Option chain shows key data for Item 9 Labs's stock options at various strike prices and expiration dates. Traders use this information to analyze potential trades and assess market sentiment for Item 9 Labs.

Item 9 Labs (OTC:INLB) Stock, Option Chain

Item 9 Labs Corp is a vertically integrated cannabis operator and dispensary franchisor delivering premium products from its large-scale cultivation and production facilities in the United States. The Item 9 Labs brand specializes in products and user experience across several cannabis categories. The company also offers a dispensary franchise model through the national Unity Rd. retail brand. Easing barriers to entry, the franchise provides an opportunity for both new and existing dispensary owners to leverage the knowledge, resources, and ongoing support needed to thrive in their state compliantly and successfully. It also brings industry practices to markets nationwide through distinctive retail experience, cultivation capabilities, and product innovation.

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&#34;Data point is definitely the jewel in your crown to be able to understand the consumer,&#34; said Sarah Kabakoff, VP of business development at Dutchie, at the recent Benzinga Cannabis Capital Conference in Miami.

&#39;The Jewel In The Crown&#39;: How Data Is Shaping Cannabis Retail, &#39;Customers Are Key&#39;, Says Item 9 Labs CEO

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&#34;We’re a [cannabis] franchise model which means we’re actually owned by people from the community,&#34; said Mike Weinberger, CEO of Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTCQX: INLB) at the recent Ben

&#39;We&#39;re Owned By People From The Community,&#39; Says Item 9 Labs Corp CEO On Its Franchise Model

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Who&#39;s Who In Cannabis: Latest Executive Changes You Should Know About

Item 9 Labs Corp

ITT's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITT#NYSE">ITT</a>) short percent of float has risen 29.09% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 1.34 million shares sold short, which is 2.13% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 3.97 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>ITT Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734545717_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for ITT has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing ITT's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, ITT's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 3.33%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

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When a listener wrote to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42443203/suze-orman-reveals-the-most-important-money-lesson-shes-learned-after-a-life-changing-health-battle">Suze Orman</a> on the Women &amp; Money podcast, her question wasn't just about capital gains taxes – it was about making a smart financial decision. Susan shared how she grew her investments from $0 to $350,000 in just two years and one standout stock in her portfolio was Palantir.
Susan bought <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42500980/palantir-surges-over-3-in-overnight-trading-after-army-navy-game-spotlight-elon-musk-and-trumps-presence-and-nasdaq-100-inclusion">Palantir</a> at $16 per share, a move inspired by financial advice Orman had previously shared. With the stock now trading around $70, Susan wondered if selling would trigger capital gains taxes – and if there was any way to avoid them. Here's what Orman had to say.
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<li>Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/1milsaved"> The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Are Capital Gains Taxes?</h2>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/10/41647348/how-do-trump-harris-compare-on-capital-gains-taxes">Capital gains taxes</a> apply when you sell an asset, like stock, for more than you paid. In Susan's case, if she sells Palantir at $70 per share after buying it at $16, she would realize a gain of $54 per share. The IRS taxes this gain based on how long you've held the stock.
<ul>
<li>Short-term gains (held for one year or less) are taxed at the same rate as your ordinary income.</li>
<li>Long-term gains (held for over a year) are taxed at lower rates – 0%, 15% or 20% – depending on your taxable income.</li>
</ul>
For investors like Susan, who have held Palantir for over a year, the long-term capital gains tax rate likely applies. Unfortunately, there's no way to completely avoid capital gains taxes if you sell.
See Also: Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partnered with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target announces the deadline to invest this year is 12/20. – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Last Chance to get 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Orman's Take: "Should You Sell?"</h2>
Orman asked Susan to reconsider her strategy and stop thinking about the taxes. She said to determine whether selling Palantir is even the right move. She noted that Palantir could rise further, potentially reaching $85 or even $100, according to Keith Fitzgerald, a market expert she often references.
But she also emphasized the importance of managing risk. "Keith also has a rule," Orman explained. "Once you&#8217;ve doubled your money – in your case, from $16 to $32 – you should take those shares off the table." In Susan's case, this would mean selling enough stock to recoup her original investment and letting the remaining shares ride.
This approach protects the initial capital while allowing for further potential growth – essentially turning the rest of the investment into a "free trade."
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>?
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Options to Consider</h2>
Orman also offers some alternative strategies if holding her Palantir stock makes Susan uneasy:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Sell half: This reduces stock exposure while keeping a stake in its future growth.</li>
<li>Reinvest profits: Susan could sell and use the proceeds to diversify her portfolio or buy into other promising investments.</li>
<li>Wait for a dip: Selling now and waiting for Palantir&#8217;s value to drop could present a new buying opportunity.</li>
</ul>
Orman acknowledged her experience with Palantir, explaining that she and her wife, KT, have held significant shares despite several opportunities to sell. Their decision is based on their trust in the stock's long-term potential.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Key Takeaway</h2>
Ultimately, the question isn't just about capital gains taxes – it's about aligning financial decisions with your goals and comfort level. If Susan sells, she will owe taxes on her gains. However, as Orman points out, the bigger consideration is whether selling Palantir aligns with her overall <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/41991146/suze-orman-says-this-investment-can-make-your-kids-rich-by-retirement-you-have-a-golden-opportunity-to-launch-them-to-their-first-million">investment strategy</a>.
For investors in similar situations, it's important to weigh the benefits of cashing out against the potential for further growth. Consulting a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-online-financial-advisors">financial advisor</a> can also help tailor a plan for your circumstances.
Read Next:
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<li>Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
<li>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></li>
</ul>

Personal Finance

If I Sell My Stock In Palantir, Do I Have To Pay Capital Gains Taxes?' – Suze Orman Says The Real Question Is 'Should You Sell?'

