La catena delle opzioni mostra i dati chiave delle opzioni azionarie di Meituan a vari prezzi di esercizio e date di scadenza. I trader utilizzano queste informazioni per analizzare potenziali operazioni e valutare il sentiment del mercato per Meituan..

Meituan (OTC:MPNGY) Azioni, Catena delle Opzioni

Meituan is the largest food delivery service in China, with a 70.7% share of the market in 2020 per the Chinese government. For the year ended 2023, the firm generated 58% of revenue from on-demand services, 17% from hotel booking, coupon sales, advertising, and 25% from new initiatives. In the long term, its new initiatives business may transform the company into an all-encompassing grocer and logistics business involving community group buying, nonfood delivery, and online grocery, overtaking food delivery as its main business.

Meituan

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/41817396/suze-orman-warns-its-on-you-to-make-sure-you-have-the-right-coverage-for-2025-and-beyond-dont-re">Suze Orman&#8217;s</a> blog post outlines her advice for staying financially healthy this holiday season. It's worth listening to, especially with inflation still pinching wallets. Her message is simple: don't let holiday spending throw your finances off track, no matter how tempting it is to splurge on loved ones.&nbsp;
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She says, &#8220;True generosity is when a gift is as kind to the giver as it is to the recipient.&#8221; In other words, if gift-giving means adding to your debt, it's time to rethink your approach.
One of her biggest warnings is about credit card debt, which is a massive issue right now. According to WalletHub, the average interest rate on credit cards is about 22%. Carrying a balance at that rate can quickly spiral into financial trouble.&nbsp;
Orman advises skipping gifts altogether if you can't pay off your card balance in full. The same goes for those Buy Now, Pay Later (BNPL) services, which might look like a good deal but can lead to trouble if you miss payments. NerdWallet recently reported that about 37% of BNPL users pay late fees, which can snowball into even bigger expenses.
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If you have high-interest debt, Orman suggests paying it down instead of spending on gifts. She encourages creative, low-cost gifting ideas for those on steadier financial ground.&nbsp;
Think of offering your time or talents – babysitting, helping with home projects or making something handmade. Orman and her wife KT only exchange homemade gifts, which she says are the most meaningful.
If pressured to meet social expectations, Orman suggests honest conversations with family and friends. "People who truly care for you will understand and support your decision to stand in financial truth," she says. A thoughtful conversation can relieve pressure and help others shift their priorities.
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Orman offers a simple financial checkup to help you gauge your holiday spending readiness. Can you pay off your credit card bills in full each month? Do you have an<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40531988/you-dont-need-emergency-savings-says-grant-cardone-claims-that-three-months-of-savings-in-case-o"> emergency fund</a> that covers at least eight months of expenses? Are you consistently saving for retirement?&nbsp;
If you answered "no" to any of these, Orman advises holding back on discretionary spending. Instead, focus on small, manageable steps to improve your financial foundation – automating savings, tackling debt and sticking to a budget can make a difference.
The timing of Orman's advice couldn't be more relevant. Inflation remains stubborn and experts are still discussing the possibility of a recession.&nbsp;
According to a report by AP News, The National Retail Federation (NRF) forecasts that U.S. holiday sales in 2024 will increase by 2.5% to 3.5%, amounting to $979.5 billion to $989 billion. This growth rate is slower than the 3.9% increase in 2023 as many households tighten budgets.&nbsp;
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Personal Finance

Suze Orman Says This Holiday Choice Could Make Or Break Your Budget – Here's Why You Must Decide Now

McDonald&#8217;s is pulling out all the stops to rebuild its reputation and lure customers back after an E. coli outbreak linked to slivered onions in its Quarter Pounder hamburgers. The fast-food giant has reportedly earmarked $100 million for recovery efforts, including marketing and franchisee support to address the fallout.
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The outbreak infected more than 100 people across 14 states, hospitalized 34 and tragically claimed one life, according to the <a href="https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/e-coli-O157.html">Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.</a> The CDC traced the source to a supplier that has since recalled the product, Business Insider reported. Still, McDonald's is feeling the heat.
The company acknowledged the toll in its third-quarter earnings report, which revealed a decline in-store visits and daily sales as cautious customers stayed away. McDonald&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/short-sellers/24/11/42096504/how-is-the-market-feeling-about-mcdonalds">stock has dropped over 7% in the past month. </a>The crisis has had a broad impact on business.
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To regain customer trust, McDonald's is spending $35 million on marketing campaigns, including a new TV ad promoting a limited-time offer of 10 Chicken McNuggets for just $1 via the McDonald&#8217;s app. The campaign aims to draw customers back with deals that highlight familiar favorites.
An additional $65 million is being directed to support the franchisees hit hardest by the outbreak. These funds will cover operational losses and other costs as local operators work to recover from the health scare&#8217;s effects on traffic and sales.
Michael Gonda, McDonald&#8217;s Chief Impact Officer for North America and Tariq Hassan, Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer, addressed the crisis head-on in a memo seen by CNN. &#8220;The relevance, trust and love for the Golden Arches has been hard-earned over nearly 70 years by our unwavering commitment to do the right thing,&#8221; they wrote. &#8220;The past three weeks have only further exemplified that.&#8221;
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The fallout has demonstrated the importance of food safety and customer loyalty in maintaining McDonald's iconic brand. As the company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/10/41494741/mcdonalds-well-positioned-to-contain-e-coli-outbreak-analysts-say-impact-minimal-co">works to restore confidence,</a> the memo clarifies that rebuilding &#8220;trust and love&#8221; is a top priority.
While the company's recovery plan is strong, the future remains uncertain. Analysts and investors will watch closely to see whether McDonald's can successfully rebound from the crisis and reignite customer enthusiasm. The Golden Arches are betting on turning a tough situation into an opportunity to show resilience and commitment to its customers.
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News

McDonald's Spends $100 Million After E. Coli Outbreak As 'Trust And Love' Must Be Rebuilt, Says Chief Impact Officer

A leading analyst has suggested that Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) could potentially skyrocket to $180,000 and eventually reach a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/04/38240233/crypto-analyst-unveils-reasons-behind-latest-altcoin-crash-forecasts-rebound-amid-turmoil">seven-figure valuation</a>.
What Happened: The prominent analyst, known by the pseudonym Pentoshi, projected a bullish future for Bitcoin. Pentoshi anticipates that Bitcoin could rise by approximately 82% from its present value.
In a post on X, Pentoshi posits that this expected price surge is merely a stepping stone in Bitcoin&#8217;s path to exceeding the $1 million mark. 
He stated, &#8220;Eventually&nbsp;one day over $1 million.&nbsp;If you zoom out and&nbsp;think bigger. Hard to do&nbsp;when we live day to&nbsp;day at times. $180,000 still&nbsp;in 2026 at the latest&nbsp;in my opinion. Eventually higher&nbsp;than we all imagined.&#8221;
<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">Eventually one day over a milli. If you zoom out and think bigger. Hard to do when we live day to day at times 180k still in 2026 at latest imo Eventually higher than we all imagined <a href="https://t.co/3hvM2g91u2">https://t.co/3hvM2g91u2</a>
&mdash; &#x1f427; Pentoshi (@Pentosh1) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pentosh1/status/1859871839289475411?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Moreover, Pentoshi envisions the wider crypto market entering a parabolic phase, providing substantial earning potential in the coming months. However, he warns that such advances are not sustainable over the long haul.</figcaption></figure>
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/42049183/heres-how-a-bitcoin-whale-nets-179m-from-a-120-investment">Here&#8217;s How A Bitcoin Whale Nets $179M From A $120 Investment</a>
At the time of writing, Bitcoin was trading at $97,326.69, down by almost 2% in the last 24 hours. 
Why It Matters: Pentoshi&#8217;s prediction comes at a time when Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies are gaining mainstream acceptance. 
The potential surge in Bitcoin&#8217;s value underscores the growing interest and investment in the crypto market. However, it&#8217;s important to note that while the crypto market offers significant earning potential, it also comes with risks, as highlighted by Pentoshi&#8217;s caution about the sustainability of these advances. 
The crypto market is known for its volatility, and investors should be prepared for potential fluctuations in value.
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Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

Cryptocurrency

Markets

$BTC

Crypto Analyst: Bitcoin Poised To Skyrocket To $180K and 'Eventually' Top $1M

Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>), the world&#8217;s largest cryptocurrency by market cap, could potentially hit a staggering $125,000 by the end of this year.
What Happened: According to predictions <a href="https://kalshi.com/markets/kxbtcmaxy/how-high-will-bitcoin-get-this-year">by</a> betting platform Kalshi, an 85% probability of Bitcoin reaching $100,000 by the close of 2024. The data also suggests a possibility of Bitcoin&#8217;s price surpassing $125,000 by year&#8217;s end.
The platform even sees a 9% chance of Bitcoin breaking the $150,000 mark,&nbsp;with an outside bet of&nbsp;it soaring to $250,000 or more.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Bitcoin continues to climb Now an 85% chance it will hit $100K before December <a href="https://t.co/2vHUZQUPCm">pic.twitter.com/2vHUZQUPCm</a>
&mdash; Kalshi (@Kalshi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Kalshi/status/1859666875631927546?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Despite Bitcoin not yet breaching the $100,000 mark, the consensus among experts is that it&#8217;s a question of &#8220;when,&#8221; not &#8220;if.&#8221; 
Bitcoin has already witnessed a nearly 40% surge in November and a 55% rise&nbsp;in Q4 overall, making this&nbsp;year almost as profitable&nbsp;as the last quarter of&nbsp;2023.
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As per the report, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs) have played a pivotal&nbsp;role, absorbing over 90% of&nbsp;sell-side pressure from Long-Term Holders. 
The U.S. ETFs recorded their most successful week&#8217;s inflows since their inception&nbsp;in the five trading days&nbsp;through Nov. 22. Total assets&nbsp;under management now exceed $100 billion.
Why It Matters: The bullish forecast for Bitcoin comes at a time when the cryptocurrency market is experiencing unprecedented growth. 
The potential for Bitcoin to reach these high price points is indicative of the increasing acceptance and adoption of cryptocurrencies. 
ETFs, in particular, have been instrumental in driving this growth, providing a more accessible and regulated means for investors to gain exposure to Bitcoin. 
As more investors turn to Bitcoin as a store of value and hedge against inflation, the upward trajectory of its price is likely to continue.
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Image: Shutterstock

