$AAPL - $AAPL

La vendita allo scoperto per Apple dà agli investitori un'idea del grado in cui gli investitori stanno scommettendo sul declino delle azioni di Apple. I dati relativi alle vendite allo scoperto vengono aggiornati ogni due settimane.

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) Azioni, Report sulle vendite allo scoperto

Apple

Apple is among the largest companies in the world, with a broad portfolio of hardware and software products targeted at consumers and businesses. Apple's iPhone makes up a majority of the firm sales, and Apple's other products like Mac, iPad, and Watch are designed around the iPhone as the focal point of an expansive software ecosystem. Apple has progressively worked to add new applications, like streaming video, subscription bundles, and augmented reality. The firm designs its own software and semiconductors while working with subcontractors like Foxconn and TSMC to build its products and chips. Slightly less than half of Apple's sales come directly through its flagship stores, with a majority of sales coming indirectly through partnerships and distribution.

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Con il taglio dei tassi della Fed, alcuni titoli tecnologici come Nvidia e Microsoft sono pronti a decollare.

Taglio dei tassi: ecco i titoli pronti a prendere il volo

Warren Buffett ha visto crollare il suo investimento in Occidental Petroleum: scopri se questa mossa si è rivelata davvero un errore.

Stavolta Warren Buffett ha fatto un buco nell&#39;acqua?

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General

Apple ha ritirato le custodie FineWoven dopo le critiche degli utenti per la loro suscettibilità ai graffi e usura.

Addio FineWoven: Apple non venderà più le controverse custodie?

Apple Inc

The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has demanded that&nbsp;Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s&nbsp;&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) Google divest its Chrome browser to dismantle its monopoly on online search. This move is part of broader efforts to restore competition in the search market.
What Happened: Prosecutors have demanded that Google divest its Chrome browser and share search data with competitors to dismantle its monopoly on online search. These actions were proposed in a court filing on Wednesday.
The&nbsp;Department of Justice&nbsp;(DOJ) and state antitrust enforcers suggested that Google must also consider selling its Android operating system if other measures fail. The proposals aim to regulate Google for up to 10 years through a committee appointed by a federal court in Washington.
&#8220;Google&#8217;s unlawful behavior has deprived rivals not only of critical distribution channels but also distribution partners who could otherwise enable entry into these markets by competitors in new and innovative ways,&#8221; the DOJ&nbsp;said in a statement.
The DOJ&#8217;s filing expands on previous suggestions to end Google&#8217;s monopoly in the U.S., where it controls 90% of searches. The&nbsp;proposals include ending exclusive <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42083150/googles-20b-search-deal-with-apple-faces-collapse-after-antitrust-ruling-what-it-could-means-for-both-tech-giants">agreements&nbsp;with companies</a> like&nbsp;Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) that make Google the default search engine on devices.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/11/42022443/ibm-disney-and-other-large-advertisers-return-to-elon-musks-x-after-a-year-long-boycott-we-super-appreciate?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">IBM, Disney And Other Large Advertisers Return To Elon Musk&#8217;s X After A Year-Long Boycott: &#8216;We Super Appreciate&#8217;</a>
Google has criticized these proposals as extreme, arguing&nbsp;they would harm U.S. consumers&nbsp;and businesses. A trial on these proposals is scheduled for April, but changes could occur with the incoming administration.
Prosecutors also recommend&nbsp;barring Google from re-entering the&nbsp;browser market for five years&nbsp;and from acquiring search or AI competitors. A technical committee would enforce compliance, with Google funding its operations.
Why It Matters: The DOJ&#8217;s latest move follows an August ruling that found Google <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/11/42053249/google-could-lose-chrome-browser-in-dojs-latest-antitrust-move">guilty of illegally monopolizing</a> the search market. The potential divestiture of Chrome could significantly impact Google&#8217;s business model, which heavily relies on its dominance in the search market.
Perplexity AI CEO Aravind Srinivas&nbsp;has even <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/42084064/perplexity-ceo-asks-if-ai-startup-should-acquire-google-chrome-following-dojs-antitrust-push-against-search-giant">speculated about acquiring</a> the Chrome browser, suggesting its potential value could reach $20 billion if a court-ordered sale occurs. This highlights the broader implications of the DOJ&#8217;s actions, which could reshape the competitive landscape in the tech industry.
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42079954/microsoft-ceo-satya-nadella-defends-bings-rise-against-googles-search-dominance-says-openais-partnership-with-apple-is-incremental-for-even-us?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Satya Nadella Defends Bing&#8217;s Rise Against Google&#8217;s Search Dominance — Says OpenAI&#8217;s Partnership With Apple Is &#8216;Incremental&#8217; For Microsoft</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image via Shutterstock

GOOG

GOOGL

Google's 'Unlawful Behavior' Stifles Market Entry For Rivals: DOJ Says Alphabet Must Sell Chrome To End Search Monopoly

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) holdings company MicroStrategy Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>) ended Wednesday as Wall Street&#8217;s second-most traded stock, as its large acquisitions of the world&#8217;s leading cryptocurrency piqued the market&#8217;s interest.
What happened: MicroStrategy recorded volumes of $33.27 billion, trailing only artificial intelligence (AI) juggernaut Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), according to data from TradingView.
In fact, at one point, MicroStrategy bettered Nvidia&#8217;s trading volume.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Wow <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24MSTR&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$MSTR</a> is the most traded stock in America today.. to best <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24TSLA&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$TSLA</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24NVDA&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$NVDA</a> is crazy. It&#39;s been years since a stock has traded more than one of those two (it may have actually been <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24GME&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$GME</a> to last do it). It&#39;s also about double <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24SPY&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$SPY</a>! Wild times.. <a href="https://t.co/bUr8nycMX3">pic.twitter.com/bUr8nycMX3</a>
&mdash; Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) <a href="https://twitter.com/EricBalchunas/status/1859278500399620528?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
The Michael Saylor-led firm surpassed all other members of the &#8220;Magnificent 7&#8221; group, including Elon Musk's Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>).
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42079799/microstrategys-michael-saylor-to-advocate-for-bitcoin-investment-at-microsoft-board-meeting-offers-to-educate-rumble-ceo-with-the-strategy">Microstrategy&#8217;s Michael Saylor To Advocate For Bitcoin At Microsoft Board Meeting, Offers To Educate Rumble CEO As Well</a>
MicroStrategy accounted for nearly 64% of the trading activity of all Bitcoin-related equities on Wednesday. Additionally, funds tracking the daily performance of the MicroStrategy stock, like T-Rex 2X Long MSTR Daily Target ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTU#BATS">MSTU</a>), logged higher volumes than spot Bitcoin ETFs.
Senior Bloomberg ETF Analyst Eric Balchunas stated that the $50 billion volume clocked by the "Bitcoin Industrial Complex" was the same as the average daily volume of the UK stock market.
<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">The Bitcoin Industrial Complex crushed their record today with $50b in volume (for context that&#39;s same as ADV of entire UK stock mkt). <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24MSTR&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$MSTR</a> alone was $32b of it. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24MSTU&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$MSTU</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24MSTX&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$MSTX</a> combined for $6b (which is more than all the spot btc ETFs, which were also elevated). What a scene. <a href="https://t.co/o63I8jr70T">pic.twitter.com/o63I8jr70T</a>
&mdash; Eric Balchunas (@EricBalchunas) <a href="https://twitter.com/EricBalchunas/status/1859349948103524409?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Why It Matters: The spike in volumes comes amid MicroStrategy&#8217;s aggressive Bitcoin-buying strategy.
Earlier this week, the firm <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42042019/bitcoin-buyer-spree-microstrategy-acquires-4-6b-in-btc-metaplanet-issues-11-4m-in-bonds-to-fund-purchases">announced an acquisition</a> of 51,780 Bitcoin for approximately $4.6 billion, one of its biggest purchases ever.&nbsp;
MicroStrategy currently holds 331,200 BTC, acquired at a total purchase price of approximately $16.5 billion, and worth over $31 billion at current market prices, <a href="https://bitcointreasuries.net/">according </a>to bitcointreasuries.net.
Price Action: Shares of MicroStrategy spiked 10% to close at $473.83 on Wednesday. Year-to-date, the stock was up nearly 584%, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?_gl=1&#x2A;380nj0&#x2A;_ga&#x2A;MTEyOTAyOTcxMy4xNzEzMzY0NTYy&#x2A;_ga_V7ZK73W7N0&#x2A;MTcxNDk4MzIzMi42LjEuMTcxNDk4OTE0Ni4wLjAuMA..">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.
Image via Shutterstock
Read Next:&nbsp;
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/11/42079984/dogecoin-bitcoin-left-in-the-dust-by-ai-meme-coin-goat-as-nvidias-q3-earnings-draw-near">Dogecoin, Bitcoin Left In The Dust By AI Meme Coin GOAT As Nvidia&#8217;s Q3 Earnings Draw Near</a></li>
</ul>

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

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

MSTR

ETF Opportunities Trust T-Rex 2X Long MSTR Daily Target ETF

MSTU

TSLA

Michael Saylor's MicroStrategy Takes Wall Street By Storm, Becomes Second-Most Traded Stock After Nvidia

