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GigCapital7 Corp is a Private-to-Public Equity (PPE) company, also known as a blank check company or special purpose acquisition company.

GigCapital7 Corp

Crypto
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42682141/dogecoin-price-down-4-what-is-going-on">Dogecoin Price Down 4%: What Is Going On?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42680005/dogecoin-shiba-inu-or-pepe-which-were-the-top-performing-meme-coins-in-2024-the-answer-might-surprise-you">Dogecoin, Shiba Inu, Or Pepe? Which Was The Top-Performing Meme Coin In 2024? The Answer Might Surprise You</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42679909/bitcoin-hedge-funds-get-green-light-in-israel-6-investment-houses-ready-to-launch-before-new-year">Bitcoin Hedge Funds Get Green Light In Israel: 6 Investment Houses Ready To Launch Before New Year</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42679707/bitcoin-ethereum-gain-dogecoin-slips-as-sentiment-turns-positive-on-christmas-analyst-throws-reality-check-for-overexcited-participants">Bitcoin, Ethereum Rise, Dogecoin Slides Amid Positive Christmas Sentiment: Analyst Cautions $110K Target For BTC Possible Only When&#8230;</a></li>
</ul>
US Markets­­­­­­­­
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42681352/us-futures-tumble-after-christmas-break-but-analysts-still-expect-a-santa-claus-rally">US Stocks Likely To Open In Red After Christmas Break But Analysts Still Expect A Santa Rally Into The New Year</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/12/42680825/sp-500-surges-over-1-as-santa-rally-kicks-off-tesla-nvidia-gain-greed-index-remains-in-fear-zone">S&amp;P 500 Surges Over 1% As Santa Rally Kicks Off, Tesla, Nvidia Gain: Greed Index Remains In &#8216;Fear&#8217; Zone</a></li>
</ul>
US Politics
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/12/42681769/84-counties-that-flipped-to-trump-could-see-home-prices-rise-faster">84 Counties That Flipped To Trump Could See Home Prices Rise Faster</a></li>
</ul>
World Politics
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42679787/hardline-iran-turning-soft-reformist-government-lifts-whatsapp-google-play-ban-promises-this-path-will-continue">Iran Turning Soft? Reformist Government Lifts WhatsApp, Google Play Ban — Promises &#8216;This Path Will Continue&#8217;</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42679581/trump-effect-denmark-boosts-greenlands-defense-budget-amid-president-elects-renewed-acquisition-interest">Trump Effect? Denmark Boosts Greenland&#8217;s Defense Budget Amid President-Elect&#8217;s Renewed Acquisition Interest</a></li>
</ul>
US Economy
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42679657/el-erian-explains-why-us-economy-is-likely-to-continue-outperforming-other-major-economies-in-2025">El Erian Explains Why US Economy Is &#8216;Likely To Continue Outperforming Other Major Economies In 2025&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
World Economy
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/forex/24/12/42681267/asian-markets-up-europe-closed-dollar-hovers-near-2-year-high-global-markets-today-while-us-slept">Asian Markets Up, Europe Closed; Dollar Hovers Near 2-Year High &#8211; Global Markets Today While US Slept</a></li>
</ul>
Tech
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42681797/should-you-buy-or-sell-this-nvidia-rival-analysts-weigh-in-as-technicals-signal-a-downtrend">Should You Buy or Sell This Nvidia Rival? Analysts Weigh In As Technicals Signal A Downtrend</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42681649/zoomcar-stock-zooms-over-100-on-booking-surge-and-website-upgrades">Zoomcar Stock Zooms Over 100% On Booking Surge And Website Upgrades: Details</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42681635/nvidia-surpasses-tesla-as-retail-investors-top-pick-in-2024-individual-shareholders-pour-nearly-30b-into-jensen-huangs-ai-giant">Nvidia Surpasses Tesla As Retail Investors&#8217; Top Pick In 2024: Individual Shareholders Pour Nearly $30B Into Jensen Huang&#8217;s AI Giant</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42681234/microstrategy-stock-tumbles-over-4-in-thursday-premarket-whats-going-on">MicroStrategy Stock Tumbles Over 4% In Thursday Premarket: What&#8217;s Going On?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42681123/ai-smartphones-to-cushion-semiconductor-industry-amid-data-center-uncertainty-report">AI Smartphones To Cushion Semiconductor Industry Amid Data Center Uncertainty: Report</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42680655/alibaba-nears-4b-e-commerce-merger-with-south-koreas-e-mart-report">Alibaba Nears $4B E-Commerce Merger With South Korea&#8217;s E-Mart: Report</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42680434/stressed-amazon-driver-dumps-80-packages-in-massachusetts-woods-amid-christmas-holiday-rush">Stressed&#8217; Amazon Driver Dumps 80 Packages In Massachusetts Woods Amid Christmas Holiday Rush</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/24/12/42680125/nvda-could-go-up-to-170-in-q1-after-breaching-145-level-as-traders-turn-bullish-on-jensen-huangs-ai-giant">NVDA Could Go Up To $170 In Q1 After Breaching $145 Level As Traders Turn Bullish On Jensen Huang&#8217;s AI Giant</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42680116/trump-linked-phunware-ceo-charts-overseas-plans-as-president-elect-makes-white-house-comeback-doesnt-end-on-election-day">Trump Linked Phunware CEO Charts &#8216;Overseas&#8217; Plans As President Elect Makes White House Comeback: &#8216;Helping Elected Figures… Doesn&#8217;t End On Election Day</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42678877/ubers-foodpanda-acquisition-blocked-in-taiwan-due-to-competition-concerns">Uber&#8217;s Foodpanda Acquisition Blocked in Taiwan Due to Competition Concerns</a></li>
</ul>
Electric Vehicle
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42681583/chinas-ev-industry-likely-to-outpace-us-and-allies-but-elon-musks-tesla-could-still-make-gains">China&#8217;s EV Industry Likely To Outpace US And Allies, But Elon Musk&#8217;s Tesla Could Still Make Gains</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/12/42681555/nio-announces-repurchase-opportunity-for-convertible-senior-notes-due-2027-firefly-app-gains-traction-in-china">NIO Announces Repurchase Opportunity For Convertible Senior Notes Due 2027; Firefly App Gains Traction In China</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42681165/nios-onvo-brand-helps-spur-delivery-growth-with-cheaper-offering">Nio&#8217;s Onvo Brand Helps Spur Delivery Growth With Cheaper Offering</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/12/42680844/byd-contractor-denies-allegations-of-slavery-like-working-conditions-at-factory-site-in-brazil">BYD Contractor Denies Allegations Of &#8216;Slavery-Like&#8217; Working Conditions At Factory Site In Brazil</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42680542/tesla-or-byd-which-ev-giant-will-sell-more-battery-electric-vehicles-in-q4">Tesla Or BYD: Which EV Giant Will Sell More Battery Electric Vehicles In Q4?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42680296/godfather-of-evs-warns-against-hybrid-focus-as-china-leads-ev-race-tariffs-just-make-indigenous-industry-lazy">&#8216;Godfather Of EVs&#8217; Warns Against Hybrid Focus As China Leads EV Race: &#8216;Tariffs Just Make Indigenous Industry Lazy&#8217;</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42680075/tesla-exec-says-we-will-be-ready-to-efficiently-produce-autonomous-vehicles-as-shanghai-megafactory-nears-completion">Tesla Exec Says &#8216;We Will Be Ready&#8217; To Efficiently Produce Autonomous Vehicles As Shanghai Megafactory Nears Completion</a></li>
</ul>
Consumer
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42680141/toyota-lexus-vehicle-sales-rose-over-4-in-november-in-north-america-thanks-to-black-friday-shoppers">Toyota, Lexus See November Sales Soar Over 4% In North America, Boosted By Black Friday Frenzy</a></li>
</ul>
Communication
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/12/42680367/tiktok-on-trial-supreme-court-prepares-to-weigh-national-security-risks">TikTok On Trial: Supreme Court Prepares To Weigh National Security Risks</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42680052/netflix-and-new-year-5-family-friendly-titles-for-the-ultimate-january-1-movie-marathon">Netflix And Chill: Here&#8217;s 5 Family-Friendly Titles Just Right For The Ultimate January 1 Movie Marathon</a></li>
</ul>
Healthcare
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/12/42682172/why-is-tscan-therapeutics-stock-gaining-today">Why Is TScan Therapeutics Stock Gaining Today?</a></li>
</ul>
Financial
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42681571/mark-cuban-once-preferred-dogecoin-over-bitcoin-for-settling-transactions-heres-how-much-youd-have-today-if-you-put-1000-in-the-memecoin-when-he-made-that-remark">Mark Cuban Once Preferred Dogecoin Over Bitcoin For Settling Transactions: Here&#8217;s How Much You&#8217;d Have Today If You Put $1000 In The Memecoin When He Made That Remark</a></li>
</ul>
General
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42680592/peter-thiel-once-said-he-would-bet-on-the-reversal-of-silicon-valleys-math-bias-as-ai-continues-to-rise-isnt-that-a-long-overdue-rebalancing-of-our-society">Peter Thiel Once Said He Would Bet On The Reversal Of Silicon Valley&#8217;s Math Bias As AI Continues To Rise: &#8216;Isn&#8217;t That A Long Overdue Rebalancing Of Our Society&#8217;</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42679687/mcdonalds-evangelion-collaboration-advert-catches-elon-musks-eye-heres-what-the-techno-king-shared">McDonald&#8217;s Evangelion Collaboration Advert Catches Elon Musk&#8217;s Eye. Here&#8217;s What The Techno King Shared</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Shutterstock

