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Zonetail Inc is a mobile platform and market network. Its mission is to provide a state-of-the-art mobile platform that enables high-rise residents to better manage their homes by connecting people to products, amenities, and services. Its Vision is to build a critical mass of users in the hard-to-reach, high-rise residential vertical, through a unique mobile market network model - providing vital information, products, and services at the tap of a screen. It is the search engine to optimizes the home. Zonetail is partnered with Yardi, Shiftsuite, and now MRI Software which together account for an estimated 50 million households across North America.

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Fire &amp; Flower Holdings Corp. (OTCQX: FFLWF) (TSX: FAF) released its financial and operational results for the fiscal 2022 first quarter ended April 30, 2022, revealing revenue of $40.9 million for Q1 fiscal 2022, representing a decrease of 7% from $44.1 million in the p

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Ever feel like you're doing pretty well but aren't quite sure if you've made it into the upper middle class? You're not alone. These days, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv">financial success</a> doesn't always feel like success—especially when your paycheck disappears into a black hole of bills, mortgage payments, and the occasional overpriced oat milk latte.
So, how do you know if you've quietly climbed into the upper-middle class? It's not just about income—it's about how you manage your money. Here are six signs that you might be in a stronger financial position than you think.
Don't Miss:
<ul>
<li>Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a></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>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">1. You're Not Relying on Just One Paycheck</h2>
The upper middle class doesn't just survive on a single paycheck—they build multiple income streams to create long-term security. If you've got money coming in from other sources, you're doing something right. Some of the most common extra income sources include:
<ul>
<li>Rental properties </li>
<li>Dividend-paying stocks that send you passive income</li>
<li>Side hustles that bring in extra cash </li>
<li>Royalties from books, music, patents, or any other genius idea you monetized</li>
</ul>
The more ways you bring in money, the more financial flexibility you have—and the less you panic when unexpected expenses hit.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">2. You're Maxing Out Your Retirement Contributions</h2>
If you're regularly stashing away the maximum amount in your retirement accounts, you're ahead of most people. For 2025, that means:
<ul>
<li>401(k): You can contribute up to $23,500, or $30,500 if you're over 50. If you're between 60 and 63, you get an extra $11,250 catch-up, bringing your total to $34,750.</li>
<li>IRA: The limit is $7,000, or $8,000 if you're over 50.</li>
</ul>
Not only are you saving for future-you, but you're also likely getting tax benefits right now.&nbsp;
Trending: ‘Scrolling To UBI' — Deloitte's #1 fastest-growing software company allows users to earn money on their phones. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">You can invest today for just $0.26/share with a $1000 minimum.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">3. You Invest Like You Mean It</h2>
Keeping all your money in a basic savings account is not an upper-middle-class move. If you're serious about building wealth, you're likely putting your money to work across different investments:
<ul>
<li>Stocks and bonds provide long-term growth beyond just a 401(k).</li>
<li>Real estate helps build equity, whether through investment properties or homeownership.</li>
<li>Alternative investments such as cryptocurrency, art, and farmland can offer additional opportunities for wealth accumulation.</li>
</ul>
Diversifying means you're not overly dependent on any one market. If you're doing this, you're thinking long-term, and that's a very upper-middle-class mindset.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">4. You Can Afford to Pay Someone to Help Manage Your Money</h2>
Most people hope their finances are in order. The upper middle class hires people to make sure they are. <a href="https://news.northwesternmutual.com/2022-07-27-The-Majority-of-Americans-Say-Their-Financial-Planning-Needs-Improvement,-But-Only-a-Third-Seek-Professional-Help">According to a Northwestern Mutual study</a>, about 35% of people seek the help of an advisor.&nbsp;
If you <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/are-you-rich">have a financial advisor</a>, tax strategist, or even just a CPA who helps you find every deduction possible, you're playing the money game at a higher level.
Why? Because when your finances get more complex involving such matters involving&nbsp; investments, rental properties, tax optimization, professional help isn't a luxury—it's a smart money move.
Trending: Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">5. You Can Take Vacations Without Breaking the Bank</h2>
Vacations aren't just a splurge; they're a sign of financial breathing room. <a href="https://financebuzz.com/signs-of-upper-middle-class">According to Finance Buzz</a>, the average family vacation costs over $7,000—so if you're taking multiple trips a year without stressing over the bill, you're in a solid financial position.
It's not about extravagance—it's about the fact that you can prioritize experiences without worrying about how you'll afford next month's rent.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">6. You Own Your Home—and Have Equity</h2>
Owning a home in this market is an accomplishment in itself, but if you've built equity and your mortgage isn't eating up most of your income, that's next-level financial stability.
<ul>
<li>Your home's value has increased since you bought it? Wealth-building in action.</li>
<li>You're not drowning in a mortgage you can't afford? That's a major win.</li>
<li>You could downsize or rent it out for passive income if needed? Even better.</li>
</ul>
Homeownership isn't just about having a place to live—it's about creating long-term financial security.
Trending: Inspired by Uber and Airbnb &#8211; Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets &#8211; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.26/share!</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's the Actual Income You Need to Be Upper-Middle Class?</h2>
<a href="https://finance.yahoo.com/news/median-income-upper-middle-class-150005171.html">According to GOBankingRates</a>, the general range for upper-middle-class income falls between $106,000 and $150,000 per year. But where you live changes everything:
<ul>
<li>In Mississippi, making $91,841 could land you in the upper middle class.</li>
<li>In Maryland, you'd need at least $170,666.</li>
</ul>
So, while income matters, location is everything. Earning six figures in New York or California won't get you nearly as far as it would in Texas or the Midwest.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How to Stay in the Upper-Middle Class</h2>
Making it to the upper middle class is one thing—staying there is another. Financial stability isn't just about how much you make; it's about the habits that keep your wealth growing instead of disappearing. Here are some key ways to maintain your financial security:
<ul>
<li>Live below your means. Just because you can afford a brand-new car doesn't mean it's the smartest financial move. Keeping your spending in check leaves room for bigger opportunities down the line.</li>
<li>Keep investing. Money sitting in a savings account isn't working for you. Investing consistently—whether in stocks, real estate, or other assets—helps your wealth grow over time.</li>
<li>Plan for taxes. The wealthy don't pay more than they legally have to, and neither should you. Smart tax planning can save you thousands and free up more money for investing or saving.</li>
<li>Avoid lifestyle creep. It's tempting to upgrade everything as your income grows, but inflating your lifestyle too quickly can make it feel like you're always chasing your next paycheck.</li>
<li>Keep learning about money. The more you understand about investing, taxes, and smart money management, the better equipped you'll be to protect and grow your wealth. Financial education isn't just for beginners—it's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42173927/how-rich-are-you-find-out-whether-you-rank-as-upper-middle-or-lower-class-based-on-income-and-other-factors">how people stay wealthy</a>.</li>
</ul>
See Also: Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.
Reaching the upper middle class doesn't mean you can hit cruise control. Staying there requires smart decisions, a long-term mindset, and a willingness to keep learning and adapting.
You don't need to be rich by society's standards to be upper middle class—you just need strong financial habits and a level of security that lets you <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset">plan for the future without constant stress</a>. If you're checking off most of these boxes, chances are you've built a solid financial foundation, even if it doesn't always feel like it.
Read Next:
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<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Many are rushing to grab 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a></li>
<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>
</ul>

