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

PlayAGS (NYSE:AGS) Azioni, Report sulle vendite allo scoperto

PlayAGS

PlayAGS Inc is a designer and supplier of gaming products and services for the gaming industry. The company mainly supplies electronic gaming machines (EGM), server-based systems and back-office systems which are used by casinos, and various gaming locations. Its operating segments are EGM, Table Products, and Interactive. The EGM segment offers a selection of video slot titles developed for the world-wide marketplace as well as EGM cabinets. Its Table Products segments include live proprietary table games and side bets, as well as ancillary table products. The Interactive segment consists of delivering games through mobile apps such as Lucky Play Casino and Vegas Fever. It earns a majority of its revenue from Electronic Gaming Machines segment and geographically from the United States.

PlayAGS Inc

AMERIGUARD SECURITY SVC by Ameriguard Security Services Inc.

Ameriguard Security Services Inc

ARGENTUM SILVER CORP by Argentum Silver Corp.

Argentum Silver Corp

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards Dell Technologies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DELL#NYSE">DELL</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in DELL usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 20 extraordinary options activities for Dell Technologies. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 40% leaning bullish and 30% bearish. Among these notable options, 11 are puts, totaling $1,036,840, and 9 are calls, amounting to $826,644.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $60.0 to $150.0 for Dell Technologies during the past quarter. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Dell Technologies's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Dell Technologies's whale trades within a strike price range from $60.0 to $150.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Dell Technologies Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735329636_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>DELL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$15.35</td>
<td>$15.15</td>
<td>$15.15</td>
<td>$120.00</td>
<td>$439.3K</td>
<td>86</td>
<td>290</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DELL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/10/25</td>
<td>$3.65</td>
<td>$3.6</td>
<td>$3.6</td>
<td>$118.00</td>
<td>$244.8K</td>
<td>112</td>
<td>682</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DELL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/10/25</td>
<td>$2.35</td>
<td>$2.3</td>
<td>$2.3</td>
<td>$115.00</td>
<td>$229.0K</td>
<td>175</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DELL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$10.15</td>
<td>$10.0</td>
<td>$10.07</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
<td>$201.4K</td>
<td>2.5K</td>
<td>330</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DELL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$19.15</td>
<td>$18.9</td>
<td>$18.95</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$113.7K</td>
<td>405</td>
<td>61</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Dell Technologies</h3>
Dell Technologies is a broad information technology vendor, primarily supplying hardware to enterprises. It is focused on premium and commercial personal computers and enterprise on-premises data center hardware. It holds top-three market shares in its core markets of personal computers, peripheral displays, mainstream servers, and external storage. Dell has a robust ecosystem of component and assembly partners, and also relies heavily on channel partners to fulfill its sales.
In light of the recent options history for Dell Technologies, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Where Is Dell Technologies Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 3,503,559, the price of DELL is down by -1.53%, reaching $117.45.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 62 days from now.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On Dell Technologies</h3>
Over the past month, 1 industry analysts have shared their insights on this stock, proposing an average target price of $142.0.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Deutsche Bank has decided to maintain their Buy rating on Dell Technologies, which currently sits at a price target of $142. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Dell Technologies with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Options

Markets

DELL

Check Out What Whales Are Doing With DELL

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bullish move on Accenture. Our analysis of options history for Accenture (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACN#NYSE">ACN</a>) revealed 18 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 44% of traders were bullish, while 38% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 4 were puts, with a value of $127,780, and 14 were calls, valued at $962,800.
<h3>What's The Price Target?</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $320.0 to $410.0 for Accenture over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Accenture stands at 381.53, with a total volume reaching 1,372.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Accenture, situated within the strike price corridor from $320.0 to $410.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>Accenture Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735329631_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th align="right">Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>ACN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$23.3</td>
<td>$22.6</td>
<td>$23.06</td>
<td>$360.00</td>
<td>$196.0K</td>
<td align="right">566</td>
<td align="right">86</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ACN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$49.3</td>
<td>$48.1</td>
<td>$48.58</td>
<td>$320.00</td>
<td>$194.3K</td>
<td align="right">181</td>
<td align="right">40</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ACN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$22.1</td>
<td>$21.6</td>
<td>$21.9</td>
<td>$355.00</td>
<td>$109.5K</td>
<td align="right">233</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ACN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$18.3</td>
<td>$17.4</td>
<td>$17.49</td>
<td>$390.00</td>
<td>$76.9K</td>
<td align="right">117</td>
<td align="right">106</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ACN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$5.9</td>
<td>$5.8</td>
<td>$5.9</td>
<td>$357.50</td>
<td>$53.6K</td>
<td align="right">0</td>
<td align="right">93</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Accenture</h3>
Accenture is a leading global IT services firm that provides consulting, strategy, and technology and operational services. These services run the gamut from aiding enterprises with digital transformation to procurement services to software system integration. The company provides its IT offerings to a variety of sectors, including communications, media and technology, financial services, health and public services, consumer products, and resources. Accenture employs just under 500,000 people throughout 200 cities in 51 countries.
In light of the recent options history for Accenture, it's now appropriate to focus on the company itself. We aim to explore its current performance.
<h3>Current Position of Accenture</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 515,604, the ACN's price is down by -1.08%, now at $356.54. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 83 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Accenture</h3>
A total of 5 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $413.2.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; In a positive move, an analyst from Goldman Sachs has upgraded their rating to Buy and adjusted the price target to $420. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Baird has revised its rating downward to Neutral, adjusting the price target to $370. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from UBS continues to hold a Buy rating for Accenture, targeting a price of $455. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from BMO Capital keeps a Market Perform rating on Accenture with a target price of $425. 
&#x2A; An analyst from JP Morgan persists with their Overweight rating on Accenture, maintaining a target price of $396. 
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Accenture options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

Looking At Accenture's Recent Unusual Options Activity

Financial giants have made a conspicuous bearish move on American Airlines Gr. Our analysis of options history for American Airlines Gr (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAL#NASDAQ">AAL</a>) revealed 11 unusual trades.
Delving into the details, we found 36% of traders were bullish, while 45% showed bearish tendencies. Out of all the trades we spotted, 2 were puts, with a value of $93,970, and 9 were calls, valued at $635,949.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $8.5 and $20.0 for American Airlines Gr, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of American Airlines Gr stands at 7426.71, with a total volume reaching 11,122.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in American Airlines Gr, situated within the strike price corridor from $8.5 to $20.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>American Airlines Gr Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735329626_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AAL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$1.84</td>
<td>$1.82</td>
<td>$1.83</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$366.0K</td>
<td>31.9K</td>
<td>2.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAL</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$0.39</td>
<td>$0.2</td>
<td>$0.39</td>
<td>$16.50</td>
<td>$58.6K</td>
<td>206</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/19/25</td>
<td>$2.54</td>
<td>$2.31</td>
<td>$2.31</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$46.2K</td>
<td>3.9K</td>
<td>254</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$1.81</td>
<td>$1.8</td>
<td>$1.81</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$45.9K</td>
<td>31.9K</td>
<td>430</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$1.83</td>
<td>$1.8</td>
<td>$1.83</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$36.3K</td>
<td>31.9K</td>
<td>3.7K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About American Airlines Gr</h3>
American Airlines is the world's largest airline by aircraft, capacity, and scheduled revenue passenger miles. Its major US hubs are Charlotte, Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, Phoenix, and Washington, D.C. It generates over 30% of US airline revenue connecting Latin America with destinations in the United States. After completing a major fleet renewal, the company has the youngest fleet of US legacy carriers.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with American Airlines Gr, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>American Airlines Gr's Current Market Status</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 8,060,057, the AAL's price is down by -0.06%, now at $17.34. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 27 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On American Airlines Gr</h3>
A total of 5 professional analysts have given their take on this stock in the last 30 days, setting an average price target of $21.0.
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Barclays continues to hold a Equal-Weight rating for American Airlines Gr, targeting a price of $18. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Citigroup keeps a Buy rating on American Airlines Gr with a target price of $23. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Seaport Global has elevated its stance to Buy, setting a new price target at $20. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Bernstein upgraded its action to Outperform with a price target of $24. 
&#x2A; In a positive move, an analyst from Scotiabank has upgraded their rating to Buy and adjusted the price target to $20. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for American Airlines Gr with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Behind the Scenes of American Airlines Gr's Latest Options Trends

Coherent (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COHR#NYSE">COHR</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 15 years by 1.03% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 12.72%. Currently, Coherent has a market capitalization of $14.99 billion. 
Buying $1000 In COHR: If an investor had bought $1000 of COHR stock 15 years ago, it would be worth $6,027.99 today based on a price of $96.93 for COHR at the time of writing.
<h3>Coherent's Performance Over Last 15 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735329613_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

News

Trading Ideas

COHR

Here's How Much You Would Have Made Owning Coherent Stock In The Last 15 Years

In 2024, the cannabis landscape in the United States experienced some developments, though federal legalization or removal from the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/controlled-substances-act">Controlled Substances Act</a> (CSA) did not occur under the Biden administration, though that was <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/11/41752800/kamala-harris-promises-to-legalize-recreational-marijuana-in-groundbreaking-instagram-post">promised to voters</a> on a regular basis.
&#8220;No one should be in jail for cannabis possession&#8221; was the refrain repeated by President <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a>, beginning with his March 2024 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/03/37552483/biden-calls-for-cannabis-reform-in-state-of-the-union-a-historic-first-no-one-should-be-jailed-f">State of the Union</a> — the first time marijuana was ever mentioned in such an illustrious political setting — all the way up to his mid-December 2024 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/12/42466804/biden-commutes-1500-sentences-grants-39-pardons-pot-prisoners-included-marks-single-day-record?adt_ei=%7b%7bemail%7d%7d&amp;he=%7b%7bemail%7d%7d">commutation of 1500 people</a> including a relatively small number of cannabis offenders.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Federal Rescheduling? Delay And More Delay</h2>
The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/05/38920897/infographic-deas-proposed-rules-for-marijuana-what-you-need-to-know">initiated a review </a>to reclassify cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III substance under the CSA. This move, following August 2023 Biden-directed <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/23/08/34126690/hhs-secretary-confirms-it-is-recommending-cannabis-be-rescheduled-per-bidens-directive">recommendations</a> from the Department of Health and Human Services, could have represented a historic shift in federal cannabis policy. But alas, it was never finalized. The move would have alleviate challenges related to taxation and research restrictions faced by the industry under the ongoing federal restrictions.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Congress, Where Are You?</h2>
Rep. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/earl-blumenauer">Earl Blumenauer</a> (D-OR), longtime cannabis reform advocate, said in a mid-December <a href="https://www.c-span.org/clip/public-affairs-event/user-clip-blumenauer-exit-interview-cannabis-legacy/5147106">C-Span interview</a> that Congress seems to be "trapped in time."
"My work on cannabis legalization and working to end the failed war on drugs is one of my greatest areas of satisfaction and one of my greatest disappointments," said Blumenauer who has been involved in cannabis reform since 1973 when he was an Oregon state legislator.
The incoming GOP-led Congress, at least so far, has not prioritized cannabis reform, thus diminishing prospects for supportive legislation.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/12/42704814/guns-and-cannabis-dont-mix-in-kentucky-medical-marijuana-law-takes-effect-on-new-years-day">Guns And Cannabis Don&#8217;t Mix In Kentucky: Medical Marijuana Law Takes Effect On New Year&#8217;s Day</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">But There Were State-Level Legalization Initiatives</h2>
Several states presented cannabis-related measures during the November 2024 elections with mixed outcomes.
<ul>
<li>Nebraska: Voters <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/11/41764503/nebraska-says-yes-to-medical-cannabis-after-years-of-failed-legalization-attempts-heres-what-you">approved the legalization of medical cannabis</a>, marking a significant policy change in a state where cannabis was previously entirely illegal.</li>
<li>Florida: A well-funded campaign to legalize recreational marijuana <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/11/41763514/florida-rejects-cannabis-legalization-amendment-supported-by-trump-detested-by-desantis">failed to achieve</a> the required 60% supermajority, despite substantial financial backing and public support.</li>
<li>North Dakota and South Dakota: Both states <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/11/41765421/south-dakota-rejects-measure-29-cannabis-legalization-fails-again">rejected measures</a> to legalize recreational marijuana, reflecting ongoing resistance in certain regions.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How Did Market Dynamics Fair?</h2>
The cannabis market faced economic challenges throughout 2024, with many U.S. and Canadian companies experiencing significant <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/11/41793174/cannabis-stocks-collapse-after-trump-win-major-players-see-double-digit-declines-at-wednesdays-c">stock price declines</a>. Factors contributing to this downturn included regulatory uncertainties, taxation issues and competition from rampant illicit markets. 
Notably, AdvisorShares Pure US Cannabis ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSOS#NYSE">MSOS</a>) experienced a challenging 2024, with its stock price declining by approximately 48%, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSOS">noted</a> Benzinga PRO, indicating broader market struggles including the aforementioned regulatory challenges.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Public Perception And Usage – Some Positive News</h2>
Marijuana&#8217;s popularity continued to rise, with daily users in the U.S. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/05/38976556/daily-cannabis-consumption-outpaces-daily-alcohol-use-in-the-us-for-the-first-time-new-study-sho">surpassing alcohol consumers</a>. 
This shift is attributed to changing legal statuses, increased public awareness of marijuana&#8217;s health benefits and the general acceptance of marijuana as a benign substance, the consumption of which has never resulted in any reported deaths. 
Now we just need a bit more support for rescheduling and maybe even legalization.
Now Read: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42690082/trump-is-first-republican-president-with-a-pathway-to-cannabis-reform-says-former-adviser">Trump Is First &#8216;Republican President&#8217; With A Pathway To Cannabis Reform, Says Former Adviser</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Cannabis