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

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

$ETH

Bitcoin, Ethereum Gain, Dogecoin Falls; Zoomcar Soars 100% On Booking Surge; China's EV Industry Outpaces Rivals, Tesla Still Poised For Gains - Top Headlines Today While US Slept

A new Messari report points to potential headwinds from regulatory uncertainty and broader economic vulnerabilities in its 2025 preview for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42457605/exclusive-experts-share-their-top-crypto-predictions-for-2025">the digital asset sector</a>.
What Happened: The <a href="https://messari.io/report-pdf/a929cd003f5eec790275e05ae8ef28cf4a6b4bfc.pdf">report</a> suggests that positive developments are counterbalanced by persistent risks, calling for a balanced outlook.
In 2024, traditional markets climbed a &#8220;wall of worry,&#8221; driven by a resilient U.S. economy and a shift toward easing monetary policy. 
Despite some volatility related to geopolitical tensions and the yen-carry trade, risk assets generally performed well. 
While the macroeconomic backdrop appears supportive for crypto in 2025, the report cautions that potential disappointments in the Trump presidency could undermine market sentiment.
Positive macro developments notwithstanding, the crypto market faced unique challenges this year.
Headwinds included German government selling, Mt. Gox distributions, a DOJ investigation into Tether (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">USDT</a>), and a hostile regulatory environment marked by SEC lawsuits against major industry players. 
The election of a new administration brought a shift in crypto policy expectations. 
Promises include forming a crypto advisory council, ending the &#8220;unlawful crypto crackdown,&#8221; and supporting Bitcoin mining. 
However, the report emphasizes that while a more favorable regulatory environment is anticipated, lasting clarity is expected to come from Congress rather than the SEC, creating potential risks.
The report indicates that stablecoin legislation is likely in 2025 with a robust state pathway for issuers.
Decentralized stablecoins may still face regulatory disadvantages, with Congress likely to take action to limit the illicit use of mixers while protecting financial privacy.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42667932/did-vladimir-putin-just-ban-bitcoin-mining-in-russia-the-devil-is-in-the-details">Did Vladimir Putin Just Ban Bitcoin Mining In Russia? The Devil Is In The Details</a>
Why It Matters: Institutions are increasing their involvement in crypto through ETF investments, tokenized treasuries and stablecoin initiatives.
Blackrock&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBIT#NASDAQ">IBIT</a>) ETF has shown rapid growth, and traditional firms are launching their own on-chain money market funds. 
The blurring of fintech, payments and crypto is accelerating, with firms like PayPal (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PYPL#NYSE">PYPL</a>) launching stablecoins on multiple chains.
The report emphasizes these developments as evidence of increased institutional confidence and concludes that despite positive shifts in policy and institutional involvement, the crypto industry&#8217;s risk is not insignificant.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42667518/deribit-eyes-growth-in-asset-backed-crypto-with-pax-gold-debut">Deribit Eyes Growth In Asset-Backed Crypto With Pax Gold Debut</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

News

$USDT

IBIT

PYPL

2025 Crypto Policy Preview Warns: Clarity Will Come From Congress, Not The SEC

In today's rapidly changing and fiercely competitive business landscape, it is vital for investors and industry enthusiasts to carefully evaluate companies. In this article, we will perform a comprehensive industry comparison, evaluating Amazon.com (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) against its key competitors in the Broadline Retail industry. By analyzing important financial metrics, market position, and growth prospects, we aim to provide valuable insights for investors and shed light on company's performance within the industry.
<h3>Amazon.com Background</h3>
Amazon is the leading online retailer and marketplace for third party sellers. Retail related revenue represents approximately 75% of total, followed by Amazon Web Services' cloud computing, storage, database, and other offerings (15%), advertising services (5% to 10%), and other the remainder. International segments constitute 25% to 30% of Amazon's non-AWS sales, led by Germany, the United Kingdom, and Japan.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>P/E</th>
<th>P/B</th>
<th>P/S</th>
<th>ROE</th>
<th>EBITDA (in billions)</th>
<th>Gross Profit (in billions)</th>
<th>Revenue Growth</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Amazon.com Inc</td>
<td>48.94</td>
<td>9.29</td>
<td>3.95</td>
<td>6.19%</td>
<td>$32.08</td>
<td>$31.0</td>
<td>11.04%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alibaba Group Holding Ltd</td>
<td>17.73</td>
<td>1.56</td>
<td>1.61</td>
<td>4.64%</td>
<td>$54.02</td>
<td>$92.47</td>
<td>5.21%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PDD Holdings Inc</td>
<td>9.90</td>
<td>3.63</td>
<td>2.88</td>
<td>9.38%</td>
<td>$29.18</td>
<td>$59.65</td>
<td>44.33%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MercadoLibre Inc</td>
<td>61.84</td>
<td>22.08</td>
<td>4.83</td>
<td>10.37%</td>
<td>$0.72</td>
<td>$2.44</td>
<td>35.27%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JD.com Inc</td>
<td>11.82</td>
<td>1.69</td>
<td>0.37</td>
<td>5.22%</td>
<td>$15.92</td>
<td>$45.04</td>
<td>5.12%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Coupang Inc</td>
<td>40.18</td>
<td>9.82</td>
<td>1.42</td>
<td>1.74%</td>
<td>$0.28</td>
<td>$2.27</td>
<td>27.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>eBay Inc</td>
<td>16.07</td>
<td>5.64</td>
<td>3.17</td>
<td>11.59%</td>
<td>$0.95</td>
<td>$1.85</td>
<td>3.04%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MINISO Group Holding Ltd</td>
<td>25.15</td>
<td>5.94</td>
<td>4.10</td>
<td>6.68%</td>
<td>$0.88</td>
<td>$2.03</td>
<td>19.29%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vipshop Holdings Ltd</td>
<td>6.55</td>
<td>1.36</td>
<td>0.49</td>
<td>2.76%</td>
<td>$1.47</td>
<td>$4.96</td>
<td>-9.18%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings Inc</td>
<td>35.38</td>
<td>4.50</td>
<td>3.26</td>
<td>2.24%</td>
<td>$0.06</td>
<td>$0.21</td>
<td>7.79%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dillard's Inc</td>
<td>11.74</td>
<td>3.69</td>
<td>1.10</td>
<td>6.37%</td>
<td>$0.21</td>
<td>$0.63</td>
<td>-3.53%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Macy's Inc</td>
<td>27.57</td>
<td>1.13</td>
<td>0.20</td>
<td>0.66%</td>
<td>$0.29</td>
<td>$2.04</td>
<td>-3.79%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nordstrom Inc</td>
<td>15.32</td>
<td>4.05</td>
<td>0.27</td>
<td>4.75%</td>
<td>$0.3</td>
<td>$1.31</td>
<td>4.34%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Savers Value Village Inc</td>
<td>22.28</td>
<td>3.79</td>
<td>1.13</td>
<td>5.09%</td>
<td>$0.07</td>
<td>$0.22</td>
<td>0.53%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kohl's Corp</td>
<td>6.48</td>
<td>0.42</td>
<td>0.10</td>
<td>0.58%</td>
<td>$0.28</td>
<td>$1.57</td>
<td>-8.49%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Groupon Inc</td>
<td>17.54</td>
<td>12.03</td>
<td>0.90</td>
<td>34.72%</td>
<td>$0.03</td>
<td>$0.1</td>
<td>-9.48%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hour Loop Inc</td>
<td>88</td>
<td>23.12</td>
<td>1.08</td>
<td>7.3%</td>
<td>$0.0</td>
<td>$0.02</td>
<td>6.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average</td>
<td>25.85</td>
<td>6.53</td>
<td>1.68</td>
<td>7.13%</td>
<td>$6.54</td>
<td>$13.55</td>
<td>7.77%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<style>
 table {
 width: 100%;
 border-collapse: collapse;
 font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
 font-size: 14px;
 }