Bitcoin's Bull Run: Betting On A $125K Finish To 2024

Retirement savings plans like IRAs and 401(k)s are often promoted as key tools for securing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/41918104/are-you-on-track-to-retire-rich-heres-the-nest-egg-you-need-to-be-considered-a-wealthy-retiree">financial stability in retirement</a>. However, new findings from the Employee Benefit Research Institute (EBRI) reveal that these accounts play a surprisingly limited role in retirees&#8217; overall income.
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The 2024 EBRI Spending in Retirement Survey, conducted among 3,600 American retirees aged 62 to 75, offers fresh insights into the income landscape for this demographic.&nbsp;
According to the study, IRAs provide income for 20% of retirees, while 401(k)-style workplace retirement plans are an income source for 17%. However, these plans&#8217; contribution to total income is modest. On average, IRAs account for 10% of retirees' income and 401(k)-like plans contribute 15%.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Retirement Income Sources</h2>
IRAs and 401(k)s are just one part of the complex retirement income picture. The relatively small contribution these funds make to total retirement income demonstrates the importance of other income sources in retirement.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/41882904/think-youll-get-full-social-security-missing-this-35-year-window-could-cost-you-thousands">Social Security</a> is a critical income source for many retirees, with nearly 92% of those aged 65 and older receiving benefits from this program, according to Federal Reserve data. Other sources of retirement income from this data include (with the percentage of retirees that have that income source):
<ul>
<li>Pensions (56%)</li>
<li>Interest, dividends or rental income (42%)</li>
<li>Wages, salaries or self-employment (32%)</li>
<li>Cash transfers, other than Social Security (9%)</li>
</ul>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Income Versus Expenses</h2>
Retirees face financial challenges when their income doesn't align with their expenses. The Motley Fool reports that the median annual income for <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41185972/is-65-too-early-to-retire-new-research-says-it-might-be-45-of-households-are-expected-to-run-out">Americans aged 65 and older</a> is $50,290, while their average annual expenditures are about $57,818.
The average Social Security check is close to $1,900, often only replacing about 40% of the beneficiary's preretirement income. Retirees primarily relying on this income source have a substantial gap to fill. Financial experts recommend having a goal of saving or finding enough retirement income sources to replace 70-80% of your preretirement income, meaning Social Security alone won't be enough.&nbsp;
Trending: Many are using this retirement income calculator to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on how on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Limited Savings Mean for Retirees</h2>
The small role that IRAs and 401(k)s play in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/42070971/suze-orman-warns-3-million-isnt-enough-for-retirement-even-at-a-mere-3-withdrawal-rate-she-says-you-need-10-million-or-more">retirement income</a> can lead to financial struggles for many older Americans. According to the National Council on Aging, nearly 45% of people aged 60 and up have trouble covering basic expenses. Pew Research estimates that by 2040, about 32.6 million retirement-age households will have yearly incomes below $75,000. On average, those households will face a $7,050 gap between their income and needs.
While IRAs and 401(k)s are great tools for growing savings and offering tax advantages, they're not always enough to carry you through retirement on their own.
For those nearing retirement, now is a good time to review your financial plan and consider where your income will come from. A <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-online-financial-advisors">financial advisor</a> can help you review and plan for a comfortable retirement.&nbsp;
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New Findings Show IRAs And 401(k)s Contribute Less Than 20% Of Retirees' Income

Amazon.com Inc. stands as a $2 trillion retail giant today, but its survival was in serious jeopardy back in 2001. After the dot-com bubble burst, Amazon's stock plummeted 90%, leading many critics to predict its demise. 
However, founder Jeff Bezos reversed the company's fortunes with help from a surprising source: Costco Wholesale Corp. founder Jim Sinegal.
In 2001, Bezos met with Sinegal over coffee at a Starbucks inside a Barnes &amp; Noble near Amazon's Bellevue, Washington offices, as detailed in the book "The Everything Store" by journalist Brad Stone.
Initially, Bezos sought to discuss sourcing products from Costco, but the conversation shifted to pricing strategies that would ultimately shape Amazon's future, <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/11/17/jeff-bezos-costco-founder-coffee-meeting-helped-revive-amazon.html">reports</a> CNBC.
Sinegal shared Costco's core principle: "value trumps everything." He explained how the retailer kept prices "dirt cheap" by cutting unnecessary costs and building strong supplier relationships. Costco's low prices, he said, reinforced the value of its annual membership, which accounted for much of its profitability.
"The membership fee is a one-time pain, but it's reinforced every time customers walk in and see forty-seven-inch televisions that are two hundred dollars less than anyplace else," Sinegal reportedly told Bezos, and as quoted by Stone. 
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Inspired by this, Bezos quickly called a meeting at Amazon to address the company's "incoherent" pricing strategy. By that summer, Amazon began cutting prices on flagship products like books, music, and videos, offering discounts of up to 30%. Bezos famously declared, "There are two kinds of companies: Those that work to raise prices and those that work to lower them. We'll always be the second."
The strategy paid off. By the end of 2001, Amazon posted its first profitable quarter, a turnaround Bezos credited to lower prices and cost-cutting measures. 
In 2005, Amazon launched its membership program, Prime, echoing Costco's model by offering discounted prices and free shipping to paying members. Bezos later described Prime as offering such good value that "you'd be irresponsible not to be a member."
Today, Amazon's approach to pricing and memberships, rooted in the lessons of that pivotal 2001 meeting, continues to underpin its global success.
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Success Stories

Costco Founder's Chat With Bezos Over Coffee Helped Save Amazon

Billionaire entrepreneur and investor Mark Cuban recently divulged his top strategies for successful negotiation, emphasizing the significance of patience and the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/10/41196856/heres-how-mark-cubans-drunken-splurge-of-125-000-turned-into-a-profitable-investment">willingness to compromise</a>.
What Happened: Cuban shared that the most effective negotiators he has collaborated with demonstrate a readiness to compromise and exhibit patience, keeping their end goals in sight. 
He stressed that it isn&#8217;t necessary to emerge victorious on every point of a deal, and that conceding on some aspects to finalize the deal is perfectly acceptable.
Speaking <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2024/10/26/mark-cuban-top-strategies-best-negotiators-use-to-succeed.html">with</a> CNBC, Cuban said, &#8220;Expert dealmakers know not to rush or nitpick when bargaining. One: They're patient because they know what they're trying to accomplish. Two: They don't try to win every deal point. It's OK to give something in order to get the deal done."
As a judge on ABC&#8217;s &#8220;Shark Tank&#8221;, Cuban often employs a strategy of patient silence, enabling him to gather information before proposing investment offers. 
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He asserts that active listening is a key component in negotiations, stating,&nbsp;&#8220;The more you pay attention&nbsp;and the more aware you&nbsp;are, the better opportunity you&nbsp;have to get what you&nbsp;want. Silence is money.&#8221;
In a particular &#8220;Shark Tank&#8221; episode, Cuban demonstrated his strategic patience by initially rejecting an investment offer, only to later join the bidding war and secure a deal. 
However, Cuban also confessed that he occasionally deviates from his usual approach, as evidenced by his immediate acquisition of the NBA&#8217;s Dallas Mavericks in 2000 without any negotiation.
"It was all about fun. That was like a dream, I didn't even negotiate, I was just like, ‘Yes, whatever,&#8221; Cuban said in a podcast before. 
Why It Matters: Mark Cuban&#8217;s negotiation strategies provide valuable insights for entrepreneurs and investors alike. 
His emphasis on patience, compromise, and active listening highlights the importance of these qualities in successful deal-making. 
Cuban&#8217;s approach, as demonstrated in his role on &#8220;Shark Tank&#8221; and his acquisition of the Dallas Mavericks, underscores the fact that flexibility and adaptability are also crucial in negotiations.
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Mark Cuban's For Negotiation Success: 'Silence Is Money'

A well-known crypto analyst who accurately predicted the market collapse of 2022 is now cautioning that Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) may be <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41869087/kiyosaki-aims-to-own-100-bitcoins-by-2025-i-wish-bitcoin-was-back-to-10-a-coin-but-wishing-has-never-made-poor-people-richer">nearing a local top</a>.
What Happened: Pseudonymous analyst Capo believes that certain indicators suggest Bitcoin could face a pullback in the near future. The analyst, recognized for their precise market calls, has shared their concerns about Bitcoin's current trajectory. 
In a recent <a href="https://t.me/CryptoCapoTG/933">post</a> on Telegram, the crypto expert pointed to factors like overextended bullish sentiment and waning momentum as signs that a correction might be imminent.
Bitcoin has recently experienced a significant recovery, climbing past $37,000 after a prolonged bear market. However, the analyst warns that the asset's strong rally could be losing steam, leaving it vulnerable to short-term declines. Capo argues that traders should exercise caution and prepare for potential volatility.
"I'm still out of the market for a few weeks now. At this point, it doesn't matter if Bitcoin reaches $98,000, $99,000, or if it goes above $100,000. The local top could occur at any moment, and this movement could be fully retraced," Capo said in the post. 
Capo outlines several reasons for his belief that a market correction is likely, including the fact that pro-crypto U.S. President-elect Donald Trump won't assume office until January 20th.
Capo shared some of the reasons why he is being cautious about the Bitcoin move. 
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/11/42154487/robert-kiyosaki-trump-will-make-america-richer-again-by-being-the-first-bitcoin-president">Robert Kiyosaki: &#8216;Trump Will Make America Richer Again By Being The First Bitcoin President&#8217;</a>
&#8220;Sentiment is extremely bullish here. Retail is piling in massively, aping into memecoins. The memecoin rally feels overextended, and that's unhealthy. A strong correction is overdue, and it will likely affect the entire market. Trump is still not in power. The Democrats are still governing the country, and despite saying the transfer of power would be ‘smooth and in a peaceful way,' they are already trying to provoke a big war. In my view, this is a desperate attempt to apply the martial law or/and leave Trump in a complicated position,&#8221; Capo said in the post. 
Capo added, &#8220;Also, the US government holds 208,109 BTC (currently $20.15 billion). They recently got approval to sell the Silk Road Bitcoin, likely through auctions or gradual sales. Honestly, it wouldn't be surprising if they timed it to tank BTC prices and make the next administration look bad – or just to make sure they don't leave those BTC behind for them to use.&#8221;
&#8220;Many altcoins are showing weakness and testing major levels as resistance. It's mostly a BTC and memecoins run, which is never a good sign. Not ruling out a few final altcoins pumps, but if my thesis is right, they could dump 60-80% over the next few weeks," the analyst concluded. 
Why It Matters: Despite the cautionary outlook, Bitcoin remains a dominant force in the cryptocurrency market, with proponents pointing to its long-term potential as a hedge against inflation and economic uncertainty. Institutional adoption and favorable regulatory developments continue to support the broader bullish case.
For investors, this latest warning serves as a reminder of the inherent volatility in the crypto market. While Bitcoin has defied expectations before, understanding market dynamics and being prepared for fluctuations is essential for navigating the space.
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Crypto Expert Who Called 2022 Market Crash Warns About Bitcoin

