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Vaxcyte shares are trading higher after the company announced dose initiation in the final stage of its Phase 2 VAX-31 study in infants, with topline data expected in mid-2026.

Walt Disney Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>) has laid the groundwork for a "solid start" to the fiscal year with its<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43494650/disney-q1-earnings-powered-by-moana-2-and-mufasa-theme-parks-loses-streaming-subscribers"> first-quarter results.</a>, according to Bank of America analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich.
The Disney Analyst: Ehrlich maintained a Buy rating on Disney with a $140 price target.
The Analyst Takeaways: Disney's operating income was up 31% to $5.1 billion — a key highlight for Ehrlich in a new investor note.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports/25/02/43473207/disney-q1-earnings-preview-can-moana-2-mufasa-the-lion-king-help-continue-streak-of-analyst-beats">Disney Q1 Earnings Preview: Can &#8216;Moana 2,&#8217; &#8216;Mufasa: The Lion King&#8217; Help Continue Streak Of Analyst Beats?</a>
Ehrlich said operating income for the entertainment, sports and experiences all came in ahead of her estimates. This includes the analyst forecasting negative operating income of $171 million for the sports segment in the quarter versus the actual result of positive $247 million.
Direct-to-consumer (DTC) operating income also came in ahead of the analyst's estimates as the streaming division continues to see improvements in profitability.
The analyst said the strong results come with several segments facing headwinds. The domestic theme parks division had declines in attendance. Recall how two hurricanes <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/10/41229099/disney-faces-150m-200m-blow-from-hurricane-milton-attendance-set-to-drop-6-says-goldman-sac">unfavorably impacted</a> the segment for the quarter. Domestic parks saw higher guest spending in the quarter, which helped offset the attendance declines.
The analyst also said that the sports segment saw higher costs with the expansion of the College Football Playoff. These higher costs may have paid off with higher advertising revenue and sub-licensing revenue for the football games helping increase operating income for the segment.
Ehrlich said near-term catalysts for Disney include profitability inflection in DTC and reacceleration in the Parks business.
A strong film slate could also boost other business lines (DTC, Parks, Consumer Products).
Price Action: Disney stock is down 2.1% to $110.94 on Wednesday versus a 52-week trading range of $83.91 to $123.74. Disney stock is flat year-to-date in 2025 and up 14.8% over the last year.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/25/02/43474913/disney-dis-stock-bullish-q1-earnings-magic-alive">Disney Stock Rides Bullish Wave &#8211; Can Q1 Earnings Keep The Magic Alive?</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

