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Endava

Endava is a next-generation IT services company that primarily assists clients with their digital transformation efforts by creating customized software for them. The company was founded in 2006 in the UK and it continues to generate the majority of revenue in the UK and Europe. Endava's client base is concentrated in the payments and financial services, technology, media, and telecom industries.

Endava plc American Depositary Shares (each representing one Class A Ordinary Share)

Endava PLC

&nbsp;The <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45279374/social-security-goes-digital-americans-will-soon-access-their-numbers-online-as-ssa-unveils-modern-alternative-to-paper-cards">Social Security Administration</a> will stop sending paper checks to beneficiaries at the end of September. If you still receive your Social Security payments by mail, it's time to make a switch — and soon.
This change is part of a larger government effort to modernize payment systems and make benefit delivery faster and more secure. Here&#8217;s what you need to know and how to get ready.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who's Affected by This Change?</h2>
According to the <a href="https://blog.ssa.gov/social-security-to-fully-transition-to-electronic-payments/">SSA</a>, less than 1% of beneficiaries still receive their payments by paper check. And while that may seem small, that's still roughly 740,000 people who will need to take action before the Sept. 30 deadline.
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Everyone else — those already using direct deposit or a Direct Express card — will not need to make any changes.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Paper Checks Are Being Phased Out</h2>
The move to electronic payments isn't new. In fact, most federal benefit payments have been issued electronically for years. This final step is meant to streamline operations and improve safety.
The SSA says there are three key reasons for the transition:
<ol class="wp-block-list">
<li>Speed: Electronic payments are faster. No more waiting on the mail — funds are delivered directly to your account.</li>
<li>Security: Paper checks are 16 times more likely to be lost or stolen than electronic payments, increasing the risk of fraud.</li>
<li>Cost savings: It costs the government about 50 cents to issue a paper check, compared to less than 15 cents for an electronic payment. With millions of checks issued over time, the savings add up.</li>
</ol>
Trending: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finally-a-fully-automated-trading-platform-for-individual-investors?">You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Your Two Payment Options</h2>
If you&#8217;re still receiving paper checks, you have two options for switching to electronic payments:
1. Direct Deposit
This is the most common and straightforward choice. You can have your Social Security payments deposited directly into your checking or savings account. If you already have a bank account, this may be the easiest route.
2. Direct Express Card
Don't have a bank account? The Direct Express card is a prepaid debit card that lets you access your Social Security benefits without a checking or savings account.
You can make the switch by logging into your personal my Social Security account at <a href="http://www.ssa.gov/deposit">www.ssa.gov/deposit</a>, or by contacting the SSA directly for help.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Social Security Is Doing to Help</h2>
To make the transition smooth, the SSA is mailing notices to all affected recipients. If you're still getting paper checks, you should receive an insert in your check envelope with information about how to switch to electronic payments.
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The SSA says that technicians are standing by to assist anyone who needs help navigating the process so you won't be left to figure it out alone.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Don't Wait Until the Last Minute</h2>
If you or someone you know still receives <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46262509/ive-followed-the-rules-but-im-still-left-in-the-dark-teen-abroad-loses-survivor-benefit-after-turning-18-still-fighting-for-back-pay">Social Security payments</a> by check, now is the time to act. Waiting until after Sept. 30 could mean a delay in getting your benefits.
To avoid any disruption, take a few minutes to choose your preferred electronic payment method and enroll.&nbsp;
Read Next: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $10.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Personal Finance

No More Paper Checks From Social Security After Sept. 30 — Here's What You Need To Do Now

President Donald Trump&#8216;s approval rating has surged among Generation X voters, a recent poll has revealed.
What Happened: The CNN/SSRS survey indicated a 23-point rise in Trump&#8217;s popularity among voters aged 50 to 64 since April. This age group, which falls under the Generation X demographic (born between 1965-1980), is currently the only cohort where Trump holds&nbsp;a net positive approval rating.
The <a href="https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/25999223/cnn-poll-conducted-by-ssrs-trump-approval-policy-and-budget-bill.pdf">poll</a>, conducted July 10-13, sampled 1,057 voters from various age groups. The findings revealed that 55 percent of Gen X voters approve of Trump, while 45 percent disapprove, resulting in a net approval rating of +10 among this group.
This increase in approval could potentially bolster Trump&#8217;s standing within the Republican Party as he prepares for&nbsp;the November 2026 midterm elections.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46266316/donald-trumps-approval-rating-jumps-among-baby-boomers-heres-whats-driving-it">Donald Trump&#8217;s Approval Rating Jumps Among Baby Boomers</a>
However, other polls suggest a less favorable overall approval rating for Trump. A Tyson Group poll&nbsp;showed Trump at 45 percent&nbsp;approval and 51 percent disapproval&nbsp;overall. The latest CNN/SSRS poll&nbsp;also&nbsp;showed Trump&#8217;s overall approval rating&nbsp;at net -16.
Thomas Whalen, an associate professor at Boston University, pointed out to Newsweek that Trump&#8217;s strong grip on middle-aged voters could be crucial, as this demographic is traditionally more likely to vote.
Nonetheless, he questioned the long-term sustainability of this support.
Why It Matters: The rise in approval rating among Gen X voters could be a significant factor for Trump&#8217;s political future. This demographic, known for its higher voter turnout, could potentially influence the outcome&nbsp;of the November 2026 midterm&nbsp;elections. 
However, the overall approval rating for Trump remains less favorable, indicating a divided public opinion. 
The sustainability of this support from Gen X voters remains uncertain, as noted by Thomas Whalen, raising questions about the long-term political implications for Trump.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock/dizain

News

Politics

Gen X Voters Boost Donald Trump's Approval Rating — Here's What's Driving It

Matt Deitke, co-founder of Seattle-based AI startup <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/06/45895934/vercept-raises-16m-with-google-legend-and-dropbox-co-founder-backing-to-build-future-of-workflows-with-vision-based-mac-app-called-vy">Vercept</a>, has joined Meta's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46409092/metas-superintelligence-lab-may-kill-open-source-ai-in-bold-strategy-shake-up-report">Superintelligence Lab</a> after receiving a direct offer from CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Deitke described the initiative as "the most exciting bet I've seen in tech history," signaling Meta's bold ambitions in artificial general intelligence,<a href="https://www.geekwire.com/2025/meta-snags-seattle-startup-co-founder-for-zuckerbergs-elite-superintelligence-team/"> GeekWire</a> reports.
Deitke brings advanced expertise in embodied AI and 3D computer vision, having previously worked at the Allen Institute for AI and studied at the University of Washington before founding Vercept in 2024, according to GeekWire.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Meta Offers Up to $300M Over Four Years to Build the Most Elite AI Team in the World</h2>
Meta is offering compensation packages worth as much as $300 million over four years to attract elite AI talent for its Superintelligence Lab. According to GeekWire, the first-year payout can exceed $100 million, a figure larger than many startups raise in early rounds.
Zuckerberg has stated on<a href="https://www.threads.com/@zuck/post/DMF6tMAxkX8?xmt=AQF0UkNGqhretJMnJMMHCxc5DpqNccgdRNy3PbP-MYdL5g&amp;utm_campaign=article_email&amp;utm_content=article-15390&amp;utm_medium=email&amp;utm_source=sg"> Threads</a> that Meta will invest "hundreds of billions of dollars into compute" to support its superintelligence vision. With compensation packages that can dwarf entire seed rounds, companies like Meta can effectively cherry-pick top talent from promising startups, GeekWire reports.
Deitke confirmed that Zuckerberg personally reached out and initiated the hiring conversation, which quickly led to an offer. "Zuck reached out and we chatted and I talked to a few people on the team, and shortly after received an offer," he told GeekWire.
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Deitke's first day at Meta was Monday, after relocating from Seattle to join the small Superintelligence Lab team, GeekWire reports. He has also updated his<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/mattdeitke/"> LinkedIn</a> to reflect his new role as "AI Researcher @ Meta Superintelligence Lab."
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Vercept Moves Forward Without Co-Founder but With $16M from Elite Backers</h2>
Vercept has raised $16 million in seed funding from major names including former Google CEO Eric Schmidt, DeepMind Chief Scientist Jeff Dean, Cruise founder Kyle Vogt, and Dropbox co-founder Arash Ferdowsi, GeekWire says. The company is building Vy, an AI-powered Mac app that understands screens and performs tasks through natural language.
Vy is Vercept's flagship native Mac application designed to radically simplify how humans interact with computers. Instead of navigating menus or searching for help articles,<a href="https://vercept.com/about"> Vercept</a> says that users can give natural language commands as Vy understands what's on their screen and takes action intelligently, directly within the software they already use.
Early benchmarks<a href="https://vercept.com/about"> on the company website</a> show Vy significantly outperforming competitors like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic on UI understanding and screen navigation tasks.
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Vercept CEO Kiana Ehsani confirmed Deitke's departure in a post on<a href="https://x.com/ehsanik/status/1944775767998840989?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1944775767998840989%7Ctwgr%5Ea9430187b35d6469b28121fb56bcef6ed3680b49%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&amp;ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.geekwire.com%2F2025%2Fmeta-snags-seattle-startup-co-founder-for-zuckerbergs-elite-superintelligence-team%2F"> X</a>, referencing the "comp rumors" surrounding Meta's offers to top engineers. She noted his early role in shaping Vercept's roadmap and said the team remains "fired up" about the company's future. Ehsani also joked about joining Deitke "on his private island next year," a reference to the rumored compensation scale for Meta's new AI team.
Despite leaving, Deitke expressed full confidence in Vercept's continued success, calling the team "absolutely amazing" and telling GeekWire that the direction they are building remains "very exciting."
Meta has already brought on top researchers, including OpenAI's Lucas Beyer, Apple's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) Ruoming Pang, former Scale AI CEO Alexandr Wang, ex-GitHub CEO Nat Friedman, and Daniel Gross of Safe Superintelligence, Geekwire says.
With plenty of capital and the ability to attract top-tier researchers, Meta's Superintelligence Lab continues to grow as one of the most closely watched AI initiatives in the industry.
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 Image: Shutterstock

