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MrBeast, also known as Jimmy Donaldson, is dominating streaming platform Prime Video with his new "Beast Games"<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/05/38860861/amazon-betting-on-game-shows-for-streaming-growth-mrbeast-travis-kelce-pop-culture-jeopardy"> game show competition.</a>
Here's a look at the early data and what's next.
What Happened: Record-breaking <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/03/37809533/mrbeast-confirms-beast-games-on-amazon-prime-video-with-1-000-contestants-5m-prize-its-gonn">game show</a> "Beast Games" premiered its first two episodes on Prime Video Dec. 19.
The show, considered the world's largest live game show, promises to award the "biggest single prize in the history of television and streaming" by Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), the owner of Prime Video.
While official viewership figures for the first two episodes have not been released, "Beast Games" was the most-watched Prime Video show or movie last week, according to Donaldson.
"Beast Games is #1 in the US and I cannot express how grateful I am for all of the love and support! I, and countless talented people really put so much love and passion into it, and seeing everyone's reactions has been amazing! Thanks guys!" he <a href="https://x.com/MrBeast/status/1870242683039683065">tweeted</a>.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Beast Games is #1 in the US and I cannot express how grateful I am for all of the love and support! I, and countless talented people really put so much love and passion into it, and seeing everyone's reactions has been amazing! Thanks guys! &#x2764;&#xFE0F; <a href="https://t.co/ZTcZlXUhCS">pic.twitter.com/ZTcZlXUhCS</a>
&mdash; MrBeast (@MrBeast) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrBeast/status/1870242683039683065?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The content creator, who is the most followed individual on YouTube, <a href="https://x.com/MrBeast/status/1870545271274590539">tweeted </a>that the show was number one on Prime Video in almost half the countries on Earth, naming many in the post.
Prime Video saw the previous week led by "Red One," a Christmas movie starring Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson and Chris Evans. Amazon said <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/12/42537187/christmas-movie-with-the-rock-flops-at-box-office-breaks-streaming-records-for-this-company">over 50 million people </a>watched the movie in its first week. "Beast Games" knocked "Red One" down to number two across many territories.
Knocking a movie that set the premiere week record for Prime Video shouldn't go unnoticed for Prime Video, especially a Christmas movie in the weeks ahead of the holiday.
Amazon bet aggressively on "Beast Games," reportedly beating out other streaming and media companies for the content creator's game show idea.
&#8220;Amazon will give us the most creative control,&#8221; Donaldson previously said. &#8220;Other platforms didn&#8217;t. There&#8217;s a reason we went with Amazon.&#8221;
Beast Games is a big bet for Prime Video. The reported cost is around $100 million and includes building a city for the show. But with strong initial viewership it looks like the bet could pay off.
Donaldson <a href="https://x.com/MrBeast/status/1870910033120149861">shared </a>the first 10 minutes of the premiere episode of "Beast Games" on X and YouTube. Viewers must go to Prime Video to watch the full episode.
Read Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/12/42563662/streamers-max-paramount-won-november-heres-why-analyst-expects-netflix-amazon-to-win-december"> Streamers Max, Paramount+ Won November: Here&#8217;s Why Analyst Expects Netflix, Amazon To Win December</a>
What's Next: For 10 episodes, "Beast Games" will eliminate contestants. The winner will take home the $5 million prize.
The next episode will premiere on Thursday, Dec. 26 at 12 p.m. ET. The episode's release comes <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/11/42199235/amazon-prime-vs-netflix-mrbeast-game-show-arrives-dec-19-squid-game-season-2-drops-1-week-later">out the same day</a> as the highly anticipated second season of "Squid Game" on Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>). This means Netflix and Amazon will be pitted against each other for viewership the day after the Christmas holiday.
The "Beast Games" finale episode premieres on Feb. 13 and likely break several world records. It will also showcase Amazon's bet on MrBeast and his game show vision in full.
"Beast Games" may be far from over with the website hinting at future seasons.
"Don't miss your chance to be part of the excitement and competition in the future. Enter your email below to be notified when applications reopen for the next Beast Games!" the Beast Games website reads.
For Donaldson and potentially Amazon, granted they sign on for additional seasons, this could be the beginning of one of the most-watched game shows worldwide.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42562732/mrbeasts-new-game-show-to-premiere-on-amazon-prime-video-thursday-why-billionaire-david-tepper-may-be-watching">MrBeast&#8217;s New Game Show To Premiere On Amazon Prime Video Thursday: Why Billionaire David Tepper May Be Watching</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Entertainment

AMZN

NFLX

MrBeast Dominates Prime Video: How YouTuber Could Help Amazon Boost Streaming Presence

