Principal Exchange-Traded Funds Principal Focused Blue Chip ETF (BATS: BCHP)

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Under normal circumstances, the Fund invests at least 80 percent of its net assets, plus any borrowings for investment purposes, in equity securities of companies with large market capitalizations at the time of purchase that, in the opinion of Principal Global Investors, LLC, the Fund's investment advisor, display characteristics of a blue-chip company. The Fund is an actively managed non-transparent ETF that operates pursuant to an exemptive order from the Securities and Exchange Commission (Non-Transparent Order) and does not publicly disclose its complete portfolio holdings each business day. Instead, the Fund publishes each business day on its website a Tracking Basket, which is designed to closely track the daily performance of the Fund but is not the Funds actual portfolio. The Tracking Basket is comprised of select recently disclosed portfolio holdings; liquid ETFs that convey information about the types of instruments that are not otherwise fully represented by the Strategy Components in which the Fund invests; and cash and cash equivalents.

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iShares Dow Jones US Technology Sector Index Fund

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ETF Opportunities Trust T-Rex 2X Long Microsoft Daily Target ETF

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Several ETFs heavily weighted in Microsoft have gained attention after its Q2 earnings report. Cloud growth concerns led to a 6% drop in stock.

5 ETFs To Watch During Microsoft&#39;s Post-Earnings Drop

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Analyst downgraded Mastercard to Neutral with $521 PT. Revenue upside limited due to international exposure. No catalysts this year. 

Mastercard Is Fairly Valued And Lacks An Identifiable Catalyst; Analyst Downgrades Stock

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President Donald Trump ordered his trade chief to reopen investigations into<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/10/41147159/netflix-disney-amazon-hit-by-philippines-new-12-tax-on-digital-providers"> digital service taxes</a> imposed on U.S. tech firms, a move that could result in new tariffs on affected countries. 
What Happened: Trump&#8217;s order, issued on Friday, is aimed at countering the DSTs,&nbsp;fines, practices, and policies that&nbsp;foreign governments impose on American companies. 
The directive calls on the U.S. Trade Representative&#8217;s office to reopen past digital service tax investigations from Trump's first term and examine any new cases where digital taxes may unfairly target U.S. companies.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43806703/mark-zuckerbergs-meta-platforms-dips-below-short-term-average-as-it-snaps-20-day-winning-run" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meta Stock Dips Below Short-Term Average As Mark Zuckerberg-Led Tech Giant Snaps 20-Day Winning Streak</a>
Digital service taxes, aimed at major U.S. tech firms like Google (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), and Amazon (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), have been a persistent trade issue for multiple U.S. administrations.
Countries including Britain, France, Italy, Spain, Turkey, India, Austria, and Canada have implemented these taxes on the local sales revenue of these and other digital service providers.
During Trump's first term, the U.S. Trade Representative's office launched Section 301 investigations into these policies, resulting in retaliatory tariffs on select imports.
Why It Matters: This move by Trump comes in the wake of his recent announcement to impose a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43805852/trump-shakes-global-trade-with-25-auto-chip-and-pharma-tariffs-announcement-asian-stocks-pare-their-five-day-rally">25% tariff on auto imports, chips, and pharmaceuticals</a>, causing a stir in international trade. The tariffs are expected to take effect as early as April 2, following a report from his cabinet members outlining options for import duties.
Amid escalating <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/02/43876173/apple-ceo-tim-cook-reportedly-meets-trump-as-tariff-impact-looms-on-iphone-sales-and-companys-china-strategy">trade tensions between the U.S.</a> and China, Apple&#8217;s CEO Tim Cook is said to have met President Trump. According to Trump, Cook discussed investing &#8220;hundreds of billions of dollars&#8221; in the U.S. amid tariff threat.
Trump&#8217;s memo instructs his administration to assess whether any European Union or British policies encourage U.S. companies to adopt practices that restrict free speech or promote censorship. According to a White House fact sheet, special attention will be given to how U.S. firms are impacted by the EU&#8217;s Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act.
This comes amid ongoing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/09/40915828/google-wins-1-7b-eu-antitrust-fine-appeal-over-5-year-old-online-search-advertising-case">tension between tech giants and the EU. </a>
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43810048/mark-zuckerberg-offloads-meta-shares-worth-14-4-million-in-february" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Zuckerberg Offloads Meta Shares Worth $14.4 Million In February</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

AAPL

AMZN

GOOG

GOOGL

Trump Moves To Impose Tariffs On Countries With Digital Taxes, Defending Apple, Amazon, Meta, Google And Other US Tech Giants

