24/7 Wall St.

Top Insider Purchases in December Signal Market Confidence

Trey Thoelcke — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:45:10 +0000

So far in December, the biggest reported insider buying came from beneficial owners boosting stakes in GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE), Hycroft Mining Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: HYMC), and Universal Technical Institute Inc. (NYSE: UTI). While these were the most prominent insider purchases in that time, there were a number of other notable ones as well.

24/7 Wall St. Key Points

December has brought big insider purchases in shares of GE Aerospace (NYSE: GE), Hycroft Mining Holding Corp. (NASDAQ: HYMC), and Universal Technical Institute Inc. (NYSE: UTI).
These were not the only notable insider buying, though.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

While insider buying is typically slower when markets are near all-time highs and during earnings-reporting season, it never seems to dry up altogether. These recent notable purchases attest to this. Let’s take a quick look at these transactions and others.

Is Insider Buying Important?

What does insider buying tell us?

A well-known adage reminds us that corporate insiders and 10% owners really only buy shares of a company because they believe the stock price will rise and they want to profit from it. Thus, insider buying can be an encouraging signal for potential investors. This is all the more so during times of uncertainty in the markets, and even when markets are near all-time highs.

Though the third-quarter earnings-reporting season is winding down, some insiders are still prohibited from buying or selling shares. Below are some of the most notable insider purchases that were reported recently, starting with the largest and most prominent.

Universal Technical Institute

Buyer(s): 10% owner Coliseum Capital Management
Total shares: almost 1.3 million
Price per share: $23.01 to $25.50
Total cost: more than $30.8 million

This Arizona-based technical training services provider recently posted better-than-expected quarterly results. However, weak guidance dragged on the shares, and this beneficial owner took advantage to boost its stake to almost 3.8 million shares.

The stock pulled back more than 22% after the earnings report, but it has recovered somewhat and was last seen trading within the purchase price range above. Analysts have a $37.33 mean price target, meaning they see 46.4% upside in the coming 12 months. Their consensus recommendation is to buy shares.

Note that this same buyer also picked up shares of Owens & Minor Inc. (NYSE: OMI) and Sonos Inc. (NASDAQ: SONO) earlier this year.

GE Aerospace

Buyer(s): 10% owner General Electric Pension Trust
Total shares: almost 9,800
Price per share: $1,021.93
Total cost: $10.0 million

The successor to the former iconic General Electric conglomerate has seen its share price drift lower since its most recent quarterly report in late October. The stock is down 6.8% in the past month, but it is still up 102.7% since the GE split-up in April of 2024.

Analysts anticipate the stock will rise 19.2% in the next 12 months to their mean price target of $339.69. Their consensus recommendation is to buy shares. Susquehanna just initiated coverage with a Positive rating and a $350 price target.

The GE Pension Fund manages and invests assets to provide retirement, health, and welfare benefits to eligible current and former employees of General Electric and related companies. Its stake in GE Aerospace is up to nearly 185,000 shares.

Hycroft Mining

Buyer(s): 10% owner Eric Sprott
Total shares: over 2.3 million
Price per share: $10.30
Total cost: more than $24.1 million

Back in October, this Nevada-based miner raised approximately $150 million from a public offering of shares at $6.50 apiece, and this beneficial owner boosted his Hycroft Mining stake then as well. The company afterward announced that it had extinguished all its remaining debt. Sprott’s stake is now up to more than 29.4 million shares.

The stock is 105.8% higher than 90 days ago and was last seen trading about a dollar per share higher than the buyer’s latest purchase price. The share price is up 409.9% year over year. The stock has little analyst coverage and no Buy ratings. Yet, the consensus price target is up at $13.26. That suggests 10.5% further upside in the coming year.

Note that this Canadian billionaire also purchased $62 million worth of the shares this past summer.

And Other Insider Buying

These were not the only notable insider purchases of the past week. Here’s a quick look at some others.

Stock	Buyer(s)	Shares	Price	Cost
Grindr Inc. (NYSE: GRND)	a director	655,000	$12.70 to $13.70	over $8.6 M
NextDecade Corp. (NASDAQ: NEXT)	10% owner	over 1.2 M	$5.81 to $6.37	almost $7.7 M
Blue Owl Capital Inc. (NYSE: OWL)	four officers	over 465,300	$14.77 to $14.90	about $7.0 M
Butterfly Network Inc. (NYSE: BFLY)	a director	almost 1.6 million	$2.83 to $3.06	over $4.6 M
Blend Labs Inc. (NYSE: BLND)	10% owner	over 1.3 M	$3.04 to $3.15	almost $4.1 M

Recently, some smaller insider buying was reported at Arbor Realty Trust, Atlassian, Elastic, Energizer, Fiserv, GXO Logistics, Herbalife, Johnson & Johnson, NXP Semiconductors, Rapid7, and SunocoCorp as well.

Big Insider Purchases by Carl Icahn, Mario Gabelli, and Others

If You’ve Been Thinking About Retirement, Pay Attention (sponsor)

Retirement planning doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. The key is finding expert guidance, and SmartAsset’s simple quiz makes it easier than ever for you to connect with a vetted financial advisor. Here’s how:

Answer a Few Simple Questions.
Get Matched with Vetted Advisors
Choose Your Fit

Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of. Get started today! (sponsor)

The post Top Insider Purchases in December Signal Market Confidence appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Lululemon Turned $1,000 Into $571 Over Three Years While Staying Profitable

William Temple — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:29:16 +0000

Quick Read

Lululemon stock fell 62% from $414 to $160 between January and November despite beating earnings in 8 of 10 quarters.
The company trades at 12.5x earnings with 42.4% ROE and 16.4% profit margins.
Insiders sold shares at $178 with no buying activity during the decline.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Lululemon Athletica (NASDAQ: LULU) spent years building a reputation as the premium athleisure brand. From yoga studios to city streets, the Vancouver-based company carved out a dominant position in high-margin athletic wear. The business model worked: combine technical innovation with lifestyle branding, charge premium prices, and watch customers line up.

The Premium Athleisure Dream Turned Nightmare

Then 2025 happened. What started as a stock trading at $414 in January collapsed to $160 by November, a 62% freefall that destroyed billions in market value. The company didn’t implode. Revenue still grew 6.5% year over year. Earnings dipped just 1.6%. Lululemon beat analyst estimates in eight of the last ten quarters, including a 7.3% surprise in its most recent report. The fundamentals stayed remarkably stable while the stock price cratered.

The disconnect between business performance and stock performance defines the Lululemon story of 2025. While competitors struggled with margin pressure, LULU maintained a 16.4% profit margin and 42.4% return on equity. The company generated nearly $11 billion in trailing revenue. Yet investors fled anyway, treating the stock like a failing retailer rather than a profitable growth company trading at just 12.5 times earnings.

Your $1,000 Became $479

1-Year Return

Initial Investment: $1,000
Current Value: $479
Total Return: -52.1%
S&P 500 (same period): Data unavailable for comparison

3-Year Return

Initial Investment: $1,000
Current Value: $571
Total Return: -42.9%
Annualized Return: -16.9%
S&P 500 (same period): Data unavailable for comparison

The numbers are brutal. A $1,000 investment made one year ago would be worth $479 today. Extend that to three years and you’re at $571. The peak-to-trough decline erased over $250 per share in ten months.

What drove the collapse? Not earnings misses. Not revenue declines. The market simply stopped believing in the growth story. When a premium-priced stock loses its premium multiple, the math gets ugly fast.

The Bull and Bear Case

The bull case centers on valuation: investors are buying a profitable, cash-generating business at 12.5 times earnings with a 42% ROE. Wall Street’s average price target of $190 suggests potential upside if the company can prove it can reignite growth and the multiple re-rates higher. The argument rests on the athleisure category still having runway and the company’s ability to accelerate international expansion.

The bear case argues that premium athleisure has peaked and competition from cheaper alternatives continues eroding pricing power. What appears as a discount at $183 could prove to be a value trap if Lululemon’s best growth days are behind it. Notably, insiders aren’t buying the dip—the only recent transaction was a sale at $178.

The disconnect between business performance and stock price remains significant, though accelerating growth in coming quarters would provide more clarity on the company’s trajectory.

The Next Nvidia Could Change Your Life

If you missed out on NVIDIA’s historic run, your chance to see life-changing profits from AI isn’t over. The 24/7 Wall Street Analyst who first called Nvidia’s AI-fueled rise in 2009 just published a brand-new research report named The Next Nvidia. In it, they profile the three stocks that could profit most from the AI explosion that aren’t named Nvidia. Click here to access your free copy.

The post Lululemon Turned $1,000 Into $571 Over Three Years While Staying Profitable appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Income Investors Can Sleep Well With MSA’s Dividend Despite 2023 Cash Flow Scare

William Temple — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:19:21 +0000

Quick Read

MSA maintained its dividend through 2023 despite free cash flow covering only 68% of payments due to inventory buildup.
The company generated $242M in free cash flow in 2024 against $79M in dividend payments for a 32.5% payout ratio.
Net debt sits at $504M versus $491M in EBITDA with 12x interest coverage.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

MSA Safety (NYSE: MSA) pays $2.08 per share annually, yielding 1.28%. The company delivered its 53rd consecutive quarterly payment on December 10, 2025, maintaining an unbroken streak dating back to at least 2012. For income investors, the question is straightforward: can MSA keep this going?

Metric	Value
Annual Dividend	$2.08 per share
Dividend Yield	1.28%
Consecutive Quarters Paid	53+
Most Recent Increase	3.9% (Q2 2025)
5-Year Growth Rate	4.2% CAGR

The Payout Ratios Look Extremely Comfortable

MSA’s dividend coverage is excellent. The company earned $7.09 per share over the trailing twelve months and paid out $2.08, producing an earnings payout ratio of 29.3%. That leaves roughly 71% of profits retained for reinvestment, debt reduction, or further dividend growth.

The free cash flow picture requires closer examination. In 2024, MSA generated $296.4 million in operating cash flow, spent $54.2 million on capital expenditures, and delivered $242.2 million in free cash flow. Against $78.8 million in dividend payments, that’s a FCF payout ratio of 32.5%. Very healthy.

But 2023 tells a different story. Operating cash flow collapsed to $92.9 million due to a $51.6 million inventory build. Free cash flow came in at $50.1 million while dividends totaled $73.5 million. The FCF payout ratio spiked to 147%, meaning MSA paid more in dividends than it generated in free cash flow.

Metric	2024	2023	Assessment
Earnings Payout Ratio	26.0%	26.7%	Healthy
FCF Payout Ratio	32.5%	146.7%	2023 Outlier
Operating CF Coverage	3.8x	1.3x	Strong Recovery

The company maintained the dividend through that cash flow squeeze, signaling commitment. 2024’s recovery demonstrates that 2023 was a working capital anomaly, not a structural problem.

This infographic evaluates MSA Safety Inc.’s dividend sustainability, highlighting strong financial metrics, comfortable payout ratios, and a robust balance sheet that supports consistent dividend growth.

Balance Sheet Provides Solid Support

MSA carries $674 million in total debt against $1.30 billion in shareholders’ equity, producing a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52x. With $170 million in cash, net debt sits around $504 million. Against trailing EBITDA of $491 million, that’s a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of approximately 1.0x. Conservative.

Interest coverage is strong. In Q3 2025, MSA reported EBIT of $100.9 million against interest expense of $8.4 million, covering interest payments 12 times over. Debt service is not threatening the dividend.

Steady Growth, No Cuts

MSA has raised its dividend every year since at least 2015. The annual payout grew from $1.27 in 2015 to $2.10 in 2025, a 5.1% compound annual growth rate. Growth has been steady but unspectacular, with recent increases in the 4% to 5% range.

MSA has never cut its dividend in the available historical record. The company maintained payments through 2023’s cash flow weakness, demonstrating management prioritizes dividend stability.

This Dividend Is Safe

Dividend Safety Rating: Safe

MSA’s dividend is well protected. The earnings payout ratio under 30% provides enormous cushion. The 2023 free cash flow squeeze was inventory-driven and temporary, with 2024 delivering a full recovery. The balance sheet is clean, debt is manageable, and the company has demonstrated commitment by maintaining payments through operational challenges.

MSA works for income investors seeking a low-yielding but reliable dividend from an industrial company with strong margins and consistent execution. However, the 1.28% yield won’t move the needle for most income portfolios.

The New Report Shaking Up Retirement Plans

You may think retirement is about picking the best stocks or ETFs, but you’d be wrong. Even great investments can be a liability in retirement. It’s a simple difference between accumulating vs distributing, and it makes all the difference.

The good news? After answering three quick questions many Americans are reworking their portfolios and finding they can retire earlier than expected. If you’re thinking about retiring or know someone who is, take 5 minutes to learn more here.

The post Income Investors Can Sleep Well With MSA’s Dividend Despite 2023 Cash Flow Scare appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

ITT Has Raised Its Dividend for 14 Years and Retains 77% of Profits

William Temple — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:16:08 +0000

Quick Read

ITT retains 77% of earnings with a 23% payout ratio and 4.2x free cash flow coverage of dividends.
The company grew its dividend at a 19% annual rate over five years while maintaining ultra-low payout ratios.
ITT carries a 0.41x debt to equity ratio and 22x interest coverage with $516M cash on hand.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

ITT Inc (NYSE: ITT) pays a modest dividend that won’t excite income investors chasing yield, but the numbers behind it tell a story of exceptional safety. With a 0.76% yield and $1.372 in annual dividends per share, this industrial manufacturer has built one of the most conservative payout structures in its sector.

Metric	Value
Annual Dividend	$1.372 per share
Dividend Yield	0.76%
Consecutive Years of Increases	14+ years
Most Recent Increase	10.0% (Q4 2024)
Dividend Aristocrat Status	No

Payout Ratios Leave Enormous Room

ITT’s dividend safety starts with remarkably low payout ratios. The company earned $5.99 per share over the trailing twelve months while paying just $1.372 in dividends, translating to an earnings payout ratio of 22.9%. ITT retains more than three quarters of its profits.

In 2024, ITT generated $438.2 million in free cash flow (operating cash flow of $562.1 million minus capital expenditures of $123.9 million) and paid $104.7 million in dividends. That’s a free cash flow payout ratio of just 23.9%, giving the company 4.2 times coverage of its dividend obligations.

This infographic highlights ITT Inc.’s strong financial position and consistent dividend growth, earning it a ‘Very Safe’ dividend safety rating. It details a low payout ratio, robust cash flow, and conservative debt metrics, indicating the company could potentially double its dividend.

Metric	TTM Value	Assessment
Earnings Payout Ratio	22.9%	Very Healthy
FCF Payout Ratio	23.9%	Very Healthy
Operating Cash Flow Coverage	5.4x	Strong

These ratios remained stable even as ITT grew the dividend at a 19% compound annual rate over the past five years. The company increased its quarterly payment from $0.319 to $0.351 in early 2025, a 10% raise that barely moved the payout ratio.

Minimal Debt Burden Adds Confidence

ITT carries $1.084 billion in total debt against $2.665 billion in shareholders’ equity, producing a debt to equity ratio of just 0.41x. With EBITDA of $815.3 million, the company generates more than enough cash flow to service its obligations comfortably.

Interest expense ran just $36.6 million in 2024, giving ITT an interest coverage ratio exceeding 22 times. Even if earnings fell by half, the company could easily cover its debt service and maintain the dividend.

Metric	Value	Assessment
Debt to Equity	0.41x	Conservative
Interest Coverage	22x+	Very Strong
Cash on Hand	$516.4M	Solid Buffer

A Quiet But Consistent Track Record

ITT has raised its dividend every year for more than 14 years without a single cut or suspension. The company navigated the 2020 pandemic without touching the dividend, even as net income fell to $72.5 million. By 2024, net income had rebounded to $518.3 million, more than seven times the pandemic low.

Year	Annual Dividend	YoY Change
2025	$1.404	+10.0%
2024	$1.276	+10.0%
2023	$1.160	+9.8%
2022	$1.056	+20.0%
2021	$0.880	+30.2%

Management Signals Confidence

CEO Luca Savi stated in the Q3 2025 earnings call: “We enter Q4 and look ahead to 2026 with a ~$2 billion backlog, further growth opportunities in ITT’s core and ramping value creation from our acquisitions.”

ITT’s capital allocation balances dividends with share repurchases. In 2024, the company spent $104.7 million on dividends and $104.5 million buying back shares, a roughly 50/50 split demonstrating dividend commitment without sacrificing other shareholder returns.

This Dividend Is Rock Solid

Dividend Safety Rating: Very Safe

The combination of a 23% payout ratio, 4.2 times free cash flow coverage, minimal debt, and 14 years of uninterrupted increases makes ITT’s dividend exceptionally safe. The company retains so much cash that it could double the dividend tomorrow and still maintain a conservative payout structure.

ITT works well for investors who value dividend growth over current yield and want exposure to industrial growth markets. But if you need a high current yield for income today, 0.76% won’t move the needle for most income portfolios.

If You’ve Been Thinking About Retirement, Pay Attention (sponsor)

Answer a Few Simple Questions.
Get Matched with Vetted Advisors
Choose Your Fit

Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of. Get started today! (sponsor)

The post ITT Has Raised Its Dividend for 14 Years and Retains 77% of Profits appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Here Are Tuesday’s Top Wall Street Analyst Research Calls: Agilent, Alibaba, Delta Air Lines, Intel, JD.com, Micron Technology, Reddit and More

Lee Jackson — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:15:02 +0000

Quick Read

Stocks kicked off the week lower across the board, with all major indices closing down on Monday.
Nervousness over the Federal Reserve’s strategy for next year is one of the factors that kept a lid on stocks to open this week.
Top Wall Street strategists believe the next Federal Reserve Chairman, chosen by President Trump, will likely be dovish on further rate cuts in 2026.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Pre-Market Stock Futures:

The futures

are trading flat on Tuesday after we opened the week on the downside, with all major indices finishing the day lower. With the Federal Reserve meeting this week, investors are playing a wait-and-see game before bidding stocks higher to ensure there will indeed be a 25-basis-point cut. Wall Street will be listening closely to what Chairman Powell has to say regarding further cuts next year. Some feel that the ongoing layoffs, the worst since the pandemic hit in 2020, could help the Fed ease again in January. The Dow Jones Industrial closed on Monday at 47,739, down 0.25%, and the S&P 500 finished the session at 6846, down 0.35%. The Nasdaq fared the best on Monday, closing at 32,224, down 0.14%.

Treasury Bonds:

Yields were

higher across the curve as sellers had the upper hand on Monday. While the 25-basis-point cut is likely priced into the market, apprehension over Chairman Powell’s commentary has bond traders mixed on the policy direction for rates in 2026. In addition, the bond market is expecting a high volume of new Treasury notes and bond issuance this week, which is creating supply pressures that are weighing on prices. The 30-year long bond closed Monday at 4.81% while the benchmark 10-year note was last seen at 4.17%

Oil and Gas:

The major

benchmarks were both lower to start the trading week, as numerous issues, including a stronger dollar, a weak economic outlook, the potential for demand to weaken, and uncertainty over Russia-Ukraine war negotiations, weighed on black gold. Brent Crude closed Monday at $62.51, down 1.95% while West Texas Intermediate finished trading Monday at $58.88, down 2%. Natural gas was the big loser Monday, falling over 7% to close at $4.91. Analysts cited warmer-than-expected temperatures cutting into demand, plus good old-fashioned profit-taking, as the commodity has been on a big run. This all comes as gasoline prices at the pump are the lowest since 2021.

Gold:

Gold finished

the day flat, and gold traders cited the same concerns that hit energy and Treasury debt. Nervousness over the Fed decision tomorrow and commentary on next year, combined with a stronger dollar and traders playing the sector a little closer to the vest, were all mentioned again. Plus, the bullion has had a nice run off the lows printed in late October, and short-term traders are likely taking profits. Gold was last seen at $4,191.

Crypto:

The crypto

market was mixed but generally showed some strength on Monday as Bitcoin hovered around $90,000-$92,000 after dips, with some analysts noting signs of weakness despite MicroStrategy’s huge buy, which bought 10,624 Bitcoin at roughly $962 million last week, paying about $90,615 per Bitcoin, funded by selling shares. Altcoins like Ethereum and Solana also saw varied moves amid investor caution ahead of the FOMC meeting. At 5 p.m. EST, Bitcoin traded at $90,664, while Ethereum traded at $3,119.

24/7 Wall St. reviews dozens of analyst research reports daily to identify new investment ideas for both investors and traders. Some of these daily analyst calls cover stocks to buy. Other calls cover stocks to sell or avoid. Remember that no single analyst call should ever be used as a basis to buy or sell a stock.

Here are some of the top Wall Street analyst upgrades, downgrades, and initiations seen on Tuesday, December 9, 2025.

Upgrades:

Colgate-Palmolive Co. (NYSE: CL) was upgraded to Outperform from Neutral at RBC with an $88 target price.
Eaton Corporation plc (NYSE: ETN) was raised to Outperform from Neutral at Wolfe with a $413 target price.
Intel Inc. (NASDAQ: INTC) was raised to Outperform from Market Perform at KGI Securities, which has set a $52 target price objective.
Otis Worldwide Corp. (NYSE: OTIS) was upgraded to Outperform from Neutral at BNPP Exane with a $105 target price.
RPM International Inc. (NYSE: RPM) was raised to Outperform from Neutral at RBC with a $132 target price.
Viking Holdings Ltd. (NYSE: VIK) was upgraded to Buy from Neutral at Goldman Sachs with a $78 target price objective.