Personal Finance

Are You Upper-Middle Class? 6 Signs You've Made It, Even If It Doesn't Feel Like It

In the current session, CSX Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CSX#NASDAQ">CSX</a>) is trading at $32.35, after a 3.83% decrease. Over the past month, the stock decreased by 2.68%, and in the past year, by 14.62%. With performance like this, long-term shareholders are more likely to start looking into the company's price-to-earnings ratio. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1739997016_0.png" alt="Past Year Chart" />

<h3>Evaluating CSX P/E in Comparison to Its Peers</h3>
The P/E ratio is used by long-term shareholders to assess the company's market performance against aggregate market data, historical earnings, and the industry at large. A lower P/E could indicate that shareholders do not expect the stock to perform better in the future or it could mean that the company is undervalued. 
CSX has a lower P/E than the aggregate P/E of 44.82 of the Ground Transportation industry. Ideally, one might believe that the stock might perform worse than its peers, but it's also probable that the stock is undervalued. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1739997016_1.png" alt="Guage" />

In summary, while the price-to-earnings ratio is a valuable tool for investors to evaluate a company's market performance, it should be used with caution. A low P/E ratio can be an indication of undervaluation, but it can also suggest weak growth prospects or financial instability. Moreover, the P/E ratio is just one of many metrics that investors should consider when making investment decisions, and it should be evaluated alongside other financial ratios, industry trends, and qualitative factors. By taking a comprehensive approach to analyzing a company's financial health, investors can make well-informed decisions that are more likely to lead to successful outcomes.

Intraday Update

P/E Ratio Insights for CSX

LPL Finl Hldgs (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LPLA#NASDAQ">LPLA</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 12.48% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 23.68%. Currently, LPL Finl Hldgs has a market capitalization of $28.51 billion. 
Buying $100 In LPLA: If an investor had bought $100 of LPLA stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $839.25 today based on a price of $381.86 for LPLA at the time of writing.
<h3>LPL Finl Hldgs's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1739997009_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Trading Ideas

LPLA

$100 Invested In This Stock 10 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today