Michael Jordan's legendary Chicago estate has taken on a new life under its latest owner. After <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/12/42638801/before-his-180-on-climate-change-elon-musk-advocated-for-action-cautioning-that-oceanfront-real-estate-values-would-plummet-2">sitting on the market</a> for over a decade, the sprawling Highland Park mansion finally sold for $9.5 million in December. But instead of keeping it as a private home, the new buyer, John Cooper, is already shaking things up—turning it into a luxury rental at a jaw-dropping $230,000 per month and selling off shares of the property in a unique timeshare model.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">A Discounted Sale After 12 Years on the Market</h2>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Michael Jordan&#39;s mansion sitting seven acres with nine beds and 19 baths &#x1f92f; <a href="https://t.co/ZjQV0wDOdq">pic.twitter.com/ZjQV0wDOdq</a>
&mdash; The Instigator (@Am_Blujay) <a href="https://twitter.com/Am_Blujay/status/1787188879541317787?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Jordan originally listed the 56,000-square-foot estate in 2012 for $29 million, but it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42678673/michael-jordan-sells-his-massive-luxury-mansion-for-9-5-million-but-it-took-12-years-to-find-a-buyer-and-he-spent-50-million-building-it">struggled to attract buyers</a>, despite multiple price cuts and the home's deep ties to the basketball legend. The mansion, known as Legend Point, boasts nine bedrooms, 19 bathrooms, a full-size basketball court, a cigar lounge, and even doors from the original Playboy Mansion. After years of markdowns, Cooper, a real estate investor from Nebraska, purchased the property for $9.5 million—a significant drop from its original asking price.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Turning Legend Point Into A Business</h2>
Rather than using the mansion as his primary residence, Cooper quickly set plans in motion to monetize the iconic home. Per Realtor.com, just weeks after closing the deal, he announced that portions of the property would be sold as luxury timeshares under the name &#8220;Champions Point.&#8221; Co-owners can buy a share for at least $1 million, granting them access to the estate for a designated week each year. Owners can invite up to 24 guests and even host high-end events for an extra fee.
Trending: Many don&#8217;t know there are tax benefits when buying a unit as an investment —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/casa-shares-y2"> Here&#8217;s how to invest in real estate by mirroring BlackRock's big move</a>
Now, in addition to selling shares, Cooper has listed the entire estate for rent, offering anyone with deep enough pockets the chance to live in Jordan's former home for $230,000 a month. The listing describes it as a &#8220;once-in-a-lifetime opportunity&#8221; for those who &#8220;live and breathe sports.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Renters and Co-Owners Get</h2>
The mansion's amenities are as grand as its history. Renters and co-owners gain access to a regulation-size basketball court, an infinity pool with an island, a tennis court, a putting green, a state-of-the-art home theater, a wine cellar, a commercial-grade fitness center, and a cigar room with a custom humidor. High-end add-ons, including private chefs, on-site entertainment, and luxury transportation, are also available for an extra cost.
Cooper, a longtime Bulls fan who has lived in Chicago for the past decade, says he wants to preserve the property's legacy while also making it more accessible to sports enthusiasts, celebrities, and businesses looking for a one-of-a-kind luxury experience.
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Markets

Michael Jordan's Former $9.5 Million Chicago Megamansion Is Now A $230,000/Month Rental As Its New Owner Sells Off Pieces Of The Property

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) CEO Tim Cook has reportedly pledged a significant investment in the United States and a shift in manufacturing from Mexico to the U.S. President Donald Trump made this announcement during a meeting with governors.
What Happened: After <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/02/43876173/apple-ceo-tim-cook-reportedly-meets-trump-as-tariff-impact-looms-on-iphone-sales-and-companys-china-strategy">meeting Cook at the White House </a>this week, Trump revealed that the Apple CEO had assured him of moving iPhone maker&#8217;s manufacturing from Mexico to the U.S.
 &#8220;He&#8217;s&nbsp;investing hundreds of billions of&nbsp;dollars&#8230; That&#8217;s&nbsp;what he told me. Now&nbsp;he has to do it,&#8221; Trump said.
Trump also mentioned that Cook had halted two plants in Mexico and would now be producing Apple products in the U.S. However, Cook has not yet publicly announced any such investment.
"They don't want to be in the tariffs," Trump said.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/02/43873396/apple-stock-has-run-up-over-10-in-a-month-jim-cramer-says-iphone-maker-is-ramping-and-the-credit-goes-to-chinese-subsidies" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple Stock Has Run Up Over 10% In A Month, Jim Cramer Says iPhone Maker Is ‘Ramping' And The Credit Goes To Chinese Subsidies</a>
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<iframe loading="lazy" title="TRUMP DOGE EFFECT: President Trump FULL REMARKS on Spending, Ukraine War, Taxes, Migrants" width="500" height="281" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/b92O_a3MkpA?feature=oembed" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" referrerpolicy="strict-origin-when-cross-origin" allowfullscreen></iframe>
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It's unclear which manufacturing facilities Trump was referring to. Foxconn Technology Group, the maker of Apple's iPhones, already has a strong presence in Mexico and plans to expand further.
Apple did not immediately respond to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga&#8217;s</a> request for comment. 
Why It Matters: The news of Apple&#8217;s potential shift in manufacturing and significant U.S. investment comes at a crucial time for the tech giant. Like other tech giants, Apple is grappling with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/02/43827658/exclusive-apple-nvidia-tesla-or-boeing-which-company-faces-the-biggest-risk-from-trumps-china-tariffs-35-say-this-stock">rising U.S.-China trade tensions.</a> Trump&#8217;s 10% tariff on Chinese-made goods poses a significant challenge, as China remains Apple's primary manufacturing hub, and the U.S., is its largest market.
According to an analyst at Bank of America, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/02/43839627/apple-may-hike-iphone-prices-by-9-due-to-trumps-tariffs-says-bank-of-america">iPhone maker will need to hike prices</a> on iPhones, iPads, and other products by approximately 9% to counter the effect of tariffs. assuming a minimum 10% tariff applies to all of them. The analyst also expects a potential hit on the sales volume.
On Wednesday, Apple unveiled the iPhone 16e, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43820197/apple-unveils-iphone-16e-with-a18-chip-ai-features-599-price-tag">a budget-friendly successor</a> to the third-generation iPhone SE. Priced at $599, the device is designed to run artificial intelligence efficiently.
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://in.benzinga.com/markets/25/02/43840286/apples-iphone-16e-to-drive-revenue-growth-for-tim-cooks-company-says-top-analyst" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Apple's iPhone 16e To Drive Revenue Growth For Tim Cook's Company, Says Top Analyst</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Government