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Cannabis Reform 2024: The Year Of All Talk And No Action

Technology giant Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) could have an exciting 2025 ahead, a year that could include something new for its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/streaming">AppleTV+ streaming platform.</a>
What Happened: Apple is teasing that something special will happen for AppleTV+ on Jan. 4 through Jan. 5 with a tweet that says "stay tuned" with an image that says "see for yourself." 
The dates <a href="https://x.com/AppleTV/status/1872298393172865218">listed </a>&#8211; Jan 4 and 5 &#8211; happen to be a Saturday and Sunday, prompting rumors that Apple could be offering a free weekend preview of its content to non-subscribers.
Benzinga reached out to Apple for comment.
A report from <a href="https://www.macrumors.com/2024/12/26/apple-tv-plus-january-teaser/">Macrumors </a>says speculation is that Apple will offer a free weekend preview of its content, but the post could also mean that it will just be showcasing a look at its upcoming TV shows and movies on those dates.
The report noted that Apple has never offered a free all-you-can-watch weekend event, which could show the importance of what the announcement truly means. AppleTV+ is $9.99 per month for up to six members with a free seven-day trial for new subscribers. Apple also offers a free three-month trial for people who buy new Apple devices.
The free trial often limits what content can be watched by non-subscribers.
Another possibility regarding the Apple post could be connected to a rumor earlier this year that the company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/07/40014040/apple-to-follow-netflix-disney-ad-supported-appletv-streaming-plan-could-launch-soon">could be launching</a> an ad-supported version of its streaming platform, following the lead of Netflix and Disney.
Apple previously had a $4.99 monthly subscription price. At $9.99 per month, AppleTV+ is one of the cheaper ad-free plans and the company could use the January dates highlighted to launch the new ad-supported plan.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/03/37558754/apples-1b-gamble-on-3-blockbusters-analyzing-box-office-results-streaming-impact-and-oscar-nominatio">Apple&#8217;s $1B Gamble On 3 Blockbusters: Box Office Results, Streaming Impact, And Oscar Nominations</a>
Why It's Important: Launched in 2019, AppleTV+ has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/04/38024244/appletv-a-streaming-winner-new-survey-shows-platform-has-smallest-library-highest-rated-con">a smaller library </a>of movies and shows than larger streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+.
Apple is investing in growth for the platform with several blockbuster movies getting theatrical releases and then exclusively playing on AppleTV+. It is also investing in media rights for sports like Major League Baseball games and the exclusive rights to Major League Soccer.
Top shows on the platform include "Shrinking," "Silo," "Slow Horses," "Severance," "Ted Lasso" and "Bad Sisters," according to <a href="https://tv.apple.com/us/collection/most-popular-now/uts.col.ChartsBlended">Apple</a>.
A highly anticipated second season of "Severance" is set to premiere on Jan. 17 making the Jan. 4 and 5 dates an important event ahead of one of its top show's new seasons.
"Wolfs," which starred George Clooney and Brad Pitt, became the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/10/41172851/apple-tv-scores-biggest-streaming-movie-in-history-thanks-to-george-clooney-brad-pitt">most watched movie </a>in AppleTV+ history recently. The movie saw a limited theatrical release, which may have left money on the table, while providing a boost to streaming viewership figures and potentially an uptick in subscribers.
Apple traditionally premieres its films in theaters first, helping to recover some of its costs while ensuring the movies are eligible for award shows that require a theatrical run. In contrast, Netflix often premieres its movies on the streaming platform and rarely shows its movies in theaters.
Apple finds itself in a difficult place with the need to spend more on content to boost subscribers, but also having less to spend on movies and content due to a smaller subscriber base. With the parent company a cash cow, Apple may be able to maintain losses for its streaming business if it chooses to, but could also push for a larger focus on profits.
AAPL Price Action: Apple stock is down 2% to $253.38 on Friday versus a 52-week trading range of $164.08 to $260.09. Apple stock is up 37% year-to-date in 2024.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42431109/did-elon-musk-just-give-his-nod-to-apple-tv-show-slow-horses-his-reaction-to-tim-cooks-post-about-meeting-jack-lowden-sparks-interest">Is Elon Musk Apple TV&#8217;s &#8216;Slow Horses&#8217; Fan? His Reply To Tim Cook Has Everyone Guessing</a></li>
</ul>
Photo by Ivan Marc on Shutterstock

Entertainment

Media

AAPL

Apple Teases Streaming 'See For Yourself' Event: Could This Be A Free Preview Of AppleTV+ Or Ad-Supported Platform?

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Dollar Tree (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DLTR#NASDAQ">DLTR</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with DLTR, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?utm_source=insights">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 8 uncommon options trades for Dollar Tree.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 75% bullish and 25%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 4 are puts, for a total amount of $189,850, and 4 are calls, for a total amount of $149,310.
<h3>Expected Price Movements</h3>
Analyzing the Volume and Open Interest in these contracts, it seems that the big players have been eyeing a price window from $55.0 to $105.0 for Dollar Tree during the past quarter. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Dollar Tree options trades today is 1512.12 with a total volume of 601.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Dollar Tree's big money trades within a strike price range of $55.0 to $105.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>Dollar Tree Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735328729_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>DLTR</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$8.95</td>
<td>$8.85</td>
<td>$8.85</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$90.2K</td>
<td>681</td>
<td align="right">114</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DLTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$12.2</td>
<td>$12.05</td>
<td>$12.2</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
<td>$58.5K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
<td align="right">171</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DLTR</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$3.35</td>
<td>$3.2</td>
<td>$3.2</td>
<td>$55.00</td>
<td>$35.5K</td>
<td>508</td>
<td align="right">114</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DLTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$6.55</td>
<td>$6.3</td>
<td>$6.55</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$34.7K</td>
<td>805</td>
<td align="right">53</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DLTR</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>03/21/25</td>
<td>$4.2</td>
<td>$4.15</td>
<td>$4.15</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$34.0K</td>
<td>7.9K</td>
<td align="right">96</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Dollar Tree</h3>
Dollar Tree operates discount stores across the United States and Canada, with over 8,800 shops under its namesake banner and 7,700 under Family Dollar. About 47% of Dollar Tree's sales in fiscal 2023 were composed of consumables (including food, health and beauty, and cleaning products), around 45% from variety items (including toys and homewares), and over 5% from seasonal items. Dollar Tree sells most of its merchandise at the $1.25 price point and positions its stores in well-populated suburban markets. Conversely, Family Dollar primarily sells consumable merchandise (80% of the banner's sales) at prices below $10. About two thirds of Family Dollar's stores are in urban and suburban markets, with the remaining one third located in rural areas.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Dollar Tree, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Dollar Tree</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 1,242,256, the DLTR's price is up by 0.39%, now at $76.49. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 75 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Expert Opinions on Dollar Tree</h3>
5 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $78.4.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; An analyst from BMO Capital has decided to maintain their Market Perform rating on Dollar Tree, which currently sits at a price target of $70. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Guggenheim continues to hold a Buy rating for Dollar Tree, targeting a price of $100. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Telsey Advisory Group continues to hold a Market Perform rating for Dollar Tree, targeting a price of $75. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Telsey Advisory Group persists with their Market Perform rating on Dollar Tree, maintaining a target price of $75. 
&#x2A; In a cautious move, an analyst from Piper Sandler downgraded its rating to Neutral, setting a price target of $72. 
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Dollar Tree with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

DLTR

This Is What Whales Are Betting On Dollar Tree

Investors with significant funds have taken a bullish position in Kraft Heinz (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/KHC#NASDAQ">KHC</a>), a development that retail traders should be aware of.
This was brought to our attention today through our monitoring of publicly accessible options data at Benzinga. The exact nature of these investors remains a mystery, but such a major move in KHC usually indicates foreknowledge of upcoming events.
Today, Benzinga's options scanner identified 8 options transactions for Kraft Heinz. This is an unusual occurrence. The sentiment among these large-scale traders is mixed, with 62% being bullish and 37% bearish. Of all the options we discovered, 7 are puts, valued at $374,135, and there was a single call, worth $37,179.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $31.0 to $35.0 for Kraft Heinz over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Development</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is an insightful way to conduct due diligence on a stock.
This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for Kraft Heinz's options for a given strike price.
Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of Kraft Heinz's whale activity within a strike price range from $31.0 to $35.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>Kraft Heinz Call and Put Volume: 30-Day Overview</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735328724_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>KHC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>07/18/25</td>
<td>$4.95</td>
<td>$4.85</td>
<td>$4.95</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$101.4K</td>
<td>550</td>
<td align="right">206</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KHC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$5.1</td>
<td>$5.0</td>
<td>$5.0</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$50.0K</td>
<td>4.4K</td>
<td align="right">500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KHC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$5.05</td>
<td>$4.9</td>
<td>$4.96</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$49.6K</td>
<td>4.4K</td>
<td align="right">400</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KHC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$5.05</td>
<td>$4.9</td>
<td>$4.95</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$49.5K</td>
<td>4.4K</td>
<td align="right">300</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>KHC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$5.05</td>
<td>$4.9</td>
<td>$4.95</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$49.5K</td>
<td>4.4K</td>
<td align="right">200</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Kraft Heinz</h3>
In July 2015, Kraft merged with Heinz to create the third-largest food and beverage manufacturer in North America behind wide-moats PepsiCo and Nestle and the fifth-largest player in the world. Beyond its namesake brands, the combined firm's portfolio includes Oscar Mayer, Velveeta, and Philadelphia. While the retail channel drives around 85% of its total sales, the firm also maintains a growing presence in the foodservice arena. Outside North America, Kraft Heinz's global reach counts a distribution network in Europe and emerging markets that drives about 25% of its consolidated sales base, as its products are sold in more than 190 countries and territories.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Kraft Heinz, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Where Is Kraft Heinz Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 3,467,480, the price of KHC is up by 0.44%, reaching $30.68.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 47 days from now.</li>
</ul>
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Kraft Heinz with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