Regarding building wealth, rental properties can be a solid investment. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/42026823/this-is-how-you-get-wealthy-dave-ramsey-details-how-one-move-could-make-you-5-million-by-retirement">Personal finance expert</a> Dave Ramsey is all for owning real estate – but only if you do it correctly. In his usual straightforward style, Ramsey is clear about one thing: don't fall for the get-rich-quick schemes that often pop up around real estate.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Real Estate Hype Comes Back Every Few Years</h2>
Ramsey points out that every seven to eight years, a wave of get-rich-quick real estate hype rolls through, targeting people who don't remember how risky it was last time. The promise? Buy properties, take on a ton of debt, and let the renters cover your payments while you sit back and collect cash. According to Ramsey, this is a fantasy.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Every so many years, the get-rich-quick real estate movement kicks up again. It's about a 7–8 year cycle, because you have to get the young people who don't remember how stupid it was a little bit older, so they don't remember how stupid it was. There's nothing wrong with owning… <a href="https://t.co/NNjqTTjhwG">pic.twitter.com/NNjqTTjhwG</a>
&mdash; Dave Ramsey (@DaveRamsey) <a href="https://twitter.com/DaveRamsey/status/1695797715899236798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to <a href="https://arrivedhomes.go2cloud.org/aff_c?offer_id=15&amp;aff_id=1006&amp;aff_sub=yahoo&amp;aff_sub2=byerscta100">become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100 for properties like the Byer House from Stranger Things.</a></li>
<li>Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl-y2"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a></li>
</ul>
"If you tell me the renters are going to pay the payments for you, that tells me you&#8217;ve never managed rental property," he says. Life happens – tenants lose jobs, deal with health issues, or face other financial hardships. Rent doesn't always show up on time; assuming it will is a rookie mistake.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ramsey's Rules for Smart Real Estate Investing</h2>
Ramsey isn't against real estate at all. In fact, he owns several rental properties himself. The difference? He buys them with cash. No debt. No risky assumptions.
Here's his advice for anyone thinking about getting into real estate:
<ol>
<li>Get your financial house in order first: Pay off your home mortgage and other debts. Build an emergency fund covering 3–6 months of expenses.</li>
<li>Avoid debt: Ramsey learned the hard way over 30 years ago that debt can destroy your financial future. He's adamant about buying properties outright instead of taking out loans.</li>
<li>Start small and stay smart: Once you're financially stable, save aggressively to buy a rental property with cash. This approach minimizes risk and ensures you're not overleveraged if things go south.</li>
</ol>
See Also: Unlock the hidden potential of commercial real estate —<a href="https://equitymultiple.com/benzinga?invite=benzinga&amp;utm_campaign=product-promotion-earn&amp;utm_source=yahooFinance&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_content=unlockboost-yahoo"> This platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today!</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Protect Your Investments with an LLC</h2>
For those building a real estate portfolio, Ramsey <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42561253/if-they-win-heres-the-savvy-reason-dave-ramsey-launches-a-new-real-estate-llc-after-hitting-5-million">suggests setting up a Limited Liability Company</a> to protect personal assets. If a tenant sues, the LLC limits claims to what it owns, keeping your home and savings safe. Once your properties in one LLC hit a value of around $5 million, Ramsey recommends forming another LLC to spread the risk.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Don't Fall for the Passive Income Myth</h2>
If you think <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finance-rental-property">rental properties are easy</a>, think again. Ramsey bluntly calls the idea of passive income from real estate "moronic." <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/managing-rental-properties">Owning rentals</a> means dealing with tenants, fixing problems, and staying on top of legal issues. It's a business, not a hands-off investment.
Read Next:
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<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-y2">Last Chance to get 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/arrived-private-credit-yf">Arrived Home's Private Credit Fund&#8217;s has historically paid an annualized dividend yield of 8.1%&#x2A;</a>, which provides access to a pool of short-term loans backed by residential real estate with just a $100 minimum.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/go/arrived-private-credit-yf"> </a></li>
</ul>

Markets

'There's Nothing Wrong With Owning Rentals,' Says Dave Ramsey, But Forget The Get-Rich-Quick Nonsense Some Want You To Believe

Destination XL Group, Inc, (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DXLG#NASDAQ">DXLG</a>), the leading integrated - commerce specialty retailer of Big + Tall men's clothing and shoes, today confirmed that it has received a non-binding proposal from Fund&nbsp;1 Investments, LLC to acquire all of the outstanding shares of the Company.