Electric vehicle company Rivian Automotive (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>) will likely highlight its improving profitability and upcoming R2 launch when the company reports fourth-quarter financial results after market close<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings"> Thursday, Feb. 20.</a>
Earnings Estimates: Analysts expect Rivian to report fourth-quarter revenue of $1.40 billion, up from $1.31 billion in last year's fourth quarter, according to <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent021925&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro data.</a>
The company missed analyst revenue estimates in the third quarter, but has beaten estimates in six of the last seven quarters.
Analysts expect the company to report a loss of 65 cents per share in the fourth quarter, an improvement from a loss of $1.36 in last year's fourth quarter.
The company has missed analyst estimates for earnings per share in three of the last four quarters, while beating the estimate in seven of the last 10 quarters overall.
Rivian's losses have improved in recent quarters. Here are the quarterly earnings per share losses to date in the current fiscal year:
<ul>
<li>First Quarter: -$1.24</li>
<li>Second Quarter: -$1.13</li>
<li>Third Quarter: -$0.99</li>
</ul>
The company guided that it expects to reach positive gross profit in the fourth quarter with higher revenue per unit and improved fixed costs per unit after its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/11/41825787/rivian-q3-earnings-highlights-revenue-eps-miss-ceo-confident-in-q4-gross-profit-r2-being-fundamenta">third-quarter financial results.</a>
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/43186919/rivian-hyper-focused-on-launching-hands-free-driver-assistance-system-this-year-report">Rivian &#8216;Hyper-Focused&#8217; On Launching Hands-Free Driver Assistance System This Year: Report</a>
Key Items to Watch: Rivian previously <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/42807694/rivian-reports-2nd-highest-quarterly-ev-deliveries-as-2024-wraps-up">reported fourth-quarter deliveries </a>of 14,183, which was the company's second highest quarterly total.
The company also finished 2024 with 51,579 deliveries.
All eyes will likely be on Rivian's 2025 guidance and commentary as the company works through a plant shutdown in the second half at its Normal, Illinois facility to prepare for the production of the R2 SUV.
The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/03/37543686/rivian-unveils-r2-teases-r3-key-features-prices-for-model-y-competitor">highly anticipated R2 </a>is expected to be a focal point, as its starting price of around $45,000 could position Rivian in more direct competition with Tesla and other automakers. Currently, Rivian&#8217;s vehicles are priced at higher tiers.
R2 production is expected to begin in the first half of 2026. Rivian could comment on the number of reservations it has for the vehicle and how the timeline for production is progressing.
Another area to watch will be Amazon's electric deliver vans. The company previously had an exclusive deal with Amazon to deliver 100,000 vehicles by 2030. With over <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42655674/amazon-has-20-000-rivian-electric-delivery-vans-in-fleet-heres-what-could-be-next-for-both-companies">20,000 vans delivered,</a> Rivian has been a key partner with Amazon.
Rivian is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/02/43593007/rivian-commercial-van-now-available-for-fleets-nationwide-in-us">also taking orders</a> from other companies after ending its exclusive deal with Amazon. Investors and analysts would love to hear if any companies have signed deals or taken deliveries other than Amazon.
Another item to watch could be commentary on Rivian's $6.6 billion federal loan for its Georgia manufacturing facility. The loan is <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/02/43806303/tesla-rival-rivians-6-6-billion-federal-loan-under-scrutiny-as-trump-administration-reviews-funding">now facing pressure</a> from President Donald Trump's administration, which counts rival CEO Elon Musk (Tesla) as a key figure.
Rivian CEO RJ Scaringe has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/43279098/rivian-ceo-brushes-off-7500-electric-vehicle-tax-credit-concerns-evs-are-not-a-political-thing">brushed off concerns</a> that the current administration could hurt the electric vehicle sector. However, any indication that federal funding might not materialize could rattle investors, as it would hinder Rivian's efforts to strengthen profitability.
RIVN Price Action: Rivian stock is down 3.3% TO $13.95 on Wednesday versus a 52-week trading range of $8.26 to $18.96. Rivian stock is up 6.1% year-to-date in 2025 and down 11.5% over the past year.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/01/43116755/trumps-plan-to-end-7500-ev-tax-credits-could-be-devastating-for-telsa-rivals-poll-says-could-be-bullish-for-elon-musks-company">Trump&#8217;s Plan To End $7,500 EV Tax Credits Could Be &#8216;Devastating&#8217; For Telsa Rivals, Poll Says Could Be Bullish For Elon Musk&#8217;s Company</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Previews

RIVN

Rivian Q4 Earnings Preview: Profitability Progress, R2 Launch, 2025 Outlook And Key Factors To Watch

Macro Economic Events

Economics

Federal Reserve

Fed's Bostic Says Very Supportive Of Getting The Balance Sheet Down, And The Fed Has Made Good Progress; The Fed Is Getting Close To Its Threshold Level For The Balance Sheet, The Debt Ceiling Is One Factor In Deciding That; Want To Pay Attention Day To Day To Balance Sheet To Be Sure The Drawdown Does Not Go Too Far

Fed's Bostic Says Businesses Also Are Concerned That Customers Are Tapped Out; The Fed Did Not Cut Too Much Last Year, Policy Remains Restrictive;  Comfortable With Taking A Pause To See How The Economy Evolves

<a href="https://ca.finance.yahoo.com/live/">https://finance.yahoo.com/live/</a>&nbsp;

Fed's Bostic Says Did Not Expect Progress On Inflation Would Go In A Straight Line; Question Now Is Whether January CPI Was A Bump In The Road Or A New Trend; Difficult To Factor All Potential Policy Changes Into The Economic Outlook; The Confidence Around The 2025 Outlook Has Been Reduced; While Some Policy Proposals Could Add To Inflation, Others Could Boost Productivity And Lower Price Pressures; Many Businss Leaders Are Optimistic About Regulatory Changes; They Could Dominate Those That Add To Costs