Tim Cook Reportedly Tells Trump Apple Will Invest 'Hundreds Of Billions' In US: 'They Don't Want To Be In The Tariffs'

Elon Musk&#8217;s unsolicited $97 billion bid for OpenAI&#8216;s assets has created a valuation challenge for the artificial intelligence leader, potentially complicating its planned transition to a for-profit structure.
Legal experts suggest the offer, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43755069/openai-board-rejects-elon-musks-97-billion-acquisition-proposal-days-after-sam-altman-calls-it-a-move-to-slow-down-a-competitor#:~:text=OpenAI%20Board%20Rejects%20Elon%20Musk's,Slow%20Down'%20A%20Competitor%20%2D%20Benzinga">though swiftly rejected</a>, could force regulators to scrutinize OpenAI&#8217;s corporate restructuring more closely. The bid &#8220;will be more difficult to justify valuing the nonprofit&#8217;s assets at less than $97 billion if there is a concrete offer for that sum,&#8221; <a href="https://www.economist.com/business/2025/02/11/elon-musks-97bn-offer-is-a-headache-for-sam-altmans-openai">according to a report by The Economist</a>.
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Musk, OpenAI&#8217;s co-founder and now rival, submitted the bid through a consortium on Feb. 11, targeting the non-profit entity that controls the company. The move escalates his feud with CEO Sam Altman over the company&#8217;s shift toward a more traditional corporate structure.
&#8220;OpenAI is not for sale,&#8221; company spokesman Chris Lehane told The Economist.
The timing appears strategic, as OpenAI reportedly seeks to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/01/43374528/softbank-may-lead-openais-40-billion-funding-round-at-a-300-billion-valuation-despite-deepseek-disruption-report">raise approximately $40 billion from investors, including SoftBank</a>. Musk&#8217;s bid could potentially disrupt the fundraising efforts by raising questions about proper valuation during the company&#8217;s restructuring.
Trending: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.
Jill Horwitz, law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles, said that the nonprofit board&#8217;s fiduciary duty is to act according to OpenAI&#8217;s legal purpose—building safe artificial intelligence that &#8220;benefits all of humanity.&#8221; The mission-focused obligation may provide flexibility in responding to acquisition offers.
Musk&#8217;s legal team has urged attorneys general in California and Delaware, where OpenAI operates, to ensure the nonprofit surrenders control at fair market value during any restructuring.&nbsp;
While company insiders doubt state officials will acquiesce to Musk, Horwitz noted they have &#8220;clear law to apply&#8221; regarding proper valuation.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elon-musk-told-the-u-n-if-they-could-show-a-plan-for-ending-world-hunger-hed-donate-6-billion-i-will-sell-tesla-stock-right-now-and-do-it">Elon Musk Told The U.N. If They Could Show A Plan For Ending World Hunger He'd Donate $6 Billion – ‘I Will Sell Tesla Stock Right Now And Do It'</a>
The bid follows recent tensions over the &#8220;Stargate Project,&#8221; a $100 billion data center investment fund announced by Altman and President Donald Trump on Jan. 21. Musk publicly questioned whether the project&#8217;s backers had sufficient funding, allegations they denied.
Altman responded to Musk&#8217;s bid with a facetious counteroffer on X—$9.7 billion to &#8220;buy Twitter,&#8221; as Musk&#8217;s social network was previously known. &#8220;I think he&#8217;s just trying to slow us down,&#8221; <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/videos/2025-02-11/altman-says-musk-probably-just-trying-to-slow-us-down-video">Altman told Bloomberg</a>. &#8220;I feel for the guy. I don&#8217;t think he&#8217;s a happy person.&#8221;
The offer represents another front in Musk&#8217;s competitive strategy against his largest AI rival. He launched xAI in 2023, positioning it as a direct competitor to OpenAI.
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Experts Say Musk's $97 Billion Offer Could Force OpenAI To Reassess Its Value