DXLG

Destination XL Group Confirms Receipt Of Non-Binding Proposal From Fund 1 Investments To Acquire All Of The Outstanding Shares Of The Company For $3/Share

Canaccord Genuity analyst Austin Moeller maintained a Buy rating at Vertical Aerospace Ltd. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EVTL#NYSE">EVTL</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/EVTL/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">with a price target of $16</a>.
Last week, the company reported a third-quarter net loss of $45.7 million, compared to $41.8 million in the same quarter a year ago.
The company has around 25 million Sterling pounds in cash. The new funding round is expected to close in the first quarter of 2025.
The analyst writes about the recent $50 million capital commitment, but the investor focuses on the expected completion of the full capital raise in the first quarter, a key step for VX4's development.
Last month, the term sheet outlined a $50 million funding commitment from Mudrick Capital, with $25 million in upfront funding and an additional $25 million backstop, which can <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/contracts/24/11/42162996/vertical-aerospace-soars-50-million-funding-boost-and-debt-conversion-propel-evtol-maker-forward" rel="noreferrer noopener">be reduced by third-party funding</a>.
This funding is expected to support the company's Flightpath 2030 Strategy, which aims to position Vertical as a global leader in the eVTOL market by the end of the decade. This strategy includes the ongoing development and certification of the VX4.
Moeller says that he is confident in the company's strong design and engineering team, which is making steady progress with the CAA on the VX4 certification.
The analyst revised estimates for EBITDA loss to $55.6 million from $89.6 million earlier in 2024, $70.7 million from $68.7 million in 2025 and $81.5 million from $80.5 million in 2026.
Price Action: EVTL shares are down 6.53% at $7.38 at the last check Monday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42653466" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Honda, Nissan Confirm Merger Plans To Offset Chinese EV Competition: How Mitsubishi Factors In</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Analyst Color

Equities

News

Price Target

Reiteration

Small Cap

Analyst Ratings

Tech

Trading Ideas

EVTL

Amid Funding Milestones, Analyst Bets On Vertical Aerospace's Strong Engineering And Design Team

Following a strong rise in November, the U.S. consumer morale declined sharply in December, dragged down by concerns <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/econ-s">about future economic conditions. </a>
The Conference Board&#8217;s Consumer Confidence Index declined by 8.1 points to 104.7, moving back into the mid-range levels observed over the past two years. 
The most significant drop occurred in the Expectations Index, which fell by 12.6 points to 81.1, teetering just above the critical threshold of 80. Historically, values below this level have been associated with recessionary periods.
&#8220;Compared to last month, consumers in December were substantially less optimistic about future business conditions and incomes. Moreover, pessimism about future employment prospects returned after cautious optimism prevailed in October and November," Dana M. Peterson, chief economist&nbsp;at The Conference Board.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Current Conditions: Labor Market Strong, Business Sentiment Weakens</h3>
Consumers' assessment of the present economy was mixed in December. Labor market sentiment improved, with 37.0% of respondents stating jobs were "plentiful," up from 33.6% in November, while those saying jobs were "hard to get" fell to 14.8% from 15.2%.
However, business conditions showed signs of deterioration. The share of consumers reporting that business conditions were "good" declined to 19.1% from 21.6%, while those describing them as "bad" increased to 16.7% from 15.3%.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Future Expectations Show Growing Pessimism</h3>
&#8220;While weaker consumer assessments of the present situation and expectations contributed to the decline, the expectations component saw the sharpest drop," Peterson added. 
The sharp drop in the Expectations Index highlights a growing sense of unease about the future. 
Only 21.7% of respondents expected better business conditions in the next six months, down from 24.7% in November. Meanwhile, the percentage anticipating worse conditions rose to 18.3% from 15.9%.
Labor market optimism also faded. The share of consumers expecting more jobs to become available dropped to 19.1% from 22.8%, while those anticipating fewer jobs increased to 21.3% from 17.9%. 
Personal income prospects mirrored this negative trend, with only 17.2% expecting their incomes to increase, down from 20.7% in November. Those expecting incomes to decline rose to 14.3% from 12.1%.
December brought a dip in stock market optimism. The percentage of consumers expecting stock prices to rise in the next year fell from a record high of 57.2% in November to 52.9%. Those anticipating a decline in stock prices increased from 21.7% to 25%.
Interest rate expectations were mixed. The share of consumers expecting rates to rise ticked up slightly to 48.5%, while those expecting rates to fall slipped to 29.3%. These shifts reflect lingering uncertainty about the Federal Reserve's monetary policy trajectory.
Concerns about tariffs also increased, with 46% of consumers expecting tariffs to raise the cost of living, while 21% believed tariffs could create more U.S. jobs.
The S&amp;P 500 index – as tracked by the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>)&nbsp;–&nbsp;was up 0.2% by the time of this writing Monday. The index tracking the 500 largest U.S. companies has climbed nearly 25% year to date, matching the gains recorded in 2023.
Read now: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/12/42628985/traders-fight-the-grinch-to-save-the-santa-rally-10-sp-500-stocks-poised-for-a-year-end-surge">Traders Fight The Grinch To Save The Santa Rally: 10 S&amp;P 500 Stocks Poised For A Year-End Surge</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Macro Economic Events

Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

Econ #s

Economics

ETFs

US Consumer Confidence Drops In December: Expectations Signal Potential Economic Weakness In 2025