Archegos Capital Management founder Bill Hwang was sentenced on Wednesday to 18 years in prison for fraud and market manipulation tied to the fund's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38718096/bill-hwangs-trial-begins-over-archegos-fund-collapse-what-to-expect">dramatic collapse in 2021.&nbsp;</a>
The Details: Hwang was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Alvin Hellerstein in New York to slightly less time than the 21 years prosecutors had sought in the case. 
Hwang's lawyers had asked that he be given no prison time at all and Hwang asked the judge on Wednesday to impose a sentence that would allow him to continue to serve society. He also said that he felt "deep pain" about what happened at Archegos, according to a Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-11-20/archegos-founder-bill-hwang-sentenced-to-18-years-in-prison?sref=TBDibEcD">report.</a>
Read More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/24/11/42044642/trump-appears-frustrated-as-elon-musk-chimes-in-on-treasury-secretary-adds-more-names-to-a-list-of-potential-picks">Trump Appears &#8216;Frustrated&#8217; As Elon Musk Chimes In On Treasury Secretary, Adds More Names To Short List&nbsp;</a>
Hellerstein said Hwang's request for no jail time was "utterly ridiculous" considering the amount of money involved. 
"The amount of losses that were caused by your conduct are larger than any amount of losses I've deal with as a judge," Hellerstein said.
The judge also compared Hwang to FTX founder Sam Bankman-Fried, who received a 25-year sentence for fraud.
"What was worse? Mr. Bankman-Fried's fraud or Mr. Hwang's fraud?" Hellerstein asked.
The jury found that Hwang directed Archegos staff to relay that the firm had large positions in companies such as Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>). Archegos actually invested heavily in a small group of stocks that could be more easily manipulated. 
The collapse at Archegos contributed <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/11/29835374/troubled-lender-credit-suisse-flags-massive-loss-for-q4-as-it-speeds-up-turnaround-plans">to the demise </a>of Credit Suisse Group AG and rippled through Wall Street causing significant losses at Morgan Stanley (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MS#NYSE">MS</a>), UBS Group AG (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UBS#NYSE">UBS</a>), Nomura Holdings (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NMR#NYSE">NMR</a>) and other banks.
Former Archegos CFO Patrick Halligan was convicted alongside Hwang earlier in 2024 and will be sentenced separately in January.
Read Next:&nbsp;
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/11/41949068/bitcoin-could-reach-1-million-by-2037-economist-says-buy-of-a-lifetime-opportunity">Bitcoin Could Reach $1 Million By 2037, Economist Says: &#8216;Buy Of A Lifetime&#8217; Opportunity</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Legal

Global

Hedge Funder Linked To Credit Suisse Collapse Gets 18 Year Prison Sentence For Fraud, Market Manipulation

Several Wall Street analysts reiterated Qualcomm Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>) after the company&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/42088437/qualcomm-targets-900-billion-market-by-2030-big-bets-on-iot-and-automotive" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2024 investor day</a>.
<ul>
<li>Cantor Fitzgerald analyst CJ Muse reiterated Qualcomm with a Neutral and a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/QCOM/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">$160 price target</a>.</li>
<li>KeyBanc analyst John Vinh maintained Sector Weight on Qualcomm with a price target of $165.</li>
<li>Rosenblatt analyst Kevin Cassidy reiterated a Buy on Qualcomm with a price target of $250.</li>
</ul>
Cantor Fitzgerald: At the IoT and Automotive Diversification Update Investor Day, Qualcomm outlined its plans to shift revenue reliance from handsets to higher-growth segments like Automotive, IoT, PCs, XR/AR, and Industrial applications. Muse noted that Qualcomm&#8217;s Automotive segment is a standout performer, with the company projecting over $8 billion in revenue by fiscal 2029 at a 22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42092265/stmicroelectronics-targets-18-billion-revenue-eyes-22-24-margins-by-2028" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">STMicroelectronics Targets $20 Billion Revenue By 2030, Unveils 2027 Goals</a>
More than 80% of this forecasted revenue is supported by backlog, providing confidence in this segment&#8217;s outlook. However, IoT&#8217;s projected jump from $5.4 billion in fiscal 2024 to $14 billion in fiscal 2029 raised skepticism, mainly the PC segment target of $4 billion, which assumes a 10% market share at an average selling price of $175. Muse sees significant competitive pressure from x86-based systems, making the target aggressive.
The XR/AR revenue projection of $2 billion by fiscal 2029 appears more feasible, given partnerships with significant players like Meta, Alphabet, Google and Samsung. IDC&#8217;s forecast of a 35% CAGR for the XR market are a supporting factor. Despite the optimistic outlook for XR, overall assumptions for IoT, PC, and Industrial/Other revenue leave room for potential overestimation.
Qualcomm management maintained its long-term operating expense target at 21%-23% of revenue. The company anticipates fiscal 2029 EPS reaching $14.12, representing a 7% 5-year CAGR from $10.28 in fiscal 2024. While diversification efforts are poised to make IoT and Automotive account for 50% of total QCT revenues by fiscal 2029, Muse expressed concerns about the pace of transition, particularly with potential headwinds from Apple reducing reliance on Qualcomm&#8217;s chipsets faster than other segments can offset.
Muse projected fiscal 2025 revenue of $43.15 billion and EPS of $11.37. He expects fiscal 2026 revenue of $41.1 billion and EPS of $11.45.
KeyBanc: Qualcomm revised its Automotive revenue target to $8 billion by fiscal 2029, doubling its fiscal 2026 projection of $4 billion. This goal implies a 22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over five years, reflecting strong momentum in this segment.
The company set an ambitious target of $4 billion in PC revenue by fiscal 2029, assuming an 11% market share. This aligns with its broader IoT goal of $14 billion, including contributions from XR, Industrial IoT, and other categories.
Within IoT, Industrial IoT is expected to generate $4 billion by fiscal 2029, translating to a 21% five-year CAGR. This growth underscores Qualcomm&#8217;s strategic shift toward high-growth verticals to reduce reliance on handset revenue.
Qualcomm anticipates mid-single-digit (MSD) long-term growth for Android handsets. However, factoring in the expected transition of Apple to its internal modems, overall QCT revenue is forecasted to grow at a low-single-digit (LSD) rate over the next several years, with a 6% five-year CAGR through fiscal 2029.
While Qualcomm presented compelling long-term growth projections across critical segments, Vinh expressed caution about the need for catalysts for an edge AI replacement cycle in handsets, PCs, and other devices. Additionally, the anticipated impact of Apple&#8217;s internal modem transition poses a significant headwind, though Qualcomm management expressed confidence in its ability to sustain growth despite these challenges.
Rosenblatt: Qualcomm presented a highly attended investor day focused on its diversification strategy first outlined in 2021, emphasizing accelerated adoption of its platforms driven by AI.
Cassidy highlighted Qualcomm&#8217;s leadership in addressing diverse markets through its energy-efficient processors, advanced connectivity, and AI capabilities. Significant revenue growth is projected across Automotive, PC, XR, and Industrial IoT.
Qualcomm set a $45 billion design win pipeline for its QCT Automotive segment, with one-third tied to Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS). The company forecasts $8 billion in automotive revenue by fiscal 2029, representing a 22% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). With the total addressable market (TAM) expected to double to $100 billion by fiscal 2029, the automotive segment remains a key growth driver.
Qualcomm&#8217;s Snapdragon X Series has achieved 2.5 times growth in design wins, with 58 platforms announced. By fiscal 2029, the company targets $4 billion in PC revenue, driven by the proliferation of AI-enabled notebooks. Qualcomm projects that 90% of PCs will incorporate AI features, with 100 million devices leveraging Copilot+ annually.
Qualcomm anticipates $4 billion in Industrial IoT revenue by fiscal 2029, capitalizing on a $50 billion market opportunity by 2029. In XR (AR, VR, and MR combined), the company expects over $2 billion in fiscal 2029 revenue, with unit volumes reaching 15 million annually.
<ul>
<li>Overall IoT revenue is expected to grow 2.5x to $14 billion by fiscal 2029. </li>
<li>By 2030, Qualcomm estimates a $900 billion TAM for connected edge devices</li>
<li>In 2024, revenue grew 9% year-over-year (Y/Y)</li>
<li>EPS increased 21% Y/Y. </li>
<li>Since fiscal 2019, revenue has doubled, and EPS has tripled, supported by a 31% CAGR in automotive revenues and double-digit growth in handsets and IoT.</li>
</ul>
Adjusted operating expenses are projected to remain at 21-23% of revenue. Qualcomm also plans low-to-mid single-digit dividend growth and share buybacks as part of its capital allocation strategy.
Qualcomm aims to achieve a balanced revenue mix, targeting a 50/50 split between the handset and non-handset segments by fiscal 2029. This strategy reduces customer concentration risk and leverages growth opportunities in emerging markets like AI-enabled PCs, automotive, and industrial IoT. By scaling AI adoption at the edge, Qualcomm solidifies its position as a leader in high-growth markets while navigating challenges in its handset business.
Cassidy projected fiscal 2025 revenue of $42.9 billion and EPS of $11.59. He expects fiscal 2026 revenue of $45.35 billion and EPS of $12.49.
Price Action: Qualcomm stock traded lower by 5.94% at $154.91 at the last check on Wednesday.
Also Read:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42089611/taiwan-semiconductor-faces-china-challenges-amid-potential-trump-return-and-geopolitical-tensions" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taiwan Semiconductor Faces China Challenges Amid Potential Geopolitical Tensions From Trump&#8217;s Return</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

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QCOM

Qualcomm's Shift From Handsets To AI And Automotive Wins Analysts' Confidence

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Information Technology sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NVDA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/22/24</td>
<td>$145.00</td>
<td>$63.2K</td>
<td>53.9K</td>
<td>46.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/22/24</td>
<td>$500.00</td>
<td>$80.9K</td>
<td>6.6K</td>
<td>22.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MARA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$28.9K</td>
<td>57.2K</td>
<td>7.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/22/24</td>
<td>$225.00</td>
<td>$31.5K</td>
<td>9.7K</td>
<td>7.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IONQ</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/29/24</td>
<td>$28.00</td>
<td>$503.0K</td>
<td>697</td>
<td>4.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DDOG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$29.4K</td>
<td>187</td>
<td>3.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/22/24</td>
<td>$137.00</td>
<td>$38.5K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
<td>3.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CLSK</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$192.5K</td>
<td>13.2K</td>
<td>2.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>INTC</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$54.0K</td>
<td>17.7K</td>
<td>2.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SMCI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/22/24</td>
<td>$28.50</td>
<td>$97.5K</td>
<td>2.6K</td>
<td>1.8K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• For NVDA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 2 day(s) on November 22, 2024. This event was a transfer of 98 contract(s) at a $145.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 5 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $63.2K, with a price of $645.0 per contract. There were 53927 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 46919 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MSTR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 2 day(s) on November 22, 2024. Parties traded 27 contract(s) at a $500.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 6 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $80.9K, with a price of $3000.0 per contract. There were 6652 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 22161 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MARA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MARA#NASDAQ">MARA</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 58 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 100 contract(s) at a $30.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.9K, with a price of $289.0 per contract. There were 57206 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 7436 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AAPL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 2 day(s) on November 22, 2024. This event was a transfer of 100 contract(s) at a $225.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $31.5K, with a price of $315.0 per contract. There were 9738 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 7214 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For IONQ (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IONQ#NYSE">IONQ</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 9 day(s) on November 29, 2024. This event was a transfer of 2194 contract(s) at a $28.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 49 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $503.0K, with a price of $225.0 per contract. There were 697 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 4671 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For DDOG (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DDOG#NASDAQ">DDOG</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 93 day(s) on February 21, 2025. This event was a transfer of 55 contract(s) at a $150.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 11 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.4K, with a price of $535.0 per contract. There were 187 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 3772 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AMD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 2 day(s) on November 22, 2024. This event was a transfer of 150 contract(s) at a $137.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $38.5K, with a price of $257.0 per contract. There were 1591 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 3267 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding CLSK (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLSK#NASDAQ">CLSK</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 240 day(s) on July 18, 2025. Parties traded 350 contract(s) at a $20.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $192.5K, with a price of $550.0 per contract. There were 13267 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2340 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding INTC (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 422 day(s) on January 16, 2026. Parties traded 2250 contract(s) at a $70.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $54.0K, with a price of $24.0 per contract. There were 17787 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2295 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding SMCI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 2 day(s) on November 22, 2024. Parties traded 1499 contract(s) at a $28.50 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 16 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $97.5K, with a price of $65.0 per contract. There were 2694 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1897 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Options

