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Unit Corp is an oil and natural gas contract drilling company. The company is also in exploration and production and mid-stream areas. There are three segments which include Oil and Natural gas, Contract Drilling and Mid-stream. The oil and natural gas segment is engaged in the development, acquisition, and production of oil, NGLs, and natural gas properties. The contract drilling segment is engaged in the land contract drilling of oil and natural gas wells and the mid-stream segment is engaged in the buying, selling, gathering, processing, and treating of natural gas. Majority of the revenue is generated from the Contract Drilling segment.

Unit Corp

A former member of Donald Trump&#8216;s 2016 campaign unveiled texts that implied that multiple lawsuits related to gender discrimination and sexual harassment <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39565763/as-trump-prepares-for-comeback-latest-pew-poll-reveals-which-presidential-candidate-rest-of-world-pr">were settled by Trump&#8217;s 2020 campaign.</a>
What Happened: A.J. Delgado, an ex-member of Trump&#8217;s team, disclosed the texts in the course of her ongoing discrimination lawsuit against the campaign, according <a href="https://newrepublic.com/post/183468/former-trump-staffer-delgado-texts-secret-payoffs-sexual-harassment">to</a> The New Republic. 
The texts, she claims, were exchanged between her and another former Trump staffer, Jenna Ellis.
In her text to Ellis, Delgado inquired if Ellis was aware of any discrimination or harassment complaints during the 2020 campaign and if any lawsuits were settled. 
Ellis reportedly responded in the affirmative, referencing an individual named &#8220;Boris&#8221; and advising Delgado&#8217;s investigator to subpoena Michael Glassner, a strategist for Trump&#8217;s 2020 campaign.
Several media outlets have speculated that &#8220;Boris&#8221; might be Boris Epshteyn, a senior advisor to Trump&#8217;s 2020 campaign and a current confidante of the ex-president.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39657063/trump-gives-unexpected-advice-to-biden-following-disappointing-debate-crooked-joe-biden-should">Trump Gives Unexpected Advice To Biden Following Disappointing Debate: &#8216;Crooked Joe Biden Should &#8230;&#8217;</a>
Delgado previous alleged that Trump&#8217;s 2016 campaign made use of intermediaries to dispense hush-money payments to keep discrimination settlements concealed from the public and the Federal Election Commission.
Relatedly, Trump was found guilty on 34 counts related to falsifying business records for hush-money payments to adult film actress Stormy Daniels during the 2016 election.
Why It Matters: These recent allegations add to the controversies surrounding Trump&#8217;s 2020 campaign. The former president has been under scrutiny for his campaign practices, and these new revelations could potentially impact his political standing. The fact that Trump was convicted for similar offenses adds weight to these allegations.
Trump&#8217;s recent activities, including his self-proclaimed victory in a presidential debate, suggest he continues to maintain a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39565609/trump-laments-lack-of-attention-paid-to-the-greatest-debate-performance-he-gave-its-all-about-the-po">high profile in the political arena. </a>
However, the latest allegations may influence public perception and his future political endeavors.
Now Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39563576/following-debate-latest-poll-among-democrats-signals-major-trouble-for-joe-biden-although-theres-one" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Following Debate, Latest Poll Among Democrats Signals Major Trouble For Joe Biden — Although There&#8217;s One Silver Lining</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo: Shutterstock

News

Politics

Ex-Trump Staffer Shares Texts To Prove That Ex-President's Campaign Settled To Keep Discrimination And Sexual Harassment Lawsuits Quiet

Elon Musk has stirred the pot by labeling those opposing a bill that necessitates proof of citizenship for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38479082/elon-musk-gives-one-word-response-to-joe-bidens-dig-at-donald-trump-at-white-house-correspondents-di">voting in federal elections as &#8220;TRAITORS.&#8221;</a>
What Happened: The bill, dubbed the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, was introduced by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and initially championed by Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas. 
The legislation mandates state election officials to verify citizenship before issuing voter registration forms and necessitates individuals to provide proof of citizenship prior to registering to vote in federal elections.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">&#x1f9f5;The SAVE Act will safeguard our elections by ensuring only American citizens vote in federal elections. Here's what the legislation does:
&mdash; Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) <a href="https://twitter.com/SpeakerJohnson/status/1809318048945566061?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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On Friday, Johnson promoted the bill on the social media platform, X, asserting that the SAVE Act will &#8220;safeguard our elections by ensuring only American citizens vote in federal elections.&#8221;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39346274/elon-musk-says-donald-trump-calls-him-for-no-reason-i-dont-know-why">Elon Musk Says Donald Trump Calls Him For No Reason: &#8216;I Don&#8217;t Know Why&#8217;</a>
In a response to Johnson&#8217;s posts, Musk declared, &#8220;Those who oppose this are traitors. All Caps: TRAITORS,&#8221; and provocatively asked, &#8220;What is the penalty for traitors again?&#8221;
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Those who oppose this are traitors. All Caps: TRAITORS What is the penalty for traitors again? <a href="https://t.co/lyREyskPv4">https://t.co/lyREyskPv4</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1809374976845156801?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The U.S. Constitution outlines that individuals found guilty of treason can be sentenced to death or imprisoned for a minimum of five years, fined at least $10,000, and prohibited from ever holding office in the U.S.
Congress is slated to reconvene in Washington, D.C., on Monday, with the vote on the SAVE Act expected to occur this month.
Why It Matters: Critics of the SAVE Act argue that the legislation is redundant as it is currently illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal elections. They contend that the bill may serve as a barrier to eligible voters, potentially infringing on their rights. 
The controversy surrounding the bill has been further fueled by Musk&#8217;s comments, drawing significant attention to the upcoming vote.
Now Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38476026/trump-vs-biden-one-candidate-hold-slim-lead-over-other-in-latest-poll" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Vs. Biden: One Candidate Hold Slim Lead Over Other In Latest Poll</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo: Shutterstock

General

Elon Musk Says Those Against Bill Requiring Proof Of Citizenship To Vote Should Face Severe Penalty: 'Those Who Oppose This Are Traitors'

Hindenburg Research, led by investigator Nate Anderson, has been entangled in a dispute with Indian billionaire Gautam Adani&#8216;s conglomerate Adani Group.
What Happened: The conflict, which began in January 2023 following accusations of fraud against Adani&#8217;s company, has led to a staggering $153 billion loss in market value. 
Despite the massive impact on the market, Hindenburg Research has only profited to the tune of $4 million from its efforts. The firm, which specializes in &#8220;forensic financial research,&#8221; has been locked in a verbal duel with Adani since the initial accusation.
Business Insider <a href="https://www.businessinsider.in/finance/news/how-a-new-york-short-seller-took-on-one-of-the-worlds-richest-people-wiped-out-150-billion-in-market-value-and-barely-made-any-money/articleshow/111537052.cms">reports</a> that Hindenburg&#8217;s 106-page report, a product of a two-year investigation, alleged financial and accounting irregularities within Adani&#8217;s empire. The report suggested that the Adani Group was involved in stock manipulation and accounting fraud spanning several decades.
In response, Adani Group issued a 413-page rebuttal, categorically dismissing Hindenburg&#8217;s report as false and accusing the research firm of spreading selective misinformation. Adani Group defended its accounting practices and vehemently denied any wrongdoing.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/03/38015124/here-are-the-top-us-cities-that-have-the-most-millionaires">Here Are The Top US Cities That Have The Most Millionaires</a>
The Securities and Exchange Board of India, the country&#8217;s regulatory body, has raised questions about the structure of Hindenburg&#8217;s short bet on Adani Group. In June 2024, the regulator sent a notice to Hindenburg, accusing the firm of making misleading and inaccurate statements in its report.
Despite facing regulatory scrutiny, Anderson remains undeterred in his pursuit of exposing financial fraud. He has previously targeted other high-profile financiers and continues his mission to unveil alleged financial misconduct.
Why It Matters: This development is significant as it highlights the power and influence of forensic financial research firms like Hindenburg Research. Despite the backlash from regulatory bodies and the targeted companies, such firms continue to play a crucial role in maintaining transparency and accountability in the financial world.
The case also underscores the potential risks and rewards of short selling. While Hindenburg&#8217;s accusations led to a massive drop in Adani Group&#8217;s market value, the firm&#8217;s own gains have been relatively modest. 
This serves as a reminder of the high-stakes nature of short selling and the importance of thorough research and due diligence.
Now Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/04/26437031/this-tycoon-just-joined-an-exclusive-10-member-club-with-elon-musk-and-jeff-bezos">This Tycoon Just Joined An Exclusive 10-Member Club With Elon Musk And Jeff Bezos</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo: Shutterstock

Hindenburg Research Took On One Of The World's Wealthiest People And Came Away With Little Profit To Show For It

Former U.S. President Donald Trump sarcastically recommended that President Joe Biden disregard the escalating calls for his withdrawal from the presidential race, in the wake of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39124499/following-trumps-guilty-verdict-legal-experts-say-he-could-face-this-punishment-instead-of-prison-ti">a disappointing debate performance.</a>
What Happened: Trump shared his advice for Biden on his Truth Social platform on Saturday, urging him to persist with his campaign despite the rising apprehension among Democrats seeking a new candidate.
&#8220;Crooked Joe Biden should ignore his many critics and move forward, with alacrity and strength, with his powerful and far reaching campaign,&#8221; <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/112739741637499662">said</a> the former president. 
&#8220;He should be sharp, precise, and energetic, just like he was in The Debate, in selling his policies of Open Borders (where millions of people, including record numbers of Terrorists, are allowed to enter our Country, from prisons and mental institutions, totally unchecked and unvetted!), to Ending Social Security, Men playing in Women's sports, High Taxes, High Interest Rates, encouraging a Woke Military, Uncontrollable Inflation, Record Setting Crime, Only Electric Vehicles, Subservience to China and other Countries, Endless Wars, putting America Last, losing our Dollar Based Standard, and so much more. Yes, Sleepy Joe should continue his campaign of American Destruction and, MAKE CHINA GREAT AGAIN!" Trump said in his post Saturday,&#8221; he further added. 
Trump&#8217;s remarks followed Biden&#8217;s underwhelming performance at the initial presidential debate on June 27, which sparked worries among voters and Democratic officials regarding Biden&#8217;s cognitive and physical capacity to govern for another term.
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39563576/following-debate-latest-poll-among-democrats-signals-major-trouble-for-joe-biden-although-theres-one" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Following Debate, Latest Poll Among Democrats Signals Major Trouble For Joe Biden — Although There's One Silver Lining</a>
Despite the backlash, Biden has staunchly rejected any ideas of stepping down and has pledged to remain in the race, asserting he is the best contender to defeat Trump. He also refused to take an independent cognitive test and disclose the results publicly, maintaining he's "fit."
Why It Matters: As Trump gears up for a potential comeback, his strong performance in the recent debate has instilled a sense of urgency among global leaders. This is despite a Pew poll showing that respondents from over 30 countries have more faith in Biden's foreign policy decisions. 
However, the potential for Trump's return to power is being taken seriously. This comes in spite of international audiences expressing more <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39565763/as-trump-prepares-for-comeback-latest-pew-poll-reveals-which-presidential-candidate-rest-of-world-pr">confidence in President Joe Biden</a>.
With global confidence in Trump at a low, U.S. allies are preparing for an America that might withdraw from global affairs due to policy shifts or internal turmoil.
Now Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39565047/outside-last-weeks-debate-trump-gained-momentum-with-two-major-developments-for-better-or-worse">Outside Last Week&#8217;s Debate, Trump Gained Momentum With Two Major Supreme Court Developments — For Better Or Worse</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Trump Gives Unexpected Advice To Biden Following Disappointing Debate: 'Crooked Joe Biden Should ...'

