Option chain shows key data for Duke Energy Corporation 5.625% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2078's stock options at various strike prices and expiration dates. Traders use this information to analyze potential trades and assess market sentiment for Duke Energy Corporation 5.625% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2078.

Duke Energy Corporation 5.625% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2078 (NYSE:DUKB) Stock, Option Chain

Duke Energy Corporation 5.625% Junior Subordinated Debentures due 2078

Jacobs Solutions Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/J#NYSE">J</a>) reported first-quarter revenue growth of 4.4% year-over-year to $2.933 billion, beating the consensus of $2.072 billion. Adjusted revenue rose <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/02/n43457694/jacobs-reports-strong-fiscal-first-quarter-2025-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">5.1% YoY to $2.082 billion.</a>
Adjusted EPS was $1.33, down from $1.45 a year ago, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">above the consensus of $1.28.</a>
Gross margin was at 24.6% YoY, up 94 bps, and gross profit rose 8.5% to $721.27 million. Operating margin expanded 205 bps to 7.1% YoY, and operating profit rose 46.8% to $208.42 million.
Jacobs reported a $145 million mark-to-market loss on the AMTM investment, lowering the quarter&#8217;s GAAP net income.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/contracts/25/01/42974467/jacobs-solutions-stock-rises-on-securing-key-role-in-dublins-busconnects" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jacobs Solutions&#8217; Stock Rises On Securing Key Role In Dublin&#8217;s BusConnects</a>
The quarterly backlog reached $21.8 billion, up 18.9% year-over-year, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.0x (1.3x on a trailing twelve-month basis).
Operating cash flow for the quarter totaled $107.456 million, down from $418.36 million a year ago.
Buyback: The company repurchased $202 million of its shares during the quarter. Jacobs&#8217; Board authorized a $1.5 billion share repurchase program <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/02/n43457578/jacobs-board-approves-1-5-billion-share-repurchase-authorization" rel="noreferrer noopener">through January 30, 2028.</a>
Recently, the Board approved a 10% dividend increase to $0.32 per share, payable March 21, 2025, to shareholders of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/01/n43346292/jacobs-increases-quarterly-dividend" rel="noreferrer noopener">record on February 21, 2025.</a>
&#8220;Our focus on the transformed portfolio is already having a positive impact on results. We started FY25 with solid performance across our business, led by strong Water and Life Sciences revenue growth within Infrastructure &amp; Advanced Facilities. As we look ahead to the rest of the fiscal year, we continue to see tailwinds from robust bookings over the last several quarters as well as a healthy pipeline across our end markets,&#8221; commented Jacobs&#8217; Chair and CEO Bob Pragada.
2025 Outlook: Jacobs reaffirmed Adjusted net revenue to grow mid-to-high single digits, with an EBITDA margin of 13.8-14.0% and FCF conversion exceeding 100% of net income.
The company revised the adjusted EPS forecast to $5.85 &#8211; $6.20 (versus $6.02 consensus) from $5.80 &#8211; $6.20 to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/guidance" rel="noreferrer noopener">reflect lower share count expectations.</a>
Price Action: J shares are trading lower by 1.30% at $136.97 at the last check Tuesday.
Image via Shutterstock.

