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A plane <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/kazakhstan">crash in Kazakhstan</a> has prompted Azerbaijan to mourn the loss of 38 lives on Thursday while questions swirl around the cause.
What Happened: The Azerbaijan Airlines Embraer 190, en route from Baku to Grozny, Russia, diverted due to adverse weather conditions and crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, approximately 3 kilometers from the airport on Wednesday, according to The Associated Press. The AP <a href="https://apnews.com/article/azerbaijan-airliner-crash-aktau-kazakstan-embraer-872800d95273ee96e0950192a32e5228">reports </a>that speculation has risen about the circumstances leading to the crash, which injured all 29 survivors.
Initial reports indicate a bird strike forced the pilots to change course. Theories also emerged that the aircraft may have been unintentionally targeted by Russian air defense systems amid ongoing drone attacks in the North Caucasus.
Osprey Flight Solutions, a United Kingdom-based aviation security firm, suggested this incident could reflect broader risks tied to Russia's heightened military activity during its conflict with Ukraine, according to the AP. &#8220;It's painful to know that despite our efforts, lives were lost in a way that could have been avoided,&#8221; Osprey CEO Andrew Nicholson wrote.
The crash has left Azerbaijan and neighboring nations grieving. Flags across Azerbaijan were lowered, and a moment of silence was observed nationwide. Survivors included citizens of Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, with nine Russian nationals flown to Moscow for medical treatment. 
Kazakhstan's parliamentary speaker cautioned against premature conclusions, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42356227/spacexs-22488-satellite-expansion-challenged-over-elon-musks-russian-connections-and-environmental-risks">SpaceX&#8217;s Satellite Expansion Challenged: Ukrainian-Americans Allege Elon Musk&#8217;s Russian Ties And Environmental Risks In FCC Petition</a>
Why It Matters: The tragedy underscores the volatile environment surrounding Russia's military operations. While Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov urged restraint in speculation, recent drone attacks in the region have intensified scrutiny.
The AP reports that Ukrainian drone attacks in the North Caucasus and unverified claims of another on Wednesday have fueled speculation that Russian air defenses may have mistakenly targeted the plane.
In related geopolitical developments, Russian President Vladimir Putin signaled <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42575876/russian-president-says-hes-willing-to-meet-trump-at-any-time-for-dialogue">openness to dialogue</a> with President-elect Donald Trump, potentially setting the stage for discussions that might address broader regional instability. 
Trump, who assumes office in January, has expressed a desire to mediate the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-19/putin-says-he-s-ready-to-meet-trump-hasn-t-seen-syria-s-assad">reports </a>that Putin is prepared for talks "at any time" to resolve pressing issues.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42677932/russian-firms-adopt-bitcoin-for-global-trade-in-response-to-western-sanctions-should-be-expanded-and-developed-further">Russian Firms Adopt Bitcoin For Global Trade In Response To Western Sanctions: &#8216;Should Be Expanded And Developed Further&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: EvrenKalinbacak/Shutterstock.com.