 th, td {
 padding: 8px;
 text-align: left;
 }

 th {
 background-color: #293a5a;
 color: #fff;
 text-align: left;
 }

 tr:nth-child(even) {
 background-color: #f2f4f8;
 }

 tr:hover {
 background-color: #e1e4ea;
 }

 td:nth-child(3), td:nth-child(5) {
 text-align: left;
 }

 .dividend-amount {
 font-weight: bold;
 color: #0d6efd;
 }

 .dividend-frequency {
 font-size: 12px;
 color: #6c757d;
 }
 </style>After thoroughly examining Amazon.com, the following trends can be inferred: 
<ul>
<li>
At 48.94, the stock's Price to Earnings ratio significantly exceeds the industry average by 1.89x, suggesting a premium valuation relative to industry peers.
</li>
<li>
The elevated Price to Book ratio of 9.29 relative to the industry average by 1.42x suggests company might be overvalued based on its book value.
</li>
<li>
The Price to Sales ratio of 3.95, which is 2.35x the industry average, suggests the stock could potentially be overvalued in relation to its sales performance compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
With a Return on Equity (ROE) of 6.19% that is 0.94% below the industry average, it appears that the company exhibits potential inefficiency in utilizing equity to generate profits.
</li>
<li>
The company has higher Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of $32.08 Billion, which is 4.91x above the industry average, indicating stronger profitability and robust cash flow generation.
</li>
<li>
Compared to its industry, the company has higher gross profit of $31.0 Billion, which indicates 2.29x above the industry average, indicating stronger profitability and higher earnings from its core operations.
</li>
<li>
With a revenue growth of 11.04%, which surpasses the industry average of 7.77%, the company is demonstrating robust sales expansion and gaining market share.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Debt To Equity Ratio</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735225242_0.png" alt="debt to equity" />
The debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio assesses the extent to which a company relies on borrowed funds compared to its equity.
Considering the debt-to-equity ratio in industry comparisons allows for a concise evaluation of a company's financial health and risk profile, aiding in informed decision-making.
When assessing Amazon.com against its top 4 peers using the Debt-to-Equity ratio, the following comparisons can be made:
<ul>
<li>
Amazon.com demonstrates a stronger financial position compared to its top 4 peers in the sector.
</li>
<li>
With a lower debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, the company relies less on debt financing and maintains a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Takeaways</h3>
For Amazon.com, the PE, PB, and PS ratios are all high compared to its peers in the Broadline Retail industry, indicating that the stock may be overvalued. The low ROE suggests that Amazon.com is not generating strong returns on shareholder equity. However, the high EBITDA, gross profit, and revenue growth show that the company is performing well in terms of operational efficiency and revenue generation within the industry sector.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Markets

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AMZN

Insights Into Amazon.com's Performance Versus Peers In Broadline Retail Sector

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40605821/charlie-munger-said-you-dont-need-to-own-a-lot-of-things-in-order-to-get-rich-but-believed-you-a">Charlie Munger's wit, wisdom and unapologetic candor</a> were on full display during a fireside chat in 2014, during which he delved into everything from Benjamin Graham&#8217;s genius to the simplicity behind Berkshire Hathaway's success.&nbsp;
Now, reflecting on his life after his passing last year, these quotes carry an even sharper edge. Munger, who famously partnered with Warren Buffett for decades, had a knack for making complex ideas sound almost insultingly simple. But that's the thing – what sounded simple was usually a lifetime of distilled brilliance.
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Take his view on Benjamin Graham, for example. Graham, the legendary "father of value investing," <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42624559/warren-buffett-says-a-surge-in-people-doing-big-dumb-things-is-tied-to-historically-easy-access-to-other-peoples-money">changed Warren Buffett's life</a>. To Buffett, Graham was almost a deity and his teachings formed the bedrock of Buffett's early investing philosophy. Munger, however, wasn't one to worship at the same altar.
"I don't love Ben Graham and his ideas the way Warren does," Munger admitted. "His methods were shaped by the Great Crash and the Depression and they left him with a permanent sense of fear about what the market could do." Munger saw Graham's cigar-butt investing strategy – buying dirt-cheap companies with little growth potential – as "a snare and a delusion." He bluntly concluded that Graham, while brilliant, "wasn't nearly as good an investor as Warren Buffett is or even as good as I am."
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But here's where Munger's genius shines: his insistence on knowing what you don't know. "Knowing what you don't know is more useful than being brilliant," he said, channeling Confucius, Aristotle and Socrates all at once. Munger likened it to the survival instincts of a tightrope walker who can't afford to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42597180/even-in-2023-charlie-munger-said-elon-musk-overestimates-himself-but-credited-his-success-to-one-key-factor">overestimate his abilities</a>. This relentless focus on self-awareness, rather than intellectual showmanship, is what set Munger and Buffett apart.
When it came to Berkshire Hathaway, Munger was equally unromantic. "There isn't one novel thought in all of how Berkshire is run," he said. Instead, it was about what his friend Peter Kaufman called "exploiting unrecognized simplicities." At its core, Berkshire was a community of like-minded people making decisions that often felt like no-brainers, thanks to their shared values.
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"Warren and I aren't prodigies," Munger confessed. "We can't play chess blindfolded or be concert pianists. But the results are prodigious." And that's the paradox of Munger's brilliance. He and Buffett didn't aim to dazzle with raw IQ; they simply played the long game, avoided stupid mistakes and refused to get swept up in the chaos of quarterly earnings.
Munger also touched on Berkshire's culture of candor: "Warren likes to say, ‘Just tell us the bad news; the good news can wait.'" This emphasis on honesty and long-term over short-term results wasn't just a strategy – it was a philosophy that built trust and prevented small problems from turning into disasters.
Now, with Munger gone, his words take on the weight of legacy. They're <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/11/41909554/warren-buffett-told-young-investors-to-buy-homes-instead-of-stocks-calling-30-year-mortgages-a-terrific-deal">not just advice for investors – </a>they're a blueprint for thinking clearly in a noisy, overcomplicated world. It's a reminder that brilliance isn't about knowing everything; it's about knowing what matters – and, just as importantly, what doesn't.
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Personal Finance

'Warren And I Aren't Prodigies'– Charlie Munger Said 'Knowing What You Don't Know Is More Useful Than Being Brilliant'

In today's rapidly changing and highly competitive business world, it is imperative for investors and industry observers to carefully assess companies before making investment choices. In this article, we will undertake a comprehensive industry comparison, evaluating Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) vis-à-vis its key competitors in the Interactive Media &amp; Services industry. Through a detailed analysis of important financial indicators, market standing, and growth potential, our goal is to provide valuable insights and highlight company's performance in the industry.
<h3>Meta Platforms Background</h3>
Meta is the largest social media company in the world, boasting close to 4 billion monthly active users worldwide. The firm's "Family of Apps," its core business, consists of Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, and WhatsApp. End users can leverage these applications for a variety of different purposes, from keeping in touch with friends to following celebrities and running digital businesses for free. Meta packages customer data, gleaned from its application ecosystem and sells ads to digital advertisers. While the firm has been investing heavily in its Reality Labs business, it remains a very small part of Meta's overall sales.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>P/E</th>
<th>P/B</th>
<th>P/S</th>
<th>ROE</th>
<th>EBITDA (in billions)</th>
<th>Gross Profit (in billions)</th>
<th>Revenue Growth</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Meta Platforms Inc</td>
<td>28.68</td>
<td>9.33</td>
<td>10.20</td>
<td>9.77%</td>
<td>$22.06</td>
<td>$33.21</td>
<td>18.87%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Alphabet Inc</td>
<td>26.01</td>
<td>7.64</td>
<td>7.22</td>
<td>8.55%</td>
<td>$35.74</td>
<td>$51.79</td>
<td>15.09%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Baidu Inc</td>
<td>11.69</td>
<td>0.87</td>
<td>1.68</td>
<td>2.98%</td>
<td>$9.27</td>
<td>$17.16</td>
<td>-2.58%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pinterest Inc</td>
<td>93.44</td>
<td>6.98</td>
<td>5.98</td>
<td>1.0%</td>
<td>$-0.0</td>
<td>$0.71</td>
<td>17.71%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Kanzhun Ltd</td>
<td>31.26</td>
<td>2.99</td>
<td>6.44</td>
<td>3.18%</td>
<td>$0.33</td>
<td>$1.6</td>
<td>18.98%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ZoomInfo Technologies Inc</td>
<td>359.67</td>
<td>2.22</td>
<td>3.30</td>
<td>1.35%</td>
<td>$0.07</td>
<td>$0.26</td>
<td>-3.25%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Yelp Inc</td>
<td>23.76</td>
<td>3.47</td>
<td>2.02</td>
<td>5.21%</td>
<td>$0.06</td>
<td>$0.33</td>
<td>4.41%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JOYY Inc</td>
<td>12.65</td>
<td>0.43</td>
<td>1.16</td>
<td>1.17%</td>
<td>$0.06</td>
<td>$0.21</td>
<td>-1.48%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Weibo Corp</td>
<td>6.79</td>
<td>0.67</td>
<td>1.46</td>
<td>3.78%</td>
<td>$0.14</td>
<td>$0.37</td>
<td>5.05%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ziff Davis Inc</td>
<td>42.06</td>
<td>1.37</td>
<td>1.85</td>
<td>-2.68%</td>
<td>$0.02</td>
<td>$0.3</td>
<td>3.69%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tripadvisor Inc</td>
<td>55.42</td>
<td>2.13</td>
<td>1.18</td>
<td>4.33%</td>
<td>$0.1</td>
<td>$0.48</td>
<td>-0.19%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hello Group Inc</td>
<td>7.89</td>
<td>0.83</td>
<td>0.94</td>
<td>4.03%</td>
<td>$0.56</td>
<td>$1.05</td>
<td>-12.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average</td>
<td>60.97</td>
<td>2.69</td>
<td>3.02</td>
<td>2.99%</td>
<td>$4.21</td>
<td>$6.75</td>
<td>4.12%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
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 table {
 width: 100%;
 border-collapse: collapse;
 font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
 font-size: 14px;
 }