AAPL

'Zuck Reached Out And We Chatted': Meta Lures Seattle AI Founder With $100M-Plus Offer To Join Its Superintelligence Dream Team

Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, has emerged as the key tech ally of President Donald Trump in the wake of the fallout between Trump and Elon Musk.
What Happened: A recent report reveals how Altman, once a close associate of Musk, capitalized on the strained relationship between Musk and Trump. Altman and Musk, both co-founders of OpenAI, had a disagreement over the company&#8217;s direction, leading to Musk&#8217;s exit from the board in 2018.
As per the report <a href="https://www.wsj.com/tech/ai/sam-altman-donald-trump-musk-ai-198ae5d1?mod=hp_lead_pos8">by</a> The Wall Street Journal, Altman, traditionally a Democrat, became increasingly apprehensive about their economic policy approach. This concern, along with his dissatisfaction with Biden&#8217;s stance on AI, led him to align with Trump.
OpenAI started reaching out to Trump&#8217;s camp in spring 2024, successfully establishing themselves as an AI leader.
Despite an initial sidelining after Trump&#8217;s election, despite a $1 million donation to Trump&#8217;s inauguration, Altman managed to penetrate Trump&#8217;s circles by hiring well-connected Trump aides. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46266380/ex-trump-lawyer-sent-this-message-to-elon-musk-after-feud-with-donald-trump-erupted">Ex-Trump Lawyer Sent This Message To Elon Musk After Feud With Donald Trump Erupted</a>
This strategy paid off when Altman was invited to the Oval Office in January&nbsp;for the announcement of a&nbsp;$500 billion AI project, Stargate, a&nbsp;partnership between OpenAI, Oracle, and&nbsp;Japan's SoftBank.
The announcement ignited a public feud between Musk and Altman, with Trump siding with Altman. Despite Musk&#8217;s attempts to disrupt further collaborations, Altman has continued to strengthen his relationship with the Trump administration. 
OpenAI recently secured a&nbsp;$200 million contract with the&nbsp;Pentagon, and Altman is set to&nbsp;be the keynote speaker at&nbsp;an upcoming Federal Reserve conference.
Why It Matters: Altman&#8217;s strategic moves have not only positioned OpenAI as a leading player in the AI industry but also secured significant contracts and partnerships. 
His ability to navigate political landscapes and align with the current administration&#8217;s interests underscores the importance of political savvy in the tech industry. 
The fallout between Musk and Altman, once allies, highlights the competitive and dynamic nature of the tech world, where alliances can shift based on strategic interests and policy alignments.
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Shutterstock/Photo Agency

Here's How Sam Altman Quietly Replaced Elon Musk as Donald Trump's Go-To AI Advisor

A regulatory overhaul is potentially looming—and the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/specialty-etfs/25/07/46481143/meta-amazon-palantir-fuel-ai-data-center-boom-etfs-are-the-sleeper-bet">ETF market</a> is waiting with bated breath. 
According to Morningstar&#8217;s most recent mid-year ETF guide, the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) may approve hybrid ETF-mutual fund share-class designs as early as the second half of 2025. 
If approved, the change would unleash the floodgates for asset managers to launch new ETF share classes linked to their incumbent mutual funds, enabling new cost savings, tax advantages, and fund design opportunities that could shake the $25 trillion U.S. fund industry.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">The Backstory: Vanguard&#8217;s Quiet Advantage</h2>
Although Vanguard has been running ETFs as share classes of existing mutual funds under an SEC exemption all along, no other asset manager has had such access since. That exclusivity provided Vanguard with a structural advantage, specifically, tax efficiency and sharing of costs across share classes.
But with the other issuers now eager for similar flexibility, the industry waits anxiously. Asset managers such as Dimensional Fund Advisors (DFA), Fidelity, and Franklin Templeton have all signaled intentions to introduce ETF share classes if and when the regulations change.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What's At Stake: Fees, Taxes, And Fund Families</h2>
If ETF share classes are widely available, asset managers may be able to consolidate operations by making both mutual fund and ETF versions available under a single umbrella. That would result in fewer redundant portfolios, more consistent performance by wrappers, and cost savings that would be passed along to investors.
In addition, ETFs are more tax-efficient by nature due to their in-kind redemption feature. Encasing a mutual fund strategy in an ETF wrapper may provide legacy managers with the means to digitize without reinventing the wheel.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/sector-etfs/25/07/46500815/corn-crash-or-sugar-rush-etfs-react-to-trumps-sweet-talk-on-coca-cola">Corn Crash Or Sugar Rush? ETFs React To Trump&#8217;s Sweet Talk On Coca-Cola</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Early Movers To Watch</h2>
Although SEC approval is speculative, certain companies are already in a good position for a potential first-mover benefit:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Dimensional U.S. Core Equity 2 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DFAC#NYSE">DFAC</a>): Initially a mutual fund approach, which now exists as an ETF. Though not an official share class, DFAC demonstrates how companies such as DFA are adapting old approaches to ETF status, and would almost certainly switch to share classes if that became an option.</li>
</ul>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>T. Rowe Price Blue Chip Growth ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TCHP#NYSE">TCHP</a>): A classic mutual fund strategy ported into ETF format. T. Rowe has hinted it may leverage share-class flexibility to simplify its product shelf. &#8220;It's unlikely that we would utilize ETF as a share class for certain of our funds, but we've identified a number of them where we think it's an attractive opportunity,&#8221; Rob Sharpe, CEO, T. Rowe Price, had explained in the Q1 2025 earnings call.</li>
</ul>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPI): While not born from a mutual fund, JEPI's explosive growth has made it a model for what well-managed active ETFs can do, offering a benchmark for fund firms contemplating share-class ETFs with income-focused strategies.</li>
</ul>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What It Means For Investors</h2>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Cheaper costs: Shaded operational infrastructure translates into lower-cost funds.</li>
<li>Better tax efficiency: ETF structures provide more favorable tax treatment compared to mutual funds, especially for long-term investors.</li>
<li>More options: The ETF strategy universe may double overnight.</li>
</ul>
What&#8217;s Next: The SEC&#8217;s decision will depend on whether the share-class design presents any risk to ETF shareholders, especially in times of stress when flows could diverge between classes.
Nevertheless, market observers are hopeful. With ETFs already outperforming mutual funds in growth and popularity, regulatory innovation may be the spark that ignites a new wave of interest. 
Read Next: 
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Image: Shutterstock