Trading Halt: Halted at 7:50:00 p.m. ET - Trading Halt: Halt News Pending

SXTP

ALPS ETF Trusthen & Steers Global Realty Majors ETF

SXTPW

A top Democrat warned last week that the White House's  government efficiency team could disrupt tax refund processing as representatives <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43754316/irs-gears-up-to-lay-off-thousands-of-workers-potentially-impacting-tax-season-no-analysis-to-the-impact-it-will-have-on-operations">began examining Internal Revenue Service operations during peak filing season</a>.
Gavin Kliger, a member of the Department of Government Efficiency that is being led by Elon Musk, visited IRS headquarters in Washington on Feb. 13, requesting detailed information about agency operations and staffing, <a href="https://www.cnn.com/2025/02/13/politics/doge-visits-the-irs-putting-staffers-on-edge/index.html">according to CNN</a>.
&#8220;My office is hearing that DOGE is now at the IRS. That means Musk&#8217;s henchmen are in a position to dig through a trove of data about every taxpayer in America. And if your refund is delayed, they could very well be the reason,&#8221; Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) <a href="https://x.com/RonWyden/status/1890114168583565673">wrote on X</a>.
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The visit marks the efficiency department&#8217;s first direct engagement with the tax agency, which employs approximately 100,000 workers. According to CNN, Kliger requested information about each business unit&#8217;s responsibilities and risk factors.
An email shared with CNN that was sent to IRS employees during the visit instructed staff to route queries about &#8220;high-profile visitors&#8221; through proper channels, noting the matter had been &#8220;elevated to Treasury&#8221; for further instruction.
President Donald Trump authorized the IRS review earlier in the day on Feb. 13, telling reporters, &#8220;the Internal Revenue Service will be looked at like everybody else.&#8221; When asked if he expected the agency to be closed, Trump responded: &#8220;No, I don&#8217;t expect it. But I think the Internal Revenue Service will be looked at like everybody else.&#8221;
Trending: Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/1milsaved"> The percentage may shock you</a>.
The audit follows an <a href="https://x.com/elonmusk/status/1886847092888310231?lang=en">informal poll on X</a> where Musk asked followers if they favored reviewing the IRS. The poll showed 91.2% support among respondents. The billionaire issued a poll earlier in December <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42380263/elon-musk-asks-if-irs-funding-should-be-deleted-more-than-60-of-respondents-said-yes#:~:text=Billionaire%20entrepreneur%20Elon%20Musk%20sparked,delete%22%20the%20agency's%20funding%20entirely.">calling for the IRS to be "deleted,"</a> which saw 60.4% of respondents agree with the proposition.
House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jason Smith (R-MO) embraced the scrutiny <a href="https://waysandmeans.house.gov/2025/02/13/chairman-smith-business-as-usual-at-the-irs-is-unacceptable/">in a letter</a> to Acting IRS Commissioner Douglas O&#8217;Donnell. &#8220;Business as usual at the IRS is unacceptable,&#8221; Smith wrote. &#8220;Our government has not been working effectively for the American people, and it needs to change.&#8221;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elon-musk-told-the-u-n-if-they-could-show-a-plan-for-ending-world-hunger-hed-donate-6-billion-i-will-sell-tesla-stock-right-now-and-do-it">Elon Musk Told The U.N. If They Could Show A Plan For Ending World Hunger He'd Donate $6 Billion – ‘I Will Sell Tesla Stock Right Now And Do It'</a>
The IRS already faces hiring restrictions under Trump&#8217;s Jan. 20 executive order freezing federal employment. While the broader hiring freeze expires after 90 days, <a href="https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/01/hiring-freeze/">the order</a> says that IRS restrictions will remain until the treasury secretary determines &#8220;it is in the national interest to lift the freeze.&#8221;
No operational changes or layoffs have been announced. <a href="https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/doge-internal-revenue-service-9697cb99#:~:text=Kliger%20doesn't%20have%20access,obtain%20or%20view%20taxpayer%20information.">The Wall Street Journal reported</a> that a source said Kliger did not access IRS computer systems or taxpayer information during his visit.
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Personal Finance

'If Your Refund Is Delayed, They Could Be The Reason,' Senator Sounds Alarm On Musk's IRS Audit

FirstCash Hldgs (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FCFS#NASDAQ">FCFS</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 20 years by 3.64% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 11.97%. Currently, FirstCash Hldgs has a market capitalization of $5.13 billion. 
Buying $1000 In FCFS: If an investor had bought $1000 of FCFS stock 20 years ago, it would be worth $9,482.00 today based on a price of $114.59 for FCFS at the time of writing.
<h3>FirstCash Hldgs's Performance Over Last 20 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1740181511_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

FCFS

Here's How Much You Would Have Made Owning FirstCash Hldgs Stock In The Last 20 Years

Burlington Stores (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BURL#NYSE">BURL</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 4.78% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 15.78%. Currently, Burlington Stores has a market capitalization of $14.84 billion. 
Buying $1000 In BURL: If an investor had bought $1000 of BURL stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $4,359.22 today based on a price of $233.80 for BURL at the time of writing.
<h3>Burlington Stores's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1740180608_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

BURL

Here's How Much You Would Have Made Owning Burlington Stores Stock In The Last 10 Years

East West Bancorp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EWBC#NASDAQ">EWBC</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 4.19% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 18.12%. Currently, East West Bancorp has a market capitalization of $13.00 billion. 
Buying $1000 In EWBC: If an investor had bought $1000 of EWBC stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $2,161.37 today based on a price of $93.89 for EWBC at the time of writing.
<h3>East West Bancorp's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1740179709_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

EWBC

If You Invested $1000 In This Stock 5 Years Ago, You Would Have This Much Today

Costco Wholesale (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COST#NASDAQ">COST</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 15 years by 8.84% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 20.69%. Currently, Costco Wholesale has a market capitalization of $459.45 billion. 
Buying $100 In COST: If an investor had bought $100 of COST stock 15 years ago, it would be worth $1,697.61 today based on a price of $1035.03 for COST at the time of writing.
<h3>Costco Wholesale's Performance Over Last 15 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1740178810_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

COST

$100 Invested In Costco Wholesale 15 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today

