</a> per share, significantly missing the estimated loss of two cents. However, the company posted quarterly revenue of $13.28 billion, surpassing the consensus estimate of $13.02 billion.
Price Action: At the time of writing, Intel shares were up 0.41% to $24.60 in after-hours trading, after gaining 0.25% to close at $24.50 during Friday&#8217;s regular session.
Image via Shutterstock
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/42111372/dan-ives-predicts-nvidias-blackwell-chips-are-heading-for-massive-demand-trajectory-as-jensen-huang-says-lebron-of-chip-releases-to-surpass-hopper-gpu-shipments?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dan Ives Predicts Nvidia&#8217;s Blackwell Chips Are Heading For &#8216;Massive Demand Trajectory&#8217; As Jensen Huang Says &#8216;LeBron Of Chip Releases&#8217; To Surpass Hopper GPU Shipments</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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Intel's Federal Chips Grant Shrinks Below $8B As Biden Administration Recalibrates CHIPS Act Funding: Report

<ul>
<li>Delay in filing form 20F has been due to the significant strategic changes pursuant to a previously announced strategic review</li>
<li>Notification does not affect the Company's current listing status</li>
<li>Company has been provided until 20 January 2025 to submit a plan to regain compliance</li>
<li>VivoPower is targeting filing its 20F before the end of this month and will regain compliance upon such filing</li>
</ul>

VVPR

Reported Friday, VivoPower Granted Until January 2025 To Submit Nasdaq Compliance Plan Amid Strategic Changes

Offtake for a minimum of 32,000 tonnes of NOVONIX's high-performance synthetic graphite material to be supplied to PowerCo from 2027-2031

Nuveen California Dividend Advantage Municipal Fund 2

Reported Sunday, NOVONIX Secures 32,000-Tonne Offtake Agreement With Volkswagen's PowerCo For Synthetic Graphite Supply