All good things must come to an end and the same goes for celebrated innovators, including social media and technology giant Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>). 
Earlier, Meta stock contributed handsomely to the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/25/02/43794403/nasdaq-100-hits-new-high-metas-rally-powers-tech-surge">record-breaking surge</a> in the Nasdaq-100, thanks in large part to its relentless rise. However, Tuesday ended the security's run of 20 consecutive trading sessions in the black.
Until that point, Meta stock had soared 16% since Jan. 16, contributing to the Nasdaq's rise. In addition, its heavy weighting in the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>) and other exchange-traded funds boosted their market value. Not surprisingly, artificial intelligence continues to represent a key catalyst for Meta's upswing.
Still, not everything has been smooth sailing. Fundamentally, concerns center on employee criticisms of the company's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43726758/meta-platforms-could-break-winning-streak-missing-20th-day-of-gains-as-overbought-conditions-employee-layoffs-dampen-sentiment">latest layoffs</a>. On the technical front, certain indicators demonstrated that Meta stock was overbought. If that wasn't distracting enough, CEO Mark Zuckerberg <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/02/43810048/mark-zuckerberg-offloads-meta-shares-worth-14-4-million-in-february">offloaded 17,855 shares</a> of Meta's Class A common stock totaling around $14.4 million.
However, the latest regulatory filings revealed that activist investor Dan Loeb's Third Point LLC had <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/25/02/43796723/dan-loebs-third-point-boosts-meta-holdings-now-a-top-4-position">significantly boosted its investment</a> in Meta stock during the final quarter of 2024. Subsequently, the move brings the security to its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/dan-loeb">top four list</a>.
Following Meta's impressive results for its fourth-quarter earnings report — delivering earnings per share of $8.02 on sales of $48.39 billion (both beating consensus targets) — multiple analysts raised their price forecasts. Currently, Wall Street's consensus price target stands at $731.76, with a high-side estimate of $935.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Traders Gravitate Toward The Dips</h2>
Moving forward, a critical advantage that bullish speculators enjoy is that Meta stock naturally features an upward bias. For example, using pricing data extending back to January 2019, a position entered at the beginning of the week has a 54.83% chance of rising by the end of it. Notably, the long odds improve to 62% over a four-week period.
At the same time, using baseline probabilities can be challenging from an assessment point of view. Arguably, it's more important to focus on relevant data; that is, data that harmonizes with the current or prevailing market trend. That's the key difference between analyzing information stochastically (or temporally) versus dynamically.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="576" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/19142607/META-stock-probability-gambit-1024x576.jpg" alt="" class="wp-image-789721" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/19142607/META-stock-probability-gambit-1024x576.jpg 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/19142607/META-stock-probability-gambit-300x169.jpg 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/19142607/META-stock-probability-gambit-768x432.jpg 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/19142607/META-stock-probability-gambit.jpg 1280w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Image by author</figcaption></figure>
At the present juncture, Meta stock is on track to lose about 4.5% this week. Historically, when Meta loses up to 5% in a one-week period, the subsequent week only has about a 50/50 shot of rising. This circumstance may be due to investors digesting the volatility that just materialized. However, over the subsequent four weeks, the long odds rise to 63.55%.
Put another way, over time, the upward bias becomes evident again. While this framework doesn't guarantee trading success, it shows that enthusiasm is consistently strong for Meta stock, even if it tumbles every now and then.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Red Ink Offers a Silver Lining</h2>
For the bargain hunter, the red ink in Meta stock offers a silver lining: call options have been cheapened relative to how they were priced just days ago. This means speculators can acquire high payout transactions that arguably feature rational probabilistic risk.
Following a modest weekly decline in Meta stock, the median four-week return under the positive scenario comes in at 7.03%. Based on an estimated closing price of $702, that would assign an upside target of $751.37. Fortunately, there are plenty of big payout trades that don't require such a leap in market value.
For the options chain expiring March 14, bullish speculators may consider the 710/715 bull call spread. This multi-leg strategy involves buying a call ($710) and simultaneously selling a call ($715). Primarily, the idea is to use the credit received from the short call to partially offset the debit paid for the long call, thus discounting the net long position. Should the security rise to or above the short strike price, the trader collects the maximum reward (a payout of around 108%).
To be clear, bull spreads are capped-risk, capped-reward transactions. The trader can't lose more than the debit paid (since the lower-priced long call offsets the potential obligation of the higher-priced short call). On the other hand, the trader can't gain more than the maximum reward.
Speculators could choose to raise the short leg and adjust the long leg as necessary to potentially achieve a higher payout. However, doing so would increase the probabilistic risk of the trade not being profitable. With the aforementioned trade, Meta stock only needs to rise less than 2% by expiration to collect a big payout.
Now Read:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43825637/donald-trump-says-us-is-successfully-negotiating-with-russia-over-ukraine-but-polymarket-traders-arent-convinced">Trump Says US Is &#8216;Successfully Negotiating With Russia&#8217; Over Ukraine, Polymarket Traders Aren&#8217;t Convinced</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Long Ideas