Earnings

News

Guidance

Dividends

Buybacks

Jacobs Solutions Q1: Earnings Beat, Margins Expand, Bigger Buyback & More

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on GE Vernova. Our analysis of options history for GE Vernova (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GEV#NYSE">GEV</a>) revealed 24 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 41% of traders were bullish, while 50% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 9 were puts, with a value of $497,751, and 15 were calls, valued at $664,103.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $200.0 and $670.0 for GE Vernova, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of GE Vernova stands at 392.0, with a total volume reaching 498.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in GE Vernova, situated within the strike price corridor from $200.0 to $670.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>GE Vernova 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738687529_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>GEV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/28/25</td>
<td>$11.0</td>
<td>$10.5</td>
<td>$11.1</td>
<td>$335.00</td>
<td>$111.0K</td>
<td align="right">118</td>
<td align="right">101</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GEV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/28/25</td>
<td>$24.0</td>
<td>$21.9</td>
<td>$23.4</td>
<td>$350.00</td>
<td>$102.9K</td>
<td align="right">63</td>
<td align="right">44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GEV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>02/07/25</td>
<td>$61.5</td>
<td>$58.0</td>
<td>$59.85</td>
<td>$425.00</td>
<td>$89.7K</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
<td align="right">15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GEV</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/19/25</td>
<td>$174.3</td>
<td>$172.3</td>
<td>$174.3</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$87.1K</td>
<td align="right">115</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GEV</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/28/25</td>
<td>$19.4</td>
<td>$18.4</td>
<td>$19.4</td>
<td>$355.00</td>
<td>$77.6K</td>
<td align="right">11</td>
<td align="right">40</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About GE Vernova</h3>
GE Vernova is a global leader in the electric power industry, with products and services that generate, transfer, convert, and store electricity. The company has three business segments: power, wind, and electrification. Power includes gas, nuclear, hydroelectric, and steam technologies, providing dispatchable power. The wind segment includes wind generation technologies, inclusive of onshore and offshore wind turbines and blades. Electrification includes grid solutions, power conversion, electrification software, and solar and storage solutions technologies required for the transmission, distribution, conversion, and storage of electricity from the point of generation to point of consumption.
In light of the recent options history for GE Vernova, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of GE Vernova</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 969,577, the price of GEV is down -2.03% at $354.38. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 58 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for GE Vernova</h3>
Over the past month, 5 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $434.4.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from B of A Securities persists with their Buy rating on GE Vernova, maintaining a target price of $415. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Barclays has decided to maintain their Overweight rating on GE Vernova, which currently sits at a price target of $487. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Citigroup has decided to maintain their Neutral rating on GE Vernova, which currently sits at a price target of $437. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from Guggenheim downgraded its rating to Neutral, setting a price target of $380. 
&#x2A; An analyst from RBC Capital downgraded its action to Outperform with a price target of $453. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest GE Vernova options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Options

Markets

Smart Money Is Betting Big In GEV Options

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish move on Citigroup. Our analysis of options history for Citigroup (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/C#NYSE">C</a>) revealed 19 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 52% of traders were bullish, while 42% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 8 were puts, with a value of $386,001, and 11 were calls, valued at $946,484.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $35.0 to $100.0 for Citigroup over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Citigroup's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Citigroup's whale trades within a strike price range from $35.0 to $100.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Citigroup Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738687524_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$45.25</td>
<td>$45.0</td>
<td>$45.25</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$398.2K</td>
<td>121</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$2.63</td>
<td>$2.62</td>
<td>$2.63</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$119.6K</td>
<td>2.1K</td>
<td align="right">500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$34.45</td>
<td>$34.2</td>
<td>$34.2</td>
<td>$47.00</td>
<td>$106.0K</td>
<td>738</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$10.6</td>
<td>$10.5</td>
<td>$10.52</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$99.9K</td>
<td>373</td>
<td align="right">149</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>C</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$34.05</td>
<td>$33.65</td>
<td>$33.88</td>
<td>$47.00</td>
<td>$67.7K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Citigroup</h3>
Citigroup is a global financial-services company doing business in more than 100 countries and jurisdictions. Citigroup's operations are organized into five primary segments: services, markets, banking, US personal banking, and wealth management. The bank's primary services include cross-border banking needs for multinational corporates, investment banking and trading, and credit card services in the United States.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Citigroup, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Citigroup's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 2,714,487, the C's price is down by 0.0%, now at $79.61. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 70 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Citigroup</h3>
A total of 5 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $90.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from Truist Securities downgraded its rating to Buy, setting a price target of $85. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods persists with their Outperform rating on Citigroup, maintaining a target price of $92. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Barclays upgraded its action to Overweight with a price target of $95. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Piper Sandler has revised its rating downward to Overweight, adjusting the price target to $83. 
&#x2A; An analyst from B of A Securities persists with their Buy rating on Citigroup, maintaining a target price of $95. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Citigroup with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Citigroup Unusual Options Activity For February 04