CLSK

DDOG

INTC

IONQ

MARA

SMCI

10 Information Technology Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

In the ever-changing and fiercely competitive business landscape, conducting thorough company analysis is crucial for investors and industry experts. In this article, we will undertake a comprehensive industry comparison, evaluating Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and its primary competitors in the Technology Hardware, Storage &amp; Peripherals industry. By closely examining key financial metrics, market position, and growth prospects, our aim is to provide valuable insights for investors and shed light on company's performance within the industry.
<h3>Apple Background</h3>
Apple is among the largest companies in the world, with a broad portfolio of hardware and software products targeted at consumers and businesses. Apple's iPhone makes up a majority of the firm sales, and Apple's other products like Mac, iPad, and Watch are designed around the iPhone as the focal point of an expansive software ecosystem. Apple has progressively worked to add new applications, like streaming video, subscription bundles, and augmented reality. The firm designs its own software and semiconductors while working with subcontractors like Foxconn and TSMC to build its products and chips. Slightly less than half of Apple's sales come directly through its flagship stores, with a majority of sales coming indirectly through partnerships and distribution.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>P/E</th>
<th>P/B</th>
<th>P/S</th>
<th>ROE</th>
<th>EBITDA (in billions)</th>
<th>Gross Profit (in billions)</th>
<th>Revenue Growth</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Apple Inc</td>
<td>37.55</td>
<td>60.59</td>
<td>8.99</td>
<td>23.83%</td>
<td>$32.5</td>
<td>$43.88</td>
<td>6.07%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co</td>
<td>15.27</td>
<td>1.27</td>
<td>0.98</td>
<td>2.34%</td>
<td>$1.23</td>
<td>$2.44</td>
<td>10.11%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NetApp Inc</td>
<td>23.91</td>
<td>26.94</td>
<td>4.06</td>
<td>23.9%</td>
<td>$0.38</td>
<td>$1.1</td>
<td>7.61%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Western Digital Corp</td>
<td>71.75</td>
<td>1.94</td>
<td>1.52</td>
<td>4.28%</td>
<td>$0.86</td>
<td>$1.55</td>
<td>48.91%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Super Micro Computer Inc</td>
<td>14.07</td>
<td>3.03</td>
<td>1.14</td>
<td>6.68%</td>
<td>$0.4</td>
<td>$0.6</td>
<td>37.87%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pure Storage Inc</td>
<td>115.52</td>
<td>11.25</td>
<td>5.79</td>
<td>2.52%</td>
<td>$0.08</td>
<td>$0.54</td>
<td>10.91%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eastman Kodak Co</td>
<td>7.51</td>
<td>0.43</td>
<td>0.46</td>
<td>1.34%</td>
<td>$0.04</td>
<td>$0.04</td>
<td>-2.97%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Turtle Beach Corp</td>
<td>48.32</td>
<td>2.95</td>
<td>0.89</td>
<td>3.3%</td>
<td>$0.01</td>
<td>$0.03</td>
<td>59.51%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Immersion Corp</td>
<td>4.77</td>
<td>1.20</td>
<td>1.70</td>
<td>13.41%</td>
<td>$0.03</td>
<td>$0.06</td>
<td>1323.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AstroNova Inc</td>
<td>16.96</td>
<td>1.17</td>
<td>0.72</td>
<td>-0.34%</td>
<td>$0.0</td>
<td>$0.01</td>
<td>14.12%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average</td>
<td>35.34</td>
<td>5.58</td>
<td>1.92</td>
<td>6.38%</td>
<td>$0.34</td>
<td>$0.71</td>
<td>167.76%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<style>
 table {
 width: 100%;
 border-collapse: collapse;
 font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
 font-size: 14px;
 }

 th, td {
 padding: 8px;
 text-align: left;
 }

 th {
 background-color: #293a5a;
 color: #fff;
 text-align: left;
 }

 tr:nth-child(even) {
 background-color: #f2f4f8;
 }

 tr:hover {
 background-color: #e1e4ea;
 }

 td:nth-child(3), td:nth-child(5) {
 text-align: left;
 }

 .dividend-amount {
 font-weight: bold;
 color: #0d6efd;
 }

 .dividend-frequency {
 font-size: 12px;
 color: #6c757d;
 }
 </style>By carefully studying Apple, we can deduce the following trends: 
<ul>
<li>
At 37.55, the stock's Price to Earnings ratio significantly exceeds the industry average by 1.06x, suggesting a premium valuation relative to industry peers.
</li>
<li>
It could be trading at a premium in relation to its book value, as indicated by its Price to Book ratio of 60.59 which exceeds the industry average by 10.86x.
</li>
<li>
With a relatively high Price to Sales ratio of 8.99, which is 4.68x the industry average, the stock might be considered overvalued based on sales performance.
</li>
<li>
The Return on Equity (ROE) of 23.83% is 17.45% above the industry average, highlighting efficient use of equity to generate profits.
</li>
<li>
The company exhibits higher Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of $32.5 Billion, which is 95.59x above the industry average, implying stronger profitability and robust cash flow generation.
</li>
<li>
Compared to its industry, the company has higher gross profit of $43.88 Billion, which indicates 61.8x above the industry average, indicating stronger profitability and higher earnings from its core operations.
</li>
<li>
The company's revenue growth of 6.07% is significantly lower compared to the industry average of 167.76%. This indicates a potential fall in the company's sales performance.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Debt To Equity Ratio</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1732114825_0.png" alt="debt to equity" />
The debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio is a key indicator of a company's financial health and its reliance on debt financing.
Considering the debt-to-equity ratio in industry comparisons allows for a concise evaluation of a company's financial health and risk profile, aiding in informed decision-making.
By analyzing Apple in relation to its top 4 peers based on the Debt-to-Equity ratio, the following insights can be derived:
<ul>
<li>
Apple is positioned in the middle in terms of the debt-to-equity ratio compared to its top 4 peers.
</li>
<li>
This suggests a balanced financial structure, where the company maintains a moderate level of debt while also relying on equity financing with a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.87.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Takeaways</h3>
For Apple, the PE, PB, and PS ratios are all high compared to its peers in the Technology Hardware, Storage &amp; Peripherals industry, indicating that the stock may be overvalued. On the other hand, Apple's high ROE, EBITDA, gross profit, and low revenue growth suggest strong profitability and operational efficiency relative to its industry competitors.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Assessing Apple's Performance Against Competitors In Technology Hardware, Storage &amp; Peripherals Industry

The name Tim Cook is now known around the world, thanks to his role as CEO of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), leading one of the most valuable companies<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/21/10/23714440/5-things-you-might-not-know-about-apple-ceo-tim-cook-2"> in the world.</a>
Small Town to Apple HQ: Before he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/23/06/33049968/if-you-invested-1-000-in-apple-stock-when-tim-cook-became-the-ceo-heres-how-much-youd-have-now">became the CEO</a> of Apple and various other technology jobs, Cook grew up in the small town of Robertsdale, Alabama, which had a population of 6,708 in the 2020 Census.
Cook attended Auburn University to study industrial engineering, leaving the small town behind for college life. While in college, Cook watched football and asked a lot of questions, the CEO recalled in a recent <a href="https://www.wsj.com/style/tim-cook-interview-apple-intelligence-vision-pro-48c59018">interview </a>with the Wall Street Journal.
"I've gone from believing that if you ask questions, it meant you're fundamentally not smart, to believing that the more you ask, the more curious you are, the smarter you get," Cook said.
After working at IBM and Compaq and building a reputation as a supply-chain and logistics guru, Cook received a phone call from Apple co-founder Steve Jobs and recalled knowing in minutes that this was the person he wanted to work for.
Cook moved to California, where he lived in a tiny apartment and drove a Honda Accord before becoming a guru at Apple. While with Apple, Cook reinvented the company's supply chain and logistics. He was later promoted to the role of chief operating officer before being named CEO in August 2011 to succeed Jobs, who was ailing.
In October 2011, Cook went to Jobs' home to say goodbye to the legendary Apple co-founder. Cook recalled Jobs&#8217; last piece of advice for him was not to ask what Jobs would do, but to do what he thought was right when it came to leading Apple. Jobs passed away a day later.
While doubts lingered over Apple's future following Jobs' departure and passing, the company has thrived under Cook&#8217;s leadership. Apple has experienced years of growth, innovation, and new product launches, solidifying its position as the world's most valuable company with a $3.5 trillion valuation today.
You may not be a billionaire like Tim Cook, but you can uncover hidden gems in the stock market using our proprietary data and pattern recognition — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/exclusives/24/10/41405659/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet">check out five stocks flying under the radar that deserve your attention.</a>
Tim Cook Today: Cook, who recently turned 64, believes that tomorrow is better than today.
"I love the idea for a bunch of people to feel like tomorrow is better than today – the dream, the belief that you're going to stand on your parents' shoulders," Cook said.
Cook said while this is a deeply American idea, he sees it throughout parts of the world.
"There may not be a more important philosophy in life. I think it's something we all need to hold onto – and not only hold onto it, but feel accountable for passing it on."
Despite being the CEO of one of the most valuable companies in the world, Cook is a rather private person. The interviewer shared tidbits about Cook that include liking to hike national parks and to drink Diet Mountain Dew.
He&#8217;s also a fan of Duke basketball and Auburn football, the schools where he got his Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science degrees, respectively.
Cook, who made history in 2014 as the first openly gay CEO of a Fortune 500 company, values his privacy and focuses on keeping the spotlight on Apple's products rather than his personal life.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/10/41439387/apple-ceo-tim-cook-uses-iphone-apple-watch-every-day-says-apple-intelligence-has-changed-my-life">Apple CEO Tim Cook Uses iPhone, Apple Watch &#8216;Every Day,&#8217; Says Apple Intelligence Has &#8216;Changed My Life&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Education

Management

Steve Jobs' Final Lesson To Tim Cook Came Just One Day Before He Died

During China's Double 11 shopping holiday, smartphone brands had strong sales, with Apple, Xiaomi, and Honor performing particularly well.