Peabody (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BTU#NYSE">BTU</a>) today announced it has agreed to acquire world-class steelmaking coal assets from Anglo American plc in a transaction that meaningfully accelerates Peabody's strategy to reweight its global coal portfolio toward seaborne metallurgical coal. The transaction is expected to close mid-2025, subject to customary closing conditions.
In consideration for the transaction:
<ul>
<li>Peabody has agreed to pay cash of $2,320 million, comprised of cash of $1,695 million at closing and deferred payments of $625 million payable in four annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the completion date.</li>
<li>Peabody has also agreed to further contingent payments of up to $1.0 billion, subject to potential favorable future events.</li>
<li>Proceeds to Anglo American would also include $455 million made possible by the acquisition of Dawson Mine by PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama in a back-to-back transaction.</li>
</ul>
"This transformative transaction presents a rare opportunity for Peabody to acquire premier steelmaking coal assets at a compelling valuation as we reweight our portfolio toward seaborne metallurgical coal," Peabody President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Grech said. "The transaction is strategically aligned, immediately accretive and highly synergistic, positioning us to better serve the best metallurgical coal demand centers in the world. This transaction gives us a strong foundation to position the company for long-term success."
"We are delighted to agree to the sale of this portfolio of world-class steelmaking coal assets to Peabody, and we look forward to working together with the Peabody team and with our workforce, local communities, government, customers and partners to ensure a successful transition," Anglo American Chief Executive Duncan Wanblad added.
The acquisition includes four metallurgical coal mines – Moranbah North, Grosvenor, Aquila, and Capcoal – located in Australia's Bowen Basin, which is widely recognized for the world's highest-quality steelmaking coal. Approximately 80 percent of the mines' output is hard coking coal. The mines are complementary to Peabody's existing Australian platform, including Centurion Mine, and are expected to produce approximately 11.3 million tons of primarily hard coking coal in 2026. The acquired mines have an average mine life greater than 20 years with 306 million tons of marketable reserves and an additional 1.7 billion tons of coal resources.2
The acquisition is expected to transform Peabody's metallurgical coal segment, increasing metallurgical coal production from an estimated 7.4 million tons in 2024 to an expected 21 – 22 million tons in 2026.
Strategic and Financial Benefits
Peabody believes the acquisition demonstrates multiple compelling strategic and financial benefits, as the transaction:
<ul>
<li>Increases exposure to premium hard coking coal and key high-growth markets: With a greatly expanded Australian metallurgical coal portfolio, Peabody will be poised to meet increasing demand in Asian markets, which represent the entire growth in global steel demand over the past decade and the vast majority of all projected growth in metallurgical coal demand through 2050. The acquired assets' coal quality and proximity to key markets in Asia provides substantial opportunities to better serve customers.</li>
<li>Creates opportunity to capture substantial synergies: Peabody expects significant estimated synergy opportunities of approximately $100 million per year to be realized through efficiencies from office rationalization, selling, general &amp; administrative savings, and marketing opportunities.</li>
<li>Enhances margins and through-the-cycle performance: The acquired assets' coal quality will upgrade Peabody's metallurgical coal platform and is superior to the peer average. Assuming consensus hard coking coal prices of $225 per metric ton, Peabody anticipates Adjusted EBITDA margins3 of $65 to $70 per ton on the anticipated 11.3 million tons of 2026 coal sales attributable to the acquisition.</li>
<li>Bolsters Peabody's attractive financial profile: The company expects the transaction to be meaningfully accretive to cash flows across all time periods on a levered operating cash flow less CapEx basis. The transaction implies an attractive 3.1x times enterprise-value-to-2026 EBITDA multiple. The company also believes the increased exposure to metallurgical coal creates the potential for a favorable re-rating of the company's valuation, given stronger multiples for metallurgical coal producers with long-lived assets.</li>
<li>Accelerates company's sustainability and emission target ambitions: Peabody continues to strengthen its sustainability through a number of activities, including reweighting its portfolio toward steelmaking coal, joint venture initiatives to develop solar power and battery storage on former mine lands, and fully funding final reclamation obligations. Additionally, after achieving its first reduction targets for Scope 1 and 2 emissions, the company's Board of Directors intends to establish new long-term targets including the newly acquired assets in the coming months.</li>
</ul>
"This value-enhancing acquisition builds upon actions we have taken in recent years to strengthen our balance sheet and expand shareholder returns. Subsequent to the transaction closing, we anticipate continuing our shareholder return program based on available free cash flow, while a portion of cash flows will be used to fund the transaction during the deferred payment period," Peabody Chief Financial Officer Mark Spurbeck said. "Once we fully integrate the acquired metallurgical coal assets into our seaborne portfolio, we will have an even stronger platform to provide significant value upside to our shareholders."
Additional Transaction Details
Peabody's acquisition is contingent on regulatory approvals, clearance of pre-emption rights by minority partners of the assets, and other customary closing conditions.
The company has secured a bridge facility commitment to finance the acquisition. The company intends to obtain permanent financing in lieu of borrowing under the bridge facility and targets a debt-to-EBITDA ratio ceiling of approximately 1.5x.
The transaction agreement provides for an upfront cash payment of $1,695 million, as well as $625 million of deferred cash consideration to be paid over a four-year period4, $450 million of contingent consideration based on the successful restart of Grosvenor5, and up to $550 million of contingent consideration based on a revenue sharing agreement over a five-year period6.&nbsp;All referenced transaction components exclude the Dawson Mine, which Indonesia's PT Bukit Makmur Mandiri Utama (BUMA) has agreed to acquire for total consideration of $455 million ($355 million upfront cash and $100 million in four annual installments commencing on the first anniversary of the Dawson transaction completion date), subject to pre-emption rights and other customary closing conditions.
"Peabody appreciates the shared values of Anglo American across safety, sustainability, productivity and social license matters, and we look forward to welcoming the experienced employees related to these assets to the Peabody team," Mr. Grech said. "We also look forward to again teaming up with the leading global partners who share not only ownership interests in these mines but also our view of the long-term value of these assets."

Peabody Acquires Premier Steelmaking Coal Mines For $2.3B And Up To $1B Earnout, Targets Global Market Expansion