Broad U.S. Equity ETFs

ETFs

DFAC

TCHP

The ETF-Mutual Fund Mashup Is Almost Legal—And Portfolios May Never Look the Same

A majority of Americans now believes that the newly passed Republican tax and spending bill primarily favors the wealthy, contradicting GOP claims that the legislation is designed to benefit the working class.
What Happened: A poll from&nbsp;The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research revealed that approximately two-thirds of U.S. adults anticipate that&nbsp;the new tax law will&nbsp;primarily benefit the rich. 
The survey also discovered that around 60% of participants believe the law will negatively impact low-income individuals.
Despite the GOP&#8217;s portrayal of&nbsp;the legislation as a tax&nbsp;cut for all Americans, Democrats have counter-argued that the wealthiest will reap the most benefits, pointing to cuts in&nbsp;Medicaid and food assistance programs.&nbsp;
The <a href="https://apnorc.org/">survey</a> results suggest that Republicans may need to work harder to convince the public, as President Donald Trump&#8216;s approval rating on government spending has seen a decline since spring.
The majority of respondents are aware of the new law, and those with more knowledge about it are more inclined&nbsp;to believe it favors the&nbsp;wealthy. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46266316/donald-trumps-approval-rating-jumps-among-baby-boomers-heres-whats-driving-it">Donald Trump&#8217;s Approval Rating Jumps Among Baby Boomers — Here&#8217;s What&#8217;s Driving It</a>
Concerns have been voiced regarding potential impacts on caregivers and low-income individuals, who fear losing access to essential services such as&nbsp;day care and food stamps.
Interestingly, even among Republicans, many concur&nbsp;that the wealthy are likely&nbsp;to benefit more&nbsp;from the tax and spending&nbsp;law. Approximately half believe the law will favor the rich over the middle-class or low-income individuals.
Despite these perceptions, Democrats and independents are more likely than Republicans to believe&nbsp;the law could harm them&nbsp;personally. 
The poll also suggests that the high cost of the law may be influencing public opinion, with many Americans believing the government is overspending.
Why It Matters: This shift in public opinion could have significant political implications. If the perception that the GOP tax bill favors the wealthy persists, it could influence voter behavior in future elections. Furthermore, it could affect public support for future tax and spending legislation proposed by the GOP. 
The findings of this poll highlight the importance of clear communication and transparency in policy-making, as public perception can greatly impact the success and acceptance of legislation.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock/Tada Images

Six in 10 Believe Trump's New Tax and Spending Bill Will Benefit Wealthy, Hurt Low-Income Groups

A pregnant stay-at-home mom recently called into &#8220;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lrjrVBsr2k4">The Ramsey Show</a>&#8221; to ask whether she should pay off a $20,000 car loan. But what started as a budgeting question quickly turned into a deeper discussion about addiction, money control and safety in the home.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ramsey And Warshaw Press The Caller To Face The Real Issue</h2>
The caller explained that her husband, who earns their household's entire $156,000 income, spends about $6,000 a year on tobacco and marijuana. She added that recent family deaths have caused his usage to spike to about $700 last month alone. &#8220;Things are super tight,&#8221; she said. &#8220;I'm afraid if I do cut a check, pay off the car, and we gain the $600 monthly to help with groceries and other bills, it's just going to go out the window.&#8221;
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Host Dave Ramsey didn't dance around the issue. &#8220;If I was to say that my wife was an addict, that would mean that our marriage was either getting ready to end or she was getting help next week,&#8221; he said. &#8220;But you use this like it's part of the budget.&#8221;
He challenged the caller's description of her husband as an addict, pointing out that she allows him full access to their joint account where his paycheck is deposited. &#8220;If you&#8217;re going to call him an addict, you&#8217;re going to have to act like it,&#8221; he said. &#8220;If he drinks a six-pack of beer or whatever &#8230; and he&#8217;s not drunk and it&#8217;s not affecting his work life, but you don&#8217;t like it, that&#8217;s different than an addict.&#8221;
Co-host Jade Warshaw jumped in, asking whether this is a budgetary thing or an actual addiction?
The caller insisted that her husband says he wants to get help, but &#8220;the come to Jesus talk happens about every two weeks.&#8221;&nbsp;
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When the caller shared more numbers—a $3,400 mortgage, a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45545468/average-new-car-loan-payment-is-750-and-costs-are-rising-suze-orman-urges-families-to-consider-if-they-could-get-by-with-one-less-car">$600 car payment</a>, and two $3,900 paychecks hitting their account each month—Ramsey wasn't convinced by her claim that they couldn't afford groceries. &#8220;You are not out of food because he spent 750 bucks,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Now, you are going to be out of food if he loses his job because he stays drunk all the time.&#8221;
According to Ramsey, the bigger issue wasn&#8217;t <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42793107/pay-off-the-car-loan-or-save-the-cash-suze-orman-shares-what-makes-the-most-sense-for-a-72-year-old-listeners-25k-dilemma">whether or not to pay off the car</a>, but whether her family was in a safe and financially stable environment. &#8220;You&#8217;re either going to have to reclassify this in your mind or you&#8217;re going to have to take some more severe action than you have been willing to take so far,&#8221; he said.
Warshaw and Ramsey both urged her to seek marriage counseling and make a straightforward decision: either treat the problem like an addiction and act accordingly, or stop labeling it as one. Ramsey ended the call bluntly: &#8220;I can&#8217;t tell what the flip&#8217;s going on here.&#8221;
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Dave Ramsey Caller Says Her Husband Makes $156,000 But They Can't Afford Groceries. He Spends $700 Monthly On Vices. Ramsey Isn't Having It

Surge AI stayed under the radar until this summer, when news broke that the company crossed $1 billion in annual revenue without raising any outside capital. The company offers data labeling services used by companies, including Google and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45519270/nvidia-and-google-back-ai21-labs-in-300m-series-d-to-build-proprietary-llms-challenging-openai-and-anthropic-in-enterprise-ai">OpenAI</a>, helping them train large-scale machine learning models,<a href="https://www.inc.com/brian-contreras/surge-ai-startup-bootstrapped-1-billion-revenue-venture-capital-vc/91205888"> Inc.</a> reports.
Surge AI CEO Edwin Chen, a former Google and Meta (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) engineer, said he's intentionally avoided venture capital. "You move slow," Chen told Inc. "You have a lot of politics. You have a lot of bureaucracy." His view is that VC money creates unnecessary bloat and misaligned incentives inside <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/opinion/25/05/45283345/why-early-stage-startups-should-be-mindful-about-venture-debt">startups</a>. He believes many founders raise large sums simply because it's expected, then spend it inefficiently.
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"When you raise all of that money, you then enter this cycle of, ‘Okay, you raised $10 million. What are you going to do with that money?'" Chen told Inc. "You're going to hire people. Do you need these people? Do you even have a product?"
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Venture Capitalists Defend Their Relevance as Founders Gain More Leverage</h2>
Despite Surge AI's massive growth, most investors don't see it as a warning sign for the venture capital industry as a whole. According to Inc., Masha Bucher, general partner at Day One Ventures, called Surge's trajectory "an incredible feat" but said capital is still useful when applied strategically.
"At the earliest stages, capital still unlocks speed," Bucher told Inc., referencing how funding helps startups access rare talent and key resources. Inc. reports she added that many founders today are choosing VC partners not because they have to, but because the right ones can make them "unbeatable."
Trending: $100k+ in investable assets? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes</a> – no cost, no obligation.
Matunuck Group Managing Partner Jason Hogg, pointed out that AI tools now make it easier for startups to reach profitability quickly. He told Inc. that the right VC firms can offer more than just capital, including access to a proprietary ecosystem that supports early-stage companies.
Kevin Zhang, general partner at Upfront Ventures, emphasized that Surge's position is unusual, created by a rare combination of factors including enormous demand and a small client base willing to pay eight- or nine-figure contracts. "There's no single path to building a great company," Zhang told Inc.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Surge AI May Still Raise $1 Billion After Growing Without Venture Capital</h2>
Even as he criticizes traditional funding, Chen may be preparing for a major capital raise.<a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/scale-ais-bigger-rival-surge-ai-seeks-up-1-billion-capital-raise-sources-say-2025-07-01/"> Reuters</a> reported that Surge had hired financial advisors and was targeting up to $1 billion in new funding at a $15 billion valuation.
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Founded in 2020 and based in San Francisco, the company has grown without following the typical venture-backed model often seen in Silicon Valley. Instead of raising large funding rounds, Surge focused on delivering premium, high-quality data labeling services that are now used by top AI labs, Reuters reports.
Chen hasn't confirmed the move publicly, telling Inc. only, "Who knows what will happen in the future?" He remains skeptical of what happens to a company after it takes money. Chen said large funding rounds can create perverse incentives, where employees prioritize prestige over building meaningful products.
While Surge AI's funding plans remain unconfirmed, its approach has sparked broader discussion about control, speed, and scale in the AI startup ecosystem.
Read Next: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $10.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Surge AI Quietly Hit $1B Without Outside Money — Now Even VCs Want In