Honeywell Intl's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HON#NYSE">HON</a>) short percent of float has fallen 21.34% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 8.38 million shares sold short, which is 1.29% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.23 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock/">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Honeywell Intl Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734545712_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Honeywell Intl has declined since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to rise in the near-term but traders should be aware that less shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Honeywell Intl's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Honeywell Intl's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 3.81%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze/">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

Peering Into Honeywell Intl's Recent Short Interest

On Wednesday, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) announced significant measures to protect consumers from deceptive <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/credit-cards" rel="noreferrer noopener">credit card</a> practices and help them save money on interest and fees.
These efforts include issuing a circular to law enforcement agencies, publishing new research on retail credit cards, and launching a comparison tool to aid consumers in navigating the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.consumerfinance.gov/about-us/newsroom/cfpb-takes-action-on-bait-and-switch-credit-card-rewards-tactics/" rel="noreferrer noopener">credit card market</a>.
Investors will closely watch credit card companies, including Visa Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/V#NYSE">V</a>), Mastercard Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MA#NYSE">MA</a>), American Express Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXP#NYSE">AXP</a>), Affirm Holdings, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AFRM#NASDAQ">AFRM</a>), Corpay, Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CPAY#NYSE">CPAY</a>), Global Payments Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GPN#NYSE">GPN</a>) and Shift4 Payments, Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FOUR#NYSE">FOUR</a>).
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42553094/jabil-q1-earnings-tops-expectations-cloud-and-data-center-growth-outlook" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jabil Q1 Earnings: Revenue And EPS Beat, Cloud and Data Center Growth, Raises Annual Outlook</a>
According to the CFPB, some credit card issuers may be engaging in illegal practices such as devaluing rewards points or miles, making it difficult for consumers to redeem promised benefits.
The agency highlighted that companies could face penalties if they fail to deliver advertised rewards, mislead users with hidden terms, or revoke rewards through unclear policies.
The circular aims to deter companies from engaging in bait-and-switch tactics and to encourage fair competition within the credit card industry.
As part of its ongoing research, the CFPB discovered that retail credit cards often charge higher interest rates than general-purpose cards. According to the study, more than 90% of retail cards carry a maximum annual percentage rate (APR) above 30%, compared to just 38% for non-retail cards.
Retail cards, frequently promoted during peak shopping seasons, also account for a disproportionate share of late fees, highlighting potential consumer risks.
The CFPB unveiled its &#8220;Explore Credit Cards&#8221; tool to address these concerns, designed to provide unbiased information about over 500 credit cards. Unlike traditional comparison sites, this platform enables users to compare cards based on interest rates, fees, and rewards without pay-to-play promotions.
Earlier this year, the CFPB revealed that larger credit card issuers charge significantly higher interest rates than smaller banks and credit unions. By making average interest rate data publicly accessible, the CFPB aims to empower consumers to make informed decisions and find the best rates tailored to their needs.
The CFPB plans to continue monitoring the credit card market and welcomes voluntary data contributions from additional issuers to enhance its comparison tool further.
In October, the CFPB ordered Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and Goldman Sachs Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>) to pay <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/10/41501333/apple-goldman-sachs-fined-89-million-over-apple-card-missteps-government-watchdog-orders-victim-comp" rel="noreferrer noopener">$89 million in fines</a> for deceptive practices regarding the Apple Card.
In December, Morgan Stanley (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MS#NYSE">MS</a>) Wealth Management agreed to pay a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42405341/morgan-stanley-agrees-to-pay-15m-penalty-to-settle-sec-charges-over-advisors-stealing-client-funds" rel="noreferrer noopener">$15 million fine</a> after the SEC found the firm failed to prevent financial advisors from using client funds to cover personal credit card bills. The SEC investigation uncovered gaps in supervisory practices between 2015 and 2022, allowing unauthorized Automated Clearing House (ACH) transfers to advisors&#8217; accounts.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/emerging-markets/24/12/42552200/sony-semiconductor-hits-20-billion-image-sensor-shipments-plans-expansion" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sony Semiconductor Hits 20 Billion Image Sensor Shipments, Plans Expansion</a></li>
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Consumer Finance Watchdog Cracks Down on Credit Card Sneaky Fees and False Promises