Global

Azerbaijan Airliner Crash Kills 38: Weather, Russia Under Scrutiny

U.S. stocks were lower, with the Dow Jones index falling around 100 points on Thursday.
Shares of Toyota Motor Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TM#NYSE">TM</a>) rose sharply during Thursday's session following a recent report suggesting the company is seeking a 20% return-on-equity target. The stock may also be reacting to the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/12/42685044/toyota-motor-stock-is-trading-higher-thursday-whats-driving-the-action">Nissan-Honda merger agreement.</a>
Toyota Motor shares jumped 7.7% to $195.36 on Wednesday.
Here are some other big stocks recording gains in today's session.
<ul>
<li>Exodus Movement, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EXOD#NYSE">EXOD</a>) shares jumped 43.3% to $61.98.</li>
<li>SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LAES#NASDAQ">LAES</a>) shares surged 38% to $7.53. On Thursday, SEALSQ announced the launch of SEALQUANTUM.com Lab, a research hub designed to help businesses transition to quantum-safe encryption.</li>
<li>KULR Technology Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KULR#NASDAQ">KULR</a>) gained 24.6% to $4.2700. On Thursday, KULR Technology Group announced that it has completed the purchase of 217.18 Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) for approximately $21 million, at an average price of $96,556.53 per BTC.</li>
<li>Gevo, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GEVO#NASDAQ">GEVO</a>) rose 23.1% to $1.86.</li>
<li>Rumble Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RUM#NASDAQ">RUM</a>) gained 23.1% to $15.61.</li>
<li>POET Technologies Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/POET#NASDAQ">POET</a>) jumped 19.8% to $6.90. POET Technologies recently announced a manufacturing agreement with Globetronics and provided an update on its joint venture with Super Photonics Xiamen.</li>
<li>Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RCAT#NASDAQ">RCAT</a>) gained 17.7% to $14.00.</li>
<li>Rigetti Computing, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RGTI#NASDAQ">RGTI</a>) jumped 14.5% to $13.06.</li>
<li>D-Wave Quantum Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QBTS#NASDAQ">QBTS</a>) rose 9.2% to $8.68.</li>
<li>Kingsoft Cloud Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KC#NASDAQ">KC</a>) gained 8.4% to $9.66.</li>
<li>Peloton Interactive, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PTON#NASDAQ">PTON</a>) rose 5.7% to $9.90.</li>
</ul>
Now Read This: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42684694/top-2-health-care-stocks-you-may-want-to-dump-this-quarter">Top 2 Health Care Stocks You May Want To Dump This Quarter</a></li>
</ul>

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Toyota Motor, SEALSQ, KULR Technology And Other Big Stocks Moving Higher On Thursday

Meta Platforms, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) has reportedly agreed to pay $1 million and implement significant reforms in its advertising system in Israel following a settlement filed in the District Labor Court.
The settlement addresses allegations of discriminatory job advertising practices on its platform, which allowed employers to restrict job ads based on age and gender, Globes <a target="_blank" href="https://en.globes.co.il/en/article-meta-to-pay-$1m-to-settle-job-ads-discrimination-suit-1001497837#:~:text=Meta%20(formerly%20Facebook)%20will%20pay,in%20the%20District%20Labor%20Court." rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
The case began in September 2021 when Ya'ala Lev, a 54-year-old marketing professional, discovered she was excluded from many job ads on Facebook.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42537434/meta-fined-264-million-over-2018-facebook-data-breach-in-europe" rel="noreferrer noopener">Meta Fined $264 Million By EU Watchdog Over 2018 Facebook Data Breach</a>
An investigation revealed that Facebook's campaign management system enabled employers to narrowly target candidates by age, gender, and location, leaving entire groups, particularly those over 40, unseen by these ads.
High-profile employers, including Israel Electric Corporation and the Bank of Israel, were found using the platform exclusively to target younger candidates. The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission intervened, citing the matter as critical to employment equality with significant societal implications.
Under the settlement, Meta will pay $1 million to the Israeli Ministry of Justice's class actions fund and enforce critical changes to its advertising system in Israel, per the report. Advertisers in the country must reconfirm their adherence to anti-discrimination policies. Additionally, Meta will publish guidelines in Hebrew detailing how to post inclusive job ads and emphasizing the legal obligation to ensure equal access for all candidates.
Meta held $70.9 billion in cash and equivalents as of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/10/41637326/meta-platforms-q3-earnings-revenue-beat-eps-beat-daily-actives-up-5-strong-momentum-in-ai" rel="noreferrer noopener">September 30, 2024</a>.
The Facebook parent remains embroiled in several antitrust lawsuits for allegedly exploiting its influence to stifle competition. In November, the European Commission <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/41981957/meta-hit-with-841-million-eu-fine-over-antitrust-violations-tied-to-facebook-marketplace" rel="noreferrer noopener">fined the company</a> $841 million for linking its classified ads service, Facebook Marketplace, with its social media network, Facebook.
In March, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/03/37461950/mark-zuckerberg-called-out-for-illegal-practices-and-surveillance-based-ads-as-social-media-sees-con" rel="noreferrer noopener">European consumer organizations</a> called out Meta for its surveillance-based advertising system, violating user privacy and data protection laws.
Price Action: META stock is down 0.91% at $602.25 at last check Thursday.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42668021/lockheed-martin-secures-337-billion-f-35-contract-and-more" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lockheed Martin Secures $3.37 Billion F-35 Contract And More</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock.