Elon Musk&#8216;s net worth has reached an unprecedented $347.8 billion. This significant increase in wealth is attributed to a surge in the stock of Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and a successful funding round for his AI startup, xAI.
What Happened:&nbsp;Musk&#8217;s wealth has seen a substantial increase due&nbsp;to a 3.8% jump in&nbsp;Tesla stock&nbsp;and a new funding round&nbsp;for xAI, which now values the startup at $50 billion. 
This has led to Musk surpassing his previous wealth record of $340.4 billion set in 2021.
The Insider reports that <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-net-worth-wealth-tesla-stock-trump-election-ev-2024-11">the </a>net worth of the Tesla and SpaceX CEO has increased&nbsp;by an unmatched $117.8 billion&nbsp;this year, placing him over&nbsp;$128 billion ahead of the&nbsp;second richest person, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. Tesla&#8217;s stock has seen a surge following&nbsp;Donald Trump&#8216;s victory in the&nbsp;U.S. presidential election, closing on Friday at $352.56.
Mark Malek, the chief investment officer at Siebert, suggested that the stock&#8217;s increase is partly due to Musk&#8217;s public involvement in Trump&#8217;s campaign.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/11/42152918/i-knew-if-i-bought-a-sink-what-does-elon-musks-cryptic-tweet-mean">&#8220;I Knew If I Bought a Sink&#8221;: What Does Elon Musk&#8217;s Cryptic Tweet Mean?</a>
Musk&#8217;s 13% stake in Tesla has also seen a significant increase in value, with his personal fortune now exceeding Salesforce&#8217;s $327 billion.
Why It Matters: The surge in Musk&#8217;s wealth highlights the growing influence of tech entrepreneurs in the global economy. 
Musk&#8217;s companies, Tesla and SpaceX, have been at the forefront of technological innovation, driving advancements in electric vehicles and space travel. 
The successful funding round for xAI, Musk&#8217;s AI startup, also underscores the increasing importance of artificial intelligence in various sectors. 
This record-breaking increase in Musk&#8217;s wealth is a testament to the significant role these tech giants play in shaping the future of our world.
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image: Shutterstock

Tech

TSLA

Musk's Net Worth Tops One-Third of a Trillion Dollars

New data from Realtor.com shows a partisan divide in housing market sentiment after<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/11/42027218/could-trumps-housing-plans-reshape-the-real-estate-market"> Donald Trump&#8217;s presidential election victory</a>. Republicans have increased optimism, while Democrats are hesitant about home-buying plans.
Morning Consult&#8217;s survey in early November found that roughly 20% of Republicans report being more likely to purchase a home due to the election outcome. In contrast, nearly a quarter of Democrats indicate they&#8217;re now less likely to enter the housing market in the coming year.
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Independent voters remained largely unmoved by the election results, with 74% reporting no change in their home-buying intentions. The contrasting sentiments align with Trump&#8217;s proposed housing policies. Real estate experts anticipate market changes under his leadership, particularly around interest rates and development regulations. His platform, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/11/41968915/will-trumps-second-term-unlock-housing-lower-rates-more-development-on-the-table-experts-say">announced before the election</a>, called for removing construction barriers, including regulations that currently add over $90,000 to new home prices and for opening federal lands for housing development.
&#8220;Many in the real estate business are elated with a Trump victory and if the administration can live up to its campaign promises, rightfully so,&#8221; said Alex Beene, financial literacy instructor at the University of Tennessee at Martin. &#8220;For months, he has been advocating for lower interest rates, which have become one of the most significant barriers to homeownership in the post-pandemic years.&#8221;
See Also: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a>
However, Realtor.com Chief Economist Danielle Hale said the proposals present opportunities and challenges. While supply-side policies might boost housing inventory, proposed immigration restrictions could affect construction labor. Census Bureau data shows that up to one-third of residential construction relies on foreign-born workers. The survey polled 2,201 adults nationwide and highlighted demographic variations in housing market confidence.
Male respondents showed notably higher optimism, with 18% indicating an increased likelihood to buy compared to 10% of women. Generation Z emerged as the most optimistic age group, with 22% reporting enhanced home-buying prospects, followed by millennials at 19%, Generation X at 12% and baby boomers at 6%.
Economic outlook drives the responses. Republicans who expressed increased interest in home buying cited anticipated improvements in economic conditions and confidence in the new administration.&nbsp;
Trending: The global games market is projected to generate $272B by the end of the year —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gameflip"> for $0.55/share, this VC-backed startup with a 7M+ userbase gives investors easy access to this asset market. </a>&#8220;I believe the interest rates will go down. Inflation will drop to affordable levels,&#8221; one respondent noted in the survey&#8217;s free-response section.
Democrats who expressed decreased home-buying interest pointed to economic concerns. &#8220;There is a very real possibility that the economy will tank and having my own home will be impossible,&#8221; one participant stated. Others specifically mentioned worries about inflation and tariff policies.
The housing sentiment split mirrors broader economic confidence trends. Morning Consult data cited by Realtor shows Republican consumer sentiment surged nearly 30% postelection, while Democratic sentiment declined 13% during the same period.
Current homeowners across party lines reported minimal impact on their selling intentions, though Democrats showed a slightly higher tendency to delay selling plans.
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Real Estate

24% Of Democrats Say Trump's Election Made Them Less Likely To Buy A Home

A market analyst says Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>) could experience a massive rally, predicting gains exceeding 2,000%.
What Happened: The forecast has sparked excitement among the cryptocurrency's community as SHIB continues to gain traction as a leading meme coin.
Crypto analyst Austin Hilton, known for his bold predictions, shared his thoughts in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_vGuPm_7FQ">post</a> on YouTube and suggested that favorable market conditions and strategic developments could push SHIB into a significant uptrend.
Hilton highlighted key catalysts, such as increased adoption and potential ecosystem upgrades, as reasons behind the bullish outlook.
Shiba Inu has already seen remarkable growth since its inception, fueled by its vibrant community and utility within the Shiba ecosystem, including decentralized exchanges and NFT marketplaces. The recent prediction has added momentum to the ongoing discussions about SHIB's long-term potential.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/06/39127538/massive-shiba-inu-burn-ignites-hope-for-price-recovery-despite-market-downturn">Massive Shiba Inu Burn Ignites Hope For Price Recovery Despite Market Downturn</a>
At the time of writing, SHIB was trading at $0.00002478, down by 4% in the last 24 hours. 
Despite its current price hovering at fractions of a cent, the analyst believes that strategic milestones could propel SHIB's value. These include the expansion of ShibaSwap, further token burns to reduce supply, and adoption by mainstream businesses for payments.
However, experts have cautioned that such exponential growth is not guaranteed and remains highly speculative. The cryptocurrency market's volatility and reliance on broader economic conditions mean that predictions should be approached with caution. Investors are advised to conduct thorough research and assess risks before making decisions.
Read Next
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

$SHIB

Crypto Analyst Sees Shiba Inu Surging More Than 2,000% In Coming Rally

Retired seniors in Nebraska recently posed a financial dilemma to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/11/42024498/it-sounds-like-a-relationship-issue-ramsey-show-hosts-on-fathers-100k-paycut-and-3000-mile-move">The Ramsey Show hosts</a> Rachel Cruze and George Kamel: Should they withdraw funds from their IRA to buy a house outright or use monthly distributions to manage a mortgage?&nbsp;
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The couple, with an annual income of $125,000 from <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41210847/do-former-u-s-presidents-really-collect-social-security-the-surprising-truth-about-their-retirem">Social Security and pensions</a>, has $200,000 in cash savings and over $500,000 in IRAs. Their goal is to purchase a $450,000 home and they're seeking advice from The Ramsey Show to help them determine the best option for their financial stability.
Kamel started by breaking down the couple's options.
He noted that the $200,000 cash would be a "serious down payment," which would be helpful; however, using their IRA to cover the balance in full would deplete a large portion of their retirement savings. "So they would have to live off of Social Security and pensions for the rest of their life."
Cruze added that the couple's income of $125,000 is above average, providing a solid foundation if they did decide to purchase the home outright from IRA funds. Ultimately, the hosts suggested <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40754039/68-year-old-is-told-to-take-out-a-bigger-mortgage-for-bills-rather-than-tap-into-401-k-suze-orma">taking out a mortgage</a> might be the best option.
Kamel commented that the couple is already paying rent, implying they could handle a mortgage just fine now. "If times get tough, they have the money," he added. "And they could leave the money invested, let it continue to grow."
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Another perspective the hosts offered is that the couple could consider downsizing and purchasing something smaller than a $450,000 home if they didn't need a house with more than 1-2 bedrooms. That would allow them to pay the home off quicker and potentially immediately without tapping too much into their retirement accounts.&nbsp;
The median home price in Nebraska is $289,200 – substantially less than the $450,000 home being considered by this Nebraska couple.
This couple's situation reflects broader trends in home buying among retirees. According to the National Association of Realtors, baby boomers, who often purchase to downsize or relocate closer to family, represent a significant share of homebuyers. Additionally, retirees often prioritize maintaining liquidity and minimizing debt, aligning with Cruze and Kamel's advice to avoid fully depleting retirement accounts.
While there isn't a one-size-fits-all answer, the couple has several options. Whether they choose to buy their $450,000 dream home with a mix of cash and a mortgage or downsize to a smaller property, Cruze and Kamel advise that their focus should remain on maintaining financial security and minimizing future debt.&nbsp;
If you're in a similar situation and considering purchasing a retirement home, try speaking with a trusted <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-online-financial-advisors">financial advisor</a>. They can help you understand your current financial situation and create a plan for buying a home that aligns with your long-term financial goals.&nbsp;
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Retired Nebraska Couple Asks Ramsey Show Hosts: 'Should We Tap IRA For A House Or Use Monthly Distributions For The Mortgage?'

In a recent poll, more than half of Americans expressed their support for the plans and policies of President-elect Donald Trump as he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/11/42027218/could-trumps-housing-plans-reshape-the-real-estate-market">gears up for his second term</a>.
What Happened: A Pew Research Center <a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/politics/2024/11/22/public-narrowly-approves-of-trumps-plans-most-are-skeptical-he-will-unify-the-country/">poll</a> found that 53% of Americans are in favor of Trump&#8217;s agenda for his forthcoming term, which starts in less than two months. The poll showed a 46% disapproval rate for his plans.
The results fell along party lines, with 88% of Republicans and Republican-leaning independents backing Trump&#8217;s agenda, while 82% of Democrats and Democratic-leaning individuals expressed disapproval.
Close to 60% of the respondents expressed confidence in Trump&#8217;s capability to make sound economic decisions. A majority of Americans also demonstrated confidence in Trump&#8217;s approach&nbsp;to law enforcement and criminal&nbsp;justice (54%), immigration (53%), and foreign policy (53%).
Post-election sentiments towards Trump have soared to an all-time high, with 43% offering him a &#8220;warm&#8221; or &#8220;very warm&#8221; rating on Pew&#8217;s &#8220;feeling thermometer.&#8221; This marks a notable increase from his 34% warm rating following the 2020 election.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/42152895/trump-plans-doj-overhaul-including-firing-of-jack-smiths-team">Trump Plans DOJ Overhaul Including Firing of Jack Smith&#8217;s Team</a>
However, only 31% of respondents characterized Trump&#8217;s post-election unification efforts as &#8220;good&#8221; or &#8220;excellent.&#8221; Moreover, a mere 14% anticipate an improvement in partisan relations during Trump&#8217;s second term.
The poll was conducted from November 12 to 17, surveying 9,609 adults across the nation.
Why It Matters:&nbsp;The poll results provide a snapshot of the nation&#8217;s sentiment towards Trump&#8217;s second-term agenda. The data shows a clear partisan divide, reflecting the ongoing political polarization in the country. 
The high approval ratings for Trump&#8217;s economic decisions and approaches to law enforcement, immigration, and foreign policy indicate the areas where Americans have the most confidence in the President-elect. 
However, the low expectations for improved partisan relations and Trump&#8217;s unification efforts highlight the challenges that lie ahead in his second term.
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Politics

