Latest news for Prime Meridian (OTC:PMHG) Stock

Prime Meridian Holding Co is a bank holding company. Its services portfolio includes mobile banking, mobile deposit, Apple Pay, Bank-to-Bank transfers, online banking, demand interest-bearing, and non-interest-bearing accounts, and savings accounts, among others. It also offers commercial real estate loans, residential and home equity loans, construction loans, commercial loans, and consumer and other loans. The majority of revenues are derived from interest income and fees on loans, interest, and dividends from investment securities, and service charge income generated from demand accounts, ATM fees, and other services.

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Stephens &amp; Co. analyst Russell Gunther reiterates Pinnacle Finl Partners (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PNFP#NASDAQ">PNFP</a>) with a Overweight and maintains $142 price target.

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Stephens & Co. Reiterates Overweight on Pinnacle Finl Partners, Maintains $142 Price Target

Stephens &amp; Co. analyst Terry McEvoy reiterates Peoples Bancorp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEBO#NASDAQ">PEBO</a>) with a Equal-Weight and maintains $37.5 price target.

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Stephens & Co. Reiterates Equal-Weight on Peoples Bancorp, Maintains $37.5 Price Target

<a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/netflix-bites-las-vegas-restaraurant-mgm-grand-opening-1236114520/">https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/netflix-bites-las-vegas-restaraurant-mgm-grand-opening-1236114520/</a>
&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/t/las-vegas/">Las Vegas</a>‘ newest residency isn't a musical act, it's an opportunity to taste everything <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/t/netflix/">Netflix</a> has to offer.
Netflix says that it will open its latest experiential project on the casino floor at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas Feb. 20: A new outpost of its "Netflix Bites" full service restaurant.
Netflix first tested out the food concept in Los Angeles in 2023, but while <a href="https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/netflix-restaurant-los-angeles-curtis-stone-1235514246/">that experience</a> lasted about six weeks and was focused mostly on dinner service, the new Netflix Bites is being described as a "residency," a longer-term project than the L.A. popup.

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'Netflix to Open Restaurant in Las Vegas Next Month As Live Experiences Business Expands' - Hollywood Reporter

Piper Sandler analyst Nathan Race maintains Peoples Bancorp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEBO#NASDAQ">PEBO</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $39 to $40.

Piper Sandler Maintains Overweight on Peoples Bancorp, Raises Price Target to $40

President Donald Trump announced a $500 billion initiative to supercharge the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/artificial-intelligence">artificial intelligence infrastructure</a> in the United States Tuesday. Flanked by tech titans OpenAI CEO Sam Altman, SoftBank CEO Masayoshi Son, and Oracle (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ORCL#NYSE">ORCL</a>) Chairman Larry Ellison, Trump revealed the creation of a new company, Stargate, which he described as "the largest AI infrastructure project in history." 
Naturally, investors wasted no time <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43111153/nvidia-and-ai-stock-rises-as-trump-announces-500-billion-stargate-ai-infrastructure-venture">reacting to the announcement</a>. Oracle, Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), and Arm Holdings (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NYSE">ARM</a>) saw notable gains, while analysts predict the dominance of AI leaders <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">like those included in</a> the Invesco Top QQQ ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QBIG#NASDAQ">QBIG</a>) will continue into 2025.
Invesco Top QQQ, an actively managed ETF tied to the Nasdaq-100 Mega Index, holds stocks from the Magnificent Seven, including AI giants like Nvidia, along with semiconductor leader Broadcom (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>). This ETF is poised to capitalize on the rising demand for AI infrastructure, as semiconductor companies like Broadcom gain prominence.
Morgan Stanley analyst Ed Stanley notes that companies that strategically adopt AI—particularly those in software and finance—are likely to outperform, creating a fertile ground for ETFs like Invesco Top QQQ to thrive.
Apart from the Invesco Top QQQ ETF, which debuted in December, other notable beneficiaries of this AI boom are existing ETFs like Global X Robotics &amp; AI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BOTZ#NASDAQ">BOTZ</a>) and Roundhill Generative AI &amp; Technology ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHAT#NYSE">CHAT</a>). 
Here's a closer look at the potential winners:
Global X Robotics &amp; Artificial Intelligence ETF, known for its focus on automation and robotics companies, holds stocks of companies like Nvidia. The ETF can benefit from increased demand for hardware supporting AI infrastructure.
Roundhill Generative AI &amp; Technology ETF invests particularly in companies developing infrastructure, and software that breathe life into AI. As a fund targeting the generative AI, this ETF&#8217;s holdings in companies like Microsoft and Meta.
Stargate's Ambitious Vision
Stargate plans to invest an initial $100 billion, with a long-term vision of funneling up to $500 billion into building data centers and other critical infrastructure to support AI development. The project, already under construction in Texas, aims to create 100,000 jobs and establish the U.S. as a leader in AI technology.
Ellison noted that the group's first 1 million-square-foot data center is already underway, emphasizing the need for robust infrastructure to power next-generation AI applications. Altman agreed, calling the project "the most important of this era."
Meanwhile, Elon Musk <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/01/43121798/elon-musk-says-project-stargate-doesnt-actually-have-the-money-after-trump-announces-500-billion-ai-investment-led-by-softbank-oracle-and-openai">voiced concerns over</a> Project Stargate's funding, suggesting that SoftBank has secured far less than the ambitious $500 billion investment target.
ETFs focused on AI and technology offer a wise entry point for those looking to jump on the bandwagon. With $175 billion reportedly awaiting deployment into AI projects, the U.S. should attract significant global capital.
See Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/01/43128141/tech-stocks-rise-after-trump-announces-ai-infrastructure-investment">Tech Stocks Rise After Trump Announces AI Infrastructure Investment</a></li>
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Stephens &amp; Co. analyst Terry McEvoy reiterates Old National (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ONB#NASDAQ">ONB</a>) with a Overweight and maintains $27 price target.