Bill Gates, co-founder of Microsoft and one of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/07/39600675/bill-gates-was-the-worlds-richest-man-for-a-record-18-years-his-secret-to-success-saving-like-a-">world's richest individuals</a>, recently addressed the growing wealth gap and advocated for higher taxes on the wealthy, including himself. His comments came during a 2023 <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/s/NocWTXODgB">"Ask Me Anything" (AMA) session</a> on Reddit and in a detailed blog post on Gates Notes.
Don't Miss:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">Are you rich?</a> Here&#8217;s what Americans think you need to be considered wealthy.</li>
<li>Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? &#8211;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/retire-5mil-nest-egg"> How does it compare to the average?</a></li>
</ul>
During the AMA session, Gates responded to a question about the skyrocketing cost of living, stagnant wages, and the challenges many people face in merely surviving. The question posed was:
"The cost of living has skyrocketed, and wages are stagnant. A lot of people are effectively in survival mode. How do we get corporations and the ultrawealthy to pay better wages, and pay their taxes? More rather, what steps do we take to create an economy that's beneficial for the masses, not a select few?"
Gates responded, saying, "I am surprised taxes have not been increased more. For example, capital gains rates could be the same as ordinary income rates. I know things are tough for a lot of people."
This statement aligns with the views Gates expressed in his 2019 year-end wrap-up blog post on Gates Notes, where he reflected on the growing wealth gap and proposed several measures to address it. Gates emphasized the increasing disparity in wealth distribution, writing, "The wealth gap is growing. The distance between top and bottom incomes in the United States is much greater than it was 50 years ago." He added, "A few people end up with a great deal — I've been disproportionately rewarded for the work I've done — while many others who work just as hard struggle to get by."
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Trending: This city is the clear winner of Zillow's 2024 Home Value Forecast —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/winner-zillow-2024-home-value-forecast"> No surprise as the number of millionaires there grew by 75% in the last decade.</a>
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In the blog post, Gates proposed a range of measures to make higher taxes on the wealthy a reality. He suggested:
<ul>
<li>Raising the capital gains tax to be the same as ordinary income tax rates.</li>
<li>Increasing the estate tax.</li>
<li>Removing the cap on income subject to Medicare taxes.</li>
<li>Closing the carried-interest loophole that allows investors to pay lower taxes.</li>
<li>Taxing large fortunes, particularly those held for long periods, such as 10 years or more.</li>
</ul>
He admitted that these ideas are not unique and have been proposed by many tax policy experts. He also noted their similarity to proposals raised in the Democratic presidential primary but refrained from taking a position on specific campaign proposals.
Gates emphasized that the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/03/37459631/warren-buffett-proposed-a-way-to-ensure-anybody-whos-willing-to-work-40-hours-a-week-has-a-decent-li">current system favors wealth</a> over work without justification and argued against a dynastic system where vast wealth can be passed to children, as it does not incentivize the next generation to work hard and contribute to the economy.
President Biden has proposed a "billionaire tax" as part of his 2025 budget plan. This would impose a 25% tax on individuals with over $100 million in wealth. However, this is still a proposal and has not been implemented.
Gates' consistent advocacy for higher taxes on the wealthy highlights his commitment to addressing the growing wealth gap and creating an economy that benefits the masses rather than a select few. While individuals may not be able to change what billionaires pay in taxes, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset">consulting a financial advisor</a> can provide valuable insights and help navigate the complexities of the current economic system.
Read Next:
<ul>
<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>Warren Buffett flipped his neighbor's $67,000 life savings into a $50 million fortune —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/advisor-adv-warren-buffett"> How much is that worth today?</a></li>
</ul>

Personal Finance

Bill Gates Wants To Pay More In Taxes — 'I've Been Disproportionately Rewarded While Many Others Who Work Just As Hard Struggle To Get By'

These twelve large-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>Sirius XM Holdings Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SIRI#NASDAQ">SIRI</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39551475" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shares jumped 34.91%</a> in the last week.</li>
<li>Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) shares increased 26.01% as the second quarter&#8217;s <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">deliveries exceeded expectations</a>. Also, several state-owned firms in Shanghai <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39646347" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">purchased the Model Y</a>.</li>
<li>Paramount Global (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PARAA#NASDAQ">PARAA</a>) stock gained 15% in the last week after Skydance reportedly reached a preliminary agreement to acquire National Amusements and planned to merge with Paramount Global.</li>
<li>Reddit, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RDDT#NYSE">RDDT</a>) stock increased 13.50%. Loop Capital maintained Reddit with a Buy rating and raised the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/rddt/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price target from $60 to $75</a>.</li>
<li>Li Auto Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LI#NASDAQ">LI</a>) stock rose 13.16%, buoyed by gains in Chinese EV stocks amid <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39622487" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">positive market sentiment</a>.</li>
<li>Samsara Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IOT#NYSE">IOT</a>) stock advanced 12.08% after RBC Capital reiterated an Outperform rating and maintained its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/iot/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">price target of $47</a>.</li>
<li>KB Financial Group Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KB#NYSE">KB</a>) stock grew 11.47%.</li>
<li>Shinhan Financial Group Co Ltd (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHG#NYSE">SHG</a>) stock was up 9.83%.</li>
<li>Mongodb Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDB#NASDAQ">MDB</a>) stock upped 9.07% amid a pullback in software stocks following a drop in bond yields.</li>
<li>Southern Copper Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SCCO#NYSE">SCCO</a>) stock upped 6.75%. Shares of copper companies are trading higher amid an increase in the price of copper. Strength in the sector may also be due to trader optimism for a stimulus in China and a rate cut in the United States.</li>
<li>Zscaler Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZS#NASDAQ">ZS</a>) stock advanced 6.39% last week amid a drop in bond yields, which helped some software stocks.</li>
<li>NIO Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NIO#NYSE">NIO</a>) shares upped 6.21% after the company reported <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39621784" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">delivery figures this week</a> and disclosed <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/39645086" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a CFO change</a>.</li>
</ol>
Image made via photos on Shutterstock

Tech

BEKE

PARAA

RDDT

SCCO

SIRI

TSLA

Tesla And Reddit Were Among 12 Large Cap Stocks With Strongest Performance In The Last Week (June 30-July 6): Details

People who use <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/cannabis">cannabis</a>, per the study, have healthier body responses to inflammation, better control of blood sugar levels and are often more active compared to those who don&#8217;t. These factors together could reduce the risk of developing diabetes, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/cannabis-research">new research</a> undertaken in a SONIC trial – a longitudinal epidemiological survey that involves collecting data repeatedly from the same individuals over time.
In the United States, more than 38 million people have diabetes, with one in five unaware of their condition, <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/diabetes/data-research/research/diabetes-screening-eligible.html">according</a> to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Ongoing studies continue to focus on prevention, treatment, and management of diabetes, which is crucial for public health.
Angela Bryan, Ph.D., professor and co-director of CUChange at the University of Colorado, Boulder found &#8220;those inflammatory profiles would improve over the course of 4 weeks, particularly for those using a CBD [cannabidiol] as opposed to a THC [tetrahydrocannabinol] product.&#8221;
Bryan and her colleagues presented their <a href="https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/can-using-cannabis-decrease-diabetes-risk-2024a1000ccb?form=fpf">findings</a> at the 2024 annual <a href="https://professional.diabetes.org/scientific-sessions">American Diabetes Association 84th Scientific Sessions</a>.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's It All About?</h2>
In the SONIC study, regular cannabis users were generally young, healthy and physically active, with an average age of 30 and a healthy body mass index (BMI). They were compared to non-users with similar demographics. Baseline dietary assessments showed a need for improvement, but cannabis users excelled in physical activity. The study involved oral glucose tolerance tests to measure insulin sensitivity and assessments of various inflammatory markers.
Participants used a cannabis flower product for four weeks, documenting their use, diet and physical activity. Eating patterns between users and non-users were similar, with users consuming slightly more salty snacks. After four weeks, no significant changes in inflammatory markers were found, but users had lower levels of inflammatory biomarkers and circulating cytokines compared to non-users. An exception was monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) levels. MCP-1 is a protein that signals white blood cells called monocytes to areas of inflammation or injury, aiding in the immune response and tissue healing. 
Numerous <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/22/11/29510362/cannabis-terpenes-reduce-inflammation-says-gb-sciences-study">studies have concurred</a> that selected cannabinoids and cannabis terpenes are effective in reducing pain and inflammation. Hence, the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/01/36671950/game-changing-move-nfl-tackles-pain-and-concussions-in-cbd-clinical-trial-partnership-with-canad">growing acceptance</a> among athletes and others who suffer from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/04/38072019/older-patients-are-choosing-cannabis-to-treat-chronic-pain-arthritis-anxiety-and-insomnia-new-st">chronic pain</a>.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/01/36671950/game-changing-move-nfl-tackles-pain-and-concussions-in-cbd-clinical-trial-partnership-with-canad">Game Changing Move? NFL Tackles Pain And Concussions In CBD Clinical Trial Partnership With Canadian University</a>
The study showed no chronic effects of cannabis use on insulin sensitivity after controlling for BMI and inflammation. The authors noted that the study&#8217;s limitations include a very healthy sample and the inability to use gold-standard randomization due to the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/20/08/17124988/cannabis-its-illegal-so-it-must-be-dangerous-right-1">schedule-1 status of cannabis</a>, which continues to stymie cannabis research. Day-to-day behavior differences between users and non-users were minimal.
Bryan&#8217;s other research highlights the public health implications of cannabis legalization. One study found that cannabis use before exercise might enhance enjoyment and the &#8220;runner&#8217;s high,&#8221; potentially making exercise more appealing, even to those at risk for diabetes. 
Another study indicated that CBD-dominant cannabis forms could reduce acute tension and potentially alleviate long-term anxiety, relevant for diabetes distress.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39579929/millions-are-using-cannabis-yet-only-18-labs-are-studying-it-says-johns-hopkins-scientist">&#8216;Millions Are Using Cannabis Yet Only 18 Labs Are Studying It,&#8217; Says Johns Hopkins Scientist</a></li>
</ul>
Photo:&nbsp;Shutterstock

Cannabis

Health Care

Cannabis Linked To Diabetes Prevention And Better Blood Sugar Control, New Study Finds