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Entertainment

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Reiteration

Sports

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Trading Ideas

Disney Stock Remains A Buy For Analyst After Q1 Operating Income Strength

February 5, 2025
There were so many notable stock buyback announcements since the start of 2025. 
Beyond the two stocks we discuss below, there were several major buyback announcements during the last month, including Netflix's (NFLX) $15 billion additional buyback, which accounts for 4% of its market cap, GE Aerospace's (GE) $7 billion buyback representing 3% of its market cap at the time of announcement, and HCA Healthcare's (HCA) significant $10 billion buyback, making up 12% of its market cap. In just the first month of this year, 20 companies announced buybacks worth $1 billion and more.
Twilio Inc. (TWLO): $145.92
Market Cap:&nbsp;$22.38B
EV:&nbsp;$20.91B
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.insidearbitrage.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TWLO-IA-Score.png" alt="TWLO IA Score" class="wp-image-157132" /></figure>
I first came across Twilio from a Fortune magazine article before the company went public and then invested in the company when I noticed founder Jeff Lawson purchase shares in the open market when the IPO related pop in the stock price faded. The stock went on a huge roller coaster ride from there, up 1,600% at one point before coming back to earth.
I mentioned the company in the introduction of my book <a href="https://a.co/d/b6v4OHB" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The Event-Driven Edge in Investing</a> and we also covered the company in our C-Suite article last year, following Jeff Lawson's sudden resignation.
Twilio currently scores 73 on our IA Score quant model without including momentum and valuation factors. We typically consider companies scoring above 70 for further research but there are always exceptions.&nbsp;Twilio's stock soared on January 24th, fueled by optimistic targets unveiled at its annual Investor Day, and has been climbing steadily since.
As a leading cloud communications platform-as-a-service (CPaaS) provider, Twilio enables businesses to seamlessly integrate voice, SMS, video, and email communication into their applications via APIs. Its solutions are at the core of customer engagement for major companies like Airbnb, and Shopify, making it a critical player in the digital communications space.
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.insidearbitrage.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TWLO-powered-brands.png" alt="TWLO powered brands" class="wp-image-157133" /></figure>
Key Insights
<ul>
<li>Twilio's turnaround under its new CEO has been remarkable, with shares up over 100% in the past year.</li>
<li>The company projects GAAP operating profitability in 2025 and aims to generate over $3 billion in cumulative free cash flow during the next three years.</li>
<li>Twilio maintains a strong net cash position and has been aggressively buying back shares, retiring 15% of its stock over the last six quarters.</li>
<li>A leaner cost structure, with a 40% headcount reduction since Q3'22 and an 8% drop in stock-based compensation over two years, has cut losses, strengthened profitability, and generated strong free cash flow.</li>
<li>Twilio is gaining traction among AI startups, with emerging AI companies increasingly selecting its platform for customer engagement solutions.</li>
<li>International expansion—currently representing less than 10% of its total addressable market—opens up a largely under-penetrated opportunity that could serve as a powerful growth catalyst over time.</li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.insidearbitrage.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TWLO-products.png" alt="TWLO products" class="wp-image-157140" /></figure>
Twilio's strength lies in programmable communications, enabling developers to embed messaging and voice features without telecom infrastructure. As AI and digital transformation reshape customer interactions, Twilio remains central to modern business communications.
Currently, 65% of revenue comes from the U.S., while 35% is international. However, the global market represents less than 10% of its total addressable market (TAM), presenting significant growth potential if Twilio expands internationally.
Leadership Driving Twilio's Turnaround
The appointment of Khozema Shipchandler as CEO in January 2024 marked the beginning of Twilio's turnaround story. An internal promotion, Shipchandler quickly shifted gears, steering the company toward a stronger, more efficient future. With over 25 years of experience, he previously served as President of Twilio Communications, where he led innovation and operational improvements.
Prior to that, he held key roles as Twilio's COO and CFO. Before joining Twilio, Shipchandler spent 22 years at GE, holding leadership positions in Industrial Internet, Corporate Audit, and Aviation, across the U.S., Middle East, and Singapore. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Indiana University, Bloomington, and currently serves on the boards of Smartsheet and Ethos. Twilio's CFO Aidan Viggiano also spent 18 years at GE, joined Twilio in 2019 and was promoted to the role of CFO in 2023.  
Financials
Twilio's revenue has surged from $1.13 billion to $4.15 billion over the past five years, achieving a 34% CAGR. Net losses have significantly narrowed, putting the company on the brink of GAAP profitability. While net cash has declined recently, it still accounts for more than 10% of Twilio's market cap. Importantly, Twilio has generated positive free cash flow for six straight quarters.
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.insidearbitrage.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TWLO-financial-statements.png" alt="TWLO financial statements" class="wp-image-157135" /></figure>
Source: InsideArbitrage
Valuation
With a forward P/E of 34.78 and forward EV/EBITDA of 24.62, the valuation appears expensive. Investors are probably willing to pay up because of the company's strong balance sheet, acceleration in top-line growth, and ongoing share repurchases.
Peers
Twilio's stock has significantly outperformed the S&amp;P500 and other major players like Zoom Video Communications, Inc. (ZM) and RingCentral, Inc. (RNG) over the last year. There is some mean-reversion risk if tech stocks like Twilio fall out of favor.
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.insidearbitrage.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TWLO-peer-price-comparison.png" alt="TWLO peer price comparison" class="wp-image-157136" /></figure>
Source: Seeking Alpha
Share Repurchase
Twilio does not pay a dividend, opting instead for share repurchases to deliver shareholder value. The company plans to return an annual average of 50% of its free cash flow from 2025 to 2027. Over the past six quarters, Twilio has reduced its share count by 15%, completing $3 billion in share repurchases since Q1 2023. The company recently announced a new $2 billion buyback program through the end of 2027, representing around 11.5% of its market cap at the time of announcement.
With annual stock-based compensation (SBC) running at $600 million, some of this buyback will be used to offset dilution from SBC and the rest will help bring down shares outstanding as we have seen in the recent past.
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.insidearbitrage.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TWLO-change-in-shares-outstanding.png" alt="TWLO change in shares outstanding" class="wp-image-157137" /></figure>
Source: InsideArbitrage
Q3 Results
Twilio exceeded expectations in Q3 2024, posting 10% year-over-year revenue growth, well above the projected 6%. Notably, the company has consistently outperformed revenue and EPS estimates for eight consecutive quarters.
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.insidearbitrage.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TWLO-Q3-results.png" alt="TWLO Q3 results" class="wp-image-157138" /></figure>
Source: Twilio (Q3 Earnings Presentation)
Twilio will report Q4 results on February 13. The company has set bullish financial targets through 2027.
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.insidearbitrage.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/TWLO-forward-financial-targets-.png" alt="TWLO forward financial targets" class="wp-image-157139" /></figure>
Source: Twilio (2025 Investor Day Presentation)
Bottom Line
Twilio's strong balance sheet, with nearly 10% of its market cap in cash, combined with an aggressive share repurchase strategy, underscores both its financial strength and ability to be shareholder friendly. The company's accelerating revenue growth, the CEO's solid execution over the past year, and its path to breakeven create a compelling case for further upside. Their recent analyst day painted a picture of revenue growth that prompted 23 analysts to revise their earnings expectations upward. This is a highly volatile stock that brings with it significant risk of mean-reversion. With the ouster of the founder/CEO after his shares lost their super-voting rights in 2023, in some ways Twilio might be setting itself up to become a potential acquisition candidate.  