Majority of Americans Approve of Trump's Second-Term Agenda

Billionaire Elon Musk, co-director of President-elect Donald Trump&#8216;s Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), has been using his social media platform to criticize specific government departments and individuals.
What Happened: Musk, who has a following of 205 million on his platform, recently targeted Ashley Thomas, a director of climate diversification at the U.S. International Development Finance Corp. His post, which labeled her role as a &#8220;fake job,&#8221; led to a wave of online ridicule against Thomas.
<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">So many fake jobs <a href="https://t.co/aVH8QtMcLE">https://t.co/aVH8QtMcLE</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1858916546338590740?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Earlier this month, Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, a biotech-company founder, were appointed by Trump to lead the Department of Government Efficiency. 
The duo has since been vocal about their plans for &#8220;mass head-count reductions&#8221; across the federal bureaucracy.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/politics/24/11/42027102/trump-and-musk-want-to-sidestep-senate-floor-votes-on-key-confirmations">Trump And Musk Want To Sidestep Senate Floor Votes On Key Confirmations</a>
According to the report <a href="https://www.wsj.com/tech/musk-unleashes-online-army-on-federal-workers-a-tough-way-to-find-out-shes-losing-her-job-f57a2e94">by </a>The Wall Street Journal, Musk&#8217;s recent social media activities mark a return to his controversial practice of calling out individuals, a tactic he had previously employed on Twitter. 
His targets this week included Alexis Pelosi, a senior climate adviser at the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and two other federal officials with climate-related roles.
Everett Kelley, president of the American Federation of Government Employees, criticized Musk&#8217;s tactics, stating that they were intended to instill fear among federal employees, reports the outlet. 
Kelley argued that Musk should instead focus on federal contractors, who he claims cost the government far more than the civilian workforce.
Why It Matters: Musk&#8217;s recent actions on social media have raised concerns about the potential impact on the morale and productivity of federal employees. 
His targeting of specific individuals and departments could lead to a climate of fear and uncertainty, which could in turn affect the functioning of the federal bureaucracy. 
Furthermore, the controversy surrounding Musk&#8217;s tactics could potentially overshadow the work of the Department of Government Efficiency, and distract from its mission to streamline government operations and reduce costs.
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This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Elon Musk's Social Media Onslaught Targets Federal Employees

In a recent blog post, Mary Trump warned about the alleged influence of Russian President Vladimir Putin on her uncle, President-elect Donald Trump.
What Happened: Mary Trump expressed her apprehensions about&nbsp;her uncle&#8217;s admiration for Putin, suggesting it could negatively impact U.S. support for Ukraine amidst the ongoing Russian invasion.
She called Trump &#8220;Putin&#8217;s puppet&#8221; and cautioned that his actions could leave Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in a vulnerable position.
In her <a href="https://www.marytrump.org/p/a-thousand-days?utm_campaign=post&amp;utm_medium=web">post</a>, Mary Trump also criticized her uncle&#8217;s admiration for Elon Musk, alleging that Musk has been in regular contact with Putin since 2022.
&#8220;Of all the unthinkable scenarios we&#8217;ve been forced to consider since Donald won the election on November 5th is the possibility that all of this will have been for nought,&#8221; Mary Trump wrote. &#8220;After all, the fate of Ukraine and Zelensky may rest with Donald Trump, Putin&#8217;s puppet, a man who is enamored of and beholden to the very autocrat who wants to destroy our ally.&#8221;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/11/41869240/mary-trump-warns-of-tyranny-and-fascism-following-uncles-victory">Mary Trump Warns of &#8216;Tyranny&#8217; and &#8216;Fascism&#8217; Following Uncle&#8217;s Victory</a>
Meanwhile, Zelensky warned this week that Ukraine could lose the war if the U.S. cuts military aid. His comments followed the Biden administration&#8217;s announcement of a new $275 million military aid package for Ukraine.
Zelensky acknowledged the potential influence&nbsp;Donald Trump could have on&nbsp;ending the war, stating, &#8220;Yes,&nbsp;he can,&#8221; but said it&nbsp;would not be simple. He&nbsp;emphasized&nbsp;the importance of maintaining unity&nbsp;between Ukraine, Europe, and the&nbsp;United States, warning that a&nbsp;loss of this unity could&nbsp;have dangerous consequences.
Why It Matters: The allegations by Mary Trump underscore the complex and potentially precarious relationship between the U.S., Russia, and Ukraine. 
The influence of Putin on Donald Trump, if true, could significantly alter U.S. foreign policy and its stance towards the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. 
Furthermore, the alleged contact between Elon Musk and Putin raises questions about the role of private sector leaders in international politics. This situation warrants close observation as it unfolds, given its potential to reshape geopolitical dynamics.
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This content was partially produced with the help of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Neuro</a>&nbsp;and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Mary Trump Says Her Uncle Donald Is 'Putin's Puppet'

In 2014, during an interview with Charlie Rose at the TED Conference, Google cofounder Larry Page made headlines with an unusual revelation. Page didn't point to traditional charitable foundations or heirs when asked about his thoughts on legacy and philanthropy. Instead, he floated the idea of leaving his wealth to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/05/38942636/elon-musk-reportedly-bought-a-secret-mansion-shortly-after-selling-all-his-possessions-and-publicly">Elon Musk</a>, the tech visionary behind Tesla and SpaceX.
Page's reasoning? Musk's <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/09/40778284/elon-musk-says-almost-anyone-can-afford-a-trip-to-mars-at-100-000-to-500-000-even-if-it-means-se">bold mission to colonize Mars</a> and "back up humanity." In the interview, Rose referenced past comments Page had made about this idea, asking for clarification.&nbsp;
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<li>The global games market is projected to generate $272B by the end of the year —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/gameflip"> for $0.55/share, this VC-backed startup with a 7M+ userbase gives investors easy access to this asset market.</a></li>
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According to the transcript on the Charlie Rose site, Rose said: "You once said – actually, I think I've got this about right – that you might consider, rather than giving your money to a cause, simply giving it to Elon Musk because you had confidence he would change the future."
Larry Page replied: "He actually wanted to go to Mars – he wants to go to Mars to back up humanity." He elaborated, "It's a company and it's philanthropical. So I think, you know, we aim to do kind of similar things."
Page then shifted focus to Google's culture of innovation, adding, "We have a lot of employees at Google who've become pretty wealthy … A lot of people in there are pretty wealthy. You're working because you want to change the world and you want to make it better. So why isn't the company they work for worthy not just of your time, but your money as well?"
For Page, Musk's ambitious goals aligned with his belief that companies, when run effectively, could drive revolutionary change. He elaborated, saying, "Lots of companies don't succeed over time. They usually miss the future … I try to focus on that: What is the future really going to be? And how do we create it?"
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Page and Musk once shared a close friendship. Musk frequently <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/03/37923084/elon-musk-used-to-email-ex-google-ceo-larry-page-when-he-was-kind-of-homeless-and-ask-can-i-come">stayed at Page's house</a> during visits to Silicon Valley and their shared passion for pushing technological boundaries made them natural allies. Their camaraderie landed them on Fortune's 2016 list of "Business Leaders You Didn't Know Were BFFs."&nbsp;
Musk even <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/02/36953481/elon-musk-almost-sold-tesla-to-google-for-11-billion-but-he-called-the-deal-off-when-he-no-longer-ne">attempted to sell Tesla to Google</a> for $11 billion, according to Ashlee Vance&#8217;s biography, &#8220;Elon Musk: Tesla, SpaceX and the Quest for a Fantastic Future.&#8221; The two friends actually both agreed to the deal via handshake, but called it off once Tesla "no longer needed a savior."
However, their relationship reportedly soured around 2013. Musk's growing concerns about the dangers of artificial intelligence clashed with Page's more optimistic outlook. At Musk's birthday party that year, the two had a heated debate about AI. Page allegedly called Musk a "speciesist" for prioritizing human interests over other forms of intelligence.
Trending: This rooftop wind turbine is taking on a market projected to reach over $900 billion by 2032 —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/halcium"> With already over 40,000 users signing up to purchase, here's a chance to be an early investor today!</a>
The tension grew after Musk cofounded OpenAI, a nonprofit <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/24/04/38073344/mark-cuban-predicts-worlds-first-trillionaire-wont-be-musk-or-bezos-itll-be-someone-who-masters-ai-a">ensuring AI safety</a>, which was seen as a direct challenge to Google, which had acquired DeepMind, a leading AI company. Musk even tried to dissuade DeepMind's CEO from selling to Google, further straining their relationship.
But despite their falling out, Musk has recently desired to mend fences. In a 2023 podcast with Lex Fridman, Musk said, "I would like to be friends again with Larry. I haven't seen him in ages. We were friends for a very long time." However, he acknowledged that Page might not feel the same, noting, "He doesn't want to talk to me anymore."
Larry Page's 2014 remarks about leaving his fortune to Elon Musk reflect his belief that revolutionary change outweighs incremental progress. While the future of their friendship remains uncertain, both Page and Musk continue to be key players in shaping the future of technology – and maybe even humanity.
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<li>Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partners with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">You can still get 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for with $1,000 for just $0.26/share</a></li>
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Larry Page, Google Co-Founder, Said He'd Leave His Fortune To Elon Musk Over Charity Because Of His Plans 'To Go To Mars To Back Up Humanity'

Georgia election workers Ruby Freeman and Wandrea &#8220;Shaye&#8221; Moss have filed a motion in federal court demanding that Rudy Giuliani be held in civil contempt for <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/08/40666864/rudy-giulianis-legal-troubles-deepen-former-georgia-election-workers-seek-to-seize-assets" rel="noreferrer noopener">continuing to spread false claims about them</a>.
This request, submitted Wednesday, stems from Giuliani&#8217;s ongoing defamation despite a prior injunction forbidding him from making such statements, Forbes <a target="_blank" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2024/11/20/georgia-election-workers-want-giuliani-sanctioned-for-defaming-them-again/" rel="noreferrer noopener">reports</a>.
A federal judge has ordered Giuliani to respond by December 2, with a hearing set for December 12.
On Thursday, Rudy Giuliani challenged the judge&#8217;s ruling from last month, which required him to hand over most of his assets to the two Georgia election workers, per a news <a href="https://thehill.com/video/giuliani-appeals-decision-ordering-him-to-turn-over-assets-to-election-workers/10242068/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">report</a> by The Hill.
In May, Giuliani agreed to stop making false allegations related to the <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/08/40165381/rudy-giulianis-bankruptcy-case-was-tossed-out-he-owes-152-million-and-lawyer-says-hell-join-rank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2020 election and its results</a>.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/11/42152450/benzinga-bulls-and-bears-coinbase-microstrategy-nvidia-e-l-f-beauty-and-dogecoin-millionaire-predicts-2025-meme-kings" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Bulls And Bears: Coinbase, MicroStrategy, Nvidia, e.l.f. Beauty &#8211; And Dogecoin Millionaire Predicts 2025 Meme Kings</a>
Now, the election workers are seeking sanctions against Giuliani after he failed to honor the terms of this agreement, continuing to falsely accuse Freeman and Moss of wrongdoing, including baselessly claiming that they had &#8220;quadruple counted&#8221; ballots—a claim for which there is no evidence,
Giuliani allegedly doubled down on his false claims during his online show last week, defiantly shrugging off the threat of another lawsuit. He declared, &#8220;What am I going to do but tell the truth?&#8221; Forbes writes, quoting Giuliani.
These statements directly violate the court order he had previously agreed to.
As a result of Giuliani&#8217;s defamation, he was ordered to pay Freeman and Moss $148 million.
However, after declaring bankruptcy, he has been forced to begin turning over his assets to satisfy the judgment, including his car and New York City apartment.
Freeman and Moss are now asking the court to enforce penalties on Giuliani, potentially including further damages.
Giuliani&#8217;s spokesperson, Ted Goodman, has called the motion an attack on Giuliani&#8217;s First Amendment rights, insisting that he should be able to defend himself, Forbes adds.
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Media