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on JD.com (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JD#NASDAQ">JD</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with JD, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?utm_source=insights">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 22 uncommon options trades for JD.com.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 50% bullish and 40%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 5 are puts, for a total amount of $354,029, and 17 are calls, for a total amount of $602,543.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $20.0 and $44.0 for JD.com, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for JD.com options trades today is 4768.62 with a total volume of 12,053.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for JD.com's big money trades within a strike price range of $20.0 to $44.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>JD.com 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738687519_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>JD</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$0.92</td>
<td>$0.88</td>
<td>$0.88</td>
<td>$36.00</td>
<td>$176.0K</td>
<td>12.8K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JD</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$5.45</td>
<td>$5.45</td>
<td>$5.45</td>
<td>$44.00</td>
<td>$64.3K</td>
<td>341</td>
<td>118</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$5.2</td>
<td>$5.1</td>
<td>$5.13</td>
<td>$37.50</td>
<td>$51.2K</td>
<td>33</td>
<td>100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$5.1</td>
<td>$4.9</td>
<td>$5.1</td>
<td>$37.50</td>
<td>$51.0K</td>
<td>33</td>
<td>200</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$10.4</td>
<td>$10.05</td>
<td>$10.15</td>
<td>$32.00</td>
<td>$50.7K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
<td>1</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About JD.com</h3>
JD.com is a leading e-commerce platform with its 2022 China GMV being similar to Pinduoduo (GMV not reported), on our estimate, but still lower than Alibaba. it offers a wide selection of authentic products with speedy and reliable delivery. The company has built its own nationwide fulfilment infrastructure and last-mile delivery network, staffed by its own employees, which supports both its online direct sales, its online marketplace and omnichannel businesses.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding JD.com, we move to examine the company in more detail. This includes an assessment of its current market status and performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of JD.com</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 4,573,230, the price of JD is up 5.25% at $42.13. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 29 days.</li>
</ul>
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for JD.com, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Smart Money Is Betting Big In JD.com Options

If you've ever listened to The Ramsey Show, you know <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42726864/dave-ramsey-thinks-social-security-is-a-mathematical-disaster-but-still-says-it-makes-more-sense-to-take-it-at-62-almost-every-time">Dave Ramsey doesn't do subtle</a>. Whether you're a fan or not – there's no denying the man knows how to cut through the noise. Case in point: a call from a 47-year-old who thought he had his financial life somewhat together – until Ramsey dismantled that illusion in under 10 minutes in a call posted to YouTube in January 2025.&nbsp;
The caller kicked things off with a refreshingly honest admission: "I thought I was pretty fiscally responsible, and then I started to listen to you in 2022 and realized I wasn't as smart as I thought I was. So I'm gonna ask for help." That's like waving a red flag in front of Ramsey, who thrives on turning financial self-deception into teachable moments.
Don't Miss:
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<li>How do billionaires pay less in income tax than you?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/tax-deferring-adv"> Tax deferring is their number one strategy</a>.</li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gbr-savings-by-age">If You're Age 35, 50, or 60: Here&#8217;s How Much You Should Have Saved Vs. Invested By Now</a></li>
</ul>
Turns out, the caller's only debt was a $1,500-a-month payment on a company truck, which his employer partially reimbursed based on mileage. Ramsey wasn't having it. "You get that whether you have a car payment or not, correct?" he asked. The caller confirmed. Cue the classic Ramsey takedown: "Yeah, you just used it to justify debt. The program is independent of debt. It does not require debt." Translation: nice try but no. His advice was clear – ditch the debt, keep the reimbursement and stop pretending one justifies the other.
But the real fireworks happened when the caller mentioned that his tax advisor had recommended switching from a Roth 401(k) to a traditional <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42749867/its-a-lot-but-worth-it-suze-orman-on-how-pre-retirees-can-max-out-their-401k-savings-due-to-new-contribution-rules">401(k) to snag a tax deduction</a>. Ramsey's response? Zero hesitation: "You should fire your tax advisor. I'm serious as a heart attack. They're trading a tax deduction for tax-free growth. This guy can't do math." The caller, already halfway there mentally, admitted, "That's what I thought too, so I kept doing the Roth 401(k) this year and changed tax advisors because I don't know what else he's doing that's dumb."
Trending: The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?
With that out of the way, they dove into the caller's retirement numbers: $19,000 in a Roth 401(k), $67,000 in a traditional 401(k) and $18,000 in an HSA – all accumulated since April 2022. Ramsey didn't sugarcoat the reality check: "You're a long way from retiring in seven years. I don't think you're going to be mathematically able to live anywhere near like you're living now at 55 years old with no work." But, in a rare softer moment, he added, "That's not a bad thing though. You need to be doing something. I'm 64. I work. It's not the end of the world."
Co-host Ken Coleman chimed in with a perspective that felt more philosophical than financial: "The data is overwhelming for people who want to research it on what happens when you truly stop working. Financial retirement, in my mind, is different from just straight professional ‘I'm not doing anything any longer.' I think that it's not good for the body and it's definitely not good for the soul – not good for the mind. It's a terrible thing to waste."
See Also: Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a>
Ramsey agreed, summing it up the only way he knows how – bluntly: "Having enough money to not have to work is different from just not working. That's what you're saying."
By the end of the call, the 47-year-old sounded like a man with a new mission. "I'm gonna get out of the truck debt and I'm gonna jack up on some of these other things – the investment side – and get this thing moving."
So, what's the takeaway here? Besides the fact that Dave Ramsey will never, ever mince words, it's this: financial advice isn't one-size-fits-all. While Ramsey's aggressive debt-free, Roth-over-traditional stance works for many, it doesn't mean it's the perfect approach for everyone. Before making any big money moves – especially with retirement on the horizon – it's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">smart to consult a qualified financial advisor</a>. Just maybe not the one who thinks trading tax-free growth for a quick deduction is a brilliant idea.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mark-cubans-advice-for-lotto-winners">Many are surprised by Mark Cuban's advice for lotto winners: Cash or annuity?</a></li>
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Personal Finance