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RKLB#NASDAQ">RKLB</a>) ("Rocket Lab" or "the Company"), a global leader in launch services and space systems, today successfully launched its 56th Electron mission, deploying five satellites to Low Earth Orbit for French Internet-of-Things (IoT) constellation operator Kinéis.
Rocket Lab's Electron rocket lifts off the pad at Launch Complex 1 to deploy satellites to orbit for French constellation operator Kinéis. The launch was the company's second in less than 24 hours. Image credit: Rocket Lab and Rory Gannaway
The "Ice AIS Baby" mission lifted-off from Rocket Lab Launch Complex 1 in Mahia, New Zealand at 4:55 pm on 25 November NZDT (03:55 UTC), successfully deploying five satellites to a 643 km low Earth orbit. The mission was Rocket Lab's 14th mission of 2024 and 56th launch overall. It also brought the total count of satellites deployed by Rocket Lab to 203, further cementing Electron's position as the leading small launch vehicle globally. The launch took place just 21 hours and 55 minutes after Rocket Lab completed a successful mission from Launch Complex 2 in Virginia, setting a new company record for fastest turnaround between launches.
Rocket Lab founder and CEO Sir Peter Beck said: "Two successful launches less than 24 hours apart from pads in different hemispheres. That's unprecedented capability in the small launch market and one we're immensely proud to deliver at Rocket Lab. Customers like Kinéis are unlocking the potential of space and we're excited to give them the keys to do so with frequent, dedicated, and reliable small launch opportunities."
Kinéis CEO Alexandre Tisserant, says: "The Kinéis teams have once again demonstrated their technical capabilities as satellite operators by taking control of these five new satellites at a sustained launch rate. This achievement would not have been possible without Rocket Lab's Electron precision in placing our satellites in their planned positions. With 15 Kinéis satellites now in orbit, we're one step closer to the full deployment of our dedicated IoT constellation for transmitting data in near-real time, anywhere on the globe. Congratulations to all our teams, who are doing an incredible job - and, let's not forget, a European first! We're equally enthusiastic about our second mission, AIS. In a rapidly consolidating market, Kinéis is establishing itself as a sovereign European player, combining technological expertise and strategic independence. With our new AIS offering, we provide maritime players with enhanced visibility over their fleets, while ensuring higher data reliability."
The "Ice AIS Baby" mission was the third of five dedicated Electron launches for Kinéis, a company backed by private and public investors including the French government's space agency CNES (Centre National d'Études Spatiales) and CLS (Collecte Localisation Satellites), an international space-based solutions provider, to improve global IoT connectivity. The Kinéis constellation is designed to make it possible to connect and locate any connected object anywhere in the world, enabling data transmission to users in near-real time, at low bit rates and with very low energy consumption. By enabling internet connection to the Earth's most remote locations, Kinéis constellation can support forest fire detection, water resource management, infrastructure and energy network monitoring, transport and logistics tracking, and much more.

RKLB

Rocket Lab Launches Five Kinéis Satellites, Advancing Global IoT Connectivity

A DHL (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DHLGY#OTC">DHLGY</a>) cargo plane crashed into a house near Vilnius, Lithuania, Monday morning, killing at least one person. 
What Happened: Lithuanian broadcaster LRT reported two people were hospitalized, with one later pronounced dead. The Boeing Co&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) Boeing 737 aircraft, operated by Swiftair, was en route from Leipzig, Germany, to Vilnius Airport, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/lithuania-dhl-cargo-plane-crash-ff6382bb359c64ca2a345d50e523c396">reported</a> the Associated Press.
Authorities have not determined the cause of the crash, though weather conditions included freezing temperatures and pre-dawn clouds. Emergency services responded, and DHL Group and Swiftair have not commented. 
The 31-year-old aircraft struck a two-story home near the airport. Older planes are common in cargo operations but may raise safety questions, according to the report.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/42156160/palantir-price-target-raised-to-75-by-dan-ives-amid-288-ytd-surge-analyst-calls-2025-a-primetime-year-for-ai">Palantir Price Target Raised To $75 By Dan Ives Amid 288% YTD Surge: Analyst Calls 2025 A &#8216;Primetime&#8217; Year For AI</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Global

DHLGY

DHL Cargo Plane Crash In Lithuania: 1 Dead, 2 Injured As Aircraft Strikes House Near Vilnius Airport

<ul>
<li>Consideration of 0.1412 shares of ONEOK common stock&nbsp; for each outstanding publicly held EnLink common unit</li>
<li>On Oct. 15, 2024, ONEOK announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Global Infrastructure Partners' (GIP) entire interest in EnLink for a total cash consideration of approximately $3.3 billion.</li>
</ul>

ENLC

Reported Sunday, ONEOK To Acquire Remaining EnLink Units In $4.3B Stock Deal, Strengthening Energy Midstream Operations

<ul>
<li>100 Sets of Fuji Vehicle Body Materials Shipped to FF ieFactory in Hanford, California.</li>
<li>First Two FX Prototype Mules Ready for Shipment to Los Angeles.</li>
</ul>

FFIE

Reported Sunday, Faraday Future Gears Up FF 91 2.0 Production With 100 Fuji Body Parts And FX Prototype Launch

HIVE

HIVE Digital's Green Energy Drive And AI Expansion Win Shareholder Support Ahead Of Key Meeting