General

Georgia Election Workers Demand Giuliani Be Held In Civil Contempt

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/warren-buffett">Warren Buffett</a>, the Oracle of Omaha, is at it again. He's proved he knows how to spot a great opportunity when he sees one. In his latest move, Buffett&#8217;s Berkshire Hathaway invested heavily in two surprising yet strategic companies. What are they? None other than Domino&#8217;s Pizza and Pool Corp.
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</ul>
According to a <a href="https://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1067983/000095012324011775/xslForm13F_X02/primary_doc.xml">recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission</a>, reported by TheStreet, Berkshire snapped up 1.28 million shares of Domino&#8217;s, which were valued at $550 million as of the end of the third quarter. The holding company also bought over 400,000 shares of Pool Corp., the largest distributor of swimming pool equipment and supplies in the U.S.
Both companies&#8217; shares jumped on the news as investors followed Buffett&#8217;s lead. Domino&#8217;s stock has risen 8.5% year-to-date and 20% over the past year. Pool Corp., though down 9% year-to-date, has seen a modest 3.5% annual increase.
Buffett has long <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/11/42011977/99-billion-bet-warren-buffett-invests-heavily-in-2-stocks-expected-to-jump-19-and-20-wall-street-analysts-predict">extolled the value of brands</a> as economic moats. That means they defend a company's market position from competitors. "A strong brand is potent stuff," Buffett famously said. Domino's and Pool Corp. both exemplify this.
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Domino&#8217;s has built an empire around its efficient delivery model and recognizable branding. It's the largest pizza chain in the U.S. for a reason. Despite missing revenue expectations in its third-quarter earnings, the company beat Wall Street&#8217;s forecasts for profitability and continues to show resilience. Analysts, such as those at Loop Capital, recently upgraded the stock. They see signs of accelerating same-store sales.
Pool Corp., on the other hand, benefits from its dominant market share in a niche yet essential industry. Even as discretionary spending on pool construction dips, the company continues seeing high demand for maintenance products, which drives its consistent revenues. Oppenheimer recently raised its price target for Pool Corp. after its quarterly earnings beat estimates.
"He doesn't invest – take a swing of the bat – unless the opportunity appears unbelievably good," Microsoft cofounder Bill Gates said of Buffett. These investments align perfectly with that approach. Domino&#8217;s and Pool Corp. demonstrate lasting appeal and consistent demand, which are key elements in Berkshire&#8217;s portfolio strategy.
The recent moves are classic Buffett, focusing on businesses with solid fundamentals and long-term growth potential. Whether it's pizza delivery or pool maintenance, Buffett has shown that even in the quirkiest corners of the market, there are &#8220;unbelievably good&#8221; opportunities.
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Why Warren Buffett Bought A $550 Million Stake In 'Unbelievably Good' Opportunities Domino's And Pool Corp

Investor and author Robert Kiyosaki has criticized the U.S. Federal Reserve and commended Michael Saylor, co-founder and executive chairman of MicroStrategy Inc. for his aggressive <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40869188/robert-kiyosaki-rings-alarm-bells-over-soaring-us-debt-the-dollar-is-trash">Bitcoin acquisition strategy</a>.
What Happened: Kiyosaki, known for his pro-cryptocurrency stance, took to social media X to voice his skepticism about the Fed's policies and inflation management. 
He labeled the central bank&#8217;s decisions as detrimental to the economy and suggested that Saylor&#8217;s Bitcoin strategy offers a viable hedge against these issues.
"Michael Saylor's bold Bitcoin purchasing strategy is not just investment; it's a fight against the Fed's reckless policies," Kiyosaki wrote in the post. 
The author has long been an advocate for Bitcoin and other alternative assets, frequently advising followers to invest in assets like gold, silver, and cryptocurrencies to protect themselves from what he sees as the erosion of purchasing power.
Saylor's MicroStrategy is recognized as one of the largest institutional Bitcoin holders, having spent billions acquiring the cryptocurrency. Saylor maintains that Bitcoin is the ultimate store of value in a world grappling with rising inflation and economic uncertainty.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/11/41869087/kiyosaki-aims-to-own-100-bitcoins-by-2025-i-wish-bitcoin-was-back-to-10-a-coin-but-wishing-has-never-made-poor-people-richer">Kiyosaki Aims To Own 100 Bitcoins By 2025: &#8216;I Wish Bitcoin Was Back To $10 A Coin, But Wishing Has Never Made Poor People Richer&#8217;</a>
In his post Kiyosaki also praised President-elect Donald Trump and his position on Bitcoin. Kiyosaki highlighted his work with Trump and shared his belief that Trump could become the first "Bitcoin President," a reflection of Trump's supportive attitude toward cryptocurrency.
<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">BIG MOUTH no BALLS: Why dooes a certain loudmouth who sells gold…criticize MICHAEL SAYLOR for using his company MICROSTRATEGY's treasury and credit to buy Billions in BITCOIN….Making himself, his company, and investors like me….RICHER….buying billions in BITCOIN. Would Mr.…
&mdash; Robert Kiyosaki (@theRealKiyosaki) <a href="https://twitter.com/theRealKiyosaki/status/1860158537936113938?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
He wrote, &#8220;Let's make America and the world richer again with Bitcoin.&#8221;
Kiyosaki continued to criticize fiat currencies, describing them as tools of government control. 
Why It Matters: His statements reflect a broader sentiment within the crypto community that views Bitcoin as a decentralized alternative to traditional financial systems.
The debate over Bitcoin as a safeguard against inflation has intensified as governments worldwide grapple with economic challenges. Both Kiyosaki and Saylor remain prominent figures in this discourse, influencing retail and institutional investors alike.
Read Next
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This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
Image: Shutterstock

Social Media

MSTR

Robert Kiyosaki: 'Trump Will Make America Richer Again By Being The First Bitcoin President'

These mid-cap stocks were the best performers in the last week. Are they in your portfolio?
<ol>
<li>Lemonade, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LMND#NYSE">LMND</a>) shares jumped 47.99% after the company&#8217;s Investor Day event. Several analysts raised <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/lmnd/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">the price forecast on the stock</a>.</li>
<li>Archer Aviation Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ACHR#NYSE">ACHR</a>) shares escalated 46.96%.&nbsp;Needham analyst&nbsp;initiated coverage&nbsp;on Archer Aviation with a Buy rating and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/achr/analyst-ratings" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">a price target of&nbsp;$11</a>.</li>
<li>C3.ai, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AI#NYSE">AI</a>) stock zoomed 43.98% after the company announced a strategic alliance with Microsoft Corp&nbsp;(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>)&nbsp;and expanded <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42095812" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">its partnership&nbsp;with&nbsp;</a><a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42095812" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Capgemini</a>.</li>
<li>Oklo Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OKLO#NYSE">OKLO</a>) stock rocketed 40%. The stock may have gained in response to its acquisition target Atomic Alchemy which signed an MOU with Zeno Power to provide fuel for commercial radioisotope power systems.</li>
<li>Applied Digital Corporation (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/APLD#NASDAQ">APLD</a>) stock increased 36.24%.</li>
<li>Unity Software Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/U#NYSE">U</a>) shares rose 35.70%.</li>
<li>Nebius Group N.V. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NBIS#NASDAQ">NBIS</a>) shares were up 33.47% &nbsp;after the company announced an expansion to its AI infrastructure in the U.S. with the Kansas City GPU <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42059918" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">cluster and three new offices</a>.</li>
<li>NuScale Power Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMR#NYSE">SMR</a>) stock surged 31.29%.</li>
<li>Hims &amp; Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HIMS#NYSE">HIMS</a>) shares jumped 31.11%. The company launched meal replacement bars and shakes to enhance <a href="https://www.benzinga.com//node/42118299" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">personalized weight loss plans</a>.</li>
</ol>
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/11/42154387/target-alibaba-and-temu-parent-pdd-are-among-top-10-large-cap-losers-last-week-nov-18-nov-22-are-the-others-in-your-portfolio">Target, Alibaba And Temu Parent PDD Are Among Top 10 Large-Cap Losers Last Week (Nov 18-Nov 22): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/11/42154355/super-micro-computer-snowflake-and-microstrategy-are-among-top-10-large-cap-gainers-last-week-nov-18-nov-22-are-the-others-in-your-portfolio">Super Micro Computer, Snowflake And MicroStrategy Are Among Top 10 Large-Cap Gainers Last Week (Nov 18-Nov 22): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?</a></li>
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Image via Walmart

Mid Cap

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ACHR

APLD

Hims & Hers Health, Inc. Class A Common Stock

HIMS

LMND

MSFT

NBIS

OKLO

Applied Digital And Hims & Hers Health Are Among Top 9 Mid-Cap Gainers Last Week (Nov 18-Nov 22): Are The Others In Your Portfolio?