This Is What Whales Are Betting On Kraft Heinz

Investors with a lot of money to spend have taken a bullish stance on Newmont (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NEM#NYSE">NEM</a>).
And retail traders should know.
We noticed this today when the trades showed up on publicly available options history that we track here at Benzinga.
Whether these are institutions or just wealthy individuals, we don't know. But when something this big happens with NEM, it often means somebody knows something is about to happen.
So how do we know what these investors just did? 
Today, <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?utm_source=insights">Benzinga</a>'s options scanner spotted 17 uncommon options trades for Newmont.
This isn't normal.
The overall sentiment of these big-money traders is split between 70% bullish and 29%, bearish.
Out of all of the special options we uncovered, 4 are puts, for a total amount of $878,860, and 13 are calls, for a total amount of $1,463,819.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
Based on the trading activity, it appears that the significant investors are aiming for a price territory stretching from $25.0 to $60.0 for Newmont over the recent three months. 
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
In terms of liquidity and interest, the mean open interest for Newmont options trades today is 3719.23 with a total volume of 6,237.00.
In the following chart, we are able to follow the development of volume and open interest of call and put options for Newmont's big money trades within a strike price range of $25.0 to $60.0 over the last 30 days.
<h3>Newmont Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735328719_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Noteworthy Options Activity:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th align="right">Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NEM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$7.15</td>
<td>$7.05</td>
<td>$7.11</td>
<td>$45.00</td>
<td>$498.8K</td>
<td>7.8K</td>
<td align="right">700</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NEM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$6.05</td>
<td>$6.0</td>
<td>$6.0</td>
<td>$37.50</td>
<td>$300.0K</td>
<td>10.1K</td>
<td align="right">5</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NEM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>11/21/25</td>
<td>$5.75</td>
<td>$5.65</td>
<td>$5.65</td>
<td>$40.00</td>
<td>$282.5K</td>
<td>689</td>
<td align="right">500</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NEM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/19/25</td>
<td>$8.55</td>
<td>$8.5</td>
<td>$8.55</td>
<td>$32.50</td>
<td>$210.3K</td>
<td>3</td>
<td align="right">248</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NEM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>10/17/25</td>
<td>$6.75</td>
<td>$6.65</td>
<td>$6.75</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$201.8K</td>
<td>1</td>
<td align="right">300</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Newmont</h3>
Newmont is the world's largest gold miner. It bought Goldcorp in 2019, combined its Nevada mines in a joint venture with competitor Barrick later that year, and also purchased competitor Newcrest in November 2023. Its portfolio includes 17 wholly or majority owned mines and interests in two joint ventures in the Americas, Africa, Australia and Papua New Guinea. The company is expected to produce roughly 5.5 million ounces of gold in 2024 from its core mines and 6.8 million in total. It is likely to sell a number of its higher cost, smaller mines accounting for 20% of forecast sales in 2024. Newmont also produces material amounts of copper, silver, zinc, and lead as byproducts. It had about two decades of gold reserves along with significant byproduct reserves at the end of December 2023.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Newmont, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Current Position of Newmont</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 2,962,708, the NEM's price is down by -0.38%, now at $37.95. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 55 days.</li>
</ul>
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
Trading options involves greater risks but also offers the potential for higher profits. Savvy traders mitigate these risks through ongoing education, strategic trade adjustments, utilizing various indicators, and staying attuned to market dynamics. Keep up with the latest options trades for Newmont with <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> for real-time alerts.

Spotlight on Newmont: Analyzing the Surge in Options Activity

Cryptocurrency markets are trading down on Friday, with Bitcoin falling below the $95,000 mark.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Price&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td>
<td> $94,485.63</td>
<td>-1.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</td>
<td> $3,358.23</td>
<td>+0.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)</td>
<td> $186.67</td>
<td>-1.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>XRP (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/xrp/usd">XRP</a>)</td>
<td> $2.17</td>
<td>+0.5%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)</td>
<td> $0.3144</td>
<td>+0.1%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>)</td>
<td> $0.00002185</td>
<td>+0.8%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Notable Statistics:
<ul>
<li>IntoTheBlock data shows large transaction volume increasing by 31.6% and daily active addresses falling by 0.04%. Transactions greater than $100,000 are up from 7,853 to 8,785 in a single day. Exchanges netflows are down by 451.9%.</li>
<li>Coinglass data reports 96,455 traders were liquidated in the past 24 hours for $243.64 million.</li>
</ul>
Notable Developments:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42699697/bitcoin-ethereum-etfs-break-4-day-outflow-streak-net-592-inflows-on-thursday">Bitcoin, Ethereum ETFs Break 4-Day Outflow Streak, Net $592 Million Inflows On Thursday</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42701446/crypto-industry-anticipates-policy-overhaul-under-trump-administration">Crypto Industry Anticipates Policy Overhaul Under Trump Administration</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42698826/bitcoin-options-worth-over-14-billion-expired-today-one-of-the-biggest-events-in-history-heres-what-crypto-investors-should-expect">Bitcoin Options Worth Over $14 Billion Expired Today, One Of The Biggest Events In History: Here&#8217;s What Crypto Investors Should Expect</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42697066/vivek-ramaswamys-strive-applies-for-bitcoin-bond-etf-that-will-track-microstrategys-convertible-securities-market">Vivek Ramaswamy&#8217;s Strive Applies For &#8216;Bitcoin Bond&#8217; ETF That Tracks MicroStrategy&#8217;s Convertible Securities Market</a></li>
</ul>
Top Gainers:
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Price&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Virtuals Protocol (CRYPTO: VIRTUAL)</td>
<td> $3.53</td>
<td>+19.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bitget Token (CRYPTO: BGB)</td>
<td> $8.12</td>
<td>+11%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Lido DAO (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">LDO</a>)</td>
<td> $1.96</td>
<td>+9.6%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Trader Notes: As Bitcoin slipped below the $95,000 mark, crypto chart analyst Ali Martinez <a href="https://x.com/ali_charts/status/1872670518329151893">warns</a> that a dip below $92,730 could lead to &#8220;essentially free-fall territory.&#8221;
Meanwhile, Cold Blooded Shiller highlights that Bitcoin is nearing a critical juncture, risking the loss of its green wave momentum since breaking out of the $60,000 consolidation phase.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">first time <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> is on the verge of losing the green wave since breaking from the $60k consolidation chopfest we begin our prayers <a href="https://t.co/v6TISyMBqC">pic.twitter.com/v6TISyMBqC</a>
&mdash; Cold Blooded Shiller (@ColdBloodShill) <a href="https://twitter.com/ColdBloodShill/status/1872691298479816751?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Daan Crypto Trades describes Bitcoin as being in a choppy, range-bound state, noting little significant price movement over the past week. 
He <a href="https://x.com/DaanCrypto/status/1872595259370422289">highlights</a> the range high at $99,500 and the range low at $92,000 as key levels to watch, suggesting that trading within this range may not be worthwhile.
Chart analyst Jesse Olson observed that Bitcoin failed to deliver the anticipated Santa rally but did manage a Santa bounce, forming a lower high. 
He cautions that a daily candle close below approximately $94,850 would confirm a bearish shift, urging traders to monitor today's close for further direction
<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">It wasn&#39;t a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> Santa rally like everyone had hoped but it was a Santa bounce creating a lower high. A candle close below $94,850 ish confirms this today. <a href="https://t.co/wQZpInQi56">https://t.co/wQZpInQi56</a> <a href="https://t.co/NSyvyT2V8L">pic.twitter.com/NSyvyT2V8L</a>
&mdash; Jesse Olson (@JesseOlson) <a href="https://twitter.com/JesseOlson/status/1872672540273115608?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42705841/bitcoin-retreats-below-95000-what-is-going-on-with-btc">Bitcoin Retreats Below $95,000: What Is Going On With BTC?</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

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

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

$DOGE

$DYDX

$ETH

$LDO

$SHIB

$SOL

$XRP

Bitcoin Dumps Below $95,000, Ethereum, XRP, Dogecoin Meander In Lackluster Friday Trading Session

Shares of CrowdStrike Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRWD#NASDAQ">CRWD</a>) are trading down sharply on Friday. The move lower was triggered by news of insider selling.
The stock teaches an important technical analysis lesson. This is why it is our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/stock-of-the-day">Stock of the Day</a>.
One of the most interesting and misunderstood dynamics of technical analysis is its fractal nature. This means the same patterns can be seen on charts of different timeframes.
In the stock market, there tends to be support at price levels that had been support previously. This is because of psychology. It is due to remorseful sellers.
These are people who sold shares while the stock was at support that regretted doing so when the price rallied soon after. Many of them decide to buy their shares back if they can get them at the same price they were sold for.
As a result, when the price drops back to the level that was support, they place buy orders. If there are enough of these buy orders it will form support at the level again.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/travel/24/12/42705878/airline-stocks-outperform-tech-in-2024-holiday-travel-expected-to-see-records-this-year#google_vignette">Airline Stocks Outperform Tech In 2024: Holiday Travel &#8216;Expected To See Records This Year&#8217;</a>
As you can see on the 4-month chart, there has been support around the $345.00 level for CrowdStrike. This is a graphical illustration of the sellers' remorse of swing traders. These traders typically have time horizons of a few weeks or months.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="561" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27143248/16-1024x561.png" alt="" class="wp-image-709696" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27143248/16-1024x561.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27143248/16-300x164.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27143248/16-768x421.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27143248/16.png 1486w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
4-month chart
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">One-Day Chart</h2>
The same type of action can be seen on a one-day chart. The $350.00 has been support. This is a graphical illustration of sellers' remorse of traders that have short-term time horizons. This support was created by day traders.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="570" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27142825/17-1024x570.png" alt="" class="wp-image-709692" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27142825/17-1024x570.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27142825/17-300x167.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27142825/17-768x428.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27142825/17.png 1482w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">1-day chart</figcaption></figure>
Technical analysis has a dubious reputation on Wall Street. This shouldn't be surprising. Many analysts don't understand some of the basic principles.
If understood and applied correctly, technical analysis is the study of investor and trader psychology. Charts are graphical illustrations of this psychology.
Regardless of the timeframe of a strategy that is being traded, the people who are doing the trading experience the same emotions. These are what appear on charts. This is why the same patterns appear of charts that have different time horizons.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42701686/bitcoin-could-slide-to-60000-technical-analyst-warns">Bitcoin Could Slide To $60,000, Technical Analyst Warns</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

Technicals

CRWD

Stock Of The Day: CrowdStrike Shows Fractal Nature Of Technical Analysis

MESO

Mesoblast Shareholder Offers 2M Ordinary Shares Represented By 200K ADSs On Nasdaq Under Symbol "MESO" And Australian Exchange As "MSB"; Company To Receive $9.06 Per ADS Upon Warrant Exercise, No Proceeds From ADS Sales