<ul>
<li>The PATHWAY HER2 (4B5) test helps to identify patients with previously-treated,&nbsp;unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive biliary tract cancer (BTC) who may be eligible for treatment with ZIIHERA.</li>
<li>There are currently very few options for&nbsp;BTC patients as most cases are at an advanced stage at the time of diagnosis.</li>
<li>This approval represents a new indication for&nbsp;Roche's existing PATHWAY HER2 (4B5) test and expands its clinical utility by broadening the scope of patients who are eligible for HER2-targeted therapies.</li>
</ul>

RHHBF

RHHBY

RHHVF

Roche Wins FDA Approval For The First Diagnostic To Identify Biliary Tract Cancer Patients For HER2-Targeted Therapy With ZIIHERA

The Dogecoin Foundation, a non-profit building open-source projects for the Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>) ecosystem, reshared an X post calling for equitable treatment for community-driven projects amid speculations of President-elect Donald Trump slashing capital gains tax on U.S.-issued cryptocurrencies.
What Happened: The Dogecoin Foundation shared arguments by a user called &#8220;junior developer,&#8221; who stated that the policy should be extended to all community-driven and open-source coins, not only those generated by U.S. companies.
&#8220;If I started a U.S. company to hardfork Dogecoin and the fact there&#8217;s a company behind it gives tax preference where classic Doge doesn&#8217;t get the same treatment, the Trump admin has chosen a network winner based on policy and preference. I reject that idea,&#8221; the user wrote.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">If the Trump administration is serious about reducing friction in cryptocurrency, they should apply this rule to community-driven, free and open source coins as well:<a href="https://t.co/p9igiFHCVE">https://t.co/p9igiFHCVE</a> Please like and RT this thread. 1/n
&mdash; &#x2623; junior developer &#x2623; (@chromatic_x) <a href="https://twitter.com/chromatic_x/status/1858904033861530113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Junior developer added that penalizing cryptocurrencies backed by communities instead of companies could promote &#8220;crony capitalism.&#8221;
&#8220;And, this is bait, but if you&#8217;re railing against the global financial system doing exactly that with central banks, I think you should rail against a government doing it even if you like the government or parts of this policy,&#8221; he stated.
The Dogecoin team didn&#8217;t immediately respond to Benzinga&#8217;s request for additional commentary on this development.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42151809/michael-saylor-reveals-microstrategy-is-making-500m-a-day-with-bitcoin-may-very-well-be-the-most-profitable-company-in-the-us-growing-the-fastest-right-now?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Michael Saylor Reveals MicroStrategy Is &#8216;Making $500M A Day&#8217; With Bitcoin: &#8216;May Very Well Be The Most Pro</a>
Why It Matters: The pushback comes in <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/trump-bold-move-could-crypto-193455642.html">response to media reports</a> that Trump could potentially transform the U.S. into a tax-free crypto haven for tokens created by U.S. companies. However, no formal confirmation has come as yet.
For U.S. taxpayers, short-term capital gains on cryptocurrencies held for less than a year are taxed at regular income rates, ranging from 10-37% depending on income and tax bracket, while long-term gains for coins held over a year are taxed at a reduced rate of 0-20%.
Tanya Solati, vice president of business development at real estate transaction platform Propy, pointed out that current tax laws, which impose a capital gains tax on every crypto-to-fiat transaction, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/10/41608619/whats-stopping-wider-crypto-adoption-it-could-be-tax-policies-says-one-expert">make daily use impractical</a> and are a significant barrier to broader adoption.
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42156092/elon-musk-sees-the-lighter-side-as-bitcoin-dips-after-jim-cramers-endorsement">Elon Musk Has A Laugh As Bitcoin Dips After Jim Cramer&#8217;s Endorsement</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/apis?utm_source=benzinga.com&amp;utm_campaign=article-bottom" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank"></a>

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

Cryptocurrency

$DOGE

Dogecoin Foundation Shares Message Against Trump's Tax Favoritism For US Crypto Firms

Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and Rivian Automotive Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>) are nearing a settlement in a lawsuit over alleged theft of battery technology. The legal confrontation, which began in 2020, accused Rivian of recruiting Tesla employees to obtain confidential engineering data.
What Happened: Initially, Tesla alleged that Rivian hired ex-employees who brought sensitive documents with them.
The lawsuit later expanded to include claims of Rivian stealing core technology for advanced batteries. Despite efforts to settle outside of court, the case went to trial last year.
Tesla has informed the court of a conditional settlement agreement with Rivian, with plans to file for dismissal by Dec. 24, according to a Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-11-22/tesla-says-it-s-settling-technology-theft-suit-against-rivian">report</a>. The settlement terms remain undisclosed.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/24/11/42071715/lucid-forms-cross-as-gravity-suv-earnings-show-progress?itm_source=parsely-api">Lucid Forms Cross As Gravity SUV, Earnings Show Progress</a>
Tesla, known for its openness with patents, has maintained that Rivian&#8217;s actions were deliberate theft. The focus on &#8220;next-gen batteries&#8221; hints at the possible involvement of Tesla&#8217;s 4680 battery cells.
Rivian, on the other hand, plans to use a taller 4695 battery for its future vehicles.
Tesla and Rivian did not immediately respond to a <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga</a> request for comment.
Why It Matters: The lawsuit&#8217;s roots trace back to July 2020, when <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/20/07/16744936/tesla-sues-rival-ev-maker-rivian-for-poaching-employees-stealing-intellectual-property">Tesla accused Rivian of employee poaching</a> and intellectual property theft. Tesla described an &#8220;alarming pattern&#8221; of Rivian hiring its employees and obtaining its trade secrets.
In August 2020, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/20/08/17281377/ev-maker-rivian-taps-former-tesla-exec-as-top-engineer-despite-employee-poaching-lawsuit">Rivian hired Nick Kalayjian</a>, a former Tesla executive, as its top engineer, despite the ongoing lawsuit. This move highlighted the competitive nature of the electric vehicle industry and the strategic importance of engineering talent.
By August 2023, the case was still unresolved, with a California court <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/23/08/33545095/tesla-rivian-could-clash-in-california-court-over-trade-secrets-issue-what-you-need-to-know">tentatively denying requests for summary adjudication</a>, indicating the complexity and significance of the trade secrets involved.
Price Action: Tesla stock closed 3.80% higher on Friday at $352.56, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro data</a>. Rivian stock edged up 2.20% to close at $10.24 on Friday.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Future Of Mobility coverage by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/mobility">following this link.</a>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/42152721/tesla-cybertruck-part-of-donald-trumps-motorcade-will-vehicle-land-government-deals?itm_source=parsely-api">Tesla Cybertruck Part Of Donald Trump&#8217;s Motorcade, Will Vehicle Land Government Deals?</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photos courtesy: Tesla and Rivian

Legal

RIVN

TSLA

Tesla, Rivian Signal End To 4-Year Legal Battle Over Alleged Trade Secrets Theft

The Future Fund LLC Managing Partner Gary Black defended his firm&#8217;s Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) investment strategy amid criticism from Tesla bulls, emphasizing a disciplined approach to position management <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42056286/tesla-is-back-in-gary-blacks-top-5-holdings">rather than short-term trading</a>.
What Happened: Black revealed that his fund&#8217;s average Tesla stock purchase price since early 2023 has been $162, while their average selling price reached $252. The disclosure came as The Future Fund recently trimmed its Tesla position at $351, following a 150% surge from April lows.
&#8220;That&#8217;s what professional investors do &#8211; buy low, sell high,&#8221; Black stated on X, addressing criticism from Tesla enthusiasts. &#8220;No one ever went broke by taking profits.&#8221;
The Future Fund began reducing its Tesla position in the fourth quarter of 2022 when it represented 12.2% of the portfolio, following Tesla&#8217;s 20% EV price cuts. 
The position now stands at 4.11% as of Nov 15, making Tesla <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42056286/tesla-is-back-in-gary-blacks-top-5-holdings">the fifth-largest holding</a> in The Future Fund Active ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FFND#NYSE">FFND</a>), behind NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>), and Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>).
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24TSLA&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$TSLA</a> uberbulls give me grief for trimming <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24TSLA&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$TSLA</a> at $351 two weeks ago after TSLA had increased 150% since April. That's what professional investors do &#8211; buy low, sell high. Our avg sell price over the past two years is $252; our avg buy price has been $162. No one ever went… <a href="https://t.co/I93BRakb0L">pic.twitter.com/I93BRakb0L</a>
&mdash; Gary Black (@garyblack00) <a href="https://twitter.com/garyblack00/status/1860736331900424522?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/42156160/palantir-price-target-raised-to-75-by-dan-ives-amid-288-ytd-surge-analyst-calls-2025-a-primetime-year-for-ai">Palantir Price Target Raised To $75 By Dan Ives Amid 288% YTD Surge: Analyst Calls 2025 A &#8216;Primetime&#8217; Year For AI</a>
Why It Matters: Black pointed to Tesla&#8217;s earnings estimates being reduced by 59% since the price cuts, noting that competitors matched the reductions, resulting in minimal volume growth. Despite the recent rally, Tesla&#8217;s stock has underperformed the NASDAQ 100 index by 32 percentage points over the past three years.
The investment veteran expressed concern about <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/42028323/gary-black-defends-tesla-strategy-amid-clash-with-elon-musk-bulls-we-dont-trade-tesla-we-trim-when-the-price-goes-higher">growing polarization within the Tesla investor community</a>, noting that moderate voices face criticism for discussing potential risks. 
&#8220;In the X world, uberbulls bash fellow bulls personally for not being bullish enough. That does not happen in the real world. Portfolio discipline is rewarded, not criticized,&#8221; Black emphasized.
The debate comes amid increased attention on Tesla, with recent headlines highlighting the Cybertruck&#8217;s appearance in President-elect Donald Trump&#8216;s motorcade during a visit to SpaceX&#8217;s Starbase facility, potentially signaling new <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/42152721/tesla-cybertruck-part-of-donald-trumps-motorcade-will-vehicle-land-government-deals">opportunities in government and security sectors</a>.
Price Action: Tesla stock closed at $352.56 on Friday, up 3.80% for the day. After hours, the stock rose by 0.26%. Year-to-date, Tesla&#8217;s stock has surged by 41.92%, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42156013/bluesky-adds-millions-of-users-as-elon-musks-social-media-platform-faces-exodus-post-trump-win-here-are-a-few-starter-packs-to-help-you-get-going-on-latest-x-rival">Bluesky Adds Millions Of Users As Elon Musk&#8217;s X Faces Exodus Post Trump Victory: Here Are A Few Starter Packs To Help You Level Up On The Platform</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock 
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Equities