Tech mogul Elon Musk may be supportive of cryptocurrencies, but he has frequently cautioned against investing heavily in the asset class. One such instance happened back in October 2021.
What happened: Musk was questioned on Twitter, now X, if he owns any Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>) meme coin. He flatly denied it.
This was when the dog-themed cryptocurrency was on a parabolic run, and would go on to reach its all-time high a few days later.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Out of curiosity, I acquired some ascii hash strings called "Bitcoin, Ethereum &amp; Doge". That's it. As I've said before, don't bet the farm on crypto! True value is building products &amp; providing services to your fellow human beings, not money in any form.
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1452334458066149377?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2021</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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However, Musk's response piqued curiosity, and supporters of other cryptocurrencies began asking him if he had any exposure.
Musk then clarified that he has investments only in Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>), and Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>).
"Out of curiosity, I acquired some ASCII hash strings called ‘Bitcoin, Ethereum &amp; Doge.' That's it," he said.
"As I've said before, don't bet the farm on crypto! True value is building products &amp; providing services to your fellow human beings, not money in any form."&nbsp;
See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44621245/gold-backed-cryptos-match-yellow-metals-highs-following-trumps-liberation-day-shock"> </a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46458418/elon-musk-once-revealed-how-he-comes-up-with-crazy-ideas-and-gets-them-off-the-ground-even-when-funding-is-scarce">Elon Musk Once Revealed How He Comes Up With &#8216;Crazy Ideas&#8217; — And Gets Them Off The Ground Even When Funding Is Scarce</a>
Interestingly, Musk <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44069228/elon-musk-labels-meme-coins-as-casino-like-dont-sink-your-life-savings">reiterated the popular phrase</a> in a Joe Rogan podcast earlier this year to warn against investments in memecoins.
"You're not gonna win at meme coins,&#8221; he had emphasized. &#8220;Don't sink your life savings into a meme coin.&#8221;
Despite the public declaration, details about Musk's personal cryptocurrency holdings remain sketchy to this day. He hasn&#8217;t spoken about personally holding cryptocurrencies in a long time.
He has <a href="https://in.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/02/43878760/dogecoins-journey-from-memecoin-to-real-money-crazy-but-cool-says-elon-musk-i-am-living-the-meme">been an avid supporter</a> of DOGE, though, and the acronym for the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/department-of-government-efficiency">Department of Government Efficiency</a>, a government initiative that he briefly supervised, bore a reference to the memecoin.
As for Bitcoin, Musk said that his newly floated ‘America Party' will <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46267642/elon-musk-says-his-america-party-will-embrace-bitcoin-fiat-is-hopeless">embrace</a> the apex cryptocurrency.&nbsp;
Additionally, Tesla is estimated to hold over $1 billion in Bitcoin, <a href="https://intel.arkm.com/explorer/entity/tesla">according</a> to on-chain analytics firm Arkham Intelligence.
Photo Courtesy: Photo Agency on Shutterstock.com
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Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

$DOGE

$ETH

$SHIB

SHIB

Elon Musk Once Warned Against 'Betting the Farm' On Crypto, But Ended Up Acquiring Some Coins 'Out Of Curiosity' Anyway

After losing a loved one, paperwork is often the last thing grieving families want to deal with. But for one Reddit user, a surprising letter from the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46263553/social-security-administration-sends-unbelievable-email-on-trumps-big-beautiful-bill-report">Social Security Administration</a> months after their mother's death brought more questions — and more forms.
Here's what happened, and what others in similar situations should know.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">An Unexpected Letter From the SSA</h2>
In a recent post on the <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/SocialSecurity/comments/1lt0mb4/ssa_says_my_late_mother_is_due_money/">r/SocialSecurity subreddit</a>, a user shared that their mother had passed away last summer. Months later, they received a letter from the SSA stating she "was due Social Security benefits at the time of her death." The agency requested that the person complete a form to help determine who should receive any funds still owed.
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The Redditor was understandably frustrated. "If it&#8217;s just a few dollars I do not want to go to the trouble; I&#8217;m just tired of all the death-related paperwork," they wrote.&nbsp;
They asked the community for insight, hoping to avoid unnecessary forms unless the amount owed was substantial.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Could the SSA Letter Be About?</h2>
According to the <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-1724.html">SSA</a>, a beneficiary may be owed a payment or refund after death. This could include:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>A partial monthly Social Security payment if the person died before the payment date</li>
<li>A Medicare premium refund if the deceased paid for coverage in advance</li>
</ul>
In most cases, if the SSA finds money is due, it will ask the family to complete <a href="https://www.ssa.gov/forms/ssa-1724.pdf">Form SSA-1724</a>. The completed form helps the agency identify the rightful recipient of any unpaid funds.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Who Can Receive the Funds?</h2>
The SSA uses a specific order to decide who may receive money owed to a deceased person. For Social Security payments, priority goes to:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>A surviving spouse who lived with the deceased</li>
<li>Children entitled to benefits on the same record</li>
<li>Parents entitled to benefits on the same record</li>
<li>A surviving spouse not living with the deceased</li>
<li>Other children or parents</li>
<li>The legal representative of the estate</li>
</ul>
If the issue is a Medicare premium refund, the order changes slightly but still prioritizes the estate and close family members.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Others Share Their Experiences</h2>
Several Reddit users chimed in with their own stories. One mentioned receiving a similar form after their mother passed. "It wasn't that hard to fill out," they said, adding that the payment was worth several hundred dollars and ended up being split between siblings.
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Another commenter pointed out that sometimes the SSA reclaims the final payment from the deceased person's bank, which could later be reissued once the rightful recipient is confirmed.
Others suggested that if the deceased may have been owed <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44174682/social-security-to-fast-track-retroactive-payments-for-retirees-impacted-by-wep-and-gpo-cuts">Windfall Elimination Provision</a> funds or had specific benefit circumstances, that might trigger a follow-up from the SSA.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What To Do If You Get a Letter Like This</h2>
If you receive a letter stating that your deceased loved one may be due benefits, it's important to verify that the request is legitimate. The SSA's Form SSA-1724 is real, and additional details can be found on the agency's website. You can also call the SSA at 1-800-772-1213 with questions about the process.
Once completed, the form should be sent to your local Social Security office.
While it may feel like just one more piece of paperwork during an already stressful time, it could lead to funds your loved one earned but never received.
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Image: Shutterstock

Redditor Gets A Surprise Letter From The SSA Months After Their Mother's Death — 'I'm Just Tired Of All The Death-Related Paperwork'