Pinterest (PINS) delivered robust second-quarter results supported by strong revenue growth and continuous innovations. While its long-term outlook appears positive with increasing worldwide internet usage, it faces slow quarterly active user growth compared to the prior quarters. So, let's determine whether Pinterest is a buy amid social media landscape shifts. Read more to find out... Pinterest, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/PINS/">PINS</a>), an international visual search and discovery platform provider, performed well in the second quarter and reported robust financial results. The company reported a record quarterly revenue of $ 853.68 million, indicating an increase of 20.6% from the prior-year quarter. However, its global quarterly active users graphs appears to be moving slow.
Pinterest has emerged as a go-to destination for inspiration. People from all generations worldwide engage on the platform to explore their interests and share their inspiration with others. Further, its drive for innovation like introducing new ways to share Pinterest boards, keeps the users interested.
PINS recently introduced new AI tools for creativity and performance. Pinterest Ad Labs is an innovation program where select brands can test prototypes of new creative and ad tools leveraging generative AI features. With this, Pinterest aims to encourage experimentation and to learn from advertiser feedback. It offers personalized background generation and collages for advertisers.
Further, with the increasing worldwide internet usage penetration among the general population, the internet industry is growing. There were <a href="https://www.statista.com/statistics/617136/digital-population-worldwide/">5.45 billion internet users worldwide as of July 2024</a>, amounting to 67.1% of the global population. Further, of this overall total, 5.17 billion, or 63.7% of people, were social media users of the world's population.
During the quarter, PINS partnered with Integral Ad Science (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/IAS/">IAS</a>), a leading global media measurement and optimization platform, to provide global advertisers higher transparency into campaigns across PINS' in-app feed through IAS' AI-driven Total Media Quality (TMQ) Brand Safety and Suitability product.
Bill Ready, CEO of Pinterest said, "We had another impressive quarter, reporting a 21% increase in revenue and 12% growth in monthly active users globally. Our monetization efforts are paying off. Advertisers are seeing improved performance across key objectives on Pinterest – from brand awareness to conversion – as we continue to roll out AI-powered products and experiences."
He added "As a result, we're gaining share of advertising budgets with some of the world's largest brands. I'm proud of our pace of innovation as we execute against the opportunity ahead."
According to the company's guidance for the third quarter of 2024, PINS expects its revenue to be in the range of $885 million to $900 million, reflecting 16% - 18% growth year-over-year.
Shares of PINS have surged 15% over the past year to close its last trading session at $31.65. However, the stock has plunged 23.5% over the past month.
Let's look at factors that could influence PINS' performance in the upcoming months.
Positive Recent Developments
On June 13, PINS and Integral Ad Science (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/IAS/">IAS</a>), a leading global media measurement and optimization platform, entered a partnership to provide global advertisers with greater transparency into campaigns across PINS' in-app feed through IAS' AI-driven Total Media Quality (TMQ) Brand Safety and Suitability product.
The new launch includes features like trusted campaign insights, frame-by-frame analysis, campaign-level measurement, and global coverage. The new TMQ for PINS provides advertisers safeguards across a total of 39 countries in 40 languages. The partnership will expand PINS operations and offer brand safety and greater confidence to confidence via best-in-class technology.
Robust Financials
For the second quarter that ended June 30, 2024, PINS' revenue increased 20.6% year-over-year to $853.68 million, of which its revenue from the US and Canada rose 19.1% year-over-year to $673 million. The company's adjusted <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/ebitda.asp">EBITDA</a> grew 68.1% from the year-ago value to $179.91 million.
Furthermore, the company's non-GAAP net income came in at $207.16 million and $0.29 per share, indicating increases of 45.8% and 38.1% from the prior year's quarter, respectively. The company's total assets totaled $3.75 billion as of June 30, 2024, compared to $3.59 billion as of December 31, 2023.
Solid Historical Growth
PINS' revenue has grown at a CAGR of 14.1% over the past three years. The company's net income has increased at a CAGR of 6% over the same timeframe, while its normalized net income has improved at a CAGR of 12%.
Also, the company's tangible book value and total assets have increased at CAGRs of 7.4% and 9.1% over the past three years, respectively. And its levered free cash flow grew 32.2% over the same timeframe.
Favorable Analyst Estimates
Analysts expect PINS' revenue for the third quarter (ending September 2024) to increase 17.4% year-over-year to $895.90 million. The consensus EPS estimate of $0.34 for the same quarter indicates a 22.1% year-over-year improvement. Moreover, PINS has an impressive earnings surprise history, having topped consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.
For the fiscal year ending December 2024, the company's revenue and EPS are expected to grow 19% and 33.9% year-over-year to $3.63 billion and $1.48, respectively. Additionally, Street expects its revenue and EPS for the fiscal year 2025 to increase 16.5% and 21.8% year-over-year to $4.24 billion and $1.78, respectively.
High Profitability
PINS' trailing-12-month gross profit margin of 78.58% is 54.2% higher than the industry average of 50.97%. Its trailing-12-month net income margin of 5.75% is 69.6% higher than the industry average of 3.39%. Similarly, its trailing-12-month levered FCF margin of 23.34% is considerably higher than the industry average of 8.42%.
Furthermore, the stock's trailing-12-month ROCE, ROTC, and ROTA of 6.52%, 4.88%, and 5.12% favorably compared to the industry averages of 3.81%, 3.76%, and 1.33%, respectively.
Elevated Valuation
In terms of forward Price/Sales, PINS is trading at 6x, 378.2% higher than the industry average of 1.25x. Likewise, the stock's forward Price/Book multiple of 6 is 201% higher than the industry average of 1.99. Also, its forward Price/Cash Flow of 22.67x is 189.3% higher than the industry average of 7.84x.
Also, PINS forward non-GAAP P/E of 21.78x is considerably higher than the 13.28x industry average. And its EV/EBITDA of 20.21x is 154.4% higher than the industry average of 7.94x.
POWR Ratings Reflect Uncertainty
PINS' mixed fundamentals are reflected in its <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a>. The stock has an overall rating of C, translating to a Neutral in our proprietary system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 different factors, with each factor weighted to an optimal degree.
Our proprietary rating system also evaluates each stock based on eight distinct categories. PINS has a B grade for Quality, consistent with its higher-than-industry profitability.
However, it has a C for Momentum justified by the stock trading below its 50-day and 200-day moving averages of $38.77 and $36.85, respectively.
PINS is ranked #26 in the 51-stock B-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet/">Internet</a> industry.
Beyond what I have stated above, we have also given PINS grades for Value, Sentiment, Growth, and Stability. Get access to all the PINS Ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/PINS/">here</a>.
Bottom Line
PINS reported solid earnings for the second quarter of fiscal 2024. The company's strong industry footing, strategic initiatives, innovative solutions, and solid financial performance position it for bright long-term prospects. However, the company grapples with flat to slow quarterly monthly active user growth.
Given PINS' elevated valuation, waiting for a better entry point in this stock seems prudent.
Stocks to Consider Instead of Pinterest, Inc. (PINS)
Given its near-term uncertain prospects, the odds of PINS outperforming in the weeks and months ahead are compromised. However, there are many industry peers with much more impressive POWR Ratings. So, consider these A (Strong Buy) or B (Buy) stocks from the B-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet/">Internet</a> industry instead:
Meituan ADR (<a href="Meituan%20ADR">MPNGY</a>), Dingdong (Cayman) Ltd (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/DDL/">DDL</a>), and Yelp Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/YELP/">YELP</a>).
For exploring more A and B-rated internet stocks, <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet/">click here</a>.
What To Do Next?
Get your hands on this special report with 3 low priced companies with tremendous upside potential even in today's volatile markets:
<a href="https://report.stocknews.com/free-report/3stocks/?formplacement=artbotad_3s">3 Stocks to DOUBLE This Year &gt;</a>
&nbsp;

<hr />
PINS shares were trading at $32.13 per share on Wednesday afternoon, up $0.48 (+1.52%). Year-to-date, PINS has declined -13.26%, versus a 18.21% 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/pins-mpngy-ddl-yelp-ias-is-pinterest-a-buy-as-social-media-landscape-shifts/>Is Pinterest a Buy as Social Media Landscape Shifts?</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

Is Pinterest a Buy as Social Media Landscape Shifts?

With Alphabet (GOOGL) facing growing antitrust challenges, investors question whether the tech giant remains a buy. Discover if GOOGL's financial strength and massive growth in AI and cloud can offset regulatory risks. Read on to learn more... Alphabet Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/GOOGL/">GOOGL</a>) has been a dominant player in the tech industry. However, it faces increased scrutiny from regulators worldwide. Google is set to <a href="https://www.reuters.com/technology/us-antitrust-trial-targets-googles-digital-ad-business-2024-09-04/">face trial next week in a second antitrust case</a>, where the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) will challenge the company's methods of monetizing advertising, which prosecutors claim harms news publishers.
This case is part of the Biden administration's broader push to curb the power of Big Tech through antitrust laws. It follows a significant victory for the Justice Department in a separate lawsuit on August 5, when a judge ruled that Google illegally monopolized online search.
Despite these looming challenges, GOOGL's financial strength remains undeniable. The company reported better-than-expected revenue and earnings for the second quarter of 2024. Alphabet reported <a href="https://abc.xyz/assets/19/e4/3dc1d4d6439c81206370167db1bd/2024q2-alphabet-earnings-release.pdf">revenues of $84.74 billion</a>, surpassing analysts' estimate of $84.30 billion. The company's EPS came in at $1.89, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.84.
Its main revenue drivers—Google Search, YouTube, and Google Cloud—remain robust. The company's advertising arm, which is at the center of antitrust scrutiny, still accounts for a significant portion of its revenue, and its dominance in digital ads has positioned Alphabet as a key player in the tech ecosystem.
Additionally, Alphabet is well-diversified with its growing cloud business, artificial intelligence (AI) advancements, and other ventures such as Waymo (autonomous driving) and Verily (health technology).
Shares of GOOGL have gained 17.4% over the past month and 15.3% over the past six months to close the last trading session at $156.45.
Let's look at factors that could influence GOOGL's performance in the upcoming months.
Outstanding Financials
For the second quarter that ended June 30, 2024, GOOGL's revenues increased 13.6% year-over-year to $84.74 billion. Its <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/o/operatingincome.asp#:~:text=Operating%20income%20is%20an%20accounting,of%20goods%20sold%20(COGS).">operating income</a> rose 25.6% from the year-ago value to $27.43 billion. Its net income was $23.62 billion, up 28.6% year-over-year. Its earnings per share grew 31.3% from the prior year's quarter to $1.89 billion.
In addition, the company's cash and cash equivalents totaled $27.23 billion as of June 30, 2024, compared to $24.05 billion as of December 31, 2023. Its total assets were $414.77 billion versus $402.39 billion as of December 31, 2023.
Favorable Analyst Estimates
Analysts expect GOOGL's revenue for the third quarter (ending September 2024) to grow 12.5% year-over-year to $86.26 billion. The consensus EPS estimate of $1.84 for the ongoing quarter indicates an improvement of 18.5% year-over-year. Further, the company has surpassed consensus revenue and EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters, which is impressive.
For the fiscal year ending December 2024, Wall Street expects Alphabet's revenue and EPS to increase 13% and 31.5% from the previous year to $347.35 billion and $7.63, respectively. The company's revenue and EPS for the fiscal year 2025 are expected to grow 11.3% and 14% year-over-year to $386.67 billion and $8.69, respectively.
Solid Historical Growth
GOOGL's revenue has grown at a CAGR of 17.2% over the past five years. Its EBITDA has increased at a CAGR of 20.9% over the same period, and its levered free cash flow has grown at a CAGR of 16%. Furthermore, the company's net income and EPS have improved at CAGRs of 20.3% and 23% over the same timeframe, respectively.
Additionally, the company's total assets have increased at a CAGR of 10% over the past five years.
Robust Profitability
GOOGL's trailing-12-month gross profit margin of 57.64% is 13.3% higher than the 50.88% industry average. Its trailing-12-month EBITDA margin of 35.18% is 90.5% higher than the 18.47% industry average. Likewise, the stock's trailing-12-month net income margin of 26.70% is significantly higher than the industry average of 3.24%.
Furthermore, GOOGL's trailing-12-month ROCE, ROTC, and ROTA of 30.87%, 20.34%, and 21.13% are considerably higher than the industry averages of 3.49%, 3.81%, and 1.37%, respectively. The stock's trailing-12-month levered FCF margin of 13.40% is 65.3% higher than the industry average of 8.10%.
POWR Ratings Reflect Promise
GOOGL's sound fundamentals are reflected in its <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a>. The stock has an overall rating of B, which translates to a Buy 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. GOOGL has an A grade for Sentiment, in sync with its favorable analyst expectations. In addition, the stock has a B grade for Quality, consistent with higher-than-industry profitability.
Within the B-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet/">Internet</a> industry, GOOGL is ranked #8 out of 52 stocks.
Beyond what I have stated above, we have also given GOOGL grades for Value, Growth, Momentum, and Stability. Get all GOOGL ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/GOOGL/">here</a>.
Bottom Line
While Alphabet's dominance in search and digital ads has put it in the crosshairs of antitrust regulators, its outstanding financial performance, innovation in AI and cloud, and expansion into new markets make it a compelling long-term investment. Given robust financials and a bright growth outlook, GOOGL could be an ideal investment for potential gains.
How Does Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL) Stack Up Against Its Peers?
While GOOGL has an overall POWR Rating of B, investors could also check out these other stocks within the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet/">Internet</a> industry with an A (Strong Buy) rating: Meituan ADR (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/MPNGY/">MPNGY</a>), Dingdong (Cayman) Ltd (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/DDL/">DDL</a>), and Travelzoo (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TZOO/">TZOO</a>).
To explore more A or B-rated internet stocks, <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet/">click here</a>.
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 />
GOOGL shares were trading at $156.58 per share on Thursday afternoon, up $0.13 (+0.08%). Year-to-date, GOOGL has gained 12.22%, versus a 16.01% 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/googl-mpngy-ddl-tzoo-with-antitrust-challenges-looming-is-alphabet-still-a-buy/>With Antitrust Challenges Looming, Is Alphabet Still a Buy?</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

With Antitrust Challenges Looming, Is Alphabet Still a Buy?