With the start of a new week comes the excitement surrounding a new set of companies looking to make an impact through their public offerings. <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?utm_source=insights">According to Benzinga Pro</a>, these enticing companies are scheduled to trade publicly this week.
<ul>
<li>Primega Group Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PGHL#NASDAQ">PGHL</a>) will be trading publicly starting on July 12, 2024. The company&#39;s price band is set between $4.00&nbsp;and $6.00 with an insider lock-up period of 180 days. Primega Group Holdings Limited will be offering 1,750,000&nbsp;shares at a per-share value of $5.00.</li>
<li>OS Therapies Incorporated (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OSTX#NYSE">OSTX</a>) will be trading publicly starting on July 10, 2024. OS Therapies Incorporated will be offering 2,000,000&nbsp;shares at a per-share value of $4.00 with an insider lock-up period of 180 days.</li>
<li>Ming Shing Group Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSW#NASDAQ">MSW</a>) becomes publicly listed starting on July 9, 2024. The company has a price range set between $5.50 and $7.50 with a 180-day lockup period. Ming Shing Group Holdings Limited will be offering 1,500,000&nbsp;shares at a per-share value of $6.50.</li>
<li>QMMM Holdings Limited (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QMMM#NASDAQ">QMMM</a>) will be trading publicly starting on July 9, 2024. QMMM Holdings Limited will be offering 2,125,000&nbsp;shares at a per-share value of $4.00 with an insider lock-up period of 180 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Understanding IPOs</h3>
Initial public offerings, or IPOs, are the transitional processes of private companies deciding to go public and offer shares to investors on exchanges. IPOs typically offer companies the ability to build capital by distributing shares across the market. A company interested in becoming publicly tradeable must first meet SEC requirements and work with investment banks through audits to determine pricing, offering date, and other important data points before the offering.
Companies and investment banks will work to establish a price range that the stock is expected to sell between. This is known as an offering range. Once a company goes public, its stock comes with an opening price. The insider lock-up period is usually a set number of days after an IPO where company insiders, or employees with a 10% or higher stake in their company, cannot sell shares.
This article was generated by Benzinga&#39;s automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

IPOs

OSTX

PGHL

QMMM

IPO Previews For The Week

Former Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer briefly outpaced the company&#8217;s co-founder, Bill Gates, in terms of wealth last week, as per Bloomberg&#8217;s Billionaires Index.
What Happened: Ballmer, who joined Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) in 1980, saw his wealth exceed that of Gates for a short period. The two are currently estimated to be worth $158 billion each, the Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/billionaires/profiles/steven-a-ballmer/?sref=TBDibEcD">index</a> shows. Ballmer served as Microsoft&#8217;s CEO from 2000 to 2014, succeeding Gates in the role.
Ballmer&#8217;s extensive wealth has been invested in a variety of ventures, including sports and real estate. 
In 2014, he purchased the Los Angeles Clippers NBA team for a record $2 billion. He is also funding the construction of the Intuit Dome, an NBA arena in Inglewood, California, projected to cost $2 billion.
Ballmer has also invested in multiple properties in Washington state, where Microsoft is headquartered. In 2019, he and his wife, Connie Ballmer, bought a home adjacent to their existing residence in Hunts Point for $9.8 million.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/02/37058173/heres-what-bill-gates-said-he-would-ask-a-time-traveler-from-the-year-2100">Here&#8217;s What Bill Gates Said He Would Ask A Time Traveler From The Year 2100</a>
In 2017, Ballmer launched USAFacts.org, a platform aimed at making government data accessible. He disclosed to The New York Times that he had spent over $10 million on the project.
Through their philanthropic efforts, the Ballmers have pledged $425 million to the University of Oregon for a children&#8217;s mental and behavioral health institute.
Why It Matters: Ballmer&#8217;s brief surpassing of Gates in wealth is a testament to his diverse investment portfolio and philanthropic efforts. 
His investments in sports and real estate, along with his commitment to making government data accessible, showcase his strategic approach to wealth accumulation and distribution. 
This event also underscores the dynamic nature of the world&#8217;s wealthiest individuals&#8217; rankings, which can fluctuate based on various factors, including market trends and personal investments.
Now Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39565739/warren-buffett-went-to-china-with-bill-gates-once-and-didnt-eat-chinese-food">Warren Buffett Went To China With Bill Gates Once — And Didn&#8217;t Eat Chinese Food</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a> and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo: Shutterstock

Success Stories

MSFT

Steve Ballmer Is Now Worth Just As Much As — If Not More Than — His Old Boss Bill Gates

CNBC's Jim Cramer is bullish on homebuilders despite recent stock performance.
Cramer analyzed earnings reports from Lennar and KB Home, which reported last week. While Wall Street favored KB Home, Cramer expressed optimism for both companies and the homebuilding sector.
"Interest rates might stay elevated, but the<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/23/11/35948450/from-blueprint-to-bargain-new-homes-dominate-real-estate-landscape-as-listings-dwindle-and-construct"> housing shortage</a> remains a significant factor," Cramer said.
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Cramer highlighted the seemingly contradictory market behavior — homebuilder stocks surged early in the year on expectations of rate cuts but have since stalled due to the Federal Reserve's more cautious approach.
While Lennar and KB Home exceeded Wall Street's expectations, Cramer identified factors causing investor caution toward Lennar.
He pointed out concerns regarding Lennar's guidance, which seemed mixed. Management mentioned "increased sales incentives." This could signal a less optimistic view of housing<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/06/39402121/buyer-freeze-over-60-of-homes-linger-on-market-amid-soaring-prices-and-high-interest-rates"> demand</a>. Lennar's proposed spinoff might have raised concerns about the company's long-term housing market outlook.
In contrast, KB Home's stock rose after it raised its full-year housing revenue forecast. &nbsp; Cramer pointed out that KB Home didn't heavily discuss using incentives to boost sales, which some investors viewed favorably.
Trending: Elon Musk&#8217;s secret mansion in Austin revealed through court filings.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elon-musk-secret-mansion-austin-nada"> Here&#8217;s how to invest in the city&#8217;s growth before prices go back up.</a>
Cramer said he prefers KB Home's approach and is more optimistic about Lennar than Wall Street analysts. He noted the companies are taking different paths:
<ul>
<li>KB Home prioritizes price stability over maximizing sales volume. This suggests they're less concerned about building up excess inventory.</li>
<li>Lennar is more focused on managing inventory levels. This translates to higher deliveries and order fulfillment.</li>
</ul>
"If we get any relief on the interest rate front, Lennar's results suggest that could bring in a new wave of buyers, which is why I think this housing bull market is far from over," Cramer said.
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<li>This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/bezos-landlord-100-dollars"> become a landlord in just 10 minutes, and you only need $100</a>.</li>
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Real Estate

Housing Market Crash Fears? Jim Cramer Says Hold On — These Homebuilder Stocks Might Surprise You

Jerome Powell, the chair of the Federal Reserve, will testify before Congress this week amidst signs of slowing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/interest-rates">inflation and a softening economy.</a>
What Happened: With the economy showing signs of slowing growth and employment, Powell is expected to inform lawmakers that the Federal Reserve officials require more evidence of this slowdown before considering a cut in interest rates.
The consumer price index data for June, set to be released on Thursday, could provide further evidence supporting this stance. However, this data will be released after Powell&#8217;s two-day Congressional testimony, which begins on Tuesday with the Senate Banking Committee and continues on Wednesday with a House panel, <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-07-06/global-economy-fed-s-powell-testifies-as-us-inflation-hiring-cool?srnd=homepage-americas&amp;sref=TBDibEcD">reported</a> Bloomberg.
Recent statistics have shown the highest unemployment rate since late 2021, and other data indicates weaker economic growth. Consequently, Powell is likely to face tough questions from lawmakers about the Fed&#8217;s reluctance to lower borrowing costs.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/07/39623498/fed-minutes-policymakers-are-not-in-rush-to-cut-interest-rates-decision-hinges-on">Fed Minutes: Policymakers Are Not In Rush To Cut Interest Rates, Decision Hinges On Economic Data</a>
On Tuesday, Powell stated that recent data suggests inflation is returning to a downward trend, but he and his colleagues would like to see this progress continue.
The core CPI, which excludes food and energy costs and is seen as a better measure of underlying inflation, is expected to rise 0.2% in June for a second month. This would mark the smallest back-to-back gains since August, a pace more acceptable to Fed officials.
Why It Matters: As the head of the Federal Reserve, Powell&#8217;s testimony is crucial in setting the tone for economic policy. His comments on the state of the economy, inflation and employment growth will be closely watched by lawmakers, economists and investors alike.
The Fed&#8217;s decision on interest rates impacts borrowing costs for consumers and businesses, affecting everything from mortgage rates to the cost of business loans. A decision to cut rates could stimulate economic growth, but could also lead to inflation.
With recent data showing a slowdown in the economy and employment growth, Powell&#8217;s testimony will be a key indicator of the Fed&#8217;s future policy direction.
Now Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/23/12/36272799/wall-street-banks-readjusts-2024-interest-rate-predictions-after-feds-dovish-turn">Wall Street Banks Readjusts 2024 Interest Rate Predictions After Fed&#8217;s Dovish Turn</a>
This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Economics

Federal Reserve

Economic Slowdown: Powell On The Hot Seat Before Congress, To Testify Amid Rising Unemployment Rates

Credible Crypto, a renowned cryptocurrency analyst, forecasts an approximately 80% surge for Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) following the current correction phase. However, he cautions about a possible intensification in the correction&#8217;s momentum.
What Happened: In a post on X last week, the analyst said he remains optimistic about Bitcoin&#8217;s long-term future. Despite the cryptocurrency surpassing the $60,000 mark, he asserts that the bull-market structure remains unscathed.
Credible Crypto anticipates that Bitcoin could experience substantial rallies after the correction, but a new uptrend might take some time to commence. 
He stated, "Spot buyers don't have to be too worried here in my opinion – as per prior updates, we can technically fall a lot lower on the high time frame without invalidating the higher time frame bullish structure, and what comes after this correction is our next major leg to $100,000.&#8221;
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Stopped out of my longs overnight- gave back a lot of my recent gains but it is what it is. We haven&#39;t yet hit the 56k lows (just above them now) but it seems like those lows will be taken sooner or later and that officially opens the door to the 53k region as the next major… <a href="https://t.co/A22H7wTO8Q">pic.twitter.com/A22H7wTO8Q</a>
&mdash; CrediBULL Crypto (@CredibleCrypto) <a href="https://twitter.com/CredibleCrypto/status/1808894826433126679?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $56,826.62, suggesting a potential upside of nearly 80% if it reaches the analyst&#8217;s target. 
Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/06/39447328/anthony-scaramucci-says-crypto-will-soar-if-this-presidential-candidate-wins-the-election-" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Scaramucci Says Crypto Will Soar If This Presidential Candidate Wins The Election: ‘I Think We&#8217;ll See All-Time Highs For Bitcoin And Other Assets&#8217;</a>
However, he also cautioned about a potential increase in the correction&#8217;s momentum due to rising levels of open interest, which refers to the total number of unsettled contracts. High levels of open interest, along with Bitcoin holders selling their coins on the spot market, could result in a more prolonged BTC downtrend, according to the analyst.
&#8220;If you are going to be buying on the way down you need to be OK with being underwater for a bit. If you don&#8217;t think you can do that, wait for number 1 above to play out before dipping your toes in. With that being said, I will see you all soon on the other side,&#8221; he added. 
Why It Matters: This prediction comes in the wake of another crypto analyst, Rekt Capital, warning about a potential further correction for Bitcoin. 
Last week, the Rekt Capital speculated that Bitcoin could correct to much <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/06/39565057/bitcoin-may-face-another-correction-dropping-to-55-000-predicts-crypto-analyst">lower levels, potentially dropping to $55,000</a>. 
This forecast aligns with Credible Crypto&#8217;s warning about a possible increase in the correction&#8217;s momentum, further emphasizing the volatile nature of the cryptocurrency market.
Now Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/06/39241558/analyst-predicts-bitcoin-to-reach-groundbreaking-100-000-milestone#google_vignette" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Analyst Predicts Bitcoin To Reach Groundbreaking $100,000 Milestone</a>
Photo: Shutterstock