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 padding: 8px;
 text-align: left;
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 th {
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 </style>Through an analysis of Meta Platforms, we can infer the following trends: 
<ul>
<li>
The stock's Price to Earnings ratio of 28.68 is lower than the industry average by 0.47x, suggesting potential value in the eyes of market participants.
</li>
<li>
The elevated Price to Book ratio of 9.33 relative to the industry average by 3.47x suggests company might be overvalued based on its book value.
</li>
<li>
The stock's relatively high Price to Sales ratio of 10.2, surpassing the industry average by 3.38x, may indicate an aspect of overvaluation in terms of sales performance.
</li>
<li>
The Return on Equity (ROE) of 9.77% is 6.78% above the industry average, highlighting efficient use of equity to generate profits.
</li>
<li>
With higher Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of $22.06 Billion, which is 5.24x above the industry average, the company demonstrates stronger profitability and robust cash flow generation.
</li>
<li>
The gross profit of $33.21 Billion is 4.92x above that of its industry, highlighting stronger profitability and higher earnings from its core operations.
</li>
<li>
The company's revenue growth of 18.87% is notably higher compared to the industry average of 4.12%, showcasing exceptional sales performance and strong demand for its products or services.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Debt To Equity Ratio</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735225233_0.png" alt="debt to equity" />
The debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio is a key indicator of a company's financial health and its reliance on debt financing.
Considering the debt-to-equity ratio in industry comparisons allows for a concise evaluation of a company's financial health and risk profile, aiding in informed decision-making.
In terms of the Debt-to-Equity ratio, Meta Platforms can be assessed by comparing it to its top 4 peers, resulting in the following observations:
<ul>
<li>
Meta Platforms demonstrates a stronger financial position compared to its top 4 peers in the sector.
</li>
<li>
With a lower debt-to-equity ratio of 0.3, the company relies less on debt financing and maintains a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Takeaways</h3>
For Meta Platforms, the PE ratio is low compared to peers, indicating potential undervaluation. The high PB and PS ratios suggest the market values the company's assets and sales highly. In terms of ROE, EBITDA, gross profit, and revenue growth, Meta Platforms outperforms its industry peers, reflecting strong financial performance and growth potential.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Industry Comparison: Evaluating Meta Platforms Against Competitors In Interactive Media &amp; Services Industry

In today's fast-paced and competitive business landscape, it is essential for investors and industry enthusiasts to thoroughly analyze companies before making investment decisions. In this article, we will conduct a comprehensive industry comparison, evaluating Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) against its key competitors in the Technology Hardware, Storage &amp; Peripherals industry. By examining key financial metrics, market position, and growth prospects, we aim to provide valuable insights for investors and shed light on company's performance within the industry.
<h3>Apple Background</h3>
Apple is among the largest companies in the world, with a broad portfolio of hardware and software products targeted at consumers and businesses. Apple's iPhone makes up a majority of the firm sales, and Apple's other products like Mac, iPad, and Watch are designed around the iPhone as the focal point of an expansive software ecosystem. Apple has progressively worked to add new applications, like streaming video, subscription bundles, and augmented reality. The firm designs its own software and semiconductors while working with subcontractors like Foxconn and TSMC to build its products and chips. Slightly less than half of Apple's sales come directly through its flagship stores, with a majority of sales coming indirectly through partnerships and distribution.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>P/E</th>
<th>P/B</th>
<th>P/S</th>
<th>ROE</th>
<th>EBITDA (in billions)</th>
<th>Gross Profit (in billions)</th>
<th>Revenue Growth</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Apple Inc</td>
<td>42.47</td>
<td>68.53</td>
<td>10.17</td>
<td>23.83%</td>
<td>$32.5</td>
<td>$43.88</td>
<td>6.07%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co</td>
<td>11.34</td>
<td>1.16</td>
<td>0.97</td>
<td>5.72%</td>
<td>$1.44</td>
<td>$2.61</td>
<td>15.06%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NetApp Inc</td>
<td>21.89</td>
<td>27.09</td>
<td>3.88</td>
<td>32.84%</td>
<td>$0.44</td>
<td>$1.18</td>
<td>6.15%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Western Digital Corp</td>
<td>67.80</td>
<td>1.83</td>
<td>1.44</td>
<td>4.28%</td>
<td>$0.86</td>
<td>$1.55</td>
<td>48.91%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pure Storage Inc</td>
<td>166.03</td>
<td>14.98</td>
<td>7.50</td>
<td>4.44%</td>
<td>$0.08</td>
<td>$0.54</td>
<td>8.81%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Super Micro Computer Inc</td>
<td>17.09</td>
<td>3.68</td>
<td>1.38</td>
<td>6.68%</td>
<td>$0.4</td>
<td>$0.6</td>
<td>37.87%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eastman Kodak Co</td>
<td>10.21</td>
<td>0.59</td>
<td>0.62</td>
<td>1.34%</td>
<td>$0.04</td>
<td>$0.04</td>
<td>-2.97%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Turtle Beach Corp</td>
<td>53.42</td>
<td>3.27</td>
<td>0.98</td>
<td>3.3%</td>
<td>$0.01</td>
<td>$0.03</td>
<td>59.51%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AstroNova Inc</td>
<td>26.47</td>
<td>1.10</td>
<td>0.67</td>
<td>0.26%</td>
<td>$0.0</td>
<td>$0.01</td>
<td>7.65%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average</td>
<td>46.78</td>
<td>6.71</td>
<td>2.18</td>
<td>7.36%</td>
<td>$0.41</td>
<td>$0.82</td>
<td>22.62%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<style>
 table {
 width: 100%;
 border-collapse: collapse;
 font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
 font-size: 14px;
 }

 th, td {
 padding: 8px;
 text-align: left;
 }

 th {
 background-color: #293a5a;
 color: #fff;
 text-align: left;
 }

 tr:nth-child(even) {
 background-color: #f2f4f8;
 }

 tr:hover {
 background-color: #e1e4ea;
 }

 td:nth-child(3), td:nth-child(5) {
 text-align: left;
 }

 .dividend-amount {
 font-weight: bold;
 color: #0d6efd;
 }

 .dividend-frequency {
 font-size: 12px;
 color: #6c757d;
 }
 </style>By conducting a comprehensive analysis of Apple, the following trends become evident: 
<ul>
<li>
A Price to Earnings ratio of 42.47 significantly below the industry average by 0.91x suggests undervaluation. This can make the stock appealing for those seeking growth.
</li>
<li>
The elevated Price to Book ratio of 68.53 relative to the industry average by 10.21x suggests company might be overvalued based on its book value.
</li>
<li>
With a relatively high Price to Sales ratio of 10.17, which is 4.67x the industry average, the stock might be considered overvalued based on sales performance.
</li>
<li>
The company has a higher Return on Equity (ROE) of 23.83%, which is 16.47% above the industry average. This suggests efficient use of equity to generate profits and demonstrates profitability and growth potential.
</li>
<li>
Compared to its industry, the company has higher Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of $32.5 Billion, which is 79.27x above the industry average, indicating stronger profitability and robust cash flow generation.
</li>
<li>
With higher gross profit of $43.88 Billion, which indicates 53.51x above the industry average, the company demonstrates stronger profitability and higher earnings from its core operations.
</li>
<li>
The company's revenue growth of 6.07% is significantly lower compared to the industry average of 22.62%. This indicates a potential fall in the company's sales performance.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Debt To Equity Ratio</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735225225_0.png" alt="debt to equity" />
The debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio indicates the proportion of debt and equity used by a company to finance its assets and operations.
Considering the debt-to-equity ratio in industry comparisons allows for a concise evaluation of a company's financial health and risk profile, aiding in informed decision-making.
When evaluating Apple alongside its top 4 peers in terms of the Debt-to-Equity ratio, the following insights arise:
<ul>
<li>
In terms of the debt-to-equity ratio, Apple is positioned in the middle among its top 4 peers.
</li>
<li>
This suggests a relatively balanced financial structure, where the company maintains a moderate level of debt while also utilizing equity financing with a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.87.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Takeaways</h3>
For Apple in the Technology Hardware, Storage &amp; Peripherals industry, the PE, PB, and PS ratios indicate that the stock is relatively undervalued compared to its peers. However, the high ROE, EBITDA, gross profit, and low revenue growth suggest that Apple is performing well financially but may be facing challenges in revenue expansion within the industry sector.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

AAPL

Understanding Apple's Position In Technology Hardware, Storage &amp; Peripherals Industry Compared To Competitors