Dave Ramsey To 47-Year-Old Caller: "Fire Your Tax Advisor" After He Was Told To Switch From A Roth To A Traditional 401(k) For Tax Deduction

Constellation Brands (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STZ#NYSE">STZ</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 20 years by 1.22% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 9.58%. Currently, Constellation Brands has a market capitalization of $31.20 billion. 
Buying $100 In STZ: If an investor had bought $100 of STZ stock 20 years ago, it would be worth $631.94 today based on a price of $172.65 for STZ at the time of writing.
<h3>Constellation Brands's Performance Over Last 20 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738687509_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.

Trading Ideas

$100 Invested In Constellation Brands 20 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today

Morgan Stanley analyst Joseph Moore maintains ON Semiconductor (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ON#NASDAQ">ON</a>) with a Underweight and lowers the price target from $64 to $52.

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

Morgan Stanley Maintains Underweight on ON Semiconductor, Lowers Price Target to $52

Roblox Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RBX#NYSE">RBX</a>) stock is trading higher on Tuesday. The company is anticipated to report 2024 fiscal-year fourth-quarter earnings on Thursday before <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42851942">the market opens</a>.
The Details: Analysts estimate a loss of 45 cents per share and revenue of $1.35 billion for the company&#8217;s fourth-quarter, according to data from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>. Roblox had previously guided revenue between $935 million and $960 million.
For the 2024 fiscal-year, Roblox expects revenue from $3.54 billion to $3.57 billion, adjusted EBITDA from $125 million to $145 million and free cash flow between $621 million and $636 million.
Ahead of earnings, Citigroup analyst Jason Bazinet maintained a Buy rating on Roblox and raised the price target from&nbsp;$63&nbsp;to&nbsp;$82.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/restaurants/25/02/43466529/chipotle-stock-simmers-ahead-of-q4-earnings-bullish-breakout-or-just-sizzle">Chipotle Stock Simmers Ahead Of Q4 Earnings: Bullish Breakout Or Just Sizzle?</a>
RBLX Price Action: At the time of writing, Roblox stock is trading 2.49% higher at $72.44, per data from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Image: via Shutterstock

Movers

RBLX

TSX:RBX

What's Going On With Roblox Shares Tuesday?