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Meta Settles Israeli Job Ad Discrimination Case For $1 Million: Report

High-rolling investors have positioned themselves bearish on Red Cat Hldgs (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RCAT#NASDAQ">RCAT</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 RCAT often signals that someone has privileged information.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner spotted 12 options trades for Red Cat Hldgs. This is not a typical pattern.
The sentiment among these major traders is split, with 33% bullish and 66% bearish. Among all the options we identified, there was one put, amounting to $35,000, and 11 calls, totaling $1,227,792.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $7.0 to $15.0 for Red Cat Hldgs over the recent three months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Red Cat Hldgs stands at 2260.9, with a total volume reaching 6,739.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Red Cat Hldgs, situated within the strike price corridor from $7.0 to $15.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>Red Cat Hldgs 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735226135_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 align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>RCAT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$7.2</td>
<td>$6.7</td>
<td>$6.9</td>
<td>$11.00</td>
<td>$391.2K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td align="right">585</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RCAT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$7.4</td>
<td>$6.9</td>
<td>$6.98</td>
<td>$7.00</td>
<td>$174.8K</td>
<td>5.2K</td>
<td align="right">266</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RCAT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$7.1</td>
<td>$6.9</td>
<td>$6.9</td>
<td>$7.00</td>
<td>$171.8K</td>
<td>5.2K</td>
<td align="right">519</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RCAT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$5.2</td>
<td>$4.9</td>
<td>$4.9</td>
<td>$13.00</td>
<td>$112.7K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
<td align="right">302</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>RCAT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$6.1</td>
<td>$6.0</td>
<td>$6.1</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
<td>$108.5K</td>
<td>499</td>
<td align="right">179</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Red Cat Hldgs</h3>
Red Cat Holdings Inc is a military technology company that integrates robotic hardware and software to provide critical situational awareness and actionable intelligence to on-the-ground warfighters and battlefield commanders. Its mission is to enhance the effectiveness and safety of military operations domestically and globally. Red Cat's suite of solutions includes Teal Drones, developer of the Golden Eagle, a small unmanned system with the highest resolution imaging for night-time operations, and Skypersonic, a provider of unmanned aircraft for interior spaces and other dangerous environments.
In light of the recent options history for Red Cat Hldgs, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Red Cat Hldgs</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 4,545,437, the price of RCAT is up 14.38% at $13.6. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 81 days.</li>
</ul>
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Red Cat Hldgs, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

Looking At Red Cat Hldgs's Recent Unusual Options Activity

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bearish approach towards Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</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 AAPL usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 60 extraordinary options activities for Apple. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 43% leaning bullish and 45% bearish. Among these notable options, 5 are puts, totaling $185,239, and 55 are calls, amounting to $4,248,816.
<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 $175.0 to $300.0 for Apple during the past quarter. 
<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 Apple's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to Apple's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $175.0 to $300.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>Apple Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735226130_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</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>AAPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$15.3</td>
<td>$15.1</td>
<td>$15.23</td>
<td>$245.00</td>
<td>$511.0K</td>
<td>29.4K</td>
<td>823</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$15.4</td>
<td>$15.35</td>
<td>$15.35</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
<td>$368.4K</td>
<td>2.3K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$8.05</td>
<td>$7.95</td>
<td>$8.0</td>
<td>$255.00</td>
<td>$203.2K</td>
<td>70.4K</td>
<td>592</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$15.4</td>
<td>$15.35</td>
<td>$15.35</td>
<td>$270.00</td>
<td>$184.2K</td>
<td>2.3K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/27/24</td>
<td>$1.12</td>
<td>$1.11</td>
<td>$1.11</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$166.3K</td>
<td>22.4K</td>
<td>12.0K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Apple</h3>
Apple is among the largest companies in the world, with a broad portfolio of hardware and software products targeted at consumers and businesses. Apple's iPhone makes up a majority of the firm sales, and Apple's other products like Mac, iPad, and Watch are designed around the iPhone as the focal point of an expansive software ecosystem. Apple has progressively worked to add new applications, like streaming video, subscription bundles, and augmented reality. The firm designs its own software and semiconductors while working with subcontractors like Foxconn and TSMC to build its products and chips. Slightly less than half of Apple's sales come directly through its flagship stores, with a majority of sales coming indirectly through partnerships and distribution.
<h3>Where Is Apple Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 5,776,454, the price of AAPL is up 0.22% at $258.78. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 35 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Apple</h3>
In the last month, 3 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $277.6666666666667.
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; In a cautious move, an analyst from Needham downgraded its rating to Buy, setting a price target of $260. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Morgan Stanley downgraded its action to Overweight with a price target of $273. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Wedbush lowers its rating to Outperform with a new price target of $300.
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Apple options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

