Option chain shows key data for WinVest Acquisition Corp. - Right's stock options at various strike prices and expiration dates. Traders use this information to analyze potential trades and assess market sentiment for WinVest Acquisition Corp. - Right.

WinVest Acquisition Corp. - Right (NASDAQ:WINVR) Stock, Option Chain

WinVest Acquisition Corp. - Right

There were no disagreements between Leibowitz and the Company. Leibowitz's decision to depart was not related to the operations, policies or practices of the Company or any issues regarding accounting policies or practices.&nbsp;
The Company also announced that its Board of Directors has appointed Scott Buchanan, the Company's current Chief Operating Officer and a member of the Board, to the role of Acting CFO and Principal Financial Officer effective as of the date of Mr. Leibowitz's resignation, while maintaining his role as the Company's COO. The Company has launched a search for a permanent CFO.
 &nbsp;

News

Management

Bitcoin Depot Reveal That Glen Leibowitz Has Resigned From His Role As CFO, Effective November 15, 2024, For Personal Reasons; Scott Buchanan Named As Acting CFO  - Filing

STOCK CLIMBS 3.9% AT HIGH
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="765" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/18214650/Screen-Shot-2024-11-18-at-4.44.40-PM-1024x765.png" alt="" class="wp-image-3401" style="width:624px" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/18214650/Screen-Shot-2024-11-18-at-4.44.40-PM-1024x765.png 1024w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/18214650/Screen-Shot-2024-11-18-at-4.44.40-PM-300x224.png 300w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/18214650/Screen-Shot-2024-11-18-at-4.44.40-PM-768x573.png 768w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/18214650/Screen-Shot-2024-11-18-at-4.44.40-PM.png 1200w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Today, at 10:07 AM on November 18th, a significant trading signal occurred for Monolithic Power, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MPWR#NASDAQ">MPWR</a>) as it demonstrated a Power Inflow at a price of $187.80. This indicator is crucial for traders who want to know directionally where institutions and so-called "smart money" moves in the market. They see the value of utilizing order flow analytics to guide their trading decisions. The Power Inflow points to a possible uptrend in Monolithic Power&#8217;s stock, marking a potential entry point for traders looking to capitalize on the expected upward movement. Traders with this signal closely watch for sustained momentum in Monolithic Power&#8217;s stock price, interpreting this event as a bullish sign.
Signal description
Order flow analytics, aka transaction or market flow analysis, separate and study both the retail and institutional volume rate of orders (flow). It involves analyzing the flow of buy and sell orders, along with size, timing, and other associated characteristics and patterns, to gain insights and make more informed trading decisions. This particular indicator is interpreted as a bullish signal by active traders.&nbsp;
The Power Inflow occurs within the first two hours of the market open and generally signals the trend that helps gauge the stock&#8217;s overall direction, powered by institutional activity in the stock, for the remainder of the day.&nbsp;
By incorporating order flow analytics into their trading strategies, market participants can better interpret market conditions, identify trading opportunities, and potentially improve their trading performance. But let's not forget that while watching smart money flow can provide valuable insights, it is crucial to incorporate effective risk management strategies to protect capital and mitigate potential losses. Employing a consistent and effective risk management plan helps traders navigate the uncertainties of the market in a more controlled and calculated manner, increasing the likelihood of long-term success
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for MPWR, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.&nbsp;
<a href="https://benzinga.com/apis?_gl=1&#x2A;1hlgn5i&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTY1NjE2NTYxMi4xNzE0NzQ4MTAy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDc0ODEwMi4xLjEuMTcxNDc0ODQyOC4wLjAuMA..">Market News and Data brought to you by Benzinga APIs</a> and include firms, like <a href="https://finitusa.com/en/">Finit USA</a>, responsible for parts of the data within this article. 
&#xA9; 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
After Market Close UPDATE:
The price at the time of the Power Inflow was $566.26. The returns on the High price ($588.52) and Close price ($587.84) after the Power Inflow were respectively 3.9% and 3.8%. That is why it is important to have a trading plan that includes Profit Targets and Stop Losses that reflect your risk appetite. In this case, the high of the day and close were very close but that is not always the case
Past Performance is Not Indicative of Future Results

Signals

Markets

Trading Ideas

MPWR

Power Inflow Alert: Monolithic Power Systems Inc. Receives Alert And Rises Over 22 Points