<ul>
<li>Microsoft aims to reduce reliance on OpenAI due to cost and speed concerns</li>
<li>Microsoft adding homegrown smaller models to power 365 Copilot</li>
<li>Microsoft customizes open-weight models for efficiency in 365 Copilot</li>
</ul>
 - Reuters Citing Sources&nbsp;

MSFT

Microsoft Seeks To Reduce Reliance On OpenAI By Integrating Internal And Third-Party AI Models Into 365 Copilot For Greater Efficiency And Cost Savings

WIIM

APLD

BITF

BTBT

BTCM

CIFR

CLSK

COIN

HIVE

IREN

MARA

MSTR

RIOT

WULF

Shares of crypto-related stocks are trading lower possibly amid a drop in Bitcoin.

Rumors

FULC

Shares Of Fulcrum Therapeutics See Volume; Traders Circulating Co. Mentioned By M&A Blog

Analysts revised/maintained the price target for Carnival Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CCL#NYSE">CCL</a>) following better-than-expected fourth-quarter <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/12/42621270/carnival-cruises-into-success-with-record-bookings-and-strong-q4-earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">2024 results reported last week</a>.
The company reported sales growth of 10% year-over-year to $5.938 billion, marginally beating the street view of $5.932 billion and adjusted EPS of $0.14,&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">beating the consensus estimate of $0.08.</a>
JP Morgan analyst Matthew R. Boss raised the price target to $31 from $29 while <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ccl/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">maintaining an Overweight rating</a>.
The analyst says that looking ahead to 2025, CEO Weinstein noted that nearly two-thirds of the year is already booked, and the company expects another year of big yield improvement, surpassing historical growth rates.
The cumulative advanced bookings for 2025 are 16 points higher compared to the same time last year, setting an &#8220;all-time high&#8221; for both price and occupancy, with each quarter of 2025 booked above 2024 levels, adds the analyst.
Boss writes that with increased advertising investment (after previous underinvestment compared to peers) and a more conservative capacity growth strategy, CCL is positioned to improve brand clarity, pricing power, and accelerate efforts to de-lever its balance sheet.
Truist Securities analyst C. Patrick Scholes maintained a Buy rating with a price target of $29.
The analyst says that fourth-quarter exceeded high Street and investor expectations, with upside to earnings driven by better-than-expected costs, particularly in the Commission, transportation, and other line items.
Scholes writes that he does not expect investor disappointment with the newly introduced 2025 earnings guide, which is roughly in line or slightly below consensus, as cruise lines typically provide conservative guidance at the start of the year due to global uncertainties.
With strong booking pricing trends continuing, the analyst anticipates further opportunities for quarterly earnings beats and upgrades.
Other analyst price target/rating revisions:
<ul>
<li>Stifel analyst increased the price target to $34 from $32, while reiterating a Buy rating.</li>
<li>Barclays analyst raised the price target to $32 from $31, while reiterating an Overweight rating.</li>
</ul>
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;AdvisorShares Hotel ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BEDZ#NYSE">BEDZ</a>) and&nbsp;Defiance Hotel, Airline, and Cruise ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRUZ#NYSE">CRUZ</a>).
Price Action: CCL shares are down 4.89% at $25.49 at the last check Monday.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/travel/24/12/42627563/wall-street-rallies-as-soft-inflation-data-fuels-dip-buying-bonds-rebound-travel-stocks-soar-whats-driving-markets-friday" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Wall Street Rallies On Soft Inflation Data, Bonds Rebound, Travel Stocks Surge: What&#8217;s Driving Markets Friday?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by Darryl Brooks via Shutterstock

Large Cap

BEDZ

CRUZ

After Carnival's Q4 Performance, Analysts See Smooth Sailing

KB Home's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KBH#NYSE">KBH</a>) short percent of float has fallen 9.88% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 5.68 million shares sold short, which is 12.5% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 6.85 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>KB Home Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734979522_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for KB Home 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 KB Home'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>, KB Home's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 5.55%, which means the company has more 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.

Short Sellers

Short Ideas

How Is The Market Feeling About KB Home?

Alliant Energy's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LNT#NYSE">LNT</a>) short percent of float has risen 16.18% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 7.08 million shares sold short, which is 3.16% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 4.61 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>Alliant Energy Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734979517_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Alliant Energy 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 Alliant Energy'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>, Alliant Energy's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 2.09%, which means the company has more 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 Alliant Energy's Recent Short Interest

Trade Desk's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTD#NYSE">TTD</a>) short percent of float has fallen 5.6% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 9.79 million shares sold short, which is 2.19% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.45 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>Trade Desk Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734979511_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Trade Desk 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 Trade Desk'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>, Trade Desk's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 4.62%, 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.