AAPL

Check Out What Whales Are Doing With AAPL

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Astera Labs (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALAB#NASDAQ">ALAB</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 ALAB, 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 Astera Labs.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 55% bullish and 22%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 3 are puts, for a total amount of $112,325, and 6 are calls, for a total amount of $471,404.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $90.0 to $180.0 for Astera Labs over the recent three months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</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 Astera Labs's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to Astera Labs's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $90.0 to $180.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>Astera Labs Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735226125_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 align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>ALAB</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$22.7</td>
<td>$22.2</td>
<td>$22.7</td>
<td>$125.00</td>
<td>$228.0K</td>
<td>2.3K</td>
<td align="right">162</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ALAB</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$22.5</td>
<td>$21.7</td>
<td>$22.5</td>
<td>$125.00</td>
<td>$118.5K</td>
<td>2.3K</td>
<td align="right">61</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ALAB</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$8.2</td>
<td>$7.5</td>
<td>$7.75</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
<td>$38.8K</td>
<td>123</td>
<td align="right">62</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ALAB</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$7.7</td>
<td>$7.0</td>
<td>$7.56</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
<td>$37.2K</td>
<td>123</td>
<td align="right">112</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ALAB</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$36.8</td>
<td>$35.8</td>
<td>$36.21</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$36.2K</td>
<td>47</td>
<td align="right">30</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Astera Labs</h3>
Astera Labs Inc is a company that offers an Intelligent Connectivity Platform, comprised of Semiconductor-based, high-speed mixed-signal connectivity products that integrate a matrix of microcontrollers and sensors. COSMOS, their software suite which is embedded in its connectivity products and integrated into their customers' systems. The Company delivers critical connectivity performance, enables flexibility and customization, and supports observability and predictive analytics. This approach addresses the data, network, and memory bottlenecks, scalability, and other infrastructure requirements of hyperscalers and system original equipment manufacturers.
After a thorough review of the options trading surrounding Astera Labs, 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 Astera Labs</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 839,860, the price of ALAB is up by 1.73%, reaching $144.04.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 88 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About Astera Labs</h3>
A total of 1 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $142.0.
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; An analyst from Morgan Stanley has decided to maintain their Overweight rating on Astera Labs, which currently sits at a price target of $142. 
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 Astera Labs with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

ALAB

Astera Labs Unusual Options Activity For December 26

– The Information
<a href="https://www.theinformation.com/articles/microsoft-and-openai-wrangle-over-terms-of-their-blockbuster-partnership" title="https://www.theinformation.com/articles/microsoft-and-openai-wrangle-over-terms-of-their-blockbuster-partnership">https://www.theinformation.com/articles/microsoft-and-openai-wrangle-over-terms-of-their-blockbuster-partnership</a>
&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&nbsp;

MSFT

OpenAI And Microsoft Negotiating Changes Since October Amid Friction Over Cloud Computing Deal, Microsoft's Equity Stake, 20% Revenue Share, And Partnership Terms

WIIM

SEALSQ shares are trading higher after the company announced the launch of SEALQUANTUM.com Lab.