Stephens & Co. Reiterates Overweight on Old National, Maintains $27 Price Target

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Piper Sandler analyst Nathan Race maintains Nicolet Bankshares (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NIC#NYSE">NIC</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $119 to $120.

Piper Sandler Maintains Neutral on Nicolet Bankshares, Raises Price Target to $120

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Pineapple Financial shares are trading higher on possible continued strength after the company reported Q1 financial results yesterday. D. Boral Capital maintained a Buy rating on the stock.

Stephens &amp; Co. analyst Terry McEvoy reiterates KeyCorp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KEY#NYSE">KEY</a>) with a Overweight and maintains $20 price target.

Stephens & Co. Reiterates Overweight on KeyCorp, Maintains $20 Price Target

Piper Sandler analyst Patrick Moley reiterates Interactive Brokers Gr (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBKR#NASDAQ">IBKR</a>) with a Overweight and raises the price target from $200 to $210.

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Piper Sandler Reiterates Overweight on Interactive Brokers Gr, Raises Price Target to $210

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Arabica coffee futures have soared past $3.35 per pound in January 2025, holding near multi-decade highs after peaking at $3.48 in December, the highest <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/commodities">level since April 1977.</a>
In a note shared Wednesday, Bank of America analyst Sara Senatore said, &#8220;Coffee remains inflationary. For Q1 2025, average coffee price inflation is expected to be 75.5%.&#8221; 
She added that prices have surged 120% from 2023 lows, increasing investor concerns about Starbucks Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SBUX#NYSE">SBUX</a>)&#8217; margins and pressuring the company's valuation multiple.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Chart: Coffee Futures Hover At Near 50-Year Highs</h3>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="506" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/22104158/image-156-1024x506.png" alt="" class="wp-image-744985" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/22104158/image-156-1024x506.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/22104158/image-156-300x148.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/22104158/image-156-768x380.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/22104158/image-156-1536x759.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/22104158/image-156.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">What&#8217;s Triggering The Coffee Price Spike? </h3>
The coffee market has seen supply risks materializing on its world&#8217;s top producer. 
Brazil's coffee production forecast have been downwardly revised in recent months amid weather disruptions hitting South America&#8217;s largest country. 
On Monday, Conab, Brazil's national supply agency, estimated the country's 2024 coffee harvest at 54.2 million 60kg bags, a 1.6% decline from the prior year's crop. 
The revision follows adverse weather in Minas Gerais, a key Arabica-producing region, that has constrained supply. Meanwhile, strong demand for Robusta beans, often used in instant coffee, has compounded price pressures.
In Australia, Restaurant and Cafe Association chief executive Wes Lambert said the cost of a coffee &#8220;could reach double digits&#8221; in major cities if bean prices remain elevated.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Starbucks' Hedging Strategy: A Safety Net?</h3>
Despite soaring coffee prices, Starbucks may be shielded from immediate cost increases. The Seattle-based company has long-term purchasing strategies as indicated by Bank of America.
As the world&#8217;s largest coffeehouse, Starbucks secures supply agreements more than a year in advance. The chain has a mix of fixed-price and price-to-be-fixed contracts.
Fixed-price contracts lock in costs upfront, while price-to-be-fixed agreements allow pricing flexibility until delivery. 
Starbucks relies on futures contracts and collars, which are derivative instruments that help stabilize price fluctuations, to hedge against volatile coffee costs. 
While Starbucks&#8217; hedging policies provide insulation, the company still supplements its inventory with purchase commitments, some of which remain exposed to the unpredictable swings in commodity prices. 
The question is whether sustained high prices could eventually seep into its cost structure.
Yet, Bank of America remains optimistic about Starbucks&#8217; outlook. &#8220;We believe SBUX&#8217;s brand remains fundamentally strong and there are significant opportunities to reallocate resources,&#8221; Senatore wrote in the note, maintaining a Buy rating with a $117 price target. 
Read now: 
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Coffee Prices Soar To Record Highs: Could Starbucks Face Margin Squeeze?

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JPM#NYSE">JPM</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 JPM, 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 15 uncommon options trades for JPMorgan Chase.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 46% bullish and 53%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 7 are puts, for a total amount of $300,058, and 8 are calls, for a total amount of $855,065.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $195.0 to $300.0 for JPMorgan Chase over the last 3 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 JPMorgan Chase's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to JPMorgan Chase's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $195.0 to $300.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>JPMorgan Chase Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1737564406_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 align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>JPM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$40.4</td>
<td>$39.95</td>
<td>$39.95</td>
<td>$240.00</td>
<td>$515.3K</td>
<td>2.1K</td>
<td align="right">129</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JPM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$68.7</td>
<td>$68.2</td>
<td>$68.2</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
<td>$95.4K</td>
<td>436</td>
<td align="right">14</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JPM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$1.69</td>
<td>$1.65</td>
<td>$1.7</td>
<td>$250.00</td>
<td>$67.9K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
<td align="right">929</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JPM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$13.5</td>
<td>$12.4</td>
<td>$12.7</td>
<td>$260.00</td>
<td>$63.5K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JPM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$8.3</td>
<td>$8.1</td>
<td>$8.29</td>
<td>$265.00</td>
<td>$50.5K</td>
<td>344</td>
<td align="right">99</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About JPMorgan Chase</h3>
JPMorgan Chase is one of the largest and most complex financial institutions in the United States, with nearly $4.1 trillion in assets. It is organized into four major segments--consumer and community banking, corporate and investment banking, commercial banking, and asset and wealth management. JPMorgan operates, and is subject to regulation, in multiple countries.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with JPMorgan Chase, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>JPMorgan Chase's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 2,499,176, the JPM's price is down by -0.48%, now at $261.75. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 79 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About JPMorgan Chase</h3>
Over the past month, 5 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $285.8.
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 Barclays has decided to maintain their Overweight rating on JPMorgan Chase, which currently sits at a price target of $330. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from UBS keeps a Buy rating on JPMorgan Chase with a target price of $287. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods continues to hold a Market Perform rating for JPMorgan Chase, targeting a price of $264. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Truist Securities has decided to maintain their Hold rating on JPMorgan Chase, which currently sits at a price target of $268. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from B of A Securities continues to hold a Buy rating for JPMorgan Chase, targeting a price of $280. 
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 JPMorgan Chase with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Options