"Apple, Xiaomi and Honor Sell Well During China Double 11" - DigiTimes

On Tuesday, Qualcomm Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>) hosted its 2024 Investor Day, unveiling ambitious growth targets and a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/11/b42076261/qualcomm-sets-new-growth-targets-showcasing-companys-opportunity-as-on-device-ai-accelerates-deman" rel="noreferrer noopener">significant opportunity for diversification</a>.
The company emphasized its unique positioning at the edge of connectivity, which will likely expand its total addressable market (TAM) to $900 billion by 2030, driven by a projected 50 billion connected edge device shipments during this period.
At the event, CEO Cristiano Amon highlighted how the company&#8217;s technology roadmap and focus on diversification enhance its growth potential.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42071199/kingsoft-cloud-q3-earnings-revenue-surges-16-ai-growth-fuels-profits-ceo-shares-optimistic-outlook" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kingsoft Cloud Q3 Earnings: Revenue Surges 16%, AI Growth Fuels Profits, CEO Shares Optimistic Outlook</a>
As generative AI continues to fuel demand across industries, Qualcomm aims to capitalize on its expanding ecosystem of customers and partners.
Qualcomm outlined its five-year financial goals, projecting strong revenue growth across key segments.
The Automotive and IoT divisions are expected to deliver a combined $22 billion in revenue by fiscal year 2029. Automotive alone is projected to generate $8 billion, while IoT revenues are forecasted to reach $14 billion.
Additional targets include $4 billion in revenue from PC applications, $4 billion from Industrial IoT, and $2 billion from XR. The remaining IoT categories are also anticipated to contribute $4 billion in revenue by fiscal 2029, reflecting the breadth of Qualcomm&#8217;s opportunities in connected technologies.&nbsp;&nbsp;
During the presentation, Qualcomm executives detailed how its technology advances across sectors. Nakul Duggal, Group General Manager of Automotive, Industrial, and Cloud, emphasized the company&#8217;s traction in automotive applications.
At the same time, Alex Katouzian, Group General Manager of Mobile, Compute, and XR, discussed the expanding role of extended reality and mobile platforms.
Qualcomm&nbsp;stock surged over 17% year-to-date.
Qualcomm reported <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/11/41786182/qualcomm-q4-earnings-highlights-revenue-beat-eps-beat-new-15-billion-share-buyback-announced" rel="noreferrer noopener">fourth-quarter revenue</a> of $10.24 billion, up 19%, topping the Street consensus estimate of $9.91 billion. Qualcomm reported $8.68 billion in revenue for its QCT segment, marking an 18% increase. The segment&#8217;s revenue comprised:
<ul>
<li>Handsets: $6.1 billion, a 12% year-over-year rise</li>
<li>Automotive: $899 million, a 68% year-over-year surge</li>
<li>IoT: $1.68 billion, an 18% year-over-year growth</li>
</ul>
The QCT automotive division achieved its fifth consecutive quarterly revenue record. Revenue for the QTL segment reached $1.52 billion, reflecting a 21% increase.
Qualcomm expects first-quarter revenue of $10.5 billion—$11.3 billion, compared to the $10.9 billion consensus estimate. The board also approved a new $15 billion stock buyback program.
Cantor Fitzgerald&#8217;s C.J. Muse, Rosenblatt Securities&#8217; Kevin Cassidy, Piper Sandler&#8217;s Harsh Kumar, and Benchmark&#8217;s Cody Acree highlighted Qualcomm&#8217;s quarterly beat, which was driven by <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/41819185/qualcomm-reports-q4-beat-analysts-divided-over-prospects-of-the-handset-market" rel="noreferrer noopener">Chinese premium phone demand</a> and diversification into IoT and Automotive. Muse also flagged challenges ahead with Apple Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) internal modem plans and slowing smartphone markets.
Price Action: QCOM stock traded lower by 0.25% at $164.29 premarket at the last check on Wednesday.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42070170/quantum-leap-nvidias-collaboration-with-google-ai-advances-next-gen-quantum-hardware" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nvidia&#8217;s Collaboration with Google AI Advances Next-Gen Quantum Hardware</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by Monoar Rahman Rony from Pixabay

Qualcomm Targets $900 Billion Market by 2030: Big Bets on IoT and Automotive

Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) is preparing to urge a federal judge&nbsp;to dismiss the U.S. Department&nbsp;of Justice&#8217;s case accusing the company of unlawfully monopolizing the smartphone market.
What Happened: The case is a significant part of the ongoing antitrust battle against Big Tech companies. The hearing, scheduled for Wednesday, will be presided over by&nbsp;U.S. District Judge Julien Neals&nbsp;in Newark, New Jersey, Reuters reported on Wednesday. 
Prosecutors allege that Apple stifles competition&nbsp;by limiting interoperability between the&nbsp;iPhone and third-party apps and&nbsp;devices. Apple, in its defense, asserts that its restrictions on developers&#8217; access to its technology are reasonable and necessary for innovation.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/42023396/sean-parkers-net-worth-touches-3b-from-launching-napster-to-becoming-facebook-billionaire-the-story-of-teenage-hacker-turned-entrepreneur?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sean Parker&#8217;s Net Worth Touches $3B: From Launching Napster To Becoming Facebook Billionaire, The Story Of Teenage Hacker Turned Entrepreneur</a>
The antitrust case against Apple was initiated during Donald Trump&#8217;s first presidential term and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/politics/24/04/38343376/elizabeth-warren-attacks-apple-smartphone-monopoly-green-texts-on-iphones-theyre-ruining-relatio">filed under President</a> Joe Biden&#8217;s administration. Other Big Tech firms, including Alphabet&#8216;s Google (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), and Amazon.com (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), are also facing similar antitrust cases.
Why It Matters: The lawsuit against Apple, filed in March by the DOJ and a coalition of states, targets restrictions and fees on app developers, and technical barriers to third-party devices and services that compete with Apple&#8217;s own. The case will proceed if the judge finds the claims plausible.
Meanwhile, its $20 billion agreement with Google&#8216;s parent Alphabet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) to make Google Chrome the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42083150/googles-20b-search-deal-with-apple-faces-collapse-after-antitrust-ruling-what-it-could-means-for-both-tech-giants">default search engine</a> is also under threat after a U.S. federal judge ruled the deal as illegal monopoly.
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/41872302/taylor-swift-fans-abandon-elon-musks-x-for-bluesky-how-trumps-election-victory-triggered-swifties-uprising?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taylor Swift Fans Abandon Elon Musk&#8217;s X For Bluesky, Says Report: How Trump&#8217;s Election Victory Triggered &nbsp;Swifties Uprising</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Apple
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/Pooja-Rajkumari" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Pooja Rajkumari</a>

AMZN

Apple To Argue For Dismissal Of DOJ Antitrust Case Over Alleged US Smartphone Market Domination