Options

Movers

$META

Options Corner: Why Meta Platforms' Breather Offers A Potential Discount

Rumors

Watching Samsara; Hearing Investor Business Daily SwingTrader Sells tock

The U.S. defense sector is facing fresh uncertainty as the Trump administration sets the foundation for a cost-cutting initiative under the newly established Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Despite the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/02/43787369/us-russian-officials-begin-ukraine-peace-talks-defense-sector-stocks-rise">recent buoyancy</a> in anticipation of peace talks involving the Presidents of the U.S., Russia and Ukraine, stocks of major defense contractors, including Lockheed Martin (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>), RTX Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RTX#NYSE">RTX</a>), General Dynamics (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GD#NYSE">GD</a>), and Northrop Grumman (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>), are staring at near-term risks following the possibility of a defense budget cut. 
While the potential impact is still unfolding, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">defense-focused ETFs </a>could be in for a bumpy ride.
ETFs with significant holdings in defense giants may see volatility in the wake of potential budget constraints. Some of the key funds to monitor include:
iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>) – Tracks U.S. defense and aerospace companies, including General Dynamics (18.75% exposure) Lockheed Martin (4.98% exposure) and RTX (15.72% exposure). 
SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XAR#NYSE">XAR</a>) – Offers exposure to large and mid-cap defense stocks, with exposure to stocks like Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics and RTX. This ETF offers a more equally weighted approach, which may help balance the losses.
Invesco Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPA#NYSE">PPA</a>) – Holds a diversified mix of defense contractors and related industries. However, Lockheed Martin and RTX hold the top positions, with 7.26% and 7% of the total AUM.
First Trust Indxx Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MISL#NYSE">MISL</a>) – A newer entrant with a focus on companies involved in missile and defense technology. Once again, Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics and RTX hold significant percentage of the total assets.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/02/43827291/exclusive-will-trumps-tariffs-hurt-or-help-stock-market-59-say-this">EXCLUSIVE: Will Trump&#8217;s Tariffs Hurt Or Help Stock Market? 59% Say This…</a>
Why Defense Stocks Are Under Pressure
The DOGE recently kicked off its review at the Pentagon, aiming to curb waste, fraud, and redundancies. In a post on X, DOGE officials confirmed their commitment to "safely save taxpayer dollars and eliminate waste." 
<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">Great kickoff with <a href="https://twitter.com/DeptofDefense?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DeptofDefense</a>. Looking forward to working together to safely save taxpayer dollars and eliminate waste, fraud and abuse.
&mdash; Department of Government Efficiency (@DOGE) <a href="https://twitter.com/DOGE/status/1890621621448167497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 15, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need to streamline operations and optimize spending, as reported by CBS News.
This initiative has raised concerns for major defense contractors, many of whom rely heavily on government contracts. Among the top players at risk are Lockheed Martin which has retreated almost 10% so far this year, RTX , General Dynamics, with a loss of 6.35% year-to-date, and Northrop Grumman, which has lost 6.5% so far this year.
With over $200 billion in annual federal contracts flowing into the sector, any cuts could significantly affect companies that derive nearly half their revenue from government spending, according to a report by Saxo Bank.
While U.S. defense spending may come under pressure, rising geopolitical tensions and commitments from NATO allies to boost their military budgets could create new opportunities for defense firms.
Fine-Tuning Is Key
For investors holding defense-heavy ETFs, now may be a time for caution but not necessarily panic. Watching how DOGE's review unfolds, tracking upcoming federal budgets, following the peace talks among Russia, Ukraine and U.S., and keeping an eye on global defense spending trends will be important. Diversification within ETFs could also help mitigate sector-specific risks.
As budget talks heat up, defense ETFs may experience short-term turbulence, but the longer-term picture will depend on how much of the spending shift is domestic versus international.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43818555/trade-war-redux-a-bumpy-ride-ahead-for-these-etfs-after-trumps-tariff-move-on-auto-pharma-chip-imports">Trade War Redux: These ETFs Due For Bumpy Ride Thanks To Trump Tariffs On Auto, Pharma, Chip Imports</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Sector ETFs

ETFs

iShares Dow Jones US Aerospace & Defense Index Fund

MISL

4 ETFs In The Crosshairs As Defense Cuts Loom — Is It Time To Play Offense?

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bullish stance on Abercrombie &amp; Fitch.
Looking at options history for Abercrombie &amp; Fitch (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ANF#NYSE">ANF</a>) we detected 11 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 45% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 36% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 2 are puts, for a total amount of $184,602 and 9, calls, for a total amount of $707,032.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $100.0 to $140.0 for Abercrombie &amp; Fitch during the past quarter. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Abercrombie &amp; Fitch's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Abercrombie &amp; Fitch's whale trades within a strike price range from $100.0 to $140.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Abercrombie &amp; Fitch Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1739996138_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>ANF</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$16.8</td>
<td>$16.6</td>
<td>$16.8</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
<td>$151.2K</td>
<td align="right">303</td>
<td align="right">97</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ANF</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/28/25</td>
<td>$3.4</td>
<td>$2.7</td>
<td>$3.2</td>
<td>$106.00</td>
<td>$134.4K</td>
<td align="right">126</td>
<td align="right">424</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ANF</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$13.2</td>
<td>$12.6</td>
<td>$12.85</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
<td>$113.0K</td>
<td align="right">189</td>
<td align="right">88</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ANF</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$9.7</td>
<td>$9.0</td>
<td>$9.24</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
<td>$81.5K</td>
<td align="right">126</td>
<td align="right">174</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ANF</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$9.4</td>
<td>$8.7</td>
<td>$9.4</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
<td>$80.8K</td>
<td align="right">126</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Abercrombie &amp; Fitch</h3>
Abercrombie &amp; Fitch Co is a specialty retailer that sells casual clothing, personal-care products, and accessories for men, women, and children. It sells direct to consumers through its stores and websites, which include the Abercrombie &amp; Fitch, Abercrombie kids, and Hollister brands. Most stores are in the United States, but the company does have many stores in Canada, Europe, and Asia. All stores are leased. Abercrombie ships to well over 100 countries via its websites. The company sources its merchandise from dozens of vendors that are primarily located in Asia and Central America. Abercrombie has two distribution centers in Ohio to support its North American operations. It uses third-party distributors for sales in Europe and Asia.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Abercrombie &amp; Fitch</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 1,046,829, the price of ANF is up by 0.2%, reaching $109.06.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 14 days from now.</li>
</ul>
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>.
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Abercrombie &amp; Fitch options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Check Out What Whales Are Doing With ANF