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

Cryptocurrency

Markets

$BTC

Bitcoin's Bullish Future: Analyst Predicts 80% Rally After Correction, But Here's The Catch

A new report from consumer research firm Hearts &amp; Wallets reveals that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/financial-advisors/24/06/39447584/generation-x-unprepared-for-retirement-250-000-median-savings-wont-last-20-ye">Generation X stands</a> to inherit trillions of dollars from the Silent Generation over the next 10 years, presenting significant opportunities and challenges for financial advisors.
Currently, the 65-74 age group holds the highest wealth at $22.4 trillion. In a decade, an estimated 23 million households will be 75 or older, with another 5.6 million reaching 85+. The nearly 16 million people aged 75+ today control about $15.5 trillion in assets, according to <a href="https://www.investmentnews.com/planning/news/gen-x-could-get-trillions-in-inheritance-over-10-years-254961">InvestmentNews</a>.
Laura Varas, CEO of Hearts &amp; Wallets, emphasizes that this wealth transfer primarily involves the Silent Generation and Gen X, not Boomers and Millennials. She notes that inheritances, even modest ones, often prompt recipients to focus on their own financial planning.
The study found that those inheriting $500,000 or more are generally financially savvy, with 35% having taxable brokerage accounts and 60% considering themselves somewhat familiar with investing. These individuals are often open to advice, but may have already dismissed unsatisfactory financial service providers.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/07/39652085/will-the-magnificent-7-eclipse-chinas-economy-in-2024-heres-what-to-look-for">Will The Magnificent 7 Eclipse China&#8217;s Economy In 2024? Here&#8217;s What To Look For</a>
Varas highlights the complexities of handling estates, drawing from personal experience. She stresses the need for improved advice and service in this area, citing instances of misguided recommendations and poor communication she encountered while managing family estates.
Financial advisors have significant opportunities to assist with inheritance and wealth transfers. The report shows that among U.S. households receiving inheritances, over half are under $100,000, 30% are between $100,000 and $500,000, and 14% are higher.
Advisors working with older clients are encouraged to build relationships with younger family members. While Gen Xers may have existing financial relationships, they might be open to working with their parents&#8217; advisors if the service is exceptional. Varas notes that people now typically work with 8-13 financial services providers, up from 1-3 in the past.
As this massive wealth transfer unfolds, financial advisors who can navigate the complexities of estate planning and provide superior service stand to benefit from this generational shift in assets.
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Image via Unsplash

Financial Advisors

Education

Gen Z Will Have To Wait As Gen X Set To Inherit Trillions From Silent Generation

As the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/06/39563409/heres-how-many-people-watched-the-2024-presidential-debate-and-how-fox-beat-cnn-at-its-own-game">first presidential debate</a> shifted the political landscape leading up to the Nov. 5 election, former White House Communications Director Anthony Scaramucci weighed in on what&#8217;s in store for President Joe Biden.
Critical Few Weeks Ahead: Biden will be out of the race by the end of July, <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b8uEmOleC5o&amp;t=366s">said</a> Scaramucci in the latest episode of the &#8220;Rest Is Politics US&#8221; podcast aired on Thursday. It&#8217;s unlikely the president finishes his term, he said, adding that some people inside the campaign have described the upcoming period as the &#8220;most consequential few weeks in American modern history.&#8221;
This, according to the former White House aide, implies that &#8220;we are going to get a President [Kamala] Harris.&#8220;
&#8220;The thought would be that he resigns from office and she runs as President Harris,&#8221; he said.
Scaramucci highlighted the potential for discomfort among some people, given the racial divide and existing tensions in the country. He added, however, that this development would significantly benefit the Democratic party&#8217;s progressive wing, as she would become the first woman president in U.S. history and the first woman of color to hold the office.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39655190/biden-vs-trump-debate-performance-hurts-president-but-this-factor-could-still-keep-him-in-contention">Biden Vs. Trump: Debate Performance Hurts President But This Factor Could Still Keep Him In Contention</a>
Harris&#8217; candidacy: This could also address many campaign finance issues, said the SkyBridge Capital founder, adding that the party can support Harris with a very credible vice-presidential candidate. He noted that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/06/39563622/is-kamala-harris-the-answer-to-joe-bidens-shortcomings-poll-hints-at-voter-sentiment-toward-poss">Harris&#8217; poll numbers versus Donald Trump are inside the margin of error</a> — at least for now. The Trump campaign is aware of this and, as a result, has been running aggressive attack ads, he said.
Scaramucci said Trump will viciously attack Harris, adding that the current vice president is way better than people think. 
&#8220;This is a different Kamala Harris, this is a more mature Kamala Harris,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Interesting it would be if the orange maniac known as Donald Trump was beaten by her in the election &#8230;There&#8217;s a lot of things about his fragile ego, but that&#8217;s one he wouldn&#8217;t be able to take.&#8221;
Frail Biden: Scaramucci said he attended a Democratic fundraiser where the president looked frail. He explained that while Biden might have been more coherent and clear-headed compared to the first presidential debate, his intellectual insecurity was still evident.
The president seemed to feel comfortable speaking with a teleprompter for 15 minutes and left without taking questions, Scaramucci said.
&#8220;That&#8217;s a very unusual thing for American politician to do with his VVIPs at a very posh Hampton&#8217;s beachfront house, but that&#8217;s what he did and it&#8217;s an indication that things are not well with him cognitively,&#8221; he said. 
Why It&#8217;s Important: The betting market has begun pricing in the probability of Biden quitting. According to Polymarket, there&#8217;s a 16% chance of the president quitting by July 12. Biden is still projected to have 46% chance of being the Democratic nominee compared to Harris&#8217; 37% odds.
A recent CNN poll found that 75% of registered voters said the Democrats' chances in 2024 would be better if the nominee were someone other than Biden. A more significant finding was that Harris was within striking distance of Trump in a hypothetical matchup, with 47% of registered voters supporting Trump and 45% supporting Harris. Since the result was within the margin of error, there was no clear leader under such a scenario.
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Photo: Shutterstock

Media

Scaramucci Says Kamala Harris Will Likely Run For Office As Biden May Not Finish His Term: 'Interesting ... If The Orange Maniac known as Donald Trump Was Beaten By Her'

The GLP-1 drug market for obesity treatment is expected to skyrocket to $1 trillion or more, according to Maurits Pot, founder and CEO of Tema ETFs, who shared this optimistic forecast in an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/exclusives">exclusive interview with Benzinga.</a>
&#8220;Our view is that in the long term, this is not a two-horse race between Eli Lilly Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) and Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>),&#8221; Maurits stated, challenging the prevailing notion of a duopoly in the weight-loss market.
Pot predicts that rising demand for weight loss treatments and expanded applications for GLP-1 drugs will drive this trillion-dollar market opportunity.
In November 2023, Tema ETFs launched the Tema GLP-1, Obesity and Cardiometabolic ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HRTS#NYSE">HRTS</a>), the first ETF focused on weight loss. Since inception, the fund has risen 25%, slightly outpacing the performance of the S&amp;P 500, as tracked by the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>).
The ETF's major holdings include Eli Lilly and Company, Amgen Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMGN#NASDAQ">AMGN</a>), Novo Nordisk A/S, and Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ALNY#NASDAQ">ALNY</a>), each with about 5-6% weight. The HRTS portfolio also comprises over 40 other weight-loss related companies.
Chart: Tema GLP-1, Obesity And Cardiometabolic ETF Outperforms S&amp;P 500 Since Inception
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><a href="http://www.benzinga.com/pro/register/?utm_source=BZprocontent070524&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="652" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/05152109/image-10-1024x652.png" alt="" class="wp-image-422177" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/05152109/image-10-1024x652.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/05152109/image-10-300x191.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/05152109/image-10-768x489.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/05152109/image-10-1536x978.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/05152109/image-10.png 1662w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
Chart: <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/pro/register/?utm_source=BZprocontent070524&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Weight-Loss Treatments: Broadening Applications And Innovations</h3>
According to Pot, GLP-1 drugs may soon find applications beyond weight loss, first in diabetes, and heart, liver and kidney diseases, then potentially treating conditions such as cancer, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's and other neurogenic diseases.
The conventional injection method faces challenges from new approaches focusing on oral administration or reduced dosage frequencies. Innovations aim to make treatments less invasive, such as moving from weekly injections to potentially once every two months, or much easier to manufacture, such as producing oral tablets.
Obesity leads to various diseases like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Addressing obesity could thus mitigate multiple health issues, amplifying the market potential for GLP-1 drugs.
This market is expected to extend beyond Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk, addressing multiple&nbsp;diseases&nbsp;areas.
&#8220;We could see a world where half the world&#8217;s population takes GLP-1 or other weight loss drugs, but for different reasons including for primary prevention&#8221; Pot noted, citing uses for obesity, diabetes and potentially even Alzheimer&#8217;s or cancer.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Projections Behind The $1 Trillion Estimate</h3>
The global number of obese individuals is expected to double from 1 billion to 2 billion by 2035. Even without this growth, the existing 1 billion obese people represent a substantial market.
If long-term treatment reaches only 20% of&nbsp;today's&nbsp;obese population, similar to the current&nbsp;penetration&nbsp;rate for diabetes drugs, that equates to 200 million individuals. Assuming a price reduction from $12,000 to $6,000 per person annually, the market for GLP-1 drugs could surpass $1 trillion, Pot explained.
Goldman Sachs estimates the market at $100-130 billion, but Pot believes it could reach $1 trillion even before considering speculative applications for cancer, Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. The market's size is consistently underestimated, with estimates rising every few months.
Patent expirations will also shape the market. In the U.S., patents&nbsp;for Ozempic/Wegovy&nbsp;run out in 2032, in Europe in 2031, and in China in 2026.&nbsp;
&#8220;We think it's a trillion-dollar market before the patents run out,&#8221; Pot stated. 
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Focus On Small-, Mid-Caps</h3>
When asked why investors should focus on a diversified basket of weight-loss-related stocks instead of a few heavyweights, Pot explained &#8220;the impact of positive clinical results in this enormous market for small and med-cap biotechs is much higher&#8221; unlike larger firms such as Eli Lilly. 
He underscored the importance of having mega caps as portfolio balance but notes that smaller companies may offer higher returns in the long term.
Pot highlighted that the biotech sector is ripe with mergers and acquisitions. Last year alone, there were 22 biotech M&amp;A deals exceeding $1 billion U.S in value.
Major health care&nbsp;companies without an obesity business, like Merck &amp; Company Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>), Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PFE#NYSE">PFE</a>), and Abbvie Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABBV#NYSE">ABBV</a>), are likely to seek acquisitions.
Read Now:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/06/39143220/exclusive-tema-american-reshoring-etf-outshines-s-p-500-without-owning-magnificent-7-stocks-they-can">EXCLUSIVE: Tema American Reshoring ETF Outshines S&amp;P 500 Without Owning Magnificent 7 Stocks — &#8216;They Can No Longer Manufacture In China&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
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EXCLUSIVE: GLP-1 Weight-Loss Drugs Could Become A Trillion-Dollar Market, Predicts Tema ETFs CEO