When you picture America's millionaires, you might think of sprawling Silicon Valley estates or Manhattan's glittering high-rises. However, the state with the highest concentration of millionaires isn't California or New York – it's New Jersey, according to Statistica research published in August 2024. Yes, the Garden State has claimed the top spot, with 9.76% of its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/05/39069576/are-you-rich-heres-the-net-worth-you-need-to-be-poor-middle-class-and-wealthy">households worth $1 million or more</a>.
If you're wondering how that number stacks up, that's approximately 246,058 millionaire households spread across New Jersey's bustling suburbs, beach towns and historic cities.
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What's fueling all this wealth in New Jersey? The state's unique blend of high-paying industries, proximity to major urban centers and high standard of living create a sort of millionaire-friendly environment. It's a commuter haven for high-income earners working in New York and Philadelphia and it boasts a strong financial and pharmaceutical sector, with major companies like Johnson &amp; Johnson headquartered there. For these reasons, New Jersey has a way of turning ambitious earners into millionaires.
New Jersey didn't win by much, though – it narrowly edged out Maryland, which has 9.72% of its households in the millionaire club. Among the top three is Connecticut, where 9.44% of households are millionaires. These states have something in common: they're all relatively small, densely populated and benefit from proximity to large economic hubs. This combination seems to create a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41585240/if-the-average-american-household-is-a-millionaire-with-a-net-worth-of-1-06-million-why-do-peopl">perfect recipe for household wealth</a>.
Trending: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/advisor-adv-warren-buffett">Warren Buffett Flipped His Neighbor's $67,000 Life Savings Into A $50 Million Fortune — This Would Be Worth Over $500 Million Today</a>
Now, why don't California or New York lead the pack? While these states have the largest number of millionaires, their populations are so vast that they don't make up as high a percentage of households. For example, California has over 1.1 million millionaire households, but with a population nearing 40 million, they're a smaller slice of the pie than New Jersey. New York is similar – it's brimming with wealth but has enough households to diminish its millionaires-per-capita ranking.
For those living in New Jersey, this statistic might feel a bit surprising – after all, the state has a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/07/39646095/in-a-market-of-rising-prices-these-states-keep-property-taxes-low-the-lowest-may-surprise-you">high cost of living</a> and some of the steepest property taxes in the country. But in many ways, these factors contribute to its millionaire density. High property values can inflate net worth quickly, especially for homeowners who've held on to properties for decades. Many affluent residents are clustered in areas like Bergen County, where median home prices are well above the national average.
New Jersey also consistently has the highest average property tax rates in the United States. The exact margin by which New Jersey exceeds the second-highest state can vary year by year, but it is significant.
<ul>
<li>New Jersey&#8217;s Average Property Tax Rate: Approximately 2.21% of a property&#8217;s assessed value, depending on the specific municipality.</li>
<li>Second-Highest State (Illinois): Around 2.05%.</li>
</ul>
The Garden State's blend of wealthy commuters, high-paying industries and sky-high real estate has earned it the title of the millionaire capital by percentage. So, next time you're inching along the Garden State Parkway, remember – you might be bumper-to-bumper with more millionaires than anywhere else in the country.
And if all this millionaire talk has you rethinking your financial goals, it might be worth <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/can-you-guess-how-many-americans-successfully-retire-with-1-million-saved">chatting with a financial advisor</a>. After all, whether you're aiming for millionaire status or just some savvy financial planning, getting advice could be your ticket to a little extra wealth.
This story has been previously reported and updated.
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<li>Many are using this retirement income calculator to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on how on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a></li>
<li>The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?</li>
</ul>

Personal Finance

Can You Guess Which State Has The Highest Concentration Of Millionaire Households? Here's A Hint – It's Not New York Or California