Harland Sanders, aka Colonel Sanders, built Kentucky Fried Chicken into a roadside sensation, then sold it in 1964 for just $2 million, keeping a lifetime salary and the face of the brand. The 73-year-old then also secured a $40,000 annual stipend, later indexed to inflation, and a contract guaranteeing his white-suited likeness in advertising, transforming him into the world's most recognizable living fast-food pitchman.
Seven years later, investors flipped the chain to packaged-foods giant Heublein Inc. for $285 million, an eye-popping payday that left the colonel feeling sidelined.
What Happened: In 1971, WFAA, a Dallas-based television station, interviewed Colonel Harland Sanders, where he reflected on the subsequent sale of KFC for a significantly larger sum, highlighting his feelings of being &#8220;left out.&#8221;
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The 1971 deal capped breakneck growth from about 600 outlets at the time of Sanders' sale to more than 3,500 worldwide. The octogenarian believed they had ruined his recipes, blasting cost-cutting that traded his scratch gravy for what he called "wallpaper paste."
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/topics/25/07/46389339/robert-reich-says-the-u-s-government-is-no-longer-able-to-protect-us-from-real-hazards-because-its-shifting-funds-to-fake-hazards">Robert Reich Says, &#8216;The U.S. Government Is No Longer Able To Protect Us From Real Hazards, Because It&#8217;s Shifting Funds To Fake Hazards&#8217;</a>
He even sued KFC's new owners for $122 million over recipe and quality changes. The case settled for roughly $1 million and a promise that he could keep training cooks.
What To Know: Today, Sanders' likeness fronts a very different bird. KFC pushed past 30,000 restaurants in 2024 after opening nearly 2,700 units in a single year, giving it the largest global footprint in quick service. The brand now spans 145 countries and territories, from original-recipe buckets in Kentucky to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/22/12/30122303/if-its-christmas-in-japan-it-must-be-kfc-how-a-unique-tradition-began?">Christmas dinner boxes</a> in Japan priced around $45.
Parent company Yum! Brands says KFC generates roughly half its divisional operating profit and is targeting <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/02/43531677/yum-brands-stock-shines-after-q4-earnings-beat-fueled-by-taco-bell-and-kfc-growth-engines">5% annual unit growth</a>. Expansion plans include a £1.6 billion investment drive in Britain and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/02/43818486/yum-brands-moves-kfcs-us-headquarters-to-texas-in-strategic-shift">shifting U.S. headquarters</a> from Louisville to Plano, Texas, to streamline operations. Analysts expect Yum's self-described "algorithm year" to lift core <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/05/45143600/yum-brands-return-of-crispy-chicken-nuggets-to-drive-traffic-in-q2">operating profit 8%</a> in 2025 as KFC modernizes kitchens and accelerates digital sales.
Sanders died in 1980 at 90, still touring stores in his white suit to enforce standards. The mustachioed colonel may have disowned the gravy, but his 11 herbs and spices remain a global staple.
Photo Courtesy: Shutterstock.com
Read Next:
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Financing

Colonel Sanders Sold KFC For $2 Million Only To See The New Owners Cash Out For $285 Million Few Years Later — Why He Then Sued Them

Each week, Benzinga's Stock Whisper Index uses a combination of proprietary data and pattern recognition to showcase five stocks that are just under the <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/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/46157351/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-71" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">EXCLUSIVE: June&#8217;s 20 Most-Searched Tickers On Benzinga Pro — Where Do CoreWeave, Nvidia, Apple Stock Rank?</a>
Here&#8217;s a look at the Benzinga Stock Whisper Index for the week ending July 18:
Celsius Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CELH#NASDAQ">CELH</a>): The energy beverage company saw strong interest from readers during the week with new <a href="https://www.wsj.com/articles/liquid-death-expands-into-energy-drinkseasy-on-the-octane-bbc212bc?gaa_at=eafs&amp;gaa_n=ASWzDAgCZEC7BHSD9KdBbAUy2rJCV2xEtrcfAGerBy7633p0VCMzpjqpoznrAtTxnY4%3D&amp;gaa_ts=687ac2fb&amp;gaa_sig=ILLiCwN7bsGO-Uh0xO6ZERFn_WfpgWE7uYVNFBYz3T-JiUiCy3m2okGgfqGepOH7iSLF0lmf2LdAWCYVDDaSUQ%3D%3D">reports </a>that Liquid Death is entering the energy drink sector and brings a new competitor to the field. The entry of another well-known brand could hurt Celsius and others. Celsius also saw increased interest with distribution partner PepsiCo reporting quarterly financial results and sharing some details on how the partnership is going. Analysts have been <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/CELH/analyst-ratings">raising their price targets</a> on the stock in July, including Truist, Needham and UBS. Shares were down on the week, but the stock remains up 63% year-to-date in 2025.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0718"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="502" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18181942/Screenshot-505.png" alt="" class="wp-image-992258" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18181942/Screenshot-505.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18181942/Screenshot-505-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18181942/Screenshot-505-768x386.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>
Tyler Technologies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TYL#NYSE">TYL</a>): The software company saw strong interest from readers during the week ahead of second-quarter financial results scheduled for July 30. Analyss expect the company to report earnings per share of $2.77, up from $2.40 in last year's second quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in eight of the last 10 quarters. Analysts expect the company to report revenue of $587.9 million, up from $541.0 million in last year's second quarter. The company has beaten analyst estimates for revenue in six of the last 10 quarters, including two straight quarters.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0718"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="504" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18181956/Screenshot-506.png" alt="" class="wp-image-992259" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18181956/Screenshot-506.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18181956/Screenshot-506-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18181956/Screenshot-506-768x387.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>
Teledyne Technologies Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TDY#NYSE">TDY</a>): With business segments that include government contracts, Teledyne has been getting attention as a drone stock in recent weeks. The company's FLIR Defense segment issues a press release on drones and praising recent comments from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The company reports second-quarter financial results on July 23. Analysts expect the company to show increases in earnings per share and revenue on a year-over-year basis. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in nine of the last 10 quarters, including four straight quarters. The company has beaten revenue in seven of the last quarters, including four straight quarters.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0718"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="500" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18182014/Screenshot-507.png" alt="" class="wp-image-992261" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18182014/Screenshot-507.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18182014/Screenshot-507-300x150.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18182014/Screenshot-507-768x384.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>
Ollie's Bargain Outlet Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OLLI#NASDAQ">OLLI</a>): The retailer of closeout merchandise saw increased interest from readers during the week likely due to an appearance at the Nasdaq to ring the opening bell. The company is celebrating its 10th anniversary of being a public company. Ollie's is also celebrating the opening of its 600th store and entering its 34th state (New Hampshire). Shares trade at all-time highs despite missing analyst estimates for both revenue and earnings per share in the last fiscal quarter.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0718"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="999" height="502" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18182028/Screenshot-508.png" alt="" class="wp-image-992262" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18182028/Screenshot-508.png 999w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18182028/Screenshot-508-300x151.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18182028/Screenshot-508-768x386.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 999px) 100vw, 999px" /></a></figure>
Verisk Analytics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VRSK#NASDAQ">VRSK</a>): The insurance company saw increased interest, which comes as the company announced the acquisition of SuranceBay. The acquisition will expand Verisk's operations in the life insurance and annuity segments. Verisk is set to report second-quarter financial results on July 30. The company has beaten analyst estimates for earnings per share in five straight quarters and nine of the last 10 quarters overall. The company has beaten analyst estimates for revenue in three straight quarters and nine of the last 10 quarters overall.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0718"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="995" height="503" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18182042/Screenshot-509.png" alt="" class="wp-image-992263" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18182042/Screenshot-509.png 995w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18182042/Screenshot-509-300x152.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18182042/Screenshot-509-768x388.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 <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0718" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">top market-moving stories here.</a>
Read the latest Stock Whisper Index reports here:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/45827517/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-68" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">June 6</a></li>
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/25/06/46157351/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet-71" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">June 27</a></li>
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Exclusives