Alphabet Inc.'s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) lucrative agreement to pay Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) over <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/05/38573998/how-much-is-google-really-paying-apple-to-be-default-search-engine-on-iphones-unsealed-court-pap">$20 billion a year</a> to make its search engine the default on iPhones is now under threat.
What Happened: In May earlier this year, an antitrust lawsuit against Google&#8217;s parent company revealed that Apple received a massive $20 billion in 2022 to make Google the default search engine on Apple's Safari browser on iPhones.
The documents also underscore the importance of these payments to Apple's financial performance, with Google's contributions in 2020 accounting for 17.5% of the company&#8217;s operating income.
Following this, in August, a U.S. federal judge ruled that Alphabet's Google holds an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/08/40169996/alphabet-loses-antitrust-suit-over-google-search-dominance-report">illegal monopoly</a> in the search engine market.
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) now plans to propose measures to prevent these types of payments, arguing that they reinforce Google&#8217;s dominant position in the market, <a href="https://www.wsj.com/us-news/law/antitrust-enforcers-prepare-final-blitz-against-big-tech-39afe085?mod=lead_feature_below_a_pos3">according</a> to the Wall Street Journal. 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/42053801/alphabets-life-sciences-firm-verily-to-become-a-standalone-entity-disconnect-from-google">Alphabet&#8217;s Life Sciences Firm Verily To Become A Standalone Entity, Disconnect From Google</a>
If the judge grants the DOJ&#8217;s request, this long-standing arrangement between the two tech giants could end.
If Google is barred from making these payments, Apple might need to find new partners to fill the gap. Microsoft Corporation's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) Bing or other search providers could step in, but whether they will offer similar terms remains uncertain.
While <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/09/34990297/microsoft-considered-selling-bing-to-apple-as-google-rival-but-iphone-maker-remained-skeptical">Bing was the default</a> search engine for Siri and Spotlight from 2013 to 2017, Apple later switched back to Google.
Microsoft launched Bing in 2009 to directly compete with Google. However, despite its efforts, Google <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/04/31823704/is-bing-the-new-google-samsung-devices-could-ditch-google-search-for-microsoft-bing">remains the dominant player</a>.
A previous Bloomberg report has also suggested that the DOJ&#8217;s plan highlighted the proposal to force <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/11/42053249/google-could-lose-chrome-browser-in-dojs-latest-antitrust-move">Google to divest its</a> Chrome browser.
Why It Matters: Though the ruling could be a setback for Google, it's far from final.&nbsp;
Google has already indicated that it will appeal the decision, and the outcome could change depending on future legal developments.
Earlier, Google&#8217;s vice president of regulatory affairs, Lee-Anne Mulholland told <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">Benzinga</a>, "The government putting its thumb on the scale in these ways would harm consumers, developers, and American technological leadership at precisely the moment it is most needed."
Previously, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai also stated during the company&#8217;s third-quarter earnings call that the DOJ&#8217;s proposals could result in &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41616230/sundar-pichai-admits-doj-proposals-could-have-unintended-consequences-google-mapping-out-plan-b-in-c">unintended consequences</a>.&#8221;
As the DOJ&#8217;s final proposed remedies draw nearer on Nov. 20, JPMorgan analyst Doug Anmuth anticipates potential headline risk but believes it could provide much-needed clarity.
He continues to have an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/11/42036010/alphabet-on-trial-doj-remedies-loom-but-analyst-sees-20-upside-as-discount-to-meta-narrows">Overweight rating on GOOGL</a> stock, with a price target of $212, indicating a 20% upside from its current price.
Price Action: On Tuesday, Alphabet&#8217;s Class A shares rose by 1.61%, closing at $178.12, while Class C shares increased by 1.57%, finishing at $179.58. In Wednesday&#8217;s pre-market session, Class A shares gained 0.06% to $178.22, and Class C shares edged up by 0.03% to $179.63, as of the latest update, according to <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/lxquj26b2sag">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.
Apple shares rose by 0.11% on Tuesday, ending the day at $228.28. However, in Wednesday&#8217;s pre-market session, the stock declined by 0.21%, reaching $227.79 at the time of writing.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42025223/legendary-investor-rob-arnott-says-stock-market-looks-and-feels-like-the-year-2000-as-wall-street-rallies-after-trumps-win-likely-to-see-a-bear-market?itm_source=parsely-api">Legendary Investor Rob Arnott Says Stock Market ‘Looks And Feels Like The Year 2000' As Wall Street Rallies After Trump's Win: ‘…Likely To See A Bear Market'</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Apple Stares At Multi-Billion Dollar Hit Amid Google's Antitrust Ruling: Here's What Investors Should Know

Microsoft Corporation&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) CEO Satya Nadella highlighted Bing's strong growth countering concerns about its minimal impact on Alphabet Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google's global <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/09/34990297/microsoft-considered-selling-bing-to-apple-as-google-rival-but-iphone-maker-remained-skeptical">search dominance</a>.
What Happened: On Tuesday, during a conversation with a CNBC Overtime anchor Jon Fortt, Nadella was asked when AI was integrated into Bing, the hope was to gain more share from Google.
However, one year down the line, Google still has roughly 90% of the global search share. In response, the Microsoft CEO said that Bing search is one of the fastest-growing businesses, showing strong double-digit growth.
When asked about search share, Nadella responded that it&#8217;s a game of 100 basis points, and any progress is good.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/42056367/how-to-safeguard-your-data-before-apples-deadline-step-by-step-guide-for-backing-up-ios-8-and-earlier-devices?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">How To Safeguard Your Data Before Apple&#8217;s Deadline: Step-By-Step Guide For Backing Up iOS 8 And Earlier Devices</a>
He then expressed excitement about the success of OpenAI&#8217;s ChatGPT and its partnership with&nbsp;Apple Inc.&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), which he said is beneficial for Microsoft as it runs on Azure.
&#8220;That's all incremental for even us,&#8221; Nadella stated, adding, &#8220;We are giving them the Bing index and powering ChatGPT search using our APIs.&#8221;
Regarding the relationship with OpenAI, Nadella expressed satisfaction with the partnership&#8217;s progress.
&#8220;We are thrilled to be an investor. We're thrilled to be a partner around I.P. They're one of our biggest customers now. We also compete in some areas. And so the partnership has all of those dimensions to it,&#8221; he said.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">I spoke with <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24MSFT&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$MSFT</a> CEO <a href="https://twitter.com/satyanadella?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@satyanadella</a> today about how the company's relationship with <a href="https://twitter.com/OpenAI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@OpenAI</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/sama?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sama</a> is developing: <a href="https://twitter.com/CNBCOvertime?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@CNBCOvertime</a> <a href="https://t.co/JOjwvmA0lU">pic.twitter.com/JOjwvmA0lU</a>
&mdash; Jon Fortt (@jonfortt) <a href="https://twitter.com/jonfortt/status/1859022001006146013?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Subscribe to the&nbsp;<a href="https://bztechtrends.beehiiv.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Tech Trends newsletter</a>&nbsp;to get all the latest tech developments delivered to your inbox.
Why It Matters: Microsoft launched Bing in 2009 to compete directly with Google. However, despite its efforts, Google <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/04/31823704/is-bing-the-new-google-samsung-devices-could-ditch-google-search-for-microsoft-bing">remains the dominant player</a>, with Bing capturing less than 10% of search queries.
Meanwhile, the partnership between Microsoft and OpenAI has been a topic of interest in the tech world, especially since reports started surfacing about OpenAI&#8217;s shift from a nonprofit to a for-profit model.
Microsoft has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/10/41556636/microsoft-and-openai-clash-over-14-billion-as-the-ai-leader-converts-to-a-for-profit-business-disrup">invested nearly $14 billion</a> in OpenAI since 2019, leading to a high-stakes financial and governance tug-of-war. OpenAI&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41149788/openai-valuation-soars-to-157b-in-latest-funding-round">valuation soared to $157 billion</a> in its latest funding round.
Earlier in May it was reported that OpenAI&#8217;s potential agreement with Apple had <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/39109729/openais-apple-deal-sparks-concerns-in-microsoft-could-shift-ai-market-dynamics">sparked concerns within Microsoft</a>.
Last month, Microsoft&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/10/41636770/microsoft-q1-earnings-highlights-ai-driven-transformation-is-changing-work-company-beats-revenue-ep">first-quarter earnings</a> reported a 16% year-over-year increase in revenue.
Price Action: Microsoft shares rose 0.49% on Tuesday, closing at $417.79, with a slight additional gain of 0.05% in after-hours trading, reaching $418 at the time of writing, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.
Check out more of Benzinga&#8217;s Consumer Tech coverage by&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/consumer-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">following this link</a>.
Read Next:
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Media

Satya Nadella Defends Bing's Rise Against Google's Search Dominance — Says OpenAI's Partnership With Apple Is 'Incremental' For Microsoft