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bearish stance on Adobe.
Looking at options history for Adobe (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ADBE#NASDAQ">ADBE</a>) we detected 67 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 41% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 43% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 35 are puts, for a total amount of $2,058,899 and 32, calls, for a total amount of $2,161,880.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $380.0 to $600.0 for Adobe over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in Adobe's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to Adobe's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $380.0 to $600.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>Adobe Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1739996133_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>ADBE</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$9.25</td>
<td>$8.95</td>
<td>$9.1</td>
<td>$500.00</td>
<td>$455.0K</td>
<td>4.7K</td>
<td align="right">93</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ADBE</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$3.5</td>
<td>$3.35</td>
<td>$3.4</td>
<td>$380.00</td>
<td>$340.0K</td>
<td>475</td>
<td align="right">8</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ADBE</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/18/26</td>
<td>$90.75</td>
<td>$88.7</td>
<td>$88.7</td>
<td>$500.00</td>
<td>$186.5K</td>
<td>156</td>
<td align="right">36</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ADBE</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$91.35</td>
<td>$90.85</td>
<td>$91.35</td>
<td>$480.00</td>
<td>$182.7K</td>
<td>71</td>
<td align="right">20</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ADBE</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$23.4</td>
<td>$22.95</td>
<td>$23.4</td>
<td>$500.00</td>
<td>$177.8K</td>
<td>2.1K</td>
<td align="right">155</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Adobe</h3>
Adobe provides content creation, document management, and digital marketing and advertising software and services to creative professionals and marketers for creating, managing, delivering, measuring, optimizing, and engaging with compelling content multiple operating systems, devices, and media. The company operates with three segments: digital media content creation, digital experience for marketing solutions, and publishing for legacy products (less than 5% of revenue).
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Adobe, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Where Is Adobe Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 1,688,750, the price of ADBE is down -1.49% at $457.19. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 21 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Adobe</h3>
In the last month, 2 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $552.5.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from RBC Capital downgraded its rating to Outperform, setting a price target of $590. 
&#x2A; An analyst from BMO Capital persists with their Outperform rating on Adobe, maintaining a target price of $515. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Adobe, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

ADBE

Adobe Unusual Options Activity For February 19

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bearish stance on American Express (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXP#NYSE">AXP</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with AXP, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 26 uncommon options trades for American Express.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 15% bullish and 84%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 17 are puts, for a total amount of $1,457,862, and 9 are calls, for a total amount of $398,919.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $200.0 to $350.0 for American Express during the past quarter. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in American Express's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to American Express's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $200.0 to $350.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>American Express Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1739996128_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Biggest Options Spotted:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AXP</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$13.1</td>
<td>$12.95</td>
<td>$13.0</td>
<td>$300.00</td>
<td>$197.6K</td>
<td align="right">904</td>
<td align="right">987</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AXP</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$13.05</td>
<td>$12.85</td>
<td>$13.0</td>
<td>$300.00</td>
<td>$166.4K</td>
<td align="right">904</td>
<td align="right">707</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AXP</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/18/26</td>
<td>$19.1</td>
<td>$18.55</td>
<td>$19.1</td>
<td>$280.00</td>
<td>$152.8K</td>
<td align="right">71</td>
<td align="right">80</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AXP</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$12.3</td>
<td>$12.1</td>
<td>$12.25</td>
<td>$300.00</td>
<td>$137.2K</td>
<td align="right">904</td>
<td align="right">533</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AXP</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$12.2</td>
<td>$12.15</td>
<td>$12.2</td>
<td>$300.00</td>
<td>$111.0K</td>
<td align="right">904</td>
<td align="right">533</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About American Express</h3>
American Express is a global financial institution, operating in about 130 countries, that provides consumers and businesses charge and credit card payment products. The company also operates a highly profitable merchant payment network. Since 2018, it has operated in three segments: global consumer services, global commercial services, and global merchant and network services. In addition to payment products, the company's commercial business offers expense management tools, consulting services, and business loans.
Having examined the options trading patterns of American Express, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Current Position of American Express</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 1,185,537, the price of AXP is down by -0.82%, reaching $310.29.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 57 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What Analysts Are Saying About American Express</h3>
In the last month, 5 experts released ratings on this stock with an average target price of $346.6.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights&amp;adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=options-activity&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Evercore ISI Group persists with their In-Line rating on American Express, maintaining a target price of $344. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Keefe, Bruyette &amp; Woods continues to hold a Outperform rating for American Express, targeting a price of $360. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Wells Fargo continues to hold a Overweight rating for American Express, targeting a price of $370. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Compass Point continues to hold a Neutral rating for American Express, targeting a price of $309. 
&#x2A; An analyst from RBC Capital has decided to maintain their Outperform rating on American Express, which currently sits at a price target of $350. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest American Express options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>.