The past week has been a whirlwind of activity, with tech giants and industry leaders making headlines. From Nvidia Corp.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) impressive performance to Elon Musk&#8217;s massive investment in AI, there&#8217;s a lot to catch up on. Let&#8217;s dive into the top stories that shaped the week.
A Non-Tech Company Outperforms Nvidia and Super Micro
Seven of the top ten best-performing S&amp;P 500 stocks over the past year were tech companies. However, the company that topped the list was not a tech company but a utility company, Vistra Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VST#NASDAQ">VST</a>), which gained over 250% over the past year. Nvidia and Super Micro Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) took the second and third positions with gains of 239% and 203%, respectively.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/07/39640232/jim-cramer-shuns-this-stock-but-it-has-left-nvidia-super-micro-biting-the-dust-on-one-year-returns">Read the full article here.</a>
Nvidia CEO Cashes In
Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang sold over $29 million worth of shares amid the company's remarkable stock market performance. Huang&#8217;s total sales over the past three weeks amounted to $184 million. Nvidia's stock reached its peak in June, driving the company's market value to over $3 trillion.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/39611550/nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-sells-over-29m-worth-of-shares-as-companys-stock-shoots-up-155-in-2024-a">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39497848/mark-zuckerbergs-pr-team-couldnt-stop-him-from-posting-my-spine-has-been-surgically-removed-said-for?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Zuckerberg&#8217;s PR Team Couldn&#8217;t Stop Him From Posting: &#8216;My Spine Has Been Surgically Removed&#8217;</a>
Musk&#8217;s Massive Investment in AI
Elon Musk, CEO of Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and founder of xAI, revealed that the upcoming version of his AI chatbot, Grok 3, will be trained on a staggering 100,000 Nvidia H100 chips. These chips are crucial for handling data processing in large language models and are highly sought after in Silicon Valley.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39594885/elon-musk-reveals-the-staggering-amount-of-nvidia-h100-gpus-that-will-be-used-to-train-xai-chatbot-g">Read the full article here.</a>
Peter Thiel&#8217;s Insights on AI
Palantir Technologies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NYSE">PLTR</a>) co-founder Peter Thiel shared his insights on artificial intelligence, Nvidia, and ChatGPT-parent OpenAI at the Aspen Ideas Festival. Thiel drew parallels between the dot-com bubble of '99 and the current state of AI.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39569675/palantirs-peter-thiel-says-its-very-strange-that-most-money-in-ai-is-being-made-by-only-one-company">Read the full article here.</a>
&#8216;Rich Dad Poor Dad&#8217; Author Predicts Market Crash
Robert Kiyosaki, author of &#8220;Rich Dad Poor Dad,&#8221; warned of an impending market crash, followed by a long-term bull run for gold, silver, and Bitcoin. Kiyosaki predicted a historic crash in the prices of real estate, stocks, bonds, gold, silver, and Bitcoin, followed by a subsequent bull market cycle starting in late 2025.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39627834/rich-dad-poor-dad-author-robert-kiyosaki-says-charts-indicate-biggest-crash-in-history-com">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/07/33239256/how-to-cast-harry-potter-spells-with-siri-on-your-iphone?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How To Cast &#8216;Harry Potter&#8217; Spells With Siri On Your iPhone</a>
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This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

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Nvidia's Dominance, AI Investments, And A Predicted Market Crash: This Week In Artificial Intelligence

This past week was a whirlwind of activity in the world of cryptocurrencies, finance, and politics. From Robert Kiyosaki&#8217;s dire market predictions to the shifting odds in the 2024 presidential race, it was a week to remember. Let&#8217;s dive into the top stories.
Robert Kiyosaki Predicts &#8216;Biggest Crash in History&#8217;
Best-selling author Robert Kiyosaki sent shockwaves through the financial world this weekend with his prediction of an imminent market crash. Kiyosaki, renowned for his book &#8220;Rich Dad Poor Dad,&#8221; anticipates a historic plunge in the prices of real estate, stocks, bonds, gold, silver, and Bitcoin. However, he also sees a silver lining, forecasting a bull market cycle beginning in late 2025 that could benefit gold, silver, and Bitcoin investors.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39627834/rich-dad-poor-dad-author-robert-kiyosaki-says-charts-indicate-biggest-crash-in-history-com">Read the full article here.</a>
Crypto Bettors See Harris as Possible Presidential Candidate
The odds of Vice President Kamala Harris replacing President Joe Biden as the Democratic nominee for the 2024 presidential elections saw a significant increase on Polymarket, a cryptocurrency-based prediction market. While Biden remains the top pick, the substantial surge in Harris&#8217; chances indicates a notable shift in sentiment.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39611479/odds-of-kamala-harris-replacing-joe-biden-as-democratic-presidential-candidate-raised-by-c">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39627834/rich-dad-poor-dad-author-robert-kiyosaki-says-charts-indicate-biggest-crash-in-history-com?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;Rich Dad Poor Dad&#8217; Author Robert Kiyosaki Says Charts Indicate &#8216;Biggest Crash In History Coming&#8217;</a>
Cryptocurrency Market in Meltdown
The cryptocurrency market experienced a significant downturn this week, with Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) and Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) hitting their lowest points in weeks. The market&#8217;s decline was largely attributed to the movement of billions of Bitcoins ahead of a probable sell-off.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39638571/bitcoin-ethereum-dogecoin-in-full-meltdown-as-mt-gox-moves-2-7b-to-new-wallet-king-crypto-">Read the full article here.</a>
Trump&#8217;s Potential Election Win Could Impact Crypto
Pratik Kala, Head of Research at DigitalX Limited, predicts a Trump victory in the upcoming election but warns that immediate crypto-friendly regulations may not be a priority. Kala&#8217;s prediction is based on his belief that President Biden failed to appear &#8220;lively and energetic&#8221; during the debate.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39581531/trump-winning-the-election-would-be-major-catalyst-for-crypto-to-surge-says-investment-exp">Read the full article here.</a>
Shiba Inu&#8217;s Burn Rate Skyrockets
The &#8216;Dogecoin Killer,&#8217; Shiba Inu, reported a surging burn rate over the week, with community news hinting at a significant upcoming development. The burn rate increased by 8,596.6% over 24 hours as of Wednesday, with more than 17 million SHIB burned across three transactions.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39615964/dogecoin-killer-shiba-inus-burn-rate-skyrockets-8-596-something-special-is-cooking-says-ma">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39615964/dogecoin-killer-shiba-inus-burn-rate-skyrockets-8-596-something-special-is-cooking-says-ma?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">&#8216;Dogecoin Killer&#8217; Shiba Inu&#8217;s Burn Rate Skyrockets 8,596%: &#8216;Something Special&#8217; Is Cooking</a>
Image created via photos on Shutterstock
 This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/anan-ashraf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anan Ashraf.</a>

$ETH

Crypto Weekend Round-Up: Kiyosaki Forecasts Crash, Crypto Bettors Back Harris, Trump's Potential Impact On Crypto And More

As we wrap up the week, it&#8217;s clear that Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) has been making significant moves. From a strategic shift towards artificial intelligence to an observer role at OpenAI, the tech giant has been busy. Additionally, there&#8217;s been an extension on the iPhone settlement deadline, rumors of major changes for the next-gen Vision Pro, and a potential AI partnership with Google. Let&#8217;s dive into the details.
Apple&#8217;s Strategic Shift Towards AI and Software
According to Bloomberg columnist Mark Gurman, Apple is reportedly focusing more on artificial intelligence and software as its hardware innovation slows down. Gurman noted that Apple&#8217;s devices are designed to last longer, making it harder to entice consumers to upgrade regularly.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39566828/apple-hardware-now-lasts-longer-and-this-is-making-the-iphone-maker-pivot-toward-ai-and-software-say">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple&#8217;s Observer Role at OpenAI
Apple is set to secure an observer role on the board of ChatGPT-parent OpenAI, matching the position of Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>). Phil Schiller, Cupertino's former marketing chief, has been chosen for this role, gaining insights into the company's decision-making process.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/07/39611089/top-apple-executive-phil-schiller-to-join-openai-board-as-observer-giving-iphone-maker-equal-status">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39562120/mark-zuckerberg-says-meta-set-to-unveil-full-holographic-glasses-every-person-who-ive-shown-it-to-so?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Mark Zuckerberg Says Meta Set To Unveil &#8216;Full Holographic&#8217; Glasses</a>
Extended Deadline for iPhone Settlement
The deadline for iPhone 7 and iPhone 7 Plus users to claim a portion of the $35 million settlement fund has been extended. The lawsuit, filed against Apple in 2019, addressed alleged audio issues linked to the "audio IC" chip in these devices.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39568912/apple-iphone-settlement-deadline-extended-users-get-extra-time-to-file-claims-to-get-up-to-349">Read the full article here.</a>
Major Changes for Next-Gen Vision Pro
Apple is reportedly working on the next generation of its Vision Pro headset, with rumors suggesting significant changes in design and pricing. The tech giant is developing two variants of the second-generation headset, one premium and one more affordable.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39589968/apples-next-gen-vision-pro-to-feature-major-design-and-price-changes-heres-what-we-know-so-far">Read the full article here.</a>
Apple&#8217;s AI Partnership with Google
Apple is reportedly set to announce a partnership with Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google Gemini in the fall. The deal will incorporate Google Gemini into Apple devices, aligning with the iOS 18 chatbot rumors.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39568584/apple-ai-partnership-with-google-set-for-fall-mark-gurman-says-hes-heard-from-several-sources-the-de">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39594885/elon-musk-reveals-the-staggering-amount-of-nvidia-h100-gpus-that-will-be-used-to-train-xai-chatbot-g?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Reveals The Staggering Amount Of Nvidia H100 GPUs That Will Be Used To Train xAI Chatbot Grok</a>
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This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

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GOOG

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Apple's AI Shift, Board Observer Role At OpenAI, Extended iPhone Settlement Deadline, And AI Partnership With Google: This Week In Appleverse