<ul>
<li>From 2012 to 2016, Wynn Resorts highlighted Stephen Wynn as key to the brand&#8217;s success, citing his industry experience and role in creating iconic casinos.&nbsp;</li>
<li>In January 2018, the Wall Street Journal reported sexual misconduct allegations against Steve Wynn, based on interviews with over 150 current and former employees.&nbsp;</li>
<li>The Wall Street Journal article triggered investigations by the Massachusetts and Nevada Gaming Commissions, which found Wynn guilty of misconduct and involved senior officials in a cover-up, leading to $55 million in fines.</li>
<li>Wynn Resorts&#8217; share price dropped 18% in just a few days after the news about the scandal was published.</li>
<li>Investors sued Wynn Resorts for failing to disclose Stephen Wynn's misconduct and related suits.</li>
<li>Wynn Resorts has agreed to pay a $70 million settlement to shareholders to resolve the lawsuit. Affected investors can now <a href="https://11thestate.com/cases/wynnresorts-investor-settlement">file a claim</a> to receive their payouts.</li>
</ul>
Overview
Stephen Wynn founded Wynn Resorts Ltd (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WYNN#NASDAQ">WYNN</a>) in 2002 and was highly regarded in the casino industry for his role in developing iconic casinos like the Bellagio and Mirage. His success was crucial to the company, attracting high-end clients with his industry expertise. However, in 2018, a Wall Street Journal article exposed sexual misconduct allegations against Wynn, dating back to the 1990s. After the disclosures, Wynn Resorts&#8217; share price plummeted 18% in just a few days in January 2018, hitting investors hard and sparking lawsuits. Recently, the company ultimately agreed to pay a $70 million settlement to affected investors.
Stephen Wynn: A Visionary in High-End Casino Development
Stephen Wynn was a highly respected figure in the casino industry, playing a key role in developing some of the world's most famous casinos, including the Mirage, Treasure Island, Bellagio, Wynn, and Encore in Las Vegas. Wynn was also politically influential, serving as the finance chairman for the Republican National Committee.
By January 2018, Wynn owned nearly 12% of Wynn Resorts, valued at $2.4 billion. The company consistently expressed confidence in his leadership, highlighting his deep industry knowledge, experience, and ability to draw high-end clients. For years, he was seen as the driving force behind Wynn Resorts.
<figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXd7tUI4DLSV-22hg3XRsl3L_c8sugcuLAH8RW7NxTjXUdUl2YthzAhoy7eobXGAgsprwd-4VLjE9aXl_BAeDXF4SLOBuEXrkpJlCL2jEmipuY2KHXnbb0PiCY20XSBvPb_qVfx9Jsv-4nr8uIlm8zxpEOe9?key=ljnTla2MeUV9aepvajAaVqA5" alt="" style="width:624px" /></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-image is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcVXXwugvrFjU3ZzEOf2phBuF24obt32LwB9xRIfE8wSE7ArBpZcKuSjZ-CxWVsKUr2xZjvPrvqNS_TBVNr7_bQHdAT7SYDCIUgH-Ll8KV8dBWTR20uNAF-aT8OXhVp_9BHQ8Vi2gwNC9Ke5NtajK4wZWo?key=ljnTla2MeUV9aepvajAaVqA5" alt="" style="width:624px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption"><a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1174922/000117492218000019/wrl-20171231x10k.htm">Statement from Wynn Resorts 2016 Annual Report</a></figcaption></figure>
The Wall Street Journal Exposes Allegations Against Stephen Wynn
In January 2018, the Wall Street Journal published an article about Stephen Wynn's sexual misconduct, based on interviews with over 150 current and former employees. One allegation came from a manicurist at Wynn Las Vegas, who claimed he raped her and forced her to undress and lie on a massage table in his office. She later received a $7.5 million settlement.
Another former massage therapist accused Wynn of exposing himself during private appointments and pressuring her to perform sexual acts. He paid her $1,000 in cash after each session.
In the early 1990s, Dennis Gomes, a former executive at the Golden Nugget, reported frequent complaints about Stephen Wynn's sexual harassment of female employees, revealing a troubling pattern of misconduct.&nbsp;
Initially, Mr. Wynn denied the allegations, saying, "The idea that I ever assaulted any woman is preposterous." The company also denied the claims and said they were made up by Wynn's ex-wife, Elaine Wynn.
Findings from the MGC and NGC Investigations
After the Wall Street Journal revelations, authorities like the Massachusetts Gaming Commission and Nevada Gaming Commission started investigations into the sexual misconduct allegations. As a casino operator, Wynn Resorts is closely regulated, and failing to meet standards could risk its gaming license and harm its reputation. Both commissions found Stephen Wynn guilty of misconduct and revealed that senior executives knew about and hid the issues.&nbsp;
As a result, Wynn Resorts faced hefty fines. The Nevada Gaming Commission imposed a record $20 million fine, while the Massachusetts Gaming Commission fined the company $35 million. Additionally, the MGC fined Wynn Resorts&#8217; president, Matthew Maddox, $500,000.
Stock Market Reaction and Investor Lawsuit
In the days following the publication of the WSJ article, the share price of Wynn Resorts fell by 18%.&nbsp;
Many market analysts reported that Stephen Wynn's departure would significantly impact Wynn Resorts' brand image and cast doubt on its future plans.&nbsp;
Corporate bookings, a major part of Wynn Resorts&#8217; business, were impacted as big brands avoided partnering with Wynn hotels to steer clear of reputational risks.&nbsp;
<blockquote class="wp-block-quote is-layout-flow wp-block-quote-is-layout-flow">
<cite>"If I were PepsiCo, I'd stay away right now," said John Blank, chief equity strategist at Zacks Investment Research.&nbsp;</cite></blockquote>
Following the allegations, the NBA severed ties with Wynn Resorts, and concerns grew about the company potentially losing its gaming licenses in Nevada, Massachusetts, and Macau.
Moreover, after the scandal and the sharp stock drop, investors filed a lawsuit against Wynn Resorts and its senior management, claiming they hid information about Stephen Wynn's sexual misconduct and internal problems.
Resolving The Case
To resolve the lawsuit from investors, Wynn Resorts has agreed to a cash settlement of $70 million. If you invested in Wynn Resorts, you may be eligible to claim a portion of this settlement to <a href="https://11thestate.com/cases/wynnresorts-investor-settlement">recover your losses</a>.
Wynn Resorts has made strides in rebuilding its brand and expanding globally since its 2018 scandal. The company secured its first UAE gaming license for a luxury resort slated to open in 2027, reduced debt by $1.2 billion, and initiated a $1 billion share buyback program. Under the leadership of CEO Craig Billings, Wynn has emphasized restoring its reputation and driving long-term shareholder value. However, its stock remains significantly below pre-scandal levels, trading at $93 in November 2024 — a 51% drop compared to $192 in 2018.