Trading Ideas

CELH

OLLI

VRSK

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

A Canadian entrepreneur joined personal finance personality Dave Ramsey&#8216;s &#8220;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wasnTiTd-do">EntreLeadership</a>&#8221; podcast recently to talk about his company&#8217;s expansion into the U.S., just as President Donald Trump threatens to impose new tariffs on Canadian goods. The timing couldn't be more tense.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Entrepreneur Worries About 35% Tariff As U.S. Sales Surge</h2>
The guest, who runs a DIY log cabin kit company in Ontario, Canada, said his business did CA$12 million—$8.8 million—in sales last year with CA$1.5 million in profit.&nbsp;
They manufacture in Canada and already ship to 40 U.S. states. U.S. sales now account for about 40% of the company's volume and are growing fast, while Canadian sales have flatlined.
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&#8220;American production was still on the roadmap. It was more of like a 2027 or maybe 2028 issue, and now it's like, okay, do we fast-track it?&#8221; the entrepreneur said, noting concerns over possible tariffs.
That concern became more urgent after Trump announced on <a href="https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/114831716625825473">Truth Social</a> on July 11 that a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46382367/carney-faces-cross-border-pressure-amid-high-stakes-us-trade-talks">35% tariff on Canadian goods</a> would take effect Aug. 1, citing fentanyl concerns and retaliatory trade actions by Canada. &#8220;Canada&#8217;s failure to stop the drugs from pouring into our country&#8221; was one reason Trump gave in a letter to Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney.
Carney pushed back the same day. &#8220;Canada has made vital progress to stop the scourge of fentanyl in North America,&#8221; he <a href="https://x.com/MarkJCarney/status/1943517224104337722">posted on X</a>. &#8220;We are committed to continuing to work with the United States to save lives and protect communities in both our countries.&#8221;
Trending: $100k+ in investable assets? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/wiseradvisor-retirement-planning">Match with a fiduciary advisor for free to learn how you can maximize your retirement and save on taxes</a> – no cost, no obligation.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Ramsey: Don't Panic. Stick To The Plan.</h2>
Ramsey had a straightforward take on the tariff threats: &#8220;So far it&#8217;s amounted to a lot of chaos over nothing.&#8221; He added, &#8220;Most of what I&#8217;ve seen on the tariff stuff so far&#8230; a lot of saber rattling, a lot of grenade throwing, but actual net result is zero.&#8221;
Ramsey advised the entrepreneur to stick with his original plan of opening a U.S. factory in 2027 rather than rushing to avoid potential costs. &#8220;If you get in a hurry and you do this poorly, it's going to end up costing you more,&#8221; he said.
The entrepreneur noted that building a new facility would take at least 12 months from ordering equipment to full operation.&nbsp;
Ramsey warned him that panic moves in reaction to political turbulence could backfire. &#8220;You&#8217;re going to join this crazy chaos rush thing and you&#8217;re probably going to end up overpaying for some stuff just to get the thing set up,&#8221; he said. &#8220;Which would make you wish you paid a small tariff.&#8221;
See Also: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finally-a-fully-automated-trading-platform-for-individual-investors?">You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25</a>
Trump&#8217;s broader trade push includes <a href="https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-threatens-35-percent-tariffs-against-canada/">new letters</a> to more than 20 countries. The remaining countries will likely face tariffs of 15% to 20%, which is above the current 10% baseline applied to most imports.&nbsp;
Canada is the U.S.&#8217;s largest trading partner. Though Trump has framed the moves as necessary to revive U.S. manufacturing, economists warn they <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/25/04/45029647/experts-say-new-tariffs-could-spark-higher-prices-and-shortages-within-weeks">could raise prices and slow growth</a>.&nbsp;
Still, Ramsey seemed confident the current threats won&#8217;t derail smart long-term planning. &#8220;I think you've done a really good job of critical thinking on this,&#8221; he said. &#8220;And you&#8217;re doing a really good job running this business.&#8221;
Read Next: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $10.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Dave Ramsey Says Tariffs Are A Lot Of Saber Rattling, Grenade Throwing And Chaos, But Actual Net Result Is Zero

Benzinga examined the prospects for <a href="http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">many investors' favorite stocks</a> over the last week — here's a look at some of our top stories.
The Magnificent Seven led Wall Street higher this week, pushing the S&amp;P 500 and Nasdaq 100 to new all-time highs. Strong retail sales, low jobless claims, and standout bank earnings drove momentum, while tech giants' rally — including gains by Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) and Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) — supported investor enthusiasm.
Nvidia remains central, its AI-fueled valuation anchoring broader tech optimism. Microsoft posted a 22% YTD gain — second only to Nvidia — while Alphabet (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) also kicked off upbeat forecasts.
The S&amp;P 500 closed above 6,297 — the highest ever — reflecting a broad-based bullish sentiment. Yet focus is shifting to potential Fed commentary and looming trade risks, which could test tech's capacity to carry markets much further
Benzinga provides daily reports on the stocks most popular with investors. Here are a few of this past week's most bullish and bearish posts that are worth another look.

The Bulls
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/earnings/25/07/46453684/defense-stocks-earnings-q2-2025-preview">"Defense stocks head into earnings at record highs — is the boom just beginning?"</a>, by Piero Cingari, reports that, buoyed by the $156 billion "One Big Beautiful Bill" defense package, aerospace and defense stocks — including the iShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS: ITA) — have rallied into record‑high territory ahead of Q2 earnings season, though analysts caution upcoming results must justify the bullish run.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46473075/exclusive-this-stocks-up-1300-but-ceo-says-the-real-payoffs-4-years-away">"Exclusive: This stock's up 1,300% — but CEO says the real payoff's 4 years away"</a>, by Surbhi Jain, reports that Rigetti Computing Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RGTI#NASDAQ">RGTI</a>) stock has surged over 1,300% on quantum hype, but CEO Subodh Kulkarni cautions that true commercial quantum advantage — and meaningful returns — are still about four years away.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46481193/netflix-q2-fueled-by-price-ads-squid-game-q3-set-to-repeat">"Netflix Q2 fueled by price, ads, Squid Game; Q3 set to repeat"</a>, by Adam Eckert, reports that Netflix Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) delivered a strong Q2 thanks to subscription price hikes, increased ad revenue, and the return of Squid Game, and analysts anticipate similar momentum in Q3.
For additional bullish calls of the past week, check out the following:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46444470/gamesquare-holdings-stock-is-surging-wednesday-whats-going-on">GameSquare Holdings Stock Is Surging Wednesday: What's Going On?</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46471676/meta-palantir-amazon-ai-datacenter-growth">Meta, Palantir, Amazon Are All-In On AI—Can Datacenters Keep Up?</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46424062/rocket-lab-stock-launches-to-new-all-time-highs-whats-going-on">Rocket Lab Stock Launches To New All-Time Highs: What's Going On?</a>

The Bears
"GameStop CEO is not scared of the short sellers, calls it ‘un‑American' to bet against business — but it's a free market", by Adam Eckert, reports that GameStop Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GME#NYSE">GME</a>) CEO Ryan Cohen pushed back on skeptics—calling short-selling "un‑American" — while reaffirming confidence in the company's turnaround and the strength of its free-market model.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46398722/plug-powers-hot-streak-stalls-as-wall-street-frets-over-warrant-surprise">"Plug Power's hot streak stalls as Wall Street frets over warrant surprise"</a>, by Akanksha Bakshi, reports that Plug Power Inc. (NASDAQ: PLUG) shares dropped over 7% after the company filed to register 31.5 million shares for resale—raising investor concerns about dilution despite the stock being up 8% over the prior week thanks to a hydrogen supply deal and supportive federal policy developments.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/space/25/07/46481437/blacksky-stock-drops-after-hours-what-happened">"BlackSky stock drops after hours — what happened?"</a>, by Erica Kollmann, reports that BlackSky Technology Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BKSY#NYSE">BKSY</a>) saw its shares fall after hours following weaker-than-expected Q2 bookings, prompting investor concerns about near-term revenue visibility despite the company reaffirming its full-year guidance.
For more bearish takes, be sure to see these posts:
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46393365/salesforce-underperforms-market-as-growth-concerns-plague-crm-giant">Salesforce Underperforms Market As Growth Concerns Plague CRM Giant</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/technicals/25/07/46504921/stock-of-the-day-pepsicos-former-floor-becomes-ceiling-sellers-lining-up">Stock Of The Day: PepsiCo's Former Floor Becomes Ceiling — Sellers Lining Up</a>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46499876/wall-street-friday-stocks-today-trump-netflix-earnings">Stocks Slip As Netflix Fails To Impress, Bitcoin Eyes Negative Week: What's Moving Markets Friday?</a>

Keep up with all the latest breaking news and trading ideas by following <a href="https://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga</a><a href="http://twitter.com/Benzinga" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"> on X</a>.
Image created using artificial intelligence via Midjourney.