FFND

GOOGL

NFLX

NVDA

Gary Black Defends Tesla Trim At $351: 'No One Ever Went Broke By Taking Profits' Amid Stock's 150% Surge Since April

Over the weekend, Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) co-founder Marc Randolph shared his thoughts on wealth, pointing out that true financial security goes beyond material luxuries.
What Happened: Sharing his perspective on X, formerly Twitter, he shared how, despite having the means to buy expensive items like luxury cars or wines, he values practicality over prestige.
He gave an example of Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates – who currently has a net worth of $162 billion – would fly economy, not because he couldn't afford first class, but because he didn't see it as good value.
"In the same vein, I could afford a really nice car at this point, but I've never been a car guy, and I don't need a Lamborghini or a Mazerati [Maserati] (which I can't even spell)," he stated.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42137039/disney-takes-on-netflix-with-high-impact-originals-in-asia">Disney Takes on Netflix With High-Impact Originals in Asia</a>
Adding, "I don't need to drop $1000 on a bottle of wine at dinner either, since I know I'll get the same enjoyment from a $35 bottle."
He concluded by saying that once basic needs are met, the key to wealth lies in flexibility — the ability to choose how to spend your time and prioritize meaningful experiences.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">For many years, Bill Gates used to fly Economy, not because he couldn't afford First Class, but because he didn't consider it good value. It's five or six times more expensive, but only marginally better (and you all get to your destination at the same time). In the same vein, I… <a href="https://t.co/qaGf49y6Yr">pic.twitter.com/qaGf49y6Yr</a>
&mdash; Marc Randolph (@mbrandolph) <a href="https://twitter.com/mbrandolph/status/1860737388773024252?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Why It Matters: As of Aug. 28, 2024, Randolph's net worth was at $100 million, <a href="https://www.celebritynetworth.com/richest-businessmen/ceos/marc-randolph-net-worth/">according</a> to Celebrity Net Worth.
He <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/18/05/11764543/this-day-in-market-history-netflix-goes-public">co-founded Netflix</a> on Aug. 29, 1997, with Reed Hastings in Scotts Valley, California.&nbsp;
The inception of Netflix stemmed from Hastings&#8217; frustration with late <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/company-news/10/08/445627/bye-bye-blockbuster-video-store-chain-to-file-bankruptcy-next-mont">fees incurred</a> at a Blockbuster store.
The Netflix website launched in April 1998, offering around 900 titles. By 1999, Netflix introduced a subscription model that allowed unlimited rentals for a monthly fee, eliminating late fees.
This approach set the foundation for the company&#8217;s evolution into a streaming giant, which began in 2007 when it transitioned to online streaming services.
In 2002, Netflix launched its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/04/38340753/if-you-invested-1-000-in-netflix-stock-at-its-ipo-heres-how-much-youd-have-today">initial public offering</a>, selling 5.5 million shares at $15 each. In the early years, the stock delivered impressive triple-digit returns to investors.
The streaming giant currently has a market capitalization of $383.76 billion, ranking at number 25 in the list world's most valuable companies.
Last month, Netflix reported $9.825 billion in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/10/41391637/netflix-q3-earnings-revenue-beats-eps-tops-q4-guidance-projects-subscriber-boost-from-squid-game-nf">revenue for the third quarter</a>, marking a 15% increase compared to the previous year. This figure surpassed the Wall Street consensus estimate of $9.769 billion, according to data <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/?utm_source=BZprocontent101724&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">from Benzinga Pro</a>.
Image: Wikimedia
Check out more of Benzinga's Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports/24/11/42094958/netflix-faces-class-action-lawsuit-over-streaming-crashes-during-jake-paul-mike-tyson-fight">Netflix Faces Class-Action Lawsuit Over Streaming Crashes During Jake Paul, Mike Tyson Fight</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Netflix Co-Founder Marc Randolph Reveals Why True Wealth Isn't About Lamborghinis Or $1,000 Wines But The Freedom To Live Meaningfully