Editor&#8217;s note: This story has been corrected to state that Castellum Inc — not Constellium SE — announced the pricing of a public stock offering. 
With U.S. stock futures trading lower this morning on Friday, some of the stocks that may grab investor focus today are as follows:
<ul>
<li>Viracta Therapeutics, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VIRX#NASDAQ">VIRX</a>) said its board has initiated a process to explore a broad range of strategic alternatives. The company announced plans to close its ongoing pivotal Phase 2 clinical trial of Nana-val in Relapsed/Refractory EBV + Lymphomas. Viracta Therapeutics shares dipped 13.9% to $0.2040 in the after-hours trading session.</li>
<li>Evaxion Biotech A/S (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EVAX#NASDAQ">EVAX</a>) applied for a patent for vaccines targeting Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Evaxion Biotech shares jumped 104.5% to $1.73 in after-hours trading.</li>
<li>Castellum Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTM#NYSE">CTM</a>) announced the pricing of a previously announced stock offering of 4,355,000 shares at 85 cents per share for gross proceeds of approximately $3.7 million. </li>
</ul>
Check out our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premarket/">premarket coverage here</a>. 
<ul>
<li>The Arena Group Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AREN#NASDAQ">AREN</a>) disclosed that its compliance plan was accepted by the NYSE American. Arena Group shares jumped 17.6% to $1.67 in the after-hours trading session.</li>
<li>Grid Dynamics Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GDYN#NASDAQ">GDYN</a>) will replace Revelyst Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GEAR#NYSE">GEAR</a>) in the S&amp;P SmallCap 600 effective before the opening bell on Thursday, Jan. 2. Grid Dynamics shares jumped 9.7% to $23.11 in after-hours trading.</li>
</ul>
Check This Out:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42684254/top-3-utilities-stocks-youll-regret-missing-in-december"> </a>
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42684254/top-3-utilities-stocks-youll-regret-missing-in-december">Top 3 Utilities Stocks You&#8217;ll Regret Missing In December</a></li>
</ul>
Photo courtesy: Wikimedia

Long Ideas

Pre-Market Outlook

AREN

EVAX

GDYN

GEAR

VIRX

Castellum, Viracta Therapeutics And 3 Stocks To Watch Heading Into Friday (CORRECTED)

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/artificial-intelligence" rel="noreferrer noopener">Artificial intelligence</a> server company Super Micro Computer Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMCI#NASDAQ">SMCI</a>) and Taiwan&#8217;s Guo Rui announced on Wednesday their plans to establish a renewable-energy-powered computation center in Taiwan, the Taipei Times <a target="_blank" href="https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/taiwan/archives/2024/12/27/2003829207" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Following discussions with Supermicro founder Charles Liang and Guo Rui chairman Lin Po-wen, Premier Cho Jung-tai instructed the formation of a cross-ministerial task force to promote renewable energy and facilitate land acquisition for green power projects, Executive Yuan spokesperson Michelle Lee told the TT.
In a separate announcement to the TT, Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) revealed plans to establish a secondary headquarters in Taiwan, matching the scale of its Silicon Valley operations.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42681123/ai-smartphones-to-cushion-semiconductor-industry-amid-data-center-uncertainty-report" rel="noreferrer noopener">AI Smartphones To Cushion Semiconductor Industry Amid Data Center Uncertainty: Report</a>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="750" height="650" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27134616/newplot-15.png" alt="" class="wp-image-709632" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27134616/newplot-15.png 750w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27134616/newplot-15-300x260.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 750px) 100vw, 750px" /></figure>
National Development Council Minister Paul Liu highlighted to TT Taiwan&#8217;s robust talent pool, infrastructure, and proximity to supply chains as key factors that could contribute towards the country becoming a global hub for AI development.
Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an and New Taipei City Mayor Hou You-yi expressed their commitment to attracting Nvidia&#8217;s new headquarters to the TT.
New Taipei City offered a portfolio of potential sites and incentives to secure the investment. Supermicro is also a key Nvidia client.
Reportedly, Nvidia supplier Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSM#NYSE">TSM</a>) is considering five factories in the heavy industrial city of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42699969/taiwan-semiconductor-expands-in-taiwan-five-new-factories-aim-to-strengthen-chipmaking-industry" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kaohsiun in Taiwan</a>. The first plant will likely start commercializing by 2025 or a year later.
The chipmaker&#8217;s expansion has prompted the city government to set up water recycling plants and ultra-high-voltage substation facilities to ensure a stable water and power supply.
In the current geopolitical scenario, President Joe Biden <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41087959/us-boosts-taiwans-military-with-567m-defense-support-as-china-concerns-mount" rel="noreferrer noopener">approved $567 million</a> in defense aid for Taiwan in September, strengthening its military capabilities as tensions with China intensified. Additionally, the U.S. approved a&nbsp;$228 million military sale&nbsp;to Taiwan to improve its aircraft combat.
In December,&nbsp;Taiwan Semiconductor showcased its&nbsp;advanced chip fabrication plant&nbsp;debut&nbsp;in Arizona, marking U.S. attempts to reduce dependence on China as a semiconductor supply chain.
The company targets two additional fabs in Arizona, bringing its total investment to $65 billion.
Price Actions: At last check on Friday, SMCI stock was down 5.00% to $32.06. NVDA is down 2.62%.
Also Read:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42675479/att-gains-fcc-approval-to-replace-copper-lines-with-wireless-tech" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">AT&amp;T Gains FCC Approval to Replace Copper Lines With Wireless Tech</a></li>
</ul>

Tech

NVDA

SMCI

Super Micro and Nvidia Expand in Taiwan with Green Energy and AI Projects

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards Mobileye Global (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MBLY#NASDAQ">MBLY</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in MBLY usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 12 extraordinary options activities for Mobileye Global. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 58% leaning bullish and 41% bearish. Among these notable options, 2 are puts, totaling $70,339, and 10 are calls, amounting to $538,719.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $17.0 to $22.0 for Mobileye Global over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Examining the volume and open interest provides crucial insights into stock research. This information is key in gauging liquidity and interest levels for Mobileye Global's options at certain strike prices. Below, we present a snapshot of the trends in volume and open interest for calls and puts across Mobileye Global's significant trades, within a strike price range of $17.0 to $22.0, over the past month.
<h3>Mobileye Global 30-Day Option Volume &amp; Interest Snapshot</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735327830_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>MBLY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$5.2</td>
<td>$5.1</td>
<td>$5.2</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
<td>$91.8K</td>
<td>2.6K</td>
<td>178</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MBLY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$1.55</td>
<td>$1.3</td>
<td>$1.4</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$91.2K</td>
<td>11.2K</td>
<td>735</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MBLY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$2.85</td>
<td>$2.8</td>
<td>$2.85</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$82.6K</td>
<td>9.0K</td>
<td>6.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MBLY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/03/25</td>
<td>$2.7</td>
<td>$2.65</td>
<td>$2.65</td>
<td>$17.00</td>
<td>$69.1K</td>
<td>230</td>
<td>675</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MBLY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$2.5</td>
<td>$2.4</td>
<td>$2.49</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$44.8K</td>
<td>9.0K</td>
<td>882</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Mobileye Global</h3>
Mobileye Global Inc engages in the development and deployment of ADAS and autonomous driving technologies and solutions. It is building a portfolio of end-to-end ADAS and autonomous driving solutions to provide the capabilities needed for the future of autonomous driving, leveraging a comprehensive suite of purpose-built software and hardware technologies. Mobileye is the Company's only reportable operating segment. Its solutions comprise Driver Assist, Cloud-Enhanced Driver Assist, Mobileye SuperVision Lite, Mobileye SuperVision, Mobileye Chauffeur, Mobileye Drive, Self-Driving System &amp; Vehicles. It also provides data services to Expedite Maintenance Operations with AI-Powered Road Survey Technology.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Mobileye Global, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Where Is Mobileye Global Standing Right Now?</h3>
<ul>
<li>Currently trading with a volume of 3,623,808, the MBLY's price is up by 2.57%, now at $19.97. </li>
<li>RSI readings suggest the stock is currently may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Anticipated earnings release is in 27 days.</li>
</ul>
Turn $1000 into $1270 in just 20 days?
20-year pro options trader reveals his one-line chart technique that shows when to buy and sell. Copy his trades, which have had averaged a 27% profit every 20 days. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/options-moneyline-2/?t=Moop1arja3be22op14&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>.
Options trading presents higher risks and potential rewards. Astute traders manage these risks by continually educating themselves, adapting their strategies, monitoring multiple indicators, and keeping a close eye on market movements. Stay informed about the latest Mobileye Global options trades with real-time alerts from <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>.

MBLY

Unpacking the Latest Options Trading Trends in Mobileye Global

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards Nebius Group (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NBIS#NASDAQ">NBIS</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in NBIS usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 15 extraordinary options activities for Nebius Group. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 66% leaning bullish and 26% bearish. Among these notable options, 3 are puts, totaling $140,927, and 12 are calls, amounting to $620,193.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $20.0 and $45.0 for Nebius Group, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Analyzing Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Assessing the volume and open interest is a strategic step in options trading. These metrics shed light on the liquidity and investor interest in Nebius Group's options at specified strike prices. The forthcoming data visualizes the fluctuation in volume and open interest for both calls and puts, linked to Nebius Group's substantial trades, within a strike price spectrum from $20.0 to $45.0 over the preceding 30 days.
<h3>Nebius Group Option Volume And Open Interest Over Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735327825_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Significant Options Trades Detected:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NBIS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$1.25</td>
<td>$1.05</td>
<td>$1.05</td>
<td>$29.00</td>
<td>$157.4K</td>
<td>5.4K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NBIS</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$1.55</td>
<td>$1.5</td>
<td>$1.5</td>
<td>$20.00</td>
<td>$65.1K</td>
<td>1.6K</td>
<td>434</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NBIS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$2.9</td>
<td>$2.7</td>
<td>$2.9</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$60.6K</td>
<td>2.3K</td>
<td>552</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NBIS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$2.95</td>
<td>$2.9</td>
<td>$3.0</td>
<td>$30.00</td>
<td>$60.0K</td>
<td>4.5K</td>
<td>479</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NBIS</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$1.8</td>
<td>$1.7</td>
<td>$1.7</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$51.0K</td>
<td>7.8K</td>
<td>413</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Nebius Group</h3>
Nebius Group NV is a tech company. It is a European provider of infrastructure and services to AI builders globally. The group builds full-stack infrastructure to service the growth of the AI industry, including the scale of GPU clusters, cloud platforms, tools, and services for developers. It has R&amp;D hubs across Europe, North America and Israel.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with Nebius Group, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of Nebius Group</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 4,028,285, the price of NBIS is down -6.56% at $26.22. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching overbought.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 11 days.</li>
</ul>
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If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for Nebius Group, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