Looking Into Trade Desk's Recent Short Interest

<a href="https://eletric-vehicles.com/lucid/exclusive-lucid-to-adopt-new-sales-model-in-europe-expand-to-belgium/#:~:text=Lucid%20Motors%20plans%20to%20adopt,sources%20told%20EV%20on%20Monday.">https://eletric-vehicles.com/lucid/exclusive-lucid-to-adopt-new-sales-model-in-europe-expand-to-belgium/#:~:text=Lucid%20Motors%20plans%20to%20adopt,sources%20told%20EV%20on%20Monday.</a>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://eletric-vehicles.com/category/lucid/">Lucid Motors</a> plans to adopt a dealership network business model in Europe while increasing the number of its showrooms. Additionally, the company is preparing its next wave of expansion in Europe which includes the expansion to the Belgian market next year, two internal sources told EV on Monday.

Global

LCID

'Exclusive: Lucid to Adopt New Sales Model in Europe, Expand to Belgium' - Electric Vehicles

HC Wainwright &amp; Co. analyst Raghuram Selvaraju upgraded Aclaris Therapeutics Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACRS#NASDAQ">ACRS</a>) from Neutral to Buy and a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ACRS/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price target of $20</a>. The stock gained after the rerating.
In a press release last month, Aclaris announced that it had entered into an exclusive license agreement with privately held Biosion, Inc. for worldwide rights (excluding Greater China) to BSI-045B, a potential best-in-class, clinical-stage, novel anti-TSLP monoclonal antibody, and BSI-502, a potential best-in-class, preclinical-stage, novel bispecific antibody directed against both TSLP and IL4R.
Despite recent advances in anti-TSLP and anti-IL4R therapies, there remains a substantial unmet need for more effective and convenient treatment options.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42631016/taiwan-semiconductor-expands-in-japan-sony-and-denso-among-first-customers" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taiwan Semiconductor Expands in Japan: Sony and Denso Among First Customers</a>
In a completed Phase 2a, single-arm, proof-of-concept trial conducted in the U.S. in 22 patients with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, BSI-045B was observed to have a pharmacodynamic, safety, and efficacy profile that could position it as a potential best-in-class therapy.
BSI-045B is also being advanced in multiple Phase 2 studies in China by Biosion&#8217;s regional partner, targeting severe asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps, accelerating the potential to show proof-of-concept across additional indications.
Selvaraju expects Aclaris to initiate multiple mid-stage clinical studies next year in the U.S. due to potential positive results from the Chinese trials. 
This should pave the way for registration programs in the coming years. From Selvaraju&#8217;s vantage point, BSI-045B could generate billions of dollars in sales across solely the U.S. and European Union markets in only chronic asthma and atopic dermatitis indications.
This candidate could reach the U.S. market in 2029 to treat chronic asthma and in 2030 for treating AD, with potential peak annual sales of roughly $9.8 billion. 
Selvaraju&#8217;s forecasts include pricing in the $30K range in the U.S. and the $10K range in Europe, roughly in line with net pricing for Dupixent (dupilumab), the most commercially successful of the currently-marketed anti-IL-4R monoclonal antibodies with estimated 2024 sales totaling roughly 13 billion euros. 
Selvaraju noted that an earlier-generation monoclonal antibody, the anti-IgE agent Xolair (omalizumab), generated sales approaching $4 billion in 2023. Selvaraju ascribed a 30% probability of approval to BSI-045B in chronic asthma and a 20% probability of approval to this candidate in AD.
Selvaraju projected fourth-quarter revenue of $2.9 million and EPS of $(0.10).
Price Action: ACRS stock is up 8% at $2.94 at last check Monday.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42627181/blackberry-growth-hinge-on-iot-secure-communications-despite-valuation-concerns-analyst" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">BlackBerry Growth Hinge On IoT, Secure Communications Despite Valuation Concerns: Analyst</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock.com

Upgrades

ACRS

Aclaris Stock Rises As Analyst Projects Billions In Sales For New Therapy

DRCT

Direct Digital Shares Resume Trade Then Again Halted On Circuit Breaker To The Upside, Stock Now Up 618.2%