Market Whales and Their Recent Bets on JPM Options

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on Vistra. Our analysis of options history for Vistra (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VST#NYSE">VST</a>) revealed 112 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 29% of traders were bullish, while 59% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 67 were puts, with a value of $2,892,018, and 45 were calls, valued at $4,045,157.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $50.0 to $260.0 for Vistra over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Vistra's options for a given strike price.
Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Vistra's whale activity within a strike price range from $50.0 to $260.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Vistra Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1737564401_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>VST</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/31/25</td>
<td>$20.6</td>
<td>$19.9</td>
<td>$20.09</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$200.9K</td>
<td align="right">248</td>
<td>619</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VST</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/31/25</td>
<td>$19.0</td>
<td>$18.45</td>
<td>$18.81</td>
<td>$170.00</td>
<td>$188.0K</td>
<td align="right">248</td>
<td>823</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VST</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$11.65</td>
<td>$11.6</td>
<td>$11.6</td>
<td>$185.00</td>
<td>$170.5K</td>
<td align="right">190</td>
<td>276</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VST</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$9.35</td>
<td>$9.2</td>
<td>$9.2</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$154.1K</td>
<td align="right">191</td>
<td>3.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>VST</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$9.05</td>
<td>$8.65</td>
<td>$9.05</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$104.0K</td>
<td align="right">191</td>
<td>3.8K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Vistra</h3>
Vistra Energy is one of the largest power producers and retail energy providers in the us Following the 2024 Energy Harbor acquisition, Vistra owns 41 gigawatts of nuclear, coal, natural gas, and solar power generation along with one of the largest utility-scale battery projects in the world. Its retail electricity business serves 5 million customers in 20 states, including almost a third of all Texas electricity consumers. Vistra emerged from the Energy Future Holdings bankruptcy as a stand-alone entity in 2016. It acquired Dynegy in 2018.
<h3>Where Is Vistra Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Trading volume stands at 5,234,782, with VST's price up by 0.42%, positioned at $186.12.</li>
<li>RSI indicators show the stock to be may be overbought.</li>
<li>Earnings announcement expected in 35 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Vistra</h3>
In the last month, 2 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $188.0.
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; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Evercore ISI Group lowers its rating to Outperform with a new price target of $202. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from UBS continues to hold a Buy rating for Vistra, targeting a price of $174. 
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 Vistra with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Spotlight on Vistra: Analyzing the Surge in Options Activity

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bullish stance on ON Semiconductor.
Looking at options history for ON Semiconductor (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ON#NASDAQ">ON</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 25% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 4 are puts, for a total amount of $264,636 and 4, calls, for a total amount of $169,560.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $50.0 to $75.0 for ON Semiconductor over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of ON Semiconductor stands at 1408.0, with a total volume reaching 955.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in ON Semiconductor, situated within the strike price corridor from $50.0 to $75.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>ON Semiconductor Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1737564396_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 align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>ON</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$12.2</td>
<td>$12.1</td>
<td>$12.2</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
<td>$137.8K</td>
<td>33</td>
<td align="right">114</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ON</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$8.65</td>
<td>$8.5</td>
<td>$8.5</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>$69.7K</td>
<td>982</td>
<td align="right">13</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ON</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$2.03</td>
<td>$1.93</td>
<td>$2.03</td>
<td>$60.00</td>
<td>$60.8K</td>
<td>5.0K</td>
<td align="right">313</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ON</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$9.15</td>
<td>$8.95</td>
<td>$9.06</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$54.3K</td>
<td>51</td>
<td align="right">170</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ON</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$14.4</td>
<td>$14.15</td>
<td>$14.2</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
<td>$31.2K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td align="right">35</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About ON Semiconductor</h3>
Onsemi is a supplier of power semiconductors and sensors focused on the automotive and industrial markets. Onsemi is the second-largest power chipmaker in the world and the largest supplier of image sensors to the automotive market. While the firm used to be highly vertically integrated, it now pursues a hybrid manufacturing strategy for flexible capacity. Onsemi is pivoting to focus on emerging applications like electric vehicles, autonomous vehicles, industrial automation, and renewable energy.
<h3>Current Position of ON Semiconductor</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 1,863,364, the price of ON is up 1.19% at $56.27. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 12 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About ON Semiconductor</h3>
In the last month, 4 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $71.75.
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&#x2A; An analyst from Truist Securities has revised its rating downward to Hold, adjusting the price target to $60. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Goldman Sachs has decided to maintain their Buy rating on ON Semiconductor, which currently sits at a price target of $77. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Keybanc persists with their Overweight rating on ON Semiconductor, maintaining a target price of $70. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Wells Fargo has decided to maintain their Overweight rating on ON Semiconductor, which currently sits at a price target of $80. 
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 ON Semiconductor options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Market Whales and Their Recent Bets on ON Semiconductor Options

Autodesk (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADSK#NASDAQ">ADSK</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 6.66% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 18.26%. Currently, Autodesk has a market capitalization of $64.73 billion. 
Buying $1000 In ADSK: If an investor had bought $1000 of ADSK stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $5,158.17 today based on a price of $300.36 for ADSK at the time of writing.
<h3>Autodesk's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1737564381_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.