Markets

AMZN

BlackSky Technology Inc. Class A Common Stock

BKSY

GAME

GOOGL

MSFT

NFLX

NVDA

PLTR

PLUG

RGTI

RKLB

Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Netflix, GameStop, Plug Power — And Defense Stocks Soar

Renowned author and statistician Nassim Nicholas Taleb shared his insights on life, success, and his biggest worries.
What Happened: In a conversation <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/black-swan-nassim-taleb-life-lessons-success-ai-health-community-2025-7">with</a> Business Insider, Taleb, the author of &#8220;The Black Swan&#8221; and &#8220;Antifragile,&#8221; offered advice on navigating economic instability, geopolitical unrest, and technological change.
He stressed the importance of staying true to one&#8217;s beliefs, future-proofing against AI, maintaining physical and mental fitness, and redefining success beyond wealth.
When asked about his biggest concerns, Taleb expressed worry about the health and financial stability of his friends and family.
Taleb also highlighted the challenges faced by advanced economies in sustaining growth and ensuring a prosperous future for their citizens.
See Also: <a href="https://benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46448779/inside-trumps-oval-office-crypto-push-why-did-11-republicans-suddenly-change-their-vote">Inside Trump&#8217;s Oval Office Crypto Push: Why Did 11 Republicans Suddenly Change Their Vote? &#8211; Benzinga</a>
Why It Matters: Taleb&#8217;s advice on future-proofing against AI aligns with recent warnings from tech industry leaders. Nvidia (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) CEO Jensen Huang cautioned that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46380955/nvidia-ceo-jensen-huang-warns-ai-could-replace-jobs-if-innovation-stalls-if-the-world-runs-out-of-ideas">job losses</a> could result from widespread AI adoption if industries fail to innovate.
OpenAI Chief Economist Ronnie Chatterji also emphasized the importance of adaptability and critical thinking in preparing for an AI-dominated future.
Moreover, Taleb&#8217;s concerns about the future of advanced economies echo broader discussions about the challenges of sustaining growth in mature economies, as highlighted in a recent <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economics/25/07/46474246/fed-chair-jerome-powell-flags-challenges-of-slowing-growth-in-advanced-economies-says-its-a-">speech by Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell</a>.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Anton Gvozdikov / Shutterstock.com

Tech

'Black Swan' Author Nassim Taleb Shares Life Lessons, AI Concerns And Economic Fears

Perplexity CEO Aravind Srinivas believes the future of AI won&#8217;t be driven by chatbots, but by intelligent browsers that can fully automate <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46257861/jim-cramer-contradicts-ai-led-job-cuts-at-white-collar-firms-as-cathie-wood-says-its-hurting-entry-level-jobs-heres-how-experts-debunk-ais-impact-on-employment">key white-collar roles</a>.
What Happened: Speaking on The Verge's Decoder podcast <a href="https://www.theverge.com/decoder-podcast-with-nilay-patel/708256/perplexity-ceo-decoder-aravind-srinivas-comet-browser-ai-search">on</a> Thursday, Srinivas introduced Comet, Perplexity's new AI-native browser designed to function as a full-fledged knowledge worker.
Unlike typical AI assistants, Comet integrates directly with workplace apps like Gmail, LinkedIn and Google Calendar to perform high-value tasks—everything from sourcing candidates to managing meeting schedules.
"A recruiter's work worth one week is just one prompt: sourcing and reach outs," Srinivas said, describing how Comet can automatically generate candidate lists, pull contact info and send tailored outreach emails.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46188237/bill-gates-is-betting-two-thirds-of-his-foundations-portfolio-in-these-3-stocks" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bill Gates Is Betting Two-Thirds Of His Foundation's Portfolio In These 3 Stocks</a>
He added that the browser can even follow up, update spreadsheets, sync calendars, resolve scheduling conflicts and prep briefs ahead of meetings.
Srinivas said he envisions Comet evolving into an AI operating system for professionals that works continuously in the background, executing natural language commands.
He argued that Comet could effectively replace two key office roles: recruiters and executive assistants.
"You want it to keep following up, keep a track of their responses," he said. "At scale, if it helps you to make a few million bucks, does it not make sense to spend $2,000 for that prompt?"
This news was first <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/perplexity-ceo-ai-browser-will-automate-2-white-collar-roles-2025-7">spotted</a> by Business Insider.
Why It&#8217;s Important: Earlier this month, ARK Invest CEO Cathie Wood raised <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46460054/cathie-wood-says-ai-is-hurting-entry-level-jobs-offers-advice-to-jobseekers-here-is-her-advice-for-those-joining-the-workforce">concerns about rising unemployment</a>, particularly among recent college graduates, as AI increasingly displaces entry-level jobs.
She cited The Wall Street Journal, she noted the unemployment rate for new grads has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/05/45613320/ai-is-gutting-entry-level-jobs-and-gen-z-is-paying-the-price-warns-linkedins-aneesh-raman">risen from 4% to over 6%</a>. Wood advised job seekers to focus on learning AI-related skills to stay competitive.
Last month, the Kobeissi Letter pointed out that the difference between Americans who believe jobs are "plentiful" and those who say <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/macro-economic-events/25/06/46110254/us-labor-market-is-flashing-red-plentiful-versus-hard-to-get-job-gauge-hits-4-year-low-signals-unemployment-could-jump-to-6">they're "hard to get" has shrunk</a> to just 11.1% — the smallest margin since 2017, aside from the COVID-19 period.
Craig Shapiro previously warned that AI could disrupt 25% of all jobs by 2030 — a challenge he believes the Federal Reserve has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/economic-data/25/06/46093421/ai-will-disrupt-25-of-us-jobs-by-2030-and-the-fed-cant-save-them-economist-warns">little ability to address</a>.
Previously, Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang urged students to embrace AI to enhance their career <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/05/45485072/if-i-were-a-student-today-heres-how-id-use-ai-to-do-my-job-better-says-nvidia-ceo">prospects and productivity</a>. At the same time, Microsoft Corporation has laid off <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46226585/microsoft-cuts-9000-jobs-in-second-2025-layoff">9,000 employees</a> in its second wave of 2025 job cuts—impacting under 4% of its workforce—as it manages costs while investing $80 billion in AI data centers.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/25/07/46216283/dan-ives-urges-apple-to-make-a-move-saying-that-perplexity-acquisition-is-a-no-brainer-its-a-matter-of-when-and-not-if" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dan Ives Urges Apple ‘To Make A Move,' Saying That Perplexity Acquisition Is ‘A No-Brainer': ‘It's A Matter Of When And Not If'</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Forget Chatbots—Perplexity's Aravind Srinivas Says The Real AI Disruption Is In The Browser And It's Coming For Office Jobs

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy has dismissed media reports on the Air India crash that involved a Boeing (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BA#NYSE">BA</a>) Dreamliner as premature and speculative.
What Happened: Homendy, on Friday, refuted recent media reports on the Air India Boeing Dreamliner crash, stating that they were premature and speculative, according to a report by Reuters. The crash, which occurred on June 12, claimed the lives of 260 people.
An initial investigation by India&#8217;s Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) revealed confusion in the cockpit before the crash. This raised concerns about the position of the crucial engine fuel cutoff switches.
See Also: <a href="https://benzinga.com/crypto/cryptocurrency/25/07/46422927/bonk-rallies-30-in-1-week-should-dogecoin-shiba-inu-be-afraid">Bonk Rallies 30% In 1 Week: Should Dogecoin, Shiba Inu Be Afraid? &#8211; Benzinga</a>
A cockpit recording of the dialogue between the two pilots supported the theory that the captain had cut off the fuel supply to the plane&#8217;s engines. However, Homendy cautioned that investigations of this scale take time and that the NTSB will continue to support the ongoing probe by the AAIB.
Why It Matters: The crash of the Air India Boeing Dreamliner has been a matter of intense scrutiny. The recovery of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/events/25/06/46131852/boeing-787-dreamliner-black-box-recovered-data-under-scrutiny-to-provide-insights-into-fatal-air-india-crash">black box data</a> was a significant step in understanding the cause of the crash. The data from the Cockpit Voice Recorder and Flight Data Recorder was expected to provide crucial insights into the disaster.
However, the recent dismissal of media reports as premature and speculative by the NTSB Chair adds a new layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation. This development could potentially impact the future course of the probe and the conclusions drawn from it.
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Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo Courtesy:  Jasper Colt / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy Calls Media Reports On Air India Dreamliner Crash Premature