On Wednesday, Merck&nbsp;&amp; Co Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>) and Hansoh Pharma, a Chinese biopharmaceutical company, entered into an exclusive global license agreement for HS-10535, an investigational preclinical oral small <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/b42549621/merck-enters-into-exclusive-global-license-agreement-with-hansoh-pharma-for-investigational-oral-g" rel="noreferrer noopener">molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist</a>.
Under the agreement, Hansoh Pharma has granted Merck an exclusive global license to develop, manufacture, and commercialize HS-10535. Hansoh Pharma will receive an upfront payment of $112 million and is eligible to receive up to $1.9 billion in milestone payments associated with the candidate&#8217;s development, regulatory approval, and commercialization, as well as royalties on sales.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/11/42096338/viking-therapeutics-garners-analyst-support-for-nash-and-metabolic-programs" rel="noreferrer noopener">Viking Therapeutics Garners Analyst Support For NASH And Metabolic Programs</a>
Hansoh Pharma may co-promote or solely commercialize HS-10535 in China. Merck will record a pre-tax charge of $112 million, or $0.04 per share, to be included in GAAP and non-GAAP results in the fourth quarter of 2024.
William Blair writes that Merck is seen as a strong candidate to acquire Viking Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VKTX#NASDAQ">VKTX</a>), leading to an expected sell-off in Viking shares. However, the analyst notes that the licensing agreement with Hansoh will not hinder Merck from pursuing additional external business development opportunities in the obesity space.
The licensing deal highlights Merck&#8217;s commitment to obesity, potentially driving further growth through additional partnerships. While the focus on Viking increases investment volatility, data from competitors or new licensing deals could significantly affect its stock.
William Blair remains confident that Viking offers a valuable asset with VK2735, a GLP-1/GIP dual agonist that could become a major player in obesity treatment due to its potential for monthly maintenance <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/11/41712739/viking-therapeutics-reveals-early-stage-from-experimental-oral-obesity-drug-showing-weight-loss-a" rel="noreferrer noopener">dosing and oral formulation options</a>.
This asset could strengthen an acquiring company&#8217;s obesity portfolio, with additional potential from Viking&#8217;s amylin program.
Overall, the analyst is optimistic about Viking&#8217;s prospects, maintaining the stock as a top pick for 2025 and an Outperform <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/VKTX/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">rating on its shares</a>.
Price Action: VKTX stock is down 11.4% at $41.37 at last check Wednesday.
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What's Going On With Viking Therapeutics Stock On Wednesday?

Hong Kong's securities regulator has approved four new cryptocurrency exchanges, marking a significant step in the city's efforts to position itself as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/10/41577853/hong-kong-set-to-expand-digital-asset-exchange-licenses-amid-push-for-stablecoin-proposal">a digital asset hub</a>.
What Happened:The approvals come at a time when Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) prices have surged, recently surpassing the $100,000 milestone.
The newly licensed platforms—Accumulus GBA Technology, DFX Labs, Hong Kong Digital Asset EX and Thousand Whales Technology—were added to the Securities and Futures Commission&#8217;s (SFC) updated list of approved virtual asset trading platforms (VATPs) on Thursday.
The move reflects Hong Kong's ongoing commitment to strengthening its virtual asset regulatory framework while balancing investor protection and business development.
Eric Yip, SFC's executive director of intermediaries said, &#8220;We have been proactively engaging with VATPs' senior management and ultimate controllers, which helps drive home our expected regulatory standards and expedite our licensing process for VATPs," Yip said. "We aim to strike a balance between safeguarding the interests of investors and facilitating continuous development for the virtual asset ecosystem in Hong Kong."
The approval mandates the exchanges to meet strict conditions, including rectification measures and independent assessments such as vulnerability and penetration tests before they can fully operate.
These four exchanges join the ranks of previously licensed platforms OSL, HashKey and HKVAX, bringing the total number of approved exchanges to seven.
Out of nearly 30 companies that pursued VATP licenses this year, many withdrew under the regulator's stringent requirements, including major platforms such as OKX and HTX.
Thousand Whales Technology, the operator of crypto trading platform EX.IO, stands out with backing from Valuable Capital Group, a brokerage under Sina Corporation—the company behind Weibo, one of China's leading social media platforms.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42556544/doge-meme-ip-owner-acquires-new-rights-as-fartcoin-continues-to-surge">Doge Meme IP Owner Acquires New Rights As Fartcoin Continues To Surge</a>
Why It Matters: While Hong Kong has been making strides in crypto regulation, the journey has not been without challenges.
In April, the city allowed crypto exchange-traded funds (ETFs), a milestone that initially gave it a competitive edge. 
However, the U.S. quickly followed with similar ETFs that outpaced Hong Kong's in scale and market impact.
Regulating over-the-counter (OTC) virtual asset trading has also proven complex. 
Initially, Hong Kong's Customs and Excise Department was set to oversee OTC services, but industry feedback prompted the SFC to take a more active role in supervision.
The city is also progressing with stablecoin regulation. 
A new bill introduced into the Legislative Council mandates that firms must obtain licenses from the Hong Kong Monetary Authority before issuing fiat-referenced stablecoins or tokens pegged to the Hong Kong dollar.
The approval shows the city's commitment to building a regulated and competitive environment that supports both innovation and investor confidence.
Eric Chen, CEO and co-founder of Injective Labs said in a note to Benzinga that &#8220;by expanding the number of licensed platforms, Hong Kong is positioning itself as a key hub for bridging traditional finance and blockchain technology. It's a clear sign that the city is serious about fostering growth in the crypto space while maintaining strong regulatory standards.&#8221;
According to Chen, Hong Kong's approval of more cryptocurrency exchanges signals a broader trend toward regulatory maturity and the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42516240/the-doors-have-been-blown-off-how-bitcoin-etfs-are-reshaping-investment-strategies">legitimization of digital assets</a>.
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Image: Shutterstock