To gain an edge, this is what you need to know today.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img decoding="async" src="https://thearorareport.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024-11-19_07h56_39.png" alt="" style="width:624px" /></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">New Russian Nuclear Doctrine</h3>
Please <a href="https://thearorareport.com/chart-analysis-stock-russian-nuclear-doctrine-walmart-breakout-wmt-mc-11192024">click here</a> for an enlarged chart of Walmart Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WMT#NYSE">WMT</a>).
Note the following:
<ul>
<li>This article is about the big picture, not an individual stock.&nbsp; The chart of WMT is being used to illustrate the point.</li>
<li>The U.S. economy is 70% consumer based.&nbsp; Walmart is the largest retailer in the U.S.&nbsp; For this reason, prudent investors pay attention to Walmart's earnings.</li>
<li>The chart shows WMT stock gapped up after earnings.</li>
<li>The chart shows that WMT stock also gapped up on earnings in the prior two quarters.</li>
<li>Walmart reported earnings better than the whisper numbers.&nbsp; Stocks move based on the difference between reported numbers and whisper numbers.&nbsp; Whisper numbers are the number analysts privately share with their best clients.&nbsp; Whisper numbers are different from the numbers the same analysts publish for public consumption.</li>
<li>In The Arora Report analysis, the following are the most important points from Walmart earnings:
<ul>
<li>Higher end consumers continue to shift to Walmart.</li>
<li>E-commerce at Walmart, especially quick delivery, is growing rapidly.</li>
<li>Margins are expanding.</li>
<li>Walmart is gaining market share.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In The Arora Report analysis, as good as Walmart is doing, investors need to be mindful of the very high valuation for a retailer.&nbsp; Walmart is trading at a trailing PE of 43.&nbsp; However, as Walmart's earnings are growing, forward PE is 30, which is still expensive for a retailer.</li>
<li>As full disclosure, Walmart is in The Arora Report&#8217;s ZYX Buy Core Model Portfolio from an average price of $19.25.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Prudent investors also watch earnings from home improvement retailer Lowe&#8217;s Companies Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LOW#NYSE">LOW</a>).&nbsp; Lowe's earnings are a reflection of the consumer, especially remodeling of existing homes.&nbsp; Lowe's earnings are slightly below whisper numbers. &nbsp; As full disclosure, LOW is also in The Arora Report&#8217;s ZYX Buy Core Model Portfolio and is long from an average of $81.85.</li>
<li>In the early trade, markets are responding to the new Russian doctrine.
<ul>
<li>Stocks are being sold.</li>
<li>Gold and silver are being bought.</li>
<li>Oil is being bought.</li>
<li>The dollar is being bought.</li>
<li>The yen is being bought.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>The new Russian doctrine brings the world closer to World War III.&nbsp; The new doctrine is in response to the U.S. allowing Ukraine to fire U.S. manufactured long range missiles on targets inside Russia.</li>
<li>Prudent investors should note the following three elements of the new Russian doctrine.
<ul>
<li>An attack on Russia by any country supported by a nuclear power will be considered a joint attack on Russia.</li>
<li>A massive aerial attack could trigger a nuclear response from Russia.&nbsp;</li>
<li>In reference to NATO, an aggression by a member of the coalition will be viewed as aggression by the entire bloc.&nbsp;&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li>In The Arora Report analysis, the new Russian doctrine is squarely directed at the U.S.&nbsp; The purpose appears to be to persuade Trump to stop supporting Ukraine and force Ukraine to cede territory in Eastern Ukraine to Russia.&nbsp; Further, in The Arora Report analysis, the ultimate solution is likely going to be the U.S. forcing Ukraine to give Eastern Ukraine to Russia as per Russian wishes.&nbsp; This has been a long standing Arora call.</li>
<li>For the first time ever, Ukraine has attacked a warehouse inside Russia using long range missiles manufactured by the U.S. &nbsp; The missile attack was conducted with Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS).&nbsp; The missiles are manufactured by Lockheed Martin Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMT#NYSE">LMT</a>), a major U.S. defense contractor.&nbsp; The targeted warehouse housed ammunition and missiles from North Korea.&nbsp; North Korea is promising 100K troops to fight for Russia in Ukraine.</li>
<li>There is no change in the protection band at this time, but we are keeping a close eye on the situation.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Housing</h3>
New housing is beginning to weaken.&nbsp; Here is the just released data:
<ul>
<li>Housing starts came at 1.311M vs. 1.34M consensus.</li>
<li>Building permits came at 1.416M vs. 1.441M consensus.</li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Magnificent Seven Money Flows</h3>
In the early trade, money flows are positive in NVIDIA Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>).
In the early trade, money flows are negative in Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), Amazon.com, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Alphabet Inc Class C (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>), Meta Platforms Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>), and Tesla Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>).
In the early trade, money flows are negative in SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) and Invesco QQQ Trust Series 1 (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Momo Crowd And Smart Money In Stocks</h3>
Investors can gain an edge by knowing money flows in SPY and QQQ.  Investors can get a bigger edge by knowing when smart money is buying stocks, gold, and oil.  The most popular ETF for gold is SPDR Gold Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLD#NYSE">GLD</a>).  The most popular ETF for silver is iShares Silver Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLV#NYSE">SLV</a>).  The most popular ETF for oil is United States Oil ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/USO#NYSE">USO</a>).
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bitcoin</h3>
Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) is range bound.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Protection Band And What To Do Now</h3>
It is important for investors to look ahead and not in the rearview mirror.&nbsp; The proprietary protection band from The Arora Report is very popular.&nbsp; The protection band puts all of the data, all of the indicators, all of the news, all of the crosscurrents, all of the models, and all of the analysis in an analytical framework that is easily actionable by investors.
Consider continuing to hold good, very long term, existing positions. Based on individual risk preference, consider a protection band consisting of cash or Treasury bills or short-term tactical trades as well as short to medium term hedges and short term hedges. This is a good way to protect yourself and participate in the upside at the same time.
You can determine your protection bands by adding cash to hedges.&nbsp; The high band of the protection is appropriate for those who are older or conservative. The low band of the protection is appropriate for those who are younger or aggressive.&nbsp; If you do not hedge, the total cash level should be more than stated above but significantly less than cash plus hedges.
A protection band of 0% would be very bullish and would indicate full investment with 0% in cash.&nbsp; A protection band of 100% would be very bearish and would indicate a need for aggressive protection with cash and hedges or aggressive short selling.
It is worth reminding that you cannot take advantage of new upcoming opportunities if you are not holding enough cash.&nbsp; When adjusting hedge levels, consider adjusting partial stop quantities for stock positions (non ETF); consider using wider stops on remaining quantities and also allowing more room for high beta stocks.&nbsp; High beta stocks are the ones that move more than the market.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Traditional 60/40 Portfolio</h3>
Probability based risk reward adjusted for inflation does not favor long duration strategic bond allocation at this time.
Those who want to stick to traditional 60% allocation to stocks and 40% to bonds may consider focusing on only high quality bonds and bonds of five year duration or less.&nbsp; Those willing to bring sophistication to their investing may consider using bond ETFs as tactical positions and not strategic positions at this time.
The Arora Report is known for its accurate calls. The Arora Report correctly called the big artificial intelligence rally before anyone else, the new bull market of 2023, the bear market of 2022, new stock market highs right after the virus low in 2020, the virus drop in 2020, the DJIA rally to 30,000 when it was trading at 16,000, the start of a mega bull market in 2009, and the financial crash of 2008. Please click here to sign up for a free forever <a href="https://thearorareport.com/generate-wealth-newsletter-benzinga">Generate Wealth Newsletter</a>.

Market Summary

Not World War III But New Russian Nuclear Doctrine Brings Selling In Stocks, Walmart Breaks Out

Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) is stepping up its efforts to address a sales <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/10/41573818/iphone-16-blocked-apple-faces-sales-ban-in-indonesia-over-local-investment-shortfall-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">ban on its iPhone 16</a> in Indonesia by proposing a substantial $100 million investment.
The tech giant aims to strengthen its position in one of Southeast Asia&#8217;s largest markets by meeting the country&#8217;s stringent domestic content requirements.
Earlier this year, Apple failed to meet Indonesia&#8217;s Domestic Content Level threshold, a prerequisite for certifying imported products like the iPhone 16, Firstpost <a target="_blank" href="https://www.firstpost.com/tech/apple-to-increase-investment-in-indonesia-by-10x-to-reverse-iphone-ban-invest-over-100-million-13836406.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/11/41966622/netease-q3-earnings-top-forecasts-as-cloud-music-grows-gaming-weakens" rel="noreferrer noopener">NetEase Q3 Earnings: Revenue And EPS Beat As Cloud Music Grows, Gaming Weakens</a>
Apple initially offered $10 million to address the shortfall, but the Ministry of Industry deemed this insufficient, resulting in the ban&#8217;s continuation.
Indonesia&#8217;s Ministry of Industry blocked iPhone 16 sales last month, citing the company&#8217;s failure to meet a 40% domestic content threshold, Bloomberg <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-11-19/apple-said-to-offer-100-million-to-undo-indonesia-iphone-16-ban?srnd=phx-technology&amp;sref=TBDibEcD" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Apple&#8217;s previous $10 million investment plan focused on manufacturing accessories and components but fell short of regulatory demands.
Apple has invested $95 million in Indonesia through developer academies but remains $5 million short of the 1.7 trillion rupiah ($109.6 million) threshold.
Apple proposed a $100 million investment spread over two years to resolve the impasse. However, Indonesian authorities are pushing for these funds to focus on research and development rather than bolstering existing manufacturing collaborations.
Apple has already invested in initiatives like its Developer Academies, with the latest launch in April 2024. Despite these efforts, the Ministry remains steadfast in its demand for a more strategic commitment.
Indonesia&#8217;s stringent investment requirements reflect a broader policy under President Prabowo Subianto aimed at boosting local industry and reducing reliance on imports. Global tech companies, including Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) Google, and ByteDance, have faced similar challenges.
Apple&#8217;s increased investment underscores its determination to tap into Indonesia&#8217;s 278 million consumers, over half of whom are under 44 and tech-savvy, the report says.
The ban&#8217;s resolution could also bolster Apple&#8217;s efforts to decouple its supply chain from China while strengthening its foothold in emerging markets.
Meanwhile, Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo reported a <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41497367/apple-stock-is-sliding-wednesday-whats-going-on" rel="noreferrer noopener">ten million-unit</a> cut in iPhone 16 orders from late 2024 through mid-2025. Most cuts impact non-Pro models, with production now forecast at 84 million units.
iPhone SE4 production is set to begin in December, targeting 8.6 million units by Q1 2025. Kuo expects iPhone revenues to face pressure in early 2025 due to shipment declines and a less favorable product mix.
Needham&#8217;s Laura Martin&nbsp;expects iPhone sales&nbsp;to account for&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41551122/apples-q3-smartphone-sales-slip-despite-strong-iphone-16-demand-market-share-dropped-slightly" rel="noreferrer noopener">89%-96% of</a> Apple&#8217;s 2025 revenue.
Price Action: AAPL stock is up 0.64% at $229.48 at the last check on Tuesday.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/emerging-markets/24/11/41951575/taiwan-semi-boosts-advanced-chipmaking-with-record-euv-expansion-grabs-56-global-share" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Taiwan Semi Boosts Advanced Chipmaking with Record EUV Expansion, Grabs 56% Global Share</a></li>
</ul>
Photo via Apple