Downgrades:

Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (NYSE: BABA) was downgraded to Neutral from Buy at Arete with a $172 target price.
Confluent Inc. (NASDAQ: CFLT) was downgraded to Sector Perform from Outperform at RBC with a $31 target price. Deutsche Bank cut the shares to Hold from Buy with a $31 target.
FMC Corp (NYSE: FMC) was cut to Underweight from Neutral at Barclays with a $13 target price.
JD.com (NASDAQ: JD) was downgraded to Neutral from Buy at Arete with a $32 target price.
SLM Inc. (NASDAQ: SLM) was cut to Equal Weight from Overweight at Morgan Stanley with a $31 target.

Initiations:

Agilent Inc. (NYSE: A) was reinstated at Goldman Sachs with a Buy rating and a $179 target price.
Align Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: ALGN) was initiated with an Equal Weight rating at Baerclays with a $170 target price objective.
Delta Air Lines Inc. (NYSE: DAL) was started with an Outperform rating at BMO with an $80 target price.
Doximity Inc. (NYSE: DOCS) was initiated with an Overweight rating at Barclays with a $63 target price.
Micron Technology Inc. (NASDAQ: MU) was initiated with a Buy rating at HSBC, which has a $330 target price for the stock.
Reddit Inc. (NYSE: RDDT) was initiated with a Buy rating at China Merchants with a $300 target price objective.

Get Ready To Retire ^(Sponsored)

Start by taking a quick retirement quiz from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes, or less.

Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests.

Here’s how it works:
1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz
2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles.
3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future.

The post Here Are Tuesday’s Top Wall Street Analyst Research Calls: Agilent, Alibaba, Delta Air Lines, Intel, JD.com, Micron Technology, Reddit and More appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Disney’s Entertainment Model Stumbles as Amazon Doubles Down on AI Infrastructure Spending

Jeremy Phillips — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:12:21 +0000

Quick Read

AWS grew 20% to a $110B run rate while Disney’s flat revenue reflects streaming gains offset by 35% lower Entertainment operating income.
Amazon spent $35.1B on capex in Q3 and plans over $75B in 2025 for AI infrastructure. Disney allocated $2.47B to capex.
Amazon’s 24.3% return on equity nearly doubles Disney’s 12.2% due to recurring cloud revenue versus cyclical content performance.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Amazon (NASDAQ: AMZN) and Disney (NYSE: DIS) just reported earnings revealing two companies moving in opposite directions. Amazon delivered 13.4% revenue growth and accelerating cloud momentum. Disney posted flat revenue, down 0.5% year-over-year, as streaming gains failed to offset legacy media weakness.

Is it odd that I’m comparing what are now two drastically different companies in drastically different industries? Somewhat, but I believe what we can learn by looking at the two will inform my and your future investment decisions.

The contrast clarifies what separates a tech platform built for scale from an entertainment conglomerate navigating a painful transition.

Cloud Infrastructure Drives Amazon. Content Costs Weigh on Disney.

Amazon Web Services grew 20% year-over-year to reach a $110 billion annualized run rate, re-accelerating to a pace not seen since 2022. CEO Andy Jassy noted that AWS’s AI business alone is “growing more than three times faster at this stage of its evolution as AWS itself grew.” The company’s Trainium2 AI chip saw adoption surge 150% quarter-over-quarter.

Disney’s direct-to-consumer segment grew 8%, driven by Disney+ and Hulu subscriber additions. But that gain couldn’t offset a 35% drop in Entertainment operating income, pulled down by weaker content sales and licensing revenue. Parks and experiences remained a bright spot, with operating income up 13%, but the segment can’t carry the entire company while linear networks continue their structural decline.

Business Driver	Amazon	Disney
Main Growth Engine	AWS cloud + AI infrastructure	Parks + streaming subscriptions
Revenue Growth (YoY)	+13.4%	-0.5%
Return on Equity	24.3%	12.2%
Operating Margin	11.1%	11.9%

Amazon generated $21.19 billion in net income, up 38.2% year-over-year. Disney earned $2.55 billion, a recovery from weak prior-year comparisons but still reflecting the challenge of monetizing content in a fragmented media landscape.

Capital Allocation Reveals Different Priorities

Amazon spent $35.1 billion on capital expenditures in Q3, up 55% year-over-year, with the majority directed toward AWS data centers and AI infrastructure. Jassy told investors the company expects to spend approximately $75 billion in 2024 and “more than that in 2025,” calling generative AI “a really unusually large maybe once in a lifetime type of opportunity.”

Disney allocated $2.47 billion to capex and committed $24 billion to content investment across entertainment and sports. The company doubled its share repurchase target to $7 billion and pays a $1.50 annual dividend. CEO Bob Iger emphasized the “multiplier effect” of successful content across streaming, parks, cruise ships, and consumer products.

Amazon’s return on equity sits at 24.3%, nearly double Disney’s 12.2%. That gap reflects superior capital efficiency in a business model built on recurring cloud revenue, logistics scale, and advertising growth, versus Disney’s reliance on cyclical content performance and capital-intensive theme parks.

This infographic compares the financial performance and market outlook of Amazon (AMZN) and Disney (DIS), highlighting their divergent paths following their latest earnings reports.

Analyst Conviction Favors the Platform Model

Wall Street analysts assigned 64 buy or strong buy ratings to Amazon, with zero sells. Disney received 25 buy ratings and one sell. Retail sentiment on Reddit turned bearish for Disney following its mixed earnings report, with one widely discussed post titled “Disney stock falls 8% as media giant posts mixed results” drawing 985 upvotes.

Disney trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 17.61, well below Amazon’s 27.62, but the discount reflects real business headwinds rather than opportunity. Revenue is flat. Legacy media is declining. Streaming profitability remains unproven at scale.

Amazon’s Fundamental Advantages

Amazon’s fundamentals show advantages because the business model compounds in ways Disney’s cannot. AWS operates at 38% operating margins and is accelerating. Retail benefits from logistics scale that competitors struggle to match. Advertising revenue hit $14.3 billion in the quarter, up 18.8%, leveraging Amazon’s unique position from top-of-funnel awareness to point of purchase.

Disney may deliver a turnaround, but it requires flawless content execution, continued parks strength, and a streaming model that can offset linear decline. Amazon’s diversification across cloud, retail, and advertising provides multiple paths to growth without depending on any single hit.

Guaranteed Income With As Little as $1,000

Most Americans don’t know where to turn for guaranteed income today. Savings accounts are a joke, bonds aren’t what they used to be, and even Treasuries look like they’re on shaky ground. But there is one good option many are overlooking.

An annuity could grow your money steadily while you earn guaranteed income at a fixed rate. No stock-market risk involved. Earn a guaranteed 5.0% APY1 or more when you open a FastBreak™ annuity and contribute a minimum of $1,000.

It basically takes no extra work at all other than opening the account and making your first contribution. It’s a. straightforward way to lock in guaranteed income for 3-10 years, with zero market risk. Even better, it’s self-directed, simple to open, flexible terms, and even comes with a 30-day window to change your mind. Get started.

The post Disney’s Entertainment Model Stumbles as Amazon Doubles Down on AI Infrastructure Spending appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

United Chases Market Share With Service Upgrades as Delta Rewards Shareholders

Jeremy Phillips — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:07:24 +0000

Quick Read

Delta’s 7.36% profit margin exceeds United’s 5.64% by 172 basis points.
United invested over $1B in customer experience including Starlink and new international routes.
Delta pays a 1.01% dividend while United redirects capital to network expansion instead of shareholder returns.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Delta Air Lines (NYSE: DAL) and United Airlines (Nasdaq: UAL) both reported Q3 2025 earnings that reveal how legacy carriers are navigating a market defined by premium cabin demand and operational discipline. Delta leaned into margin excellence and shareholder returns. United bet harder on network expansion and customer experience investments.

Premium Cabins Drive Both, But Execution Differs

United reported Q3 revenue of $15.23 billion, missing estimates of $15.29 billion but growing 2.6% year over year. Premium cabin revenue jumped 6% while basic economy climbed 4%. Cargo rose 3% and the loyalty program expanded 9%. Net income of $949 million declined 1.7% from the prior year, and adjusted EPS of $2.78 beat estimates of $2.67 by 4.1%.

CEO Scott Kirby highlighted investments exceeding $1 billion in customer experience, including Starlink installations and enhanced inflight entertainment. United launched new routes to Croatia, Scotland, Spain, and Italy while posting a record low Q3 cancellation rate.

Delta generated Q3 revenue of $16.67 billion, up 6.4% year over year, with net income of $1.42 billion and operating margin of 9.92%. EPS of $1.71 beat estimates of $1.53 by 11.8%, marking the third consecutive quarter of positive surprises. Delta’s trailing twelve-month profit margin of 7.36% exceeded United’s 5.64% by 172 basis points.

Metric	Delta (DAL)	United (UAL)
Q3 Revenue	$16.67B (+6.4% YoY)	$15.23B (+2.6% YoY)
Operating Margin	9.92%	8.88%
Profit Margin (TTM)	7.36%	5.64%
Return on Equity	28.50%	25.60%

One Rewards Shareholders. One Reinvests Aggressively

Delta pays a dividend yielding 1.01% and maintains disciplined capital allocation. United pays no dividend and bought back just $19 million in shares during Q3, instead channeling capital into route expansion and technology upgrades. Delta prioritizes margin stability and shareholder returns, while United chases market share through service differentiation and network breadth.

$1 BILLION (Starlink, new routes), and Record Low Cancellation Rate, accompanied by an icon representing Network Expansion & CX Investment. This path is summarized as 'Chase Market Share Through Service & Breadth'. A central section, 'THE STRATEGIC DIVIDE', connects these two paths. Below this, 'THE NEXT TEST: HOLIDAY DEMAND & COST PRESSURE' is presented, highlighting 'UAL Q4 EPS: $3.00 - $3.50 (Dependent on Demand & Costs)' and posing the question 'Will United's CX pay off VS Delta's profit cushion?', with a note 'DAL: Consistent Beats, Conservative Guidance'. The infographic concludes with 'THE VERDICT' at the bottom, stating 'DAL: Steadier Cash Flows, Downside Protection' and 'UAL: Faster Growth Potential, Higher Volatility'." srcset="https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/stock-comparison-dal-vs-ual-infographic-1765285439773.jpg 768w, https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/stock-comparison-dal-vs-ual-infographic-1765285439773-200x358.jpg 200w, https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/stock-comparison-dal-vs-ual-infographic-1765285439773-279x500.jpg 279w, https://247wallst.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/stock-comparison-dal-vs-ual-infographic-1765285439773-150x269.jpg 150w" sizes="auto, (max-width: 768px) 100vw, 768px" />

This infographic compares Delta Air Lines’ focus on margin stability and shareholder returns with United Airlines’ strategy of aggressive network expansion and customer experience investment in Q3 2025, highlighting their distinct paths to profit.

United’s forward P/E of 7.09 trades below Delta’s 7.87, suggesting analysts expect faster earnings growth from United despite lower current margins. United’s price-to-sales ratio of 0.58 represents a 17% discount to Delta’s 0.698.

The Next Test Is Holiday Demand and Cost Pressure

United guided Q4 adjusted EPS between $3.00 and $3.50, depending on whether holiday travel demand holds and whether fuel and labor costs stay manageable. Delta has not yet provided detailed Q4 guidance in the available data, but its consistent earnings beats suggest conservative management expectations.

Whether United’s customer experience investments translate into sustained premium cabin growth and whether Delta can maintain its margin advantage as both carriers add capacity will determine relative performance. United’s aggressive reinvestment could pay off if brand loyalty strengthens, but Delta’s profitability cushion offers more downside protection.

Key Differences Between Delta and United

Delta offers a 9.92% operating margin, 1.01% dividend yield, and track record of beating estimates by an average of 8.5% over the past year, reflecting disciplined execution. United presents network expansion and service upgrades that analysts expect will drive faster earnings growth, with 18% upside to the $123.67 analyst target versus Delta’s 8% upside to $72.67. Delta provides steadier cash flows through higher margins and shareholder returns, while United’s strategy focuses on market share gains through customer experience investments, though with lower current margins and heavier reinvestment that increase volatility.

Want Up To $1,000? SoFi Is Giving New Active Invest Users up to $1k in Stock

Looking to grow your money but unsure where to begin? SoFi Active Invest is offering a limited-time promotion—open an account, fund it with $50 or more, and you could receive up to $1,000 in complimentary stock for Active Invest accounts.

From $0 commission trading to fractional shares and automated investing, this app is designed to simplify investing for everyone, whether you’re just starting or already experienced. Its easy to sign up and secure your bonus. (sponsor)

The post United Chases Market Share With Service Upgrades as Delta Rewards Shareholders appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Ooma Reports Record Cash Flow and Lands Exclusive Deal With National Cable Giant

William Temple — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:06:13 +0000

Quick Read

Ooma reported Q3 EPS of $0.27, beating estimates by 22.7% and marking its fourth consecutive earnings beat.
The company eliminated all remaining debt after generating record operating cash flow of $8.1M.
A top-tier national cable company selected Ooma as its exclusive AirDial provider with launch expected in Q1 2026.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Yesterday we highlighted Ooma’s potential to continue its streak of earnings beats, and the company delivered. The VoIP and communications provider reported Q3 fiscal 2025 EPS of $0.27.

Fourth Straight Beat Drives Momentum

The quarter marked Ooma’s fourth consecutive earnings surprise, with EPS up 58.8% year over year from $0.17 in Q3 fiscal 2024. Revenue reached $67.6 million, up 3.8% annually, while the company swung from a $2.4 million net loss a year ago to $1.4 million in profit. Operating income turned positive at $1.3 million versus a $2.3 million loss in the prior year period.

CEO Eric Stang called it “a great quarter for Ooma, not only financially, but also competitively,” noting the company achieved “record results” including $8.1 million in operating cash flow. That strong cash generation allowed Ooma to eliminate its remaining debt shortly after quarter end. “Over the last 12 months, we have paid off $18 million of debt and also bought back $5.2 million of our stock for a combined $23.2 million,” Stang said.

Major Partnership Wins Validate Strategy

Management disclosed two significant customer wins for its AirDial POTS replacement solution. A “top-tier national cable company” selected Ooma as its exclusive provider, with launch expected in calendar Q1 2026. Stang emphasized the partner’s scale: “This is a major win for us and a partner that represents huge potential.”

The company also signed an aggregator serving approximately 100,000 business copper lines and 10,000 residential lines to resell both AirDial and its Telo residential solution. The partner launched with Telo in early December. Ooma now has more than 20 partners contracted to resell AirDial, with “several significant discussions underway.”

When asked directly whether Q3 AirDial bookings exceeded Q2’s record level, Stang confirmed: “We did, yes.” The company attributed momentum to carrier price increases on legacy copper lines and an uptick in shutdown announcements.

Quiet Reaction Despite Strong Fundamentals

Despite the beat and partnership news, shares remain well below the 52-week high of $15.70, though they’ve recovered 27% from November’s $9.79 low. Analysts maintain a $18.62 average price target with five buy ratings.

The muted media and retail attention suggests Ooma remains under the radar. The company is transitioning to profitability while expanding carrier partnerships. Watch whether the new cable partnership’s Q1 launch drives another leg higher.

The New Report Shaking Up Retirement Plans

The post Ooma Reports Record Cash Flow and Lands Exclusive Deal With National Cable Giant appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Nancy Pelosi’s “Farewell Portfolio”: The 3 AI Stocks She’s Holding as She Leaves Congress

Omor Ibne Ehsan — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:02:51 +0000

Quick Read

Nancy Pelosi’s portfolio gained 853% since mid-2014 versus 264% for the S&P 500. Her holdings are concentrated in NVIDIA (NVDA) at 19%, Broadcom (AVGO) at 17%, and Alphabet (GOOG) at 17%.
Broadcom surged 145% after Pelosi exercised call options purchased in June 2024.
Alphabet has rallied 205% since Pelosi’s September 2022 option exercise.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Nancy Pelosi has had one of the longest tenures in Congress and was the most influential at times. The market does have a farewell portfolio from her, consisting of Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA), Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG, NASDAQ:GOOGL), and Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO).

Pelosi was elected Speaker and was the only woman to serve in the position. Her tenure evidently wasn’t limited only to politics, though.

She has gained tremendous notoriety for her stock market portfolio. More specifically, that of her Husband, Paul Pelosi. This portfolio gained ~853% since mid-2014, whereas the benchmark S&P 500 index gained just 264%. It’s an extremely strong record that beats portfolios curated by gurus like Warren Buffett and Stanley Druckenmiller.

Paul Pelosi and Nancy Pelosi are married after all, so his stock market buys are attributed to her. It’s likely that if Paul passes, Nancy will receive some portion of his holdings, and they may even share assets. In California, all their investments fall under their shared marital estate.

Hence, the trades have garnered a lot of criticism. Many believe that Nancy Pelosi may be passing on information to Paul Pelosi.

Unfortunately, you will soon no longer get updates to the Pelosis’ portfolio. Nancy Pelosi announced in November 2025 that she would not seek re-election and would retire at the end of her current term in early 2027.

Her portfolio has also been quite calm at the moment, so it looks more like a “farewell portfolio“ at the moment. Let’s take a look at the stocks she holds today.

Nvidia (NVDA)

Nvidia is her biggest holding. Suffice to say, the company has been making a killing. It is the dominant name when it comes to AI chips, and the pace of growth is not letting up.

Her history with Nvidia goes back quite a while. On June 17, 2022, 200 call options of NVDA were exercised at a strike price of $100 ($10 split-adjusted). These shares were then sold in the coming quarters as NVDA stock was in the midst of the 2022 selloff.

She purchased 50 call options again in November 2023 at the strike price of $120 ($12 split-adjusted) and has been accumulating since.

Nvidia now constitutes 19% of Pelosi’s portfolio.

Broadcom (AVGO)

Broadcom has recently overtaken Alphabet as Nancy Pelosi’s second-biggest holding. She bought 20 (200 call options, split-adjusted) Broadcom call options back in June 2024 with a strike price of $800 ($80 split-adjusted).

She hit the jackpot with this transaction, as Broadcom went through a stock split the very next month. AVGO stock has been moving higher and higher since.

Pelosi exercised her call options in July and has held since. AVGO stock has moved up by over 145% since this trade.

Broadcom now constitutes ~17% of Pelosi’s portfolio.

Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL)

Nancy Pelosi has also had a long history with Alphabet stock. Her husband purchased call options in Alphabet worth between $500,000 and $1 million on December 17, 2021. These options were exercised on their expiration date of September 16, 2022, and have been held since.

GOOGL stock started bottoming out right around that time and has been on an extremely impressive rally.

Wall Street is now increasingly bullish that this company is poised to lead the AI race. It is up 205% since September 16, 2022.

Her holdings here also constitute some 17% of her portfolio.

She recently trimmed her Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) holdings with a partial sale in October this year, with no filings since. Since February, she has only reported two transactions. The portfolio has been rather inactive for months, but if the market takes a turn for the worse, her true “final” portfolio could look a lot different.

Released: The Ultimate Guide To Retirement Income (sponsor)

Most investors spend years learning how to pick good stocks and funds. Far fewer have a clear plan for turning those investments into a reliable retirement paycheck. The truth is, the transition from “building wealth” to “living on wealth” is one of the most overlooked risks facing successful investors in their 50s, 60s and 70s.

That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve. It’s a free guide that outlines the straightforward math and strategies you need to convert your investments to income. Learn more here.

The post Nancy Pelosi’s “Farewell Portfolio”: The 3 AI Stocks She’s Holding as She Leaves Congress appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Stock Market Live December 9: Anticipating a Rate Cut, the S&P 500 (VOO) Rises a Bit

Joel South — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 13:01:00 +0000

Live Updates

Campbell's Soups Up Some Profits

5 hours ago

Live

In happier news, S&P 500 component company Campbell Company (Nasdaq: CPB) beat earnings by four cents this morning. Campbell’s earned $0.77 in its fiscal Q1 2026 on sales of $2.7 billion — also better than expected. Management then proceeded to raise full-year guidance to a range of from $2.40 to $2.55 per share, versus the Street consensus of $2.45.

Campbell’s stock is up a modest 0.4% premarket.

This article will be updated throughout the day, so check back often for more daily updates.

The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT: VOO) closed down 0.3% on Monday as higher yields on U.S. 10-Year Treasury notes tempted investors away from stocks and toward bonds. As yields reversed over the evening, though, so too is sentiment about stocks.

Premarket, the Voo is looking like it might open 0.1% higher today.

How long will that optimism last, though? Perhaps less than 48 hours. In Washington, D.C., today, the Federal Open Markets Committee is discussing its next interest rate move: to cut or not to cut. Most pundits forecast a 25 basis point (that’s 0.25% to you and me) cut when the decision is announced tomorrow, so there’s unlikely to be a huge bump in stock prices if that’s the actual news.

On the other hand, if the FOMC decides not to cut… or pairs a cut with commentary suggesting this might be the last cut for a while… or — heaven forfend — for some reason decides to raise rates tomorrow, you can expect all heck to break loose on the markets, and the Voo to tumble down at least a small cliff.

Tune in tomorrow for the conclusion to this story. In the meantime, we have some earnings news for you.