General

WYNN

High Stakes And Higher Scandals: Inside Wynn Resorts' Legal And Ethical Crisis

Business Outlook
While the macroeconomic recovery continued to gain traction with pockets of improvement since the beginning of 2024, uncertainties persist in the markets in which we operate. The Company has observed encouraging signs of recovery and will continue to closely monitor macro conditions across our pan-Asian markets and remain prudent in our business operations. The Company reiterates its full-year 2024 transaction volume guidance for the China market in the range of RMB195.7 billion to RMB205.0 billion, representing year-over-year growth of approximately 5.0% to 10.0%. At the same time, the Company expects its full-year 2024 transaction volume for the international markets to be in the range of RMB9.4 billion to RMB11.0 billion, representing year-over-year growth of approximately 20.0% to 40.0%.
The above forecast is based on the current market conditions and reflects the Company's current preliminary views and expectations on market and operational conditions and the regulatory and operating environment, as well as customers' and institutional partners' demands, all of which are subject to change.

Guidance

FINV

Reiterates FY24 Transaction Volume Guidance For The China Market In The Range Of RMB195.7 Billion - RMB205.0 Billion, Representing YoY Growth Of ~5%-10%; Expects Its FY24 Transaction Volume For The International Markets To Be In The Range Of RMB9.4 Billion - RMB11.0 Billion, Representing YoY Growth Of ~20%-40%.

BellRing management expects fiscal year 2025 capital expenditures of approximately $7 million.
 &nbsp;

BRBR

BellRing Brands Expects FY25 Net Sales Of $2.24B - $2.32B, Adjusted EBITDA Of $460M - $490M

FinVolution Gr (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FINV#NYSE">FINV</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.36 per share. This is a 20 percent increase over earnings of $0.30 per share from the same period last year. The company reported $466.83 million in sales this quarter. This is a 6.52 percent increase over sales of $438.26 million the same period last year.

Earnings

FinVolution Gr Q3 Adj EPS $0.36 Up From $0.30 YoY, Sales $466.83M Up From $438.26M YoY

SunCar Technology Group Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SDA#NASDAQ">SDA</a>) shares raced higher on Monday. The company announced a strategic partnership with Wuhan JIDU Automobile Service, a joint venture between Baidu Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIDU#NASDAQ">BIDU</a>) and Geely. Here&#8217;s<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/SDA/news"> what you need to know.</a>
What To Know: SunCar has entered into a strategic partnership with Wuhan JIDU to provide a cutting-edge insurance technology platform to auto buyers and customers across China. SunCar Technology shares jumped on the news. 
The collaboration aims to launch a nationwide intelligent insurance platform in China designed to streamline and digitize auto insurance processes for Wuhan JIDU's customers. SunCar's platform offers features such as online quoting, electronic policy issuance, claims management and underwriting, all powered by AI and big data.
Wuhan JIDU focuses on intelligent electric vehicles and autonomous technology. Through this partnership, the company plans to enhance its customer offerings by integrating SunCar&#8217;s digital insurance solutions, which connect customers with leading insurance providers.
Ye Zaichang, Chairman and CEO of SunCar Technology, stated that this collaboration represents a step forward in creating a fully digital-first insurance ecosystem tailored to tech-savvy consumers.
&#8220;This collaboration not only enhances the value Wuhan JIDU delivers to its customers but also demonstrates the scalability and versatility of our Platform. We are committed to supporting Wuhan JIDU as it continues its rapid growth, offering seamless, intelligent services to auto buyers nationwide,&#8221; Ye said.
SDA Price Action: <a href="http://benzinga.com/quote/sda">SunCar Technology shares</a> closed Monday up 10.6% at $10.20, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga Pro.</a>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://benzinga.slack.com/archives/D072651PB4K/p1727794380964569"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="529" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/18155507/SDA-1024x529.png" alt="" class="wp-image-653754" style="width:506px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/18155507/SDA-1024x529.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/18155507/SDA-300x155.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/18155507/SDA-768x396.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/18155507/SDA.png 1170w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
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</ul>
Image: Shutterstock/ solarseven.

Global

Movers

BIDU

Market Index Target Term Securities Linked To The Dow Jones Industrial Average

SunCar Technology Shares Jumped 10% Monday: What Happened?

Chardan Capital analyst Daniil Gataulin maintains MeiraGTx Hldgs (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MGTX#NASDAQ">MGTX</a>) with a Buy and maintains $36 price target.