Taiwan Semiconductor (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 20 years by 8.72% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 17.04%. Currently, Taiwan Semiconductor has a market capitalization of $1.03 trillion. 
Buying $1000 In TSM: If an investor had bought $1000 of TSM stock 20 years ago, it would be worth $23,508.40 today based on a price of $198.00 for TSM at the time of writing.
<h3>Taiwan Semiconductor's Performance Over Last 20 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1740177909_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

$1000 Invested In Taiwan Semiconductor 20 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today

<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-21/blackstone-nears-1-7-billion-deal-for-summit-backed-vaxcare" title="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-21/blackstone-nears-1-7-billion-deal-for-summit-backed-vaxcare">https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-21/blackstone-nears-1-7-billion-deal-for-summit-backed-vaxcare</a>

'Blackstone Nears $1.7B Deal for Summit-Backed VaxCare' - Bloomberg News

Coca-Cola Consolidated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COKE#NASDAQ">COKE</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 15 years by 11.93% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 23.78%. Currently, Coca-Cola Consolidated has a market capitalization of $12.11 billion. 
Buying $100 In COKE: If an investor had bought $100 of COKE stock 15 years ago, it would be worth $2,484.92 today based on a price of $1382.86 for COKE at the time of writing.
<h3>Coca-Cola Consolidated's Performance Over Last 15 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1740177024_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

COKE

Here's How Much You Would Have Made Owning Coca-Cola Consolidated Stock In The Last 15 Years

Cryptocurrency markets are trading lower on Friday after a $1.4 billion hack on Bybit dragged down the market.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Price&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td>
<td>$95,385.38</td>
<td>-3.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</td>
<td>$2,634.96</td>
<td>-4.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)</td>
<td>$168.78</td>
<td>-3.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)</td>
<td>$2.52</td>
<td>-6.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)</td>
<td>$0.2400</td>
<td>-5.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>)</td>
<td>$0.00001494</td>
<td>-4%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Notable Statistics:
<ul>
<li>IntoTheBlock data shows large transaction volume increasing by 12.3% and daily active addresses growing by 4%. Transactions greater than $100,000 are up from 9,587 to 9,988 in a single day. Exchanges netflows are up by 105.3%.</li>
<li>Coinglass data reports 188,950 traders were liquidated in the past 24 hours for $551.47 million.</li>
</ul>
Notable Developments:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43886224/bybit-founder-confirms-1-4-billion-ethereum-hack-blames-masked-transaction">Bybit Founder Confirms $1.4 Billion Ethereum Hack, Blames &#8216;Masked&#8217; Transaction</a></li>
<li><a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43883117/coinbase-ceo-brian-armstrong-says-sec-has-agreed-to-end-bogus-enforcement-case-without-penalties">Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong Says SEC Has Agreed To End &#8216;Bogus&#8217; Enforcement Case Without Penalties</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/02/43887659/coinbase-shares-rise-as-sec-moves-to-drop-lawsuit-whats-going-on">Coinbase Shares Rise As SEC Moves To Drop Lawsuit: What&#8217;s Going On?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43878748/michael-saylor-bitcoin-is-economic-armor-calls-on-us-to-accumulate-btc">Michael Saylor: &#8216;Bitcoin Is Economic Armor&#8217;, Calls On US To Accumulate BTC</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43876426/new-fbi-director-kash-patel-holds-over-100000-in-bitcoin-etfs-has-significant-exposure-to-btc-miner-core-scientific">New FBI Director Kash Patel Holds Over $100,000 In Bitcoin ETFs, Has Significant Exposure To BTC Miner Core Scientific</a></li>
</ul>
Top Gainers:
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Price&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Story (CRYPTO: IP)</td>
<td>&nbsp;$4.51</td>
<td>+17.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Jito (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">JTO</a>)</td>
<td>&nbsp;$3.04</td>
<td>+11.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bitget Token (CRYPTO: BGB)</td>
<td>&nbsp;$4.67</td>
<td>+3%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Trader Notes: More Crypto Online <a href="https://x.com/Morecryptoonl/status/1892996131896074459">noted</a> that Bitcoin has confirmed a local top, aligning with broader market trends. The price failed to sustain above the Feb. 14 high. For a bullish continuation, it should hold above $94,645 in this potential wave 2. The key invalidation level is $93,450.
Crypto trader CJ explained Bitcoin has tagged last week&#8217;s high and low. It provided clean trades on both sides of the range. The trader awaits to see if mid-range demand holds. Ideally, BTC ranges through the weekend.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> Previous week high and low tagged. Both sides of the range produced a very clean trade. Let&#39;s see if the mid-range demand holds or not. Ideally just range for the weekend. Notable strength on a couple alts here e.g. ENA &#x1f37f; <a href="https://t.co/d8TtHjecRz">pic.twitter.com/d8TtHjecRz</a>
&mdash; CJ (@CJ900X) <a href="https://twitter.com/CJ900X/status/1893001814422802655?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 21, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Crypto trader Jelle reaffirmed his expectations and <a href="https://x.com/CryptoJelleNL/status/1893015465988944344">predicts</a> that market looks good for a strong end to the month.
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43889897/bitcoin-strategic-reserve-with-1-million-btc-could-offset-21-trillion-national-debt">Bitcoin Reserve With 1 Million BTC Could Offset $21 Trillion National Debt By 2049, Expert Says</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