Salesforce Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>) CEO Marc Benioff has warned that the world is reaching the &#8220;upper limits&#8221; of large language models (LLMs) like OpenAI's ChatGPT.
What Happened: Last week, Benioff shared his thoughts on the future of AI in a <a href="https://www.wsj.com/podcasts/wsj-the-future-of-everything">podcast</a> with The Wall Street Journal.
He stated that the next phase of AI development will focus on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/10/41428765/microsoft-salesforce-battle-heats-up-as-ai-agent-technology-takes-center-stage">autonomous agents</a>, which can perform tasks independently, rather than relying on LLMs to drive advancements.
He argued that while AI tools like ChatGPT have received significant attention, the real potential lies in agents.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40848374/google-co-founder-sergey-brin-admits-company-was-too-timid-to-rollout-chatgpt-like-llms-despite-basi">Google Co-Founder Sergey Brin Admits Company Was &#8216;Too Timid&#8217; To Rollout ChatGPT-Like LLMs Despite Basically Inventing Them</a>
&#8220;Has the AI taken over? No. Has AI cured cancer? No. Is AI curing climate change? No. So we have to keep things in perspective here,&#8221; he stated.
Salesforce provides both prebuilt and customizable AI agents for businesses looking to automate customer service functions.
&#8220;But we are not at that moment that we&#8217;ve seen in these crazy movies — and maybe we will be one day, but that is not where we are today,&#8221; Benioff stated during the podcast.
ChatGPT-maker OpenAI is also reportedly <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/11/41964846/openais-operator-ai-agent-will-perform-tasks-like-coding-travel-booking-and-more-launch-expected-in-january-next-year-report">planning the launch</a> of its own set of agents.
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Why It Matters: Previously, Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) CEO Jensen Huang said that he believes humans will eventually work alongside AI agents and &#8220;AI employees.&#8221;
Last month, Nvidia announced its partnership with Accenture Plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>) which aims to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/10/41156669/jensen-huang-on-transformative-partnership-with-accenture-ai-as-digital-employees-will-revolutio">deploy AI agents across corporations</a>.
Last month, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) also announced that businesses will be able to create their <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/10/41428765/microsoft-salesforce-battle-heats-up-as-ai-agent-technology-takes-center-stage">own autonomous AI agents</a> starting in November. This development came after Salesforce introduced its AI tools in September with the launch of Agentforce.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates has also previously <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/41736493/microsoft-co-founder-bill-gates-says-everyone-in-future-will-have-a-utilitarian-ai-agent-that-will-h">echoed similar sentiments</a> as Huang.
Earlier, Tony Fadell, co-creator of the iPod, also voiced his concerns about LLMs, calling them &#8220;know-it-alls.&#8221; He acknowledged that while LLMs can be useful in areas like entertainment, they shouldn&#8217;t be universally adopted due to their <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41616573/ipod-co-creator-tony-fadell-dismisses-chatgpt-type-llms-saying-were-trying-to-make-science-fiction-h">tendency to make mistakes</a>.
Image via Flickr
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/management/24/11/41978942/salesforce-ceo-marc-benioff-bets-big-on-billion-bots">Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff Bets Big on Billion Bots</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

MSFT

Marc Benioff Says Future Of AI Not In Bots Like ChatGPT But In Autonomous Agents: We Aren't At The Moment Seen In Those 'Crazy' Movies