NBIS

This Is What Whales Are Betting On Nebius Group

Deep-pocketed investors have adopted a bullish approach towards Unity Software (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/U#NYSE">U</a>), and it's something market players shouldn't ignore. Our tracking of public options records at Benzinga unveiled this significant move today. The identity of these investors remains unknown, but such a substantial move in U usually suggests something big is about to happen.
We gleaned this information from our observations today when Benzinga's options scanner highlighted 21 extraordinary options activities for Unity Software. This level of activity is out of the ordinary.
The general mood among these heavyweight investors is divided, with 52% leaning bullish and 47% bearish. Among these notable options, 3 are puts, totaling $127,185, and 18 are calls, amounting to $821,302.
<h3>Projected Price Targets</h3>
After evaluating the trading volumes and Open Interest, it's evident that the major market movers are focusing on a price band between $15.0 and $35.0 for Unity Software, spanning the last three months.
<h3>Volume &amp; Open Interest Trends</h3>
In today's trading context, the average open interest for options of Unity Software stands at 3757.33, with a total volume reaching 8,731.00. The accompanying chart delineates the progression of both call and put option volume and open interest for high-value trades in Unity Software, situated within the strike price corridor from $15.0 to $35.0, throughout the last 30 days.
<h3>Unity Software Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1735327820_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>U</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$2.63</td>
<td>$2.5</td>
<td>$2.55</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$76.5K</td>
<td>9.9K</td>
<td>438</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>U</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$8.2</td>
<td>$8.05</td>
<td>$8.2</td>
<td>$15.00</td>
<td>$76.2K</td>
<td>12.8K</td>
<td>112</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>U</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$4.8</td>
<td>$4.65</td>
<td>$4.65</td>
<td>$26.00</td>
<td>$62.7K</td>
<td>99</td>
<td>135</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>U</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$4.4</td>
<td>$4.25</td>
<td>$4.4</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$60.2K</td>
<td>5.5K</td>
<td>137</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>U</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>02/21/25</td>
<td>$2.37</td>
<td>$2.28</td>
<td>$2.28</td>
<td>$25.00</td>
<td>$57.7K</td>
<td>9.9K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About Unity Software</h3>
Unity Software Inc provides a software platform for creating and operating interactive, real-time 3D content. The platform can be used to create, run, and monetize interactive, real-time 2D and 3D content for mobile phones, tablets, PCs, consoles, and augmented and virtual reality devices. The business is spread across the United States, Greater China, EMEA, APAC, and Other Americas, of which key revenue is derived from the EMEA region. The products are used in the gaming industry, architecture and construction sector, animation industry, and designing sector.
Having examined the options trading patterns of Unity Software, our attention now turns directly to the company. This shift allows us to delve into its present market position and performance
<h3>Current Position of Unity Software</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a trading volume of 4,372,251, the price of U is down by -0.66%, reaching $24.01.</li>
<li>Current RSI values indicate that the stock is is currently neutral between overbought and oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings report is scheduled for 59 days from now.</li>
</ul>
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Unity Software Unusual Options Activity

Each week,&nbsp;Benzinga's Stock Whisper Index&nbsp;uses a combination of proprietary data and pattern recognition to showcase five stocks that are just under the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/stock-whisper-index" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">surface and deserve attention</a>.
Investors are constantly on the hunt for undervalued, under-followed and emerging stocks. With countless methods available to retail traders, the challenge often lies in sifting through the abundance of information to uncover new opportunities and understand why certain stocks should be of interest.
Read Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/11/41718416/exclusive-top-20-most-searched-tickers-on-benzinga-pro-in-october-2024-where-do-tesla-nvidia-apple-d" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: Top 20 Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro In October 2024 — Where Do Tesla, Nvidia, Apple, DJT Stock Rank?</a>
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Here&#8217;s a look at the Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the week ending Dec. 27:</h1>
SEALSQ Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LAES#NASDAQ">LAES</a>): The microchip company linked to the quantum computing sector saw a surge of interest from Benzinga readers and in its share price over the last week. 
The company<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42695244/sealsq-corp-shares-are-moving-higher-after-hours-whats-going-on"> announced Thursday </a>it received formal written notice from the Nasdaq for regained compliance for the minimum bid price for shares. SEALSQ previously received a letter in August with shares under $1. 
The company also <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42686387/sealsq-launches-sealquantumcom-lab-to-help-businesses-transition-to-quantum-safe-encryption">announced the launch </a>of SEALQUANTUM.com Lab, which is designed to support the transition of quantum-safe encryption for companies.
"Our SEALQUANTUM.com Lab is more than just a platform, it's a commitment to future-proofing our clients' security," SEALSQ CEO Carlos Moreira said.
SEALSQ <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/12/42490690/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet">previously appeared on</a> the Stock Whisper Index earlier this month with shares seeing a surge of interest from several drone-related partnerships. With interest in drones and quantum computing rising, SEALSQ could continue to see a spotlight from readers.
Here's a look at the five-day <a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent122724&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1">Benzinga Pro chart </a>of SEALSQ with shares up over 200%. The stock is up over 600% year-to-date in 2024.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent122724&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="995" height="506" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27120409/Screenshot-279.png" alt="" class="wp-image-709549" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27120409/Screenshot-279.png 995w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27120409/Screenshot-279-300x153.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27120409/Screenshot-279-768x391.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 995px) 100vw, 995px" /></a></figure>
Rigetti Computing Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RGTI#NASDAQ">RGTI</a>): For a second straight week, quantum computing stocks are among the most searched and seeing the largest increase in interest from Benzinga readers. 
Rigetti Computing leads the way in interest, which comes as the company recently announced the launch of the 84-qubit Ankaa-3 quantum computer. The computer is offered through Rigetti Quantum Cloud Services and will be available on Microsoft Azure and Amazon Bracket in the first quarter of 2025. 
Rigetti also plans to launch a 36-qubit system by mid-2025 and to unveil a system exceeding 100 qubits by the end of 2025.
"We are extremely confident in our ability to deliver on our roadmap and performance goals," Rigetti CEO Dr. Subodh Kulkarni said.
Some investors, including Citron Research, remain skeptical after the large increase in valuation for quantum computing connected companies based on Google's recent quantum computing news.
"Buying $RGTI based on Google&#8217;s quantum success is as misguided as believing every TikTok guitarist is the next Taylor Swift," Citron Research tweeted.
Here's a look at Rigettti shares over the past five days with a gain of over 100%. The stock is up over 1,700% year-to-date.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent122724&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="505" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27120429/Screenshot-280.png" alt="" class="wp-image-709550" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27120429/Screenshot-280.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27120429/Screenshot-280-300x152.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27120429/Screenshot-280-768x389.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>
GameStop Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GME#NYSE">GME</a>): While GameStop stock doesn't fly under the radar much anymore these days, the stock saw a surge in interest during the week, likely due <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/24/12/42679610/roaring-kittys-christmas-post-has-gamestop-rallying-7-in-overnight-trading-memecoin-connected-to-trader-also-surge">to a new tweet</a> from investor Roaring Kitty, aka Keith Gill.
On Christmas, Gill shared on X a picture of a present, the second tweet from the Roaring Kitty account in December following several months of silence. In the tweet on Dec. 5, the Roaring Kitty X account<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/12/42349100/gamestop-rockets-as-roaring-kitty-returns-to-x-what-does-his-tweet-signal-ahead-of-q3-earnings"> shared a TIME magazine cover</a> with a computer with a video screen. The video is paused at the 1:09 minute mark, which could point to Jan. 9 as a clue.
GameStop reported <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/12/42425015/gamestop-q3-earnings-revenue-miss-4b-cash-no-more-offerings-planned-in-fiscal-year">quarterly financial results </a>earlier this month and investors will have to wait months to hear about the holiday shopping season.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent122724&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="997" height="514" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27120446/Screenshot-281.png" alt="" class="wp-image-709551" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27120446/Screenshot-281.png 997w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27120446/Screenshot-281-300x155.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27120446/Screenshot-281-768x396.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 997px) 100vw, 997px" /></a></figure>
Axon Enterprises (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AXON#NASDAQ">AXON</a>): The weapons and cloud-based digital evidence company rejoins the Stock Whisper Index, marking two appearances over the past two months. 
The stock saw strong interest from readers as it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42503776/weapon-maker-axon-shares-rise-in-monday-pre-market-whats-going-on">was recently added </a>to the Nasdaq-100 Index, which is tracked by the Invesco QQQ Trust (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QQQ#NASDAQ">QQQ</a>). Launched in 1985, the Nasdaq-100 Index is a leading benchmark for non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq. Axon, Palantir and MicroStrategy were the latest additions to the Nasdaq-100.
Axon's third-quarter revenue and earnings per share beat Street consensus estimates. The quarter continued a streak of consecutive quarters of beating analyst estimates, which now stands at 10 for both revenue and earnings per share. Axon also shared revenue guidance for the fourth quarter with an expected range of $560 million to $570 million, ahead of a Street estimate of $523 million.
Analysts&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AXON/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">raised price targets</a>&nbsp;on Axon after the recent third-quarter earnings and the 2024 election. Northland maintained an Outperform rating and raised the price target from $365 to $550, Needham maintained a Buy rating and raised the price target from $525 to $600 and Baird maintained an Outperform rating and raised the price target from $460 to $600.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent122724&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="995" height="502" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27120507/Screenshot-282.png" alt="" class="wp-image-709552" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27120507/Screenshot-282.png 995w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27120507/Screenshot-282-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27120507/Screenshot-282-768x387.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 995px) 100vw, 995px" /></a></figure>
Comcast Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMCSA#NASDAQ">CMCSA</a>): The media and cable company had a strong 2024 at the box office, which may be one reason why investors are paying more attention to the stock. 
Comcast had <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42603589/disney-hits-2-billion-domestic-box-office-wins-top-honors-global-box-office-2025-to-grow-8-to-33b-analyst-says">three of the top 10</a> grossing movies domestically in 2024 with "Wicked," "Twisters" and "Kung Fu Panda 4" ranking third, eighth and tenth, respectively. "Wicked" has earned critical praise and was nominated for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/12/42395178/golden-globes-2025-nominations-netflix-scores-nods-for-emilia-perez-and-squid-game-comcast-lands-4-wicked-noms">multiple Golden Globe awards</a>. Comcast's Universal brand received an A- score from Variety for 2024 thanks to the movies in the top 10 and "The Wild Robot," which grossed over $300 million worldwide.
&#8220;Universal pulled off the seemingly impossible: Making musicals seem cool to moviegoers,&#8221; Variety writes of the success of &#8220;Wicked.&#8221;
Comcast reports fourth-quarter financial results on Jan. 30, which could provide a look at how the company's Peacock streaming platform and other segments are doing.<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/12/42563662/streamers-max-paramount-won-november-heres-why-analyst-expects-netflix-amazon-to-win-december"> Recent data showed</a> November Peacock downloads up 31% month-over-month, which could be due to the platform premiere of "Twisters" and 2024 election day coverage.
The media company will likely highlight its 2025 slate of movies during the quarterly financial results, which includes "Jurassic World Rebirth" and "Wicked: For Good."
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent122724&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="995" height="502" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27120523/Screenshot-283.png" alt="" class="wp-image-709553" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27120523/Screenshot-283.png 995w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27120523/Screenshot-283-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/27120523/Screenshot-283-768x387.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 995px) 100vw, 995px" /></a></figure>
Stay tuned for next week's report, and follow Benzinga Pro for all the latest headlines and&nbsp;<a href="https://bzresearch.myclickfunnels.com/benzinga-pro-content-webinar-registration/?utm_source=BZprocontent122724&amp;t=be2bearmibe3na1" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top market-moving stories here.</a>
Read the latest Stock Whisper Index reports here:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/24/12/42366750/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">December 6</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/12/42490690/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">December 13</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/24/12/42628286/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-including-qubt-qbts">December 20</a></li>
</ul>
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/12/42638753/quantum-computing-the-new-ai-a-look-at-the-rapidly-expanding-market-and-top-stocks-for-2025">Quantum Computing: The New AI? A Look at the Rapidly Expanding Market and Top Stocks For 2025</a></li>
</ul>

Exclusives

AXON

CMCSA

LAES

RGTI

Benzinga's 'Stock Whisper' Index: 5 Stocks Investors Secretly Monitor But Don't Talk About Yet