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

Cryptocurrency

$BGB

$BTC

$DOGE

$ETH

$JTO

$SHIB

$SOL

$XRP

Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin See Friday Blues After Massive $1.4 Billion Bybit Hack

Hooters of America is huddling up with its creditors to cook up a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/bankruptcy">bankruptcy restructuring plan</a>. 
The famous BBQ wing chain has enlisted legal heavyweights at Ropes &amp; Gray to prep the filing, according to <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-21/hooters-in-talks-to-prepare-a-bankruptcy-filing-in-coming-months?srnd=homepage-americas&amp;sref=TBDibEcD">Bloomberg</a>. The court showdown could kick off within the next two months.
Known for its crop-top uniforms and winking owl mascot, Hooters is trying to get its financial house in order with help from turnaround pros at boutique firm Accordion Partners. 
Meanwhile, some of its lenders have brought in Houlihan Lokey to also advise the process.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Else Is On The Bankruptcy Block?</h2>
Hooters isn&#8217;t the only sit-down dining spot feeling the heat of Chapter 11. 
Mediterranean fast-casual chain Rōti, for example, recently sold out of bankruptcy. According to <a href="https://www.chicagobusiness.com/restaurants/roti-sold-out-bankruptcy-edible-arrangements-founder">Crain&#8217;s Chicago</a>, a private-equity firm led by the founder of Edible Arrangements agreed to take it over. 
Rōti will retain 17 of its 19 locations once the deal is complete.
The culprit behind these filings? Fewer customers waltzing through doors thanks to <a href="https://www.emarketer.com/content/dining-inflation-remains-higher-than-food-home--forcing-restaurants-compete-on-value">inflation</a>. Plus, supply chain headaches, and soaring interest rates are pushing menu prices skyward. As a result, more folks are opting to cook at home. 
More than a dozen major restaurant groups or franchisees waved the white flag and filed for bankruptcy last year, including <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38992673/the-craziest-parts-of-the-red-lobster-bankruptcy-story-revealed">Red Lobster</a> and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/24/11/41700829/deal-dispatch-tgi-fridays-goes-bankrupt-bhp-backtracks-comments-and-more-m-a-news">TGI Fridays</a>. 
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">New On The Block</h2>
<ul>
<li>Family Dollar, a discount retailer owned by Dollar Tree (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLTR#NASDAQ">DLTR</a>), is for sale. Reuters reports that several buyout firms — Apollo Global Management, Sycamore Partners,and Brigade Capital Management — are interested.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>HBM Healthcare Investments is shopping Baar, Switzerland-based Swixx Biopharma to potential buyers. Bloomberg put the valuation at about 1.5 billion Swiss francs ($1.7 billion). Jefferies Financial Group Inc. and Centerview Partners are handling <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-20/hbm-is-said-to-consider-1-7-billion-sale-of-swixx-biopharma?sref=TBDibEcD">the sale</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Updates From The Block</h2>
<ul>
<li>Italian media outlet Daily Il Sole 24 <a href="https://www.ilsole24ore.com/art/prada-stretta-versace-esclusiva-quattro-settimane-AGHcQc0C">reports</a> that Prada Group is actively trying to buy Versace. Investment bank Citi is reportedly advising Prada on a potential acquisition. Versace has been under the ownership of Capri Holdings since 2018. Since mid-December, speculation has been mounting that Capri is gearing up to sell Versace, along with another brand in its portfolio—Jimmy Choo. Barclays is advising Capri Holdings to circulate the dossier among potential buyers. This week, Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-19/prada-works-with-advisers-to-evaluate-versace-for-possible-bid?srnd=phx-deals&amp;embedded-checkout=true&amp;sref=TBDibEcD">reported</a> that Prada has gained access to Versace&#8217;s latest financial and sales figures.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Carlyle Group, Thoma Bravo, and TA Associates have advanced to the final bidding round for French software firm SmartTrade Technologies, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-20/carlyle-thoma-bravo-shortlisted-in-bidding-for-smarttrade?sref=TBDibEcD">Bloomberg</a> reports. Current offers value the company at $577 million. Hg, SmartTrade's owner, aims to select a buyer by late March.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Private equity firms are also <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-21/kkr-s-goodpack-sale-is-said-to-attract-apollo-i-squared-stonepeak?sref=TBDibEcD">lining up</a> for Goodpack, a Singapore-based logistics service provider. The price tag is expected to be about $1.5 billion. KKR &amp; Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KKR#NYSE">KKR</a>) is on the sell side, while Apollo Global Management Inc., I Squared Capital and Stonepeak Partners are among the bidders.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Off The Block</h2>
<ul>
<li>Alani Nu, a female-focused energy drink brand, agreed to a deal with Celsius (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CELH#NASDAQ">CELH</a>) for $1.8 billion. This is just the latest in a string of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/22/06/27846252/could-pepsico-buyout-celsius-holdings-or-monster-beverage-why-m-a-in-energy-drinks-">energy drink deals</a>. Ghost belongs to Keurig Dr Pepper (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KDP#NASDAQ">KDP</a>) and Bang Energy is owned by Monster, and PepsiCo (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) purchased Rockstar Energy for $3.9 billion.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li>Valvoline (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VVV#NYSE">VVV</a>) <a href="https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20250220946779/en/Greenbriar-Signs-Agreement-to-Sell-Breeze-Autocare-to-Valvoline">purchased</a> Breeze Autocare, an automotive maintenance services company, from Greenbriar Equity Group for $625 million. Breeze tapped Jefferies LLC and Piper Sandler &amp; Co. as financial advisors. Kirkland &amp; Ellis LLP handled legal matters. Morgan Stanley &amp; Co. LLC advised Lexington, Kentucky-based Valvoline on the purchase.</li>
</ul>
For last week&#8217;s edition of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43749625/deal-dispatch-ny-giants-look-to-score-some-private-equity-plus-ma-volume-is-down">Deal Dispatch, click here</a>.
Now Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/25/02/43886371/jason-statham-lists-beverly-hills-home-for-20-million-heres-a-look-at-the-british-action-heros-real-estate-portfolio">Action Hero Jason Statham Lists Beverly Hills Home For $20 Million</a></li>
</ul>
Image created using a photo from Shutterstock.