Earnings

Homebuilding giant Toll Bros. (NYSE: TOL) reported its Q4 numbers last night, and the news wasn’t great. Toll “missed earnings” by 30 cents, reporting a profit of $4.58 per share where Wall Street expected $4.88. Surprisingly, sales were ahead of forecasts at $3.4 billion.

Adding to investor dismay, Toll Bros. said its backlog at the end of Q4 was only $5.5 billion, down 15% from a year ago. This implies weakening demand for new homes. Toll said it has 4,647 homes awaiting building right now, versus 5,996 a year ago.

And yes, if you did the math right, the 22.5% decline in unit backlog, in the context of only a 15% decline in dollar backlog, means that home prices are still rising. No wonder houses aren’t moving faster!

Toll Bros. stock is down more than 5% premarket.

S&P 500 component company AutoZone (NYSE: AZO) missed its earnings target, too, this morning, reporting Q1 profit of $31.04, $1.83 worse than expected. Revenue came closer to the mark at $4.6 billion, but was still slightly short of analysts’ forecast.

Autozone stock is down about 2% premarket.

If You have $500,000 Saved, Retirement Could Be Closer Than You Think (sponsor)

Retirement can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be. Imagine having an expert in your corner to help you with your financial goals. Someone to help you determine if you’re ahead, behind, or right on track. With SmartAsset, that’s not just a dream—it’s reality. This free tool connects you with pre-screened financial advisors who work in your best interests. It’s quick, it’s easy, so take the leap today and start planning smarter! Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality. (sponsor)

The post Stock Market Live December 9: Anticipating a Rate Cut, the S&P 500 (VOO) Rises a Bit appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Compass Minerals Narrows Losses 65% as Revenue Climbs but Investors Stay Cautious

William Temple — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:55:39 +0000

Quick Read

Compass Minerals beat Q4 estimates with a $0.17 loss per share versus $0.23 expected.
Net losses narrowed 64.8% year over year to $17.0M from $48.3M in Q4 FY2024.
The company remains unprofitable for two consecutive fiscal years with FY2024 losses totaling $206.1M.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Yesterday we were watching whether Compass Minerals could stabilize its bottom line after a brutal fiscal 2024. The company delivered Q4 FY2025 results after the close on December 8, beating expectations on both EPS and revenue. This morning, shares are trading around $14.05 in pre-market, up roughly 1.5% from Friday’s close of $13.57.

Losses Narrow as Revenue Climbs

Compass Minerals reported a loss of $0.17 per share for Q4, beating the consensus estimate of a $0.23 loss by 25.7%. Revenue came in at $227.5 million, topping the $225.7 million estimate by 0.78%. More importantly, the quarter showed meaningful improvement versus the prior year. Net losses narrowed to $17.0 million from $48.3 million in Q4 FY2024, a 64.8% improvement. Revenue climbed 8.9% year over year from $208.8 million.

The company has been unprofitable for two consecutive fiscal years. FY2024 ended with a $206.1 million net loss. Sequential quarterly results have been volatile, with Q2 FY2025 revenue hitting $494.6 million during peak winter de-icing season before dropping to $214.6 million in Q3. Q4’s $227.5 million figure suggests stabilization heading into the new fiscal year.

Market Reaction Remains Muted

Despite the beat, pre-market trading has been light with only around 45,000 shares changing hands before 7:25 AM ET. The modest 1.5% gain suggests investors are taking a wait-and-see approach. Friday’s session showed typical volatility for CMP, with shares ranging from $13.23 to $13.92 before settling at $13.57. The stock has been notably quiet in after-hours and pre-market sessions, indicating no major institutional repositioning yet.

This infographic summarizes Compass Minerals (CMP) Q4 FY2025 earnings, showing improved financial performance and a muted pre-market stock reaction. It also highlights analyst sentiment and the company’s focus on future profitability.

Analyst sentiment remains mixed, with one buy rating, two holds, and one strong sell. The consensus price target sits at $20.00, suggesting 43% upside from current levels if the turnaround gains traction.

Focus Shifts to FY2026 Guidance

We covered the setup before the print, noting the company’s high beta of 1.57 and recent executive equity grants totaling roughly 189,000 restricted stock units across leadership in late November. CEO Edward Dowling received 98,205 RSUs, while CFO Peter Fjellman was granted 25,043 units. These grants occurred two weeks before earnings as part of the standard compensation cycle.

Investors will want to watch whether management provides detailed FY2026 guidance and addresses the path back to profitability. Operating margins remain thin at 0.99% on a trailing twelve-month basis. With no earnings call transcript available yet, we’ll update if management commentary surfaces or if the stock’s early move shifts materially through the morning session.

The New Report Shaking Up Retirement Plans

The post Compass Minerals Narrows Losses 65% as Revenue Climbs but Investors Stay Cautious appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

3 Under-the-Radar Dividend Stocks Quietly Beating the Market

David Beren — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:50:02 +0000

For reasons that seem pretty obvious, dividend investors tend to chase the most familiar names like Pepsi (NYSE:PEP), Johnson and Johnson (NYSE:JNJ), and Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG), and they do so for a lot of the right reasons. The problem is that just choosing these stocks leaves out a whole heap of other opportunities that are flying under the radar.

Quick Read

Rexford Industrial Realty (REXR) operates in Southern California and grew funds from operations at 16% over five years.
Automatic Data Processing (ADP) has raised dividends for 51 consecutive years with a $6.80 annual payout.
Williams Sonoma (WSM) maintains a 27.98% payout ratio with strong operating cash flow supporting dividend growth.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

There are a host of dividend stocks that people don’t spend enough time talking about, and they don’t get the same kind of hype as the bigger names. The thing is, these firms operate in steady industries and continue to raise their payouts, all while delivering market-beating performance.

The best of each of these three under-the-radar names is that they don’t rely on hype. Instead, they rely on cash flow, financial discipline, and business models that can stay resilient across different kinds of market cycles. In many ways, this combination helps them outperform larger and far more popular dividend staples.

Why These Quiet Performers Matter Now

Market volatility across 2025 has pushed investors to look for companies that do not need ideal market conditions to grow. These under-the-radar dividend stocks with rising payouts provide the right kind of stability plus a real upside. Their income streams are supported by durable demand, all while their balance sheets carry less overall risk. Better yet, the management teams at each of these companies show a clear commitment to long-term shareholder returns.

Steady dividend growth also shapes long-term performance as a company that raises its payout every year signals the right kind of financial strength. It’s this action that gives investors the kind of confidence they need to hold the stock through rough markets, when a growth opportunity doesn’t feel all that possible.

With all of this in mind, below are three companies that fit this shift in thinking, and each one continues to post strong results, raise dividends, and outperform despite more limited name recognition among casual investors.

Rexford Industrial Realty

Among the REIT names available to investors today, Rexford Industrial Realty (NYSE:REXR) is unlikely to be the most familiar, or not familiar at all. The thing is, this company operates industrial properties across Southern California, which just so happens to be the largest and most supply-constrained industrial market in the United States. As a result, demand for warehouse and logistics space is at a premium, which means that Rexford has grown funds from operations at a compound rate of 16% over the past 5 years. This pace is nearly double that of its peers, which in turn means that its income strength supports a strong dividend program.

The stock’s yield sits in the low 4% range at 4.21% and is currently providing shareholders with an annual return of $1.72 for every share owned. Notably, the company has grown its dividends for the last 12 years as a result of disciplined acquisitions, organic rent growth, and a tight geographic footprint that gives Rexford true staying power.

Automatic Data Processing

Automatic Data Processing (NASDAQ:ADP) might be a name millions of people know through their paychecks, but its familiarity doesn’t necessarily translate to everyday investors. However, Automatic Data Processing is arguably a new member of the “Dividend King” group as it has raised dividends for the last 51 years and counting. This record comes from a business that supports payroll, HR, and compliance functions for companies of all sizes. These are mandatory services for businesses, which help Automatic Data Processing keep the revenue coming even during economic downturns.

The stock yields at just 2.60% but don’t let this number fool you when its annual dividend is $6.80, which is a number that is hard to ignore. Raising its dividend at a double-digit rate in recent years is also hard to ignore, and the company’s payout ratio is fairly moderate, inviting investors to believe there is room for future increases. Best of all, its cash flow is predictable as client retention remains high, and even a shift toward cloud-based HR tools won’t hurt the company’s addressable market.

Williams Sonoma

Williams Sonoma (NYSE:WSM) is a name most people know from its catalogue or its stores in their local shopping malls, but this hides a very real truth that Williams Sonoma is a fantastic dividend opportunity for investors. The company has long navigated supply chain pressures, shifting consumer habits, and a competitive retail environment while continuing to post strong profitability. Its focus on premium products and a growing e-commerce platform has also helped increase margins.

As far as its dividend program goes, growth has been consistent, and the payout remains supported by strong operating cash flow. The dividend yield only sits at 1.49%, but its $2.64 annual dividend combines with a 27.98% payout ratio to make it an incredibly attractive and often overlooked value for investors. Combined, all three of these stocks fly under the radar, and even if their names are well-known outside of the market, their current dividend positions should make them well worth considering as portfolio shifts start to take shape in 2026.

Released: The Ultimate Guide To Retirement Income (sponsor)

The post 3 Under-the-Radar Dividend Stocks Quietly Beating the Market appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Toll Brothers Posts Sixth Straight Earnings Beat but Stock Drops on Tepid Growth

William Temple — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:46:53 +0000

Quick Read

Toll Brothers beat Q4 EPS estimates by 5.8% but revenue fell 2.2% year over year to $3.26B.
Shares dropped 4.3% after the report despite the beat. Strong results were already priced in near 52-week highs.
Operating margin reached 17.4%. Earnings strength came from cost discipline rather than demand growth.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Yesterday we were watching whether Toll Brothers could deliver another earnings beat amid a challenging housing market. The luxury homebuilder reported fourth-quarter results before Monday’s open, posting EPS of $4.63 versus the $4.38 consensus estimate. This morning, shares opened in the pre-market down approximately 4.3% to $130.38, suggesting investors found something to dislike despite the headline beat.

Beat on Bottom Line, Tepid on Revenue

The $0.25 per share earnings beat represented a 5.8% surprise, marking the sixth consecutive quarter Toll Brothers has exceeded analyst expectations. However, revenue of $3.26 billion came in just 1.8% above the $3.20 billion estimate. More concerning for investors: that revenue figure declined 2.2% year over year from the prior fourth quarter’s $3.33 billion.

Despite beating Q4 EPS and revenue expectations, Toll Brothers (TOL) shares opened down -4.3%, reflecting investor disappointment. Analysts, however, remain moderately bullish with a significant upside potential on the average price target.

This pattern suggests the earnings outperformance came more from cost management and margin discipline than from robust demand growth. The company maintained strong profitability metrics, with operating margins at 17.4% on a trailing basis, but the modest revenue beat against elevated expectations appears to have disappointed the market.

Context matters here. Toll Brothers entered the report trading near its 52-week high of $149.50, meaning strong results were already priced in. The stock needed more than a modest beat to justify its premium valuation.

Market Reaction Reflects Growth Concerns

Pre-market trading volume remained light, with shares drifting lower in early activity. The stock broke below its 50-day moving average of $135.01, though it still holds above the 200-day moving average of $120.27. After-hours trading Monday evening showed significant volatility, with a spike to 212,990 shares at 7:00 PM and wide price swings between $129.22 and $136.47.

Despite the negative reaction, analyst sentiment remains moderately bullish. Ten analysts maintain Buy or Strong Buy ratings versus six Hold or Sell ratings, with an average price target of $152.40. That implies 16.9% upside from current pre-market levels, suggesting the sell-side views this pullback as temporary.

Focus Shifts to Guidance and Demand Trends

The key question now centers on forward guidance and order trends, neither of which appear in the preliminary data. With a forward P/E ratio of just 10.08, the stock trades at a reasonable multiple for a profitable homebuilder. However, investors need evidence that revenue growth can reaccelerate to justify even that modest valuation.

We’ll be watching how the stock trades through the morning session and whether management commentary on the earnings call provides clarity on backlog trends and pricing power in the luxury segment. Any analyst target adjustments should emerge within 24 to 48 hours.

Get Ready To Retire ^(Sponsored)

Start by taking a quick retirement quiz from SmartAsset that will match you with up to 3 financial advisors that serve your area and beyond in 5 minutes, or less. Each advisor has been vetted by SmartAsset and is held to a fiduciary standard to act in your best interests. Here’s how it works: 1. Answer SmartAsset advisor match quiz 2. Review your pre-screened matches at your leisure. Check out the advisors’ profiles. 3. Speak with advisors at no cost to you. Have an introductory call on the phone or introduction in person and choose whom to work with in the future.

The post Toll Brothers Posts Sixth Straight Earnings Beat but Stock Drops on Tepid Growth appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Phreesia Posts Solid Earnings But Shares Drop Anyway

William Temple — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:44:06 +0000

Quick Read

Phreesia reported its first meaningful profit at $4.3M with EPS of $0.31 versus $0.00 expected.
Operating income remained negative at $23.9M despite positive net income.
Shares fell despite the earnings beat. The forward P/E of 385 suggests valuation concerns.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Yesterday we were watching whether Phreesia’s path to profitability would accelerate after two consecutive near-breakeven quarters. They delivered solid earnings after the bell on December 8, reporting EPS of $0.31.

Profitability Arrives, Market Shrugs

The healthcare SaaS provider posted net income of $4.3 million for the quarter ending October 31, marking its first meaningful profit after years of losses. Revenue climbed to $120.3 million, continuing a five-quarter acceleration from $106.8 million a year ago. More importantly, operating cash flow reached $15.5 million, exceeding net income by $11.2 million and validating earnings quality. Free cash flow turned positive at $12.2 million after subtracting $3.3 million in capital expenditures.

The turnaround trajectory is dramatic. Just one year ago, Phreesia reported a $14.4 million quarterly loss. The company cut operating expenses by $15 million year over year while maintaining sequential revenue growth, demonstrating genuine operational discipline rather than accounting adjustments.

The Valuation Question

The market’s tepid response likely reflects forward valuation concerns. Despite unanimous analyst support (17 buy ratings, zero sells, with a $33.69 average price target), Phreesia trades at a forward P/E of 385. That extreme multiple suggests investors remain skeptical about earnings sustainability, even as the company has now beaten estimates for four consecutive quarters.

The operating margin tells part of the story. While net income turned positive, operating income remained negative at $23.9 million, indicating the company still relies on non-operating items to reach profitability. The 46.7% negative operating margin on a trailing basis shows significant work remains.

What Happens Next

Three directors acquired shares on October 31, the same day the quarter closed, signaling insider confidence. Analyst target prices imply 67% upside from current levels, yet the forward multiple suggests the market needs more proof of sustainable profitability.

Watch whether management provides guidance that justifies the valuation premium. The company’s next test will be maintaining positive cash generation while continuing to reduce operating losses. We’ll update if analyst revisions shift meaningfully after this morning’s open.

If You have $500,000 Saved, Retirement Could Be Closer Than You Think (sponsor)

Retirement can be daunting, but it doesn’t need to be.

Imagine having an expert in your corner to help you with your financial goals. Someone to help you determine if you’re ahead, behind, or right on track. With SmartAsset, that’s not just a dream—it’s reality. This free tool connects you with pre-screened financial advisors who work in your best interests. It’s quick, it’s easy, so take the leap today and start planning smarter!

Don’t waste another minute; get started right here and help your retirement dreams become a retirement reality. (sponsor)

The post Phreesia Posts Solid Earnings But Shares Drop Anyway appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Middle Eastern Countries with the Largest MLRS Armies

Chris Lange — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:32:00 +0000

The Middle East has been a hotbed of conflict for decades, as such many nations within the region have built up their artillery stockpiles. Many have been opting for the newest technology as well, employing MLRS (Multiple Launch Rocket Systems). In fact, the buildup of these arms within some Middle Eastern nations rivals that of some European nations and in some cases vastly surpasses them.

24/7 Wall St. is taking a closer look at these Middle Eastern nations with the largest stockpiles of MLRS units. To identify the Middle Eastern countries with the most MLRS units, 24/7 Wall St. reviewed 2024 Military Strength Ranking from Global Firepower, an annually updated defense-related statistics website with information on 145 countries. Countries were ranked on the total number of MLRS in their arsenal. We included supplemental information regarding the total military vehicles, artillery and tanks, as well as each country’s overall military strength score. Nations that do not have any MLRS in their arsenal were excluded. We also included countries adjacent to the Middle East which are often included in regional military comparisons (Pakistan and Egypt).

This post was updated on December 9, 2025 to clarify the comparison between Middle Eastern nations vs NATO, designation of Pakistan and Egypt, factors regarding Yemen’s conflict, current state of the Syrian conflict, and Iran’s nuclear capabilities.

Here is a look at the Middle Eastern countries (and adjacent countries) with the largest MLRS armies:

Why Are We Covering This?

The post Middle Eastern Countries with the Largest MLRS Armies appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Rivian (NASDAQ: RIVN) Price Prediction and Forecast 2025-2030 for December 9

Joel South — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:30:11 +0000

Key Points

Key growth drivers include cost reduction in EV components and increased production capacity, targeting profitability by 2027.
Rivian aims to cut material costs by 45% with the introduction of its Gen 2 platform by 2026.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Shares of Rivian Automotive (NASDAQ:RIVN) gained 2.47% over the past five trading sessions after surging 14.82%% the five prior. The stock seems to have found a short-term bottom after a skid that began in late September. On the year, RIVN is now up 32.91%, and over the past year, it’s up 21.87%.

When Rivian reported Q3 earnings on Nov. 4, it beat on the top line but missed on the bottom line with quarterly EPS of 65 cents versus 72 expected, and revenue of $1.56 billion beating expectations of $1.5 billion. Institutional ownership remains somewhat wary of the stock, with 56.25% of its float currently held by institutions. The largest institutional holder of RIVN remains Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) with more than 158 million shares.

The EV-maker continues to work on its Georgia plant, which is slated to open in 2028. This past summer, Rivian announced a partnership with Google Maps on a new navigation system for its electric vehicles. Rivian will continue to offer its own customized navigation interface on the 15.6-inch center touchscreen, but the underlying data is now powered by the Automotive SDK from Google Maps instead of third-party alternatives.

The EV company IPO’ed in November 2021 and immediately made a splash with its stock price skyrocketing to $180 in just its first week of trading. The cash infusion was a much-needed lifeline for Rivian, with $3.7 billion in operating expenses in 2021 and only delivering 920 vehicles. The company also had backers in Amazon and Ford (NYSE:F), who held 260 million shares of Rivian collectively at IPO. But as the COVID-19 lockdown investing frenzy died out, it left an SUV-sized hole in Rivian’s stock price, with the stock currently trading more than 86% lower than its post-IPO and all-time high.

24/7 Wall St. aims to provide readers with our assumptions about the stock prospects going forward, what growth we see in Rivian for the next several years, and what our best estimates are for Rivian’s stock price each year through 2030.

Rivian vs. Tesla: The Early Years

The following is a table of Rivian’s revenues, operating income and share price for the first few years as a public company. Here’s a table summarizing performance in share price, revenues, and profits (net income) from 2014 to 2018.

Year	Share Price	Revenues	Net Income
2021	$50.24	$55.0 million	($4.22 billion)
2022	$19.30	$1.658.0 billion	($6.856 billion)
2023	$10.70	$4.434.0 billion	($5.739 billion)
2024	$13.25	$4.997.0 billion	($4.689 billion)

Now let’s take a look at Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) in the first few years it manufactured and sold the Model S (the official launch of the Model S was June 22, 2012).

Year	Share Price	Revenues	Net Income
2011	$2.24	$204.2 million	($2.45 million)
2012	$2.25	$413.3 million	($3.96 million)
2013	$16.87	$2.013 billion	($74 million)
2014	$13.81	$3.198 billion	($294 million)

While revenue growth for both firms after launching their first mass-market vehicles is similar, Tesla’s net income was much more favorable. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has always been a proponent of word-of-mouth marketing and a hawkish approach to minimizing product costs, allowing his company to stay afloat while moving to new lines of automobiles.

The biggest question facing Rivian investors today is, can they lower costs, and when will positive net income be realized?

Key Drivers of Rivian’s Stock Performance

1. EV Technology and Cost Curves: Rivian’s next generation (G2) R1 vehicles are designed for performance upgrades while at the same time reducing component costs. For example, the number of electronic components will be reduced by 60%, over 60 parts will be eliminated, the compact motor will be redesigned, and close to 2000 connections or welds will be removed. These changes alone are expected to drop materials costs by 20% and speed up the assembly line by 30%. Looking into the back half of 2026, Rivian sees a material cost reduction of 45% for the R2 line of vehicles. Rivian is also investing in enhanced advanced driver assistance systems with improved cameras, radar, and NVIDIA-powered computing power, creating highway assist and 360-degree visibility.

2. Electric Vehicle Demand and Incentives: Rivian is currently delivering around 13 thousand vehicles per quarter, which is above analyst estimates, and producing 9 thousand new G2 vehicles per quarter, which keeps it on pace to produce 57,000 units in 2024. The total plant capacity is 215,000 vehicles with expansion plans of 400,000 additional vehicles in Georgia.

3. Management’s Path to Profits: Rivian also expects profitability from the R1 platform through premium configurations and scale benefits. The company targets positive adjusted EBITDA by 2027, with long-term goals of 25% gross margin, high teens adjusted EBITDA margin, and 10% FCF margin.