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

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$BTC

Hong Kong Approves Four New Crypto Exchanges, 'Positioning Itself As A Key Hub,' Expert Says

Cloud-based private company Databricks isn't in a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/ipo">rush to go public</a>.
What Happened: While the San Francisco-based company is experiencing growth and was recently valued at $62 billion, 2024 wasn&#8217;t the year to file an initial public offering, Databricks CEO and co-founder Ali Ghodsi said at the recent <a href="https://www.axios.com/2024/12/10/watch-axios-event-ai-sf-summit-2024">Axios </a>AI Summit.
"This year was an election year. We wanted to get some stability — people are worried about interest rates, inflation,&#8221; he said, as reported by <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2024/12/17/its-dumb-to-ipo-this-year-databricks-ceo-explains-why-hes-waiting-to-go-public/">TechCrunch</a>. &#8220;So we said &#8216;Look, it's dumb to IPO this year,&#8217; so we're definitely going to wait.&#8221;
Ghodsi said the recent Series J round allowed some early employees the ability to cash out. The funding round, which was large at $10 billion, could have been larger based on demand, according to Ghodsi.
"I saw this Excel sheet where they kept a tally of all the people that want to invest. It was $19 billion of interest, and I almost fell off the chair,&#8221; he said. 
The original goal was to raise $3 billion to $4 billion, before the company pushed the funding amount higher.
While Databricks didn't choose the IPO route in 2024, the company could be one of many to go public next year.
"The earliest theoretical possibility of an IPO would be next year,&#8221; Ghodsi said, noting that the IPO could also push out to 2026 instead. It's less important to go public now than in past years, he explained.
Ghodsi also recognizes that high interest in artificial intelligence companies and ballooning valuations could signal a potential bubble for the sector.
"I mean, it's peak AI bubble. It doesn't take a genius to know that a company with five people which has no product, no innovation, no IP — just recent grads — (is not) worth hundreds of millions, sometimes billions."
Billion-dollar valuations on AI startups that have no product signal a bubble, Ghodsi added.
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</ul>
Why It's Important: A potential IPO of Databricks could come with high investor interest thanks to its high growth and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39305440/ai-startup-which-counts-nancy-pelosi-cathie-wood-and-nvidia-among-its-investors-forecasts-2-4b-annua">popular backers</a>, including Nvidia Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), U.S. Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) and Cathie Wood.
Pelosi and her venture capitalist husband Paul Pelosi took a $1 million to $5 million stake in the company according to a filing from the former Speaker earlier this year.
Pelosi represents District 11 of California in the U.S. House of Representatives. The region includes San Francisco, where Databricks is based.
Wood and Ark Invest own a stake in the company through the Ark Venture Fund (ARKVX), which <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/22/02/25420755/ark-funds-launching-new-fund-that-could-invest-in-private-companies" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">launched in 2022</a> and gives investors access to private companies. Databricks is the tenth largest <a href="https://www.ark-funds.com/funds/arkvx#hold">holding </a>in the fund as of Nov. 30, representing 3.6% of assets.
Nvidia has been an investor and partner in the company for several years. Companies that have gone public via SPAC merger or IPO, and later disclose Nvidia as an investor, have <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39860370/serve-robotics-stock-rises-after-nvidia-discloses-10-stake">seen shares rise</a> with increased investor interest.
Databricks&nbsp;<a href="https://www.databricks.com/company/newsroom/press-releases/databricks-raises-series-i-investment-43b-valuation#:~:text=San%20Francisco%2C%20CA%20%E2%80%94%20September%2014,price%20per%20share%20at%20%2473.50." target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raised&nbsp;</a>$500 million in funding in September 2023 with the company valued at $43 billion.&nbsp;T. Rowe Price Group Inc&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TROW#NASDAQ">TROW</a>) led the investment round.
Other investors in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/23/10/35065151/databricks-valuation-skyrockets-to-43-billion-techs-new-powerhouse-backed-by-nvidia-and-capital-one">September funding round</a> included Andreessen Horowitz, Baillie Gifford, ClearBridge Investments, Fidelity Management, Franklin Templeton, Counterpoint Global, Ontario Teachers&#8217; Pension Plan and Capital One Financial Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COF#NYSE">COF</a>).
Databricks competes with Snowflake Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNOW#NYSE">SNOW</a>), which went public at $120 per share in 2020. The company saw shares open at $245 due to huge demand. Snowflake stock is down 11% year-to-date.
Ghodsi hinted that Databricks is focusing on its rivalry with Snowflake to gain new business.
"We had a program called ‘SnowMelt.' We were going after Snowflake and we demonized them, but that's behind us," Ghodsi said at the Axios event. Databricks is also working on competing with larger companies like Salesforce (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>) and Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) according to the report.
Data and AI will be more important in people's lives going forward and Databricks is well-positioned to take advantage of this trend, Ghodsi predicts.
The company expects to hit positive free cash flow for the first time and have a $3 billion revenue run rate for the fiscal year ending Jan. 31.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42538504/biden-endorses-ban-of-congressional-stock-trading-nobody-in-the-congress-should-be-able-to-make-money-in-the-stock-market-while-in-office">Biden Backs Congressional Stock Trading Ban: &#8216;Inside Track&#8217; To Wealth</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Politics