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
DNOW Inc. (DNOW): $15.10
Market Cap:&nbsp;$1.6B
EV:&nbsp;$1.38B
With over 160 years of industry experience, DNOW Inc. (DNOW) has established itself as a premier global distributor serving the oil &amp; gas, industrial, and energy sectors, forming a critical link from drilling to distribution. Operating under the DistributionNOW brand, the company maintains a vast network of 165+ locations worldwide. Expanding through both organic growth and acquisitions, the company has a global footprint, with distribution centres, warehouses, and customer service locations across North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, and the Asia-Pacific region. The US is the major contributor of revenue with 79%, followed by Canada with 11%.
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.insidearbitrage.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/DNOW-global-operations.png" alt="DNOW Global operations" class="wp-image-157126" /></figure>
Key Insights
<ul>
<li>DNOW serves as a supplier of maintenance, repair, and operations (MRO) products, safety equipment, and engineered solutions with a catalogue of 300,000+ SKUs (Stock Keeping Units).</li>
<li>The company is focused on expanding beyond traditional oil &amp; gas markets to capture opportunities in industrial, renewable, and energy transition sectors, thus mitigating the impact of fluctuations in the cyclical energy industry.</li>
<li>Debt-free balance sheet and a net cash position of $217 million positions the company to invest in strategic growth opportunities.</li>
<li>Active buybacks including the recently approved $160 million share repurchase indicate shareholder friendly capital allocation.</li>
</ul>
DNOW is a one-stop provider of critical products and supply chain solutions that support the upstream, midstream, and downstream energy sectors, as well as various industrial markets. The company's offerings include MRO supplies, pipes, valves, fittings, electrical components, and pumping solutions. It also provides modular process, production, measurement, and control systems. Beyond physical products, DNOW offers digital procurement tools and inventory management services to optimize supply chain operations for industrial clients.
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.insidearbitrage.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/DNOW-product-portfolio.png" alt="DNOW product portfolio" class="wp-image-157127" /></figure>
Source: DNOW (Investor Presentation)
Strategic Initiatives
<ul>
<li>Expanding Market Reach – DNOW continues to broaden its presence in industrial and energy markets beyond traditional oil &amp; gas.</li>
<li>Digital Transformation – Investing in digital solutions like eCommerce and automation to enhance customer engagement.</li>
<li>M&amp;A Strategy – Over the past 9 years, it has integrated 11 businesses to produce an outstanding pump distribution, rental and service business, combined with engineering, design and fabrication of process production and measurement equipment, which naturally complements its U.S. energy centric business.</li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.insidearbitrage.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/DNOW-acquisitions.png" alt="DNOW acquisitions" class="wp-image-157249" /></figure>
Source: DNOW (Investor Presentation)
Market Drivers &amp; Demand Trends
DNOW's demand is driven by oil and gas drilling, production, refining, and industrial activities, influenced by global energy supply, economic conditions, and geopolitics. Higher oil prices boost drilling and infrastructure investments, increasing demand for DNOW's equipment and MRO supplies.
In the U.S. market, active rigs, well completions, and new wells drilled—key drivers of revenue for DNOW—have each dropped by over 12% year-over-year. Yet, the company has effectively cushioned itself from this impact through its diversified revenue streams, demonstrating strong adaptability in an otherwise challenging oil and gas environment.
Recently, Trump called for Saudi Arabia and OPEC to cut oil prices. While OPEC+ has not yet responded, early indications suggest they are unlikely to alter their planned production increase in April. This bodes well for DNOW, as higher production levels typically lead to greater industrial activity, driving increased demand for its products and services.
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter"><a href="https://x.com/jurgen_nauditt/status/1884243295263502707" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.insidearbitrage.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/DNOW-tweet1-on-OPEC.png" alt="DNOW tweet1 on OPEC" class="wp-image-157129" /></a></figure>
DNOW remains optimistic about midstream growth. Management sees this sector as a key focus due to its low servicing costs and high-volume transaction potential. While margins are slightly lower, strong supplier relationships and product access make midstream a natural extension of DNOW's upstream business. Notably, the midstream segment now accounts for approximately 20% of DNOW's total revenue and the company aims to drive further growth and profitability in 2025 from this sector.
As the world shifts toward renewable energy, DNOW is adapting by expanding into CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage.), and sustainable technologies. The number of CCUS projects grew 60% in 2024, with 44 new facilities under construction, a 70% year-over-year increase.
Financial Strength &amp; Shareholder Value
With a debt-free balance sheet and a net cash position of $217 million, DNOW is well-equipped to pursue strategic growth opportunities while delivering value to shareholders. In the third quarter, DNOW generated an additional $72 million in free cash flow, bringing the trailing 12-month total to $273 million. This performance was driven by record growth in U.S. Process Solutions, contributions from recent acquisitions, and efficient inventory management—all achieved despite a challenging oil and gas environment, lower commodity prices, and ongoing industry consolidation.
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter"><img decoding="async" src="https://www.insidearbitrage.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/DNOW-financial-statements.png" alt="DNOW financial statements" class="wp-image-157246" /></figure>
Source: InsideArbitrage
DNOW does not pay dividends but focuses on share repurchases to increase shareholder value. It recently doubled its share repurchase program to $160 million, following the successful completion of its $80 million inaugural buyback, originally authorized through 2024. The new program represents around 11% of its market cap at announcement. Over the past two years, the company has steadily reduced its shares outstanding by nearly 4%, demonstrating its disciplined approach to capital allocation
Competitive Landscape
DNOW operates in the highly competitive industrial distribution sector, competing with companies like MRC Global Inc. (MRC) and DXP Enterprises, Inc. (DXPE). While DNOW has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 over the past year, its performance has been moderate compared to its peers. However, it stands out with the best margins and the strongest balance sheet, managing to achieve a net income margin of 8.7% despite a low gross margin of 22.87%. With a forward P/E of 20.68 and forward EV/EBITDA of 8.91, DNOW appears undervalued compared to its peers. This discount may stem from market concerns over its relatively low year-over-year revenue growth, despite its financial strength.
Risks
<ul>
<li>Earnings are tied to crude oil and gas prices, which are influenced by OPEC decisions, geopolitical instability, and global demand fluctuations.</li>
<li>Industrial slowdowns or supply chain disruptions could impact growth.</li>
<li>Higher interest rates and inflation can increase DNOW's operating costs and reduce customer spending on infrastructure projects.</li>
</ul>
Conclusion
DNOW remains a key player in energy and industrial distribution, supported by a debt-free balance sheet, ongoing share buybacks, and a growing digital presence. The company is actively expanding beyond oil and gas, targeting midstream, renewables, and high-growth industrial sectors like water and mining. Additionally, OPEC's plans to increase oil production present a favorable tailwind, further supporting demand for DNOW's products and services. While commodity price swings and market cycles present challenges, it will be interesting to see how DNOW's commitment to diversification, operational efficiency, and new revenue opportunities plays out in the years ahead.
<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity" />
Disclaimer:&nbsp;I hold long positions in Netflix (NFLX), General Electric (GE) and Twilio (TWLO). Please do your own due diligence before buying or selling any securities mentioned in this article. We do not warrant the completeness or accuracy of the content or data provided in this article.