- Material Cost Reduction: The introduction of the Gen 2 platform and commercial cost downs are expected to reduce material costs by ~20%.
- Fixed Cost Reduction: Improved labor and overhead costs, reduced depreciation, and lower LCNRV charges due to a 30% increase in production line rate and design changes.
- Increased Revenue From Credits: Strong demand for regulatory credits, with over $200 million contracted for FY24.

The post Rivian (NASDAQ: RIVN) Price Prediction and Forecast 2025-2030 for December 9 appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Wall Street Price Prediction: Tesla’s Share Price Forecast for 2025

Joel South — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:30:03 +0000

Key Points

Tesla deliverables are down year-over-year, and it continues facing headwinds in the U.S. and European markets.
As CEO Elon Musk’s feud with President Trump continues, the stock has seen heightened volatility.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

After soaring in 2023 and 2024, shares of Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) were battered throughout Q1 but performed marginally better in Q2. The largest U.S. EV-maker slid into Q3 but staged a comeback. Things have been looking better in Q4, but after a tech sell-off that began in late October, shares of TSLA were again sliding lower. But over the past five trading sessions, the stock is up 2.05% after gaining 6.87% the five prior. Tesla is out of the red on the year with a gain of 15.90% in 2025. However, since hitting its all-time high on Dec. 17, TSLA remains down more than 8%.

When the company reported Q3 earnings on Oct. 22, 2025, it announced quarterly revenue of $28.1 billion, up 12% year-over-year (YoY). However, earnings of 50 cents per share missed analysts’ estimates of 54 cents per share. Concerningly, quarterly net income fell 37% YoY to $1.37 billion.

After several quarters of weakening momentum, Tesla’s deliveries are seeing a positive break in trend, according to Canaccord. Further, the firm expects Tesla to announce new electric vehicle models soon, which should help its global sales momentum. The new models will help alleviate any post-Q3 “cliff” in the U.S. after EV tax credits go away, Canaccord believes.

Over the past decade, Tesla has suffered incredible losses that have shocked investors who had grown accustomed to the stock’s rapid appreciation over the past decade. The company’s meteoric rise has practically minted millionaires who jumped on the Musk bandwagon in the early goings. That’s certainly a move that’s come with some baggage and volatility along the way. But overall, it’s clear that Musk’s visionary status has rewarded shareholders since Tesla’s IPO on June 29, 2010.

24/7 Wall St. conducted analysis to provide more clarity. Let’s dive into whether Tesla’s troubles this year can be expected to continue, or if this is a top growth name that can rebound to new all-time highs and resume its march higher.

Key Drivers of Tesla’s Stock Performance

1. Core EV Business: Tesla’s most important business line is unsurprisingly the company’s auto business. With sales of the company’s EVs down on a year-over-year basis, and margins also declining from historically high levels following the onset of the pandemic, investors will continue to assess the company’s future prospects in proportion to how the company’s core revenue and earnings driver is performing.

2. Autonomous Driving (FSD), Robotics and More: Tesla’s value can be ascribed to what many long-term investors view as a call option on some other key growth categories CEO Elon Musk continues to work on. Aside from the company’s core electric vehicle offering, Tesla’s energy business, its FSD platform, humanoid robotics endeavors, AI verticals, and other growth categories make this stock unique in terms of the breadth and number of potential catalysts investors can look to for future growth. Of course, the extent to which these endeavors deliver boosted margins (or increased CapEx) remains to be seen.

3. Macro and Political Environment: Like it or not, Tesla CEO Elon Musk has cozied up to president Trump in a big way. This move is one that’s been broadly cheered by the overall market, at least out of the gate. Tesla stock soared following Donald Trump’s election victory, though Tesla has since given up its gains since this pivotal event, and has trended lower for seven straight weeks following the election. We’ll have to see if the Trump administration brings forward the sort of regulatory environment so many investors had hoped for in 2025 and in the years to come.

What Wall Street Thinks

Tesla’s stock price outlook for 2025 varies widely among analysts, reflecting uncertainties in production, market conditions, and EV advancements. Analyst price targets span a very wide range, with the most bearish analyst putting forward a $19.05 price target, and the most bullish suggesting this stock could head to $600 per share. Thus, there’s not really a true idea of where this stock is headed. And when investors think about the fact that many of these analyst projections are outdated, doing the math on where this stock could be headed over the course of the next year isn’t as easy as it seems.

It’s worth noting that analysts remain largely bullish on the stock, though. However, given how Tesla has fallen from its peak, even if the company can hit this target over the next year, it’ll still have a ways to go to make it to a new all-time high. The thing about Tesla and other high-growth stocks is that I find analysts are often chasing the returns these stocks provide. Thus, I think it’s best for most investors to steer clear of using analyst price targets as anything other than guardrails. Indeed, Tesla is one company I think is worth doing one’s own DCF analysis on and coming to one’s own price target.

However, institutional ownership of Tesla remains light. As of Dec. 8, 2025, just 48.11% of the company’s float is held by institutional owners, with 117 of them having entirely liquidated their positions over the past year.

Tesla’s 2025 Outlook

As we move through 2025, analyst opinions on where Tesla could be headed do vary. Overall, Tesla’s stock performance in 2025 is expected to be shaped by production output, market trends and advancements in EV and battery technology. Analysts project a 17.5% revenue increase to $117.2 billion, driven by growing demand and energy sector expansion. Tesla’s 2025 deliveries are forecasted at 1.95 million units by Barclays, below Bloomberg’s consensus of 2.08 million and Tesla’s earlier estimates.

Despite a 62.5% stock surge in 2024, an $80 billion market value drop raised concerns. Musk remains optimistic, expecting a 20% to 30% delivery increase, though management later emphasized a “return to growth.” Additionally, competition from Waymo and declining registrations in Germany, France and California present challenges. Tesla’s push into AI and autonomous driving, including plans for a Robotaxi launch, could be a game-changer, but the company recently saw its share of the EV market slip below 50% in California.

Tesla Stock 2025 Price Target

Wall Street analysts have assigned TSLA a median one-year price target of $383.54, representing potential downside of 12.74% from today’s price. Of the 34 analysts covering Tesla, the stock currently receives a consensus “Hold” rating, with 12 analysts rating it a “Buy,” 12 rating it a “Hold” and 10 rating it a “Sell.”

24/7 Wall St.‘s 12-month price target for Tesla is also bearish at $352.99, which represents potential downside of 19.69% from the current share price. Those figures are based on the company seeing projected revenue growth climb from $112.091 billion in 2025 to $297.430 billion in 2030, alongside normalized EPS growth of $2.85 in 2025 to $11.61 in 2030.

The Next Nvidia Could Change Your Life

The post Wall Street Price Prediction: Tesla’s Share Price Forecast for 2025 appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

The Area With the Most Police Killings in Every State

Sam Stebbins — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:02:36 +0000

Key Points

In certain situations, police officers are authorized to use deadly force, and since the beginning of 2020, more than 6,000 people in the U.S. have been killed by American law enforcement.
Police use of deadly violence — necessary or otherwise — is far more common in some parts of the country than in others.
Also: Discover the next Nvidia

Across the United States, fatal encounters with law enforcement vary dramatically from one community to another. These incidents are often based on several factors, like patterns tied to population density, crime rates, local policies, training standards, and historical tensions between police and residents. These tragic events are highly localized. Some counties see only rare police-caused deaths, while others experience them far more often (sometimes at rates that far exceed state or national averages). Looking at these numbers county by county reveals stark differences that can’t be seen from statewide summaries alone.

Identifying the county in each state where the most people are killed by police helps illustrate where these traumatic incidents cluster and provides a better look at the social, economic, and institutional factors that may contribute to them. These patterns don’t just tell us where the numbers are highest; they also uncover communities struggling with systemic challenges or major gaps in accountability. By examining these counties, we can better understand the complexities behind police use of force and why reforms are likely necessary.

Using data from Mapping Police Violence, a research collaborative that collects data on police killings, 24/7 Wall St. identified the county in each state with the most police killings. In each of the 50 states, we ranked counties and county equivalents on the total number of police killings between January 2020 through October 2024. In the case of a tie, the county with a smaller population, according to five-year estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau’s 2022 American Community Survey, is listed.

Among the counties on this list, the number of people killed by police in the last five years ranges from fewer than five to well over 150. These killings accounted for anywhere from about 7% of all killings statewide, to as many as as 80%.

Nationwide, about 20% of those killed by police since January 2020 displayed signs of mental illness, and nearly 17% of Americans killed at the hands of police were unarmed. From a demographic perspective, the vast majority of those killed by police — nearly 94% — were men. Additionally, about 41% of Americans killed by law enforcement were white, 24% were Black, 18% were Hispanic, and fewer than 2% were Asian or Native American. These demographic ratios can vary considerably at the state and local level, however.

It is important to note that, despite ranking on this list, in many of these counties, deadly police violence is relatively uncommon. Since January 1, 2020, there have been about 1.8 police killings per 100,000 people nationwide. In 11 of the 50 counties on this list, the number of police killings, adjusted for population, falls below this threshold. (Here is a look at the states with the most gun-related crime.)

This post was updated on December 9, 2025 to provide an overview of nationwide police-caused killings, as well as detail why it matters.

Why It Matters

The post The Area With the Most Police Killings in Every State appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) Price Prediction and Forecast 2025-2030 for December 9

Joel South — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 12:00:23 +0000

Key Points

NVIDIA’s track record of strong earnings suggests an ability to remain at the forefront of its industry, as competitors fight for the leftovers.
Between NVIDIA’s client list of Magnificent Seven companies and the burgeoning trend in AI, growth in both revenue and net income is projected to continue its steep climb.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Shares of NVIDIA Corp. (NASDAQ:NVDA) gained 2.08% over the past five trading sessions after gaining 0.27% the five prior. That has done little to help the stock recover from a correction that began after hitting its all-time high on Oct. 29. Since then, NVDA is down more than 10%. Still shares are up more than 34% on the year.

When the company reported Q3 earnings on Nov. 19, it beat on the top and bottom lines when it announced record revenue of $57.0 billion and diluted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.30, both of which exceeded analyst expectations. Data center revenue was the primary growth driver, reaching a record $51.2 billion, which marked a 66% year-over-year increase.

The last week of October, NVIDIA became the first publicly traded company to surpass a market cap of $5 trillion. In July, the AI chipmaker became the first publicly traded company to hit a $4 trillion market cap in early July. That achievement came just one month after surpassing both Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:AAPL) and Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:MSFT) in market cap as members of the $3 trillion market cap club.

In September, the company announced plans to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI. As a result, Evercore raised its price target on NVIDIA to $225 from $214 while keeping an “Outperform” rating, citing the OpenAI deal as the impetus, while Barclays raised its price target to $240 from $200, maintaining its “Overweight” rating.

Over the past few years, AI has consistently fueled the largest gains for the market. And NVIDIA has been played a central role in that growth. The company is the premier manufacturer of components critical to the surge in AI; namely, semiconductors, microchips, and graphics processing units (GPUs). As a result, the Santa Clara, Calif.-based company has seen its stock skyrocket in the recent past. Over the past five years, shares have gained more than 1,276.70%, and since going public in January 1999, NVIDIA’s stock is up a preposterous 456,275%.

Despite those mind-boggling gains, analysts still expect significant upside potential in the medium and long term. 24/7 Wall St. has performed analysis to provide prospective investors and current shareholders with an idea of where NVIDIA’s stock might be headed over the course of the next five years.

NVIDIA’s Recent Stock Success

Unless you have been living under a rock, chances are you have caught wind of the very well-documented and rather exponential surge in NVIDIA’s share price since 2022. But before 2022’s price-per-share explosion, it was steadily appreciating as it underwent a series of stock splits.a

Year	Share Price*	Revenue**	Net Income**
2014	$0.51	$4.130	$0.588
2015	$0.82	$4.681	$0.800
2016	$2.67	$5.010	$0.929
2017	$4.88	$6.910	$1.851
2018	$3.24	$9.714	$3.085
2019	$5.98	$11.716	$4.143
2020	$13.06	$10.918	$3.580
2021	$29.64	$16.675	$6.277
2022	$14.61	$26.914	$11.259
2023	$49.52	$26.974	$8.366
2024	$134.29	$60.974	$29.76

*Post-split adjusted basis
**Revenue and net income in $billions

Over the course of the last decade, NVIDIA’s revenue grew by more than 553% while its net income increased by just over 1,323%. The company experienced a slight contraction in revenue and net income in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it rebounded soundly the following year and has continued to steadily grow both metrics since. Meanwhile, shares were able to increase by 9,610% from 2014 to 2023.

As the AI lynchpin and Magnificent Seven mainstay looks forward to the second half of the decade, 24/7 Wall St. has identified three key drivers that are likely to impact its growth metrics and stock performance through 2030.

Key Drivers of NVIDIA’s Stock Performance

1. Stronghold on the GPU Industry: No one makes GPUs like Nvidia makes GPUs, and the industry demanding them is well aware of that. While semiconductor competitors like Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD) and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM) do command some attention in their respective corners of the market, simply comparing the three companies’ market caps demonstrates the discrepancies between NVIDIA and, well, every other company. While Advanced Micro Devices and Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing have respectable market caps of $194.67 billion and $861.41 billion, respectively, those are dwarfed by NVIDIA’s $3.34 trillion.

2. Demand From Unrivaled Tech Customers: The company’s primary clientele are the other members of the Magnificent Seven, which are leading the way forward in the AI revolution. In fact, only four Big Tech rival companies — Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOGL), Amazon.com Inc. (NASDAQ:AMZN), Meta Platforms Inc. (NASDAQ:META), and Microsoft — account for 40% of NVIDIA’s revenue as they vie with one another to become the front runner of the transition to generative AI.

3. The AI Trend Is Just Getting Started: According to Grand View Research, AI’s market size was $196.63 billion in 2023. But as large as that seems, it pales in comparison to where it is headed. From 2024 to 2030, the AI market is expected to grow at an astounding compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 36.6%, with “continuous research and innovation directed by tech giants that are driving adoption of advanced technologies in industry verticals, such as automotive, healthcare, retail, finance, and manufacturing,” according to Grand View Research’s report.

NVIDIA (NVDA) Price Prediction in 2025

The current consensus median one-year price target for NVIDIA, according to Wall Street analysts, is $257.66, which represents 38.90% potential upside over the next 12 months based on today’s share price. Of the 41 analysts covering NVIDIA, the stock receives a consensus “Strong Buy” rating, with 39 analysts rating the stock a “Buy,” one rating it a “Hold” and one rating it a “Sell.”

24/7 Wall St.‘s forecast for NVIDIA is $233.16, or potential upside of 25.69% based on a projected EPS of $2.75 and a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 50.

NVIDIA (NVDA) Stock Forecast Through 2030

Year	Revenue*	Net Income*	EPS
2025	$121.255	$68.392	$2.75
2026	$168.151	$95.246	$3.83
2027	$193.852	$108.182	$4.44
2028	$225.462	$130.155	$5.28
2029	$236.498	$152.001	$6.16
2030	$265.522	$175.412	$7.24

*Revenue and net income in $billions

NVIDIA Stock Price Target 2025–2030

By the conclusion of 2030, 24/7 Wall St. estimates that NVIDIA’s stock will be trading for $318.42, good for a 71.65% increase over today’s share price, based on an EPS of $7.24 and a P/E ratio of 50. Our high-end price target is $506.80 based on an EPS of $7.24 and a P/E ratio of 70. Meanwhile, our low-end price target is $217.20 based on an EPS of $7.24 and a P/E ratio of 30.

Year	Price Target	%Change From Current Price
2025	$233.16	25.69%
2026	$300.14	61.80%
2027	$264.62	42.65%
2028	$304.32	64.05%
2029	$294.28	58.64%
2030	$318.42	71.65%

If You’ve Been Thinking About Retirement, Pay Attention (sponsor)

Answer a Few Simple Questions.
Get Matched with Vetted Advisors
Choose Your Fit

Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of. Get started today! (sponsor)

The post NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) Price Prediction and Forecast 2025-2030 for December 9 appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Opendoor Turned $1,000 Into $705 While the S&P 500 Nearly Doubled

William Temple — Tue, 09 Dec 2025 09:21:57 +0000

Quick Read

Opendoor lost over $1B annually after 2022 rate hikes left it holding billions in depreciating inventory.
Q3 2025 revenue dropped 33.5% to $915M with a $90M net loss as new CEO pivots from iBuying to software.
CEO bought $1M in stock at $8.04 and a director deployed $5M at $6.65 despite analyst targets 58% lower.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Opendoor Technologies (NASDAQ: OPEN) went public via SPAC merger in December 2020 with a bold vision: use technology to eliminate friction from home buying and selling. The iBuyer model promised homeowners instant cash sales while buyers browsed algorithmically priced homes online. Investors initially loved it.

The pandemic housing boom was rocket fuel. Low rates and remote work sent home prices soaring, and Opendoor’s tech-forward approach seemed perfectly timed. But the model had a fatal flaw: buying massive inventory with borrowed money, then reselling quickly at a profit. When interest rates spiked in 2022 and the housing market froze, Opendoor got caught holding billions in depreciating assets. Losses ballooned to over $1 billion annually.

In October 2025, new CEO Kaz Nejatian immediately pivoted strategy. Out with pure iBuying, in with software and AI tools. The goal: become a technology platform helping others transact real estate, not just a principal buyer. Revenue in Q3 2025 dropped 33.5% year over year to $915 million, with a net loss of $90 million that quarter.

From $1,000 to What?

Because Opendoor only went public in late 2020, we can’t calculate 10-year returns. Here’s what your $1,000 would look like at different entry points:

1-Year Return (Dec 2024 to Dec 2025)

Initial Investment: $1,000
Estimated Entry Price: ~$6.50
Current Value (at $7.05): ~$1,085
Total Return: +8.5%
S&P 500 (same period): ~$1,250 (+25%)

5-Year Return (Dec 2020 IPO to Dec 2025)

Initial Investment: $1,000
Estimated IPO Price (adjusted): ~$10.00
Current Value (at $7.05): ~$705
Total Return: -29.5%
Annualized Return: -6.7%
S&P 500 (same period): ~$1,900 (+90%)

Early investors who bought at IPO have lost nearly 30%, while the S&P 500 nearly doubled. Even recent buyers have underperformed dramatically. The stock hit $10.87 in its 52-week high before collapsing to $0.51, a 95% drawdown.

Rising rates killed the iBuyer model’s economics. Opendoor’s beta of 3.59 means it’s nearly four times more volatile than the market, and that volatility has mostly pointed down. The company has never turned a profit, burning through over $1 billion in cumulative losses.

Key Considerations for Investors

The company’s strategic pivot presents both opportunities and risks. Opendoor has $962 million in cash but also $966 million in debt, targeting breakeven by late 2026. The new platform model could transform margins if successfully scaled. Analysts have set a consensus target of $2.99, 58% below current levels. However, insider activity shows confidence: CEO Nejatian purchased $1 million worth at $8.04 in November, and Director Eric Wu deployed $5 million at $6.65 in September.

Challenges remain significant. Revenue fell 33% year over year, and the company has missed earnings expectations in recent quarters. The stock’s beta of 3.59 indicates extreme volatility, nearly four times the market average. The housing market remains challenged, and inventory levels are low, limiting near-term growth potential.

If You’ve Been Thinking About Retirement, Pay Attention (sponsor)

Answer a Few Simple Questions.
Get Matched with Vetted Advisors
Choose Your Fit

Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of. Get started today! (sponsor)

The post Opendoor Turned $1,000 Into $705 While the S&P 500 Nearly Doubled appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Is Alphabet a Better AI Stock Than Nvidia?

Marc Guberti — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 23:25:29 +0000

Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOG) and Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) have been two of the best growth stocks to own this year. Both stocks have outperformed the S&P 500 over several years and have multiple AI catalysts that can lead to more gains. However, Alphabet has delivered higher returns than Nvidia over the past year, and that trend is likely to continue. Google’s parent company looks like the better AI stock, and there are a few reasons why.

Quick Read

Alphabet generates its own AI chips and Meta Platforms is considering a multibillion dollar order for them.
Tech companies are making deals with other AI chipmakers to reduce their reliance on Nvidia, which can create pricing pressure.
Alphabet has several multibillion dollar businesses that all stand to benefit from AI.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Alphabet Can Take Over The Entire AI Ecosystem

Nvidia’s claim to fame is superior AI chips that big tech companies like Alphabet use for their applications and products. As AI spending continues to go parabolic, Nvidia’s chips should continue to generate strong sales. While Nvidia’s exposure to AI is mostly tied to chips, along with the CUDA software that powers those chips, Alphabet can cover more ground.

The tech giant is already using AI to enhance Google and YouTube, which has resulted in rising revenue and profits. Alphabet also continues to turn Gemini into a top AI model so it can keep competitors ChatGPT and Grok at a distance. However, it’s not just search. Google Cloud offers AI features and acts as the digital infrastructure for many AI tools.

In the long run, Alphabet’s Waymo can lead the autonomous vehicle industry, and it can also develop software that powers humanoid robots. Nvidia supplies chips, but Alphabet can do so much with the chips that it receives. Google’s parent company even produces its own AI chips, and Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) is considering a multibillion dollar order for some of Alphabet’s chips.