Montenegro&#8217;s Minister of Justice, Bojan Božović on Friday authorized the extradition of Terraform Labs co-founder Do Kwon to the United States, concluding months of legal wrangling over competing extradition requests from the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/08/40121915/us-loses-out-to-south-korea-over-extradition-of-terraform-labs-do-kwon">U.S. and South Korea</a>.
What Happened: The <a href="https://www.gov.me/clanak/do-kwon-ce-biti-izrucen-sad-u">ruling</a> follows a decision earlier this week by Montenegro's Constitutional Court, which denied Kwon's appeal against a September Supreme Court decision.
That decision nullified his transfer to South Korea and delegated the final extradition decision to the justice minister.
In its announcement, the Ministry of Justice stated that it had reviewed all relevant factors, including the gravity of the alleged offenses, the location where the crimes were committed and the sequence of extradition requests.
Other considerations included Kwon's nationality and the potential for subsequent extradition to another country.
Kwon is a central figure in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/22/08/28505136/i-didnt-sleep-for-8-days-terra-luna-founder-do-kwon-comes-out-of-hiding-explains-his-side-">the 2022 collapse</a> of the algorithmic stablecoin TerraUSD (CRYPTO: USTC) and its sister cryptocurrency Luna (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">LUNC</a>), which caused billions of dollars in losses to investors globally.
The incident led to a coordinated international manhunt involving South Korean authorities, U.S. prosecutors and Interpol.
The crypto executive was arrested in Montenegro in March 2023 for attempting to travel with forged documents. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42701446/crypto-industry-anticipates-policy-overhaul-under-trump-administration">Crypto Industry Anticipates Policy Overhaul Under Trump Administration</a>
Why It Matters: Since his release from prison earlier this year, Kwon has faced an extradition stalemate as courts weighed requests from the U.S. and South Korea.
The High Court in Montenegro initially ruled in February 2024 to extradite Kwon to the U.S. to face charges related to the Terra-Luna collapse. 
However, that decision was reversed in March, favoring extradition to South Korea instead. Months of legal appeals and inconsistent rulings followed, further delaying the process.
Kwon's legal team had pushed for extradition to his home country of South Korea, where financial criminals typically face maximum sentences ranging from 30 to 40 years. 
In contrast, the U.S. legal system allows for consecutive sentencing, potentially resulting in significantly longer prison terms.
The extradition saga has also sparked political controversies in Montenegro. 
Former Justice Minister Andrej Milovic accused Prime Minister Milojko Spajić of influencing the extradition process in favor of South Korea due to alleged financial connections with Kwon.
Read Next: 
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Image: Shutterstock

$LUNC

Terra Luna Co-Founder Do Kwon To Be Extradited To The US: Report

ChatGPT parent OpenAI is exploring <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41038183/openais-restructure-from-non-profit-to-potential-150b-for-profit-sam-altman-could-get-equity" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">restructuring its corporate framework</a> in 2025, transforming it into a <a href="https://openai.com/index/why-our-structure-must-evolve-to-advance-our-mission/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Delaware Public Benefit Corporation</a> (PBC).
Sam Altman&#8217;s artificial intelligence company initially focused on advancing AI without financial constraints. However, by 2019, it became clear that developing large-scale language models required substantial investments, prompting the company to introduce a hybrid structure.
OpenAI raised $1 billion from Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>). The company highlighted the need for &#8220;hundreds of billions of dollars&#8221; in capital to sustain its mission.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42645821/elon-musks-xai-expands-with-new-chatbot-app" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk&#8217;s xAI To Expand With New Chatbot App</a>
The current valuation of $157 billion and competition from Microsoft, Alphabet Inc (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>), and Anthropic, prompted OpenAI to issue traditional equity through its new structure, CNBC <a target="_blank" href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/12/27/openai-needs-more-capital-than-wed-imagined-moves-to-for-profit.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
Transitioning to a PBC will allow OpenAI to attract conventional equity investments, while the nonprofit arm will focus on charitable initiatives in education, healthcare, and science.
Under the proposed model, OpenAI&#8217;s nonprofit will hold a significant interest in the for-profit PBC, valued by independent financial advisors.
However, OpenAI&#8217;s move has sparked opposition from co-founder Elon Musk, who has filed legal challenges against the restructuring.
Musk, owner of OpenAI&#8217;s rival xAI, charged OpenAI of ditching its nonprofit roots. Internal challenges have also emerged, with key executives like Chief Technology Officer Mira Murati and Research Chief Bob McGrew exiting the company.
Developing and scaling generative AI models like ChatGPT requires massive resources, including high-powered processors from Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and cloud infrastructure provided by key backer Microsoft. OpenAI expects $5 billion in losses on $3.7 billion in revenue in 2024.
Interestingly, OpenAI&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42499756/musk-backed-for-profit-direction-for-openai-leaked-emails-say" rel="noreferrer noopener">recently revealed old emails</a> from Musk&nbsp;that depicted his advocacy for a&nbsp;profit-making business model.
Musk&#8217;s AI company, xAI, announced on Monday that it raised $6 billion in funding, marking its second <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42665538/elon-musks-xai-secures-6-billion-in-series-c-funding-to-expand-colossus-supercomputer-attracts-investments-from-nvidia-and-blackrock" rel="noreferrer noopener">major funding round in 2024</a>.
The investment features strategic backing from Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Advanced Micro Devices, Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>).
xAI plans to use the funding to expand its Colossus supercomputer, which currently runs on 100,000 Nvidia Hopper GPUs. The company aims to double its capacity to 200,000 GPUs.
Also Read:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/media/24/12/42701434/netflixs-nfl-debut-brings-record-streams-but-lags-traditional-tv-report" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Netflix&#8217;s NFL Debut Brings Record Streams But Lags Traditional TV: Report</a></li>
</ul>
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Sam Altman's OpenAI Plans Major Restructuring to Non-Profit Structure Amid Rising Costs

PlayAGS: Why Brightstar Capital's Acquisition Makes The Stock A Buy

Showcasing Seeking Alpha's May 2024 New Analysts

With the growing adoption of digital technologies, changing government frameworks, and rising disposable income, the entertainment industry is poised for solid long-term growth. Thus, investors could consider buying quality entertainment stocks Accel Entertainment (ACEL), DoubleDown Interactive (DDI), and PlayAGS (AGS), which offer value and growth. Continue reading... The rapid technological evolution has resulted in boosting demand of the media and entertainment industry together with the widespread prevalence of social video platforms, specialized streaming services, and cloud gaming. Online gaming has opened various new opportunities for the global gaming industry.
Given the industry's shiny prospects, investors could consider buying fundamentally sound entertainment stocks Accel Entertainment, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/ACEL/">ACEL</a>), DoubleDown Interactive Co., Ltd. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/DDI/">DDI</a>), and PlayAGS, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/AGS/">AGS</a>), offering value and growth.
The entertainment industry has transformed widely, adapting to the internet penetration with streaming services and wide prevalence of social media platforms leading to ever-growing online content consumption. According to Statista, the <a href="https://www.statista.com/outlook/dmo/app/entertainment/worldwide">entertainment market worldwide</a> is projected to reach $53.13 billion by 2027.
The global movies and entertainment market is expected to grow at a <a href="https://www.grandviewresearch.com/industry-analysis/movies-entertainment-market">CAGR of 8.1%</a> resulting in revenue volume of $169.68 billion by 2030, influenced by favorable demographics, cloud gaming, changing consumption patterns, rise in disposable incomes, and the propensity to spend on leisure and entertainment.
Amid rising expense of specialist gaming PCs or consoles coupled with restrained hardware mobility, cloud gaming appears more accessible leading to a strong upsurge. The <a href="https://www.factmr.com/report/cloud-gaming-market">global cloud gaming market</a> is forecasted to hit $6.62 billion by 2034, expanding at a CAGR of 22.6%.
Besides, traditional gambling culture, regulatory framework evolution, tourism and destination appeal have contributed to the casino market's demand as the market is poised to <a href="https://www.thebusinessresearchcompany.com/report/casino-global-market-report#:~:text=It%20will%20grow%20from%20%24131.42,(CAGR)%20of%205.2%25.">grow to $165.72 billion by 2028</a>. The growth can be attributed to emergence of cryptocurrency, regulatory adaption to online gambling, and innovation in gaming technologies.
Given these encouraging trends, let's delve deeper into the fundamentals of top Entertainment stocks ACEL, DDI, and AGS.
Accel Entertainment, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/ACEL/">ACEL</a>)
ACEL operates as a distributed gaming operator. The company is involved in the installation, maintenance, and operation of gaming terminals; redemption devices that disburse winnings and contain automated teller machine functionality, and other amusement devices in authorized non-casino locations.
In terms of forward Price/Sales, ACEL is trading at 0.71x, 19.1% lower than the industry average of 0.88x. Further, the stock's forward <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/enterprisevaluesales.asp">EV/Sales</a> multiple of 0.95 is 19.9% lower than the industry average of 1.18. Also, its forward EV/EBITDA of 6.20x is 34.7% lower than the industry average of 9.49x.
ACEL's revenue and EBITDA have grown at respective CAGRs of 48.9% and 81.8% over the past three years. The company's total assets has increased 15.9% over the same timeframe, while its levered free cash flow has improved at CAGR of 17.4%.
For the first quarter that ended March 31, 2024, ACEL's total net revenues grew 2.9% year-over-year to $301.82 million and its operating income was $25.56 million. The company's adjusted EBITDA of $46.25 million indicates marginal growth from the prior year's quarter. Its adjusted net income and EPS came in at $19.50 million and $0.09 for the quarter, respectively.
Furthermore, the company's total assets stood at $919.13 million as of March 31, 2024, compared to total assets of $912.89 million as of December 31, 2023.
Analysts expect ACEL's revenue for the fiscal year (ending December 2025) to grow 3% year-over-year to $1.24 billion, and its EPS is expected to increase marginally year-over-year to $0.84 for the same period. Moreover, the company has surpassed the consensus revenue and EPS estimates in all of the trailing four quarters.
Over the past month, the stock has surged 6.8% and marginally over the past year to close the last trading session at $10.21.
ACEL's bright prospects are reflected in its <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a>. The stock has an overall rating of A, which translates to a Strong Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 different factors, each weighted to an optimal degree.
ACEL has an A grade for Sentiment and a B for Growth, Value and Stability. The stock has topped among the 25 stocks in the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/entertainment-casinos-gambling/">Entertainment – Casinos/Gambling</a> industry.
To check other POWR Ratings of ACEL for Quality, and Momentum, <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/ACEL/">click here</a>.
DoubleDown Interactive Co., Ltd. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/DDI/">DDI</a>)
Headquartered in Seoul, South Korea, DDI engages in the development and publishing of casual games and mobile applications in South Korea. The company publishes digital gaming content on mobile and web platforms. It offers DoubleDown Casino, DoubleDown Classic, DoubleDown Fort Knox, and cash me out games.
In terms of forward non-GAAP P/E, DDI is trading at 6.09x, 51.4% lower than the industry average of 12.52x. Similarly, the stock's forward EV/Sales multiple of 1.05 is 44% lower than the industry average of 1.87. Also, its forward Price/Book of 0.04x is 98.1% lower than the industry average of 1.98x.
DDI's EBIT and net income have grown at respective CAGRs of 8.5% and 21.2% over the past three years. The company's EPS has increased 15.8% over the same timeframe, while its normalized net income and tangible book value have improved at CAGRs of 17.9% and 140%, respectively.
During the first quarter that ended March 31, 2024, DDI's revenue increased 13.5% year-over-year to $88.14 million. Its operating income rose 22.3% from the year-ago value to $31.06 million. The company's net income and EPS stood at $30.36 million and $12.23, up 28.2% and 28.1% from the previous year's quarter, respectively.
In addition, the company's adjusted EBITDA grew 25.6% year-over-year to $31.90 million.
Analysts expect DDI's revenue for the fiscal year (ending December 2024) to increase 10% year-over-year to $339.82 million. For the same year, the company's EPS is expected to grow 1.5% year-over-year to $2.06. Also, the company topped the consensus EPS estimates in three of the four trailing quarters.
Shares of DDI have gained 70.4% over the past six months and 36.2% over the past year to close the last trading session at $12.54.
DDI's POWR Ratings reflect its robust outlook. The stock has an overall rating of A, translating to a Strong Buy in our proprietary rating system.
DDI has an A grade for Sentiment, Quality, and Value. It also has a B grade for Growth. The stock has topped among the 17 stocks within the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/entertainment-video-games/">Entertainment – Toys &amp; Video Games</a> industry.
To see the other ratings of DDI for Momentum, and Stability, <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/DDI/">click here</a>.
PlayAGS, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/AGS/">AGS</a>)
AGS designs and supplies gaming products and services for the gaming industry internationally. The company operates in three segments: Electronic Gaming Machines (EGM); Table Products; and Interactive Games (Interactive).
In terms of forward EV/EBITDA, AGS is trading at 5.62x, 40.9% lower than the industry average of 9.50x. Likewise, the stock's forward Price/Cash Flow multiple of 5.06 is 45.3% lower than the industry average of 9.25. Also, its forward EV/EBIT of 12.59x is lower than the 13.83x industry average.
AGS' revenue and EBITDA have grown at respective CAGRs of 30% and 39.4% over the past three years. The company's levered free cash flow has increased 22.1% over the same timeframe.
On May 9, AGS entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by affiliates of Brightstar Capital Partners, a middle market private equity firm focused on investing in industrial, manufacturing, and services businesses for nearly $1.1 Billion.
During the first quarter that ended March 31, 2024, AGS' total revenues increased 15.4% year-over-year to $95.97 million. Its income from operations grew 68.6% from the year-ago value to $19.80 million. The company's net income came in at $4.34 million and $0.10 per common share, against a net loss of $334 thousand and $0.01 per share in the prior year's quarter, respectively.
In addition, the company's cash and cash equivalents and total assets stood at $40.36 million and $666.69 million as of March 31, 2024.
Street expects AGS' revenue for the second quarter (ending June 2024) to increase 4.1% year-over-year to $93.55 million and its EPS is expected to grow 463.1% year-over-year to $0.11. Furthermore, AGS has surpassed the consensus revenue estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.
AGS' stock has gained 38.9% over the past six months and 101.2% over the past year to close the last trading session at $11.39.
AGS' sound fundamentals are reflected in its POWR Ratings. The stock has an overall rating of A, which translates to a Strong Buy in our proprietary rating system.
The stock has an A grade for Growth and a B for Sentiment, Value, and Quality. Within the Entertainment – Casinos/Gambling industry, AGS is ranked #2 among the 27 stocks.
<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/AGS/">Click here</a> to access additional ratings of AGS for Stability and Momentum.
What To Do Next?
Discover 10 widely held stocks that our proprietary model shows have tremendous downside potential. Please make sure none of these "death trap" stocks are lurking in your portfolio:
<a href="https://report.stocknews.com/free-report/10-stocks-to-sell/?formplacement=artbotad_10sell">10 Stocks to SELL NOW! &gt;</a>