On Thursday, SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LAES#NASDAQ">LAES</a>) announced the launch of SEALQUANTUM.com Lab, a research hub designed to help businesses transition to<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/g42684171/sealsq-expands-r-d-with-sealquantum-com-lab-to-pioneer-quantum-safe-encryption-and-post-quantum-re" rel="noreferrer noopener"> quantum-safe encryption.</a>
This initiative addresses the growing cybersecurity challenges posed by emerging quantum technologies, as traditional encryption methods become increasingly vulnerable to quantum computing advances.
The SEALQUANTUM.com Lab aims to equip industries with the tools, knowledge, and resources needed to adopt secure communication practices in a quantum-dominated future.
The lab supports the research and development of quantum-resistant technologies, leveraging quantum mechanical and photonic processes to ensure industries stay ahead in a rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42638753/quantum-computing-the-new-ai-a-look-at-the-rapidly-expanding-market-and-top-stocks-for-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum Computing: The New AI? A Look at the Rapidly Expanding Market and Top Stocks For 2025</a>
Carlos Moreira, CEO of SEALSQ, emphasized the lab&#8217;s role in future-proofing client security.
The lab offers businesses access to quantum cryptography expertise, actionable tools, and resources.
Additionally, the lab fosters partnerships with top universities, such as École de Mines in France, to accelerate advancements in quantum-safe cryptography.
The SEALQUANTUM.com Lab is part of SEALSQ&#8217;s broader portfolio of quantum-safe innovations, including Post-Quantum Cryptographic algorithms and Post Quantum Chips.
These solutions, developed with leading institutions, are aimed at sectors like IoT, healthcare, logistics, and government, ensuring secure transitions to a post-quantum era.
According to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>, LAES stock has gained over 508% in the past year.
Price Action: LAES shares are trading higher by 24.2% to $6.80 at last check Thursday.
Also Read:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/12/42380768/quantum-computing-stocks-roundup-d-wave-rigetti-ionq-lead-the-charge-with-explosive-growth" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Quantum Computing Stocks Roundup: D-Wave, Rigetti, IonQ Lead the Charge With Explosive Growth</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock.

SEALSQ Launches SEALQUANTUM.com Lab To Help Businesses Transition To Quantum-Safe Encryption

U.S. stocks traded lower this morning, with the Nasdaq Composite falling more than 100 points on Thursday.
The Dow traded down 0.40% to 43,125.19 while the NASDAQ fell 0.68% to 19,893.96. The S&amp;P 500 also fell, dropping, 0.53% to 6,008.30.
Check This Out: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42669200/wall-streets-most-accurate-analysts-give-their-take-on-3-utilities-stocks-with-over-4-dividend-yields">Wall Street&#8217;s Most Accurate Analysts Give Their Take On 3 Utilities Stocks With Over 4% Dividend Yields</a>
Leading and Lagging Sectors Health care shares fell by just 0.1% on Thursday.
In trading on Thursday, consumer discretionary shares dipped by 0.8%.
Top Headline
U.S. initial jobless claims fell by 1,000 from the previous week to a reading of 219,000 during the second week of December, compared to market estimates of 224,000.
Equities Trading UP &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Millennium Group International Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MGIH#NASDAQ">MGIH</a>) shares shot up 222% to $4.9389.</li>
<li>Shares of SciSparc Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPRC#NASDAQ">SPRC</a>)got a boost, surging 180% to $0.6189 after the company announced it received its first shipment of vehicles manufactured by Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group.</li>
<li>Zoomcar Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZCAR#NASDAQ">ZCAR</a>) shares were also up, gaining 91% to $2.7300 after it reported a 43% year-on-year increase in November bookings.</li>
</ul>
Equities Trading DOWN
<ul>
<li>Neuphoria Therapeutics Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NEUP#NASDAQ">NEUP</a>) shares dropped 38% to $4.0814.</li>
<li>Shares of Baosheng Media Group Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BAOS#NASDAQ">BAOS</a>) were down 33% to $4.7500.</li>
<li>SaverOne 2014 Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SVRE#NASDAQ">SVRE</a>) was down, falling 30% to $1.0505.</li>
</ul>
Commodities In commodity news, oil traded up 0.8% to $70.63 while gold traded up 0.3% at $2,643.90.
Silver traded up 0.2% to $30.355 on Thursday, while copper rose 0.5% to $4.1300.
Euro zone
In Europe, markets in Germany, France, London, Spain and Switzerland are closed for the Boxing Day holiday.
Asia Pacific Markets
Asian markets closed mostly higher on Thursday, with Japan's Nikkei 225 gaining 1.12%, China's Shanghai Composite Index gaining 0.14% and India's BSE Sensex falling 0.01%.
Economics
U.S. initial jobless claims fell by 1,000 from the previous week to a reading of 219,000 during the second week of December, compared to market estimates of 224,000.
Now Read This: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42684254/top-3-utilities-stocks-youll-regret-missing-in-december">Top 3 Utilities Stocks You&#8217;ll Regret Missing In December</a></li>
</ul>