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Significant Stock Repurchases at Twilio and DNOW

Rocket Lab USA, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RKLB#NASDAQ">RKLB</a>) is trading <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/02/b43479652/rocket-lab-signs-multi-launch-contract-with-iqps-for-four-electron-missions" rel="noreferrer noopener">relatively flat on Wednesday.</a>
The company has announced a significant new partnership with Institute for Q-shu Pioneers of Space, Inc. (iQPS), a Japan-based Earth imaging company.
The deal, signed in July 2024, covers four dedicated missions with the first three launches scheduled for 2025 from Rocket Lab&#8217;s Launch Complex 1 in New Zealand, and the fourth in 2026.
Each mission will carry a satellite that will be part of iQPS&#8217; planned constellation of 36 synthetic aperture radar satellites.
These satellites, capable of capturing images through cloud cover and at night, will provide detailed Earth observations with resolution less than one meter.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/01/43321236/rfk-jr-and-big-pharma-stocks-to-watch-as-health-secretary-hopeful-answers-pointed-questions-on-drugs-insurance-trump-exec-orders" rel="noreferrer noopener">RFK Jr. And Big Pharma: Health Secretary Hopeful Answers Pointed Questions On Drugs, Insurance, Trump Exec Orders</a>
This new contract follows the successful launch of iQPS&#8217; second commercial SAR satellite, QPS-SAR-5, in December 2023.
Rocket Lab&#8217;s founder and CEO, Peter Beck, emphasized the importance of precise satellite deployment for successful constellations. He stated that Rocket Lab&#8217;s Electron rocket is uniquely suited for these dedicated launches, ensuring tailored timelines and reliable services for iQPS&#8217; needs.
&#8220;A constellation&#8217;s success relies on spacecraft being deployed to precise orbits on tailored timelines to maximize the data collection or service provision the customer needs for their end users,&#8221; Beck added.&nbsp;
According to&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>, RKLB stock has gained over 596% in the past year. Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;ARK Space Exploration &amp; Innovation ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKX#BATS">ARKX</a>).
Price Action: RKLB shares are trading lower by 1.08% to $28.37 at last check Wednesday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43475015/spotifys-strong-subscriber-growth-and-rising-margins-keep-analysts-bullish" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Spotify Is Still One Of Top 4 Best Ideas For 2025: Analyst</a></li>
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ARKX

RKLB

Rocket Lab Signs Deal With Japan's iQPS For 4 Satellite Launches: Details

Watching P10; Traders Circulate Stock Picked By Zacks

Walmart Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>)&nbsp;downsized its workforce by hundreds and urged its employees to move to <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/walmart" rel="noreferrer noopener">central offices in</a> Arkansas or California.
The retail giant told its Hoboken, New Jersey, and other smaller office employees to relocate to its headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas, or Sunnyvale, California, Bloomberg <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-04/walmart-to-cut-hundreds-of-jobs-relocate-staff-to-main-hubs?sref=TBDibEcD" rel="noreferrer noopener">cited</a> from a memo.
Walmart&#8217;s Donna Morris said the move aimed to consolidate its corporate footprint.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43473500/nintendo-q3-earnings-revenue-drops-cuts-outlook-and-dividend-switch-sales-slow-ahead-of-next-gen-console" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nintendo Q3 Revenue Drops, Cuts Outlook and Dividend, Switch Sales Slow Ahead of Next-Gen Console</a>
Walmart is also shutting down its Charlotte, North Carolina office, slashing corporate roles.
Last year, Walmart asked employees in Dallas, Atlanta, and Toronto&nbsp;to move to more prominent hubs, with most going to the main office in Bentonville.
Walmart has begun opening its campus in Bentonville and will have new office spaces in Sunnyvale and Bellevue, Washington, in 2025.
Recently, Walmart raised <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/25/01/43162437/walmart-boosts-regional-manager-pay-as-retailers-struggle-to-find-leaders" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bonus and stock awards</a> for regional store managers as it struggled to fill&nbsp;managerial roles at&nbsp;retailers and restaurants.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05042749/newplot.png" alt="" class="wp-image-766642" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05042749/newplot.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/05042749/newplot-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
Recent reports indicated that the e-commerce retailer Amazon.Com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) is closing down its brick-and-mortar stores as they have failed to yield returns. 
Since early 2023, it has reduced its Amazon Go stores by about half to 16 stores in four states and is licensing its &#8220;Just Walk Out&#8221; technology to other retailers instead, the Wall Street Journal <a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/retail/amazon-king-of-online-retail-cant-seem-to-make-its-physical-stores-work-d405f9e7" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>. It has also shut down dozens of its other branded retail stores lately.
Kohl&#8217;s Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KSS#NYSE">KSS</a>) recently laid off 10% of its employees, equivalent <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43302681/kohls-slashes-10-corporate-jobs-after-management-changes" rel="noreferrer noopener">to 400 employees</a>, shortly after Ashley Buchanan took charge as the new CEO. The downsizing coincided with its plans to shut down its San Bernardino E-commerce Fulfillment Center (EFC)&nbsp;in May. The company&#8217;s third-quarter print and fiscal outlook disappointed the Street.
Recently, Walmart Canada <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/43395171/walmart-canada-to-invest-about-3-8-billion-over-five-years" rel="noreferrer noopener">committed $6.5 billion</a> to its&nbsp;operations over the next five years, including launching five new Supercentres by 2027, shortly after Amazon announced withdrawing its operations in Quebec.
Walmart stock surged over 79% in the last 12 months. Last December, Jim Cramer&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/12/42616196/jim-cramer-likes-walmart-recommends-buying-this-very-very-good-financial-stock" rel="noreferrer noopener">said he liked</a>&nbsp;Walmart amid reports indicating that the retailer provides body cameras to store-level employees across the U.S. under a pilot&nbsp;program.
Price Action: WMT stock is up 1.25% at $102.23 at the last check on Wednesday.
Also Read:
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Image by Sundry Photography on Shutterstock