ADSK

Here's How Much $1000 Invested In Autodesk 10 Years Ago Would Be Worth Today

Western Digital shares are trading higher in sympathy with Seagate, which beat Q2 EPS and revenue estimates.

When a mother in New York City realized her son's iPhone was missing, she did what many parents would do – she immediately opened Apple's Find My app to track the device. What she discovered was both frustrating and fascinating, as the stolen iPhone went on an international adventure highlighting just how organized the black market for stolen electronics has become.
<img loading="lazy" decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXetH9B3MpyuiAHial3E3vQjgbtdfW0gWQlHXt312V1tjFIxKrbNsS6a5JyHTMXrbBXQEbkKS2iJa5IN-qH0u0A5eDWvuiaS9UGTqw_nC2EV1G2M7-3MF5uTmhI5oXTrkPpUEPl9iA?key=91luIPvlMOBWpfDqwX6LRxCC" width="537" height="576" />
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<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>
<li>Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/1milsaved"> The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">From NYC to Shenzhen</h2>
The phone's journey began on Oct. 30 in NYC when it was snatched. First, it appeared in an apartment complex in the Bronx, then sat in a Long Island warehouse for a few days. Months later, it resurfaced nearly 8,000 miles away in Shenzhen, China, a well-known city hub for electronics manufacturing and repair.
By this point, the device was locked and useless to whoever had it, thanks to Apple's Activation Lock – a feature designed to prevent thieves from resetting and reselling stolen phones. Despite this, the phone's destination made sense. Shenzhen is home to Huaqiangbei, a sprawling electronics market where stolen phones are dismantled for parts or reassembled into &#8220;new&#8221; devices.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Scale of the Problem</h2>
Smartphone theft is a widespread issue in the United States. Allstate estimates that 5% or an estimated 14.7 million phones were stolen in 2023 alone. Since iPhones make up about 50% of the smartphone market in the U.S., this translates to approximately 7.35 million stolen iPhones in a year. The financial damage is immense, not just in the cost of the devices but also in the security risks posed by potential data breaches.
See Also: ‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">You can invest today for just $0.26/share with a $1000 minimum.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Frustrated Her Most</h2>
Oddly enough, losing the iPhone wasn't the most infuriating part of the ordeal. What truly <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/iphone/comments/1hzs1mn/sons_stolen_iphone_goes_on_a_journey_from_nyc_to/">upset</a> the mother was the lack of interest from local authorities. She filed a police report with the NYPD immediately after the theft, but the response was underwhelming. Even when the phone's location was trackable in NYC, nothing was done to investigate.
"I'm not that mad about losing this one phone," she shared, "but I wish the NYPD had looked into the Long Island warehouse before it left NY. I bet there are a ton of other phones going through this same path." Her frustration resonated with others online, as many shared similar stories of police apathy toward stolen phones.
As one person said, &#8220;And I thought only in India police are not interested in stolen phone cases. Well, this has been the same for the entire world. Looks like a nexus to bring the phone to China where tracking is difficult because of the poor treaty.&#8221;
Another tried explaining things further: &#8220;People don't understand that filing a police report is literally just a report. It's not a request for the police to look into it or a declaration by the police that they will look into it.&#8221;
Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How the Black Market Thrives</h2>
Shenzhen's Huaqiangbei district has become a hotbed for dismantling stolen devices. While Apple's Activation Lock, part of its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/12/36385255/how-to-turn-on-apples-stolen-device-protection-on-your-shiny-new-iphone">Stolen Device Protection</a> measures, makes it nearly impossible to reuse an iPhone, individual components like screens, batteries and chips can still be salvaged and sold.
In some cases, thieves even <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/01/36740248/hackers-steal-580-000-with-fake-airdrop-links-in-phishing-mail-scam">scam</a> the original owners into removing the Activation Lock by sending fake messages claiming to be from Apple. Or, as someone said, &#8220;He'll start getting messages from someone claiming that they bought it and need him to remove the activation lock. Don't do it. Block and ignore. Eventually, they'll start threatening him. Again, ignore. They can't do anything.&#8221;
Organized networks route phones from theft hotspots like NYC to international markets, with Shenzhen being one of the biggest destinations.
These operations are so well-oiled that stolen phones are often shipped in bulk, passing through intermediaries.&nbsp;
Read Next:
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<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>
<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a></li>
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A Mother Tracks Her Son's Stolen iPhone On An 8,000-Mile Trip From NYC To Shenzhen, China – Here's What Irks Her More Than Losing The Phone