Price Target

Analyst Ratings

MGTX

Chardan Capital Maintains Buy on MeiraGTx Hldgs, Maintains $36 Price Target

Offerings

Oshkosh Corp Files For Mixed Shelf; Size Not Disclosed

The facility will have an annual production capacity of approximately 10 million cubic feet, which is comparable to the company's existing TimberStrand facility in Kenora, Ontario. Construction is expected to begin in 2025, with the goal of starting operations in 2027.

Weyerhaeuser Plans $500M Strategic Investment To Build New TimberStrand Facility In Arkansas

● This new feature will start to roll out next month and will launch widely in January 2025 ● Bitkey Inheritance enhances control and privacy for Bitkey customers for generations until the very end: wallet owners have the ability to change their beneficiary selection at any time.
<a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fbitkey.world&amp;esheet=54154700&amp;newsitemid=20241118370113&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Bitkey&amp;index=1&amp;md5=a784182ba6862d93c318dbdc90938a3c">Bitkey</a>, the self-custody wallet built by <a href="https://cts.businesswire.com/ct/CT?id=smartlink&amp;url=https%3A%2F%2Fblock.xyz%2F&amp;esheet=54154700&amp;newsitemid=20241118370113&amp;lan=en-US&amp;anchor=Block%2C+Inc&amp;index=2&amp;md5=61f0238623b02f4207ec27cf6086aa12">Block, Inc</a>. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SQ#NYSE">SQ</a>), announced today the launch of an inheritance feature for customers around the world that will start to roll out next month, and will be available to all Bitkey customers in January 2025. While people who hold the keys to their bitcoin have full control of their money, today's solutions don't offer a simple way to pass their bitcoin on to the next generation. Today, those who self-custody their bitcoin need to glue together multiple products, ask beneficiaries to remember long passwords, or leave complicated instructions that beneficiaries may or may not be able to follow. Now, Bitkey is introducing a safe and easy way for customers to make sure their bitcoin moves seamlessly into the hands of their loved ones. Access to Bitkey's inheritance plan will be initially included with the purchase of every Bitkey hardware device — including existing Bitkey customers — and it will make it possible for the funds held in a Bitkey wallet to be transferred to a designated beneficiary after the passing of a Bitkey owner.

Bitkey, The Self-Custody Wallet Built By Block Launches An Inheritance Feature For Seamless Legacy Bitcoin Transfers, Will Launch Widely In January 2025

The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission recently approved the first marijuana research facility license.
Commissioners voted unanimously (4-0) at the agency's monthly public meeting to grant Curaleaf Processing, Inc. a final license to operate a marijuana research facility in Newton. Curaleaf Processing is a subsidiary of one of the largest U.S. cannabis operators Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CURLF#OTCQX">CURLF</a>).
In September, the Commission's investigations and enforcement staff inspected the marijuana research facility and found it to be in full compliance with the requirements under state law. Upon receiving administrative approval for any submitted research permit applications, Curaleaf Processing Inc. need to pass a final license inspection prior to being authorized to begin operations and research projects.
"We are excited to move the state's first-ever research facility license forward in the hopes that it will contribute to a safer regulated cannabis industry, rooted in science," stated acting chair Bruce Stebbins. "This licensee has worked diligently over the last two years to bring this facility to the Commonwealth, and we look forward to the work their team will accomplish after their receipt of a research permit."
The licenses are available to any academic institution, nonprofit or domestic corporation or entity authorized to do business in Massachusetts and are interested in either conducting research involving cannabis directly or permitting external researchers with an approved research permit. 
A research permit is a certificate from the Commission to conduct a specified research study over a specified and finite period and identifies the type of research study to be performed at the licensed premises of the marijuana research facility.
 Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/10/41573828/mold-lead-e-coli-and-other-deadly-contaminants-found-in-90-of-illegal-cannabis-samples-in-uk">Mold, Lead, E.Coli And Other Deadly Contaminants Found In 90% Of Illegal Cannabis Samples In UK</a>
Get Benzinga's exclusive analysis and the top news about the cannabis industry and markets daily in your inbox for free. Subscribe to our newsletter <a href="https://newsletteremail.benzinga.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. If you're serious about the business, you can't afford to miss out.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">One Of Five States</h2>
"There is still so much to explore when it comes to cannabis policy – whether we are considering implications for public health and safety, medical uses, or the impacts of prohibition," Commissioner Nurys Camargo said in a statement. "While this licensee may be the first research facility to reach this point in the Commonwealth, it is my hope that others push on through the process and continue expanding our cannabis knowledge."
Commissioner Kimberly Roy, commented, "While serving as the Commission's public health appointee, I have emphasized time and again the critical need for more cannabis research to help Massachusetts residents better understand the potential risks and benefits of cannabis consumption.As one of only fifteen cannabis research licenses of this type granted nationwide, the issuance of this Research Facility is a significant development for both the agency and industry. I am hopeful this is a first step towards Massachusetts someday being positioned as a global leader in cannabis research."
To date, Massachusetts is one of five US states with legal cannabis that offers research licenses, in addition to New York, Connecticut, Washington and Colorado. Only fifteen cannabis research licenses have been granted nationwide, and just ten of them are active.
The news comes on the heels of the Commission's new recommendations in a bulletin designed to improve workplace health and safety at marijuana processing facilities and broadly across the legal industry. The announcement represents the Commission&#8217;s formal recognition that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/11/41997206/ground-cannabis-dust-is-a-hazardous-chemical-confirms-massachusetts-regulator">ground cannabis dust is a hazardous chemical </a>that can irritate the respiratory exposed skin, which marks a major step toward updating Massachusetts&#8217; workplace safety expectations following the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/22/10/29130552/cannabis-employee-dies-from-inhaling-cannabis-dust-osha-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2022 occupational asthma death of a Holyoke processing facility employee</a>.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/10/41362872/former-cannabis-comish-firing-sparks-debate-on-oversight-in-massachusetts-whats-next-for-the-ind">Former Cannabis Comish Firing Sparks Debate On Oversight In Massachusetts: What&#8217;s Next For The Industry?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Courtesy of r.classen via Shutterstock