In the fast-paced and highly competitive business world of today, conducting thorough company analysis is essential for investors and industry observers. In this article, we will conduct an extensive industry comparison, evaluating Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) in relation to its major competitors in the Software industry. Through a detailed examination of key financial metrics, market standing, and growth prospects, our objective is to provide valuable insights and illuminate company's performance in the industry.
<h3>Microsoft Background</h3>
Microsoft develops and licenses consumer and enterprise software. It is known for its Windows operating systems and Office productivity suite. The company is organized into three equally sized broad segments: productivity and business processes (legacy Microsoft Office, cloud-based Office 365, Exchange, SharePoint, Skype, LinkedIn, Dynamics), intelligence cloud (infrastructure- and platform-as-a-service offerings Azure, Windows Server OS, SQL Server), and more personal computing (Windows Client, Xbox, Bing search, display advertising, and Surface laptops, tablets, and desktops).
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>P/E</th>
<th>P/B</th>
<th>P/S</th>
<th>ROE</th>
<th>EBITDA (in billions)</th>
<th>Gross Profit (in billions)</th>
<th>Revenue Growth</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Microsoft Corp</td>
<td>36.28</td>
<td>11.35</td>
<td>12.91</td>
<td>8.87%</td>
<td>$38.23</td>
<td>$45.49</td>
<td>16.04%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Oracle Corp</td>
<td>41.91</td>
<td>34.88</td>
<td>8.87</td>
<td>25.66%</td>
<td>$5.75</td>
<td>$9.97</td>
<td>8.64%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ServiceNow Inc</td>
<td>172.21</td>
<td>24.55</td>
<td>21.94</td>
<td>4.81%</td>
<td>$0.67</td>
<td>$2.21</td>
<td>22.25%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Palo Alto Networks Inc</td>
<td>49.16</td>
<td>21.04</td>
<td>16.24</td>
<td>6.33%</td>
<td>$0.45</td>
<td>$1.58</td>
<td>13.88%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CrowdStrike Holdings Inc</td>
<td>717.24</td>
<td>29.46</td>
<td>24.45</td>
<td>-0.57%</td>
<td>$0.05</td>
<td>$0.76</td>
<td>28.52%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fortinet Inc</td>
<td>49.15</td>
<td>82.55</td>
<td>13.21</td>
<td>90.26%</td>
<td>$0.66</td>
<td>$1.24</td>
<td>13.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Gen Digital Inc</td>
<td>28.13</td>
<td>8.18</td>
<td>4.56</td>
<td>7.92%</td>
<td>$0.51</td>
<td>$0.78</td>
<td>3.07%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Monday.Com Ltd</td>
<td>546.05</td>
<td>12.06</td>
<td>13.31</td>
<td>-1.28%</td>
<td>$-0.02</td>
<td>$0.23</td>
<td>32.67%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dolby Laboratories Inc</td>
<td>29.10</td>
<td>3.02</td>
<td>5.98</td>
<td>2.39%</td>
<td>$0.07</td>
<td>$0.27</td>
<td>4.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CommVault Systems Inc</td>
<td>40.03</td>
<td>24.82</td>
<td>7.93</td>
<td>5.56%</td>
<td>$0.02</td>
<td>$0.19</td>
<td>16.06%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>QXO Inc</td>
<td>27.51</td>
<td>1.41</td>
<td>25.06</td>
<td>-0.21%</td>
<td>$-0.03</td>
<td>$0.01</td>
<td>-2.0%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Qualys Inc</td>
<td>31.26</td>
<td>11.52</td>
<td>8.97</td>
<td>10.53%</td>
<td>$0.05</td>
<td>$0.13</td>
<td>8.36%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Teradata Corp</td>
<td>37.76</td>
<td>24.58</td>
<td>1.77</td>
<td>32.0%</td>
<td>$0.08</td>
<td>$0.27</td>
<td>0.46%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Progress Software Corp</td>
<td>35.62</td>
<td>6.68</td>
<td>4.11</td>
<td>6.88%</td>
<td>$0.06</td>
<td>$0.15</td>
<td>2.11%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SolarWinds Corp</td>
<td>65.64</td>
<td>1.81</td>
<td>3.15</td>
<td>0.94%</td>
<td>$0.07</td>
<td>$0.18</td>
<td>5.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average</td>
<td>133.63</td>
<td>20.47</td>
<td>11.4</td>
<td>13.66%</td>
<td>$0.6</td>
<td>$1.28</td>
<td>11.24%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<style>
 table {
 width: 100%;
 border-collapse: collapse;
 font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
 font-size: 14px;
 }

 th, td {
 padding: 8px;
 text-align: left;
 }

 th {
 background-color: #293a5a;
 color: #fff;
 text-align: left;
 }

 tr:nth-child(even) {
 background-color: #f2f4f8;
 }

 tr:hover {
 background-color: #e1e4ea;
 }

 td:nth-child(3), td:nth-child(5) {
 text-align: left;
 }

 .dividend-amount {
 font-weight: bold;
 color: #0d6efd;
 }

 .dividend-frequency {
 font-size: 12px;
 color: #6c757d;
 }
 </style>By conducting a comprehensive analysis of Microsoft, the following trends become evident: 
<ul>
<li>
The Price to Earnings ratio of 36.28 is 0.27x lower than the industry average, indicating potential undervaluation for the stock.
</li>
<li>
With a Price to Book ratio of 11.35, significantly falling below the industry average by 0.55x, it suggests undervaluation and the possibility of untapped growth prospects.
</li>
<li>
The stock's relatively high Price to Sales ratio of 12.91, surpassing the industry average by 1.13x, may indicate an aspect of overvaluation in terms of sales performance.
</li>
<li>
With a Return on Equity (ROE) of 8.87% that is 4.79% below the industry average, it appears that the company exhibits potential inefficiency in utilizing equity to generate profits.
</li>
<li>
The Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of $38.23 Billion is 63.72x above the industry average, highlighting stronger profitability and robust cash flow generation.
</li>
<li>
The company has higher gross profit of $45.49 Billion, which indicates 35.54x above the industry average, indicating stronger profitability and higher earnings from its core operations.
</li>
<li>
With a revenue growth of 16.04%, which surpasses the industry average of 11.24%, the company is demonstrating robust sales expansion and gaining market share.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Debt To Equity Ratio</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735225217_0.png" alt="debt to equity" />
The debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio measures the financial leverage of a company by evaluating its debt relative to its equity.
Considering the debt-to-equity ratio in industry comparisons allows for a concise evaluation of a company's financial health and risk profile, aiding in informed decision-making.
By analyzing Microsoft in relation to its top 4 peers based on the Debt-to-Equity ratio, the following insights can be derived:
<ul>
<li>
Microsoft is in a relatively stronger financial position compared to its top 4 peers, as evidenced by its lower debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21.
</li>
<li>
This implies that the company relies less on debt financing and has a more favorable balance between debt and equity.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Takeaways</h3>
The low PE and PB ratios suggest that Microsoft is undervalued compared to its peers in the Software industry. However, the high PS ratio indicates that the market values Microsoft's revenue more highly. In terms of ROE, EBITDA, gross profit, and revenue growth, Microsoft demonstrates strong performance relative to its industry competitors, reflecting its efficient operations and growth potential.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

MSFT

Analyzing Microsoft In Comparison To Competitors In Software Industry

Looking into the current session, Teledyne Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TDY#NYSE">TDY</a>) shares are trading at $474.59, after a 0.09% decrease. Over the past month, the stock fell by 2.74%, but over the past year, it actually spiked by 5.75%. With questionable short-term performance like this, and great long-term performance, long-term shareholders might want to start looking into the company's price-to-earnings ratio. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735225212_0.png" alt="Past Year Chart" />

<h3>How Does Teledyne Technologies P/E Compare to Other Companies?</h3>
The P/E ratio is used by long-term shareholders to assess the company's market performance against aggregate market data, historical earnings, and the industry at large. A lower P/E could indicate that shareholders do not expect the stock to perform better in the future or it could mean that the company is undervalued. 
Compared to the aggregate P/E ratio of the 41.82 in the Electronic Equipment, Instruments &amp; Components industry, Teledyne Technologies Inc. has a lower P/E ratio of 24.05. Shareholders might be inclined to think that the stock might perform worse than it's industry peers. It's also possible that the stock is undervalued. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735225213_1.png" alt="Guage" />

In conclusion, the price-to-earnings ratio is a useful metric for analyzing a company's market performance, but it has its limitations. While a lower P/E can indicate that a company is undervalued, it can also suggest that shareholders do not expect future growth. Additionally, the P/E ratio should not be used in isolation, as other factors such as industry trends and business cycles can also impact a company's stock price. Therefore, investors should use the P/E ratio in conjunction with other financial metrics and qualitative analysis to make informed investment decisions.