The past week has been a whirlwind of market predictions and economic insights. From Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell&#8217;s warning about the U.S. debt path to Robert Kiyosaki&#8217;s prediction of a historic market crash, the financial world has been buzzing with speculation and analysis. Here&#8217;s a recap of the top stories that made headlines over the weekend.
Fed Chair Powell Sounds Alarm on U.S. Debt
Speaking at the ECB Forum on Central Banking, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell highlighted the United States&#8217; unsustainable debt path. He also downplayed the risks of possible attacks on central bank independence. Powell emphasized the need for a cautious approach to potential interest rate cuts, stating that more data is needed before considering such moves.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/bonds/24/07/39600702/fed-chair-powell-warns-of-unsustainable-us-debt-path-downplays-risks-of-possible-trump-attacks-on-c">Read the full article here.</a>
&#8216;Rich Dad Poor Dad&#8217; Author Predicts &#8216;Biggest Crash In History&#8217;
Best-selling author Robert Kiyosaki has warned of an impending market crash, followed by a long-term bull run for gold, silver, and Bitcoin. Kiyosaki, the author of the popular book "Rich Dad Poor Dad", predicts a historic crash in the prices of real estate, stocks, bonds, gold, silver, and Bitcoin. However, he also forecasts a subsequent bull market cycle starting in late 2025.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39627834/rich-dad-poor-dad-author-robert-kiyosaki-says-charts-indicate-biggest-crash-in-history-com">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/39594060/trump-win-in-2024-would-lead-to-stronger-growth-and-higher-inflation-expert-predict?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Trump Win In 2024 Would Lead To &#8216;Stronger Growth And Higher Inflation,&#8217; Expert Predicts Fed To Factor In Election Results In Rate Cut Plans</a>
Trump&#8217;s Potential 2024 Win Could Boost Growth and Inflation
David Zervos, Chief Market Strategist at Jefferies, suggests that a Trump victory in the 2024 presidential election could lead to stronger economic growth and higher inflation. Zervos believes that the Federal Reserve might need to reconsider potential rate cuts in light of these possibilities.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/39594060/trump-win-in-2024-would-lead-to-stronger-growth-and-higher-inflation-expert-predict">Read the full article here.</a>
Jim Cramer&#8217;s Market Strategy: Interest Rates and Stock Buying
Jim Cramer, the host of CNBC's "Mad Money," has advised investors to consider buying &#8220;Mag 7&#8221; stocks when interest rates rise and to buy everything when rates fall. Cramer emphasizes that the market shows resilience when oversold and discusses his approach to navigating market fluctuations based on interest rate movements.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/07/39588207/jim-cramer-has-a-market-strategy-interest-rates-up-buy-mag-7-rates-down-buy-everything">Read the full article here.</a>
Paul Krugman Weighs in on Trump Tariffs
Nobel laureate and noted economist Paul Krugman has weighed in on the ramifications of replacing taxes with tariffs, a policy move rumored to be favored by Donald Trump. Krugman argues that such tariffs would hurt 80% of Americans and only benefit the top 1%, with the burden falling on the working class and the poor.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39630382/paul-krugman-says-trump-tariffs-will-hurt-80-of-americans-benefit-only-the-top-1-burden-would-fall-o">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/07/39620397/june-jobs-report-preview-cooling-labor-market-trends-may-further-bolster-rate-cut-h?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">June Jobs Report Preview: Cooling Labor Market Trends May Further Bolster Rate Cut Hopes</a>
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/Rounak-Jain" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Rounak Jain</a>

Powell's Debt Warning, Cramer's Market Strategy, And Krugman On Trump Tariffs: This Week In Economics

The past week was bustling with political news, from former President Donald Trump&#8216;s contentious remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris to discussions about age limits for presidential candidates. Let&#8217;s delve into the top stories that made headlines.
Trump&#8217;s Unfounded Claims Stir Controversy
A leaked video surfaced showing former President Trump making unfounded allegations about President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris. Trump was recorded at his golf course making baseless claims about having forced Biden out of the presidential race and disparaging Harris. Despite Trump's assertions, Biden confirmed that he is still in the race.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39638541/trumps-unfounded-claims-kamala-harris-stir-controversy-shes-so-bad-shes-so-pathetic">Read the full article here.</a>
Age Requirement for US Presidents?
The age of the leading presidential candidates has become a hot topic ahead of the 2024 election. A recent Benzinga poll revealed that 90% of respondents believe there should be a maximum age requirement for the US presidency. The topic gained traction after the recent presidential debate hosted by Warner Bros. Discovery.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/07/39580962/exclusive-benzinga-poll-finds-90-think-us-president-should-have-maximum-age-requirement">Read the full article here.</a>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/specialty-etfs/24/07/39618512/nancy-pelosi-loads-up-on-more-nvidia-shares-sells-tesla-she-always-reports-right-before-a-hol?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nancy Pelosi Loads Up On More Nvidia Shares, Sells Tesla: &#8216;She Always Reports Right Before A Holiday&#8217;</a>
Nancy Pelosi&#8217;s Stock Trades
Former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi disclosed several new stock trades ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. Pelosi&#8217;s trading activity, particularly the large purchases made by her husband Paul Pelosi, has been closely watched amid growing calls to ban members of Congress from buying and selling stocks and options.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/specialty-etfs/24/07/39618512/nancy-pelosi-loads-up-on-more-nvidia-shares-sells-tesla-she-always-reports-right-before-a-hol">Read the full article here.</a>
Biden Vs. Trump: The Race Continues
Despite a forgettable debate performance, President Biden managed to close his gap with Trump, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll. The poll showed Biden and Trump each receiving 40% support, marking an improvement for Biden from a previous poll.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39628794/biden-vs-trump-new-poll-shows-president-still-very-much-in-race-despite-debate-fiasco-but-final-outc">Read the full article here.</a>
Nikki Haley&#8217;s Prophecy
Former U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, Nikki Haley, reminded ABC's George Stephanopoulos of her prediction last year that President Biden might not complete his term. Haley&#8217;s comments came as Stephanopoulos was revealed to have become the first journalist to interview the president after his subpar performance in the first presidential debate.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39611028/nikki-haley-reminds-george-stephanopoulos-of-her-prophecy-that-joe-biden-isnt-going-to-finish-his-te">Read the full article here.</a>
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39628794/biden-vs-trump-new-poll-shows-president-still-very-much-in-race-despite-debate-fiasco-but-final-outc?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Biden Vs. Trump: New Poll Shows President Still Very Much In Race Despite Debate Fiasco</a>
Image created using photos from Shutterstock
 This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/anan-ashraf" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Anan Ashraf.</a>

Weekly Politics Round-Up: Trump's Controversial Remarks About Biden, Pelosi's Stock Trades, And Presidential Age Debates

Oil and gas demand is expected to recover this year amid fears of tight supplies arising out of geopolitical tensions and production cuts announced by OPEC+. The supply curbs on oil production may lead to an increase in energy prices worldwide. Given this backdrop, quality energy stocks Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. (PBR), REX American Resources (REX), and Unit Corp. (UNTC) could be solid portfolio additions now. Read on... The energy sector's outlook appears positive as crude oil prices are expected to rise amid inadequate supply and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East. Also, China's measures to boost its economy and the Federal Reserve's expected rate cuts this year are likely to drive crude oil demand.
Given the industry's bright prospects, it could be wise to consider investing in fundamentally strong energy stocks Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. – Petrobras (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/PBR/">PBR</a>), REX American Resources Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/REX/">REX</a>), and Unit Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/UNTC/">UNTC</a>).
Before diving deeper into the fundamentals of these stocks, let's understand what's shaping the energy sector prospects.
Oil prices rose yesterday due to lower-than-expected increases in U.S. crude inventories and considerable decreases in gasoline inventories. The EIA said that U.S. crude inventories rose <a href="https://www.morningstar.com/news/marketwatch/20240306342/oil-prices-climb-after-smaller-than-expected-rise-in-us-crude-inventories">1.4 million barrels</a> in the week ended March 1, while gasoline inventories dropped 4.5 million barrels and stocks of distillates fell 4.1 million barrels.
According to analysts, crude inventories were expected to rise by 3.7 million barrels, while gasoline supplies were expected to drop by 2.3 million barrels, and distillates were forecast to decline by 800,000 barrels.
The unexpected data on inventories and supplies caused concerns about potential shortages in the market, leading to the price rise. Analysts predict that the trend of rising oil prices may continue in the near future if these supply constraints persist.
Oil prices are expected to rise after OPEC+ extended voluntary supply curbs by <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-rises-after-opec-extends-output-cuts-2024-03-04/">2.2 million bpd through Q2</a>. Russia also reported an additional 417 thousand bpd reduction in the second quarter. The decision aims to keep prices stable in the face of demand concerns.
OPEC+ extended production cuts will reduce overall group production to 34.6 million bpd in the second quarter, down from the prior expectation of output exceeding 36 million bpd. OPEC forecasts global oil demand growth to remain steady at <a href="https://momr.opec.org/pdf-download/res/pdf_delivery_momr.php?secToken2=1">2.2 million bpd in 2024</a>, with a slight increase expected in the U.S. due to improving economic conditions, offsetting a downward revision in OECD Europe.
Global oil demand is projected to grow by 1.8 million bpd in 2025. Crude oil supply is also under stress as the Iran-backed Houthis continue to attack shipping vessels in the Red Sea, driving up transportation costs. According to the EIA's short-term energy outlook, global consumption of liquid fuels will rise by <a href="https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/steo/pdf/steo_full.pdf">1.4 million b/d in 2024 and 1.3 million b/d in 2025</a>.
With China announcing a string of economic stimulus measures, demand for crude oil is expected to rebound, especially as the nation happens to be the biggest importer of crude oil. Moreover, the Federal Reserve is likely to start cutting rates in the second half of the year, which could further boost the demand for commodities, especially crude oil.
The oil and gas industry is expected to be valued at $9.35 trillion by 2028, growing at a <a href="https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/oil-and-gas-global-market-report">5.2% CAGR</a>. Furthermore, with the rise in energy demand across the world, there is a growing need for energy services. The shift towards renewable energy sources and the need for cost-effective energy management solutions is also fueling the demand for energy services.
Global energy as a service market is expected to reach $140.50 billion by 2030, growing at a <a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/energy-market-projected-reach-usd-131500437.html">CAGR of 9.6%</a>. Investors' interest in energy stocks is evident from the Energy Select Sector SPDR ETF's (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/XLE/">XLE</a>) 7.8% returns over the past three months.
Considering these conducive trends, let's analyze the fundamental aspects of the featured energy stocks.
Petróleo Brasileiro S.A. – Petrobras (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/PBR/">PBR</a>)
Headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, PBR explores, produces, and sells oil and gas in Brazil and internationally. The company operates through Exploration and Production, Refining, Transportation and Marketing, and Gas and Power.
PBR's trailing-12-month <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/levered-free-cash-flow.asp">levered FCF</a> margin of 35.73% is 469.6% higher than the industry average of 6.27%. Its 20.23% trailing-12-month ROTC is 136.5% higher than the 8.55% industry average. Additionally, its 25.53% trailing-12-month net income margin is 95.1% higher than the 13.08% industry average.
During the fiscal fourth quarter that ended December 31, 2023, PBR's sales revenue amounted to $27.11 billion, while gross profit came at $14.65 billion, up 0.5% year-over-year. Its net income for the period stood at $6.28 billion. As of December 31, 2023, the company's cash and cash equivalents stood at $12.73 billion, compared to $8 billion as of December 31, 2022.
Street expects PBR's EPS and revenue for the quarter ending June 30, 2024, to increase 5.2% and 14% year-over-year to $0.96 and $26.07 billion, respectively. Over the past year, the stock has gained 58.6% to close the last trading session at $16.70.
PBR's <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a> reflect this promising outlook. It has an overall rating of B, equating to a Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings assess stocks by 118 different factors, each with its own weighting.
It has an A grade for Quality and a B for Momentum. Within the A-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/foreign-oil-gas/">Foreign Oil &amp; Gas</a> industry, it is ranked #12 out of 41 stocks. To see PBR's ratings for Growth, Value, Stability, and Sentiment, <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/PBR/">click here</a>.
REX American Resources Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/REX/">REX</a>)
REX specializes in ethanol production and sales, alongside offerings of corn, distillers grains, non-food grade corn oil, gasoline, and natural gas. Additionally, the company supplies dry distillers grains with solubles, a valuable protein source utilized in animal feed.
REX's trailing-12-month ROTA of 7.73% is 16.4% higher than the 6.64% industry average. Furthermore, its trailing-12-month asset turnover ratio of 1.41x is 164.8% higher than the 0.53x industry average.
For the fiscal third quarter that ended October 31, 2023, REX's net sales and revenue marginally increased year-over-year to $221.08 million. Its gross profit grew 323.7% from the year-ago value to $39.29 million.
In addition, net income and net income per share attributable to REX common shareholders rose 719% and 727.8% from the prior year's period to $26.08 million and $1.49, respectively.
Analysts expect REX's EPS for the quarter ended January 31, 2024, to increase 51.1% year-over-year to $0.71. It surpassed the consensus EPS estimates in three of the trailing four quarters. Over the past year, the stock has gained 36.8% to close the last trading session at $44.08.
It's no surprise that REX has an overall B rating, equating to a Buy in our POWR Ratings system.
It has a B grade for Growth and Sentiment. It is ranked #9 out of 50 stocks in the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/energy-services/">Energy - Services</a> industry. Beyond what is stated above, we've also rated REX for Value, Momentum, Stability, and Quality. Get all the REX ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/REX/">here</a>.
Unit Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/UNTC/">UNTC</a>)
UNTC and its subsidiaries explore, acquire, develop, and produce oil and natural gas properties in the United States. They operate through three segments: Oil and Natural Gas, Contract Drilling, and Mid-Stream.
UNTC's trailing-12-month ROCE of 70.26% is 297.8% higher than the 17.66% industry average. Its trailing-12-month ROTA of 50.06% is 653.7% higher than the 6.64% industry average. Additionally, its 70.66% trailing-12-month net income margin is 440.1% higher than the 13.08% industry average.
For the nine months that ended September 30, 2023, UNTC's total revenues stood at $252.67 million. Likewise, its income from operations came in at $108.31 million. The company's net income and net income per common share attributable to UNTC increased 115.1% and 122.4% from the year-ago value to $191.50 million and $19.55, respectively.
Over the past year, the stock has gained 20.9% to close the last trading session at $39.58.
UNTC's strong fundamentals are reflected in its POWR Ratings. It has an overall rating of B, which equates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system.
It is ranked #13 out of 84 stocks in the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/energy-oil-gas/">Energy - Oil &amp; Gas</a> industry. It has a B grade for Value and Quality. To see the additional UNTC ratings for Growth, Momentum, Stability, and Sentiment, <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/UNTC/">click here</a>.
What To Do Next?
Get your hands on this special report with 3 low priced companies with tremendous upside potential even in today's volatile markets:
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<hr />
PBR shares were trading at $14.67 per share on Friday morning, down $2.03 (-12.16%). Year-to-date, PBR has declined -8.14%, versus a 8.51% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Rashmi Kumari</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/Rashmi-Kumari_headshot_2-1.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Rashmi is passionate about capital markets, wealth management, and financial regulatory issues, which led her to pursue a career as an investment analyst. With a master's degree in commerce, she aspires to make complex financial matters understandable for individual investors and help them make appropriate investment decisions.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=rashmi-kumari">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/pbr-rex-untc-streamline-your-investments-with-these-3-energy-stocks/>Streamline Your Investments With These 3 Energy Stocks</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