American Express Options Trading: A Deep Dive into Market Sentiment

Celsius Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CELH#NASDAQ">CELH</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 42.5% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 53.71%. Currently, Celsius Holdings has a market capitalization of $6.05 billion. 
Buying $100 In CELH: If an investor had bought $100 of CELH stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $7,282.08 today based on a price of $25.73 for CELH at the time of writing.
<h3>Celsius Holdings's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1739996109_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

CELH

If You Invested $100 In This Stock 10 Years Ago, You Would Have This Much Today

Devon Energy Corporation&nbsp;(NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DVN#NYSE">DVN</a>) shares are trading higher on Wednesday after the company reported strong fourth-quarter<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43798641/devon-energy-beats-q4-earnings-raises-quarterly-dividend" rel="noreferrer noopener"> results on Tuesday after the bell</a>.
Also, the stock may have escalated probably due to a drone attack on a Russian pipeline, which could reduce supply.
Also, the company reported an EPS of $1.16, beating analyst&nbsp;estimates of $1.00, and&nbsp;oil production of 398,000 barrels per day, which was&nbsp;about 3% ahead of&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/earnings" rel="noreferrer noopener">the&nbsp;company&#8217;s&nbsp;previous guidance</a>.
Devon expects oil production to average 380,000 to 386,000 barrels per day in the first quarter and full-year 2025 production of 805,000 barrels per day-825,000 barrels per day, up 2% versus&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/calendars/guidance" rel="noreferrer noopener">the&nbsp;company&#8217;s&nbsp;previous outlook</a>.
Piper Sandler&nbsp;analyst Mark A. Lear writes that the&nbsp;company&#8217;s&nbsp;FY25 guidance sets a strong foundation, with oil and total volume projections slightly exceeding consensus on a 4% reduction in capex.&nbsp;The analyst has an Overweight rating w<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/dvn/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">ith a price forecast of $54.</a>
Given its history of setting achievable targets, the analyst expects a positive market reaction to the fourth-quarter beat and the improved efficiency in FY25 guidance, especially following the&nbsp;stock&#8217;s&nbsp;de-rating since mid-2024.
With a Sector Perform rating and $50 price forecast, RBC Capital Markets analyst Scott Hanold says that&nbsp;Devon&#8217;s&nbsp;2025 outlook exceeded expectations, reflecting steady operations and strong efficiency across its asset base.
The analyst adds that all&nbsp;Bakken capital is directed toward high-return Grayson Mills acreage, while the benefits of Eagleford assets are expected to drive capital efficiency and production growth.
Investors can gain exposure to the stock via&nbsp;Invesco Energy&nbsp;Exploration &amp; Production ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PXE#NYSE">PXE</a>) and&nbsp;Texas Capital&nbsp;Funds Trust Texas Capital Texas Oil Index ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OILT#NYSE">OILT</a>).
Price Action: DVN shares are up 8.2% at $37.75 at the last check Wednesday.
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Analyst Color

Equities

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OILT

PowerShares ETF Trust Dynamic Energy Exploration & Production Port

Devon Energy Has Strong Tailwinds, Analyst Says

Perrigo Company plc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PRGO#NYSE">PRGO</a>), a leading global provider of Consumer Self-Care Products, today announced that its Board of Directors has approved a 5% increase in the Company's quarterly dividend to $0.290 per share, or $1.16 per share on an annual basis, up from $0.276 per share. This marks the 22nd consecutive year Perrigo has increased its dividend

Dividends

PRGO

Perrigo Increases Quarterly Dividend From $0.276 To $0.29 Per Share

<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-19/beyond-meat-bynd-said-to-pursue-new-borrowing-to-shore-up-liquidity?utm_content=business&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;cmpid=socialflow-twitter-business&amp;utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_campaign=socialflow-organic&amp;sref=ZoyErlU1" title="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-19/beyond-meat-bynd-said-to-pursue-new-borrowing-to-shore-up-liquidity?utm_content=business&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;cmpid=socialflow-twitter-business&amp;utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_campaign=socialflow-organic&amp;sref=ZoyErlU1">https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-02-19/beyond-meat-bynd-said-to-pursue-new-borrowing-to-shore-up-liquidity?utm_content=business&amp;utm_medium=social&amp;cmpid=socialflow-twitter-business&amp;utm_source=twitter&amp;utm_campaign=socialflow-organic&amp;sref=ZoyErlU1</a>

Financing

BYND

"Beyond Meat Pursues New Borrowing to Shore Up Liquidity; Beyond Meat Inc. Is Sounding Out Investors To Borrow As Much As $250 Million From Private Credit Lenders" - Bloomberg News