Nvidia May Face Pricing Pressure In The Future

It may still take multiple years for AI chipmakers to reach Nvidia’s current levels, but the firm is still facing more competition. For instance, OpenAI made an AI chip deal with Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:AMD), and a Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO) deal came right after. Nvidia’s revenue and profits are still surging, but as AI chipmakers gain momentum, it can limit Nvidia’s future AI chip price hikes.

Alphabet has faced competition from AWS and Azure for years, so that’s nothing new. Nvidia has also faced competition for a while, but its AI chip dominance has been largely undisturbed. It’s also important to remember that Alphabet is one of Nvidia’s top customers, and the company may opt to lean more heavily into its AI chips in the future. Alphabet can make a similar move as Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) when it stopped using Qualcomm’s (NASDAQ:QCOM) chips in its iPhones.

If Alphabet and any other tech companies follow that pattern and use their custom AI chips in the future, it can reduce Nvidia’s future growth rates. However, it’s unlikely that Nvidia faces this problem in 2026.

Alphabet Has Multiple High-Growth Multibillion Dollar Businesses

Google search, YouTube, and Google Cloud are all multibillion dollar businesses that continue to grow rapidly. Google Cloud, in particular, reported 34% year-over-year revenue growth in Q3 and made up roughly 15% of total sales. As Google Cloud expands, it will have a greater influence on future earnings, which should benefit investors.

Alphabet’s AI chips are on the verge of becoming a multibillion dollar business, and Waymo will likely reach that milestone as self-driving vehicles become more established. It’s hard for any business to compete with Alphabet’s influence, even Nvidia.

Google’s parent company has a real shot at becoming the world’s most valuable publicly traded corporation in 2026. It has already passed Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) in market cap and should have no issue getting ahead of Apple on its way to Nvidia’s crown.

Want Up To $1,000? SoFi Is Giving New Active Invest Users up to $1k in Stock

The post Is Alphabet a Better AI Stock Than Nvidia? appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

3 Ways to Supplement the Average Monthly $2,008 Social Security Benefit

Christy Bieber — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 20:00:24 +0000

Quick Read

The average Social Security benefit of $2,008 per month translates to $24,096 annually.
Retirees need to supplement their Social Security benefits to have enough to live on.
Multiple options exist to supplement Social Security and there are pros and cons to each.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

The average Social Security benefit is just $2,008 as of August 2025. This is not an impressive amount of money for retirees. A monthly benefit of $2,008 would provide an annual income of $24,096, while the federal poverty level for a single person is $15,650 in 2025. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also reports a median weekly income of $1,043 per worker in the U.S., so collecting just $2,008 per month would be a major pay cut for many people after retirement.

While it may seem like a glitch that these benefits are so low, it’s not. The reality is that you should not expect to get all of your income, or even most of it, from Social Security in your senior years. Benefits are supposed to be part of a three-legged stool, including a pension and savings. The problem is, the other two legs are wobbly. Many people don’t have a lot of savings, and private sector workers don’t usually have pensions.

So, what can you do to make sure you have enough money in your later years? Here are three ways to supplement your Social Security benefits.

1. Draw from retirement accounts

One option that you have available to you to help fund your retirement is to take money out of retirement accounts such as a 401(k) or IRA. The upside of this option is that you get tax breaks to help you make investments in these accounts. If you have a workplace 401(k), you may also get employer matching contributions.

401(k) and IRA accounts can also provide some flexibility, as you may be able to choose between traditional accounts that come with upfront tax breaks and Roth accounts that defer tax savings to retirement. And, while a 401(k) usually only lets you choose from around a dozen or so funds, an IRA allows you to invest in almost anything you want.

Unfortunately, there are downsides to this option. You need to contribute to these accounts to build a big enough nest egg to generate enough income. Usually, you’ll need around 25 times the amount of income you want the account to produce, so if you want $40K in income, you’d need a $1 million balance. Plus, you need to know how to invest, and there’s a risk of the money running out too soon if you don’t follow a safe withdrawal rate.

You’ll need to think about the pros and cons when deciding if this approach is the best way to supplement benefits.

2. Work while collecting benefits

Working while collecting Social Security is another option to supplement benefits, and it’s the choice of many seniors, either by necessity or by desire. Some people want to keep working at least a little instead of pursuing a traditional retirement path, often because they like their job and find meaning in it. For others, working to supplement Social Security is a necessity because they don’t have enough money in their retirement plans and don’t have other options.

The pros of this approach are that you can stay active and engaged within your community, and there is theoretically no limit to how much you can earn. The downsides are that continuing to work isn’t always possible due to health reasons or a lack of jobs. Plus, if you haven’t reached your Social Security full retirement age, there are limits to how much you can earn without temporarily forfeiting part of your benefits. You’ll need to take that into account when deciding if working is feasible or is the right approach.

3. Purchase an annuity

Finally, you can buy an annuity and use that to supplement your Social Security. Annuities have some big benefits, including the fact that you can find options that provide guaranteed income for a set time period, including for the rest of your life. This can make them a predictable solution, which is ideal for risk-averse seniors.

Annuities also don’t have typical contribution limits like 401(k) or IRA accounts; they are highly customizable with riders, and they can provide a steady and predictable monthly stream of income. There is also a lot of flexibility in terms of different annuities and the type you buy. The ability to generate fixed income gives annuities a huge advantage over working and over investment distributions, as neither paychecks nor investment funds are necessarily going to be stable or guaranteed to last.

There are downsides, too, of course, including the potential for high fees as well as the fact that annuities are complex financial products, so you’ll need to research to find the right one. Still, if you want the certainty of knowing you have another reliable income source without surprises, an annuity could be the way to go.

Ultimately, you may decide that some combination of these options is best to supplement your Social Security, and that can be a great solution as you get the best of all worlds and build a truly secure future for your later years.

Guaranteed Income With As Little as $1,000

The post 3 Ways to Supplement the Average Monthly $2,008 Social Security Benefit appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Ripple’s Singapore Expansion: How MAS Approval Could Drive XRP to $4 by Q2 2026

Sam Daodu — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 19:38:58 +0000

Quick Read

Singapore’s MAS approved Ripple’s expanded payment license on December 1 for cross-border services using XRP and RLUSD stablecoin.
On-chain activity in Asia Pacific jumped roughly 70% year-over-year with Singapore at the center.
XRP whale holdings has reached a 7-year high despite the early December price pullback.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Ripple’s expansion into Singapore took a major step forward on December 1 when the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) approved an expanded payments license for the network’s local subsidiary. This regulatory milestone strengthens Ripple’s footprint in Asia and opens new pathways for XRP’s (CRYPTO: XRP) price growth.

Institutional interest is climbing across Southeast Asia, where on-chain activity jumped roughly 70% year-over-year. Ripple’s clearer regulatory backing plus expanding payment utility could create the conditions for XRP’s next rally. Analysts see Ripple’s Singapore base as a launchpad that could drive XRP toward $4 by Q2 2026.

Ripple Secures Expanded Singapore License on December 1

MAS expanded Ripple’s Major Payment Institution (MPI) license on December 1, 2025, allowing Ripple Markets APAC Pte. Ltd. to offer a broader range of regulated digital payment services. Ripple can now provide end-to-end cross-border payment solutions using XRP and its RLUSD stablecoin under Singapore’s regulatory framework.

Ripple President Monica Long praised Singapore’s “forward-thinking approach,” noting that “innovation thrives when rules are clear.” The expanded license lets Ripple invest more in Singapore and build infrastructure for efficient cross-border money movement.

Singapore has been Ripple’s APAC headquarters since 2017. MAS’s clarity on digital asset regulation gives Ripple a foundation to scale services. On-chain activity in Asia Pacific climbed roughly 70% year-over-year, with Singapore at the center. This regulatory win positions Ripple to support banks and fintechs driving crypto adoption in Southeast Asia.

Four Ways MAS Approval Could Drive XRP to $4 by Q2 2026

MAS approval creates specific pathways for XRP to reach $4 by Q2 2026. Here’s how Singapore’s regulatory clarity translates into price growth.

Regulatory Clarity Enhances XRP’s Legitimacy

MAS’s approval removes regulatory barriers and creates a stable foundation for XRP growth. “MAS has set a leading standard for regulatory clarity in digital assets,” Long said.

Firms can now integrate XRP into payment flows with clear guidance. XRP moved out of the regulatory gray area in Singapore, making institutional players more comfortable holding and transacting in the token. That increased comfort drives buying pressure over time, attracting the investor and corporate interest needed to push XRP’s price toward $4 by mid-2026.

Institutional Adoption Accelerates Under MAS

The expanded MPI license lets Ripple serve banks, fintechs, and payment providers across Singapore and the region with blockchain-based solutions. Ripple can now support institutional settlement channels and digital token payments under MAS supervision.

Ripple handles the technical and compliance work of crypto-powered payments for clients. Financial institutions can use Ripple’s infrastructure (including XRP) without building their own systems or navigating regulatory requirements themselves. This lowers the barrier for institutional adoption of XRP services.

Regional banks and remittance firms can now integrate On-Demand Liquidity (ODL) or XRP-based settlement into their networks with MAS compliance backing. Each new use case—whether a bank using XRP for treasury flows or a payment fintech using it for instant remittances—boosts network volume and market valuation. By Q2 2026, wider institutional usage under Singapore’s regulatory framework could drive XRP’s price toward $4.

Cross-Border Payment Expansion in Southeast Asia

Ripple’s core business is fast, low-cost cross-border payments. MAS’s approval accelerates expansion of these services in a region with massive payment corridors. Southeast Asia handles billions in remittances and trade flows annually, and Singapore sits at the center as a financial hub.

The license lets Ripple deploy Ripple Payments: a network that combines XRP and RLUSD to settle transactions in minutes. By cutting out slow correspondent banking, Ripple’s solution attracts institutions that need to move money efficiently. The MAS-regulated status means these settlement channels can scale for high-volume use.

A Singapore bank could use XRP as a bridge asset to send SGD and convert to PHP or THB in seconds, far quicker than SWIFT and at a fraction of the cost. In a region with millions of migrant workers sending money home and exploding e-commerce, that speed matters. On-Demand Liquidity already worked in corridors like Japan-Philippines. Now more corridors can open under Singapore’s regulatory watch.

If Ripple captures even a small percentage of Southeast Asia’s remittance volume and B2B payments—part of trillions in annual cross-border flows— the demand of XRP for liquidity could jump substantially.

Market Sentiment and Investor Inflows Strengthen

Regulatory wins often trigger positive market sentiment. Ripple’s Singapore approval signals to retail and institutional investors that XRP is gaining mainstream traction.

On-chain data around the December 1 announcement showed large XRP holders—whales—increasing activity. Even as XRP’s price pulled back in early December, XRP whales holdings hit a 7 year high. Deep exchange outflows showed tokens moving into long-term storage rather than trading accounts as investors keep holding for future gains.

The expanded license likely boosted this sentiment. The approval came alongside Ripple securing permissions in other regions, including the UAE for its RLUSD stablecoin.

Fresh capital from Asia-focused crypto funds or global investors seeking regulated assets could flow into XRP. Past U.S. and European regulatory wins showed that when uncertainty clears, XRP’s price unlocks. Now Asia’s crypto-friendly markets are opening for Ripple’s services, setting up a potential adoption wave.

Can MAS Approval Propel XRP to $4?

If Ripple uses its Singapore base to drive transaction volume and investor sentiment stays positive, XRP could reach $4 by Q2 2026. Ripple’s expansion is underway and is accelerating at an enormous pace. As more investors recognize XRP’s prospects, the token has a clear path to new highs in 2026, delivering on the optimism sparked by the MAS approval.

Want Up To $1,000? SoFi Is Giving New Active Invest Users up to $1k in Stock

The post Ripple’s Singapore Expansion: How MAS Approval Could Drive XRP to $4 by Q2 2026 appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

3 High Yield Dividend ETFs For Long Term Investors

Vandita Jadeja — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 19:04:49 +0000

If you’re looking to build a portfolio that generates steady income for you throughout 2026, you need to look beyond dividend stocks. While they can generate passive income, they also carry risks. On the other hand, exchange-traded funds (ETFs) offer a low-risk way of generating passive income. While the goal isn’t making big money, it is about having a predictable source of income that doesn’t disappoint during market ups and downs. Schwab US Dividend Equity ETF (NYSEARCA:SCHD), JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (NYSEARCA:JEPI) and Global X SuperDividend ETF (NYSEARCA:SDIV) are three ETFs ideal for long-term investors. They stand out because of their high yield and quality companies. Through these ETFs, you get to own some of the biggest U.S. companies at low cost and low volatility.

Quick Read

SCHD tracks 100 dividend stocks with a 3.79% yield and 0.06% expense ratio.
JEPI uses covered calls to generate an 8.21% yield with monthly dividends.
SDIV invests globally in high-yield stocks with 8% yield and exposure across emerging markets.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF

One of the best and most obvious high-yield dividend ETFs is the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF. When it comes to high-yield ETFs, Schwab doesn’t disappoint. It has a yield of 3.79%, which attracts investors of all kinds. The fund has an expense ratio of 0.06% and invests in 100 stocks.

The ETF excludes real estate investment trusts and builds a composite score for all the stocks being considered. It tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index and screens stocks on the basis of profitability, dividend payment consistency, and strong balance sheets. SCHD doesn’t just chase the highest yield in the market, but it offers exposure to various sectors in the country.

The fund has the highest allocation in the energy sector (19.34%), followed by consumer staples (18.50%) and healthcare (16.10%). To maintain the high yield, it invests in companies that have a strong history of dividend payments. These include Merck and Company, Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Chevron Corporation, and Verizon Communications.

Exchanging hands for $27.71, SCHD is one of the cheapest ETFs available in the market today. The fund is updated annually and offers an ideal mix of income and growth stocks.

JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF

Another ETF known for a high yield is the JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF. It looks appealing to investors for a yield as high as 8.21%, which makes it one of the top ETFs for passive income investors. JEPI sets itself apart by a unique investment strategy.

It follows a two-step method. First, the fund manager identifies top quality stocks to hold, and second, it uses covered calls to generate a premium, which helps maintain the high yield. What makes it even more attractive is the monthly dividend. You get a check each month, and the ETF has a dividend growth of 10.31%.

It owns large-cap stocks and invests 16% in the technology sector, 12.3% in healthcare, and 11.6% in industrials. The ETF holds 123 stocks and has a strong mix of income and growth stocks. Its covered call option allows it to maintain stability during market pullbacks and ensure steady income. JEPI’s top 10 holdings include Alphabet Inc., AbbVie, Johnson & Johnson, Amazon, Apple, Nvidia, and Microsoft.

JEPI has generated a cumulative 5-year return of 60.32% and is exchanging hands for $57.43. It pays an annual dividend of $4.29 and is one of the rare ETFs that pay monthly dividends.

Global X SuperDividend ETF

The Global X SuperDividend ETF is an investment option that gives you global exposure. The fund invests in equities around the globe and owns 100 of the highest-paying dividend stocks in the world. It has a yield of 8% and has made monthly distributions for 14 years.

SDIV doesn’t limit itself to large-cap stocks and owns several small- and mid-cap stocks that have high yield. It has the highest allocation to stocks in the United States (26.3%), followed by Brazil (15.4%) and Hong Kong (12%). Sector-wise, it allocates 28.6% to financials, 21.6% to the energy sector and 13.2% to real estate.

The fund offers ultimate geographic diversification and spreads risk across different economies, sectors, and companies. SDIV has gained 15.83% in 2025 and is exchanging hands for $24. It makes monthly dividend payments, and its annual payout is $2.12.

The ETF has an expense ratio of 0.58%, which means you only pay $58 for an investment of $10,000. Some of its holdings are smaller companies in the emerging market that carry risk. But if you can handle a little volatility for a high yield, SDIV will not disappoint. With interest rate cuts happening, SDIV could deliver a good upside for investors.

Released: The Ultimate Guide To Retirement Income (sponsor)

The post 3 High Yield Dividend ETFs For Long Term Investors appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Earning 200,000 Dollars Annually From a Trust Fund. Can I Retire at 50?

247staff — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 19:00:08 +0000

Most people expect to retire in their 60s or 70s, but Fat FIRE enthusiasts aim to leave the workforce much earlier while still maintaining a comfortable lifestyle. One Redditor in the Fat FIRE subreddit appears to be on a strong path toward that goal thanks to a trust fund that is projected to generate about 200,000 dollars per year.

The trust fund is only part of the picture. He currently earns 500,000 dollars annually, and his wife brings in another 160,000 dollars. They are both in their late 30s and expecting a child, and together they are wondering whether retiring by age 50 is within reach.

Beyond the trust fund, he has built up 2.3 million dollars in taxable investments, 250,000 dollars in a 401(k), and 100,000 dollars in cash. Their home carries 800,000 dollars in equity, with 1.7 million dollars remaining on the mortgage in a very high-cost-of-living area.

So is retiring at 50 realistic for this couple? I will walk through the considerations, though it is always wise to consult a financial advisor for personalized guidance.

Key Points

The couple will receive $500K annually from a second $10M trust in four years.
Their current $300K yearly spending is covered by existing trust income and $2.3M in taxable investments.
Relocation to a lower cost area and $800K home equity further strengthen their path to retire by 50.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

The Trusts

The Redditor currently receives a 5 percent annual draw from a 6 million dollar trust. In about four years, a second trust worth 10 million dollars will become available, also offering 5 percent withdrawals each year. Eventually, once a relative passes away, he will inherit access to a third trust valued at 20 million dollars.

Retirement already appears financially realistic once the second trust opens up in the next few years. Both trusts have the potential to grow over time, further increasing the amount available for withdrawal. A 5 percent annual draw from the 10 million dollar trust alone provides 500,000 dollars per year. The Redditor also noted that the current trust provides about 200,000 dollars in tax-free distributions, which brings the total to roughly 700,000 dollars per year.

The couple currently spends around 300,000 dollars a year in their very high cost-of-living area, so the trusts alone would more than cover all expenses. On top of that, they have high salaries and 2.3 million dollars in taxable investments that are immediately accessible. Using a conservative 3 percent withdrawal rate on that portfolio would yield another 69,000 dollars per year.

Combined, these sources make early retirement at 50 well within reach.

Moving to a More Affordable Area

The couple also plans to move to a more affordable area later in life. By the time they relocate, they expect their net worth to be in the five to six million dollar range. Lifestyle creep could play a role, but shifting to a medium cost-of-living area would still lower their expenses significantly.

They also appear focused on preserving their wealth rather than spending freely. If they choose, they could even purchase their next home in cash, since the equity in their very high cost-of-living property is likely to keep rising over time. Overall, they seem well positioned to maintain their financial security long into the future.

The Motivation for Retiring

The couple appears to be well-positioned to retire within the next few years, and almost certainly by the time they reach their 50s. Still, it is important to think about the motivation behind retiring early. Many people step away from work only to find themselves bored or restless, and some end up returning to corporate life within a year or two.

In this case, both partners are feeling genuine burnout. The husband says some days are enjoyable and others are not, while the wife also works long hours. Their main goal is to push through the next four years until the second trust becomes available.

Once that happens, money will not be the issue. They will have higher expenses after having children, but they also plan to relocate to a medium cost-of-living area and seem disciplined about managing their finances.

If they want to stay active, part-time or remote work could be a good option, but it is by no means necessary. Their investments should continue to grow, and they will eventually gain access to the final 20 million dollar trust.

Overall, the Redditor is in an excellent financial position and appears to be handling his wealth in a thoughtful and strategic way.

Released: The Ultimate Guide To Retirement Income (sponsor)

The post Earning 200,000 Dollars Annually From a Trust Fund. Can I Retire at 50? appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Man With $8.5 Million Net Worth Faces Family Opposition to Early Retirement at Age 40

247staff — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:15:32 +0000

Key Points

The couple has an $8.5M net worth that can support retirement. Financial constraints are not the issue.
The spouse and in-laws view early retirement as morally wrong due to religious beliefs about work.
The spouse earns $250K to $300K annually but also feels burned out in her current role.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

A Redditor has built an impressive 8.5 million dollar net worth by age 40. He owns a 4 million dollar primary home with a 500,000 dollar mortgage, plus a rental property. After years of hard work, he feels burned out and hopes to retire once his net worth reaches 10 million dollars. Based on his income, he expects to earn another 1.5 to 2 million dollars over the next two years, making early retirement financially realistic.

The problem is that his spouse and in-laws believe retiring this early is morally wrong. Their views appear to be shaped by religious teachings. In the Christian New Testament, 2 Thessalonians 3:10 to 12 includes the well-known line, “The one who is unwilling to work shall not eat.” In Sikhism, the principle of Kirat Karo encourages followers to work honestly and diligently and avoid wasting their lives through idleness.

Their views may also be influenced by the father-in-law’s personal story. He started with nothing and went on to build a 20-million-dollar business. The spouse hopes to get involved in that business, but the Redditor has no interest in joining.

He shared the full situation in this Reddit post. I can offer some reflections here, but it is always wise to speak with a financial advisor for personalized guidance.

This post was updated on December 08, 2025 to include the various religious texts which support the lack of work as immoral.

Money Doesn’t Seem to Be the Issue

We do not have every detail from the Reddit post, but it is fairly obvious that money is not the problem here. With an 8.5 million dollar net worth, a simple 4 percent withdrawal rate would generate about 340,000 dollars a year before taxes. The spouse raised concerns about a possible market crash, but even a severe 50 percent downturn would still leave a 4.25 million dollar portfolio. And of course, the portfolio also has the potential to keep growing over time.