Despite <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/43096311/exclusive-trump-does-not-establish-bitcoin-reserve-crypto-friendly-policies-on-day-1-and-now">no immediate action</a> from freshly-inaugurated president Donald Trump, the odds of a strategic Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) reserve in 2025 have increased on prediction market Kalshi.
A <a href="https://kalshi.com/markets/kxbtcreserve/bitcoin-reserve#kxbtcreserve-26">market</a> shows a 64% probability, up from 55% at the start of 2025 and 61% on inauguration day. Further crypto-related markets have seen movement following the president&#8217;s inauguration.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Kalshi Prediction Markets</td>
<td>Current Odds</td>
<td>Odds On Inauguration Day</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Federal crypto regulation this year?</td>
<td>54%</td>
<td>53%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Will a new country buy Bitcoin this year?</td>
<td>85%</td>
<td>76%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Wil Bitcoin be legalized in China this year?</td>
<td>15%</td>
<td>21%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Trader Notes: Bitcoin investor Fred Krueger has mixed feelings about the plans, calling a Strategic Bitcoin Reserve inevitable but unlikely to reach meaningful levels under the Trump administration, which he views as only partially embracing Bitcoin.
Krueger <a href="https://x.com/dotkrueger/status/1881719585386197338">highlighted</a> World Liberty Financials' $47 million Bitcoin purchase as a key milestone, emphasizing that Bitcoin's rise to $1 million remains unstoppable regardless of government involvement. 
"External factors won't derail Bitcoin's trajectory," he <a href="https://x.com/dotkrueger/status/1882016783726789027">stated</a>, expressing optimism for a bullish market in 2025.
Community News: At the World Economic Forum in Davos, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong said Trump is eager to lead the charge on Bitcoin adoption, aiming to become the first "Bitcoin President."
Armstrong also acknowledged Senator Cynthia Lummis's (R-Wyo.) legislative efforts to establish a reserve.
Armstrong <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/43105840/coinbase-ceo-brian-armstrong-says-bitcoins-future-is-bright-the-dawn-of-a-new-day-for-crypto">stressed</a> the importance of governments holding Bitcoin alongside gold and other reserves, stating, "Any government holding gold should also hold Bitcoin." He argued that the global shift toward a Bitcoin standard is well underway.
Currently, 12 U.S. states are actively supporting Bitcoin reserve legislation. 
Marathon Digital's CEO is <a href="https://x.com/BTC_Archive/status/1882061965205680235">reportedly</a> working to expand these efforts to all 50 states.
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Image: Wikimedia Commons

$BTC

Strategic Bitcoin Reserve Probability Up To 64% Despite Trump Silence On Crypto

Prime Meridian

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.

The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/19/02/13168160/6-indexes-that-can-help-you-track-the-otc-markets">indices that track trading on OTC Markets</a> saw several changes occur in Q1. Here is a deeper look at the companies that were added and removed in each of the market&rsquo;s major indices that were rebalanced for the quarter:

<a href="https://www.otcmarkets.com/index/.OTCQX">OTCXC Composite Index</a>

The OTCX Composite Index, which is the benchmark for tracking the overall performance of the most transparent domestic and international companies on OTC Markets, closed up 3.9% in the first quarter. There were 58 new companies added to the index, including AYR Wellness Inc. (OTCWX: AYWRF), Blackstone Minerals Ltd. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BLSTF#OTCQX">BLSTF</a>), Integrated BioPharma, Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INBP#OTCQX">INBP</a>), Newcore Gold Ltd. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NCAUF#OTCQX">NCAUF</a>), Tilt Holdings Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLLTF#OTCQX">TLLTF</a>), The Trendlines Group Ltd. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRNLY#OTCQX">TRNLY</a>), and Zoetic International PLC (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZOEIF#OTCQX">ZOEIF</a>).&nbsp;

Twenty-seven companies were removed from the index including Lexaria Bioscience Corp. (LEXX), which graduated to Nasdaq on January 12, 2021, and URBAN-GRO (UGRO), which graduated to Nasdaq on February 12, 2021. Midas Gold Corp. changed its name to Perpetua Resources Corp. (PPTA) and graduated to Nasdaq on February 18, 2021. Ferguson Plc (FERG) graduated to NYSE on 3/8/2021.

<a href="https://www.otcmarkets.com/index/.OTCQXBIL">OTCXC Billion+ Index</a>

The OTCQX Billion+ Index, which tracks the performance of the $1 billion-plus market cap OTCQX companies, was up 3.6% for the quarter. Nine companies were added to the index including Atlantic Sapphire ASA (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AASZF#OTCQX">AASZF</a>), Bombardier Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BDRBF#OTCQX">BDRBF</a>), Bitwise 10 Crypto Index Fund (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BITW#OTCQX">BITW</a>) and TerrAscend Corp. (OTCXQ: TRSSF).

<a href="https://www.otcmarkets.com/index/.OTCQXDIV">OTCXC Dividend Index</a>

The OTCQX Dividend Index, which tracks the dividend-paying U.S. and international OTCQX companies, was up 3.6% in the quarter. Fourteen new companies were added to the index including Britvic plc (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BTVCY#OTCQX">BTVCY</a>), Endeavour Mining Corporation (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EDVMF#OTCQX">EDVMF</a>), Prime Meridian Holding Co. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PMHG#OTCQX">PMHG</a>) and TAG Oil Ltd. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TAOIF#OTCQX">TAOIF</a>). Fifteen companies were removed from the index.

<a href="https://www.otcmarkets.com/index/.OTCQXBK">OTXCX Banks Index</a>

The OTCQX Banks Index, which is made up of OTCQX community and regional banks, increased 15.9% in the first quarter. Twelve banks were added to the index in the quarter and four companies were removed. Some of those banks included Century Next Financial Corp (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTUY#OTCQX">CTUY</a>), Equitable Financial Corp. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EQFN#OTCQX">EQFN</a>), Grand River Commerce Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GNRV#OTCQX">GNRV</a>) and InBankshares, Corp (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INBC#OTCQX">INBC</a>).

<a href="https://www.otcmarkets.com/index/.OTCQXINT">OTCXC International Index</a>

The OTCQX International Index, a benchmark for international OTCQX companies, was up 3.0% for the quarter. Thirty-one new companies were added to the index including Apollo Healthcare Corp. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AHCCF#OTCQX">AHCCF</a>) and BIGG Digital Assets Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BBKCF#OTCQX">BBKCF</a>).

<a href="https://www.otcmarkets.com/index/.OTCQXCAN">OTCXC Canada Index</a>

The OTCQX Canada Index, which tracks Canadian OTCQX companies, was up 11.9% in the first quarter. Twenty-five companies were added to the index and eight companies were removed.

<a href="https://www.otcmarkets.com/index/.OTCQXUS">OTCXC U.S. Index</a>

OTCQX U.S. Index, a benchmark for U.S. OTCQX companies, was up 16.5% in the first quarter. Twenty-five companies were added to the index and 13 companies were removed.