IPOs

Tech

MSFT

NVDA

SNOW

TROW

Nancy Pelosi, Cathie Wood, Nvidia-Backed Databricks Waits To Go Public: 'Dumb To IPO' In Election Year

BofA Securities analyst Justin Post upgraded Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EXPE#NASDAQ">EXPE</a>) to Buy from Neutral and raised the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/EXPE/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">price target to $221 from $187</a>.
The analyst says that U.S. bookings, reported OTA nights, and RevPAR data had been trending at low single digits in 2024, but he is seeing early signs of modest improvement, which may indicate a normalization in domestic leisure travel spending into 2025.
While Expedia faced sentiment challenges due to soft B2C nights growth and revenues (-1% in the third-quarter of 2024) compared to peers, the analyst notes trends can improve in 2025 due to easier comps and better positioning at VRBO and Hotels.com.
Post says that he is more confident that Expedia can meet Street expectations for 10% EBITDA growth in 2025, supported by improving U.S. consumer sentiment post-election and a growing contribution from advertising, which rose 32% in the third-quarter 2024 and could account for 3 points of EBITDA growth next year.
Lastly, long-only sentiment remains cautious on Expedia, but a new management team with stronger execution could reignite investor interest and support multiple expansion, adds the analyst.
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;Invesco Leisure and Entertainment ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEJ#NYSE">PEJ</a>) and&nbsp;Amplify ETF Trust Amplify Travel Tech ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AWAY#NYSE">AWAY</a>).
Price Action: EXPE shares are up 2.73% at $185.58 at the last check Wednesday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42274747/consumers-discretionary-outshines-sp-500-ahead-of-the-holidays-tesla-garmin-tapestry-lead-the-charge" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Holiday Momentum Pushes Retail, Leisure Stocks Past S&amp;P 500 – Tesla, Garmin, Tapestry Stand Out</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: II.studio/Shutterstock.com.

Upgrades

Price Target

AWAY

EXPE

PowerShares ETF Leisure & Entertainment Port

Expedia's Turning Point? BofA Sees Upside With VRBO Gains And Post-Election Boost

Macro Economic Events

Economics

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WIIM

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CTNT

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NUKK

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PENN Entertainment, Inc. ("PENN" or the "Company") (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PENN#NASDAQ">PENN</a>) is pleased to announce the launch of its stand-alone Hollywood Casino app in Pennsylvania. Built on PENN's proprietary technology platform, Hollywood Casino offers more than 700 iCasino games, a variety of daily promotions, and exciting jackpots.

PENN

PENN Entertainment Launches New Hollywood Casino App In Pennsylvania

SPDR Dow Jones Industrial Average ETF Trust

Major indexes are higher ahead of the Fed's decision today. The Dow is also rebounding following recent weakness.

Shares of pharmacy benefit managers and insurance stocks are trading higher. The sector may be rebounding after falling on recent comments from President-elect Trump criticizing the space.

High-rolling investors have positioned themselves bearish on Rivian Automotive (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</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 RIVN often signals that someone has privileged information.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 11 options trades for Rivian Automotive. This is not a typical pattern.
The sentiment among these major traders is split, with 45% bullish and 54% bearish. Among all the options we identified, there was one put, amounting to $44,850, and 10 calls, totaling $707,653.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $10.0 to $20.0 for Rivian Automotive over the recent three months. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for Rivian Automotive's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across Rivian Automotive's significant trades, within a strike price range of $10.0 to $20.0, over the past month.
<h3>Rivian Automotive Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734544869_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>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>RIVN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$1.04</td>
<td>$1.0</td>
<td>$1.0</td>
<td>$18.00</td>
<td>$283.5K</td>
<td>19.0K</td>
<td>2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RIVN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$0.4</td>
<td>$0.38</td>
<td>$0.39</td>
<td>$14.50</td>
<td>$121.3K</td>
<td>4.2K</td>
<td>3.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RIVN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$0.37</td>
<td>$0.29</td>
<td>$0.29</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$64.8K</td>
<td>34.6K</td>
<td>20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RIVN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$3.95</td>
<td>$3.85</td>
<td>$3.9</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
<td>$44.8K</td>
<td>403</td>
<td>145</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RIVN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$4.45</td>
<td>$4.45</td>
<td>$4.45</td>
<td>$12.50</td>
<td>$44.5K</td>
<td>7.2K</td>
<td>158</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Rivian Automotive</h3>
Rivian Automotive Inc designs, develops, and manufactures category-defining electric vehicles and accessories. In the consumer market, the company launched the R1 platform with the first generation of consumer vehicles: the R1T, a two-row, five-passenger pickup truck, and the R1S, a three-row, seven-passenger sport utility vehicle (SUV).
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Rivian Automotive, 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 Rivian Automotive</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 22,259,019, the price of RIVN is down -3.91% at $14.12. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 63 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Rivian Automotive</h3>
In the last month, 1 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $16.0.
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; An analyst from Baird has revised its rating downward to Neutral, adjusting the price target to $16. 
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 Rivian Automotive with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Options