Eurozone

Commodities

BAOS

MGIH

NEUP

SPRC

SVRE

ZCAR

Nasdaq Dips Over 100 Points, US Initial Jobless Claims Fall

On Thursday, KULR Technology Group, Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KULR#NYSE">KULR</a>) announced that it has completed the purchase of 217.18 Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) for approximately $21 million, at an average price of $96,556.53 per BTC.
The purchase follows the company&#8217;s announcement on December 4 of its Bitcoin Treasury strategy, which announced allocating up to 90% of its surplus cash to BTC.
The $21 million BTC purchased since the announcement is the first of ongoing purchases the company intends to make going forward.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42681123/ai-smartphones-to-cushion-semiconductor-industry-amid-data-center-uncertainty-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI Smartphones To Cushion Semiconductor Industry Amid Data Center Uncertainty: Report</a>
KULR Technology Group selected Coinbase&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) Prime platform to provide custody, USDC, and self-custodial wallet services for its BTC.
On December 19, KULR Technology Group regained compliance with NYSE American&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/upgrades/24/12/42598281/kulr-technology-group-stock-is-rising-today-whats-going-on" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">stockholder equity norms</a>. The company had been cited for non-compliance with specific equity standards outlined in a December 20, 2023, letter from NYSE American. 
This compliance milestone has boosted investor confidence, driving KULR&#8217;s stock up more than 90% over the past five trading sessions.
Benchmark analyst Michael Legg upgraded KULR Technology Group from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/KULR/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a Speculative Buy rating</a> to a Buy rating and raised the price target from $1 to $5.
Price Action: KULR stock is up 26.60% at $4.33 at the last check on Thursday.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42672120/british-airways-parent-targets-advanced-wi-fi-options-with-musks-starlink-and-amazons-kuiper" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Airways Parent Targets Advanced Wi-Fi Options with Musk&#8217;s Starlink and Amazon&#8217;s Kuiper</a></li>
</ul>

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

Cryptocurrency

COIN

KULR Invests $21 Million in Bitcoin as Part of Treasury Strategy

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

$ETH

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

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

$USDT

IBIT

PYPL

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

AMZN

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

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40605821/charlie-munger-said-you-dont-need-to-own-a-lot-of-things-in-order-to-get-rich-but-believed-you-a">Charlie Munger's wit, wisdom and unapologetic candor</a> were on full display during a fireside chat in 2014, during which he delved into everything from Benjamin Graham&#8217;s genius to the simplicity behind Berkshire Hathaway's success.&nbsp;
Now, reflecting on his life after his passing last year, these quotes carry an even sharper edge. Munger, who famously partnered with Warren Buffett for decades, had a knack for making complex ideas sound almost insultingly simple. But that's the thing – what sounded simple was usually a lifetime of distilled brilliance.
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</ul>
Take his view on Benjamin Graham, for example. Graham, the legendary "father of value investing," <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42624559/warren-buffett-says-a-surge-in-people-doing-big-dumb-things-is-tied-to-historically-easy-access-to-other-peoples-money">changed Warren Buffett's life</a>. To Buffett, Graham was almost a deity and his teachings formed the bedrock of Buffett's early investing philosophy. Munger, however, wasn't one to worship at the same altar.
"I don't love Ben Graham and his ideas the way Warren does," Munger admitted. "His methods were shaped by the Great Crash and the Depression and they left him with a permanent sense of fear about what the market could do." Munger saw Graham's cigar-butt investing strategy – buying dirt-cheap companies with little growth potential – as "a snare and a delusion." He bluntly concluded that Graham, while brilliant, "wasn't nearly as good an investor as Warren Buffett is or even as good as I am."
See Also: It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $70 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a>
But here's where Munger's genius shines: his insistence on knowing what you don't know. "Knowing what you don't know is more useful than being brilliant," he said, channeling Confucius, Aristotle and Socrates all at once. Munger likened it to the survival instincts of a tightrope walker who can't afford to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42597180/even-in-2023-charlie-munger-said-elon-musk-overestimates-himself-but-credited-his-success-to-one-key-factor">overestimate his abilities</a>. This relentless focus on self-awareness, rather than intellectual showmanship, is what set Munger and Buffett apart.
When it came to Berkshire Hathaway, Munger was equally unromantic. "There isn't one novel thought in all of how Berkshire is run," he said. Instead, it was about what his friend Peter Kaufman called "exploiting unrecognized simplicities." At its core, Berkshire was a community of like-minded people making decisions that often felt like no-brainers, thanks to their shared values.
Trending: 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>
"Warren and I aren't prodigies," Munger confessed. "We can't play chess blindfolded or be concert pianists. But the results are prodigious." And that's the paradox of Munger's brilliance. He and Buffett didn't aim to dazzle with raw IQ; they simply played the long game, avoided stupid mistakes and refused to get swept up in the chaos of quarterly earnings.
Munger also touched on Berkshire's culture of candor: "Warren likes to say, ‘Just tell us the bad news; the good news can wait.'" This emphasis on honesty and long-term over short-term results wasn't just a strategy – it was a philosophy that built trust and prevented small problems from turning into disasters.
Now, with Munger gone, his words take on the weight of legacy. They're <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/11/41909554/warren-buffett-told-young-investors-to-buy-homes-instead-of-stocks-calling-30-year-mortgages-a-terrific-deal">not just advice for investors – </a>they're a blueprint for thinking clearly in a noisy, overcomplicated world. It's a reminder that brilliance isn't about knowing everything; it's about knowing what matters – and, just as importantly, what doesn't.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/62-years-old-with-1-mil-saved">I&#8217;m 62 Years Old And Have $1.2 Million Saved. Is This Enough to Retire Stress-Free?</a></li>
<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>
</ul>