Fed chair Powell dropped a big lump of coal in the market&#8217;s stocking last week as he reigned in the Fed&#8217;s rate cut projections for 2025. While the Fed cut its key benchmark rate by the expected 25 basis points, Powell tempered expectations on future rate cuts based on sticky inflation data and the continued robust spending from American consumers.
The Fed's so-called ‘dot plot,' which anticipates the frequency and strength of future rate activity, now indicates only two rate cuts in 2025, with a Fed funds rate at 3.75% &#8211; 4.00% by the end of next December.
Markets did not take kindly to the news, and major indices closed starkly lower after being flat for most of the day. Nasdaq led the losers, with the tech-heavy index dropping more than 3.5%.
After hours, AI-darling Micron Technology added to the pain with a significant earnings miss, and the stock had its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42599089/us-stocks-edge-up-micron-suffers-worst-day-since-march-2020-bond-yields-surge-whats-driving-markets-thursday?adt_ei=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&amp;he=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D">worst performance since March 2020</a> the following day. Add in a close-call government shutdown and low holiday trading volume, and it was the perfect storm for some year-end volatility. And it won&#8217;t stop there.
A cautious Fed means cautious investors and a change in strategy is necessary for 2025.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How We Chose These Stocks</h2>
Is this the end of the AI-infused tech rally? The prospects of rate reductions slashing capital costs and juicing stock prices have diminished, and AI stocks are beginning to see some cracks form. Even the stalwart NVIDIA is in correction territory after touching the $152 mark earlier this month. While AI isn't exiting the investment landscape anytime soon, the big winners over the last two years look to be finally taking a breather. In their place, we've identified five tech stocks not dependent on AI that could lead the way in 2025.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/goog#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>)</h3>
Google-parent Alphabet Inc. seems to battle antitrust action every few years, causing a drawdown that eventually rebounds once investors realize the company still makes boatloads of cash every quarter. GOOG revenue and earnings have increased every quarter since March 2023, and profit margins are finally back above 27% for the first time since March 2022. The stock slumped in the summer following a poor earnings report and again in November on (you guessed it) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/11/42053249/google-could-lose-chrome-browser-in-dojs-latest-antitrust-move?adt_ei=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&amp;he=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D">antitrust concerns</a>, but it&#8217;s currently back near all-time highs.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="364" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133708/Goog-1-1024x364.png" alt="" class="wp-image-704749" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133708/Goog-1-1024x364.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133708/Goog-1-300x107.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133708/Goog-1-768x273.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133708/Goog-1.png 1363w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Google's recent quantum computing breakthrough unveiled a chip capable of speeds beyond <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42397333/google-quantum-ais-new-willow-chip-can-do-in-minutes-that-supercomputers-would-take-10-septillion-years?adt_ei=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&amp;he=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D">any in the known universe</a>, which could become an investment theme in 2025 (more on that later). Additionally, Waymo is one of the most significant success stories related to autonomous driving to date. The company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42523474/alphabets-waymo-expands-global-reach-with-tokyo-robotaxi-testing-eyes-left-hand-traffic-challenges?adt_ei=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&amp;he=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D">recently announced</a> a new service in Tokyo, its first international city, and recent testing data continues to show impressive <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39394686/alphabet-unit-waymo-claims-lower-crash-rate-despite-regulator-probes-into-risky-driving-behavior-thi?adt_ei=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&amp;he=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D">safety statistics</a>. Alphabet is also the parent of YouTube, which is the dominant way people consume podcasts and short-length videos and its YouTubeTV streaming service has an impressive sports package (and little pushback to price increases).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Uber Technologies Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/uber#NYSE">UBER</a>)</h3>
It's been a tumultuous year for Uber. The company finally posted a positive annual net income figure in 2023, and the stock rallied from $25 to $80 between December 2022 and February 2024. But the rally stalled there, and the stock bounced between $60 and $80 for most of the last nine months.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="364" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133715/UBER-1024x364.png" alt="" class="wp-image-704750" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133715/UBER-1024x364.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133715/UBER-300x107.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133715/UBER-768x273.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133715/UBER.png 1363w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
We think this recent drawdown is overdone, and the stock could be poised for a rally in 2025. Despite the proliferation of Waymo, Uber is still the dominant force in rideshare, and its ride-hailing market share is actually expanding compared to its biggest rival, Lyft. From a technical standpoint, the stock is oversold according to the Relative Strength Index (RSI) and the 50-day moving average is still hovering above the 200-day MA. As long as the 50-day stays above the 200-day, UBER shares might be an interesting buy at this level.
[<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/checkout/holiday-24/?utm_source=WebRD-1224">End-of-Year Sale: Unlock Benzinga Pro for 60% Off]</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Rigetti Computing Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rgti#NASDAQ">RGTI</a>)</h3>
As mentioned above, if AI takes a breather over the next few months, one investment theme that could emerge is quantum computing. Quantum computing stocks have rallied hard in the last month, led by the aptly named Quantum Computing Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/qubt#NASDAQ">QUBT</a>). However, Quantum Computing Inc. used to be known as Innovative Beverage Group, which raises some questions about its dedication to the industry. There may be better choices to take advantage of this trend, like Rigetti Computing Inc.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="364" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133722/RGTI-1024x364.png" alt="" class="wp-image-704751" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133722/RGTI-1024x364.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133722/RGTI-300x107.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133722/RGTI-768x273.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133722/RGTI.png 1363w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
RGTI shares also experienced a meteoric rise over the last month, but not at the level of QUBT despite a much longer history in the quantum computing space. That could be a good development for investors, as Rigetti is better positioned to thrive if quantum computing takes off thanks to its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/mid-cap/24/12/42654955/why-are-rigetti-computing-shares-surging-on-monday?adt_ei=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D&amp;he=%7B%7Bemail%7D%7D">innovative product line</a> and decade-plus history in the industry.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">CACI International Inc. (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/caci#NYSE">CACI</a>)</h3>
CACI provides technology solutions as a defense contractor, and it could see tailwinds in the coming months due to an increased focus on defense spending in the incoming Trump administration and its sterling business reputation. CACI International provides cybersecurity, cyberspace and digital solutions for domestic and international clients.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="364" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133728/CACI-1024x364.png" alt="" class="wp-image-704752" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133728/CACI-1024x364.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133728/CACI-300x107.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133728/CACI-768x273.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133728/CACI.png 1363w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
CACI shares may have been unfairly unloaded as the price plunged down to $400 after approaching $580 in early November. The RSI reading of 27 indicates an oversold stock, and the company has good fundamentals with a 19.9 P/E ratio and a consensus Buy rating from analysts.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/aapl#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>)</h3>
Sometimes, you don't need to overthink it. Apple has been one of the biggest winners in the tech sector since Trump's election, and the company's cash pile is the envy of the business world. Despite already being one of the largest companies in the world by market cap, investors may have an opportunity here as the AI rally spins down.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="364" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133734/AAPL-1024x364.png" alt="" class="wp-image-704753" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133734/AAPL-1024x364.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133734/AAPL-300x107.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133734/AAPL-768x273.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/23133734/AAPL.png 1363w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
AAPL is a staple in any long-term investment portfolio, but the time is ripe to add more shares. The stock has been roaring upward since May 2024 and made another new all-time high as the third week of December came to a close. AAPL is now approaching a $4 trillion market cap, and its rally could continue in 2025 if the company is granted tariff exemptions similar to the ones it received during the first Trump administration.
Don't let profit opportunities slip away in 2025. Get Benzinga Pro today and receive exclusive market news alerts 30 minutes ahead of the competition. Trade smarter with powerful tools at 60% off. Act now—<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/checkout/holiday-24/?utm_source=WebRD-1224">this deal ends December 31!</a>
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Shares of semiconductor companies are trading higher after the United States said it is opening an investigation into China's policies for the semiconductor industry. China's Commerce Ministry says the U.S. investigation will disrupt the chip industry and supply chains.