<a href="https://www.otcmarkets.com/index/.OTCQXMJ">OTCQX Cannabis Index</a>

OTCQX Cannabis Index, a benchmark for cannabis companies, was up 26% in the first quarter. Eleven new companies joined the index. The 11 companies added were Columbia Care Inc (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CCHWF#OTCQX">CCHWF</a>), TPCO HLDG CORP (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GRAMF#OTCQX">GRAMF</a>), Green Thumb Industries Inc (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GTBIF#OTCQX">GTBIF</a>), Indiva Ltd. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NDVAF#OTCQX">NDVAF</a>), Next Green Wave (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NXGWF#OTCQX">NXGWF</a>), Red White &amp; Bloom Brands Inc (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RWBYF#OTCQX">RWBYF</a>), Tilt Holdings Inc (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLLTF#OTCQX">TLLTF</a>), TerrAscend Corp. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TRSSF#OTCQX">TRSSF</a>), Vireo Health International Inc (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VREOF#OTCQX">VREOF</a>), WeedMD Inc (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WDDMF#OTCQX">WDDMF</a>) and&nbsp; Zoetic International PLC (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZOEIF#OTCQX">ZOEIF</a>). Eight companies were removed.

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.

Most major cap-weighted indexes are rebalanced quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. This rebalancing consists of adding and removing securities based on market cap fluctuations throughout the quarter.&nbsp;

It&rsquo;s up to the index provider to make and publicize these changes, usually at or in the days after the end of a quarter. The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/19/02/13168160/6-indexes-that-can-help-you-track-the-otc-markets">indexes created by OTC Markets</a> all rebalance at the end of every quarter to account for the changing prices of their components. Here&rsquo;s how each of the market&rsquo;s major indexes rebalanced at the end of Q3:

<h3><a href="https://www.otcmarkets.com/index/.OTCQXBK">OTCQX Banks</a></h3>

The OTCQX Banks Index closed Q3 with 67 holdings and up 0.5%. Seventeen companies were added to the index, including Chesapeake Financial Shares, Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CPKF#OTCQX">CPKF</a>) and PSB Holdings Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/PSBQ#OTCQX">PSBQ</a>).&nbsp;

Ten companies were removed, including First Farmers Financial Corp (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/FFMR#OTCQX">FFMR</a>) and Marquette National Corp. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/MNAT#OTCQX">MNAT</a>).&nbsp;

<h3><a href="https://www.otcmarkets.com/index/.OTCQX">OTCQX Composite</a></h3>

The OTCQX Composite Index, the benchmark for tracking the overall performance of the most transparent domestic and international companies on OTC Markets, closed down 1.25% for the third quarter. There are 365 members of the index, 54 of which were added at the end of Q3. Notable adds include Grayscale Ethereum Trust (ETH) (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/ETHE#OTCQX">ETHE</a>), Overstock.com, Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/OSTBP#OTCQX">OSTBP</a>), and Trulieve Cannabis Corporation (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/TCNNF#OTCQX">TCNNF</a>).&nbsp;

Thirty-nine securities were removed from the index, including Stereotaxis, Inc. (MKT: STXS) and Avita Medical Ltd. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/RCEL#NASDAQ">RCEL</a>), both graduated to NYSE American and&nbsp; Nasdaq.&nbsp;

<h3><a href="https://www.otcmarkets.com/index/.OTCQXBIL">OTCQX Billion+</a></h3>

The OTCQX Billion+ Index, which tracks the $1 billion-plus market cap companies trading on OTCQX, finished down 1.02% in Q3. Three new companies joined the index while five companies were removed, bringing the total to 59.&nbsp;

Companies added were Green Thumb Industries Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/GTBIF#OTCQX">GTBIF</a>), Interconexion Electrica S.A. E.S.P. - ISA (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/IESFY#OTCQX">IESFY</a>), and U.S.-based Computer Services, Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CSVI#OTCQX">CSVI</a>), which joins the Grayscale Bitcoin Trust (BTC) (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/GBTC#OTCQX">GBTC</a>) as the only domestic companies in the index.

The five companies removed were Acreage Holdings Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/ACRGF#OTCQX">ACRGF</a>), Koninklijke Ahold Delhaize N.V. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/ADRNY#OTCQX">ADRNY</a>), Ocean Yield ASA (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/OYIEF#OTCQX">OYIEF</a>), Software AG (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/STWRY#OTCQX">STWRY</a>), and UPM-Kymmene Corp. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/UPMMY#OTCQX">UPMMY</a>).&nbsp;

<h3><a href="https://www.otcmarkets.com/index/.OTCQXDIV">OTCQX Dividend</a></h3>

The OTCQX Dividend Index finished Q3 down 0.8% with 113 holdings. Twenty-two new companies were added to the index in the quarter while 12 companies were removed. Eleven of those companies were removed for stopping their dividend programs, while Alerus Financial Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/ALRS#NASDAQ">ALRS</a>) graduated to Nasdaq.