Pentair plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PNR#NYSE">PNR</a>) shares are trading lower after the company reported a fourth-quarter 2024 net sales decline of 1% year over year (Y/Y) to $973 million, slightly beating <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/02/b43457963/pentair-reports-strong-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2024-results" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the consensus of $972.8 million</a>.
Also, core sales declined by&nbsp;1%&nbsp;Y/Y in the&nbsp;fourth quarter, excluding currency translation, acquisitions, and divestitures.
Gross margin expanded to&nbsp;38.8%&nbsp;from&nbsp;37.2% a year ago in the quarter. Adjusted operating margin expanded 370&nbsp;basis points Y/Y to&nbsp;23.8% in the quarter.
Flow segment sales decreased by&nbsp;5%&nbsp;Y/Y to&nbsp;$360.7 million, Segment income was&nbsp;$73.6 million&nbsp;(+13%&nbsp;Y/Y), and the operating margin was&nbsp;20.4%, an increase of 320&nbsp;bps Y/Y in the quarter.
Water Solutions segment sales were&nbsp;$257.9 million&nbsp;(-4% Y/Y), Segment income was&nbsp;$62.2 million&nbsp;(+21%&nbsp;Y/Y), and ROS was&nbsp;24.1%, up 500 bps Y/Y.
Pool segment sales were&nbsp;$331.4 million&nbsp;(+5%&nbsp;Y/Y), Segment income was&nbsp;$119.4 million&nbsp;(+14%&nbsp;Y/Y), and ROS was&nbsp;33.8%, up 250&nbsp;bps Y/Y.
Adjusted EPS came in at&nbsp;$1.08, surpassing&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">the consensus of&nbsp;$1.01</a>.&nbsp;
For the year, the operating cash flow of continuing operations was&nbsp;$767&nbsp;million, and the free cash flow from continuing operations was&nbsp;$693&nbsp;million.
Dividend: Pentair paid a regular cash dividend of 23 cents per share in the fourth quarter of 2024.
On December 16, 2024, the company announced a quarterly cash dividend of 25 cents per share, payable on Feb. 7, 2025, to shareholders <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/b42519398/pentair-announces-rate-increase-to-its-quarterly-cash-dividend" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">of record as of Jan. 24, 2025</a>.
This represents an 8.7% increase from the previous 23 cents per share.
Buyback: In the quarter, Pentair repurchased 0.4 million shares for $50 million. As of Dec. 31, 2024, $450 million remained available under its share repurchase authorization.
Outlook: Pentair forecasts first-quarter adjusted EPS of $1.00-$1.02 (vs. consensus of $1.09)<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/guidance" rel="noreferrer noopener">, with sales down 3%-4%</a>.
For 2025, the company expects adjusted EPS of $4.65-$4.80 (vs. street view of $4.82) and sales flat to up 2%.
John L. Stauch, Pentair&#8217;s president and chief executive officer said, &#8221;We expect to continue to invest in key areas across the company and execute on our Transformation initiatives and 80/20 to drive long-term growth, profitability and returns.&#8221;
&#8221;We believe our balanced water portfolio is proving its resilience as Pool is expected to grow offsetting our Flow and Water Solutions residential end markets that remain pressured by higher interest rates. We are confident in our strategy and our ability to control what we can internally while mitigating risk from an uncertain macroeconomic and geopolitical environment near-term.&#8221;
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;Invesco Global Water ETF&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PIO#NASDAQ">PIO</a>) and&nbsp;Global X Clean Water ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AQWA#NASDAQ">AQWA</a>).
Price Action: PNR shares are down 2% at $100.41 at the last check Tuesday.
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</ul>
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Equities

Large Cap

AQWA

Pentair Beats Q4 Estimates, Raises Dividend, Guides Below Expectations For 2025

Citigroup analyst Ariel Rosa maintains Saia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAIA#NASDAQ">SAIA</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $561 to $544.

SAIA

Citigroup Maintains Buy on Saia, Lowers Price Target to $544

Transdigm Exec Says Optimistic That Boeing's Going To Get Back Up To The Rate Of 38, Today We're Probably Seeing About Half Of That

WIIM

SUPN

Supernus Pharmaceuticals shares are trading higher after the company received FDA approval of ONAPGO for Parkinson's disease.