<hr />
ACEL shares were trading at $10.27 per share on Friday afternoon, up $0.06 (+0.59%). Year-to-date, ACEL has declined 0.00%, versus a 15.59% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Rjkumari Saxena</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rajkumari-Saxena_Image-1.jpeg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Rajkumari started her career as a writer but gradually shifted her focus to financial journalism, leveraging her educational background in Commerce. Fascinated by the interplay of business and economic shifts in equities, she aspires to evolve as an analyst. With a knack for simplifying complex financial concepts, her mission is to empower investors with insights that lead to profitable decisions.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=rajkumari-saxena">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/acel-ddi-ags-3-entertainment-stocks-offering-value-and-growth/>3 Entertainment Stocks Offering Value and Growth</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

3 Entertainment Stocks Offering Value and Growth

The casino & gambling industry is thriving owing to the rise of online gambling, mobile sports betting, and technological advancements. Additionally, the growing appeal of enhanced traditional gaming experiences contributes to this expansion. With this in mind, does Churchill Downs (CHDN) possess the fundamentals to capitalize on the booming sector? Read more to find out… The COVID-19 pandemic had a profound effect on the casino gambling industry, leading to widespread closures and reduced operations at many land-based casinos. In response, there was a notable shift towards online gambling platforms, which saw a significant rise in demand as individuals sought safer ways to engage in gaming from home.
Looking forward, the casino gambling sector is expected to experience substantial growth owing to the increasing popularity of gambling and the expansion of online platforms. According to Research and Markets, the market's gross gaming revenue is forecasted to grow from $150.29 billion in 2024 to $191.36 billion by 2029, at <a href="https://www.researchandmarkets.com/reports/5937494/casino-gambling-market-share-analysis?utm_source=GNE&amp;utm_medium=PressRelease&amp;utm_code=7nmrfn&amp;utm_campaign=1943456+-+Casino+Gambling+-+Market+Share+Analysis%2c+Industry+Trends+%26+Statistics%2c+Growth+Forecasts+2020+-+2029&amp;utm_exec=cosmmspi">a CAGR of 4.95%</a>.
That being said, watching out for Churchill Downs Incorporated (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/CHDN/">CHDN</a>) in this promising environment could be a strategic move. The company is well-positioned to capitalize on the expanding gambling and entertainment industry. To understand this potential, let's examine the industry trends and CHDN's role more closely.
The U.S. commercial gaming industry <a href="https://www.americangaming.org/resources/state-of-the-states-2024/">achieved record revenues</a> for the third consecutive year in 2023. The industry's resilience was evident as consumers continued to show strong interest in traditional casino games available at the 486 commercial casinos nationwide and newer offerings in iGaming and sports betting.
Moreover, the sector demonstrated resilience and robust consumer demand despite broader economic issues such as persistent inflation and high interest rates.
Furthermore, betting is critical in horse racing as well, with <a href="https://www.theplaidhorse.com/2024/06/05/beyond-the-finish-line-the-economics-of-horse-racing/">billions of dollars wagered annually</a>. The horse and sports betting market is experiencing notable growth, driven by diverse betting options for races and other sports events. The sector's expansion is further supported by increasing globalization and digital connectivity.
Integrating online betting platforms and live streaming services has transformed traditional wagering and viewing experiences, attracting a younger, more tech-savvy audience. According to Technavio, the global horse and sports betting market is projected to <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/horse-and-sports-betting-market-size-is-set-to-grow-by-usd-221-4-million-from-2024-2028--increasing-digital-connectivity-boost-the-market-technavio-302161781.html#:~:text=NEW%20YORK%2C%20June%204%2C%202024%20%2FPRNewswire%2F%20--%20The,CAGR%20of%20over%2011.06%25%20during%20the%20forecast%20period.">grow by $221.4 million from 2024 to 2028</a>, with an estimated CAGR of over 11.06%.
Given these trends, CHDN stands to benefit significantly. With a market capitalization of $9.72 billion, CHDN excels in racing, online wagering, and gaming entertainment. It prominently features its flagship event, the Kentucky Derby. The company operates 14 live and historical racing venues across three states, nine casino gaming properties in eight states, and 13 retail sportsbooks.
Additionally, CHDN runs an online horse racing wagering platform in the United States. Its diverse business segments include Live and Historical Racing; TwinSpires; and Gaming which underscore the company's extensive market presence.
CHDN's shares have shown promising performance, increasing 8.6% over the past six months and 8.8% over the past year to close the last trading session at $132.43. Let's now explore the factors that might influence CHDN's performance in the near term.
Recent Developments
On July 24, CHDN announced <a href="https://ir.churchilldownsincorporated.com/news-releases/news-release-details/churchill-downs-incorporated-reveals-grandstand-club-and">an $80-$90 million renovation</a> of the existing grandstand at Churchill Downs Racetrack. The project will upgrade ticketed seating options while significantly enhancing amenities for all guests in the grandstand area.
Construction on the Grandstand Club and Pavilion has begun this month, with completion planned for the 151st Kentucky Derby in May 2025. Modernizing facilities and enriching guest experiences could bolster CHDN's growth prospects by attracting more visitors and increasing overall revenue.
On May 15, CHDN <a href="https://ir.churchilldownsincorporated.com/news-releases/news-release-details/churchill-downs-incorporated-opens-terre-haute-casino-resort-0">announced the opening</a> of its new 122-room hotel and event center at Terre Haute Casino Resort. The company opened the 400,000-square-foot regional entertainment venue's casino floor on April 5, 2024, with 1,000 slot machines, 36 table games, and a state-of-the-art sportsbook.
The new infrastructure is poised to bring thousands of visitors from the region to enjoy an unparalleled gaming experience and make it a premier entertainment destination. This, in turn, could expand the company's customer base and improve its growth prospects.
Sound Historical Growth
Over the past three years, CHDN's revenue has grown at a CAGR of 21.6%. Its operation income (EBIT) and total assets increased at CAGRs of 37% and 34.1%, respectively. In addition, the company's EBITDA rose at a CAGR of 33.8% during the period.
Moreover, during the same time frame, the company's net income and EPS grew at respective CAGRs of 25.9% and 28.7%.
Robust Financials
During the second quarter of fiscal 2024, which ended on June 30, 2024, CHDN's total net revenue increased 15.9% year-over-year to $890.70 million. Its operating income stood at $330 million, up 46.3% year-over-year. Moreover, the company's adjusted <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/ebitda.asp">EBITDA</a> hit an all-time high of $444.80 million, up 22.3% year-over-year.
Furthermore, net income and net income per common share attributable to CHDN rose 46.4% and 50% from the prior year's period to $209.30 million and $2.79, respectively. In addition, as of June 30, 2024, CHDN's total assets amounted to $7.17 billion, up from $6.96 billion as of December 31, 2023.
Favorable Analyst Estimates
Analysts expect CHDN's revenue for the fiscal third quarter (ending September 2024) to grow 10.8% year-over-year to $634.35 million. Plus, the consensus EPS estimate of $1.08 for the ongoing quarter indicates an improvement of 24.6% from the previous year's period.
Also, the company has topped consensus revenue estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, which is impressive. Looking forward, for the fiscal year ending December 2024, Street expects CHDN's revenue and EPS to increase 12.1% and 23.8% from the previous year to $2.76 billion and $6.18, respectively.
Furthermore, the company's revenue and EPS for the next fiscal year ending in December 2025 are expected to grow 10.5% and 23% year-over-year to $3.05 billion and $7.60, respectively.
Mixed Profitability
CHDN's trailing-12-month gross profit margin of 34.34% is 6.9% lower than the 36.87% industry average. Its trailing-12-month levered FCF margin of negative 5.86% is unfavorably compared to the industry average of 5.39%. Furthermore, its trailing-12-month asset turnover ratio of 0.38x is 61.7% lower than the industry average of 0.99x.
However, the company's trailing-12-month EBITDA margin of 32.74% is 186.8% more than the industry average of 11.42%. Similarly, its trailing-12-month net income margin of 15.61% is 233.8% higher than the industry average of 4.68%.
Also, the stock's trailing-12-month ROCE, ROTC, and ROTA of 43.24%, 7.51%, and 5.69% are 270.2%, 20.9%, and 33.5% higher than the industry averages of 11.68%, 6.22%, and 4.26%, respectively.
Stretched Valuation
In terms of forward non-GAAP P/E, CHDN is trading at 21.43x, 46.6% higher than the industry average of 14.63. The stock's forward EV/Sales multiple of 5.24 is 353.9% higher than the industry average of 1.15x. Likewise, its forward EV/EBITDA of 12.32x is 30.2% higher than the industry average of 9.47x.
Additionally, CHDN's forward Price/Sales multiple of 3.52 is 324.7% higher than the industry average of 0.83x. Furthermore, its forward Price/Book ratio of 8.51x is 244.9% higher than the industry average of 2.47x.
POWR Ratings Reflect Uncertainty
CHDN's mixed fundamentals are reflected in its <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a>. The stock has an overall rating of C, which translates to Neutral in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by taking into account 118 different factors, with each factor weighted to an optimal degree.
Our proprietary rating system also evaluates each stock based on eight distinct categories. CHDN has a B grade in Sentiment, which is in line with its optimistic analyst estimates. In addition, the stock has a C grade for Quality, which is justified by its mixed profitability metrics.
The stock also has a D grade in Valuation, consistent with its higher-than-industry valuation. Within the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/entertainment-casinos-gambling/">Entertainment - Casinos/Gambling</a> industry, CHDN is ranked #20 out of 25 stocks.
Beyond what I have stated above, we have also given CHDN grades for Growth, Momentum, and Stability. Get all CHDN ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/CHDN/">here</a>.
Bottom Line
The rise of online gambling, betting, and wagering in recent years has propelled the casino and gambling industry to new heights. CHDN, with its strategic expansion initiatives, is well-positioned to leverage this trend and achieve significant growth. The company's financial performance and growth prospects also look promising.
However, given CHDN's current high valuation, it may be prudent to monitor for a more advantageous entry point in the stock.
How Does Churchill Downs Incorporated (CHDN) Stack Up Against Its Peers?
Given the current uncertainty around CHDN's near-term prospects, its potential to outperform in the coming weeks and months may be less clear. However, there are other industry peers with much more impressive POWR Ratings.
So, consider these three A (Strong Buy) and B (Buy) rated stocks from the Entertainment - Casinos/Gambling industry: Super Group Limited (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/SGHC/">SGHC</a>), Accel Entertainment, Inc. To explore more A &amp; B-rated casino and gambling stocks, click <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/entertainment-casinos-gambling/">here</a>.
What To Do Next?
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&nbsp;