Streamline Your Investments With These 3 Energy Stocks

Ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, along with the extension of oil production cuts, are contributing to the positive sentiment surrounding the energy industry's prospects. Given their discounted valuation, investors could consider buying fundamentally strong energy stocks Select Water Solutions (WTTR), Unit (UNTC), and Adams Resources & Energy (AE). Keep reading... The energy industry is likely to witness substantial growth this year, supported by the ongoing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, expectations of a demand recovery in China, and concerns related to supply constraints arising out of the OPEC+ restrictions extending into the second quarter.
Amid this backdrop, it could be wise to add fundamentally strong energy stocks: Select Water Solutions, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/WTTR/">WTTR</a>), Unit Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/UNTC/">UNTC</a>), and Adams Resources &amp; Energy, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/AE/">AE</a>).
Before diving deeper into the fundamentals of these stocks, let's discuss what's shaping the energy industry's prospects.
Despite the shift to renewable energy sources, oil and gas are likely to continue enjoying steady demand due to global population growth, industrialization, economic development, and increased use of energy-intensive technologies. Crude oil prices rose for the second consecutive month in February after a period of losses last year.
Oil prices are likely to get a boost after the OPEC+ extended voluntary output cuts by <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/oil-rises-after-opec-extends-output-cuts-2024-03-04/">2.2 million bpd through Q2</a>. Russia also announced an additional 417 thousand bpd cut in the second quarter. The decision aims to stabilize prices amidst demand concerns.
The OPEC+ cuts will lead to lower production from the whole group, coming in at 34.6 million bpd in the second quarter, lower than the earlier forecast of output rising above 36 million bpd.
Rising crude stockpiles and <a href="https://www.chemanalyst.com/NewsAndDeals/NewsDetails/us-crude-stockpile-surge-raises-concerns-over-slow-demand-and-interest-rates-25620">potential delays in U.S. rate cuts</a> have raised concerns over the outlook for oil demand. However, according to the <a href="https://momr.opec.org/pdf-download/res/pdf_delivery_momr.php?secToken2=1">latest monthly report</a>, OPEC forecasts global oil demand growth to remain steady at 2.2 million bpd in 2024, with a slight increase expected in the U.S. due to improving economic conditions, offsetting a downward revision in OECD Europe.
In 2025, global oil demand is projected to grow by 1.8 million bpd, with the OECD expected to grow by 0.1 million bpd and the non-OECD by 1.7 million bpd.
Moreover, The EIA forecasts growth in U.S. natural gas demand driven by domestic consumption in 2024, especially in the electricity sector, with an <a href="https://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.php?id=61385">11% increase</a> expected compared to the previous five-year average. Despite a slight decrease in industrial sector consumption, overall demand is anticipated to rise due to weather-driven factors with higher demand from residential and commercial sectors.
Furthermore, the expected interest rate cuts from the Federal Reserve this year are likely to drive up demand for commodities, notably crude oil. Oil prices are also likely to get a boost due to the ongoing hostilities in the Middle East, as the Red Sea has become a no-go zone following the frequent attacks on shipping vessels by the Iran-backed Houthis.
The Houthis' missile and drone attacks have driven up the costs of transporting energy products and tightened supplies. Moreover, China, the biggest crude importer, has set an ambitious 2024 economic growth target of <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/china/china-targets-2024-gdp-growth-around-5-government-work-report-2024-03-05/">around 5%</a>. This target would likely boost fuel consumption in the country, thereby boosting demand for oil.
This potential rise in oil demand could be advantageous for companies involved in drilling, evaluation, production, and maintenance services. The global oilfield services market is anticipated to thrive and is projected to expand at a <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/oilfield-services-market-booming-insights-brg8c?trk=article-ssr-frontend-pulse_more-articles_related-content-card">CAGR of 6.5%</a>, reaching $175.03 billion by 2031.
Considering these conducive trends, let's analyze the fundamental aspects of the featured energy stocks.
Select Water Solutions, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/WTTR/">WTTR</a>)
WTTR and its subsidiaries provide water management and chemical solutions to the energy industry in the United States. The company operates through three segments: Water Services, Water Infrastructure, and Chemical Technologies.
On January 30, 2024, WTTR announced the acquisition of strategic water infrastructure assets in the Haynesville Shale and Rockies regions. The acquisitions will enhance its capacity by 450,000 barrels per day across 21 active saltwater disposal wells and other facilities.
The acquisitions include Tri-State Water Logistics, LLC's gathering and disposal assets, Iron Mountain Energy LLC's fluids and solids treatment assets, and additional disposal infrastructure and recycling capacity in the Rockies. They aim to strengthen WTTR's position in sustainable water solutions for the energy industry.
In terms of forward EV/Sales, WTTR's 0.59x is 69.2% lower than the 1.92x industry average. Its 3.40x forward <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/ev-ebitda.asp">EV/EBITDA</a> is 38% lower than the 5.48x industry average. Likewise, its 0.52x forward Price/Sales is 61.3% lower than the 1.34x industry average.
WTTR's revenues for the fourth quarter ended December 31, 2023, came in at $374.86 million. Its gross profit rose 31.2% year-over-year to $54.56 million. The company's net income attributable to WTTR stood at $27.60 million, up 260.8% over the prior-year quarter.
In addition, its Class A net income per share attributable to common stockholders rose 285.7% year-over-year to $0.27.
Street expects WTTR's revenue for the quarter ending September 30, 2024, to increase 3.8% year-over-year to $403.86 million. Its EPS for the fiscal 2025 is expected to increase 94.5% year-over-year to $1.30. It surpassed the Street EPS estimate in each of the trailing four quarters. Over the past three months, the stock has gained 12.6% to close the last trading session at $8.32.
WTTR's <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a> reflect its solid prospects. It has an overall rating of B, equating to a Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings assess stocks by 118 different factors, each with its own weighting.
It is ranked #8 out of 50 stocks in the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/energy-services/">Energy - Services</a> industry. It has a B grade for Value. <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/WTTR/">Click here</a> to see the other ratings of WTTR for Growth, Momentum, Stability, Sentiment, and Quality.
Unit Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/UNTC/">UNTC</a>) 
UNTC and its subsidiaries explore, acquire, develop, and produce oil and natural gas properties in the United States. They operate through three segments: Oil and Natural Gas, Contract Drilling, and Mid-Stream.
On December 13, 2023, UNTC announced the completion of the sale of non-core oil and gas assets in the Texas Panhandle, generating $50 million in net cash proceeds. These were used to fund a special cash dividend of $5.00 per share to shareholders paid on December 27, 2023.
Phil Frohlich, CEO at UNTC, said, "This transaction is a great example of our strategy to prune our non-core assets and return value to our shareholders."
In terms of the trailing-12-month EV/Sales, UNTC's 0.51x is 74.4% lower than the 1.97x industry average. Likewise, its 0.91x trailing-12-month Price/Book is 42.5% lower than the 1.59x industry average. Also, its 1x trailing-12-month EV/EBITDA is 82.3% lower than the 5.63x industry average.
For the nine months that ended September 30, 2023, UNTC's total revenues stood at $252.67 million. Likewise, its income from operations came in at $108.31 million. For the same quarter, the company's net income and net income per common share attributable to UNTC increased 115.1% and 122.4% from the year-ago value to $191.50 million and $19.55, respectively.
Over the past nine months, UNTC's stock has gained 14.2% to close the last trading session at $38.70.
UNTC's positive outlook is reflected in its POWR Ratings. It has an overall rating of B, equating to a Buy in our proprietary rating system.
It has a B grade for Value and Quality. It is ranked #13 out of 83 stocks in the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/energy-oil-gas/">Energy - Oil &amp; Gas</a> industry. To see UNTC's Growth, Momentum, Stability, and Sentiment ratings, <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/UNTC/">click here</a>.
Adams Resources &amp; Energy, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/AE/">AE</a>) 
AE primarily engages in the marketing, transportation, terminalling, and storage of crude oil and other related products in the United States. The company operates through four segments: Crude Oil Marketing, Transportation, Pipeline and Storage, and Logistics and Repurposing.
In terms of forward EV/EBITDA, AE's 5.03x is 8.2% lower than the 5.48x industry average. Its 0.03x forward Price/Sales is 98% lower than the 1.34x industry average. Moreover, its 0.04x forward EV/Sales is 97.8% lower than the 1.92x industry average.
AE's total revenues for the third quarter that ended September 30, 2023, came in at $760.61 million. Its operating earnings increased 31.1% year-over-year to $3.93 million. Additionally, the company's net earnings rose 3.1% over the prior year's quarter to $2.26 million, and its EPS came in at $0.88, up 76% year-over-year.
For fiscal 2024, AE's revenue is expected to increase 1.7% year-over-year to $2.76 billion. Over the past month, AE's stock has gained 14.9% to close the last trading session at $28.87.
AE's strong fundamentals are reflected in its POWR Ratings. It has an overall rating of B, which translates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system.
It has a B grade for Growth, Value, and Momentum. Within the Energy - Oil &amp; Gas industry, it is ranked #6. In total, we rate AE on eight different levels. Beyond what we stated above, we also have given AE grades for Stability, Sentiment, and Quality. Get all the AE ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/AE/">here</a>.
What To Do Next?
Get your hands on this special report with 3 low priced companies with tremendous upside potential even in today's volatile markets:
<a href="https://report.stocknews.com/free-report/3stocks/?formplacement=artbotad_3s">3 Stocks to DOUBLE This Year &gt;</a>