On Tuesday, Centene Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CNC#NYSE">CNC</a>) reported fourth-quarter sales of $40.80 billion. That&#8217;s up 3.41% year-over-year, beating the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consensus of $39.13 billion</a>.
Centene earned an adjusted EPS of 80 cents during the quarter, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/02/n43456894/centene-corporation-reports-2024-results" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">beating the consensus of 49 cents</a>. For the fourth quarter of 2024, premium and service revenues increased 3% to $36.3 billion from $35.3 billion in the comparable period of 2023. 
A health benefits ratio (HBR) of 89.6% for the fourth quarter of 2024 represents an increase from 89.5% in the comparable period in 2023. The increase was primarily driven by higher acuity in Medicaid, which resulted from the redetermination process.
The company also saw Membership increases of 12% in Marketplace and 50% in Medicare PDP, compared to the fourth quarter of 2023.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/01/43321236/rfk-jr-and-big-pharma-stocks-to-watch-as-health-secretary-hopeful-answers-pointed-questions-on-drugs-insurance-trump-exec-orders" rel="noreferrer noopener">RFK Jr. And Big Pharma: Health Secretary Hopeful Answers Pointed Questions On Drugs, Insurance, Trump Exec Orders</a>
&#8220;Despite a year of unprecedented industry headwinds, Centene demonstrated significant operational improvements, strengthened our talent bench, and delivered on our financial commitments in 2024,&#8221; said CEO Sarah London. 
Centene reported 28.6 million members as of December 31, up from 27.5 million in 2023.
Enrollment in its Medicaid plans dipped as redeterminations completed, from 14.5 million to 13 million. Marketplace coverage increased year over year, growing from 3.9 million to 4.4 million.
Guidance: Centene said it will raise its premium and service revenue guidance window by $4 billion. The company now expects to bring in between $158 billion and $160 billion for 2025.
In December, the company outlined 2025 guidance with premium and service revenues of $154 billion to $156 billion. The company expects total revenue between <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/12/42467798/why-is-insurance-firm-centene-stock-trading-higher-on-thursday" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$166.5 billion and $169.5 billion</a>.
Centene reaffirms FY2025 adjusted EPS of greater than&nbsp;$7.25 compared to consensus of $7.22.
Price Action: Centene stock is down 5.13% at $61.50 at last check Tuesday.
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</ul>

Health Care

Insurance

General

Insurance Firm Centene Sees Q4 Revenue Boost, Sticks To Annual Forecast

Citigroup analyst Tyler Radke maintains ServiceNow (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOW#NYSE">NOW</a>) with a Buy and lowers the price target from $1432 to $1426.

Citigroup Maintains Buy on ServiceNow, Lowers Price Target to $1426

BABA

BEKE

BIDU

FUTU

Citigourp Global Markets 2% Protected Notes Linked To The Djia

XPEV

Shares of US-listed Chinese stocks are trading higher despite global trade tensions. China imposted tariffs and added two US companies to its 'Unreliable Entity List.' Additionally, US-listed names may be on watch amid China's Lunar New Year.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="1024" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/04145836/image.png" alt="" class="wp-image-5394" style="width:684px;height:auto" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/04145836/image.png 1024w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/04145836/image-300x300.png 300w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/04145836/image-150x150.png 150w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/04145836/image-768x768.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Complexities of Share Buyback Programs</h2>
While share buybacks can enhance shareholder value by reducing the number of outstanding shares and boosting earnings-per-share (EPS) ratios, they also introduce significant risks and challenges for companies. These risks are multifaceted, encompassing financial, operational, and market-related factors that must be carefully managed to ensure successful execution.
One of the primary concerns is the irrevocability of many buyback contracts. Companies often enter into agreements with brokers that commit them to purchasing a fixed amount of shares over a specified period. However, unforeseen circumstances such as mergers and acquisitions (M&amp;A), economic shocks, or changes in business strategy may necessitate pausing or canceling these programs. Terminating such agreements can prove costly, particularly during periods of market volatility when unwinding accumulated portfolios incurs substantial losses.
For example, during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, several prominent UK companies, including Diageo, BP, and Pearson, were forced to pause or cancel multi-billion-dollar buyback programs. This decision was driven by the need to preserve capital amid uncertain economic conditions. However, terminating these programs required unwinding existing positions at fair value, resulting in significant costs due to adverse market movements.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Market Volatility of Share Buybacks and Its Impact</h2>
Volatility plays a critical role in the mechanics of share buybacks but poses unique challenges for issuers. Banks executing buyback programs typically require fluctuations in stock prices to generate discounts, allowing them to time purchases effectively. While this approach maximizes cost efficiency, it introduces potential conflicts of interest between banks and their clients.
Critics argue that brokers prioritize their own profitability over the issuer&#8217;s broader objectives. Such as maintaining stable cash flow management or signaling confidence to shareholders. For instance, during <a href="https://www.globaltrading.net/the-challenge-of-share-buybacks/">ING Group&#8217;s </a>€1.5 billion buyback program in 2023, the broker reportedly delayed transferring shares until after the company paid dividends, enabling it to capture additional income despite contractual losses on the buyback agreement. Such practices highlight the complexities and inherent risks associated with dynamic hedging strategies employed by banks.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Regulatory Constraints and Disclosure Requirements</h2>
Regulatory frameworks governing share buybacks vary significantly across jurisdictions, further complicating their execution. In Europe, Market Abuse Regulation (MAR) mandates strict disclosure requirements, obliging companies to announce their intentions ahead of time and report daily transaction details. While these rules aim to maintain market integrity, they limit flexibility and expose issuers to information leakage risks.
In contrast, U.S. regulations under <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/rule-10b5-1.asp#:~:text=Rule%2010b5%2D1%20allows%20company,by%20a%20formula%20or%20metrics.">Rule 10b-51</a> provide greater flexibility, allowing brokers to execute buybacks during pre-earnings blackout periods without violating insider trading laws. However, this discretion comes with volume restrictions designed to prevent market manipulation. Companies must carefully balance compliance with regulatory obligations against their strategic objectives, ensuring transparency while minimizing potential disruptions to share price stability.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Strategic Alignment and Flexibility</h2>
To address these challenges, companies are increasingly demanding more flexible buyback structures that align with their long-term goals. Pearson, a UK-listed education software company, exemplifies this trend by introducing a hybrid model combining performance-based and fixed-fee elements. Partnering with Citi, Pearson incorporated mechanisms allowing it to override purchase instructions or cancel the program entirely if unforeseen circumstances arise. Such as M&amp;A opportunities or external shocks.
This shift reflects growing recognition of the uncertainties inherent in modern financial markets. By prioritizing adaptability and incorporating shorter-term programs, companies can better navigate volatile environments while preserving strategic flexibility. As Ali Farhan, Director of Strategic Equity Solutions at Citi, notes: &#8220;Since COVID, we've seen more buybacks run on a quarterly basis, which are shorter-dated programs than before. It's a lot easier for companies to take a three-to-six-month view rather than a 12-month or two-year view.&#8221;
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Conclusion</h2>
Share buybacks remain a powerful tool for enhancing shareholder value but require careful consideration of the associated risks and challenges. Issuers must navigate complex regulatory landscapes, manage relationships with executing brokers, and anticipate potential disruptions to their business environment. By adopting flexible, strategically aligned approaches, companies can optimize the benefits of buyback programs while mitigating their downside risks. As financial markets continue to evolve, the ability to adapt and innovate will be crucial for success in this domain.