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Charles Schwab (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCHW#NYSE">SCHW</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with SCHW, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?utm_source=insights">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 9 uncommon options trades for Charles Schwab.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 55% bullish and 44%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 5 are puts, for a total amount of $287,314, and 4 are calls, for a total amount of $142,650.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $62.5 to $80.0 for Charles Schwab over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</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 Charles Schwab's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to Charles Schwab's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $62.5 to $80.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>Charles Schwab Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734978638_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>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>SCHW</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$1.61</td>
<td>$1.56</td>
<td>$1.56</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$70.6K</td>
<td>5.6K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SCHW</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$1.93</td>
<td>$1.84</td>
<td>$1.84</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$62.0K</td>
<td>2.4K</td>
<td>512</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SCHW</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$1.37</td>
<td>$1.33</td>
<td>$1.33</td>
<td>$67.50</td>
<td>$59.0K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SCHW</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$1.39</td>
<td>$1.34</td>
<td>$1.34</td>
<td>$67.50</td>
<td>$55.7K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td>508</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SCHW</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$1.55</td>
<td>$1.54</td>
<td>$1.55</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$55.6K</td>
<td>5.6K</td>
<td>362</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Charles Schwab</h3>
Charles Schwab operates in brokerage, wealth management, banking, and asset management. It runs a large network of brick-and-mortar brokerage branch offices and a well-established online investing website, and it has mobile trading capabilities. It also operates a bank and a proprietary asset-management business and offers services to independent investment advisors. Schwab is among the largest firms in the investment business, with over $9 trillion of client assets at the end of September 2024. Nearly all of its revenue is from the United States.
In light of the recent options history for Charles Schwab, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Charles Schwab</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 1,481,762, the price of SCHW is down -0.18% at $74.17. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 23 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Charles Schwab</h3>
A total of 5 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $93.2.
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 Wells Fargo persists with their Equal-Weight rating on Charles Schwab, maintaining a target price of $90. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Barclays upgraded its action to Overweight with a price target of $95. 
&#x2A; An analyst from JMP Securities has revised its rating downward to Market Outperform, adjusting the price target to $94. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Jefferies has decided to maintain their Buy rating on Charles Schwab, which currently sits at a price target of $94. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods continues to hold a Outperform rating for Charles Schwab, targeting a price of $93. 
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 Charles Schwab, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