Intraday Update

A Look Into Teledyne Technologies Inc's Price Over Earnings

A substantial insider activity was disclosed on December 26, as Morefield, Director at Copart (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPRT#NASDAQ">CPRT</a>), reported the exercise of a large sell of company stock options.
What Happened: Morefield, Director at Copart, made a strategic move by exercising stock options for 50,000 shares of CPRT as detailed in a Form 4 filing on Thursday with the <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/0000900075/000162828024052402//Archives/edgar/data/900075/000162828024052402/0001628280-24-052402-index.htm">U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission</a>. The transaction value amounted to $1,972,000.
As of Thursday morning, Copart shares are down by 0.49%, with a current price of $58.82. This implies that Morefield's 50,000 shares have a value of $1,972,000.
<h3>Discovering Copart: A Closer Look</h3>
Based in Dallas, Copart operates an online salvage vehicle auction with operations in 11 countries across North America, Europe, and the Middle East, facilitating over 3.5 million transactions annually. The company utilizes its virtual bidding platform, VB3, to connect vehicle sellers with over 750,000 registered buyers around the world. Buyers primarily consist of vehicle dismantlers, rebuilders, individuals and used vehicle retailers. About 80% of Copart's vehicle volume is supplied by auto insurance companies holding vehicles deemed a total loss. Copart also offers services such as vehicle transportation, storage, title transfer, and salvage value estimation. The company primarily operates on a consignment basis and collects fees based on the vehicle's final selling price.
<h3>Key Indicators: Copart's Financial Health</h3>
Revenue Growth: Copart displayed positive results in 3 months. As of 31 October, 2024, the company achieved a solid revenue growth rate of approximately 12.39%. This indicates a notable increase in the company's top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company stands out with a growth rate higher than the average among peers in the Industrials sector.
Analyzing Profitability Metrics:
<ul>
<li>
Gross Margin: The company maintains a high gross margin of 44.65%, indicating strong cost management and profitability compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
Earnings per Share (EPS): Copart's EPS reflects a decline, falling below the industry average with a current EPS of 0.38.
</li>
</ul>
Debt Management: Copart's debt-to-equity ratio is below industry norms, indicating a sound financial structure with a ratio of 0.01.
Understanding Financial Valuation:
<ul>
<li>
Price to Earnings (P/E) Ratio: The P/E ratio of 41.34 is lower than the industry average, implying a discounted valuation for Copart's stock.
</li>
<li>
Price to Sales (P/S) Ratio: With a relatively high Price to Sales ratio of 13.22 as compared to the industry average, the stock might be considered overvalued based on sales performance.
</li>
<li>
EV/EBITDA Analysis (Enterprise Value to its Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation &amp; Amortization): With an EV/EBITDA ratio of 29.9, the company's market valuation exceeds industry averages.
</li>
</ul>
Market Capitalization: Positioned above industry average, the company's market capitalization underscores its superiority in size, indicative of a strong market presence.
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<h3>The Relevance of Insider Transactions</h3>
Insider transactions shouldn't be used primarily to make an investing decision, however an insider transaction can be an important factor in the investing decision. 
Within the legal framework, an "insider" is defined as any officer, director, or beneficial owner holding more than ten percent of a company's equity securities as per Section 12 of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. This includes executives in the c-suite and major hedge funds. These insiders are mandated to disclose their transactions through a Form 4 filing, to be submitted within two business days of the transaction.
The initiation of a new purchase by a company insider serves as a strong indication that they expect the stock to rise.
However, insider sells may not always signal a bearish view and can be influenced by various factors.
<h3>The Insider's Guide to Important Transaction Codes</h3>
For <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/investing-tools">investors</a>, a primary focus lies on transactions occurring in the open market, as indicated in Table I of the Form 4 filing. A P in Box 3 denotes a purchase, while S signifies a sale. Transaction code C signals the conversion of an option, and transaction code A denotes a grant, award, or other acquisition of securities from the company.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/sec/insider-trades/search/index?company_cik=0000900075">Check Out The Full List Of Copart's Insider Trades.</a>
Insider Buying Alert: Profit from C-Suite Moves
Benzinga Edge reveals every insider trade in real-time. Don't miss the next big stock move driven by insider confidence. Unlock this ultimate sentiment indicator now. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22in8&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Insider Trades

CPRT

Major Decision: Diane Morefield Exercises Options, Realizing $1.97M At Copart

XRP's (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>) price has decreased 5.59% over the past 24 hours to $2.16, continuing its downward trend over the past week of -7.0%, moving from $2.34 to its current price. 
The chart below compares the price movement and volatility for XRP over the past 24 hours (left) to its price movement over the past week (right). The gray bands are Bollinger Bands, measuring the volatility for both the daily and weekly price movements. The wider the bands are, or the larger the gray area is at any given moment, the larger the volatility.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735225207_0.png" alt="price_chart" />
The trading volume for the coin has fallen 80.0% over the past week, moving in tandem, directionally, with the overall circulating supply of the coin, which has decreased 0.21%. This brings the circulating supply to 57.25 billion, which makes up an estimated 57.25% of its max supply of 100.00 billion. According to our data, the current market cap ranking for XRP is #4 at $123.80 billion.
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735225207_1.png" alt="supply_and_vol" />
<a href="https://www.coingecko.com/en/api">Powered by CoinGecko API</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Movers

$XRP

XRP Decreases More Than 5% Within 24 hours

In the ever-evolving and intensely competitive business landscape, conducting a thorough company analysis is of utmost importance for investors and industry followers. In this article, we will carry out an in-depth industry comparison, assessing NVIDIA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) alongside its primary competitors in the Semiconductors &amp; Semiconductor Equipment industry. By meticulously examining key financial metrics, market positioning, and growth prospects, we aim to offer valuable insights to investors and shed light on company's performance within the industry.
<h3>NVIDIA Background</h3>
Nvidia is a leading developer of graphics processing units. Traditionally, GPUs were used to enhance the experience on computing platforms, most notably in gaming applications on PCs. GPU use cases have since emerged as important semiconductors used in artificial intelligence. Nvidia not only offers AI GPUs, but also a software platform, Cuda, used for AI model development and training. Nvidia is also expanding its data center networking solutions, helping to tie GPUs together to handle complex workloads.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>P/E</th>
<th>P/B</th>
<th>P/S</th>
<th>ROE</th>
<th>EBITDA (in billions)</th>
<th>Gross Profit (in billions)</th>
<th>Revenue Growth</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NVIDIA Corp</td>
<td>55.36</td>
<td>52.11</td>
<td>30.78</td>
<td>31.13%</td>
<td>$22.86</td>
<td>$26.16</td>
<td>93.61%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Broadcom Inc</td>
<td>185.80</td>
<td>16.60</td>
<td>22.20</td>
<td>6.49%</td>
<td>$7.29</td>
<td>$9.0</td>
<td>51.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co Ltd</td>
<td>33.30</td>
<td>8.77</td>
<td>13.20</td>
<td>8.36%</td>
<td>$555.05</td>
<td>$439.35</td>
<td>38.95%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Advanced Micro Devices Inc</td>
<td>111.76</td>
<td>3.60</td>
<td>8.50</td>
<td>1.36%</td>
<td>$1.55</td>
<td>$3.42</td>
<td>17.57%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Qualcomm Inc</td>
<td>17.83</td>
<td>6.74</td>
<td>4.62</td>
<td>11.46%</td>
<td>$3.21</td>
<td>$5.78</td>
<td>18.69%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Texas Instruments Inc</td>
<td>35.77</td>
<td>10.17</td>
<td>11.25</td>
<td>7.86%</td>
<td>$2.09</td>
<td>$2.47</td>
<td>-8.41%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ARM Holdings PLC</td>
<td>217.88</td>
<td>23.04</td>
<td>39.61</td>
<td>1.83%</td>
<td>$0.11</td>
<td>$0.81</td>
<td>4.71%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Analog Devices Inc</td>
<td>66.49</td>
<td>3.08</td>
<td>11.54</td>
<td>1.36%</td>
<td>$1.12</td>
<td>$1.42</td>
<td>-10.06%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Micron Technology Inc</td>
<td>25.58</td>
<td>2.13</td>
<td>3.45</td>
<td>4.07%</td>
<td>$4.3</td>
<td>$3.35</td>
<td>84.28%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Microchip Technology Inc</td>
<td>40.67</td>
<td>5.01</td>
<td>5.80</td>
<td>1.24%</td>
<td>$0.34</td>
<td>$0.67</td>
<td>-48.37%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Monolithic Power Systems Inc</td>
<td>69.85</td>
<td>12.85</td>
<td>14.86</td>
<td>6.35%</td>
<td>$0.17</td>
<td>$0.34</td>
<td>30.59%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ON Semiconductor Corp</td>
<td>16.85</td>
<td>3.37</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>4.75%</td>
<td>$0.63</td>
<td>$0.8</td>
<td>-19.21%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>STMicroelectronics NV</td>
<td>10.56</td>
<td>1.31</td>
<td>1.70</td>
<td>1.98%</td>
<td>$0.74</td>
<td>$1.23</td>
<td>-26.63%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ASE Technology Holding Co Ltd</td>
<td>21.14</td>
<td>2.42</td>
<td>1.27</td>
<td>3.16%</td>
<td>$28.59</td>
<td>$26.43</td>
<td>3.85%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>First Solar Inc</td>
<td>16.04</td>
<td>2.63</td>
<td>5.20</td>
<td>4.22%</td>
<td>$0.45</td>
<td>$0.45</td>
<td>10.81%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>United Microelectronics Corp</td>
<td>10.85</td>
<td>1.52</td>
<td>2.43</td>
<td>4.0%</td>
<td>$29.73</td>
<td>$20.43</td>
<td>5.99%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Skyworks Solutions Inc</td>
<td>24.49</td>
<td>2.28</td>
<td>3.49</td>
<td>0.95%</td>
<td>$0.18</td>
<td>$0.43</td>
<td>-15.9%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MACOM Technology Solutions Holdings Inc</td>
<td>130.60</td>
<td>8.92</td>
<td>13.70</td>
<td>2.67%</td>
<td>$0.05</td>
<td>$0.11</td>
<td>33.47%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lattice Semiconductor Corp</td>
<td>59.70</td>
<td>11.94</td>
<td>15</td>
<td>1.03%</td>
<td>$0.03</td>
<td>$0.09</td>
<td>-33.87%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Universal Display Corp</td>
<td>30.82</td>
<td>4.59</td>
<td>11.36</td>
<td>4.29%</td>
<td>$0.08</td>
<td>$0.13</td>
<td>14.57%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average</td>
<td>59.26</td>
<td>6.89</td>
<td>10.17</td>
<td>4.08%</td>
<td>$33.46</td>
<td>$27.2</td>
<td>8.01%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<style>
 table {
 width: 100%;
 border-collapse: collapse;
 font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
 font-size: 14px;
 }