Australia&#8217;s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced a plan to ban social media use for children under 16, requiring platforms like Meta Platforms Inc,&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) Facebook and Instagram, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), and Snap Inc.&#8216;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNAP#NYSE">SNAP</a>) Snapchat to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40784803/after-feud-with-elon-musk-and-mark-zuckerberg-australian-pm-anthony-albanese-set-to-ban-social-media">verify users&#8217; ages</a>.
What Happened: The government will trial an age-verification system, possibly including biometrics or government ID. Social media companies must destroy any personal data used for verification, with fines of up to $32 million for non-compliance, reported Reuters. 
&#8220;There will be very strong and strict privacy requirements to protect people&#8217;s personal information, including an obligation to destroy information provided once age has been verified,&#8221; Albanese said on Monday.
Critics, including Elon Musk, argue the bill may limit internet access for Australians. The government aims to pass the law by the end of the parliamentary year.
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This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/Kaustubh-Bagalkote" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaustubh Bagalkote</a>

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As Meta, TikTok, X And Snapchat Stare At Tough Under-16 Ban, Australia's PM Says Destroy Personal Data 'Once Age Is Verified' Or Risk $32M Fine

Renowned investment adviser&nbsp;Gary Black questioned the valuation of&nbsp;MicroStrategy Incorporated&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), suggesting the company&#8217;s stock was significantly overpriced.
What Happened: In a recent X post, Black, managing partner at The Future Fund, expressed his confusion over MicroStrategy&#8217;s stock price. 
He pointed out that the company&#8217;s Bitcoin holdings, worth $31.2 billion when he made the observation, and its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/41693867/microstrategy-shares-are-falling-today-what-you-need-to-know">net debt</a> of $4.2 billion equated to an equity value of $27 billion. However, the company&#8217;s stock market value stood at a whopping $106 billion. 
Black estimated that MicroStrategy&#8217;s&nbsp;shares should be worth about&nbsp;$105/share, a figure 75% lower than its current trading price. 
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24MSTR&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$MSTR</a> ‘s stock price makes no sense to me. MicroStrategy owned 331,200 bitcoins at last count, worth $31.2 billion at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BTC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BTC</a> =$100K, and has about $4.2 billion of net debt, which equates to $27B equity value. By comparison, MSTR's stock market value is $106 billion using the…
&mdash; Gary Black (@garyblack00) <a href="https://twitter.com/garyblack00/status/1859962141509292182?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Black added that MicroStrategy&#8217;s core software business wasn&#8217;t contributing to growth. Indeed, the software segment recorded a 10.3% decline in year-on-year revenues. 
&#8220;It would be like a company issuing cash or debt and then buying marketable securities. No one will pay for growth from that since anyone can buy Bitcoin,&#8221; he argued. 
Black also ruled out valuing stocks based on future earnings expectations, instead opting to measure the stock&#8217;s fundamental business, in this case, MicroStrategy, in conjunction with the value of Bitcoin.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42155866/bitcoin-recuperates-from-95k-dip-ethereum-dogecoin-slide-as-investors-prepare-for-thanksgiving-week-top-analyst-expects-btc-to-peak-around-this-time">Bitcoin Recovers From $95K Dip, Ethereum, Dogecoin Fall Ahead Of Thanksgiving Holiday: BTC Is &#8216;Crossing The Rubicon,&#8217; Says Expert</a>
Why It Matters: Black&#8217;s comments come in the wake of recent research by BitMEX, which <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42138209/microstrategy-trading-at-insane-256-premium-to-bitcoin-holdings-research-shows">showed that MicroStrategy is trading at a 256% premium</a> to the net asset value (NAV) of its Bitcoin holdings. The analysis connected the extreme valuation disparity to some financial regulators banning people from buying Bitcoin ETFs, leading them to buy MicroStrategy&#8217;s stock instead.
MicroStrategy&#8217;s aggressive Bitcoin acquisition strategy has been the subject of intense media coverage in recent weeks. The company&#8217;s co-founder,&nbsp;Michael Saylor, recently revealed that MicroStrategy is making $500 million a day as Bitcoin <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42151809/michael-saylor-reveals-microstrategy-is-making-500m-a-day-with-bitcoin-may-very-well-be-the-most-profitable-company-in-the-us-growing-the-fastest-right-now">inched closer</a> to $100,000 for the first time in its history. 
Since the beginning of November, MicroStrategy&#8217;s stock has leaped 83%, while Bitcoin, the asset it holds on its books, has grown by 38%.
Price Action:&nbsp;At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $97,638.71, down 0.85% in the last 24 hours, according to&nbsp;<a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro data</a>. Shares of MicroStrategy closed 6.19% higher at $421.88 on Friday&#8217;s regular session.
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