The spouse herself earns a high income, around 250,000 to 300,000 dollars per year, yet she also feels burned out in her current job. Her long-term goal is to transition into the family business, and it may be that she does not have siblings. If she is the only child, she could be the sole person expected to take over once her parents eventually step back.

In theory, the couple could move to a lower cost-of-living area and stretch their money even further. In practice, that seems unlikely. The family business appears to be tied to a specific location, and the spouse is not expected to move far from her parents. That makes relocation, and the financial flexibility that comes with it, an unrealistic option for them.

The Couple Can Work at Jobs with More Flexibility

A good compromise can be the couple working more flexible jobs instead of opting for careers that overwork them. They have the financial flexibility to make that type of decision, and it wouldn’t represent a complete exit from the workforce.

Part-time or remote work can be viable solutions. This route will likely result in a lower income, but this path can reduce stress and still give the couple things to do. The couple may want to consider joining local groups in their area based on their hobbies. Doing that can help them gauge what life can be like if they don’t work as often.

Plan Out What Life Could Look Like

The Redditor knows he can FIRE, but the spouse doesn’t want them to stop working. It’s possible that she’s thinking about what they can lose from walking away from their jobs without thinking about what they can gain.

Retirement makes it easier for the couple to go on vacations, spend more time with loved ones, and enjoy a slower pace of life. It sounds like they are both burned out and need better schedules. One Redditor commented on the post and recommended that the couple read the book Die With Zero. The book is a fan favorite among the Chubby FIRE and Fat FIRE subreddit groups.

Ask your wife what she would want to do more of if work wasn’t an obstacle, and help her envision a dream life outside of long hours. Even with this exercise, you don’t have to retire right away. While the couple could retire right away, opting for more flexible jobs can be the best of both worlds. Everyone’s still working, which will keep the spouse and her parents happy, while a better work-life balance can make the husband feel happier as well.

Released: The Ultimate Guide To Retirement Income (sponsor)

The post Man With $8.5 Million Net Worth Faces Family Opposition to Early Retirement at Age 40 appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

3 High-Yield ETFs to Buy Today and Never Sell

Maurie Backman — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:14:49 +0000

Quick Read

VYM and SCHD both offer low expense ratios and track companies with strong dividend payment histories.
JEPI generates extra income by selling options on stocks it owns but carries a higher expense ratio.
JEPI may underperform in strong markets but tends to yield better returns in flat or average markets.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

The nice thing about investing in ETFs, or exchange-traded funds, is that they make the process of building and maintaining a portfolio pretty simple.

It’s important to maintain a diverse portfolio to protect yourself from broad market downturns, as well as sector-specific meltdowns. If you put 80% of your assets into tech stocks, for example, and that sector crashes, you could be looking at serious losses.

ETFs make it easy to diversify because these funds are inherently diverse within themselves. But not all ETFs adopt the same strategy.

Some ETFs have the goal of rewarding investors with steady income over time. If the idea of that sounds good to you, here are three high-yield ETFs you may want to buy today and hang onto indefinitely.

1. The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM)

Vanguard has long been hailed as a pioneer in the ETF space, and its Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) tends to be a favorite among everyday investors. But if you’re looking for more income in your portfolio, there’s another Vanguard ETF you may want to buy — the Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF (VYM).

The Vanguard High Dividend Yield ETF tracks companies that have a long history of not just paying dividends, but growing their dividends. Another nice thing about VYM is that it’s not heavily concentrated in any particular market sector, allowing it to check off the diversification box.

Plus, Vanguard is known for its low-cost ETFs, and VYM is no exception. A low expense ratio means you get to keep more of your money and lose less to fees.

2. The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD)

If you’re looking for steady income in your portfolio, another ETF worth exploring is the Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD). What SCHD does is track the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, which consists of quality companies with at least 10 years of consistent dividend payments.

Not only do the companies SCHD invests in have a strong dividend-paying history, but they’re screened for financial growth. This means they’re more likely to raise their dividends than cut them going forward.

Like VYM, SCHD has a very low expense ratio. You won’t have to worry about costly fees eating into your returns.

3. The JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPI)

The JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPI) is a good option for investors who want steady portfolio income and are willing to take on a bit more risk to get it. What sets JEPI apart from the funds above is that it sells options on the stocks it already owns to generate extra income, which it then distributions to its investors.

JEPI consists of large-cap U.S. stocks, which means you’re investing in established businesses. Of course, one general drawback of investing in funds with a strategy like JEPI’s is that your upside may be limited during a strong market. On the other hand, funds like JEPI tend to yield better returns in an average or flat market.

One final thing to consider, though, is that JEPI has a considerably larger expense ratio than VYM and SCHD. The reason is that it’s a more actively managed fund than the other two. But you may find that the upside JEPI offers is worth the slightly higher cost.

Released: The Ultimate Guide To Retirement Income (sponsor)

The post 3 High-Yield ETFs to Buy Today and Never Sell appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Why 2026 Could Be the Breakout Year for Dividend Growth Investors

David Beren — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:10:37 +0000

Dividend growth investing has always had an appeal to people who are looking to boost their income, find stability in another unstable market, and build long-term wealth. However, 2026 is shaping up to be something of a turning point as a breakout year for this growing investment philosophy.

Quick Read

Procter & Gamble (PG) has raised dividends for 69 consecutive years with a current 2.91% yield.
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) maintains a 63-year dividend growth streak and yields 2.58%.
PepsiCo (PEP) offers a 3.93% yield, with 53 years of consecutive dividend increases.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Between market conditions, earnings trends, and a shift in investor sentiment, 2026 is setting up to be an environment where companies that raise their dividends annually will take a step back into the limelight. After years of the market being tech-driven and aggressive rate moves from the Federal Reserve, dividend growth is arguably going to move into a stronger position for everyday investors, retirees, etc., who are looking to have a stronger market position in the next year.

Why Dividend Growth Is Gaining Momentum

If you take a step back and look at things from a 10,000-foot view, several forces are looking to combine to strengthen the 2026 outlook for dividend growth investors. Companies that have spent the last 36 months rebuilding balance sheets, improving cash flow, and increasing payout capacity in a post-pandemic world.

The result is that corporate debt costs are lowering as interest rates come down, which frees up room for higher dividends. The result is that many investors are looking to find sources of income from the market that don’t rely on timing when to get in and out. As a result, rising dividends will help close that gap with predictable increases year after year.

Lower market volatility also opens the door for steady compounders, and when investors in 2026 start to shift away from high-risk, fast-moving sectors like tech, companies that have stable revenue and low payout ratios, along with consistent earnings, will immediately become more attractive. It’s this belief that is going to help set the stage for dividend growth names to outperform if tech valuation fatigue continues into 2026.

Companies Positioned to Raise Dividends in 2026

Unsurprisingly, there are already a number of well-known companies that are going to be entering 2026 with strong balance sheets and reliable cash flow. These two traits set the path for supporting dividend growth and will help investors lock in rising income.

Procter & Gamble

Known as a consumer staple, Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG) has a 69-year history of raising dividends, so it stands to reason that 2026 would continue this streak. Currently, the company is holding at a 2.91% dividend yield with a $4.23 annual dividend that is paid out quarterly. The company’s payout ratio is moderate, so investors will benefit from stability and slow, steady growth.

Microsoft

A tech giant, Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) has also developed a strong dividend track record. Its cloud and enterprise businesses generate large cash reserves, so it’s not solely dependent on AI news to move the needle for investors. Even with a modest yield of 0.75%, it’s still paying out $3.64 annually, and it’s raised its dividend every year for the last 20 years and counting.

Johnson & Johnson

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) has a 63-year history of dividend growth, making it one of the most prominent names in the dividend growth space. A health care leader, the company’s business mix supports durable revenue, and it’s poised to continue raising its payout through 2026 as portfolio demand across its services and goods remains strong. A 2.58% dividend yield means shareholders earn $5.20 in dividends annually, a sizable amount.

Pepsico

PepsiCo (NASDAQ:PEP) has grown its dividend for over 53 years, one of the reasons it was a Warren Buffett portfolio staple. A 3.93% dividend yield allows for $5.69 annually, all while showing itself as having strong free cash flow. PepsiCo is entering 2026 with pricing power and steady global demand, all but guaranteeing another round of dividend growth.

How Rising Dividends Build Real Wealth

Dividend growth becomes more valuable when market returns level off, so a rising dividend payout gives investors a growing income stream without buying new shares or trying to time the market. Over time, this leads to a larger reinvestment and bigger future payouts, or it helps with sustainable living today and utilizing the payouts as a substitute for a secondary job or side hustle.

The bottom line is that even a modest annual increase in dividend growth will help with compounding and or income. For example, a stock yielding 2.5% today that raises its dividend by 7% each year can double its payout in the next 10 years. Investors who reinvest along the way can then turn that growing income into a portfolio that expands even faster, which in turn creates long-term wealth without the emotional swings that come from chasing short-term opportunities.

Why 2026 Marks A Turning Point

Rest assured that there is a strong likelihood that 2026 is going to be a turning point as interest rates drift lower, volatility (hopefully) calms down, and earnings growth broadens beyond a few large tech and AI names as investors return their focus on fundamentals. Conditions heading into this year are ideal, as stronger corporate balance sheets, rising cash flow, and a renewed interest in total return strategies see everyday investors focus on dividend growth investing as a standout choice for the future. The result is that dividend growth stocks will benefit from this shift and really start to create wealth for investors, and conditions in 2026 are ideal for this approach.

Released: The Ultimate Guide To Retirement Income (sponsor)

The post Why 2026 Could Be the Breakout Year for Dividend Growth Investors appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Wall Street is Pounding the Table Over Carvana, Nvidia and Five Below

Ian Cooper — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 18:05:56 +0000

Quick Read

Bank of America reiterated a buy rating on the Carvana stock with a price target of $485 a share. After all, inclusion into the S&P 500 typically forces index funds and ETFs to buy shares of newly added stocks.
Analysts at Bernstein just reiterated an outperform rating on Nvidia, citing a significant opportunity with data centers.
Analysts at Truist just upgraded Five Below to a buy rating, citing Unicorn-like growth, with a price target of $216 a share.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Carvana (NYSE: CVNA) will be added to the S&P 500 on December 22.

As a result, analysts at Bank of America reiterated a buy rating on the stock with a price target of $485 a share. After all, inclusion into the S&P 500 typically forces index funds and ETFs to buy shares of newly added stocks.

In fact, it would help explain why the stock just gapped from about $400 to $433 a share.

Also, not long ago, analysts at Wedbush upgraded CVNA to an outperform rating, telling investors in late November to “take advantage of this period of relative weakness.”

Other stocks being added to the S&P 500 include Comfort Systems (FIX), Mohawk Industries (MHK), Pinterest (PINS), Dycom Industries (DY), and Marriott Vacations (VAC).

Nvidia

Analysts at Bernstein just reiterated an outperform rating on Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA), citing a significant opportunity with data centers.

After all, artificial intelligence will continue to create massive demand for data centers.

Right now, according to MIT Technology Review, there are about 3,000 data centers across the U.S. Plus, according to a report from McKinsey, $5.2 trillion in AI infrastructure investments will be needed by 2030.

McKinsey’s analysis also suggests that demand for AI-ready data center capacity will rise at an average rate of 33 percent a year between 2023 and 2030 (reflecting a trend that is already underway), as reported by BOMA International.

We also have to consider that AI demand isn’t slowing, which increases the need for data centers.

Forecasts now place AI’s value between $1.7 and $3.5 trillion by the early 2030s, with the most aggressive estimates topping $7 trillion by 2035. And judging by the surge in corporate investment, the market is moving toward the high end of those projections.

Five Below

Analysts at Truist just upgraded Five Below (NASDAQ: FIVE) to a buy rating, citing Unicorn-like growth, with a price target of $216 a share.

The firm “pointed out that shares are still trading below their historical average, while the company’s “unicorn-like growth” could command a significantly higher multiple from here. Valuation hasn’t changed since July, while both merchandise values and Five Below’s operational efficiencies have continued to improve,” as noted by CNBC.

Released: The Ultimate Guide To Retirement Income (sponsor)

The post Wall Street is Pounding the Table Over Carvana, Nvidia and Five Below appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

54-Year-Old With $4 Million in 401(k) Can Retire Early Using Rule of 55 Strategy

247staff — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 17:45:55 +0000

Key Points

A 54-year-old with $4M in a 401(k) has eight times the average balance for people in their 50s.
The rule of 55 allows penalty-free 401(k) withdrawals if you leave your job in the year you turn 55 or later.
The rule of 55 only applies to your current employer’s 401(k). Old accounts from previous employers still trigger penalties.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

As of 2025, the average 401(k) balance for Americans in their 50s is around 490,000 dollars. That means a 54-year-old with 4 million dollars saved is far beyond the national average, close to eight times higher. With a balance that large, you are in an extremely strong position financially and could reasonably consider retiring now. You would need your money to last longer than someone who retires in their 60s, but a 4 million dollar nest egg gives you a wide safety margin to make that possible.

The challenge comes from having all of your savings inside a 401(k). Retiring at 54 and immediately withdrawing funds could trigger early withdrawal penalties and increase your tax burden. That can make retiring early feel out of reach.

The good news is that you still have several smart strategies available. With the right approach to withdrawals, tax planning, and account structure, you can access your money legally and efficiently. Early retirement is still well within reach if you use the right tools.

This post was updated on December 8, 2025 to include recent figures as of 2025 and to clarify caveats to the rule of 55.

You may have to hang in until next year

The post 54-Year-Old With $4 Million in 401(k) Can Retire Early Using Rule of 55 Strategy appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Aurora Innovation Burns $222 for Every Dollar Earned as Reddit Sentiment Crashes

Michael Williams — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 17:23:20 +0000

Shares of Aurora Innovation (NASDAQ:AUR) are trading around $5.21 as retail investor sentiment deteriorates sharply. Reddit discussions show sentiment plunging to 31.75 over the past week, firmly in bearish territory, down from a neutral 53.55 over the quarter. The shift coincides with growing skepticism about Aurora’s path to profitability despite operational milestones like surpassing 100,000 driverless miles and launching a 600-mile Fort Worth to El Paso route.

The company reported Q3 revenue of just $1.0M, missing estimates of $1.27M, while posting a staggering $222M operating loss. That’s a burn rate of $222 for every dollar earned, an unsustainable trajectory that has investors questioning whether any amount of technological progress can salvage the business model. Even with $1.6B in liquidity after raising $460M through an at-the-market offering, Aurora has roughly seven quarters of runway at current burn rates.

Reddit Turns Decisively Bearish on Aurora

Discussion on r/stocks and r/wallstreetbets reflects mounting frustration. One post titled “Aurora Innovation (AUR): The Feds Just Fired the Starting Gun for Nationwide Driverless Trucking” attempted to frame regulatory developments as bullish, but received zero comments despite 26 upvotes, signaling the community isn’t buying optimistic narratives.

Aurora Innovation (AUR): The Feds Just Fired the Starting Gun for Nationwide Driverless Trucking
by u/[author] in wallstreetbets

The post argued that “the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) just gave Aurora Innovation the green light to operate fully driverless trucks across state lines,” positioning this as a transformative catalyst. However, the complete absence of community engagement suggests investors remain unconvinced about Aurora’s near-term prospects despite regulatory progress.

The reasons for pessimism are concrete:

Aurora posted negative gross margins of $16M on $1M revenue, losing money on every sale before operating expenses
The 12% sequential revenue increase sounds impressive until you realize it’s growth on a $1M base, negligible against $222M quarterly losses
Management’s claim to be “the only company with driverless trucks on public roads in the U.S.” rings hollow when competitors like Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) pursue similar technology with vastly stronger balance sheets

No Clear Path Forward

Aurora’s stock reflects the grim math. CEO Chris Urmson’s assertion that they’ve “proved the technology works” doesn’t address the fundamental problem: unit economics are broken. With seven quarters of cash remaining and no credible path to the 222x revenue increase needed just to break even operationally, investors see limited exit strategies. The autonomous trucking thesis may be sound long-term, but Aurora appears increasingly unlikely to survive long enough to capitalize on it.

Want Up To $1,000? SoFi Is Giving New Active Invest Users up to $1k in Stock

The post Aurora Innovation Burns $222 for Every Dollar Earned as Reddit Sentiment Crashes appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Debate: Can 200K BTC Actually Pay Down National Debt?

Sam Daodu — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:55:56 +0000

Quick Read

Senator Lummis proposed buying 200K BTC annually to reach 1M BTC over five years using seized Bitcoin and Fed profits without raising taxes.
The U.S. national debt hit $38.40 trillion in December 2025, growing at $6 billion daily with over $1 trillion in annual interest payments.
At current $90K-$100K valuations, even 1 million BTC would reduce total debt by less than 1%, but supporters see long-term appreciation benefits.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

The discussion of a federal Bitcoin reserve has moved from a fringe idea to serious policy debate amid growing debt pressures and Bitcoin’s (CRYPTO: BTC) expanding role in global finance. Advocates say the U.S. needs new tools because old fiscal policies aren’t working, while critics remain skeptical that digital assets can deliver significant relief.

The proposal sits at the crossroads of economics, politics, and long-term planning. It marks a shift in how governments assess value, reserves, and national security in the digital economy.

What 200K BTC as a Strategic Reserve Means

The U.S. Bitcoin reserve proposal centers on scale, funding structure, and asset storage. The government’s current plans mirror how gold and oil reserves were built in past decades.

Senator Cynthia Lummis introduced the BITCOIN Act in March 2025, proposing 200,000 BTC purchases annually. This would give the government 1 million BTC over five years, equaling about 5% of all circulating Bitcoin. That would place the U.S. ahead of every sovereign holder and most private institutions.

The funding model draws on three sources: seized Bitcoin already in federal custody, annual Federal Reserve profits, and accounting gains from revaluing gold certificates. These mechanisms support Bitcoin accumulation without raising taxes or issuing new debt.

The Treasury Department would hold the Bitcoin using a secure, multi-signature system spread across federal agencies and offline cold storage facilities. That protects the assets from hacks while allowing Congress and the public to verify holdings through regular audits.

Why a Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Entered the Debate

Bitcoin entered national policy conversations for three reasons: traditional debt tools are failing, institutional adoption has strengthened Bitcoin’s credibility, and history shows governments turn to new assets when old systems fail.

The U.S. Debt Problem Has Outgrown Traditional Tools

The federal debt reached levels that traditional approaches can’t manage. As of early December 2025, the national debt stands at $38.40 trillion, growing at $6 billion per day. Interest payments are rising faster than revenues, and political gridlock leaves Washington stuck between unpopular cuts and stalled tax reforms.

With debt at 122.6% of GDP and interest costs exceeding $1 trillion annually, policymakers are searching for alternatives. Bitcoin’s fixed 21 million coin supply appeals to those who distrust inflation-heavy strategies and see hard-capped assets as a hedge against fiscal erosion.

Bitcoin’s Maturing Market Makes the Idea Less Extreme

Bitcoin’s place in institutional finance has shifted. ETFs drew billions in inflows, major banks offer custody, and regulatory barriers that once blocked involvement have fallen. Corporations and governments now hold significant Bitcoin positions, pushing it into the category of long-term strategic assets.

This credibility gives the reserve conversation weight. The U.S. government already holds approximately 200,000 BTC from criminal and civil asset forfeitures, making it the largest known nation-state holder.

Historical Precedents Show New Eras Create New Reserve Assets

The U.S. has long used strategic reserves to protect economic stability. Gold, oil, and foreign currencies all became reserve tools during moments of upheaval and changing geopolitical realities. Other nations built large gold stockpiles to reduce currency risk.

Bitcoin could become the next asset in that toolkit as the global economy is becoming more digital, interconnected, and exposed to financial sanctions.

How a Bitcoin Reserve Would Actually Work: The Reality Check

The push for a national Bitcoin reserve sounds bold. But the debate comes down to numbers, policy shifts, and changing market structures.

The Economic Realities That Limit Bitcoin’s Debt-Paydown Power

The numbers tell the real story. The U.S. adds approximately $6 billion in debt daily, dwarfing even aggressive Bitcoin appreciation scenarios. A 1 million BTC reserve growing by $50 billion a year barely registers against this scale.

Volatility creates another barrier. Bitcoin can swing 30% in a quarter. This makes it unsuitable for budgeting or interest payment planning. Selling during downturns locks in losses, while selling during peaks invites political backlash.

Liquidity constraints deepen the challenge. Liquidating hundreds of thousands of BTC would push prices down sharply, cutting the reserve’s value as it’s sold. Even a reserve worth $200 billion on paper might net half that in practice. Bitcoin may strengthen a balance sheet, but it can’t serve as a reliable debt-paydown tool.

Potential Benefits Outside Debt Reduction

A Bitcoin reserve may not fix the debt problem, but it opens doors to real advantages. Domestic mining gets the biggest boost. Consistent Federal Reserve demand would give miners steadier revenue expectations and encourage expansion. That supports U.S. energy development, especially in regions investing in renewables. It strengthens America’s position in a sector where North America already leads global output.

A national reserve also signals the U.S. intends to compete in digital assets. That matters for fintech, banking, and blockchain companies trying to grow in a clearer regulatory environment. It tells global markets that U.S. firms are backed by policy rather than hindered by uncertainty.