Bumble (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BMBL#NASDAQ">BMBL</a>) <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/43818299" rel="noreferrer noopener">stock tanked </a>after the company issued first-quarter revenue guidance below estimates and announced a quarter-over-quarter decline in <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/dating-apps" rel="noreferrer noopener">paying app users</a>.
Wall Street firms cut their <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BMBL/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">price targets on the stock</a>.
Piper Sandler analyst Matt Farrell maintained Bumble with a Neutral and lowered the price target from&nbsp;$8&nbsp;to&nbsp;$7.
Stifel analyst Mark Kelley reiterated Bumble with a Hold and lowered the price target from&nbsp;$7&nbsp;to&nbsp;$6.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43812509/garmin-q4-earnings-wearables-and-adventure-watches-drive-growth-raises-dividend-20-projects-68-billion-revenue-for-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">Garmin Q4 Earnings: Wearables and Adventure Watches Drive Growth, 20% Dividend Hike, Stock Soars</a>
Piper Sandler: Bumble delivered <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/25/02/43797993/bumble-shares-drop-after-q4-report-heres-why" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fourth-quarter results</a> slightly ahead of expectations. However, management provided first-quarter guidance below expectations and did not provide a full-year outlook. The company&#8217;s focus on safety and user experience creates a near-term headwind on the business.
Bumble anticipates a ~110K sequential decline in Bumble app payers in the first quarter. Overall, it is clear that the multi-quarter turnaround will be choppy as the company focuses on enhancing the platform for the long term.
Farrell sought signs of sustained stability before getting more constructive on the story. The price target revision reflects the analyst&#8217;s lower profitability estimates. Farrell projected first-quarter revenue of $245.1 million and EPS of $0.18.
Stifel: Bumble reported a slightly better fourth quarter but guided the first quarter below the Street as the company continues to work through management turnover and a broad-ranging app refresh. The Fruitz and Official apps are winding down as management opts to streamline its core product offerings.
The priorities for Bumble are pretty similar to that of its larger competitor, Match Group, which is also focused on a healthier ecosystem that looks to prioritize safety and authenticity, which Kelley agreed should be a main focus for every company in the category, but also noted these shared priorities will increasingly make it challenging for dating apps to differentiate their offerings in the future.
With only a first-quarter guide in hand and little color for the entire year, the analyst remains Hold-rated pending a better picture of the path forward. Kelley projected first-quarter revenue of $245.0 million and EPS of $0.15.
Price Action: BMBL stock is down 26.9% at $5.919 at last check Wednesday.
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BMBL

Bumble's App Revamp And Underwhelming Q1 Guidance Keeps The Analysts Waiting - Details Here

Benchmark analyst Fawne Jiang reiterated Baidu (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BIDU#NASDAQ">BIDU</a>) with a Buy rating and a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/BIDU/analyst-ratings" rel="noreferrer noopener">$130&nbsp;price target</a>.
Jiang was surprised by the pressure on Baidu&#8217;s stock yesterday despite a generally <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43778265/baidu-q4-earnings-ai-cloud-grows-margin-slides-expects-ai-investments-to-bear-fruit-in-2025" rel="noreferrer noopener">in-line quarter</a> with an upsized beat in AI Cloud growth.
The analyst remains a firm believer in the accelerating adoption of generative AI in China in fiscal 2025, catalyzed by DeepSeek&#8217;s breakthroughs, and views full-stack service providers like Baidu as key beneficiaries of this trend, with cross-selling monetization opportunities against a highly competitive environment.
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Baidu&#8217;s decision to open-source its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/emerging-markets/25/02/43691826/not-just-deepseek-chinas-ai-landscape-heats-up-as-baidu-launches-free-ernie-bot" rel="noreferrer noopener">upcoming ERNIE 4.5 series</a> and offer ERNIE Bot for free access should further drive broader adoption. While Jiang acknowledged market concerns surrounding search, management has guided for a gradual recovery in ad growth, with a return to growth expected in the second half.
Additionally, the integration of generative AI in search presents new monetization opportunities, particularly in transaction-based verticals.
The analyst acknowledged the global challenge of search engines competing against new traffic gateways (Chatbot) yet noted that it&#8217;s still too early to discount Baidu&#8217;s efforts to transform its search business through AI.
Along with minimum asset value recognition <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/02/43806974/baidus-robotaxi-service-hits-1-1-million-paid-rides-in-q4-expands-to-hong-kong-as-1st-operator-allowed-to-test-autonomous-vehicles" rel="noreferrer noopener">in robotaxi and</a> the expected acceleration of share buybacks, he noted an attractive risk/reward profile for Baidu stock.
With the expected growth in generative AI adoption, the analyst raised his fiscal 2025 Cloud growth projection to 20% (versus 17% prior).
Jiang noted that search engines globally are facing ongoing debates about rising competition from Chatbot as new user gateways, yet indicated that Baidu&#8217;s decision to make its ERNIE Bot free should help to level the playing field.&nbsp;&nbsp;
On the monetization front, the analyst noted that the company will prioritize user experience but nevertheless sees viable monetization opportunities, especially in Agent.
AI Agent&#8217;s strength in mastering complex, non-standardized service portfolios is conducive to transaction-based verticals, which Baidu has largely exposed to.
In light of anticipated monetization in the second half, Jiang left his fiscal 2025 core ad growth projection unchanged at flat.
Baidu plans to focus on scaling its domestic robotaxi operations, exploring asset-light operating models, and expanding its international presence.
While Apollo Go operates at a comparable scale as Waymo in terms of quarterly rides completed, there&#8217;s minimal or no asset value reflected in the stock, which the analyst noted presents an attractive optionality for investors; admittedly, valuation catalysts remain to be materialized. Regarding capital allocation, Baidu is committed to advancing its AI capabilities and has pledged to accelerate its buyback program in fiscal 2025 to enhance shareholder returns.
Jiang projected fiscal 2025 revenue of $19.033 billion and EPS of $11.81. He expects fiscal 2026 revenue of $20.098 billion and EPS of $12.95.
Price Action: BIDU stock is down 2.30% at $88.09 at last check Wednesday.
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