Government

Regulations

Emerging Markets

Apple's $100 Million Gamble, Tech Giant Moves to Lift Indonesia's iPhone Ban

Wall Street analysts are painting optimistic pictures for the U.S. stock market heading into 2025, with the S&amp;P 500 index — as tracked by the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>) — expected to climb to 6,500 points by year's end, according to both Goldman <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/expert-ideas">Sachs and Morgan Stanley. </a>
That projection represents an 11% gain from current levels and places the return in the 46th percentile of 12-month S&amp;P 500 returns since 1980. 
Yet, while both firms share optimism about the market's trajectory, their outlooks show notable differences in the rationale behind the call.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Goldman Sachs: Growth Hinges On Resilient Economy</h1>
In a note shared to clients on Monday, Goldman Sachs equity analyst David J. Kostin said the bullish forecast hinges on continued economic expansion and a robust corporate earnings outlook. 
The analyst expects &#8220;continued U.S. economic expansion, earnings growth of 11% in 2025 and 7% in 2026."
Economic and fiscal policies are likely to have a significant impact on corporate performance. Kostin's team assumes that the Trump administration will implement targeted tariffs on imported automobiles and select imports from China, alongside a 15% corporate tax rate for domestic manufacturers.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Morgan Stanley: Multiple Scenarios, But 6,500 Base Case</h1>
Michael Wilson, chief investment officer and strategist at Morgan Stanley, echoed Goldman Sachs' optimism. 
"We raise our base case 12-month price target to 6,500," Wilson said in his latest research note, adding that a post-election rise in "corporate animal spirits" could catalyze balanced earnings growth across sectors.
In the base case, Morgan Stanley expects the S&amp;P 500's valuation multiple to hold steady despite its historically elevated level. "It's rare to see significant multiple compression in periods of above-average earnings growth and accommodative monetary policy," Wilson explained.
Wilson also laid out a wider range of scenarios for 2025, reflecting potential economic and policy volatility. 
His bull case sees the S&amp;P 500 reaching 7,400, while his bear case forecasts a steep drop to 4,600. 
&#8220;Our prior bull case narrative has been playing out as macro data has improved alongside accommodative policy,&#8221; Wilson wrote.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Election Impacts: Lighter Regulation and Fiscal Shifts</h1>
Both analysts noted the recent U.S. presidential election could have profound market implications.
Kostin's team anticipates regulatory rollbacks and a business-friendly tax environment, while Wilson highlighted the potential creation of a new Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) as a key wildcard.
The proposed DOGE could shift fiscal policy by consolidating deficits and cutting federal spending. "In short, we are potentially going through another sea change in policy outcomes that could have both short- and longer-term implications for markets," Wilson wrote.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Magnificent 7: Still Leading, But Margins Are Narrowing</h1>
The "Magnificent 7" tech giants — Microsoft Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NYSE">MSFT</a>), Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>), Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) and Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) — have dominated the market narrative for the past two years, delivering a jaw-dropping 148% return since the end of 2022. For context, the other 493 stocks in the S&amp;P 500 gained just 35% in the same period.
"The seven companies in aggregate accounted for more than half of the S&amp;P 500's 57% rise over the past two years," Kostin said. However, their dominance has begun to wane.
In 2023, the Magnificent 7 outperformed the rest of the index by 63 percentage points. In 2024, that gap has narrowed to just 22 points, with the Magnificent 7 rising 41% year-to-date versus an 18% gain for the remaining stocks.
For 2025, Kostin predicts that the Magnificent 7 will continue to outperform, but the margin will shrink even further. 
"We expect in 2025 the Magnificent 7 stocks collectively will outperform the S&amp;P 493, but by roughly seven percentage points, the slimmest margin in seven years," he said.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Beyond Big Tech: Mid-Caps And Cyclical Opportunities</h1>
Both Kostin and Wilson are urging investors to look beyond the Magnificent 7 and explore mid-cap and cyclical opportunities. 
"We recommend investors benchmark the Magnificent 7 and seek opportunities in mid-cap equities," Kostin said, pointing to the S&amp;P 400 MidCap Index, which trades at a lower 16x forward P/E multiple and has historically outperformed large- and small-cap stocks.
Sector-wise Kostin is also particularly bullish on Materials, Software &amp; Services, and Utilities.
Wilson also highlighted cyclicals, noting that lighter regulation and renewed optimism post-election could drive growth in this group. "In our view, the outcome of the U.S. election raises the likelihood of a lighter regulatory environment and a potential rebound in animal spirits, which should further benefit this group," Wilson said.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">M&amp;A Surge Ahead?</h1>
Both analysts also highlighted the potential for a revival in merger and acquisition activity in 2025. 
"CEO confidence is a key variable affecting executives' inclination to engage in M&amp;A activity," Kosting said. Federal regulators' antitrust policies over the past four years have created headwinds for dealmaking, but an expected reduction in regulatory uncertainty could reignite activity.
&#8220;We continue to expect a major, multiyear rebound in activity, aided by record-high stock market levels, an economic soft landing, lower interest rates, open capital markets, greater corporate confidence, and growing pressure on private asset managers to both deploy funds and harvest investments,&#8221; Wilson said. 
Read Now:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/11/42051894/why-nvidia-earnings-may-trigger-massive-s-p-500-volatility">Why Nvidia Earnings May Trigger Massive S&amp;P 500 Volatility</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Analyst Color

Large Cap

Macro Economic Events

Mid Cap

Econ #s

Economics

ETFs

S&P 500 To Reach 6,500 By End Of 2025, Analysts Predict: Could It Spark M&A Revival?

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Information Technology sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>JNPR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$36.00</td>
<td>$2.1 million</td>
<td>19</td>
<td>14.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MSTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/22/24</td>
<td>$400.00</td>
<td>$33.7K</td>
<td>8.1K</td>
<td>12.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>11/29/24</td>
<td>$230.00</td>
<td>$28.0K</td>
<td>7.8K</td>
<td>8.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>APLD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/22/24</td>
<td>$9.00</td>
<td>$27.9K</td>
<td>2.0K</td>
<td>5.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>IREN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$12.50</td>
<td>$465.0K</td>
<td>41.1K</td>
<td>3.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SMCI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$44.1K</td>
<td>8.5K</td>
<td>3.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NVDA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$160.00</td>
<td>$25.3K</td>
<td>76.4K</td>
<td>3.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CLSK</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$221.9K</td>
<td>6</td>
<td>2.8K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>WOLF</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$8.00</td>
<td>$28.0K</td>
<td>4.3K</td>
<td>1.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AVGO</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$145.7K</td>
<td>2.3K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding JNPR (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNPR#NYSE">JNPR</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 31 day(s) on December 20, 2024. Parties traded 14332 contract(s) at a $36.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $2.1 million, with a price of $150.0 per contract. There were 19 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 14340 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MSTR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 3 day(s) on November 22, 2024. This event was a transfer of 11 contract(s) at a $400.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $33.7K, with a price of $3070.0 per contract. There were 8195 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 12525 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AAPL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 10 day(s) on November 29, 2024. Parties traded 94 contract(s) at a $230.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 8 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.0K, with a price of $298.0 per contract. There were 7882 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 8572 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding APLD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APLD#NASDAQ">APLD</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 3 day(s) on November 22, 2024. Parties traded 509 contract(s) at a $9.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.9K, with a price of $55.0 per contract. There were 2029 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 5434 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding IREN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IREN#NASDAQ">IREN</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 59 day(s) on January 17, 2025. Parties traded 3000 contract(s) at a $12.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $465.0K, with a price of $155.0 per contract. There were 41116 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 3735 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For SMCI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 31 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 70 contract(s) at a $25.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $44.1K, with a price of $630.0 per contract. There were 8583 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 3732 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For NVDA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 31 day(s) on December 20, 2024. This event was a transfer of 69 contract(s) at a $160.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.3K, with a price of $368.0 per contract. There were 76426 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 3527 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding CLSK (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLSK#NASDAQ">CLSK</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 213 day(s) on June 20, 2025. Parties traded 223 contract(s) at a $20.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 8 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $221.9K, with a price of $995.0 per contract. There were 6 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2827 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For WOLF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WOLF#NYSE">WOLF</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 59 day(s) on January 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 140 contract(s) at a $8.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 19 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $28.0K, with a price of $200.0 per contract. There were 4379 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1729 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AVGO (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVGO#NASDAQ">AVGO</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 122 day(s) on March 21, 2025. This event was a transfer of 767 contract(s) at a $120.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 21 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $145.7K, with a price of $190.0 per contract. There were 2399 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1516 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

APLD

AVGO

IREN

JNPR

WOLF

On CNBC's &#8220;Mad Money Lightning Round,&#8221; Jim Cramer said Eli Lilly (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>) is a buy. &#8220;This stock is as hated now as it was loved not that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/11/42039286/eli-lillys-zepbound-mounjaro-shows-cardiovascular-benefits-in-patients-with-obesity-related-heart-failure">long ago,&#8221; he added</a>.
Eli Lilly on Monday said Muvalaplin met secondary endpoints for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/11/n42047055/lillys-muvalaplin-lowered-lipoprotein-a-levels-in-adults-with-high-risk-for-cardiovascular-events-">all three tested doses.</a>
Coinbase Global, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) is a &#8220;winner,&#8221; Cramer said.
On Monday, Needham analyst John Todaro maintained Coinbase with a Buy and raised the price target from $290 to $375.
Cramer said IES Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IESC#NASDAQ">IESC</a>) is a &#8220;terrific&#8221; infrastructure play.
IES Holdings will release fiscal 2024 fourth quarter and year-end results before the opening bell on Friday, Nov. 22.
&#8220;I do think that Semtech (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMTC#NASDAQ">SMTC</a>) is just a traditional kind of semiconductor company,&#8221; Cramer said. He added that he prefers Texas Instruments Incorporated (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TXN#NASDAQ">TXN</a>) to that one.
Semtech will release the financial results of its third quarter of fiscal year 2025 after the closing bell on Monday, Nov. 25.
&#8220;It is an incredibly expensive stock versus the rest of the market,&#8221; Cramer said when asked about Cameco Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CCJ#NYSE">CCJ</a>). &#8220;I am a ‘ka-ching ka-ching' when it comes to Cameco.&#8221;
On Nov. 7, Cameco raised its FY24 revenue guidance.
The &#8220;Mad Money&#8221; host said he likes Marvell Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>).
Marvell Technology will release its third-quarter fiscal year 2025 financial results on Tuesday, Dec. 3, followed by a conference call to discuss the results.
Cramer said own Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and not trade it. &#8220;I would wait for a dip because the bears are all over it every minute of the day. Keep that in mind, and then pull the trigger,&#8221; he added.
A consumer group called &#8220;Which?&#8221; recently filed a £3 billion ($3.81 billion) legal claim against Apple, accusing the tech giant of breaching UK competition law <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/11/41964915/apple-faces-legal-action-over-rip-off-icloud-charges-could-pay-out-38b-to-uk-customers">through its iCloud service</a>.
Price Action:
<ul>
<li>Eli Lilly shares fell 2.6% to settle at $727.20 on Monday.</li>
<li>Apple shares gained 1.3% to close at $228.02.</li>
<li>Coinbase shares gained 6.4% to close at $325.41.</li>
<li>IES shares climbed 2.6% to settle at $264.67 during the session.</li>
<li>Semtech shares gained 3.9% to close at $45.84 on Monday.</li>
<li>Cameco shares gained 4.3% to settle at $55.90 during the session.</li>
<li>Marvell shares gained 1% to close at $88.71 on Monday.</li>
</ul>
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/11/42035732/jim-cramer-super-group-basic-materials-stock-is-very-hard-to-own-here">Jim Cramer: Super Group Finally &#8216;Broke Out,&#8217; This Basic Materials Stock Is &#8216;Very Hard To Own Here&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Long Ideas

COIN

IESC

MRVL

SMTC

Jim Cramer: Coinbase Is A 'Winner,' Suggests Buying This 'Hated' Big Pharma Stock

Apple named ad tech giant Taboola as a resale vendor for Apple News and Apple Stocks earlier this year. &nbsp;
<a href="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/19/apple-news-ads-direct-sales-publishers" title="https://www.axios.com/2024/11/19/apple-news-ads-direct-sales-publishers">https://www.axios.com/2024/11/19/apple-news-ads-direct-sales-publishers</a>

TBLA

'Scoop: Apple is selling Apple News ads directly for the first time; Apple named ad tech giant Taboola as a resale vendor for Apple News and Apple Stocks earlier this year.' - Axios