South Korea's e-commerce giant, Coupang (CPNG), has surged over 40% this year. Yet, despite this impressive rally, a decline in bottom-line performance raises concerns, leaving investors wondering: Can CPNG keep up its momentum? Read on to find out... Founded in 2010 by Bom Kim, a former Harvard Business School student, Coupang, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/CPNG/">CPNG</a>) has rapidly become South Korea's e-commerce leader, often earning the title of the "Amazon of South Korea." Shares of CPNG have soared 46.5% over the past nine months and 42.1% year-to-date to close the last trading session at $23.
A question lingers in investors' minds despite this impressive run: can Coupang sustain its upward momentum?
While Coupang's financials have shown mixed signals recently, its second-quarter revenue came in at $7.32 billion, slightly missing the anticipated $7.39 billion. However, on the bright side, its adjusted <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/e/eps.asp">earnings per share</a> of $0.07 exceeded the expected break-even point, delivering a $0.07 surprise.
"This quarter, we continued to see deeper levels of engagement from our customers, powered by our relentless focus on providing even greater levels of selection, service, and savings for customers," said CPNG's CFO Gaurav Anand.
Let's look at factors that could influence CPNG's performance in the upcoming months.
Mixed Financials
In the second quarter of 2024, which ended on June 30, CPNG's net revenue increased 25% year-over-year (or 18% excluding the impact of Farfetch) to $7.32 billion. The company's Product Commerce Active Customers also increased by 12%, reaching 21.7 million, while revenue per active customer rose 5% on a constant currency basis.
Moreover, its gross profit grew 41% year-over-year to $2.14 billion, with a gross margin of 29.3%. CPNG's adjusted EBITDA increased 10% from the year-ago value to $330 million.
However, the company reported an operating loss of $25 million, compared to an operating income of $148 million in the prior year's quarter. In addition, its adjusted attributable net income decreased 14.5% year-over-year to $124 million, and adjusted earnings per share came in at $0.07, down 12.5% year-over-year. CPNG's cash outflow from operating activities declined 33.7% year-over-year to $876 million. 
Mixed Analyst Estimates
Analysts expect CPNG's revenue for the third quarter (ending September 2024) to increase 24.8% year-over-year to $7.72 billion. However, the consensus EPS estimate of $0.01 for the same period indicates a 77.7% year-over-year decline.
Similarly, for the fiscal year ending December 2024, CPNG's revenue is expected to grow 24.4% from the prior year to $30.34 billion, while its EPS for the current year is forecasted to be negative at $0.01.
Stretched Valuation
In terms of forward EV/Sales, CPNG is trading at 1.30x, 7.6% higher than the industry average of 1.21x. Likewise, its forward Price/Sales of 1.36x is 56.8% above the industry average of 0.87x. Furthermore, the stock's forward EV/EBITDA and EV/EBIT multiple of 40.75 and 88.76 compares with the industry averages of 9.76 and 14.24, respectively.
Mixed Profitability
CPNG's trailing-12-month ROCE and ROTA of 31.73% and 6.92% are 175.8% and 69.9% higher than their respective industry averages of 11.50% and 4.08%. Likewise, its trailing-12-month asset turnover ratio of 2.10x is 112.3% above the industry average of 0.99x.
However, the stock's trailing-12-month EBIT and levered FCF margins of 1.14% and 3.95% are below their industry averages by 85.6% and 22.7%, respectively. In addition, the stock's 2.95% trailing-12-month ROTC is 51.7% lower than the 6.11% industry average.
POWR Ratings Exhibit Mixed Prospects
CPNG's stance is apparent 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. CPNG has a B grade for Momentum is justified by its share price, which is currently trading above its 50-day moving average of $21.64 and 200-day moving average of $19.31.
However, with a five-year beta of 1.10, the stock has earned a grade C for Stability. Also, the stock's C grade for Sentiment is consistent with its mixed analysts' estimates.
CPNG is ranked #42 out of 52 stocks in the B-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet/">Internet</a> industry. <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/CPNG/">Click here</a> to access CPNG's Growth, Value, and Quality ratings.
Bottom Line
CPNG remains dominant in South Korea's e-commerce space, but its latest financials raise concerns. While the company exceeded earnings expectations, it missed revenue and customer growth estimates, causing its stock to drop 4.5% immediately following the results. Despite improvements in operational efficiency and adoption of AI-driven automation, the decline in bottom-line performance and mixed analyst forecasts highlight the company's ongoing challenges.
Considering CPNG's higher-than-industry valuation, enhanced volatility, and a slowing retail market in South Korea, it could be wise to wait for a better entry point in this stock now.
How Does Coupang, Inc. (CPNG) Stack Up Against Its Peers?
While CPNG has an overall grade of C, equating to a Neutral rating, you may also check out these A (Strong Buy) or B (Buy) rated stocks within the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet/">Internet</a> industry: Meituan (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/MPNGY/">MPNGY</a>), Dingdong (Cayman) Limited (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/DDL/">DDL</a>), and Yelp Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/YELP/">YELP</a>). To explore more Internet stocks, <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet/">click here</a>.
What To Do Next?
Get your hands on this special report with 3 low priced companies with tremendous upside potential even in today's volatile markets:
<a href="https://report.stocknews.com/free-report/3stocks/?formplacement=artbotad_3s">3 Stocks to DOUBLE This Year &gt;</a>

<hr />
CPNG shares were trading at $23.40 per share on Wednesday afternoon, up $0.40 (+1.74%). Year-to-date, CPNG has gained 44.53%, versus a 16.20% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Shweta Kumari</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Shweta-Kumari_Image-2.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Shweta's profound interest in financial research and quantitative analysis led her to pursue a career as an investment analyst. She uses her knowledge to help retail investors make educated investment decisions.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=shweta-kumari">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/cpng-mpngy-ddl-yelp-can-coupang-keep-up-its-momentum-as-south-koreas-e-commerce/>Can Coupang Keep up Its Momentum as South Korea's E-Commerce Giant?</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

Can Coupang Keep up Its Momentum as South Korea's E-Commerce Giant?

The gig is up and in a good way! The global gig economy is set to surge to nearly $2 trillion by 2031. With increasing demand for flexible work and rising global participation, platforms like Fiverr International (FVRR) are leading the charge. Read on to explore why this stock is worth watching as the gig economy expands. The gig economy has been on an unstoppable rise, thanks to the rise of tech-driven freelance marketplaces and on-demand services. What started with ride-sharing apps has now become a full-fledged marketplace for virtually every service imaginable (from food delivery and groceries to finding a plumber or a graphic designer), all with just a few taps on your smartphone.
As digital technologies advance and the work-from-anywhere trend becomes the norm, the gig economy continues to expand. In the past two years alone, about 35 venture-backed companies have raised nearly $800 million, underscoring this space's booming interest and potential. Developing economies also see a surge in gig participation, further fueling this growth.
In this evolving landscape, should you keep an eye on Fiverr International Ltd. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/FVRR/">FVRR</a>)? Let's find out.
Fiverr is a bustling freelance marketplace where people can hire talent from web design to video production, with job postings starting as low as $5. The platform charges a commission on each transaction and offers various subscription options for buyers and sellers. Freelancers on Fiverr can even turn their gigs into full-time careers.
During the Q2 earnings call, CEO Micha Kaufman shared that the company has navigated a challenging macro environment by maintaining operational excellence and delivering profitable growth. He stated, "We've made remarkable strides in our product evolution with the introduction of profession-based catalog and hourly contracts."
Although FVRR saw a dip in traffic in mid-2024, especially in the programming and tech sectors, the company remains optimistic. "Despite a 7% year-over-year decline in U.S. job openings and a 17% drop in the information sector, AI continues to drive growth for Fiverr, particularly in complex services, and is expected to be a growth driver moving forward", Kaufman added.
Shares of FVRR have gained 13.1% over the past six months to close the last trading session at $24.81.
Now, let's look at factors that could influence FVRR's performance in the upcoming months:
Positive Developments
On July 31, FVRR announced <a href="https://investors.fiverr.com/news-releases/news-release-details/fiverr-deepens-ecommerce-solutions-acquisition-leading">the acquisition of AutoDS</a>, a subscription-based drop-shipping platform. AutoDS, which offers tools for product research, inventory management, and automated fulfillment, is expected to significantly boost FVRR's eCommerce capabilities while introducing a new, recurring revenue stream through subscriptions.
Kaufman said the acquisition of AutoDS, which manages over 150 million products and serves tens of thousands of subscribers, supports the company's transition from a marketplace to a platform offering talent and software solutions. Moreover, with the global drop-shipping market expected to soar from $285 billion to over <a href="https://www.oberlo.com/statistics/dropshipping-market">$2 trillion by 2033</a>, AutoDS' automation tools and expansive network are set to enhance FVRR's position in the growing digital services space.
In addition to the acquisition, the company also rolled out new features, including a profession-based <a href="https://www.fiverr.com/news/summer_product_release_2024">catalog and hourly contracts</a>. These additions are designed to expand its market presence and further align with its goal of becoming a full-service platform for talent and software.
Solid Financial Performance
For the second quarter that ended June 30, 2024, FVRR reported revenue of $94.66 million, up 5.9% year-over-year and slightly above the analyst's estimate of $94.63 million. Its non-GAAP gross profit increased by 6.2% year-over-year to $79.93 million, with a margin of 84.4%.
Further, the company's <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/adjusted-ebitda.asp">adjusted EBITDA</a> rose 16.8% from the year-ago value to $17.85 million, while its cash outflow from operating activities grew 11.9% from the prior year's quarter to $20.97 million. FVRR's non-GAAP net income amounted to $23.83 million and $0.58 per share, reflecting an increase of 18.9% and 18.4%, respectively, from the same quarter last year.
Also, its free cash flow stood at $20.66 million, up 12.5% year-over-year. Additionally, its cash and cash equivalents increased to $188.73 million as of June 30, 2024, compared to $183.67 million as of December 31, 2023.
Favorable Analyst Estimates
The consensus revenue estimate of $96.39 million for the fiscal third quarter (ending September 2024) represents a 4.2% increase year-over-year. The consensus EPS estimate of $0.61 for the current quarter indicates a 10.1% improvement year-over-year. The company has an excellent earnings surprise history, surpassing the consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.
For the fiscal year ending December 2024, the company's EPS is anticipated to grow 20% year-over-year to $2.34, while its revenue is expected to increase 6.6% from the prior year period to $385.17 million.
In addition, Street expects its revenue and EPS for the fiscal year 2025 to grow 9.8% and 10.5% from the same period last year to $423.02 million and $2.59, respectively.
Lower-Than-Industry Valuation
In terms of forward non-GAAP P/E, FVRR is currently trading at 10.52x, 45.4% lower than the industry average of 19.28x. Similarly, the stock's forward EV/EBIT and EV/EBITDA multiples of 9.32 and 8.74 are 41.3% and 23.5% lower than the industry averages of 15.88x and 11.42x, respectively.
Additionally, the stock's 1.63x forward EV/Sales is 10.4% lower than the industry average of 1.82x.
High Profitability
FVRR's trailing-12-month gross profit margin of 83.34% is 165.7% higher than the 31.36% industry average. Likewise, its trailing-12-month levered FCF margin of 18.49% is 181.8% higher than the industry average of 6.56%.
POWR Ratings Reflect Promise
FVRR's promising outlook is reflected in its <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a>. The stock has an overall rating of B, which translates to Buy 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.
FVRR boasts an A grade for Growth, consistent with its solid financial performance in the last reported quarter. Additionally, its B grade for Value and Quality is in sync with its discounted valuation and robust profitability.
The stock is ranked #7 in the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet/">Internet</a> industry. <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/FVRR/">Click here</a> to access FVRR's Momentum, Stability, and Sentiment ratings.
Bottom Line
The global gig economy isn't just a passing trend; it's on track to become a <a href="https://ssir.org/articles/entry/gig-economy-startups-workers#:~:text=The%20global%20gig%20economy%20is,workers'%20increasing%20demands%20for%20flexibility.">nearly $2 trillion</a> industry by 2031. With a global job shortage and the rising demand for flexible work, gig platforms are thriving. As of March 2024, <a href="https://institute.bankofamerica.com/content/dam/economic-insights/consumer-morsel-gig-economy-is-up.pdf">over 3.8%</a> of Bank of America customers received income from gig platforms, surpassing previous highs. Moreover, the share of gig workers earning monthly income has steadily increased since 2021, underscoring the increasing commitment to freelance work.
As the gig economy continues to grow, FVRR is well-positioned to benefit. With strong financials, increasing profitability, and a bright long-term growth outlook, it could be wise to invest in this stock.
How Does Fiverr International Ltd. (FVRR) Stack Up Against Its Peers?
While FVRR has an overall grade of B, equating to a Buy rating, you may also check out these other stocks within the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet/">Internet</a> industry: Meituan (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/MPNGY/">MPNGY</a>), Dingdong (Cayman) Limited (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/DDL/">DDL</a>), and Yelp Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/YELP/">YELP</a>), carrying A (Strong Buy) or B (Buy) ratings. To explore more Internet stocks, <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet/">click here</a>.
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 />
FVRR shares were trading at $25.40 per share on Friday afternoon, up $0.79 (+3.21%). Year-to-date, FVRR has declined -6.69%, versus a 19.17% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Shweta Kumari</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/Shweta-Kumari_Image-2.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Shweta's profound interest in financial research and quantitative analysis led her to pursue a career as an investment analyst. She uses her knowledge to help retail investors make educated investment decisions.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=shweta-kumari">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/fvrr-mpngy-ddl-yelp-is-fiverr-a-good-stock-to-watch-as-gig-economy/>Is Fiverr a Good Stock to Watch as Gig Economy Expands?</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