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AMZN

Walmart Reshapes Workforce, Shuts Offices As It Consolidates Operations

Ethereum&#8216;s (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) underperformance has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42095265/4-reasons-why-ethereum-will-still-outperform-bitcoin-analyst-sees-4000-to-6000-as-target">sparked fresh debate</a> about its future, with crypto analyst Benjamin Cowen suggesting the cryptocurrency might have finally reached its lower logarithmic regression trend line.
What Happened: In a video <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FRLK6NvcjTk">podcast</a> on Feb. 5, Cowen, known for his data-driven approach, pointed out that Ethereum has reached a critical juncture. 
"Technically speaking, ETH has gone to the lower logarithmic regression trend line,&#8221; Cowen states, emphasizing the significance of this move.
Cowen also pointed to the impact of the Federal Reserve&#8217;s monetary policy on Ethereum&#8217;s price action. 
He speculates that for Ethereum to see a clear bottom against Bitcoin, further downside could be needed—potentially triggering the Fed to end its quantitative tightening policy.
While Cowen maintains a cautious outlook, he believes Bitcoin's (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) performance is crucial for Ethereum&#8217;s short-term movement, saying, "The only way ETH drops below $2,000 in the short term is if Bitcoin gets a big drop."
Also Read: <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43447683/ethereum-down-10-in-seven-days-expect-a-lot-more-volatility-traders-say">Ethereum Down 10% In Seven Days: Expect &#8216;A Lot More Volatility,&#8217; Traders Say</a>
Why It Matters: In addition to technical patterns, Cowen highlights that Ethereum's supply has recently returned to its pre-merge levels, which coincides with what he describes as "outright capitulation" in the ETH/BTC pair. 
This could suggest a potential turning point for Ethereum.
Cowen draws comparisons to past market cycles, specifically 2016 and 2019, noting that initial moves into the lower regression band often act as "wicks," with deeper corrections following over the coming weeks or months.
As the market faces these challenges, Cowen's analysis offers a nuanced take on Ethereum's potential direction, considering both technical indicators and broader market conditions.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43433440/dont-buy-the-dip-on-bitcoin-ethereum-xrp-yet-standard-chartered-warns">Don&#8217;t Buy The Dip On Bitcoin, Ethereum, XRP Yet, Standard Chartered Warns</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

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

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

$ETH

Ethereum Below $3,000: What Does Technical Analysis Say?

Piper Sandler analyst Brian Mullan maintains Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>) with a Neutral and lowers the price target from $60 to $59.

Piper Sandler Maintains Neutral on Chipotle Mexican Grill, Lowers Price Target to $59

Piper Sandler analyst Harsh Kumar maintains Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $180 to $140.

Piper Sandler Maintains Overweight on Advanced Micro Devices, Lowers Price Target to $140

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bearish stance on Cleanspark.
Looking at options history for Cleanspark (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLSK#NASDAQ">CLSK</a>) we detected 8 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 37% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 62% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 3 are puts, for a total amount of $144,124 and 5, calls, for a total amount of $374,925.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $9.0 and $18.0 for Cleanspark, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in Cleanspark's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to Cleanspark's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $9.0 to $18.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>Cleanspark Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738773934_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>CLSK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$1.97</td>
<td>$1.94</td>
<td>$1.94</td>
<td>$9.00</td>
<td>$203.7K</td>
<td>3.4K</td>
<td>420</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CLSK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$6.95</td>
<td>$6.85</td>
<td>$6.95</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
<td>$82.7K</td>
<td>3.3K</td>
<td>55</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CLSK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$1.41</td>
<td>$1.36</td>
<td>$1.41</td>
<td>$18.00</td>
<td>$59.9K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
<td>475</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CLSK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/07/25</td>
<td>$0.42</td>
<td>$0.39</td>
<td>$0.39</td>
<td>$11.00</td>
<td>$39.0K</td>
<td>10.0K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CLSK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/07/25</td>
<td>$0.42</td>
<td>$0.39</td>
<td>$0.39</td>
<td>$11.00</td>
<td>$39.0K</td>
<td>10.0K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Cleanspark</h3>
Cleanspark Inc is a bitcoin mining company. Through CleanSpark, Inc., and the Company's wholly owned subsidiaries, the company mines bitcoin. The company entered the bitcoin mining industry through its acquisition of ATL. Bitcoin mining is the sole reportable segment of the company.
<h3>Current Position of Cleanspark</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 5,354,074, the price of CLSK is down by -1.85%, reaching $10.64.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 1 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Cleanspark</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 $27.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from HC Wainwright &amp; Co. downgraded its action to Buy with a price target of $27. 
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 Cleanspark options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Options