<h3><a href="https://www.otcmarkets.com/index/.OTCQXUS">OTCQX U.S.</a></h3>

Over half of the securities that trade on OTCQX are based in the U.S. Of those, 120 are in the OTCQX U.S. Index. The index closed down 7.8% in Q3, with 27 additions and 17 deletions.&nbsp;

Notable additions include MariMed Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/MRMD#OTCQX">MRMD</a>), Prime Meridian Holding Co. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/PMHG#OTCQX">PMHG</a>), and Calvin B. Taylor Bankshares, Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/TYCB#OTCQX">TYCB</a>). Deletions include Forbes Energy Services Ltd. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/FLSS#OTCQX">FLSS</a>) and Amplify Energy Corp. (NY: AMPY).&nbsp;

<h3><a href="https://www.otcmarkets.com/index/.OTCQXMJ">OTCQX Cannabis</a></h3>

OTC Markets&rsquo; newest index closed down 27.2% in Q3. The total number of companies in the index stayed constant, as eight companies were added and eight were removed.&nbsp;

The companies added were Australis Capital Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/AUSAF#OTCQX">AUSAF</a>), Dixie Brands Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/DXBRF#OTCQX">DXBRF</a>), Eve and Co Incorporated (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/EEVVF#OTCQX">EEVVF</a>), Green Thumb Industries Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/GTBIF#OTCQX">GTBIF</a>), InMed Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/IMLFF#OTCQX">IMLFF</a>), Medicine Man Technologies Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/MDCL#OTCQX">MDCL</a>), Trulieve Cannabis Corporation (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/TCNNF#OTCQX">TCNNF</a>), and Valens Groworks Corp (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/VGWCF#OTCQX">VGWCF</a>).&nbsp;

The eight companies removed were Beleave Inc., Emerald Health Therapeutics Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/EMHTF#OTCQX">EMHTF</a>), Harvest One Cannabis Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/HRVOF#OTCQX">HRVOF</a>), Invictus MD Strategies Corp. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/IVITF#OTCQX">IVITF</a>), Lifestyle Delivery Systems, Inc., Next Green Wave (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/NXGWF#OTCQX">NXGWF</a>), Radient Technologies Inc (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/RDDTF#OTCQX">RDDTF</a>), and THC BioMed&nbsp;Intl Ltd. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/THCBF#OTCQX">THCBF</a>).&nbsp;

<h3><a href="https://www.otcmarkets.com/index/.OTCQXCAN">OTCQX Canada</a></h3>

The OTCQX Canada Index, the benchmark for tracking the overall performance of all the Canadian securities that are traded on OTCQX, closed down 10.4% in the third quarter. Twenty-seven new companies joined the index, including Rocky Mountain Dealerships Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/RCKXF#OTCQX">RCKXF</a>), while 16 companies were removed.&nbsp;

<h3><a href="https://www.otcmarkets.com/index/.OTCQXINT">OTCQX International</a></h3>

The index closed down 1.2% in Q3. The 245-company index received 31 additions and 22 deletions at the end of the quarter. Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SMICY#OTCQX">SMICY</a>) highlights the new additions.&nbsp;

OTC Markets is a content partner of Benzinga

As of the end of the first quarter, there are over 90 domestic and international banks trading on the OTCQX Best Market with an aggregate market capitalization of $94.9 billion and combined assets of more than $3.1 trillion.&nbsp;Many of these banks are local U.S. community banks, due in part to a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/19/01/13058195/why-are-so-many-community-banks-going-public">surprising number of community banks going public on the OTC Markets</a> in the past few years.&nbsp;

On March 14, 2019, CEOs from 11 of these global and community banks gathered for a<a href="https://www.virtualinvestorconferences.com/events/event-details/otcqx-community-bank-conference"> virtual investor conference</a> to provide an update on business operations. Here is what each bank is focusing on:&nbsp;

<h3>Highlands Bancshares: Re-Focusing The Lending Business</h3>

Highlands Bancshares Inc (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/HBSI#OTCQX">HBSI</a>), which has 14 branches in Southwest Virginia, Western North Carolina, and Eastern Tennessee, is coming off a record financial year, according to Executive Vice President and Chief Risk Officer Bryan Booher.&nbsp;

In the 2018 fiscal year, the bank achieved its highest net income since 2007, its highest net interest margin since 2002, and the highest leverage ratio in the company&rsquo;s history.&nbsp;

While, historically the bank had not pursued a targeted offering, Booher indicated that a shift is underway.&nbsp;Given that the majority of the bank&rsquo;s 2018 loan portfolio focused on four key groups, Highlands plans to concentrate on these areas: construction and land, families of 1-4, owner-occupied commercial properties, and home equity loans.&nbsp;

<h3>Royal Financial: Net Interest Margin and Redefining Brick-And-Mortar</h3>

Net Interest Margin, a key metric for community banks, has been a point of concern across the industry as interest rates have risen over the last several years. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Itpu1ClKWEY&amp;feature=youtu.be">Leonard Szwajkowski</a>, President and CEO of Chicago-based Royal Financial, Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/RYFL#OTCQX">RYFL</a>) highlighted that point.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Net interest margin remains under pressure as it is for most banks,&rdquo; he told investors. As a result, he said the bank is focused on expanding their sources of non-interest income.&nbsp;

Szwajkowski also noted that the industry is facing a redefining of their physical locations. He keyed in on the fact that Royal Financial has continued to see mobile and online adoption rates accelerate, and, as such, has invested heavily in mobile offerings.&nbsp;

&ldquo;It is a consolidating industry,&rdquo; said Szwajkowski. &ldquo;Many banks under $200 million continue to struggle. Our plan here is to continue to improve our customer service, continue to run the bank prudently, look for organic growth and watch regulatory compliance.&rdquo;

<h3>Prime Meridian: Small Business Lending Is Key</h3>

Sammie Dixon, Vice Chairman, President and CEO of Prime Meridian Holding Company (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/PMHG#OTCQX">PMHG</a>), said the Florida-based bank is heavily focused on being a resource for small businesses seeking capital.&nbsp;

&ldquo;Fintech is going to disrupt. But from a small business perspective, people need bankers,&rdquo; he said. &ldquo;We feel like with the disruption in the market with the larger banks, small business lending is going to increase and people needing that opportunity to speak with a banker.&rdquo;

The quality of their assets is also important, he said, noting that the bank&rsquo;s assets have grown at a 14 percent compounded annual growth rate each year since its establishment in 2008.&nbsp;