Is Fiverr a Good Stock to Watch as Gig Economy Expands?

Amazon (AMZN) performed very well in the last quarter with strategic partnerships, the introduction of new capabilities, and strong sales growth. Also, looking ahead, the company's prospects are bright, with the upcoming holiday season likely to spike consumer spending. So, let's determine whether Amazon is an ideal addition to your portfolio. Read more to find out... Amazon.com, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/AMZN/">AMZN</a>) engages in the retail sale of consumer products, advertising, and subscription services through online and physical stores.
Ahead of the holiday season, AMZN introduced various initiatives, including Business Prime Rewards and a significant discount to Business Prime Essentials membership, which will exclusively benefit Business Prime members. Also, the company's Prime Big Deal Days sale will open on October 8 - 9, where Prime Members will have exclusive access to millions of early holiday deals.
During the second quarter, Amazon entered into a strategic partnership with Intel Corporation to advance U.S.-based chip manufacturing. The coe 4vmpany also collaborated with Oracle Corporation for the launch of a new service, Oracle Database@AWS, enabling customers to access Oracle Autonomous Database.
Also, buy with Prime and Amazon multi-channel fulfillment recently expanded with its new capabilities and more brands. These new capabilities are part of AMZN's focus on innovating in order to help businesses of all sizes increase their sales on their own online stores and other channels beyond Amazon.com.
The company reported its second-quarter results, where its AWS segment sales rose 18.7% year-over-year to $26.28 billion, and its total net sales were $147.98 billion.
Buoyed by the company's last quarter performance, AMZN has provided the following guidance for the fiscal 2024 third quarter. It expects net sales between $154 billion and $158.50 billion. The company's operating income is expected to be between $11.50 billion and $15 billion.
Shares of AMZN have surged 4.2% over the past month and 43% over the past year to close its last trading session at $185.13.
Let's look at factors that could influence AMZN's performance in the upcoming months.
Positive Recent Developments
On September 16, AMZN's Amazon Web Services. Inc. (AWS) and Intel Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/INTC/">INTC</a>) announced a co-investment to help advance U.S.-based chip manufacturing through a multi-year, multi-billion-dollar arrangement encompassing products and wafers from Intel. Through INTC's state-of-the-art technology, AWS will enhance its performance and efficiency.
The collaboration marked a significant expansion of the two companies' longstanding alliance to help customers power virtually any workload and accelerate the performance of artificial intelligence (AI) applications.
On September 9, AWS entered into a strategic partnership with Oracle Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/ORCL/">ORCL</a>) to launch Oracle Database@AWS, a new service enabling customers to access Oracle Autonomous Database on dedicated infrastructure and Oracle Exadata Database Service within AWS.
By integrating ORCL's services, AWS can enhance its cloud infrastructure, attracting more customers seeking robust database solutions. This further strengthens AMZN's position in the cloud market, driving growth and broadening its service capabilities.
Robust Financials
AMZN's total net sales increased 10.1% year-over-year to $147.98 billion during the second quarter that ended June 30, 2024. Its operating income grew 91% from the year-ago value to $14.67 billion. The company's income before income taxes of $15.24 billion reflects a growth of 101.6% from the prior-year quarter.
In addition, the company's net income and EPS came in at $13.48 billion and $1.26, indicating increases of 99.8% and 93.8% from the prior year's quarter, respectively. Its free cash flow was $52.97 million for the quarter, up from $7.88 billion during the prior year's quarter.
Also, as of June 30, 2024, the company's total assets stood at $554.82 billion, compared to $527.85 billion as of December 31, 2023.
Solid Historical Growth
AMZN's revenue and EBITDA have grown at respective CAGRs of 10.9% and 20.6% over the past three years. The company's EBIT has increased at a CAGR of 22.4% over the same timeframe, while its net income and EPS have improved at CAGRs of 14.7% and 13.3%, respectively.
Also, the company's tangible book value and total assets have grown at CAGRs of 29% and 15.5% over the past three years, respectively.
Favorable Analyst Estimates
Analysts expect AMZN's revenue for the third quarter (ended September 2024) to increase 9.9% year-over-year to $157.18 billion. The consensus EPS estimate of $1.13 for the same quarter indicates a 20.6% year-over-year improvement. Moreover, AMZN has an impressive earnings surprise history, having topped consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters.
For the fiscal year ending December 2024, the company's revenue and EPS are expected to grow 10.5% and 63% year-over-year to $635.38 billion and $4.73, respectively. Also, Street expects its revenue and EPS for the fiscal year 2025 to increase 10.8% and 22.5% year-over-year to $704.27 billion and $5.79, respectively.
High Profitability
AMZN's trailing-12-month EBIT margin of 9% is 13.7% higher than the industry average of 7.91%. Its trailing-12-month net income margin of 7.35% is 60.3% higher than the industry average of 4.59%. Similarly, its trailing-12-month <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/gross_profit_margin.asp">gross profit margin</a> of 48.04% is considerably higher than the industry average of 37.13%.
Furthermore, the stock's trailing-12-month ROCE, ROTC, and ROTA of 21.93%, 9.22%, and 8.01% are favorable, compared to the industry averages of 11.26%, 6.17%, and 4.06%, respectively. AMZN's trailing-12-month Leveraged FCF margin of 9.79% is significantly above the 5.10% industry average.
POWR Ratings Reflect Promise
AMZN's solid fundamentals are reflected in its <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a>. The stock has an overall rating of B, translating to a Buy in our proprietary system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 different factors, with each factor weighted to an optimal degree.
Our proprietary rating system also evaluates each stock based on eight distinct categories. AMZN has an A grade for Sentiment, in sync with its favorable analyst estimates.
In addition, the stock has a B grade for Quality, consistent with its higher-than-industry profitability. It also has a B grade for Momentum,
AMZN is ranked #14 in the 52-stock A-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet/">Internet</a> industry.
Beyond what I have stated above, we have also given AMZN grades for Value, Growth, and Stability. Get access to all the AMZN Ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/AMZN/">here</a>.
Bottom Line
Amazon is a well-known multinational company operating as a retail seller of consumer products. The company's strong industry footing worldwide, strategic collaborations, and solid financial performance position it for bright long-term prospects.
Further, as the holiday season nears, the company is all set to benefit from rising consumer spending. Amazon is welcoming the holidays with attractive initiatives and offers that will benefit different sections of its customers.
Given AMZN's solid financials, accelerating profitability, and promising growth outlook, this stock could be an ideal buy now.
How Does Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) Stack Up Against Its Peers?
While AMZN has an overall POWR Rating of B, investors could also check out these other stocks within the A-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet/">Internet</a> industry with A (Strong Buy) or B (Buy) ratings: Meituan ADR (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/MPNGY/">MPNGY</a>), Expedia Group Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/EXPE/">EXPE</a>), and Fiverr International Ltd. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/FVRR/">FVRR</a>).
For exploring more A and B-rated internet stocks, <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/internet/">click here</a>.
What To Do Next?
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<hr />
AMZN shares were trading at $185.33 per share on Wednesday afternoon, up $0.20 (+0.11%). Year-to-date, AMZN has gained 21.98%, versus a 20.91% 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/amzn-mpngy-expe-fvrr-orcl-intc-should-you-buy-amazon-now-ahead-of-the-holiday-season/>Should You Buy Amazon Now, Ahead of the Holiday Season Surge?</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

Should You Buy Amazon Now, Ahead of the Holiday Season Surge?

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