CLSK

This Is What Whales Are Betting On Cleanspark

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bullish stance on Goldman Sachs Gr.
Looking at options history for Goldman Sachs Gr (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GS#NYSE">GS</a>) we detected 21 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 47% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 33% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 8 are puts, for a total amount of $659,257 and 13, calls, for a total amount of $952,187.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $250.0 and $700.0 for Goldman Sachs Gr, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for Goldman Sachs Gr's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across Goldman Sachs Gr's significant trades, within a strike price range of $250.0 to $700.0, over the past month.
<h3>Goldman Sachs Gr 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738773929_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>GS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$31.85</td>
<td>$31.6</td>
<td>$31.6</td>
<td>$650.00</td>
<td>$309.6K</td>
<td>177</td>
<td align="right">131</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$16.6</td>
<td>$16.5</td>
<td>$16.6</td>
<td>$650.00</td>
<td>$164.3K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
<td align="right">207</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$9.65</td>
<td>$9.55</td>
<td>$9.55</td>
<td>$640.00</td>
<td>$122.2K</td>
<td>445</td>
<td align="right">174</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$16.8</td>
<td>$16.7</td>
<td>$16.8</td>
<td>$650.00</td>
<td>$119.2K</td>
<td>1.4K</td>
<td align="right">101</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$65.0</td>
<td>$64.55</td>
<td>$65.0</td>
<td>$600.00</td>
<td>$110.5K</td>
<td>445</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Goldman Sachs Gr</h3>
Goldman Sachs is a leading global investment banking and asset management firm. Approximately 20% of its revenue comes from investment banking, 45% from trading, 20% from asset management and 15% from wealth management and retail financial services. Around 60% of the company's net revenue is generated in the Americas, 15% in Asia, and 25% in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.
In light of the recent options history for Goldman Sachs Gr, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Goldman Sachs Gr's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 569,104, the price of GS is up 1.41% at $643.1. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 68 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Goldman Sachs Gr</h3>
In the last month, 5 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $695.4.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from JP Morgan continues to hold a Overweight rating for Goldman Sachs Gr, targeting a price of $605. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Barclays continues to hold a Overweight rating for Goldman Sachs Gr, targeting a price of $760. 
&#x2A; An analyst from UBS persists with their Neutral rating on Goldman Sachs Gr, maintaining a target price of $640. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Morgan Stanley continues to hold a Overweight rating for Goldman Sachs Gr, targeting a price of $782. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods has decided to maintain their Outperform rating on Goldman Sachs Gr, which currently sits at a price target of $690. 
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 Goldman Sachs Gr, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Looking At Goldman Sachs Gr's Recent Unusual Options Activity

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards Constellation Energy (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CEG#NASDAQ">CEG</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 CEG usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 34 extraordinary options activities for Constellation Energy. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 52% leaning bullish and 26% bearish. Among these notable options, 9 are puts, totaling $801,760, and 25 are calls, amounting to $1,203,132.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $165.0 to $360.0 for Constellation Energy over the recent three months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for Constellation Energy's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across Constellation Energy's significant trades, within a strike price range of $165.0 to $360.0, over the past month.
<h3>Constellation Energy Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738773924_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>CEG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$8.1</td>
<td>$7.6</td>
<td>$7.91</td>
<td>$300.00</td>
<td>$389.0K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
<td align="right">502</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CEG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$16.0</td>
<td>$15.9</td>
<td>$16.0</td>
<td>$350.00</td>
<td>$238.4K</td>
<td>2.4K</td>
<td align="right">183</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CEG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$149.0</td>
<td>$146.0</td>
<td>$149.0</td>
<td>$165.00</td>
<td>$149.0K</td>
<td>1</td>
<td align="right">10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CEG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$14.5</td>
<td>$14.1</td>
<td>$14.4</td>
<td>$280.00</td>
<td>$144.0K</td>
<td>450</td>
<td align="right">201</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CEG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$6.9</td>
<td>$6.2</td>
<td>$6.31</td>
<td>$250.00</td>
<td>$63.2K</td>
<td>778</td>
<td align="right">100</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Constellation Energy</h3>
Constellation Energy Corp offers energy solutions. It provides clean energy and sustainable solutions to homes, businesses, the public sector, community aggregations, and a range of wholesale customers (such as municipalities, cooperatives, and other strategics). The company offers comprehensive energy solutions and a variety of pricing options for electric, natural gas, and renewable energy products for companies of any size.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Constellation Energy, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Present Market Standing of Constellation Energy</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 1,249,396, the price of CEG is up 1.02% at $309.46. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 20 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Professional Analyst Ratings for Constellation Energy</h3>
A total of 3 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $328.6666666666667.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Jefferies keeps a Hold rating on Constellation Energy with a target price of $274. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Wells Fargo keeps a Overweight rating on Constellation Energy with a target price of $375. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Keybanc persists with their Overweight rating on Constellation Energy, maintaining a target price of $337. 
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 Constellation Energy with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Constellation Energy's Options Frenzy: What You Need to Know

As retirement draws closer, many people start to realize that things might not unfold quite as they expected. While you might have planned to work until 65 or longer, life has a way of throwing curveballs.&nbsp;
Health issues, job loss, or even being forced into early retirement due to unforeseen &nbsp; circumstances can push you to step away from work much sooner than planned. In her recent blog post, financial expert <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/12/42378433/suze-orman-warns-fear-is-fueled-by-stress-why-60-dont-manage-it-and-4-in-10-worry-about-retirement-savings">Suze Orman</a> stresses the importance of stress-testing your retirement plan to make sure you're ready for the unexpected.&nbsp;
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gbr-savings-by-age">If You're Age 35, 50, or 60: Here&#8217;s How Much You Should Have Saved Vs. Invested By Now</a></li>
<li>The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?</li>
</ul>
According to the Employee Benefit Research Institute, 50% of retirees end up retiring earlier than expected, often due to health problems or job loss. Orman suggests thinking about how your retirement would look if you had to leave the workforce at 62 instead of the traditional age of 65.
Would you be able to find part-time work to cover some income? Could you still delay claiming Social Security benefits? And importantly, would your mortgage be paid off by then? These are key questions Orman recommends asking yourself to see how well your retirement plan could handle a surprise early exit from the workforce.
Another issue many retirees face is unexpected expenses. Life happens: a car breaks down, the roof needs replacing, medical bills pile up, or insurance premiums go up. According to a 2022 survey from AARP, nearly 20% of people aged 50 and older have faced unexpected medical expenses that have taken a serious toll on their finances.&nbsp;
Trending: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/suze-orman-retirement-bucket">&#8216;Which Bucket Do I Draw From First?&#8217; Suze Orman Explains To 67-Year-Old The Best Order For Tapping Into Her Retirement Accounts</a>
Orman advises having an emergency fund big enough to cover at least eight to 12 months of living expenses. This is much more than the typical three months of savings many people have, which experts say isn't enough for a comfortable retirement.
What's great about stress-testing your retirement plan is that it helps you identify potential weaknesses before they become real problems. Catching these gaps early gives you time to take action and adjust your plan.&nbsp;
For example, if you're worried about retiring earlier than expected, Orman recommends saving more now. Starting in 2025, there's a new rule that lets people between 60 and 63 contribute up to $34,750 to their 401(k), an increase from the previous limit of $31,000 for those aged 50-59.
See Also: The average 401(k) balance soars to a record-breaking high – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/average-401k-balances-soars-to-record-high">Here's how to know if your nest egg is keeping pace.</a>
This change, reported by the IRS, is designed to help older workers save more for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/42221019/heres-how-to-reach-3-6-million-by-age-65-according-to-dave-ramsey-it-really-is-that-simple">retirement</a> in the final stretch.
Another way to free up money for savings is by reducing your expenses. The Center for Retirement Research's 2023 National Retirement Risk Index found that 50% of Americans are at risk of not having enough saved for retirement.&nbsp;
Cutting back on things like housing costs or transportation can make a big difference. Approximately 51% of retirees aged 50 and older are choosing to downsize their homes to lower living costs and increase their savings, as per studies from Kiplinger.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mark-cubans-advice-for-lotto-winners">Many are surprised by Mark Cuban's advice for lotto winners: Cash or annuity?</a></li>
<li>Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a></li>
</ul>