<h3>First Resource Bank And InsCorp (holding company for INSBANK): Location, Location, Location</h3>

First Resource Bank (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/FRSB#OTCQX">FRSB</a>) is a community bank headquartered just outside Philadelphia in Chester County, Pennsylvania. According to President and CEO <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Je-Z0js0xDM&amp;feature=youtu.be">Glenn Marshall</a>, suburban Philadelphia is one of the most economically attractive markets in the United States and Pennsylvania.&nbsp;

&ldquo;We couldn&rsquo;t be in a better location in Pennsylvania,&rdquo; he said. &nbsp;&ldquo;We think it rivals some of the best places in the country.&rdquo;

Marshall said the bank doesn&rsquo;t build a location anywhere where they can&rsquo;t get to $100 million in deposits within 5 years. Currently, it has branches in Exton, West Chester, and Wayne. Combined, Marshall said, those markets create a $12.5 billion deposit market.&nbsp;

&ldquo;We love the footprint that that covers for us, and what we can do to take advantage of that in the near future,&rdquo; he said.&nbsp;

Jim Rieniets, President &amp; CEO of INSBANK parent company InsCorp, Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/IBTN#OTCQX">IBTN</a>), highlighted the fact that the bank had gone from breakeven to $4.3 million in core earnings from 2010-2018.&nbsp;

A lot of that growth, he said, has been enabled by the bank&rsquo;s locations in the Nashville metro area. Since 2010, the area&rsquo;s population has grown 17 percent, nearly triple the national average of 6.6 percent.&nbsp;

With 120 companies expanding or relocating to Nashville since 2015, he said the bank is positioning itself to these businesses and the nearly 15,000 new jobs that come with them.&nbsp;

<h3>Freedom Bank of Virginia- Reorganizing the Balance Sheet</h3>

Joseph Thomas, President &amp; CEO of Freedom Bank of Virginia (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/FDVA#OTCQX">FDVA</a>), said that, with the Washington D.C. metro economy continuing to diversify, the bank took steps last year to reorganize its balance sheet.&nbsp;

That involved selling low-yield, long-duration municipal bonds, which reduced the bank&rsquo;s interest rate risk. The bank also funded tax-advantaged bank-owned life insurance, and reduced costs by restructuring the workforce and making changes to vendor contracts.&nbsp;

Going forward, he said the bank is focused on attracting clients in certain verticals, specifically government contracting, insurance agency/Broker, professional services, and non-profits. Freedom Bank is also seeking expansion beyond its brick-and-mortar footprint, as it has expanded its sales teams across the D.C.-Maryland-Virginia area.&nbsp;

<h3>Garanti Bank and Grupo Financiero Banorte: Overcoming the Environment</h3>

Garanti Bank (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/TKGBY#OTCQX">TKGBY</a>, TKGBF)) is Turkey&rsquo;s second-largest private bank, with about $76 billion in assets as of the end of the September quarter.&nbsp;

The biggest challenge right now, said Head of Investor Relations Handan Saygin, is the weakening economic environment in Turkey. Inflation rose 25 percent last year, and the Turkish Lira fell in kind.&nbsp;

Considering that environment, and the fact that the bank has 14 percent of the consumer loan market and 12 percent of the mortgage market, the bank didn&rsquo;t see much loan growth. Therefore, Garanti is primarily focused on maintaining its liquidity and solvency. She also noted that Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. (BBVA) is the bank&rsquo;s largest shareholder, owning approximately 49 percent of the company.&nbsp;

Ursula Wilhelm, head of investor relations at Mexico&rsquo;s Grupo Financiero Banorte, S.A.B. De C.V. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/GBOOY#OTCQX">GBOOY</a>, GBOOF)), highlighted a similar theme. Banorte is Mexico&rsquo;s second-largest financial institution by assets, which much of its loan exposure to the Mexican government.&nbsp;

Mexico is expected to experience slow GDP growth in 2019 and 2020, and the banking industry&rsquo;s overall loan growth had declined each of the last three years. Despite that, the bank expects its loan portfolio to grow 7-9 percent in the fiscal year 2019.&nbsp;

<h3>Commencement Bank, Victory Bancorp, and Suncrest Bank: Take Advantage of Local Consolidation</h3>

Washington-based Commencement Bank (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/CBWA#OTCQX">CBWA</a>) is focusing on &ldquo;a conservative growth strategy that hinges on targeted M&amp;A,&rdquo; according to its CEO Hal Russell.&nbsp;

The bank, which has grown from $22 million to $357 million in assets in 12 years, completed its first merger with Thurston First Bank in 2016. In a contracting environment&mdash;Washington has gone from 107 banks headquartered in the state in 2006 to 41 today&mdash;Commencement is hoping to expand its footprint in the state. &nbsp;

The same can be said for Pennsylvania-based Victory Bancorp (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/VTYB#OTCQX">VTYB</a>).&nbsp; 
Joseph W. Major, the bank&rsquo;s chairman of the board and CEO, noted that the consolidation of 23 competitors this decade has created a windfall of in-market growth opportunities

California-based Suncrest Bank (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="/stock/SBKK#OTCQX">SBKK</a>) has also made M&amp;A a priority, President and CEO Ciaran McMullan noted. The bank has made three acquisitions over the last four years, acquiring Sutter Community Bank in December 2015, Security First Bank in December 2016, and Community Business Bank in May 2018.&nbsp;

You can now view the company presentations on demand through the <a href="https://www.virtualinvestorconferences.com/events/event-details/otcqx-community-bank-conference">Virtual Investor Conference portal</a>. <a href="https://www.virtualinvestorconferences.com/events/event-details/investor-conference-april-2019">Click here</a> to register for OTC Markets&rsquo; upcoming Virtual Investor Conference on April 4.&nbsp;

OTC Markets is a content partner of Benzinga

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