Asset Sales

CELH

DLTR

Deal Dispatch: Hooters Plans Restructuring, Prada In Talks To Acquire Versace

Chart Industries (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GTLS#NYSE">GTLS</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 9.96% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 23.88%. Currently, Chart Industries has a market capitalization of $7.79 billion. 
Buying $1000 In GTLS: If an investor had bought $1000 of GTLS stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $2,719.75 today based on a price of $181.87 for GTLS at the time of writing.
<h3>Chart Industries's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1740176109_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

GTLS

Here's How Much You Would Have Made Owning Chart Industries Stock In The Last 5 Years

Meta Platforms, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) more than doubled its bonus plan for company executives after announcing layoffs for about 3,600 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43874069/meta-slashes-employee-stock-awards-by-10-as-zuckerberg-pours-up-to-65-billion-into-ai-race-against-openai-alphabet-and-amazon-report">employees just last month.&nbsp;</a>
The Details: According to an SEC <a href="https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1326801/000132680125000021/meta-20250213.htm">filing</a>, on Feb. 13, Meta approved a new bonus structure that raises the annual target bonus amount from 75% of each named executive officer's base salary to 200% of the base salary. 
The bonus structure excludes CEO Mark Zuckerberg, according to the filing. 
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/02/43884153/us-services-drop-sharply-darkening-picture-of-high-prices-uncertainty-economist-says">US Services Drop Sharply: &#8216;Darkening Picture&#8217; Of High Prices, Uncertainty, Economist Says</a>
The move to increase bonuses for Meta's executives comes after the company announced in January that it would be cutting 5% of its workforce. That&#8217;s about 3,600 employees. 
Meta described the cuts as "performance terminations" aimed at improving efficiency.
&#8220;I&#8217;ve decided to raise the bar on performance management and move out low-performers faster,&#8221; Zuckerberg wrote in an internal memo published by Bloomberg.&nbsp;
Former Meta employees<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43723246/meta-faces-backlash-as-laid-off-workers-say-they-were-unfairly-targeted-despite-strong-performance-records"> spoke out</a> on social media. They claim that some high performers, including those on parental and medical leave, were unfairly targeted in the layoffs.  
&#8220;Meta is now the cruelest tech company out there,&#8221; a former employee posted on Blind, an anonymous forum for tech industry insiders.&nbsp;
The backlash does seem to have affected Meta's stock, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43806703/mark-zuckerbergs-meta-platforms-dips-below-short-term-average-as-it-snaps-20-day-winning-run">which ran</a> on a 20-day winning streak just after the layoffs were announced. 
In the 20 trading sessions between Jan. 16 to Feb. 14, Meta's stock rose 20.22%, and the company added over $350 billion in market capitalization during this period.
Price Action: According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw">Benzinga Pro</a>, Meta shares ended Friday's session down 1.62% at $683.55 amid a broad market selloff. 
Read Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43836832/trump-administration-orders-sweeping-pentagon-cuts-defense-sector-stocks-on-watch">&nbsp;</a>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43836832/trump-administration-orders-sweeping-pentagon-cuts-defense-sector-stocks-on-watch">Trump Administration Orders Sweeping Pentagon Cuts: Palantir, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics Among Stocks On Watch</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Social Media

Movers

General

Meta Follows Layoffs With Double Bonus Structure For Executives

Following Microsoft&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) second-quarter fiscal 2025 earnings report, ETFs with substantial allocations to the software giant have come <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/43320124/microsoft-shares-slide-after-q2-results-cloud-revenue-misses-expectations-details">into the spotlight</a>. 



Despite Microsoft <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/01/43320124/microsoft-shares-slide-after-q2-results-cloud-revenue-misses-expectations-details">beating earnings and revenue estimates</a>, concerns over slowing cloud growth led to a sharp 6% drop in the company&#8217;s shares at market close on Jan. 30. However, the stock has slightly pared the loss as of writing on Jan. 31. Investors are now carefully looking at <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">ETFs heavily weighted in Microsoft</a> to assess potential market implications.



Several ETFs with double-digit exposure to Microsoft have gained attention. Some of the most prominent funds include:



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">MSCI Information Technology Index ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FTEC#NYSE">FTEC</a>)</h1>



• Tracks the MSCI USA IMI Information Technology Index.



• Microsoft holds a 16.5% allocation.



• AUM stands at $11.47 billion.



• Charges an expense ratio of 0.08%.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Vanguard Information Technology ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VGT#NYSE">VGT</a>)</h1>



• Provides exposure to the information technology sector of the U.S. equity market.