Personal Finance

Suze Orman Sounds Alarm On Retirement Readiness: 40% Of Retirees Lack 3 Months' Savings—Here's How To Avoid Financial Risk

Mueller Industries (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MLI#NYSE">MLI</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 5.06% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 16.32%. Currently, Mueller Industries has a market capitalization of $8.67 billion. 
Buying $1000 In MLI: If an investor had bought $1000 of MLI stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $4,535.22 today based on a price of $76.24 for MLI at the time of writing.
<h3>Mueller Industries's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1738773909_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

$1000 Invested In Mueller Industries 10 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today

Piper Sandler analyst Thomas Champion maintains Alphabet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) with a Overweight and lowers the price target from $210 to $208.

GOOGL

Piper Sandler Maintains Overweight on Alphabet, Lowers Price Target to $208

Fiserv,&nbsp;Inc&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FI#NYSE">FI</a>)&nbsp;reported&nbsp;fiscal fourth-quarter 2024 results, with revenue increasing by 7%&nbsp;year-over-year&nbsp;to $5.25 billion, beating the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/25/02/b43490464/fiserv-reports-fourth-quarter-and-full-year-2024-results" rel="noreferrer noopener">analyst consensus estimate of $4.96 billion</a>. Adjusted revenue increased&nbsp;7%&nbsp;year-over-year&nbsp;to $4.90 billion.&nbsp;
The financial technology and services&nbsp;provider&#8217;s adjusted EPS of $2.51 beat the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">analyst consensus estimate of $2.48</a>.&nbsp;
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43495757/t-mobile-raises-294-billion-to-fund-stock-buybacks-dividends-and-debt-refinancing" rel="noreferrer noopener">T-Mobile Raises $2.94 Billion To Fund Stock Buybacks, Dividends, and Debt Refinancing</a>
The adjusted EPS marked a 15% increase over&nbsp;last year&#8217;s period.&nbsp;The&nbsp;stock price gained after the print.
Organic revenue grew 13%, led by 23% growth in&nbsp;Merchant Solutions and 4% in&nbsp;Financial&nbsp;Solutions.
The adjusted operating margin increased by 180 bps Y/Y to 42.9%.&nbsp;Adjusted operating margin increased 150 basis points Y/Y to 39.2% in the Merchant Solutions segment and by 320 bps Y/Y to 51.7% in the Financial Solutions segment.
Chair and CEO Frank Bisignano said Fiserv&#8217;s track record of growth and consistency continued through 2024, marking its fourth year of double-digit organic revenue growth and the 39th consecutive year of double-digit adjusted earnings per share growth.
FY25 Outlook: Fiserv&nbsp;expects organic revenue&nbsp;growth of 10%-12% and adjusted EPS outlook of $10.10-$10.30, representing&nbsp;growth of 15%-17% Y/Y versus the&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/guidance" rel="noreferrer noopener">$10.20 consensus</a>.
Fiserv&nbsp;stock gained over 57% in the last 12 months.
Price Action: FI stock is up 6.8% at $228.82 at the last check on Tuesday.
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</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Earnings

Guidance

Fiserv Q4 Earnings: Merchant, Financial Solutions Fuel Growth, Double-Digit Outlook For 2025

Piper Sandler analyst Alexander Goldfarb upgrades Simon Property Group (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPG#NYSE">SPG</a>) from Neutral to Overweight and raises the price target from $175 to $205.

Upgrades

Piper Sandler Upgrades Simon Property Group to Overweight, Raises Price Target to $205