RIVN

Market Whales and Their Recent Bets on RIVN Options

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on Oracle. Our analysis of options history for Oracle (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>) revealed 13 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 38% of traders were bullish, while 46% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 2 were puts, with a value of $147,774, and 11 were calls, valued at $506,623.
<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 $150.0 to $210.0 for Oracle over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</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 Oracle'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 Oracle's whale activity within a strike price range from $150.0 to $210.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Oracle Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734544864_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>ORCL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$40.2</td>
<td>$38.8</td>
<td>$40.07</td>
<td>$210.00</td>
<td>$120.2K</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ORCL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$41.65</td>
<td>$41.25</td>
<td>$41.65</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$91.6K</td>
<td align="right">52</td>
<td align="right">31</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ORCL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/10/25</td>
<td>$4.4</td>
<td>$4.3</td>
<td>$4.3</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$68.8K</td>
<td align="right">471</td>
<td align="right">174</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ORCL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/10/25</td>
<td>$2.48</td>
<td>$2.35</td>
<td>$2.49</td>
<td>$175.00</td>
<td>$59.5K</td>
<td align="right">478</td>
<td align="right">265</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ORCL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$17.0</td>
<td>$15.45</td>
<td>$17.0</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$51.0K</td>
<td align="right">342</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Oracle</h3>
Oracle provides database technology and enterprise resource planning, or ERP, software to enterprises around the world. Founded in 1977, Oracle pioneered the first commercial SQL-based relational database management system. Today, Oracle has more than 400,000 customers in 175 countries.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Oracle</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 2,422,985, with ORCL's price up by 0.57%, positioned at $170.68.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 82 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Oracle</h3>
Over the past month, 5 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $193.8.
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; An analyst from RBC Capital downgraded its action to Sector Perform with a price target of $165. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Evercore ISI Group has decided to maintain their Outperform rating on Oracle, which currently sits at a price target of $200. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from BMO Capital keeps a Market Perform rating on Oracle with a target price of $205. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from JMP Securities downgraded its rating to Market Outperform, setting a price target of $205. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Citigroup persists with their Neutral rating on Oracle, maintaining a target price of $194. 
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 Oracle with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

ORCL

Oracle Options Trading: A Deep Dive into Market Sentiment

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bullish stance on Atlassian.
Looking at options history for Atlassian (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TEAM#NASDAQ">TEAM</a>) we detected 17 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 52% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 23% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 3 are puts, for a total amount of $296,364 and 14, calls, for a total amount of $1,982,439.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $200.0 to $290.0 for Atlassian during the past quarter. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</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 Atlassian'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 Atlassian's whale trades within a strike price range from $200.0 to $290.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Atlassian 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734544859_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>TEAM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$18.4</td>
<td>$18.2</td>
<td>$18.4</td>
<td>$280.00</td>
<td>$390.1K</td>
<td>4.4K</td>
<td>583</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TEAM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$17.9</td>
<td>$17.6</td>
<td>$17.7</td>
<td>$280.00</td>
<td>$364.6K</td>
<td>4.4K</td>
<td>878</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TEAM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$18.6</td>
<td>$18.3</td>
<td>$18.6</td>
<td>$280.00</td>
<td>$247.3K</td>
<td>4.4K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TEAM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$17.6</td>
<td>$17.1</td>
<td>$17.6</td>
<td>$250.00</td>
<td>$190.1K</td>
<td>98</td>
<td>108</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TEAM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$18.7</td>
<td>$18.4</td>
<td>$18.7</td>
<td>$280.00</td>
<td>$177.6K</td>
<td>4.4K</td>
<td>371</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Atlassian</h3>
Atlassian produces software that helps teams work together more efficiently and effectively. The company provides project planning and management software, collaboration tools, and IT help desk solutions. The company operates in four segments: subscriptions (term licenses and cloud agreements), maintenance (annual maintenance contracts that provide support and periodic updates and are generally attached to perpetual license sales), perpetual license (upfront sale for indefinite usage of the software), and other (training, strategic consulting, and revenue from the Atlassian Marketplace app store). Atlassian was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Sydney.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Atlassian, 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 Atlassian</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 1,314,615, with TEAM's price down by -2.85%, positioned at $262.11.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 43 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Atlassian</h3>
Over the past month, 5 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $298.0.
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 Keybanc continues to hold a Overweight rating for Atlassian, targeting a price of $315. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Truist Securities has decided to maintain their Hold rating on Atlassian, which currently sits at a price target of $250. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Mizuho persists with their Outperform rating on Atlassian, maintaining a target price of $285. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Macquarie has revised its rating downward to Neutral, adjusting the price target to $290. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Wells Fargo keeps a Overweight rating on Atlassian with a target price of $350. 
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 Atlassian, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