• Microsoft accounts for about 16.65% of total holdings.



• AUM stands at $74.4 billion.



• Charges an expense ratio of 0.10%.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">T-Rex 2X Long Microsoft Daily Target ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFX#BATS">MSFX</a>)</h1>



• Seeks to amplify Microsoft&#8217;s daily performance by 200%.



• Charges 1.05% in annual fees.



• Has an asset base of $7.22 million



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">iShares U.S. Technology ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IYW#NYSE">IYW</a>)</h1>



• Provides exposure to U.S. electronics, software and hardware companies. Microsoft holds the second-largest position at 15.15%.



• Tracks the Russell 1000 Technology RIC 22.5/45 Capped Index.



• Assets under management (AUM) stand at $18.27 billion.



• Charges 0.4% in fees.



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">SPDR Select Sector Fund &#8211; Technology (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLK#NYSE">XLK</a>)</h1>



• Microsoft holds 21.5% position among its components.



• Charges an expense ratio of 0.09%.



Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43381133/chinas-deepseek-r1-lands-on-microsoft-azure-and-awsthe-same-model-that-shook-silicon-valley">China&#8217;s DeepSeek-R1 Lands On Microsoft Azure And AWS — The Same Model That Shook Silicon Valley</a>



<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Microsoft&#8217;s Q2 Earnings Highlights</h1>



Microsoft reported earnings per share of $3.23, surpassing the $3.11 consensus estimate and improving from the prior-year earnings of $2.93 per share. Revenue climbed 12% year-over-year to $69.6 billion, slightly ahead of the consensus estimate of $68.70 billion.



Revenue from the Intelligent Cloud segment rose 19% year-over-year to $25.54 billion, with Office 365 Commercial and Dynamics 365 registering sales growth of 16% and 19%, respectively. The Azure cloud computing platform reported a 31% year-over-year revenue increase, marking a slowdown from 33% in the previous quarter.



Despite exceeding Wall Street expectations in the second quarter, Microsoft&#8217;s forecast for slower cloud growth raised concerns among investors, leading to a post-earnings decline in its stock price.



It is important to note that Microsoft has guided revenue growth across key segments for the fiscal third quarter. The company expects:



 • Productivity and Business Processes revenue between $29.4 billion and $29.7 billion, an 11%-12% growth (constant currency) year-over-year.



• Office Consumer and Cloud Services are anticipated to grow in the mid-to-high single digits, LinkedIn in the low-to-mid single digits, and Dynamics in the mid-teens. 



• Intelligent Cloud revenue is forecasted between $25.9 billion and $26.2 billion, with Azure growing 31%-32% at constant currency. 



• Enterprise Services revenue is expected to grow in the low-to-mid single digits, while Server product revenue is projected to decline in the mid-single digits.



Additionally, the company&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/43327008/microsofts-13-billion-run-rate-and-openai-azure-deal-spark-surge-in-enterprise-demand-for-ai-solutions-just-first-tranche-of-future-growth-potential">continued investment in AI and data center expansion</a> signals its long-term growth strategy.



Read Next: 



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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/25/01/43356785/3-etfs-to-navigate-utility-stock-volatility-as-deepseek-challenges-power-demand-forecasts">3 ETFs To Navigate Utility Stock Volatility As DeepSeek Challenges Power Demand Forecasts </a></li>
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Photo: Shutterstock

5 ETFs To Watch During Microsoft's Post-Earnings Drop

Seaport analyst Jeff Cantwell downgraded Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MA#NYSE">MA</a>) to Neutral from Buy rating, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MA/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">with a price target of $521</a>.



The analyst writes that he continues to like Mastercard&#8217;s story but views the shares as fairly valued at this point.



Revenue upside in 2025 appears more limited due to its higher international exposure compared to Visa, and Mastercard lacks an identifiable catalyst, adds the analyst.



Last year, the analyst favored Mastercard over Visa. However, this year, the analyst prefers Visa relative to Mastercard, highlighting that Visa&#8217;s volumes and revenue are more U.S.-centric, where expectations are rising, while Mastercard is more exposed to international markets, which face greater risks to PCE growth.



Related: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42986061" rel="noreferrer noopener">This Analyst Prefers Visa Over Mastercard In 2025 &#8211; Here&#8217;s Why</a>



Additionally, with Mastercard&#8217;s Investor Day already passed, the analyst doesn&#8217;t see any identifiable catalysts for the stock this year.



Cantwell says that with the upcoming administration change in the U.S., 2025 is expected to be fluid, requiring investors to stay vigilant.



Potential policy adjustments could impact consumer and business spending, and factors like FX, inflation, and the Fed&#8217;s rate cuts further complicate the outlook, adds the analyst.



The analyst foresees a higher potential for earnings surprises in Fintech this year compared to previous years.



Investors can gain exposure to the stock via Principal Exchange-Traded Funds Principal Focused Blue Chip ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BCHP#BATS">BCHP</a>) and iShares U.S. Financial Services ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IYG#NYSE">IYG</a>).



Price Action: MA shares are up 0.78% at $508.83 at the last check Tuesday.



Read Next:



<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42971921/mastercard-vs-visa-bearish-trends-bullish-hopes" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mastercard Vs. Visa: Technical Challenges Ahead Of Earnings Showdown</a></li>
</ul>



Photo via Shutterstock.

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