Shares of digital intelligence solutions provider BigBear.ai (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BBAI#NYSE">BBAI</a>) are trading <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/movers" rel="noreferrer noopener">higher on Wednesday</a>.
The U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) has granted the company a major contract to advance Virtual Anticipation Network (VANE) prototype.
This system is intended to detect trends and important topics connected to potential adversarial threats using AI models, allowing for faster and more precise evaluations of media content that may be crucial for defense strategies.
The VANE prototype will play a key role in assisting the CDAO and the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) in making national security decisions.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43496469/aircraft-manufacturer-embraer-bags-7b-order-stocks-surge" rel="noreferrer noopener">Embraer Lands Record $7 Billion Flexjet Order</a>
Originally created in partnership with the Irregular Warfare Technical Support Directorate (IWTSD), VANE utilizes sophisticated AI models to examine large datasets from news sources.
The system collects and analyzes information, offering more precise understanding of adversarial actions. With VANE, the DoD seeks to enhance the evaluation of complex multi-domain environments, which is essential for both military and government functions.
BigBear.ai marked a significant achievement with the VANE system when it earned &#8220;awardable&#8221; status on the CDAO Tradewinds Solutions Marketplace in April 2024.
Advancing to a fully operational prototype represents an important step in expanding the technology&#8217;s application within defense operations.
The contract features a transition plan to integrate VANE into the CDAO&#8217;s Advana platform, allowing its deployment across additional DoD agencies and Combatant Commands.
This partnership represents a key advancement in utilizing AI for defense, offering essential assistance in enhancing national security.
Price Action: BBAI shares are trading higher by 36.9% at $6.72 at the last check Wednesday.
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Image via Shutterstock.

Movers

BBAI

BigBear.ai Pockets DoD Contract To Advance AI-Powered Threat Detection System, Stock Skyrockets

Piper Sandler analyst James Callahan initiates coverage on Opera (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OPRA#NASDAQ">OPRA</a>) with a Overweight rating and announces Price Target of $25.

Initiation

OPRA

Piper Sandler Initiates Coverage On Opera with Overweight Rating, Announces Price Target of $25

The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/25/01/43110946/sec-launches-crypto-task-force-to-establish-clear-regulatory-framework">Securities and Exchange Commissio</a>n is undergoing what appears to be a significant strategic overhaul regarding its oversight of the cryptocurrency sector.
This transformation is marked by key personnel changes that hint at a move away from an enforcement-heavy approach towards a more collaborative and structured regulatory landscape. 
What Happened: Indicating this change is the reassignment of Jorge Tenreiro, a leading SEC attorney who previously spearheaded several major legal battles against cryptocurrency exchanges and platforms, <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/crypto-industry-looks-to-new-sec-task-force-for-quick-action-in-its-favor-6e142f26">according</a> to The Wall Street Journal.
His work was considered vital in establishing the SEC's jurisdiction over this often volatile and still relatively new market. 
Tenreiro&#8217;s new assignment is as staff for key IT and technology resources. 
Another <a href="https://www.wsj.com/finance/currencies/sec-ousts-top-litigator-who-battled-with-crypto-giants-558548a8">transfer</a> was seen of Senior SEC lawyer, Natasha Guinan.
These adjustments follow the prior month's formation of a new task force, which is now focused on developing a comprehensive regulatory approach for crypto. The shift has been well by the industry.
The cryptocurrency industry is cautiously optimistic about these developments, expressing hope that this signifies a departure from what it viewed as a punitive enforcement-focused strategy of the previous administration. 
Experts are eager to find whether this is a new shift.
Jason Gottlieb, a defense attorney who has opposed the SEC in court, believes that there will be a change and the recent movements are positive.
Cryptocurrency groups have said what&#8217;s needed are just several specific guidelines and actions that can be taken to assist. 
Kristin Smith, who is the chief executive of a very big blockchain group, said there are new opportunities.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43494611/bitcoin-to-reach-500000-before-trump-leaves-office-standard-chartered">Bitcoin To Reach $500,000 Before Trump Leaves Office: Standard Chartered</a>
Why It Matters: With more details released it should become clear as to the path forward for the space as a whole.
Venture-capital firm A16z Crypto is urging the SEC to permit traditional brokerage firms to engage in cryptocurrency transactions, for example. 
Allowing those actions would push forward cryptocurrency in a different direction and in a new dimension. 
The firm also recommends tailored requirements for broker-dealers to list crypto assets.
There have also been recommendations and comments on how to best move forward. 
J.W. Verret, a professor and former member of the SEC investor advisory committee, hopes the SEC can provide greater clarity by issuing guidelines on when cryptocurrencies or other actions should be regulated. 
That said, there&#8217;s a hope of a better framework going forward.
These developments indicate a more receptive environment for the crypto industry. What all that means is that we are now in the unknown territory for crypto and what that does in terms of price in the long term. 
Whether the SEC will have a more balanced and more effective approach, we will see what these changes are to ensure innovation, security and protections.
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Image: Shutterstock

Is The SEC 'Making Peace' With Crypto? The Key Personnel Shifts Hinting At Why This May Be The Case

Press Releases

Oxford Square Capital Corp. Schedules Fourth Quarter 2023 Earnings Release and Conference Call for March 15, 2024

Dividends

Oxford Square Capital Corp. Announces Net Asset Value and Selected Financial Results for the Quarter Ended December 31, 2023 and Declaration of Distributions on Common Stock for the Months Ending April 30, May 31, and June 30, 2024.

Oxford Square Capital Corp. Schedules First Quarter 2024 Earnings Release and Conference Call for May 2, 2024

Oxford Square Capital Corp. Announces Net Asset Value and Selected Financial Results for the Quarter Ended March 31, 2024 and Declaration of Distributions on Common Stock for the Months Ending July 31, August 31, and September 30, 2024

Oxford Square Capital Corp. Schedules Second Quarter 2024 Earnings Release and Conference Call for August 13, 2024

Oxford Square Capital Corp. Announces Net Asset Value and Selected Financial Results for the Quarter Ended June 30, 2024 and Declaration of Distributions on Common Stock for the Months Ending October 31, November 30, and December 31, 2024

Oxford Square Capital Corp. Schedules Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Release and Conference Call for November 5, 2024

Oxford Square Capital Corp. Announces Net Asset Value and Selected Financial Results for the Quarter Ended September 30, 2024 and Declaration of Distributions on Common Stock for the Months Ending January 31, February 28, and March 31, 2025

Comments

Oxford Square Capital Corp. - 6.25% Notes due 2026

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