 th, td {
 padding: 8px;
 text-align: left;
 }

 th {
 background-color: #293a5a;
 color: #fff;
 text-align: left;
 }

 tr:nth-child(even) {
 background-color: #f2f4f8;
 }

 tr:hover {
 background-color: #e1e4ea;
 }

 td:nth-child(3), td:nth-child(5) {
 text-align: left;
 }

 .dividend-amount {
 font-weight: bold;
 color: #0d6efd;
 }

 .dividend-frequency {
 font-size: 12px;
 color: #6c757d;
 }
 </style>By analyzing NVIDIA, we can infer the following trends: 
<ul>
<li>
The Price to Earnings ratio of 55.36 is 0.93x lower than the industry average, indicating potential undervaluation for the stock.
</li>
<li>
With a Price to Book ratio of 52.11, which is 7.56x the industry average, NVIDIA might be considered overvalued in terms of its book value, as it is trading at a higher multiple compared to its industry peers.
</li>
<li>
With a relatively high Price to Sales ratio of 30.78, which is 3.03x the industry average, the stock might be considered overvalued based on sales performance.
</li>
<li>
The Return on Equity (ROE) of 31.13% is 27.05% above the industry average, highlighting efficient use of equity to generate profits.
</li>
<li>
Compared to its industry, the company has lower Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of $22.86 Billion, which is 0.68x below the industry average, potentially indicating lower profitability or financial challenges.
</li>
<li>
The company has lower gross profit of $26.16 Billion, which indicates 0.96x below the industry average. This potentially indicates lower revenue after accounting for production costs.
</li>
<li>
With a revenue growth of 93.61%, which surpasses the industry average of 8.01%, the company is demonstrating robust sales expansion and gaining market share.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Debt To Equity Ratio</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735225208_0.png" alt="debt to equity" />
The debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio measures the financial leverage of a company by evaluating its debt relative to its equity.
Considering the debt-to-equity ratio in industry comparisons allows for a concise evaluation of a company's financial health and risk profile, aiding in informed decision-making.
When examining NVIDIA in comparison to its top 4 peers with respect to the Debt-to-Equity ratio, the following information becomes apparent:
<ul>
<li>
NVIDIA has a stronger financial position compared to its top 4 peers, as evidenced by its lower debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16.
</li>
<li>
This suggests that the company has a more favorable balance between debt and equity, which can be perceived as a positive indicator by investors.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Takeaways</h3>
For NVIDIA, the PE ratio is low compared to peers, indicating potential undervaluation. The high PB and PS ratios suggest strong market sentiment and revenue multiples. In terms of ROE, NVIDIA outperforms with a high ratio, reflecting efficient use of shareholder equity. However, low EBITDA and gross profit levels may indicate operational challenges. High revenue growth indicates a positive outlook for future earnings potential.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

NVDA

Competitor Analysis: Evaluating NVIDIA And Competitors In Semiconductors &amp; Semiconductor Equipment Industry

Park Ha Biological Technology Co., Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PHH#NASDAQ">PHH</a>) IPO will take place December, 27 on the NASDAQ exchange under the ticker PHH.
The company is offering shares at an expected price between $4.00 and $6.00 per share with an insider lock-up period of 180 days ending on June 25, 2025.
See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/ipos">Benzinga IPO Calendar</a>
<h3>About Park Ha Biological Technology Co., Ltd</h3>
Park Ha Cayman is a holding company incorporated in the Cayman Islands with no operations of its own.
See also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">Benzinga's Most Shorted Stocks</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

IPOs

Preview: Park Ha Biological Technology Co., Ltd Set To IPO Tomorrow

Highlighting Commitment To Driver Empowerment With 0% Commission Policy And Enhanced Rider Experience Through AI-Driven Features And Subscription Model Ryde+

RYDE

Ryde Secures 3-Year Renewal Of Ride-Hail And Carpool Licenses In Singapore

Nano Dimension Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NNDM#NASDAQ">NNDM</a>) shares are trading higher Thursday after the company announced a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/g42684172/nano-dimension-announces-ceo-transition">CEO transition</a>.
What Happened: Nano Dimension announced Thursday that Yoav Stern&#8217;s role as CEO has been terminated, effective immediately, and the company has begun searching for a permanent replacement. 
Stern had been serving as CEO and a member of the company&#8217;s board since January 2020, but he failed to be re-elected as a director at the company&#8217;s 2024 annual meeting of shareholders. 
Julien Lederman&nbsp;has been appointed as interim CEO while the board conducts a comprehensive search for a replacement. 
Lederman has served as vice president of corporate development since March 2021, and previously worked at Amazon, Goldman Sachs, Lehman Brothers and World Economic Forum. 
&#8220;The Board is pleased and confident in our appointment of Julien Lederman as Interim Chief Executive Officer. The Board fully supports Julien during this transition period while we conduct a broad search for a permanent Chief Executive Officer,&#8221; said Ofir Baharav, chairman of Nano Dimension&#8217;s board.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">How To Buy NNDM Stock</h3>
Besides going to a brokerage platform to purchase a share &#8211; or fractional share &#8211; of stock, you can also gain access to shares either by buying an exchange traded fund (ETF) that holds the stock itself, or by allocating yourself to a strategy in your 401(k) that would seek to acquire shares in a mutual fund or other instrument. 
For example, in Nano Dimension's case, it is in the Industrials sector. An ETF will likely hold shares in many liquid and large companies that help track that sector, allowing an investor to gain exposure to the trends within that segment.
NNDM Price Action: <a href="http://benzinga.com/quote/nndm">Nano Dimension shares</a> were up 5.60% at $2.66 at the time of publication Thursday, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42682230/tech-bull-predicts-26-upside-for-apple-stock-sees-golden-era-of-growth-for-cupertino-due-to-multi-year-ai-driven-iphone-upgrade-cycle">Tech Bull Predicts 26% Upside For Apple Stock, Sees &#8216;Golden Era Of Growth&#8217; For Cupertino Due To Multi-Year AI-Driven iPhone Upgrade Cycle</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: courtesy of Nano Dimension.

Management

NNDM

Nano Dimension Shares Are Rising Thursday: What's Going On?

The Global Engagement Center (GEC), a U.S. State Department unit established in 2016 to counter foreign disinformation, has shut down after Congress failed to extend its funding.
&#8220;The Global Engagement Center closed on December 23, 2024,&#8221; it <a target="_blank" href="https://www.state.gov/bureaus-offices/under-secretary-for-public-diplomacy-and-public-affairs/global-engagement-center/#:~:text=The%20Global%20Engagement%20Center%20closed%20on%20December%2023%2C%202024." rel="noreferrer noopener">said</a> on its website.
The closure comes amid growing concerns over disinformation campaigns from adversaries like Russia and China, mainly as they target global narratives and U.S. interests, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/12/25/us-government-agency-targeting-foreign-disinformation-shuts-down" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a> Al Jazeera.
The GEC, with a budget of $61 million and a staff of about 120, was responsible for tracking and responding to foreign propaganda.
Its closure marks the first time in eight years that the State Department will lack a dedicated office to address disinformation from global rivals, Al Jazeera adds.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42681352/us-futures-tumble-after-christmas-break-but-analysts-still-expect-a-santa-claus-rally" rel="noreferrer noopener">US Stocks Likely To Open In Red After Christmas Break But Analysts Still Expect A Santa Rally Into The New Year</a>
The decision to terminate the GEC follows persistent criticism from Republican lawmakers who accused the center of censorship and surveillance of Americans.
The center also faced attacks from high-profile figures such as Elon Musk, who labeled it for media manipulation and the &#8220;worst offender in US government censorship.&#8221;
Despite these criticisms, GEC leaders defended their work, emphasizing its importance in combating foreign propaganda.
The GEC&#8217;s closure leaves a significant gap in U.S. efforts to counter misinformation campaigns, particularly those from Russia regarding the war in Ukraine and China&#8217;s global disinformation initiatives.
In response, the State Department has said it is consulting with Congress on potential next steps.
Meanwhile, the GEC&#8217;s shutdown follows the stripping of a funding extension from the final version of the bipartisan federal spending bill passed by Congress last week, Al Jazeera further adds.
Read Next:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42678014/top-7-blue-chip-stocks-with-the-best-return-potential-going-into-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">S&amp;P 500 Hits 57 All-Time Highs In Record-Breaking 2024: Magnificent 7 Drive 30% Of Nasdaq's Surge</a>