The reserve would also accelerate innovation. Custody research, security upgrades, and university programs would benefit from federal interest. That builds an ecosystem that extends well beyond Bitcoin.

Will 200K BTC Meaningfully Reduce the National Debt?

Using Bitcoin to ease national debt sounds smart, but the numbers show clear limits. The U.S. faces a $38.40 trillion debt load with over $1 trillion in annual interest payments. Even a large Bitcoin reserve barely moves that scale.

At current valuations around $90,000-$100,000 per BTC, 200,000 BTC covers only a fraction of annual interest costs. Even 1 million BTC would reduce total debt by less than 1%.

Supporters see it differently. Bitcoin appreciates faster than the dollar loses value. That could help reduce borrowing needs during strong market cycles and improve balance-sheet confidence during currency stress.

Bitcoin won’t fix the debt crisis, but a growing reserve could offer long-term financial breathing room. The reserve would introduce an asset that can grow over decades, support key industries, and strengthen the country’s position in digital finance.

Released: The Ultimate Guide To Retirement Income (sponsor)

The post Bitcoin Strategic Reserve Debate: Can 200K BTC Actually Pay Down National Debt? appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

AI Data Centers are Booming and These 3 Stocks Are Cashing In

Ian Cooper — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:55:17 +0000

Quick Read

According to MIT Technology Review, there are about 3,000 data centers across the U.S.
We also have to consider that AI demand isn’t slowing, which increases the need for data centers. Forecasts now place AI’s value between $1.7 and $3.5 trillion by the early 2030s.
With a yield of about 3%, the Digital Realty Trust is a major data center provider that is heavily invested in AI infrastructure.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

The artificial intelligence boom will continue to create massive demand for data centers.

McKinsey’s analysis also “suggests that demand for AI-ready data center capacity will rise at an average rate of 33 percent a year between 2023 and 2030 (reflecting a trend that is already underway),” as reported by BOMA International.

We also have to consider that artificial intelligence demand isn’t slowing any time soon, which will only increase the need for data centers.

Forecasts now place AI’s value between $1.7 and $3.5 trillion by the early 2030s. Some of the most aggressive estimates are topping $7 trillion by 2035. And judging by the impressive jump in corporate investment, the market is moving toward the high end of those projections.

In addition, some of the largest tech companies are sending a message that the AI boom is far from over. Just look at recent capex spending.

Google raised its 2025 capex outlook to $91 billion to $93 billion
Microsoft is increasing its spending by 74% to $34.9 billion
Meta nearly doubled capex to $19.37 billion, far above expectations
Amazon projects $125 billion in 2025 capex, with more increases planned for 2026

For investors, these numbers are impossible to ignore. Even better, analysts at UBS expect global AI capex to hit $571 billion in 2026, with a runway to $3 trillion by 2030.

That being said, there are three interesting ways to invest in the data center boom and earn yield along the way. That includes:

Digital Realty Trust

With a yield of about 3%, the Digital Realty Trust (NYSE: DLR) is a major data center provider that is heavily invested in AI infrastructure.

In its most recent quarter, funds from operations (FFO) of $1.89 beat by nine cents. Revenue of $1.58 billion, up 10.5% year over year, beat by $50 million. DLR also raised guidance for the year, now expecting FFO per share of $7.25 to $7.30, which is above its prior range of $7.10 to $7.20. Total revenue for the year is expected to range from $6.025 billion to $6.075 billion, from its prior outlook for $5.925 billion to $6.025 billion.

After finding support at around $155, DLR now trades at $165. From here, we’d like to see it again challenge prior resistance at about $182.50 a share.

Iron Mountain

With a yield of 4.1%, Iron Mountain (NYSE: IRM) has been actively expanding its data center business to meet the surging demand from artificial intelligence.

In its most recent quarter, its FFO of 93 cents beat by a penny. Revenue of $1.75 billion, up 12.2% year over year, was in line with estimates. It also just raised its dividend to $0.864 per share, payable on January 6 to shareholders of record as of December 15. IRM also noted that “Data center revenue growth in excess of 30% is expected in Q4, and more than 25% growth is anticipated for 2026,” as noted by Seeking Alpha.

After dropping from about $107.50 to a low of $82.50, Iron Mountain appears to have found strong support. From its last traded price of $84.14, we’d like to see IRM run back to $95.

Pacer Benchmark Data & Infrastructure Real Estate ETF

With an expense ratio of 0.49%, the Pacer Benchmark Data & Infrastructure Real Estate ETF (NYSEARCA: SRVR) offers exposure to companies that generate a significant amount of their revenue from real estate operations in the data and infrastructure sector. It also has a 30-day yield of 2.75%.

Some of its top holdings include Digital Realty Trust, Equinix, American Tower Corp., Crown Castle, and Iron Mountain, to name just a few. It also just paid a dividend of just over 12 cents per share on September 10. Before that, it paid out a dividend of just over 12 cents on June 11. Its next payout should be paid on January 5, 2026, to shareholders of record as of December 30.

After dropping from about $32 to $28.50, the SRVR ETF caught strong support and is just starting to pivot higher. Last trading at $29.50, we’d like to see it challenge $32 shortly.

Released: The Ultimate Guide To Retirement Income (sponsor)

The post AI Data Centers are Booming and These 3 Stocks Are Cashing In appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Paramount Refuses to Give Up, Launches Hostile Bid for Warner Bros

Rich Duprey — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:44:39 +0000

Quick Read

Paramount Skydance (PSKY) launched a hostile $108B all-cash bid for Warner Bros Discovery (WBD) at $30 per share. This tops Netflix‘s (NFLX) $72B offer for WBD’s streaming and studio assets.
Paramount secured $54B in debt commitments from Bank of America, Citi and Apollo to back the takeover attempt.
Netflix’s original deal faced antitrust concerns as the combined entity would control over 40% of U.S. streaming subscribers.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Warner Bros. Discovery (NASDAQ:WBD) has been the subject of an intense bidding war pitting Paramount Skydance (NASDAQ:PSKY) against Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) and Comcast (NASDAQ:CMCSA) across several rounds of bids.The TV, movie studio, and streaming outfit ultimately accepted Netflix’s cash-and-stock offer valued at $72 billion for its streaming and studio business, including HBO Max and Warner Bros. film and TV operations. This deal, announced last Friday, left the company’s cable networks like CNN and TNT slated for a spinoff as Discovery Global. Paramount grumbled publicly about a “tainted” process, accusing Warner Bros’ board of favoring a single bidder and undervaluing the full asset. Investors breathed a sigh of relief, assuming the saga had ended, but in a stunning twist, Paramount surprised the market by launching a hostile bid today, reigniting the battle.

A Bold $108 Billion Swing for the Whole Prize

Paramount’s move marks a dramatic escalation. The company announced a board-approved, fully financed all-cash tender offer of $30 per share for all outstanding shares of Warner Bros. Discovery, valuing the entire enterprise at approximately $108 billion. This tops Netflix’s bid by a wide margin — delivering shareholders an extra $18 billion in total value, according to Paramount’s filing. To back the offer, Paramount secured $54 billion in debt commitments from Bank of America, Citi, and Apollo Global Management, alongside equity from the Ellison family, RedBird Capital, and sovereign wealth funds from Saudi Arabia, Qatar, the UAE, as well as Jared Kushner’s Affinity Partners. Paramount also filed for Hart-Scott-Rodino antitrust clearance and scheduled an investor call for today, signaling serious intent to close swiftly.This isn’t Paramount’s first swing. CEO David Ellison submitted six proposals over 12 weeks, starting at $19 per share in September and climbing to $26.50 last week — all rejected. Ellison, in a CNBC interview, decried an “inherent bias” in the process and positioned the bid as a fight for shareholders on both sides. “We’re the largest investor here, battling for value,” he said.

Full Control vs. Partial Play

The bids differ sharply in scope and structure. Netflix’s deal targets only Warner Bros’ crown jewels: the Warner Bros. studios, HBO, and HBO Max, at $27.75 per share in a cash-and-stock mix with an enterprise value of $82.7 billion. It excludes the declining cable assets, which Warner Bros plans to spin off separately — valued by executives at around $3 per share but dismissed by Paramount as just $1, laden with debt and weak fundamentals. Regulatory hurdles loom large for Netflix, spanning U.S. antitrust scrutiny and international reviews, given the combined streaming dominance it would have (Netflix would control roughly one-third of U.S. subscribers). President Trump even flagged it Sunday as a potential “problem” for market share.Paramount’s offer, by contrast, swallows Warner Bros Discovery whole — no spinoffs, no leftovers. It’s all cash, promising quicker closure and certainty amid cable’s woes. Paramount argues this preserves synergies, like cross-promoting content across Paramount+ and Max, while boosting theatrical output and jobs. Yet it invites its own antitrust questions: merging two major players could raise content acquisition costs for rivals.A hostile takeover flips the script on traditional M&A. Instead of board approval, Paramount bypasses Warner Bros’ directors, appealing directly to shareholders via a tender offer. If enough investors tender shares (typically 50%+), it could force a deal, pressuring the board to negotiate or poison-pill defenses like share dilutions. Hostile takeovers are rare in media, as they often drag on, spike legal fees, and fizzle if shareholders balk at premiums or risks. Still, they tend to jolt markets: Paramount’s stock is up nearly 6% this morning on bid momentum, Warner Bros Discovery climbed 5% toward $28 as arbitrage plays, while Netflix is falling 5% on the uncertainty the hostile bid introduces.

Key Takeaway

This hostile salvo supercharges the auction, potentially forcing Netflix to sweeten its bid — perhaps north of $80 billion — to hold ground. Ellison’s all-in play, though, highlights Warner Bros’ complaint Paramount was undervaluing its business.But Netflix’s pact was already a tough sell for many: Commentators everywhere panned the deal, Wall Street called it the “lowest-probability outcome,” while creatives worried about further industry consolidation stifling diversity. Regulators, no doubt, were already eying monopoly risks. If bids climb, Warner Bros Discovery comes out even more on top, though endless haggling could erode value for the winner. Hostile takeovers aren’t often successful, with some estimating a less than 40% success rate. However, a big enough premium could sway shareholders that the new bid is the preferred one.

Released: The Ultimate Guide To Retirement Income (sponsor)

The post Paramount Refuses to Give Up, Launches Hostile Bid for Warner Bros appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Coinbase Stock Down 30% as Bitcoin Volatility Rattles Retail Investors

Michael Williams — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:44:04 +0000

Shares of Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN) have plunged over 30% from their late October peak of $343.78, closing at $269.73 on December 5. The decline coincides with Bitcoin’s brutal slide and mounting concerns among retail investors on platforms like Reddit and X about the company’s exposure to cryptocurrency volatility.

The catalyst for the downturn is clear: Bitcoin’s slide from $99,614 on November 13 to a low of $83,800 by December 1, a 24% drop that dragged Coinbase down with it. Despite Bitcoin’s modest recovery to $91,238 by December 8, retail traders remain deeply pessimistic about Coinbase’s prospects given its correlation to crypto prices.

Coinbase stock (COIN) has plummeted over 30% from its late October peak, largely driven by Bitcoin’s brutal slide and intensifying retail concerns, despite strong Q3 fundamentals.

Options Traders Voice the Pain

The frustration is palpable across social platforms. One Reddit user on r/options captured the mood, writing: “My portfolio almost reached $250k like 2 months ago and now with market going down, my portfolio is bleeding.” The user noted that “COIN has high exposure to BTC so that’s really not helpful,” despite the company posting strong Q3 earnings. The post received 63 upvotes and 72 comments from fellow traders sharing similar concerns.

LEAP Options Jan 2027 Exp. Down over -50% from ATH (Need Advice)
by u/Wrong-Helicopter5229 in options

The disconnect between fundamentals and price action has investors questioning their positions. Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN) delivered a strong Q3, with revenue hitting $1.90B (up 25% quarter-over-quarter) and net income of $433M. Yet the stock has shed a third of its value. Three factors explain the bearish sentiment:

Bitcoin correlation remains Coinbase’s Achilles heel, with the stock moving in near-lockstep with crypto prices
Regulatory uncertainty continues to loom over the crypto exchange business model
Competition intensifies as traditional finance players expand into digital assets

Trading Volume Signals Capitulation

Volume spiked to 15.5 million shares on November 20 as the stock hit $238.16, its lowest level since the 52-week low of $231.17. While Coinbase (NASDAQ: COIN) has recovered 13% from that trough, investor concerns persist. For context, Robinhood (NASDAQ: HOOD) faces similar headwinds but has held up better, down just 18% from its October peak versus Coinbase’s 33% decline. Investors should watch whether Bitcoin can sustain its recent bounce above $90,000, as that remains the primary driver of Coinbase’s (NASDAQ: COIN) near-term trajectory.

Released: The Ultimate Guide To Retirement Income (sponsor)

The post Coinbase Stock Down 30% as Bitcoin Volatility Rattles Retail Investors appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

The 2 Chip Stocks Leading the S&P 500’s Boom in 2025 Are Not Who You Think

Rich Duprey — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:35:16 +0000

Quick Read

The S&P 500 is having a banner year, up 17% and near its all-time high, but the leaders aren’t who you would expect.
SanDisk (SNDK) surged 534% in 2025 after spinning off from Western Digital in February.
Western Digital (WDC) jumped 275% by focusing on high-capacity HDDs for AI storage. Revenue grew 30% in fiscal Q4.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

The year is winding down and the S&P 500 has climbed 17% in 2025, hovering just shy of its all-time high amid robust economic growth and steady corporate earnings. While headlines fixate on artificial intelligence (AI) leaders such as Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) and Palantir Technologies (NASDAQ:PLTR), much of the index’s surge is owed to an unexpected duo: storage-focused chipmakers. The top two performers this year are semiconductor stocks, but not the usual suspects powering AI accelerators. Instead, demand for massive data storage in cloud and AI infrastructure has propelled these underdogs. Sandisk (NASDAQ:SNDK) and Western Digital (NASDAQ:WDC) rank as the benchmark index’s best stocks this year (industry peer Seagate Technology (NASDAQ:STX) was the S&P’s fourth-best stock). Let’s find out why they trounced the industry’s headline names.

Sandisk (SNDK)

Sandisk has redefined 2025’s chip narrative, surging 534% year-to-date since its February spinoff from Western Digital. This flash memory specialist, once overshadowed in the broader storage conglomerate, now stands alone as a pure-play NAND supplier, capitalizing on acute shortages in high-capacity chips essential for AI data centers.The breakout began with the split, allowing Sandisk to focus on flash production without the distractions of HDDs. Revenue jumped 10% to $7.36 billion in fiscal 2025, driven by AI hyperscalers like Amazon‘s (NASDAQ:AMZN) AWS and Google Cloud ramping up exabyte-scale storage needs.

Analysts point to NAND prices soaring 50% amid supply constraints, boosting margins to 35% — far above the industry average of 25%. Unlike Nvidia’s GPU dominance, Sandisk’s edge lies in backend infrastructure: every AI model trained requires petabytes of persistent storage, an area where flash excels in speed and density.

This has outpaced not just so-called AI stocks but the entire S&P 500. While Nvidia’s earnings jumped 51% so far in 2025 on chip demand, Sandisk’s vertical integration — from wafer fab to SSD packaging — delivered 188% adjusted earnings growth, drawing upgrades to “Strong Buy” with targets near $264 per share. Its inclusion in the S&P 500 last month led to index fund inflows, pushing shares from around $40 at the spinoff to $228 per share today.

Risks remain in cyclical memory pricing, but with AI capex projected at $500 billion in 2026, SanDisk’s outperformance signals storage is the unsung hero of the AI era.

Western Digital (WDC)

Western Digital retained its hard disk drive business after the Sandisk spinoff and has rocketed 275% in 2025, securing the No. 2 spot among S&P performers. By doubling down on high-capacity HDDs, the company tapped into AI’s voracious appetite for cost-effective, massive-scale storage that flash can’t match economically.While Western Digital began its rise soon after the market crash in April, fiscal Q4 results ignited the rally, with revenue soaring 30% to $2.6 billion.The momentum continued into fiscal 2026, with Q1 sales up another 27% to $2.8 billion, helping drive gross margins well above management’s guidance to 43.5%. Second-quarter revenue is expected to grow by another 20%.

AI training datasets, often in the zettabyte range, favor HDDs for archival and cold storage, areas where Western Digital holds 40% market share. Profits also surged, up 631%, as hyperscalers prioritized capacity over speed for non-real-time workloads.This contrasts sharply with volatile AI chip leaders like Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:AMD) or Broadcom (NASDAQ:AVGO).

Western Digital’s focus on AI-optimized platforms, including partnerships with Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) Azure, unlocked $600 million in spin-off cash, funding R&D and debt reduction. Analysts see sustained demand as AI clusters scale and the stock’s resilience amid tariff talks underscores its moat. Unlike pure-play semiconductors, HDDs benefit from diversified enterprise sales, and in a year where the S&P averaged 17% gains, Western Digital’s execution turned a legacy tech giant into a growth machine.

Released: The Ultimate Guide To Retirement Income (sponsor)

The post The 2 Chip Stocks Leading the S&P 500’s Boom in 2025 Are Not Who You Think appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Michael Dell Dropped $6.25B on Trump Accounts – Elon Musk Is Up Next

Chris MacDonald — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:06:50 +0000

I’ll have to say, of all the chaos and intense changes brought about by president Donald Trump’s second term, his so-called “Trump Accounts for Kids” program is one of the more intriguing pushes I think is worth diving into.

Quick Read

Michael and Susan Dell pledged $6.25B to Trump’s savings account program for children.
Dell’s gift adds $250 per child for 25 million children in households earning under $150K annually.
The program aims to leverage compound growth over 18 years to fund education and other expenses.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

These accounts are intended to operate as long-term, tax-advantaged investment vehicles or savings accounts, in which the federal government will put $1,000 per child (born during Trump’s second term) to work. Via the power of compounding, the hope is that this $1,000 the government invests in our youth of today will turn out to be a much more meaningful sum 18 years (or longer) down the line, when these children need these funds to pay for their education or other key expenses which have continued to rise faster than inflation.

Michael and Susan Dell have decided to jump aboard this bandwagon and donate an additional $6.25 billion to this effort. Their pledge is to accentuate the program Trump has announced, and is a move I think could propel other billionaires to follow suit.

Let’s dive into what was announced, and whether other big players such as Elon Musk could step into the game in a big way as well.

The Announcement

Michael Dell

What’s interesting about the structure of this proposed gift from Michael and Susan Dell (at least to me), is that there was some serious thought put into who should get these funds, expanding the reach of Trump’s initial savings account structure to potentially benefit even more children.

Dell’s gift will provide an additional $250 to 25 million children as a separate deposit to these accounts. Via extending these funds to children who may have been considered too old for the $1,000 bonus (based on when they were born), and focusing specifically on lower-income communities (those with median household incomes below $150,000), the goal here appears to be to make the giving a bit more fair across the board.

That seems reasonable, given the bifurcation we’re seeing in the U.S. economy, with some areas of the country clearly doing much better than others. And while $250 may not seem like much today, for some families without the means to be able to tackle some big life goals for their children down the line (help them achieve a college degree or start a business, etc.), these funds could certainly be a turning point in bringing millions of children out of the poverty cycle and toward a life of abundance.

Can’t say I disagree with the logic here.

Will Elon Musk Follow Suit?

Elon Musk

This $6.25 billion pledge is impressive, and is one that could indeed set a philanthropic benchmark for other wealthy investors to emulate. Indeed, there are only a few other notable investors with the resources (and political leanings) to take on such a giving pledge, with Elon Musk’s name immediately coming to mind.

Musk has already donated multiple millions of dollars to the Trump campaign and other right-leaning initiatives. His views on fiscal conservatism are well-known, given his work on running DOGE for a period of time. And if he’s truly a believer in the idea that anyone can pull themselves up by their bootstraps and be successful in America, sharing some of his resources with those less-fortunate to be able to do what he did could be a meaningful step forward.

Now, Musk and Trump have gone through a high-profile breakup, and it’s unclear to me at this stage of Musk’s political journey whether he’d support any program (no matter how good-spirited or positive it may be) out of spite. That may seem cynical to many, but that does appear to be the reality of the climate between these two presently.

For now, I’m not holding my breath that more in the way of donations are likely to come from the likes of Musk. But I can think of a handful of other very wealthy right-leaning donors who may step in to follow in the footsteps of Michael and Susan Dell.

Guaranteed Income With As Little as $1,000

The post Michael Dell Dropped $6.25B on Trump Accounts – Elon Musk Is Up Next appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

The Shocking High-Yield S&P 500 Stock That Is Beating the Index 2-to-1

Rich Duprey — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:05:51 +0000

Quick Read

Ford (F) returned 33.7% in 2025 and offers a 5.1% dividend yield. Ford doubled the S&P 500‘s performance while yielding four times more than the index.
Ford generated $6.7B in free cash flow through Q3 despite narrowing its EV division loss to $1.3B.
Ford trades at 8x forward earnings with analysts projecting 41% EPS growth in 2026.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

The S&P 500 is trading near its all-time high, propelled by relentless gains from the artificial intelligence (AI) boom. Year to date, the index has climbed over 16%, rewarding investors who bet on tech giants like Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) and Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT). Yet amid this surge, dividends remain scarce among the top performers — most AI darlings reinvest profits into growth rather than payouts. Yet, there is one outlier in the 500 that is delivering a yield more than four times higher than the index’s average, while also demolishing the index with a 33.7% return in 2025 — double the benchmark’s pace: Ford (NYSE:F). This blend of income and momentum makes Ford a rare value play in a growth-obsessed market. Let’s find out why.