Cannabis

CURALEAF HLDGS INC by Curaleaf Hldgs Inc.

CURLF

Curaleaf Secures First Marijuana Research License In Massachusetts

Trip.com Group (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TCOM#NASDAQ">TCOM</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $1.25 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $0.91 by 37.36 percent. This is a 25 percent increase over earnings of $1.00 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $2.27 billion which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $2.20 billion by 2.95 percent. This is a 20.16 percent increase over sales of $1.89 billion the same period last year.

TCOM

Trip.com Group Q3 Adj EPS $1.25 Beats $0.91 Estimate, Sales $2.27B Beat $2.20B Estimate

Insider Trades

TMUS

T-Mobile US Form4 Filing Shows CEO Michael G Sievert Sold 40,000 Shares At An Average Price Of $239.22/Share

<h4>Key Takeaways:</h4>
<ul>
<li>Yalla is nearing the testing phase for two of its self-developed mid-core games, with wide-scale launches possible sometime next year</li>
<li>The company&rsquo;s revenue grew 4.4% in the third quarter, but analysts expect that pace to pick up next year as it ramps up initiatives aimed at mid- and hardcore gamers</li>
</ul>
By Doug Young
After establishing itself as a social media powerhouse in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA),&nbsp;Yalla Group Ltd.&nbsp;(NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/yala#NYSE">YALA</a>) is looking to take its act to the next level in 2025 by building on its strong foundation in the region&rsquo;s gaming sector.
It began its journey eight years ago, and over that period has built up a base of mostly casual gamers and social app users that crossed the 40 million threshold in the third quarter, according to its&nbsp;<a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/yalla-group-limited-announces-unaudited-third-quarter-2024-financial-results-302301100.html">latest results</a>&nbsp;released on Monday. Now, it&rsquo;s strengthening its position by building up a pipeline of mid- and hardcore games, while also teaming with local organizations across the region to stage live tournaments to further boost its brand among serious gamers.
On the financial side, the company&rsquo;s latest results showed those efforts have already helped to produce an acceleration in its growth, as it posted better-than-expected quarterly revenue and its highest net profit margin since going public in September 2020.
&ldquo;This impressive performance was fueled by our dedication to enhancing localization with new gamification features and targeted gaming events, as well as our ongoing efforts to refine operational processes, optimize user acquisition and further develop our product ecosystem,&rdquo; CEO Yang Tao said in the results announcement.
The company&rsquo;s revenue growth has slowed considerably in the last two years but its actual revenue of $88.9 million for the third quarter was more than 8% above the upper end of its previous forecast, resulting in a 4.4% revenue rise for the quarter year-on-year.
As the company regains some of its former momentum, two analysts polled by Yahoo Finance expect Yalla&rsquo;s revenue growth to return to double-digit territory next year, forecasting the figure will accelerate from 2.5% growth this year to 13% in 2025.
Yalla has spent much of this year laying the groundwork for its move into mid-core and hardcore games that it hopes will return it to the strong double- or even triple-digit growth from its earlier days. The company said it currently has three mid-core games in development, with plans to start testing one or more of those by the end of the year.
Following the testing phase, the company will gather feedback and make adjustments before promoting the games on a broader basis, said COO Jeff Xu on the company&rsquo;s earnings call. He didn&rsquo;t provide a more specific timetable. But barring any major hiccups, we can probably expect the first mid-core games to begin mass promotion sometime next year, which may partly explain the analyst expectation for accelerating revenue growth.
The company is also looking for third-party game publishing partners to bring other titles to its users, and pointed to a recent interview between its President Saifi Ismail and well-known British gaming magazine Pocket Gamer as evidence of its growing profile in the serious gaming community. It mentioned efforts to identify suitable third-party game publishing partners are ongoing, but did not provide any names.
<h3>Regional Alliances</h3>
The other major piece of Yalla&rsquo;s foray into serious gaming has been its staging of major tournaments throughout the MENA region, which not only raise its profile but also provides connections with organizations that can help to promote the events and future similar efforts.