SCHW

Spotlight on Charles Schwab: Analyzing the Surge in Options Activity

High-rolling investors have positioned themselves bullish on Pfizer (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</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 PFE often signals that someone has privileged information.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 9 options trades for Pfizer. This is not a typical pattern.
The sentiment among these major traders is split, with 55% bullish and 44% bearish. Among all the options we identified, there was one put, amounting to $28,350, and 8 calls, totaling $607,915.
<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 $15.0 to $27.5 for Pfizer over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</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 Pfizer's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to Pfizer's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $15.0 to $27.5 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>Pfizer Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734978633_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>PFE</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$0.77</td>
<td>$0.74</td>
<td>$0.77</td>
<td>$27.00</td>
<td>$226.0K</td>
<td>18.6K</td>
<td>3.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PFE</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$4.85</td>
<td>$4.85</td>
<td>$4.85</td>
<td>$22.00</td>
<td>$96.9K</td>
<td>4</td>
<td>300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PFE</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$6.5</td>
<td>$6.4</td>
<td>$6.47</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$64.7K</td>
<td>3.5K</td>
<td>100</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PFE</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$11.55</td>
<td>$11.2</td>
<td>$11.43</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
<td>$57.1K</td>
<td>338</td>
<td>50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PFE</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$1.67</td>
<td>$1.64</td>
<td>$1.67</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$49.9K</td>
<td>44.0K</td>
<td>372</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Pfizer</h3>
Pfizer is one of the world's largest pharmaceutical firms, with annual sales close to $50 billion (excluding covid-19-related product sales). While it historically sold many types of healthcare products and chemicals, now prescription drugs and vaccines account for the majority of sales. Top sellers include pneumococcal vaccine Prevnar 13, cancer drug Ibrance, and cardiovascular treatment Eliquis. Pfizer sells these products globally, with international sales representing close to 50% of total sales. Within international sales, emerging markets are a major contributor.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Pfizer, 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 Pfizer</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 15,591,857, the PFE's price is up by 0.74%, now at $26.55. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 43 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Pfizer</h3>
3 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $31.333333333333332.
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; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from B of A Securities lowers its rating to Neutral with a new price target of $29. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Guggenheim has decided to maintain their Buy rating on Pfizer, which currently sits at a price target of $33. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Truist Securities keeps a Buy rating on Pfizer with a target price of $32. 
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 Pfizer with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

This Is What Whales Are Betting On Pfizer

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards Dollar Gen (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DG#NYSE">DG</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in DG usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 11 extraordinary options activities for Dollar Gen. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 9% leaning bullish and 81% bearish. Among these notable options, 7 are puts, totaling $927,997, and 4 are calls, amounting to $174,454.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $40.0 to $150.0 for Dollar Gen during the past quarter. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Dollar Gen options trades today is 1219.67 with a total volume of 3,126.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Dollar Gen's big money trades within a strike price range of $40.0 to $150.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>Dollar Gen Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734978618_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>DG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$10.25</td>
<td>$10.1</td>
<td>$10.25</td>
<td>$80.00</td>
<td>$254.2K</td>
<td>2.3K</td>
<td align="right">285</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/31/25</td>
<td>$16.05</td>
<td>$13.15</td>
<td>$14.64</td>
<td>$88.00</td>
<td>$218.7K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td align="right">148</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$10.7</td>
<td>$10.7</td>
<td>$10.7</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$107.0K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
<td align="right">310</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$10.85</td>
<td>$10.65</td>
<td>$10.77</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$106.6K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
<td align="right">410</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$10.7</td>
<td>$10.45</td>
<td>$10.7</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$105.9K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
<td align="right">210</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Dollar Gen</h3>
With more than 20,000 locations, Dollar General's banner is nearly ubiquitous across the rural United States. Dollar General serves as a convenient shopping destination for fill-in store trips, with its value proposition most relevant to consumers in small communities with a dearth of shopping options. The retailer operates a frugal store of about 7,500 square feet and primarily offers an assortment of branded and private-label consumable items (80% of net sales) such as paper and cleaning products, packaged and perishable food, and health and beauty items at low prices. Dollar General also offers a limited assortment of seasonal merchandise, home products, and apparel. The firm sells most items at a price point of $10 or less.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Dollar Gen, 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 Dollar Gen</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 2,433,632, with DG's price down by -3.27%, positioned at $73.91.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 80 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Dollar Gen</h3>
In the last month, 5 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $87.4.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; In a positive move, an analyst from B of A Securities has upgraded their rating to Buy and adjusted the price target to $95. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Telsey Advisory Group persists with their Market Perform rating on Dollar Gen, maintaining a target price of $88. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Telsey Advisory Group continues to hold a Market Perform rating for Dollar Gen, targeting a price of $90. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from BMO Capital keeps a Market Perform rating on Dollar Gen with a target price of $84. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Wells Fargo continues to hold a Equal-Weight rating for Dollar Gen, targeting a price of $80. 
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 Dollar Gen with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Unpacking the Latest Options Trading Trends in Dollar Gen

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