Share Buybacks And Their Complexities

Saia, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SAIA#NASDAQ">SAIA</a>) posted better-than-expected results for its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SAIA/earnings">fourth quarter on Monday</a>.
The company posted GAAP earnings of $2.84 per share, beating market estimates of $2.80 per share. The company's quarterly sales came in at $788.952 million versus expectations of $786.523 million.
Saia President and CEO, Fritz Holzgrefe, commented on the year stating, &#8220;I am pleased with the progress we made this year, as we opened 21 new terminals and relocated 9 others, further enhancing our service offerings in both new and existing markets. We are proud to bring our 100th year in operation to a close with 214 terminals and our ability to provide direct service to all 48 contiguous states, positioning us as a leading national carrier. We remain focused on operational excellence and are pleased with customer acceptance thus far. We onboarded approximately 1,300 new team members during the year and closed 2024 with over 15,000 employees company-wide.&#8221;
Saia shares gained 0.6% to trade at $473.12 on Tuesday.
These analysts made changes to their price targets on Saia following earnings announcement.
<ul>
<li>B of A Securities analyst Ken Hoexter maintained Saia with a Buy and lowered the price target from $600 to $565.</li>
<li>Wells Fargo analyst Christian Wetherbee maintained the stock with an Equal-Weight rating and lowered the price target from $550 to $510.</li>
<li>JP Morgan analyst Brian Ossenbeck maintained the stock with an Overweight and lowered the price target from $566 to $558.</li>
<li>Susquehanna analyst Bascome Majors maintained Saia with a Neutral and raised the price target from $530 to $540.</li>
<li>Raymond James analyst Patrick Tyler Brown maintained the stock with an Outperform rating and lowered the price target from $560 to $540.</li>
</ul>
Considering buying SAIA stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="581" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/04112904/image-25-1024x581.png" alt="" class="wp-image-765184" style="width:585px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/04112904/image-25-1024x581.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/04112904/image-25-300x170.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/04112904/image-25-768x436.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/04112904/image-25.png 1123w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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These Analysts Revise Their Forecasts On Saia After Q4 Results

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Morgan Stanley analyst Joseph Moore maintains Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) with a Equal-Weight and lowers the price target from $158 to $147.

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