Government

Regulations

Politics

Media

General

US State Department Shuts Down Global Engagement Center Amid Funding Issues

High-rolling investors have positioned themselves bearish on AppLovin (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APP#NASDAQ">APP</a>), and it's important for retail traders to take note. 
\This activity came to our attention today through Benzinga's tracking of publicly available options data. The identities of these investors are uncertain, but such a significant move in APP often signals that someone has privileged information.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 11 options trades for AppLovin. This is not a typical pattern.
The sentiment among these major traders is split, with 36% bullish and 45% bearish. Among all the options we identified, there was one put, amounting to $26,710, and 10 calls, totaling $1,570,997.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $80.0 to $610.0 for AppLovin over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for AppLovin's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across AppLovin's significant trades, within a strike price range of $80.0 to $610.0, over the past month.
<h3>AppLovin 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735224350_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</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>APP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$264.6</td>
<td>$263.1</td>
<td>$264.6</td>
<td>$82.50</td>
<td>$370.4K</td>
<td align="right">205</td>
<td align="right">44</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>APP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$267.3</td>
<td>$265.3</td>
<td>$265.3</td>
<td>$82.50</td>
<td>$318.3K</td>
<td align="right">205</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>APP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$51.2</td>
<td>$49.1</td>
<td>$50.0</td>
<td>$350.00</td>
<td>$250.0K</td>
<td align="right">231</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>APP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$266.8</td>
<td>$263.1</td>
<td>$264.6</td>
<td>$82.50</td>
<td>$211.6K</td>
<td align="right">205</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>APP</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$130.9</td>
<td>$128.0</td>
<td>$128.0</td>
<td>$220.00</td>
<td>$153.6K</td>
<td align="right">91</td>
<td align="right">12</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About AppLovin</h3>
AppLovin Corp is a mobile app technology company. It focuses on growing the mobile app ecosystem by enabling the success of mobile app developers. The company's software solutions provide tools for mobile app developers to grow their businesses by automating and optimizing the marketing and monetization of their applications.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with AppLovin, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of AppLovin</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 41,399, the price of APP is down -0.63% at $339.69. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 48 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for AppLovin</h3>
5 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $455.0.
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>. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Macquarie continues to hold a Outperform rating for AppLovin, targeting a price of $450. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Loop Capital keeps a Buy rating on AppLovin with a target price of $450. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Stifel persists with their Buy rating on AppLovin, maintaining a target price of $435. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Citigroup continues to hold a Buy rating for AppLovin, targeting a price of $460. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from Oppenheimer downgraded its rating to Outperform, setting a price target of $480. 
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 AppLovin, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

AppLovin Options Trading: A Deep Dive into Market Sentiment

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish move on Boeing. Our analysis of options history for Boeing (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) revealed 12 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 75% of traders were bullish, while 16% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 2 were puts, with a value of $88,250, and 10 were calls, valued at $441,683.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $155.0 to $210.0 for Boeing over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in Boeing's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to Boeing's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $155.0 to $210.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>Boeing Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735224345_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 align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>BA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$6.0</td>
<td>$5.85</td>
<td>$6.0</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$167.4K</td>
<td>22.1K</td>
<td align="right">307</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$11.55</td>
<td>$11.45</td>
<td>$11.45</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$57.2K</td>
<td>574</td>
<td align="right">50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$29.7</td>
<td>$29.4</td>
<td>$29.7</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$41.5K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td align="right">14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$29.75</td>
<td>$29.65</td>
<td>$29.75</td>
<td>$155.00</td>
<td>$35.7K</td>
<td>3.3K</td>
<td align="right">12</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$31.6</td>
<td>$30.5</td>
<td>$31.6</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$31.6K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Boeing</h3>
Boeing is a major aerospace and defense firm. It operates in three segments: commercial airplanes; defense, space, and security; and Global services. Boeing's commercial airplanes segment competes with Airbus in the production of aircraft that can carry more than 130 passengers. Boeing's defense, space, and security segment competes with Lockheed, Northrop, and several other firms to create military aircraft, satellites, and weaponry. Global services provides aftermarket support to airlines.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Boeing, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Current Position of Boeing</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 156,743, with BA's price up by 0.14%, positioned at $179.59.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 34 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>.
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 Boeing with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Unpacking the Latest Options Trading Trends in Boeing

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bullish stance on Alibaba Gr Hldgs.
Looking at options history for Alibaba Gr Hldgs (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>) we detected 9 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 66% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 11% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 2 are puts, for a total amount of $59,140 and 7, calls, for a total amount of $350,500.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $75.0 to $97.5 for Alibaba Gr Hldgs over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Alibaba Gr Hldgs'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 Alibaba Gr Hldgs's whale activity within a strike price range from $75.0 to $97.5 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Alibaba Gr Hldgs Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735224340_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>BABA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$13.1</td>
<td>$12.9</td>
<td>$12.96</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$129.7K</td>
<td>745</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BABA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$6.0</td>
<td>$5.8</td>
<td>$5.95</td>
<td>$90.00</td>
<td>$59.5K</td>
<td>3.5K</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BABA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$11.9</td>
<td>$11.7</td>
<td>$11.9</td>
<td>$85.00</td>
<td>$47.6K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
<td align="right">40</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BABA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/24/25</td>
<td>$3.1</td>
<td>$2.62</td>
<td>$3.1</td>
<td>$87.00</td>
<td>$31.0K</td>
<td>137</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BABA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$16.7</td>
<td>$14.3</td>
<td>$15.5</td>
<td>$97.50</td>
<td>$31.0K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Alibaba Gr Hldgs</h3>
Alibaba is the world's largest online and mobile commerce company as measured by gross merchandise volume. It operates China's online marketplaces, including Taobao (consumer-to-consumer) and Tmall (business-to-consumer). The China commerce retail division is the most valuable cash flow-generating business at Alibaba. Additional revenue sources include China commerce wholesale, international commerce retail/wholesale, local consumer services, cloud computing, digital media and entertainment platforms, Cainiao logistics services, and innovation initiatives/other.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Alibaba Gr Hldgs, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Present Market Standing of Alibaba Gr Hldgs</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 239,160, the BABA's price is up by 0.39%, now at $85.85. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 41 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>.
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 Alibaba Gr Hldgs with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

BABA

This Is What Whales Are Betting On Alibaba Gr Hldgs

MGIH

Millennium Group International Shares Resume Trade

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) is trading around $95,500, down 3.4% over the past 24 hours, as on-chain data and whale activity suggest predictions of an imminent bear market <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/bitcoin-price-prediction">lack substantial evidence</a>.  
What Happened:  Ki Young Ju, founder of CryptoQuant, pointed out in a <a href="https://x.com/ki_young_ju/status/1872207964352004106">post</a> on X on Dec. 26 that whale accumulation, once market-moving news, has now become a routine phenomenon. 
This indicates a market dominated by institutional players, while retail investors remain hesitant.
A $7 billion weekly capital inflow confirms Bitcoin is in a bull cycle, not a bubble. 
A true bubble—marked by a market price far exceeding capital inflows—would spark warnings of a cyclical top, which analysts have yet to issue.
Brief corrections of up to 30% are possible but unlikely to derail the ongoing bull cycle. The cycle's peak is still distant, and predictions of a bear market lack support from on-chain data.
In another post on the same day, he <a href="https://x.com/ki_young_ju/status/1872162768570425845">revealed</a> whales are increasingly utilizing privacy transactions for accumulation. 
Of the 1.55 million BTC accumulated in 2024 through ETFs, MicroStrategy,and custodial wallets, 240,000–420,000 BTC remain unaccounted for, signalling large, unidentified buyers.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42656507/bitcoin-price-decisively-back-below-100000-what-is-going-on">Bitcoin Price Decisively Back Below $100,000: What Is Going On?</a>
Why It Matters: Traders maintain their optimism around upcoming price patterns for the crypto king.
Crypto trader Jelle sees the recent Bitcoin volatility as insignificant in the bigger picture. 
The trend remains upward, with dips acting as minor speed bumps. He advised his followers to "stay focused."
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">When you look at the grand scheme of things, it&#39;s almost as if the volatility from the past weeks does not matter.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> keep pushing higher, dips are just speed bumps along the route. Stay focussed. <a href="https://t.co/MknV2INpYu">pic.twitter.com/MknV2INpYu</a>
&mdash; Jelle (@CryptoJelleNL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CryptoJelleNL/status/1872235469372887200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
On the other hand, crypto chart analyst Ali Martinez flagged a buy signal on Bitcoin's hourly chart which implies a price rebound.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">The TD Sequential presented a buy signal on the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> hourly chart, anticipating a price rebound. <a href="https://t.co/AW8Ks17mRx">pic.twitter.com/AW8Ks17mRx</a>
&mdash; Ali (@ali_charts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1872246246263714252?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42638493/crypto-analyst-2025-will-continue-to-be-a-great-year-for-bitcoin">Crypto Analyst: &#8216;2025 Will Continue To Be a Great Year for Bitcoin&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

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