After holding its first two events in Riyadh and Baghdad earlier this year, its core Yalla Ludo gaming product staged another event in Abu Dhabi in July, which was followed by a second event in the city in partnership with the UAE Esports Federation. It followed those with another event in Cairo in August, working with the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities, Egypt&rsquo;s Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Egypt Esports Federation.
&ldquo;This steady stream of offline events has deepened our brand awareness, solidifying Yalla Ludo&rsquo;s industry leadership while also meeting MENA users&rsquo; entertainment needs,&rdquo; said Ismail. The company previously said the first two tournaments in Riyadh and Baghdad attracted a combined 150,000 registered players.
Last but certainly not least, the company&rsquo;s gaming initiative should also get a boost from a massive campaign by Saudi Arabia to boost esports in the region. Yalla executives pointed out that Saudi Arabia staged an esports tournament over the summer that attracted 1,500 players from across the globe, lured by a record-breaking $60 million in prize money.
&ldquo;Expanding from casual games into mid-core and hardcore games is a marathon, not a sprint,&rdquo; said Yang. &ldquo;We are committed to elevating Yalla Game&rsquo;s standing in MENA&rsquo;s mid-core and hardcore gaming market, capitalizing on our wealth of experience and know-how in casual games to drive success.&rdquo;
While the big potential of serious games lies on the horizon in 2025, Yalla&rsquo;s latest quarter was more understated, notching modest growth on its original suite of casual games and social networking chat services. Within its overall $88.9 million in quarterly revenue, chatting services that account for about two-thirds of the total grew 8.5% to $58.9 million in the third quarter.
The company&rsquo;s monthly average users (MAU) grew 14.5% to 40.2 million. And, more notably, its number of paying users also rose by 12% to 12.6 million. The resulting revenue growth, combined with the company&rsquo;s strong focus on cost controls and interest income, helped drive Yalla&rsquo;s net profit margin to 44.1% &ndash; a record since its listing in September 2020, and more than double its first positive net margin of 18.6% in the fourth quarter of that year.
The bottom line was that Yalla&rsquo;s profit rose 11.2% in the third quarter to $39.2 million, up from $35.2 million a year earlier. Its strong cash flow also helped the company to raise its cash position to $570 million by the end of September from $536 million at the end of last year.
This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga's reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

Penny Stocks

Small Cap

YALA

Yalla Holds Out 2025 As Its 'Year Of The Game' As Growth Picks Up

Chardan Capital analyst Daniil Gataulin maintains Ocugen (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OCGN#NASDAQ">OCGN</a>) with a Buy and maintains $6 price target.

OCGN

Chardan Capital Maintains Buy on Ocugen, Maintains $6 Price Target

Super Micro Computer, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>), a Total IT Solution Provider for AI, Cloud, Storage, and 5G/Edge, announced today that the Audit Committee of its Board of Directors has engaged BDO USA, P.C. ("BDO") as its independent auditor, effective immediately. BDO is a member firm of BDO International, one of the world's top five accounting firms network with over 115,000 professionals across its global network and a recognized leader in audit and assurance.
"We are pleased to welcome BDO as Supermicro's independent auditor," said Charles Liang, President and CEO of Supermicro. "BDO is a highly respected accounting firm with global capabilities. This is an important next step to bring our financial statements current, an effort we are pursuing with both diligence and urgency."
Additionally, the Company announced that it has submitted a compliance plan to The Nasdaq Stock Market ("Nasdaq") to support its request for an extension of time to regain compliance with the Nasdaq continued listing requirements.
In its compliance plan to Nasdaq, the Company indicated that it believes that it will be able to complete its Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended June 30, 2024, and its Quarterly Report on 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended September 30, 2024 and become current with its periodic reports within the discretionary period available to the Nasdaq staff to grant.
Pursuant to Nasdaq rules, Supermicro's securities will remain listed pending Nasdaq's review of the compliance plan.