Personal Finance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 .dividend-frequency {
 font-size: 12px;
 color: #6c757d;
 }
 </style>Through an analysis of Meta Platforms, we can infer the following trends: 
<ul>
<li>
The stock's Price to Earnings ratio of 28.68 is lower than the industry average by 0.47x, suggesting potential value in the eyes of market participants.
</li>
<li>
The elevated Price to Book ratio of 9.33 relative to the industry average by 3.47x suggests company might be overvalued based on its book value.
</li>
<li>
The stock's relatively high Price to Sales ratio of 10.2, surpassing the industry average by 3.38x, may indicate an aspect of overvaluation in terms of sales performance.
</li>
<li>
The Return on Equity (ROE) of 9.77% is 6.78% above the industry average, highlighting efficient use of equity to generate profits.
</li>
<li>
With higher Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of $22.06 Billion, which is 5.24x above the industry average, the company demonstrates stronger profitability and robust cash flow generation.
</li>
<li>
The gross profit of $33.21 Billion is 4.92x above that of its industry, highlighting stronger profitability and higher earnings from its core operations.
</li>
<li>
The company's revenue growth of 18.87% is notably higher compared to the industry average of 4.12%, showcasing exceptional sales performance and strong demand for its products or services.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Debt To Equity Ratio</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735225233_0.png" alt="debt to equity" />
The debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio is a key indicator of a company's financial health and its reliance on debt financing.
Considering the debt-to-equity ratio in industry comparisons allows for a concise evaluation of a company's financial health and risk profile, aiding in informed decision-making.
In terms of the Debt-to-Equity ratio, Meta Platforms can be assessed by comparing it to its top 4 peers, resulting in the following observations:
<ul>
<li>
Meta Platforms demonstrates a stronger financial position compared to its top 4 peers in the sector.
</li>
<li>
With a lower debt-to-equity ratio of 0.3, the company relies less on debt financing and maintains a healthier balance between debt and equity, which can be viewed positively by investors.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Takeaways</h3>
For Meta Platforms, the PE ratio is low compared to peers, indicating potential undervaluation. The high PB and PS ratios suggest the market values the company's assets and sales highly. In terms of ROE, EBITDA, gross profit, and revenue growth, Meta Platforms outperforms its industry peers, reflecting strong financial performance and growth potential.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

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

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

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

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

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

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

 td:nth-child(3), td:nth-child(5) {
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 font-weight: bold;
 color: #0d6efd;
 }

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Analyzing Microsoft In Comparison To Competitors In Software Industry

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

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

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

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

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

A Look Into Teledyne Technologies Inc's Price Over Earnings

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

Insider Trades

CPRT

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

LQWD Technologies gets extension to close C$975K private placement

LQWD acquires additional bitcoin

LQWD Technologies announces C$3M non-brokered private placement

Press Releases

LQWD Technologies Forms Strategic Partnership with Alby Inc. as Key Liquidity Service Provider for Alby Hub

LQWD Technologies Announces Non-Brokered Private Placement Update

LQWD Reports Record Transaction Growth and Achieves #1 Rank on Lightning Terminal