In today's rapidly evolving and fiercely competitive business landscape, it is crucial for investors and industry analysts to conduct comprehensive company evaluations. In this article, we will undertake an in-depth industry comparison, assessing Apple (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) alongside its primary competitors in the Technology Hardware, Storage &amp; Peripherals industry. By meticulously examining crucial financial indicators, market positioning, and growth potential, we aim to provide valuable insights to investors and shed light on company's performance within the industry.
<h3>Apple Background</h3>
Apple is among the largest companies in the world, with a broad portfolio of hardware and software products targeted at consumers and businesses. Apple's iPhone makes up a majority of the firm sales, and Apple's other products like Mac, iPad, and Watch are designed around the iPhone as the focal point of an expansive software ecosystem. Apple has progressively worked to add new applications, like streaming video, subscription bundles, and augmented reality. The firm designs its own software and semiconductors while working with subcontractors like Foxconn and TSMC to build its products and chips. Slightly less than half of Apple's sales come directly through its flagship stores, with a majority of sales coming indirectly through partnerships and distribution.
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>P/E</th>
<th>P/B</th>
<th>P/S</th>
<th>ROE</th>
<th>EBITDA (in billions)</th>
<th>Gross Profit (in billions)</th>
<th>Revenue Growth</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Apple Inc</td>
<td>37.50</td>
<td>60.52</td>
<td>8.98</td>
<td>23.83%</td>
<td>$32.5</td>
<td>$43.88</td>
<td>6.07%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hewlett Packard Enterprise Co</td>
<td>15.16</td>
<td>1.26</td>
<td>0.97</td>
<td>2.34%</td>
<td>$1.23</td>
<td>$2.44</td>
<td>10.11%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NetApp Inc</td>
<td>23.35</td>
<td>26.31</td>
<td>3.97</td>
<td>23.9%</td>
<td>$0.38</td>
<td>$1.1</td>
<td>7.61%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Western Digital Corp</td>
<td>70.97</td>
<td>1.92</td>
<td>1.51</td>
<td>4.28%</td>
<td>$0.86</td>
<td>$1.55</td>
<td>48.91%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Pure Storage Inc</td>
<td>114.64</td>
<td>11.17</td>
<td>5.75</td>
<td>2.52%</td>
<td>$0.08</td>
<td>$0.54</td>
<td>10.91%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Super Micro Computer Inc</td>
<td>10.72</td>
<td>2.31</td>
<td>0.87</td>
<td>6.68%</td>
<td>$0.4</td>
<td>$0.6</td>
<td>37.87%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Eastman Kodak Co</td>
<td>6.53</td>
<td>0.37</td>
<td>0.40</td>
<td>1.34%</td>
<td>$0.04</td>
<td>$0.04</td>
<td>-2.97%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Turtle Beach Corp</td>
<td>47.90</td>
<td>2.93</td>
<td>0.88</td>
<td>3.3%</td>
<td>$0.01</td>
<td>$0.03</td>
<td>59.51%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Immersion Corp</td>
<td>4.74</td>
<td>1.19</td>
<td>1.69</td>
<td>13.41%</td>
<td>$0.03</td>
<td>$0.06</td>
<td>1323.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AstroNova Inc</td>
<td>16.71</td>
<td>1.15</td>
<td>0.71</td>
<td>-0.34%</td>
<td>$0.0</td>
<td>$0.01</td>
<td>14.12%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Average</td>
<td>34.52</td>
<td>5.4</td>
<td>1.86</td>
<td>6.38%</td>
<td>$0.34</td>
<td>$0.71</td>
<td>167.76%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
<style>
 table {
 width: 100%;
 border-collapse: collapse;
 font-family: Arial, sans-serif;
 font-size: 14px;
 }

 th, td {
 padding: 8px;
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 }

 th {
 background-color: #293a5a;
 color: #fff;
 text-align: left;
 }

 tr:nth-child(even) {
 background-color: #f2f4f8;
 }

 tr:hover {
 background-color: #e1e4ea;
 }

 td:nth-child(3), td:nth-child(5) {
 text-align: left;
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 .dividend-frequency {
 font-size: 12px;
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 }
 </style>By closely studying Apple, we can observe the following trends: 
<ul>
<li>
The Price to Earnings ratio of 37.5 for this company is 1.09x above the industry average, indicating a premium valuation associated with the stock.
</li>
<li>
The elevated Price to Book ratio of 60.52 relative to the industry average by 11.21x suggests company might be overvalued based on its book value.
</li>
<li>
The Price to Sales ratio of 8.98, which is 4.83x the industry average, suggests the stock could potentially be overvalued in relation to its sales performance compared to its peers.
</li>
<li>
The Return on Equity (ROE) of 23.83% is 17.45% above the industry average, highlighting efficient use of equity to generate profits.
</li>
<li>
The company exhibits higher Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) of $32.5 Billion, which is 95.59x above the industry average, implying stronger profitability and robust cash flow generation.
</li>
<li>
Compared to its industry, the company has higher gross profit of $43.88 Billion, which indicates 61.8x above the industry average, indicating stronger profitability and higher earnings from its core operations.
</li>
<li>
With a revenue growth of 6.07%, which is much lower than the industry average of 167.76%, the company is experiencing a notable slowdown in sales expansion.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Debt To Equity Ratio</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1732028497_0.png" alt="debt to equity" />
The debt-to-equity (D/E) ratio provides insights into the proportion of debt a company has in relation to its equity and asset value.
Considering the debt-to-equity ratio in industry comparisons allows for a concise evaluation of a company's financial health and risk profile, aiding in informed decision-making.
When comparing Apple with its top 4 peers based on the Debt-to-Equity ratio, the following insights can be observed:
<ul>
<li>
Compared to its top 4 peers, Apple has a moderate debt-to-equity ratio of 1.87, indicating a balanced financial structure.
</li>
<li>
This suggests that the company maintains a reasonable level of debt while also leveraging equity financing.
</li>
</ul>
<h3>Key Takeaways</h3>
For Apple, the PE, PB, and PS ratios are all high compared to its peers in the Technology Hardware, Storage &amp; Peripherals industry, indicating that the stock may be overvalued based on these metrics. On the other hand, Apple's high ROE, EBITDA, gross profit, and low revenue growth suggest that the company is efficiently utilizing its resources and generating strong profits, despite slower revenue growth compared to industry peers.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Performance Comparison: Apple And Competitors In Technology Hardware, Storage &amp; Peripherals Industry

Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) has secured up to $6.6 billion in subsidies from the U.S. Department of Commerce under the CHIPS Incentives Program.
The funding is contingent upon the contract chipmaker&#8217;s commitment to producing semiconductors using its cutting-edge A16 process technology at its Arizona facilities, the Taipei Times <a target="_blank" href="https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2024/11/19/2003827127" rel="noreferrer noopener">cites</a> the department.
Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s Chair, C.C. Wei, told the Taipei Times that the agreement with the U.S. would accelerate the development of the company&#8217;s most advanced semiconductor manufacturing capabilities within the country.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42044510/warner-bros-stock-jumps-after-securing-11-year-nba-deal-extension" rel="noreferrer noopener">Warner Bros. Secures 11-Year NBA Deal Extension</a>
Taiwan Semiconductor is constructing two advanced semiconductor fabs in Arizona. The first will likely start mass production of 4nm chips in early 2024, while the second will produce 3nm and 2nm chips by 2028.
The company also announced plans to establish a third fab in the state by 2030, using its A16 technology or a more advanced process, increasing its total investment in Arizona to over $65 billion.
Previously, Taiwan Semiconductor announced that its &#8220;A16&#8221; chip manufacturing technology will likely begin production in the latter half of 2026.
The advanced <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/04/38429949/taiwan-semi-sets-2026-launch-for-a16-chip-technology-aiming-to-outpace-intel-in-speed" rel="noreferrer noopener">1.6-nm chipmaking technology</a> will likely bolster Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s competitive position against Intel Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/INTC#NASDAQ">INTC</a>).
The A16 process builds on Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s 2nm technology and utilizes an innovative &#8220;super power rail&#8221; for enhanced logic density and performance.
According to the report, this next-generation nanosheet-based technology is tailored for high-performance computing and artificial intelligence applications. Analysts predict growing demand for A16 chips as the AI boom continues.
In addition to direct funding, the U.S. government has proposed up to $5 billion in loans to support Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s Arizona expansion. These funds are part of the $75 billion authorized under the CHIPS and Science Act.
Prior reports indicated Taiwan Semiconductor is producing Apple Inc&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) A16 system-on-chip (SoC) at Phase 1 of its <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40920976/taiwan-semiconductor-begins-production-of-apple-a16-smartphone-chips-at-arizona-facility-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fab 21 facility in Arizona</a>.
The A16 chip, built using Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s 5nm N4 process, was first introduced with the iPhone 14 Pro in 2022.
In 2024, Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s board approved a new investment of up to $7.5 billion to expand operations at its Arizona facility. According to Tim Culpan, Taiwan Semiconductor plans to scale up production volumes after completing the second stage of the Phase 1 fab.
Taiwan Semiconductor stock surged 85% year-to-date.
Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41388050/apples-3nm-push-boosts-taiwan-semis-q3-ai-revenue-set-to-triple-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">third-quarter results</a> highlighted robust 3nm performance, fueled primarily by Apple, while 5nm showed steady leveling, Needham analyst Charles Shi said.
It reported <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41388050/apples-3nm-push-boosts-taiwan-semis-q3-ai-revenue-set-to-triple-analyst" rel="noreferrer noopener">third-quarter revenue</a> of $23.50 billion, up 39%, beating the $22.4 billion-$23.2 billion guidance and the consensus estimate.
The analyst praised Taiwan Semiconductor&#8217;s gross margin improvement to 57.8%, overcoming earlier cost concerns linked to 3nm and electricity increases.
The contract chipmaker expects AI revenue to triple in 2024, hitting $13 billion, and projects AI to comprise 20% of total revenue by 2028. It anticipates a 2024 CapEx of $30 billion, with fourth-quarter spending likely surging to $12 billion, partly for the initial 2nm buildout.
Price Action: TSM stock closed higher by 1.24% at $189.80 premarket at the last check on Tuesday.
Also Read:
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</ul>
Image via Shutterstock

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