<hr />
CHDN shares were unchanged in premarket trading Thursday. Year-to-date, CHDN has declined -1.85%, versus a 9.81% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Aanchal Sugandh</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Aanchal-Sugandh_Headshot.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Aanchal's passion for financial markets drives her work as an investment analyst and journalist. She earned her bachelor's degree in finance and is pursuing the CFA program.

She is proficient at assessing the long-term prospects of stocks with her fundamental analysis skills. Her goal is to help investors build portfolios with sustainable returns.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=aanchal-sugandh">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/chdn-sghc-acel-ags-is-churchill-downs-a-bet-worth-taking/>Is Churchill Downs a Bet Worth Taking?</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

Is Churchill Downs a Bet Worth Taking?

DraftKings (DKNG) posted mixed second-quarter results, surpassing earnings expectations but missing the consensus estimate for revenue. With prevailing macroeconomic risks, legal challenges, and deteriorating financial health, should investors consider DKNG a buy before the next sports betting rise? Read on to know more... DraftKings Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/DKNG/">DKNG</a>), a leading digital sports entertainment and gaming company, reported mixed second-quarter 2024 performance. DraftKings posted <a href="https://draftkings.gcs-web.com/news-releases/news-release-details/draftkings-reports-second-quarter-revenue-growth-26-1104-0">revenue of $1.10 billion</a>, up $230 million from the same period of 2023. Despite an impressive year-over-year growth, the company's revenue fell short of analysts' estimate of $1.12.
DKNG reported an adjusted earnings per share of $0.22, compared to the consensus estimate of $0.19. The online sports betting company raised its 2024 revenue guidance midpoint to $5.15 billion. However, DraftKings lowered its full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance midpoint from $500 million to $380 million.
Moreover, investors are shifting away from growth-dependent stocks like DKNG due to a renewed focus on macroeconomic risk factors. The recent jobs report indicated that hiring slowed significantly in July and unemployment rose to the highest in almost three years, increasing concerns of an economic slowdown and fears that the Fed waited too long to cut interest rates.
The Labor Department reported that employers <a href="https://www.reuters.com/markets/rates-bonds/size-looming-fed-rate-cuts-may-hinge-job-market-2024-08-02/">added only 114,000 jobs in July</a>, while the unemployment rate increased to 4.3% from 4.1% in June. That represents a surprising weakening in the labor market that had previously remained resilient despite the Fed's aggressive interest rate hikes in 2022 and 2023.
DraftKings' elevated valuation may expose the company to downside risk if macroeconomic concerns persist and continue to influence the broader market. Also, the company faces several challenges, including legal proceedings and the discontinuation of certain product offerings.
In July 2024, DKNG announced shutting down its non-fungible token (NFT) business citing legal developments. A federal judge allowed a class action lawsuit against DraftKings to move forward after finding plaintiffs "plausibly pled' DKNG's NFTs were unregistered securities, as reported by <a href="https://today.westlaw.com/Document/I2bafee423bc911ef8921fbef1a541940/View/FullText.html?transitionType=Default&amp;contextData=(sc.Default)&amp;firstPage=true">Westlaw</a>.
"After careful consideration, DraftKings has decided to discontinue Reignmakers and our NFT Marketplace, effective immediately, due to recent legal developments. This decision was not made lightly, and we believe it is the right course of action," the sports gambling company said in an email to customers.
Shares of DKNG have plunged 20.5% over the past month and 31.6% over the past year to close the last trading session at $29.85.
Let's discuss several other factors that could influence DKNG's performance in the upcoming months:
Mixed Financials
For the second quarter that ended June 30, 2024, DKNG's revenue increased 26.2% year-over-year to $1.10 billion. However, its cost of revenue grew 30% from the year-ago value to $663.41 million. The company reported a loss from operations of $32.39 million.
In addition, the company's adjusted EBITDA came in at $127.97 million, up 75.4% from the prior year's quarter. DraftKings' adjusted earnings per share rose 57.1% year-over-year to $0.22.
Mixed Analyst Estimates
Analysts expect DKNG's revenue for the third quarter (ending September 2024) to grow 40% year-over-year to $1.11 billion. However, the company is expected to report a loss per share of $0.40 for the current quarter.
Additionally, DraftKings' revenue for the fiscal year 2024 (ending December 2024) is anticipated to grow 39% year-over-year to $5.09 billion. However, the company is expected to report a loss per share of $0.28 for the ongoing year.
Dim Profitability
DKNG's trailing-12-month EBIT margin of negative 10.9% compared to the 7.82% industry average. Its trailing-12-month net income margin of negative 9.45% compared to the industry average of 4.62%. Likewise, its trailing-12-month CAPEX/Sales of 0.39% is 87.2% lower than the industry average of 3.03%.
Furthermore, the stock's trailing-12-month <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/r/roce.asp">ROCE</a>, ROTC, and ROTA of negative 35.09%, negative 11.79%, and negative 9.64% are unfavorably compared to the industry averages of 11.41%, 6.14%, and 4.19%, respectively.
POWR Ratings Reflect a Bleak Outlook
DKNG's bleak fundamentals are reflected in its <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a>. The stock has an overall D rating, equating to a Sell in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 distinct factors, with each factor weighted to an optimal degree.
Our proprietary rating system also evaluates each stock based on eight distinct categories. DKNG has a D grade in Value, consistent with its lower-than-industry valuation. The stock has a D for Stability, justified by its 24-month beta of 2.91.
Within the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/entertainment-casinos-gambling/">Entertainment-Casinos/Gambling</a> industry, DKNG is ranked #24 out of 25 stocks.
Beyond what I have stated above, we have also given DKNG grades for Value, Quality, and Sentiment. Get all DKNG ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/DKNG/">here</a>.
Bottom Line
DKNG surpassed earnings expectations and missed analysts' revenue forecast in the second quarter of fiscal 2024. The online sports betting company increased its full-year revenue guidance but lowered significantly its adjusted EBITDA outlook. Lingering macroeconomic concerns and legal challenges are eroding investor confidence in DKNG's stock.
Considering DraftKings' deteriorating financials, elevated valuation, and bleak growth prospects, it would be wise to avoid this stock now.
Stocks to Consider Instead of DraftKings Inc. (DKNG)
Given its uncertain short-term prospects, the odds of DKNG outperforming in the weeks and months ahead are compromised. However, there are many industry peers with much more impressive POWR Ratings. So, consider these three A-rated (Strong Buy) or B-rated (Buy) stocks from the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/entertainment-casinos-gambling/">Entertainment-Casinos/Gambling</a> industry instead:
PlayAGS, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/AGS/">AGS</a>)
MGM China Holdings Ltd. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/MCHVY/">MCHVY</a>)
Accel Entertainment, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/ACEL/">ACEL</a>)
To explore more A and B-rated gambling stocks, <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/entertainment-casinos-gambling/">click here</a>.
What To Do Next?
43 year investment veteran, Steve Reitmeister, has just released his 2024 market outlook along with trading plan and top 11 picks for the year ahead.
<a href="https://report.stocknews.com/sign-up/stock-market-outlook-2024/?formplacement=artbotad_smo24_rep">2024 Stock Market Outlook &gt;</a>

<hr />
DKNG shares rose $0.05 (+0.17%) in premarket trading Tuesday. Year-to-date, DKNG has declined -15.32%, versus a 12.91% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Mangeet Kaur Bouns</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Mangeet-Kaur-Bouns_Image-4.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Mangeet's keen interest in the stock market led her to become an investment researcher and financial journalist. Using her fundamental approach to analyzing stocks, Mangeet's looks to help retail investors understand the underlying factors before making investment decisions.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=mangeet-kaurbouns">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/dkng-acel-ags-mchvy-is-draftkings-a-buy-before-the-next-sports-betting-surge/>Is DraftKings a Buy Before the Next Sports Betting Surge?</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

Is DraftKings a Buy Before the Next Sports Betting Surge?

<a href="https://investorplace.com">InvestorPlace - Stock Market News, Stock Advice &amp; Trading Tips</a>
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Press Releases

SHAREHOLDER INVESTIGATION: Halper Sadeh LLC Investigates DM, AGS, GRDI on Behalf of Shareholders

SHAREHOLDER INVESTIGATION: Halper Sadeh LLC Investigates AGS, SQSP, ATRI, FREE on Behalf of Shareholders

SHAREHOLDER INVESTIGATION: Halper Sadeh LLC Investigates ATRI, SRDX, AGS, VAPO on Behalf of Shareholders

PLAYAGS INVESTOR ALERT by the Former Attorney General of Louisiana: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC Investigates Adequacy of Price and Process in Proposed Sale of PlayAGS, Incorporated - AGS

SHAREHOLDER INVESTIGATION: Halper Sadeh LLC Investigates SRCL, IBTX, AGS, SRDX on Behalf of Shareholders

PlayAGS Stockholders Approve Acquisition By Brightstar Capital Partners

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AGS Unveils its Latest Table Innovation Bonus Spin Xtreme for Poker Rooms and an Exciting New Lineup of Slot Games at OIGA 2024

AGS Recognized as a 'Best and Brightest Company to Work For' in the Nation and Atlanta; Named a 'Top Workplace' in Multiple States

Yes, Chef! AGS is Cookin' Up A Feast of Epic Proportions at G2E 2024

AGS Announces Expiration of Hart-Scott-Rodino Act Waiting Period for Acquisition by Affiliates of Brightstar Capital Partners

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