On Friday, Cathie Wood-led Ark Invest made significant trades involving Teradyne Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TER#NASDAQ">TER</a>), Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>), Caris Life Sciences Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAI#NASDAQ">CAI</a>) and Guardant Health Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GH#NASDAQ">GH</a>).
The META Trade
Ark Invest sold 2,106 shares of Meta Platforms through its ARK Innovation ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKK#BATS">ARKK</a>).
The value of the Meta trade, calculated from the latest closing price, is around $1.48 million.
The TER Trade
Ark Invest purchased 39,792 shares of Teradyne through the ARKK fund. Teradyne is a leading supplier of automation equipment for test and industrial applications.
This move aligns with Wood&#8217;s recent emphasis on the disruptive impact of artificial intelligence on the job market, as highlighted in a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46460054/cathie-wood-says-ai-is-hurting-entry-level-jobs-offers-advice-to-jobseekers-here-is-her-advice-for-those-joining-the-workforce">recent video</a> shared by Ark Invest.
The value of the Teradyne trade, calculated from the latest closing price, is around $3.74 million.
The CAI Trade
Ark Invest bought 13,036 shares of Caris Life Sciences through ARK Genomic Revolution ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARKG#BATS">ARKG</a>).
The value of the Caris Life Sciences trade, calculated from the latest closing price, is around $393K.
The GH Trade
Ark Invest sold 3,013 shares of Guardant Health through ARKG.
The value of the Guardant Health trade, calculated from the latest closing price, is around $140K.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46460054/cathie-wood-says-ai-is-hurting-entry-level-jobs-offers-advice-to-jobseekers-here-is-her-advice-for-those-joining-the-workforce">Cathie Wood Says AI Is &#8216;Hurting&#8217; Entry-Level Jobs, Offers Advice To Jobseekers: Here Is Her Advice For Those Joining The Workforce</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: ChrisStock82 / Shutterstock.com

ARKG

ARKK

Cathie Wood's Ark Invest Offloads Meta, Loads Up On Teradyne, Caris Life Sciences

President Donald Trump has been reveling in Paramount Global's (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PARA#NASDAQ">PARA</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PARAA#NASDAQ">PARAA</a>) CBS's decision to cancel The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, calling the longtime host talentless and suggesting the move was long overdue.
What Happened: In a Truth Social post Friday, Trump wrote, "I absolutely love that Colbert got fired. His talent was even less than his ratings."
He also took jabs at other late-night personalities, saying, "I hear Jimmy Kimmel is next. Has even less talent than Colbert! Greg Gutfeld is better than all of them combined."
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46136541/elon-musk-backs-satya-nadellas-view-that-ai-must-produce-socially-useful-results-the-real-question-in-the-next-five-years-is" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk Backs Satya Nadella&#8217;s View That AI Must Produce ‘Socially Useful&#8217; Results: ‘The Real Question In The Next Five Years Is…&#8217;</a>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/19031640/Screenshot-2025-07-19-at-12.46.35%E2%80%AFPM-1024x498.png" alt="" class="wp-image-992428" /><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Source: Truth Social</figcaption></figure>
Why It's Important: CBS announced Thursday that Colbert's Late Show would be ending after nearly a decade, calling it <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/politics/25/07/46496489/elizabeth-warren-demands-paramount-explain-colberts-late-show-cancellation-america-deserves-to-know">"purely a financial" decision</a>. The network said it was not related to the show&#8217;s performance or content, citing admiration for Colbert's work.
However, the cancellation comes just days after Colbert publicly criticized CBS parent company Paramount Global for paying <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/25/07/46212970/trump-wins-16-million-settlement-from-paramount-over-cbs-60-minutes-kamala-harris-interview-but-no-apology-issued">Trump a $16 million legal</a> settlement related to a 60 Minutes interview during the 2024 campaign.
"I believe this kind of complicated financial settlement with a sitting government official has a technical name in legal circles: It's ‘big fat bribe,'" Colbert joked during Monday's monologue, <a href="https://thehill.com/homenews/media/5408187-donald-trump-cbs-cancellation-late-show-stephen-colbert/">reported</a> The Hill.
Democratic lawmakers, including Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Rep. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), have called for transparency.
The timing of Colbert's exit has raised alarms about political influence in media decisions. With Paramount seeking approval from Trump's FCC for a merger with Skydance, critics fear the show's cancellation may be tied to appeasing the administration, the report said.
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

Entertainment

PARA

PARAA

Trump Celebrates Stephen Colbert's Late Show Cancellation, Slams CBS And Calls Host Talentless Amid Paramount Settlement Controversy

Private equity giant Blackstone Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BX#NYSE">BX</a>) has reportedly withdrawn from a high-profile <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/social-media/25/06/46160115/donald-trump-drops-hint-about-potential-tiktok-buyer-but-keeps-details-close-to-his-chest">investor group vying</a> for TikTok's U.S. operations.
Check out the current price of <a href="https://benzinga.com/quote/bx">BX stock here</a>.
What Happened: Blackstone exited a consortium led by Susquehanna International Group and General Atlantic, both existing investors in ByteDance, TikTok's Chinese parent company, reported Reuters, citing people familiar with the matter.
The group had emerged as the frontrunner to acquire TikTok's U.S. business under a plan backed by President Donald Trump.
The Chinese social media giant, which generated $43 billion in revenue during the first quarter of this year, has recently overtaken Meta in quarterly earnings, the report added, citing sources.
See Also:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/management/25/07/46264668/elon-musks-father-says-he-warned-his-son-against-going-into-politics-hes-not-a-very-good-politician-at-all" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Elon Musk's Father Says He Warned His Son Against Going Into Politics – ‘He's Not a Very Good Politician At All'</a>
Why It&#8217;s Important: The deal, which would have granted U.S. investors an 80% stake in a new American TikTok entity, was intended to satisfy a U.S. law passed in April 2024 that mandates ByteDance either divest TikTok or face a nationwide ban by Jan. 19, 2025.
However, progress has stalled amid <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/45988862/trump-extends-tiktok-divestment-deadline-again-says-xi-will-ultimately-approve-the-deal-amid-stalled-us-spinoff-talks">repeated deadline extensions</a> and pushback from Beijing.
In June, Trump issued a third executive order extending the divestment deadline to Sept. 17. Chinese regulators have reportedly objected to the proposed spin-off, especially following Trump's announcement of sweeping new tariffs on Chinese imports.
The deal's unraveling could jeopardize the future of TikTok in the U.S., a market where it boasts over 150 million users. With Trump expected to raise the issue directly with Chinese President Xi Jinping, the platform's fate may <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/07/46267944/tiktok-to-roll-out-new-us-app-as-trump-says-we-pretty-much-have-a-deal-report">hinge on diplomacy</a> as much as regulation.
Price Action: On Friday, shares of Blackstone dipped 2.19% during regular trading but edged up 0.17% in after-hours trading, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/register?utm_adType=bzprocontent&amp;utm_campaign=14daytrial&amp;utm_ad=0717">Benzinga Pro data</a>.
Benzinga's Edge Stock Rankings indicate that BX maintains steady upward momentum across short, medium and long-term timeframes. Although it performs well on momentum, its growth rating remains comparatively weaker. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-4/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound">More detailed performance metrics can be found here</a>.
<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-4/#:~:text=Turn%20Market%20Chaos,when%20markets%20rebound"><img decoding="async" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/19024506/Screenshot-2025-07-19-at-12.13.14%E2%80%AFPM.png" alt="" class="wp-image-992420" /></a></figure>
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Disclaimer:&nbsp;This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Photo courtesy: Shutterstock

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