TEAM

Check Out What Whales Are Doing With TEAM

7 analysts have expressed a variety of opinions on Asure Software (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ASUR#NASDAQ">ASUR</a>) over the past quarter, offering a diverse set of opinions from bullish to bearish.
The following table provides a quick overview of their recent ratings, highlighting the changing sentiments over the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">4</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Providing deeper insights, analysts have established 12-month price targets, indicating an average target of $15.36, along with a high estimate of $20.00 and a low estimate of $11.00. A decline of 5.01% from the prior average price target is evident in the current average. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734544857_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Diving into Analyst Ratings: An In-Depth Exploration</h2>
The standing of Asure Software among financial experts is revealed through an in-depth exploration of recent analyst actions. The summary below outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Brad Reback</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$11.00</td>
<td>$10.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nehal Chokshi</td>
<td>Northland Capital Markets</td>
<td>Lowers</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$12.50</td>
<td>$16.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vincent Colicchio</td>
<td>Barrington Research</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Joshua Reilly</td>
<td>Needham</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vincent Colicchio</td>
<td>Barrington Research</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Vincent Colicchio</td>
<td>Barrington Research</td>
<td>Maintains</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Charles Nabhan</td>
<td>Stephens &amp; Co.</td>
<td>Announces</td>
<td>Overweight</td>
<td>$13.00</td>
<td>-</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: Analysts respond to changes in market conditions and company performance, frequently updating their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise' or 'Lower' their stance, it reflects their reaction to recent developments related to Asure Software. This information offers a snapshot of how analysts perceive the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Providing a comprehensive analysis, analysts offer qualitative assessments, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings reflect expectations for the relative performance of Asure Software compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts predict movements in price targets, offering estimates for Asure Software's future value. Examining the current and prior targets offers insights into analysts' evolving expectations.</li>
</ul>
Capture valuable insights into Asure Software's market standing by understanding these analyst evaluations alongside pertinent financial indicators. Stay informed and make strategic decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ASUR/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Asure Software analyst ratings.</a>
If you are interested in following small-cap stock news and performance <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/small-cap">you can start by tracking it here</a>.
<h2>Discovering Asure Software: A Closer Look</h2>
Asure Software Inc is a provider of cloud-based Human Capital Management (HCM) solutions delivered as Software-as-a-Service (SaaS). It facilitates small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs) to develop their Human Capital to get to the next level, stay compliant, and allocate their time, money and technology toward growth. The company's HCM suite, named AsureHCM, includes cloud-based Payroll and Tax, HR, a Time and Attendance software. Its HR services range from HR projects to outsourcing payroll to HR consulting services. The firm sells its HCM products majorly in the United States.
<h3>A Deep Dive into Asure Software's Financials</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: The company's market capitalization is below the industry average, suggesting that it is relatively smaller compared to peers. This could be due to various factors, including perceived growth potential or operational scale.
Revenue Growth: Asure Software's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has faced challenges. As of 30 September, 2024, the company experienced a revenue decline of approximately -0.1%. This indicates a decrease in the company's top-line earnings. In comparison to its industry peers, the company trails behind with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Industrials sector.
Net Margin: Asure Software's net margin excels beyond industry benchmarks, reaching -13.31%. This signifies efficient cost management and strong financial health.
Return on Equity (ROE): Asure Software's ROE surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive -1.98% ROE, the company effectively utilizes shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): Asure Software's ROA stands out, surpassing industry averages. With an impressive ROA of -0.92%, the company demonstrates effective utilization of assets and strong financial performance.
Debt Management: Asure Software's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average. With a ratio of 0.06, the company relies less on debt financing, maintaining a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
<h2>Understanding the Relevance of Analyst Ratings</h2>
Analyst ratings serve as essential indicators of stock performance, provided by experts in banking and financial systems. These specialists diligently analyze company financial statements, participate in conference calls, and engage with insiders to generate quarterly ratings for individual stocks.
Some analysts publish their predictions for metrics such as growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide additional guidance with their ratings. When using analyst ratings, it is important to keep in mind that stock and sector analysts are also human and are only offering their opinions to investors.
If you want to keep track of which analysts are outperforming others, you can view updated analyst ratings along withanalyst success scores in <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Which Stocks Are Analysts Recommending Now?
Benzinga Edge gives you instant access to all major analyst upgrades, downgrades, and price targets. Sort by accuracy, upside potential, and more. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=be8be9arja3be22bz21&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here to stay ahead of the market</a>.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