Offerings

LQWD Closes Fully Subscribed $2.24 Million/$0.70 Unit Tranche of its Non-Brokered Private Placement

LQWD Announces Increase to its Non-Brokered Private Placement

LQWD Now Holds 141 Bitcoin with Additional Purchases

LQWD Acquires Additional Bitcoin

LQWD Grants Incentive Stock Options to Key Management

Further Bitcoin Purchases Sends Shares Of This Crypto Company Higher

LQWD Announces Closing of Non-Brokered Private Placement

TSX:LQWD

TSXV:LQWD

LQWD Technologies

LQwD FinTech

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The following post was written and/or published as a collaboration between Benzinga&rsquo;s in-house sponsored content team and a financial partner of Benzinga.

What is the biggest trend in fintech and financial services? The answer at the most recent <a href="https://www.virtualinvestorconferences.com/events/event-details/financial-services-virtual-investor-conference?utm_source=benzinga&amp;utm_medium=article&amp;utm_campaign=092121FinServicesVIC&amp;utm_id=092121FinServicesVIC">Virtual Investor Conference</a> hosted by <a href="https://www.otcmarkets.com/">OTC Markets Group</a> was faster speeds and more personalization.

In the wake of the 2020 lockdowns, businesses and consumers changed their habits and expectations. Whether they wanted to or not, businesses were forced to embrace digital processes to continue serving customers.

The pandemic-driven shifts come against a backdrop of a trend in consumer expectations for faster and more personalized service. The fintech and banking sectors have recognized this and are adjusting accordingly.

<h3> 
Banks Get Personal</h3>

 
At the FinTech &amp; Financial Services Virtual Investor Conference, banks like Alpine Banks of Colorado (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALPIB#OTCQX">ALPIB</a>) and Commerce West Bank (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CWBK#OTCQX">CWBK</a>) shared how they have been working to personalize and digitize their services to retain customers.

These banks are breaking the mold of what a traditional bank offers by providing consulting services for business clients, customizing service or product structures to each client, offering digital tools that can be personalized to fit the needs of each client.

Innovations such as these challenge the conventional narrative that economies of scale are the only way to increase efficiencies and profits as a bank. With many businesses and individuals becoming fed up with poor service from big banks these innovative regional players have an opportunity to capture clients with a faster and more personalized offering.

<h3>Decentralizing = Speed</h3>

 
The conference also included decentralized banks such as Intellabridge Technology Corp. (OTCQB:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRBTF#OTCQB">CRBTF</a>) are entirely flipping the script on what we know as banking. These companies are embracing decentralized blockchain protocols that will allow them to scale everything from banking capabilities to the facilitation of payments.

Intellabridge shared how it is building out traditional banking services on completely decentralized blockchain technology. Its banking system, Kash, will soon go live and offer the traditional features of a bank like checking accounts, savings accounts, investment accounts, and debit cards. However, it will be entirely built on stable coin and blockchain technology, giving its users near-instantaneous and seamless transaction and transfer speed.

<h3> 
Someone Has to Build It</h3>

 
Enabling this speedy personalized trend in finance requires a host of other companies committed to creating the infrastructure that financial service companies require. The conference featured such companies like TAAL Distributed Information Technologies Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TAALF#OTCQX">TAALF</a>) and LQwD FinTech Corp. (OTCQB:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LQWDF#OTCQB">LQWDF</a>), both of which are building proprietary solutions or contributing to open-source protocols that are paving the road for more innovation in financial services.

For investors and traders, the conference was a great way to understand the top trends in the fintech and financial services space and discover innovative companies that may be on the cutting edge of those trends.

If you are interested in upcoming conferences, you can find a calendar detailing future events on the <a href="https://bit.ly/3ERqTyH">Virtual Investor Conferences Site</a>. You can also register for the next Virtual Investor Conference <a href="https://bit.ly/3u7LRVb">covering Small Cap Growth</a> companies that will be held on October 7.

The preceding post was written and/or published as a collaboration between Benzinga&rsquo;s in-house sponsored content team and a financial partner of Benzinga. Although the piece is not and should not be construed as editorial content, the sponsored content team works to ensure that any and all information contained within is true and accurate to the best of their knowledge and research. This content is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice.

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