<hr />
WTTR shares were trading at $8.21 per share on Tuesday morning, down $0.11 (-1.32%). Year-to-date, WTTR has gained 9.05%, versus a 6.80% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Abhishek Bhuyan</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ABhuyan.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Abhishek embarked on his professional journey as a financial journalist due to his keen interest in discerning the fundamental factors that influence the future performance of financial instruments.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=abhishek-bhuyan">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/wttr-untc-ae-3-value-energy-stocks-with-profit-potential/>3 Value Energy Stocks With Profit Potential</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

3 Value Energy Stocks With Profit Potential

Unit Corporation GAAP EPS of $1.61, revenue of $67.2M

Unit Corporation: Quarterly Review, No Debt And A 10+% Dividend Yield

Unit Corporation declares $1.25 dividend

The energy sector is growing significantly due to rising oil prices, high global demand, limited supplies, geopolitical tensions, technological progress, and expected easing of monetary policies this year. Therefore, it may be wise to consider buying fundamentally strong energy stocks Newpark Resources (NR), Unit (UNTC), and MV Oil (MVO), which have untapped potential for June. Read on... The energy sector shows promise due to geopolitical tensions and increasing energy needs from transportation, urbanization, and industrialization. Despite high interest rates and rising U.S. production, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/opec-seen-prolonging-cuts-2024-into-2025-two-sources-say-2024-06-02/">deep oil output cuts are expected in 2025</a> to stabilize the market. Additionally, anticipated Fed's interest rate cuts in September are likely to stimulate economic activity and boost oil demand.
Amid this backdrop, investors could consider buying fundamentally strong energy stocks Newpark Resources, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/NR/">NR</a>), Unit Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/UNTC/">UNTC</a>), and MV Oil Trust (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/MVO/">MVO</a>) this June.
Despite challenges, OPEC+ expects its crude demand to average <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/commodities/extreme-asian-heat-spurs-lng-demand-ahead-summer-months-2024-05-31/">43.65 million bpd</a> in the latter half of 2024. Asia's LNG demand is rising due to extreme heat, leading to significant import increases across the region. Additionally, OPEC predicts global economic growth of <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/opec-sees-robust-summer-oil-demand-economic-upside-potential-2024-04-11/#:~:text=OPEC%20sees%20world%20economic%20growth,transportation%20fuels%2C%22%20OPEC%20said.">2.8% in 2024</a>, highlighting the U.S. economy's potential to boost fuel demand during the summer season.
The IEA predicts global oil demand growth of <a href="https://oilprice.com/Energy/Energy-General/The-IEA-Has-Cut-Its-Oil-Demand-Growth-Forecast-for-2024.html">1.1 million bpd this year</a>. The EIA forecasts stable U.S. natural gas consumption in 2024 at <a href="https://www.eia.gov/outlooks/steo/">89 Bcf/d</a>, with lower industrial usage offsetting higher consumption in power, residential, and commercial sectors. In contrast, OPEC expects a significant 2.25 million bpd increase in world oil demand for this year and a <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/energy/opec-sees-robust-summer-oil-demand-economic-upside-potential-2024-04-11/">1.85 million bpd increase for 2025</a>.
The U.S. oil and gas market is projected to grow annually by over <a href="https://www.mordorintelligence.com/industry-reports/united-states-oil-and-gas-market">4% by 2029</a>, despite challenges like volatility, expenses, and the shift to renewable energy. This growth is driven by efficient drilling techniques, technological advancements, and rising prices in the sector. Likewise, the global oilfield services market is projected to grow at a <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/oilfield-services-market-booming-insights-brg8c/?trk=article-ssr-frontend-pulse_more-articles_related-content-card">CAGR of 6.5%</a>, reaching $175.03 billion by 2031.
Furthermore, investors' interest in energy stocks is evident from the Vanguard Energy Index Fund ETF Shares' (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/VDE/">VDE</a>) 14.4% returns over the past year.
Considering these conducive trends, let's analyze the fundamental aspects of the featured energy stocks.
Newpark Resources, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/NR/">NR</a>)
NR provides products, rentals, and services primarily to the oil and natural gas exploration and production (E&amp;P) industry. It operates through two segments: Fluids Systems and Industrial Solutions.
In terms of the trailing-12-month <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/levered-free-cash-flow.asp#:~:text=Levered%20free%20cash%20flow%20(LFCF)%20is%20the%20amount%20of%20money,before%20debt%20payments%20are%20made.">levered FCF</a> margin, NR's 8.63% is 37.8% higher than the 6.26% industry average. Similarly, its 1.08x trailing-12-month asset turnover ratio is 114.9% higher than the industry average of 0.50x.
NR's revenues for the first quarter which ended March 31, 2024, came in at $169.11 million. Its adjusted net income came in at $8.86 million, up 8.2% over the prior-year quarter. The company's adjusted net income per common share rose 11.1% from the year-ago value to $0.10. Additionally, the company's adjusted EBITDA grew 1.5% year-over-year to $21.28 million.
For the quarter ending December 31, 2024, its revenue and EPS are expected to increase 7.4% and 150% year-over-year to $180.25 million and $0.10, respectively. Over the past year, the stock has gained 98.8% to close the last trading session at $8.19.
NR's <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a> reflect its solid prospects. It has an overall rating of B, equating to a Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings assess stocks by 118 different factors, each with its own weighting.
It is ranked #5 out of 51 stocks in the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/energy-services/">Energy - Services</a> industry. It has an A grade for Momentum, and Sentiment and a B for Growth. <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/NR/">Click here</a> to see the other ratings of NR for Value, Stability, and Quality.
Unit Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/UNTC/">UNTC</a>) 
UNTC and its subsidiaries explore, acquire, develop, and produce oil and natural gas properties in the United States. They operate through three segments: Oil and Natural Gas, Contract Drilling, and Mid-Stream.
In terms of the trailing-12-month net income margin, UNTC's 43.38% is 285.2% higher than the 11.26% industry average. Likewise, its 0.75x trailing-12-month asset turnover ratio is 48% higher than the industry average of 0.50x. Furthermore, the stock's 41.48% trailing-12-month Return on Total Assets is 622.2% higher than the industry average of 5.74%.
For the first quarter that ended on March 31, 2024, UNTC's total revenues stood at $67.20 million. Likewise, its income from operations was $20.56 million. For the same quarter, the company's net income and net income per common share amounted to $16.10 million and $1.61, respectively.
Additionally, as of March 31, 2024, UNTC's cash and cash equivalents stood at $65.60 million, compared to $60.78 million as of December 31, 2023.
Over the past year, UNTC's stock has gained 8.3% to close the last trading session at $37.
UNTC's strong fundamentals are reflected in its POWR Ratings. It has an overall rating of B, which translates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system.
It has an A grade for Momentum and a B for Quality. Within the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/energy-oil-gas/">Energy - Oil &amp; Gas</a> industry, it is ranked #14 out of 80 stocks. Beyond what we stated above, we also have given UNTC grades for Growth, Value, Stability, and Sentiment. Get all the UNTC ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/UNTC/">here</a>.
MV Oil Trust (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/MVO/">MVO</a>)
MVO acquires and holds term net profits interests in the oil and natural gas properties of MV Partners, LLC. Its properties' wells are located in the Mid-Continent region in the states of Kansas and Colorado.
In terms of trailing-12-month gross profit margin, MVO's 100% is 126.3% higher than the industry average of 44.20%. Likewise, its trailing-12-month Return on Common Equity and Return on Total Assets of 302.01% and 352.67% are considerably higher than the industry averages of 14.15% and 5.74%, respectively.
During the fiscal first quarter that ended March 31, 2024, MVO's income from net profits interest increased 7.2% year-over-year to $5.56 million. The company's distributable income stood at $5.35 million or $0.47 per share, up 13.4% over the prior-year quarter.
Shares of MVO's has declined marginally intraday to close the last trading session at $8.79.
MVO's positive outlook is reflected in its POWR Ratings. It has an overall rating of B, equating to a Buy in our proprietary rating system.
MVO has a B grade for Quality. It is ranked #10 in the Energy - Oil &amp; Gas industry. To see MVO's Growth, Value, Momentum, Stability, and Sentiment ratings, <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/MVO/">click here</a>.
What To Do Next?
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<hr />
NR shares were trading at $8.20 per share on Thursday morning, up $0.01 (+0.12%). Year-to-date, NR has gained 23.49%, versus a 12.81% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Abhishek Bhuyan</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ABhuyan.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Abhishek embarked on his professional journey as a financial journalist due to his keen interest in discerning the fundamental factors that influence the future performance of financial instruments.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=abhishek-bhuyan">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/nr-untc-mvo-3-emerging-energy-stocks-with-untapped-potential-for-june/>3 Emerging Energy Stocks With Untapped Potential for June</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>