ASUR

Breaking Down Asure Software: 7 Analysts Share Their Views

Ratings for Aris Water Solutions (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARIS#NYSE">ARIS</a>) were provided by 6 analysts in the past three months, showcasing a mix of bullish and bearish perspectives.
The following table summarizes their recent ratings, shedding light on the changing sentiments within the past 30 days and comparing them to the preceding months.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th></th>
<th align="right">Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bullish</th>
<th align="right">Indifferent</th>
<th align="right">Somewhat Bearish</th>
<th align="right">Bearish</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Total Ratings</td>
<td align="right">3</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Last 30D</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>1M Ago</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>2M Ago</td>
<td align="right">2</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">1</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>3M Ago</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
Analysts have recently evaluated Aris Water Solutions and provided 12-month price targets. The average target is $24.67, accompanied by a high estimate of $28.00 and a low estimate of $21.00. Marking an increase of 18.89%, the current average surpasses the previous average price target of $20.75. 
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734544850_0.png" alt="price target chart" />
<h2>Understanding Analyst Ratings: A Comprehensive Breakdown</h2>
An in-depth analysis of recent analyst actions unveils how financial experts perceive Aris Water Solutions. The following summary outlines key analysts, their recent evaluations, and adjustments to ratings and price targets.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Analyst</th>
<th>Analyst Firm</th>
<th>Action Taken</th>
<th>Rating</th>
<th>Current Price Target</th>
<th>Prior Price Target</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Praneeth Satish</td>
<td>Wells Fargo</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Equal-Weight</td>
<td>$26.00</td>
<td>$21.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Selman Akyol</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$28.00</td>
<td>$26.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Selman Akyol</td>
<td>Stifel</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$26.00</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>John Mackay</td>
<td>Goldman Sachs</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>$21.00</td>
<td>$18.50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Samantha Hoh</td>
<td>Evercore ISI Group</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Outperform</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dan Walk</td>
<td>JP Morgan</td>
<td>Raises</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>$22.00</td>
<td>$19.00</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<h3>Key Insights:</h3>
<ul>
<li>Action Taken: In response to dynamic market conditions and company performance, analysts update their recommendations. Whether they 'Maintain', 'Raise', or 'Lower' their stance, it signifies their reaction to recent developments related to Aris Water Solutions. This insight gives a snapshot of analysts' perspectives on the current state of the company.</li>
<li>Rating: Analyzing trends, analysts offer qualitative evaluations, ranging from 'Outperform' to 'Underperform'. These ratings convey expectations for the relative performance of Aris Water Solutions compared to the broader market.</li>
<li>Price Targets: Analysts gauge the dynamics of price targets, providing estimates for the future value of Aris Water Solutions's stock. This comparison reveals trends in analysts' expectations over time.</li>
</ul>
Considering these analyst evaluations in conjunction with other financial indicators can offer a comprehensive understanding of Aris Water Solutions's market position. Stay informed and make well-informed decisions with our Ratings Table.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ARIS/analyst-ratings?utm_source=Benzinga Insights">Stay up to date on Aris Water Solutions analyst ratings.</a>
If you are interested in following small-cap stock news and performance <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/small-cap">you can start by tracking it here</a>.
<h2>Discovering Aris Water Solutions: A Closer Look</h2>
Aris Water Solutions Inc is an environmental infrastructure and solutions company that helps customers reduce their water and carbon footprints. It has two primary revenue streams. The Produced Water Handling business gathers, transports, and, unless recycled, handles produced water generated from oil and natural gas production. The Water Solutions business develops and operates recycling facilities to treat, store and recycle produced water.
<h3>Aris Water Solutions: Delving into Financials</h3>
Market Capitalization Perspectives: The company's market capitalization falls below industry averages, signaling a relatively smaller size compared to peers. This positioning may be influenced by factors such as perceived growth potential or operational scale.
Revenue Growth: Over the 3 months period, Aris Water Solutions showcased positive performance, achieving a revenue growth rate of 12.55% as of 30 September, 2024. This reflects a substantial 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.
Net Margin: Aris Water Solutions's financial strength is reflected in its exceptional net margin, which exceeds industry averages. With a remarkable net margin of 6.67%, the company showcases strong profitability and effective cost management.
Return on Equity (ROE): Aris Water Solutions's ROE surpasses industry standards, highlighting the company's exceptional financial performance. With an impressive 2.21% ROE, the company effectively utilizes shareholder equity capital.
Return on Assets (ROA): The company's ROA is a standout performer, exceeding industry averages. With an impressive ROA of 0.54%, the company showcases effective utilization of assets.
Debt Management: Aris Water Solutions's debt-to-equity ratio is below the industry average at 1.37, reflecting a lower dependency on debt financing and a more conservative financial approach.
<h2>Analyst Ratings: Simplified</h2>
Benzinga tracks 150 analyst firms and reports on their stock expectations. Analysts typically arrive at their conclusions by predicting how much money a company will make in the future, usually the upcoming five years, and how risky or predictable that company's revenue streams are.
Analysts attend company conference calls and meetings, research company financial statements, and communicate with insiders to publish their ratings on stocks. Analysts typically rate each stock once per quarter or whenever the company has a major update.
Some analysts will also offer forecasts for metrics like growth estimates, earnings, and revenue to provide further guidance on stocks. Investors who use analyst ratings should note that this specialized advice comes from humans and may be subject to error.
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This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

ARIS

Forecasting The Future: 6 Analyst Projections For Aris Water Solutions

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