SMCI

Supermicro Announces Appointment Of BDO USA As Independent Auditor, Effective Immediately And Filing Of Compliance Plan With Nasdaq

Short&nbsp;squeezes have been making and breaking investors for a century.&nbsp;One of the greatest short squeezes in history started on a SubReddit, where hundreds of thousands of retail investors drove the price of GameStop (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/gme#NYSE">GME</a>) shares up to an all-time high. While this will always&nbsp;a risky&nbsp;bet, GameStop remains a symbol of a company that went from representing retail struggles to executing a turnaround that defied expectations and conventions. Guided by an unorthodox CEO, just like the EV king Tesla Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/tsla#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) made history&nbsp;with&nbsp;its flamboyant CEO, Game Stop is an example of a remarkable shift that was led&nbsp;also by the company&rsquo;s largest shareholder. By transitioning from the pandemic-era turmoil to creating a robust financial footing, GameStop defied the logic of not only retail but of general business as it showed that one can survive by not growing.&nbsp;
But there are also lesser-known companies when it comes to the shorted universe, especially when it comes to the Tesla-made EV sector promising to revolutionize the future of the world.
Among such, there&rsquo;s an EV charging company EVgo Inc (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/evgo#NASDAQ">EVGO</a>) with extremely volatile shares that just reported a record breaking third quarter. Over the last year, EVgo counted 78&nbsp;moves greater than 5% till mid-October.&nbsp;EVgo was awareded by the market for signing a memorandum of understanding with its longtime technology partner, Delta Electronics&nbsp;Inc&nbsp;to co-develop next-generation charging architecture to offer&nbsp;a superior experience for its&nbsp;customers&nbsp;and&nbsp;advance long-term charging solutions, improving convenience and reliability. With its latest quarterly results, things are looking even more bullish as EVgo is doing a good job at&nbsp;containing losses, reporting revenue growth of 92% YoY as revenue amounted to $68 million, topping forecasts by 2.4%.&nbsp;Moreover, EVgo posted a record network throughput of 78 GWh which represents a 111% YoY increase as it added more than 270 new operational charging stalls.&nbsp;In addition, its customer base expanded with&nbsp;147,000 new accounts, with the total now exceeding 1.2 million. While it did post a net loss of $33.3 million,&nbsp;strategic investments and cost management did result in an improved adjusted EBITDA.
Then there&rsquo;s also&nbsp;Worksport Ltd (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/wksp#NASDAQ">WKSP</a>), a manufacturer and innovator of &ldquo;made-in-USA&rdquo; tonneau covers, as well as hybrid and clean energy solutions for the light truck and&nbsp;consumer goods sectors, with very high short interest upon its latest earnings report. Worksport continues to write a remarkable early growth story filled with groundbreaking innovation. Worksport is eyeing a record 2025 as it just reported significant YoY revenue growth for the third quarter. During the third quarter, Worksport posted that revenue surged 581% YoY to $3.12 million, with B2C sales making 51% of total revenue as they grew from last year&rsquo;s&nbsp;$21,599 to now adding as much as $1.59 million to the overall sales table.&nbsp;
Back in August, Worksport reported just as&nbsp;impressive second quarter results for the period ended on June 30th, with revenue rising 860% YoY and 275% sequentially as it reached a new record of $1.92 million, and this was before several key launches. In September, Worksport launched the Alpha release of its clean energy off-grid power duo, the SOLIS solar-powered tonneau cover and COR portable battery system. The full launch is expected next year, while the AL4 tonneau cover will be released in the fourth quarter,&nbsp;bringing in substantial revenue in 2025. In 2025, Worksport is aiming to make&nbsp;200 tonneau covers per day as well as to achieve cash flow positivity. Moreover, Worksport opened another growth pathway by getting a U.S. government agency among&nbsp;its buyers.&nbsp;
Capitalizing on the rapid growth of another prominent EV startup, Rivian Automotive (NASDAQ: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/rivn#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>), Worksport revealed that its existing lineup of premium tonneau covers is nearly finished compatibility engineering with the Rivian R1T, as it plans to also integrate its SOLIS solar cover and COR portable battery system in the future. Moreover, also in September, Worksport reported successful lab test results of its COR portable energy system as a range extender for Tesla EVs, including Model 3 and the Cybertruck, which opens further growth opportunities.&nbsp;
While Worksport and EVgo do not play at a level&nbsp;Tesla does, at least for now,&nbsp;they are still prominent EV players, and such shorted companies tell interesting growth tales that sometimes go down in history for their potential to&nbsp;revolutionize industries.&nbsp;&nbsp;
DISCLAIMER: This content is for informational purposes only. It is not intended as investing advice.
This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga's reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

EVGO

RIVN

TSLA

WKSP

Short Squeezes With Big Promises

BellRing Brands (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BRBR#NYSE">BRBR</a>) reported quarterly earnings of $0.51 per share which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $0.50 by 2 percent. This is a 24.39 percent increase over earnings of $0.41 per share from the same period last year. The company reported quarterly sales of $555.80 million which beat the analyst consensus estimate of $536.13 million by 3.67 percent. This is a 17.60 percent increase over sales of $472.60 million the same period last year.

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