Navigating an Industry Sales Slump

The U.S. auto industry is hitting the brakes in 2025, with sales growth stalling amid affordability woes and shifting consumer tastes. November sales totaled 1.26 million units, down 8% from the prior year and flat month-over-month, pushing the full-year tally to just 16.1 million to 16.2 million units — a modest 2% rise from 2024 but far below pre-pandemic peaks. Battery-electric vehicles (BEVs), once all the rage, saw their market share dip to 7.9% in November, reflecting the surge of buyers to gain last-minute deals on credits manufacturers off following the federal government curbing incentives. Hybrids and trucks held firmer, but overall demand softened as still-elevated interest rates squeezed budgets, forcing buyers to delay big-ticket purchases.Ford, however, has sidestepped much of this turbulence through a pragmatic pivot. While pure EV players like Rivian (NASDAQ:RIVN) and Lucid Group (NASDAQ:LCID) grapple with losses, Ford’s Model e division scaled back aggressive spending, posting a narrower $1.4 billion loss in Q3 compared to deeper red ink in 2024. This restraint preserved Ford’s cash flow, funding a steady $0.15 quarterly dividend that yields 5.1% — far above the S&P 500’s 1.1% average. Investors rewarded this discipline. Ford’s shares surged nearly 34% higher this year, which is on par with Nvidia (up 37%), thanks to five straight earnings beats and robust free cash flow of $5.7 billion through Q3.

Inventory Surge Meets Smart Discounts

Compounding the slowdown, U.S. vehicle inventories ballooned to 3.04 million units by October, up 5% from September and marking three straight monthly gains. Days’ supply crept higher, signaling overproduction as factories churn out models amid tepid demand. Discounts followed suit, averaging $3,229 per vehicle — a $221 jump from the prior month — with 48% of stock priced below MSRP to lure hesitant shoppers. EVs bore the brunt of the slowdown: incentives rose 6% month-over-month, with brands like Hyundai slashing prices by $7,000 on models like the Ioniq 5.Ford has turned this pressure into profit. By focusing on high-margin trucks and SUVs — F-150 sales rose 4% year-over-year despite the dip — the automaker maintained pricing power, with average discounts at 8% versus the industry’s 11%. Still, its October inventory sat at 116 days’ supply, well above the industry average of 88 days, according to Cox Automotive. Commercial vehicle demand, via the Ford Pro unit, surged 17% year-to-date, offsetting consumer softness and generating $2 billion in EBIT. Cost cuts and operational improvements contributed to Ford’s overall adjusted EBIT growth.These moves explain the stock’s torque: trading at just 8 times forward earnings, it’s a bargain, with analysts eyeing 41% EPS growth in 2026.

Key Takeaway

Ford’s outperformance looks poised to endure into 2026, but don’t bet the farm yet. With leverage at about 15x debt-to-EBITDA — much higher than peers — the company remains vulnerable to prolonged slowdowns or EV policy whiplash. Still, at current valuations, it’s a compelling buy for income seekers. Consensus estimates suggest it is fairly priced at a target just below $13 per share, but high-end estimates suggest over 20% upside to $16 per share, even with flat sales forecasts next year. If Ford executes on hybrids like the Maverick — up 43% in November and 12% year-to-date — and sustains cash flow above $2 billion, this dividend dynamo could keep lapping the pack. For risk-tolerant investors, Ford is still a buy.

Released: The Ultimate Guide To Retirement Income (sponsor)

The post The Shocking High-Yield S&P 500 Stock That Is Beating the Index 2-to-1 appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Lincoln Electric’s 32.6% Payout Ratio Shows Wide Margin of Safety for Income Investors

William Temple — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 16:00:45 +0000

Quick Read

Lincoln Electric (LECO) raised its quarterly dividend 5.3% to $0.79 per share. This marks 30 consecutive years of dividend increases.
Lincoln Electric’s earnings payout ratio sits at 32.6% with Q3 free cash flow of $205M.
Total debt rose 13.8% to $1.32B due to the Alloy Steel acquisition.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Lincoln Electric Holdings (NASDAQ: LECO) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.79 per share, a 5.3% increase marking the company’s 30th consecutive year of dividend growth. With a current yield of 1.23% and annual payout of $3.04 per share, can this industrial welding giant sustain its three-decade streak?

This infographic details Lincoln Electric’s (LECO) impressive 30-year dividend growth, supported by strong financials including a healthy payout ratio, robust cash flow, and manageable debt, culminating in a ‘Safe’ dividend safety rating.

Metric	Value
Annual Dividend	$3.04 per share
Dividend Yield	1.23%
Consecutive Years of Increases	30 years
Most Recent Increase	5.3% (October 2025)
Dividend Aristocrat Status	Yes (25+ years)

The Payout Math Works, With Room to Spare

Lincoln Electric’s dividend coverage looks comfortable. With trailing twelve-month diluted EPS of $9.33, the annual dividend of $3.04 translates to an earnings payout ratio of 32.6%, leaving two-thirds of profits for reinvestment or debt reduction.

Cash flow reinforces this strength. In Q3 2025, the company generated $205.1 million in free cash flow (operating cash flow of $236.7 million minus capex of $31.6 million). Against quarterly dividends totaling around $41 million based on 55 million shares outstanding, the FCF payout ratio sits comfortably below 50%. CFO Gabriel Bruno noted the company achieved “record cash flow generation with 149% cash conversion,” providing substantial cushion for dividend payments.

Metric	Value	Assessment
Earnings Payout Ratio	32.6%	Healthy
Q3 FCF	$205.1M	Strong
Cash Conversion	149%	Excellent
Operating Margin	17.4%	Solid

Rising Debt Levels Deserve Attention

The balance sheet presents a more nuanced picture. Total debt increased 13.8% year over year to $1.32 billion, driven by the Alloy Steel acquisition. Net debt stands at $939 million after accounting for $377 million in cash. At 1.15x net debt to EBITDA, leverage remains manageable but has trended upward from 0.91x in 2023.

The debt-to-equity ratio of 0.99 sits near parity, while total liabilities jumped 14.8% year over year. Bruno noted the company is “increasing our interest expense assumption to a low $50 million range due to recent borrowings for the Alloy Steel transaction.” With EBITDA of $813 million, interest coverage appears adequate, though rising debt service will consume cash that could otherwise support dividend growth.

Management Signals Continued Commitment

CEO Steven Hedlund framed the dividend increase within a broader capital allocation strategy: “Our strategic investments and operating model continue to compound earnings […] supporting a balanced capital allocation strategy that invests in long-term growth while returning cash to shareholders through the cycle.”

Bruno was explicit about the milestone: “Looking ahead, we announced our 30th consecutive annual dividend payout rate increase, which is 5.3% starting early next year.” The company returned $94 million to shareholders in Q3 through dividends and $53 million in share repurchases, demonstrating management’s commitment to shareholder returns while funding acquisitions.

This Dividend Remains Safe With Modest Growth Ahead

Dividend Safety Rating: Safe

The combination of a 32.6% earnings payout ratio, strong cash flow generation, and 30 years of consecutive increases supports the view that Lincoln Electric’s dividend is secure. The company’s 38.1% return on equity and expanding margins provide earnings power to sustain the payout through normal business cycles.

Lincoln Electric offers a moderate-yielding industrial with a proven track record, though dividend growth may moderate to mid-single digits as the company balances debt reduction with shareholder returns. Watch for continued leverage increases or automation segment weakness, as cyclical industrial equipment demand could pressure cash flows during a downturn.

Guaranteed Income With As Little as $1,000

The post Lincoln Electric’s 32.6% Payout Ratio Shows Wide Margin of Safety for Income Investors appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Best Jim Cramer Investment Advice for People in Their 60s

Christian Drerup — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:32:32 +0000

Jim Cramer is a financial expert and commentator. As a former hedge fund manager, he transformed his money knowledge into a huge career. He co-founded TheStreet.com, before becoming the energetic host of CNBC’s Mad Money. He built his reputation on making the stock market more accessible to the average American. His expressive explanations, market breakdowns, and bold opinions help people wrap their heads around the market. Cramer is excellent at blending entertainment with education, aiming to demystify the complexities of Wall Street and encourage viewers to think more actively about their financial futures.

Jim Cramer highlights practicality, encouraging investors to approach the stock market in a thoughtful, informed, and disciplined manner. He tells investors to understand what they own, stay engaged with market trends, and think of investing as an active, ongoing process rather than a set-and-forget activity. Additionally, he motivates viewers to think critically about risk, diversification, and long-term strategy. His consistently promotes being attentive, prepared, and intentional in navigating the market.

This post wad updated on December 8, 2025 to provide a short biography on Jim Cramer and his overall approach to investing.

Why It Matters

The post Best Jim Cramer Investment Advice for People in Their 60s appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Grainger Generates Five Dollars of Cash for Every Dollar Paid to Shareholders

William Temple — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:19:42 +0000

Quick Read

Grainger (GWW) has raised its dividend for 53 consecutive years. The company generated $2.11B in operating cash flow against $421M in dividend payments.
Grainger’s free cash flow payout ratio sits at 27%. This leaves substantial room for dividend growth or economic downturns.
Grainger returned $1.62B to shareholders in 2024 through $421M in dividends and $1.20B in buybacks.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

W.W. Grainger Inc. (NYSE: GWW) pays an annual dividend of $8.62 per share with a yield of 0.89%. The company has raised its dividend for 53 consecutive years, placing it among the elite Dividend Kings. The most recent increase came in 2025, continuing a streak that began in 1972. Can Grainger keep it going?

W.W. Grainger (GWW) demonstrates exceptional dividend safety, boasting 53 consecutive years of dividend increases, backed by strong cash flow and low payout ratios. This infographic highlights its consistent financial strength and significant shareholder returns.

Metric	Value
Annual Dividend	$8.62 per share
Dividend Yield	0.89%
Consecutive Years of Increases	53 years
Dividend King Status	Yes

Cash Flow Covers the Dividend with Room to Spare

Grainger generated $2.11 billion in operating cash flow in 2024 against $421 million in dividend payments. That gives the company 5.0x coverage, meaning it produces five dollars of operating cash for every dollar paid to shareholders. After subtracting $541 million in capital expenditures, free cash flow came to $1.57 billion, covering the dividend 3.7 times over.

The free cash flow payout ratio sits at 27%, leaving substantial room for dividend growth or economic downturns. The earnings payout ratio is 24% ($8.62 dividend divided by $35.70 in trailing twelve month earnings per share). Over the past five years, payout ratios have consistently remained in the 20% to 25% range, well below the 60% threshold that typically signals concern.

Metric	2024 Value	Assessment
Earnings Payout Ratio	24%	Very Healthy
FCF Payout Ratio	27%	Very Healthy
Operating Cash Flow Coverage	5.0x	Strong

A 53-Year Streak Built on Consistency

Grainger has raised its dividend every year since 1972. The five-year compound annual growth rate stands at approximately 6%, with annual increases ranging from 5% to 8% in recent years. Total dividend payments have grown from $316 million in 2018 to $421 million in 2024, a 33% increase over six years.

Year	Total Dividends Paid	YoY Change
2024	$421M	+7.4%
2023	$392M	+5.9%
2022	$370M	+3.6%
2021	$357M	+5.6%
2020	$338M	+3.0%

The company has never cut its dividend, even during the 2008 financial crisis or the 2020 pandemic.

Management Prioritizes Cash Returns

On the Q3 2025 earnings call, CEO D.G. Macpherson stated: “Operating cash flow came in at $597 million which allowed us to return a total of $399 million to Grainger shareholders through dividends and share repurchases.” CFO Deidra Merriwether added: “We remain confident we can drive share gain in the U.S., while the EA business grows in the teens […] and we remain well-positioned to deliver great results for our shareholders for the years to come.”

In 2024, Grainger returned $1.62 billion to shareholders through $421 million in dividends and $1.20 billion in buybacks. The dividend represents just 22% of free cash flow, with the majority going to share repurchases.

This Dividend Is Rock Solid

Dividend Safety Rating: Very Safe

The dividend is extremely well covered with a 27% free cash flow payout ratio and 5.0x operating cash flow coverage. Grainger would need to experience a 70% decline in cash generation before the dividend becomes threatened. The 53-year track record, conservative payout ratios, and strong return on equity of 46.7% all support continued dividend growth.

Grainger offers dividend reliability with a below-market yield of 0.89%. The dividend is safe, but growth-focused income investors may prefer higher-yielding alternatives.

The Next Nvidia Could Change Your Life

The post Grainger Generates Five Dollars of Cash for Every Dollar Paid to Shareholders appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

The Average American Can’t Answer These Basic Vietnam War Questions

Kristin Hitchcock — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:12:38 +0000

This post may contain links from our sponsors and affiliates, and Flywheel Publishing may receive compensation for actions taken through them.

24/7 Wall St. Key Points:

It’s easy to forget history, especially after you’re a generation or two removed! These questions will test your knowledge of the past.
The Vietnam War was significant in American history, but many people don’t know even the very basic facts about it.
Also: Take this quiz to see if you’re on track to retire ^(Sponsored)

The Vietnam War was a major conflict between communist and anti-communist forces that took place in the Southeast Asian country. After the end of French colonial rule, Vietnam was divided into the communist North under Ho Chi Minh and the anti-communist south, which was backed by the U.S. Tension between the two regions escalated into war as the North, along with Viet Cong guerrillas in the South, attempted reunification under communism. The United States steadily increased its involvement, aiming to contain the spread of communism in Southeast Asia, ultimately deploying hundreds of thousands of troops. The conflict was defined by guerrilla warfare, heavy bombing, and significant civilian suffering.

As the war dragged on, opposition to U.S. involvement grew. Rising casualties of young troops and plenty of media coverage led to American doubt. In 1973, the U.S. withdrew its combat forces following the Paris Peace Accords. The war officially ended in 1975 when North Vietnamese forces captured Saigon, revealing American efforts had ultimately failed.

The Vietnam War had a huge impact on the history of America. However, many people today struggle to answer even very basic questions about it. Here are 20 questions to test just how much you really know about the Vietnam War:

This post was updated on December 8, 2025 to provide a brief overview of the Vietnam War.

Why Are We Covering This?

The post The Average American Can’t Answer These Basic Vietnam War Questions appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

This High-Yield ETF Could Supplement Your Social Security Retirement Checks

Maurie Backman — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 15:10:44 +0000

Quick Read

Retirees often need more than just Social Security to live comfortably.
JPMorgan Equity Premium Income (JEPI) generates monthly income by holding large-cap S&P 500 stocks and selling call options against them.
JEPI suits retirees with moderate risk tolerance seeking steady income beyond Social Security’s average $2,000 monthly benefit.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

There are millions of older Americans today who collect monthly benefits from Social Security. But for many retirees, Social Security just isn’t enough.

The average monthly benefit today is a little over $2,000. But while that may suffice in covering the basics for some retirees with low expenses, it’s certainly not enough for an enjoyable retirement.

A $2,000 monthly check, for example, leaves little money left over for leisure, travel, and the other things you may want to do once you’re no longer committed to a job.

That’s why it’s a good idea to invest in assets that can generate income to supplement your Social Security checks. And you have numerous options in that regard.

A common strategy for retirees is to build a portfolio of dividend stocks. However, not only does that take work, but it also requires you to keep tabs on your investments regularly.

Some people find that an easier way to generate portfolio income is to buy shares of the right exchange-traded funds, or ETFs, instead. After all, it’s easier to manage one investment than a collection of stocks.

If you’re looking for a great asset to provide income on top of Social Security, you may want to look at the JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPI). Let’s review JEPI’s strategy and why it may be a suitable investment for your retirement.

Why JEPI could be a good fit for your retirement portfolio

The JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (JEPI) is an income-focused fund that’s ideal for investors who want stock market exposure and strong returns with less risk and volatility. JEPI focuses primarily on large-cap U.S. companies within the S&P 500 index — in other words, established businesses.

But JEPI doesn’t just hold a core group of stocks. Rather, there’s another component of the fund’s strategy — selling call options against its equity holdings.

Funds that sell call options get to collect a premium for them, and that’s what helps JEPI generate regular income for investors. In other words, other ETFs simply hold a bucket of stocks and hope they gain value or yield strong dividends. JEPI does the same, only on top of that, it employs its covered call strategy to generate steady income.

Is JEPI right for your retirement?

If you’re someone who’s extremely risk averse, then JEPI may not be the most suitable investment for you. Rather, JEPI is more optimal for investors who have a moderate tolerance for risk. But if your goal is to generate steady income to supplement your Social Security checks, it’s an asset worth looking at.

One nice thing about JEPI is that it distributes income to investors on a monthly basis. That consistently might help you better manage your expenses in retirement.

Finally, while JEPI carries some risk, it’s probably a less risky asset than, say, a growth ETF. In fact, JEPI isn’t necessarily a great choice for people who are in the process of building retirement wealth. It may be more suitable for people who are already retired, want steady income, and are willing to take on some risk, but not a whole ton of risk, to get it.

Want Up To $1,000? SoFi Is Giving New Active Invest Users up to $1k in Stock

The post This High-Yield ETF Could Supplement Your Social Security Retirement Checks appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Burry May Be Short, But BoA Sees Nvidia and Palantir Moving Higher

Joey Frenette — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:49:26 +0000

Quick Read

Bank of America set a $275 price target on Nvidia, implying over 50% upside from current levels.
Bank of America raised its Palantir price target to $255 from $215, suggesting over 40% potential upside.
Michael Burry holds bearish positions on both Nvidia and Palantir, believing the AI trade is in a bubble.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Dr. Michael Burry might have bearish positions on Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA), Palantir (NASDAQ:PLTR), and a lot of worrisome things to say about the AI trade (spoiler alert: he thinks it’s in a bubble). But not everybody is in the same camp as him, and while only time will tell if the bulls or bears prevail with the names and the AI tech trade in general (bubble or no bubble?), I do think that it’s a good idea to have some perspective.

As a prospective investor in either company, I’d say it’s worth hearing out the bears as much as the bulls. And while the bears may seem a heck of a lot smarter, it’s really tough to tell who will come out on top. In the case of the bear camp, it arguably does not get smarter than Dr. Michael Burry, a man who was made famous from one of the most brilliant and contrarian bets of this generation.

Nvidia and Palantir might look expensive, but that doesn’t mean a crash is right around the corner

Apart from extended valuations, I don’t think Dr. Burry has unveiled anything that’s nearly as big as what he discovered many years prior to the 2008 stock market crash. In any case, Bank of America seems to be firmly in the bull camp with the two names that Burry is short. Notably, the bank labels shares of GPU maker Nvidia and AI data titan Palantir as buys going into the new year.

When it comes to Nvidia, it’s very lonely outside of the bull camps, at least as far as the analyst community is concerned. Apart from Burry and a select few skeptics on the sell side, it’s still popular to be a bull on the company in spite of greater competitive pressures from the likes of Google and its TPUs. As for Palantir, however, there are more skeptics with the name, likely because of its much higher valuation. Either way, Bank of America outlines some intriguing reasons why the two pricey but explosive growth titans might still have more room in the tank to march higher in 2026.

The case for staying bullish on Nvidia

Bank of America was right to stay bullish on Nvidia for 2025. And it doesn’t seem like the big bank is about to change its tune anytime soon. Analysts at the bank see “unrelenting” AI chip demand and other catalysts that could help drive shares to $275.

That entails a ton of upside from current levels, especially as the company moves through a difficult period en route to its next earnings reports. With a growing number of headlines surrounding the wave of competitive pressures (TPUs and beyond), it will certainly not be easy to stay in the name for a shot at that run towards a target that currently suggests more than 50% worth of upside.

As the AI revolution rolls on, betting against Nvidia still seems like it could be a money-losing proposition as we enter the new year. Even if Dr. Burry is right about his bear thesis, the trade might not unravel anytime soon.

The case for sticking with Palantir

Palantir seems like the tougher of the two stocks to own. However, Bank of America analysts see the name as a “best-in-class” AI enabler. Many smart analysts out there seem to think the same thing. And while there’s going to be plenty of scares with the name as bears take aim, I do think that the earnings results will dictate the trajectory of the stock.

There’s a good chance many may still underestimate the growth and margin expansion potential in the new year. With a fresh $255 price target (up from $215 per share), a gain of more than 40% may very well be looming. Either way, I don’t want to be buying put options on the name right here, especially given the giant question mark surrounding the growth acceleration potential of its AI Platform (AIP). It’s going to be big, but could it blast past expectations? That’s the big risk for the bears going into 2026.

Released: The Ultimate Guide To Retirement Income (sponsor)

The post Burry May Be Short, But BoA Sees Nvidia and Palantir Moving Higher appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Stock Market Live December 8: S&P 500 (SPY) Running Ahead of the Fed

Ian Cooper — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:47:35 +0000

Live Updates

Markets Pumping Brakes Ahead of Federal Reserve Meeting

23 hours ago

After starting the day off well, markets decided to pump the brakes ahead of the Federal Reserve’s interest rate decision this week. Weighing on stocks is the 10-year Treasury yield, which continues to push higher despite the likelihood that the Fed cuts this week. All as investors fear inflationary risks heading into 2026 and if the Fed will continue to cut.

Nvidia’s Data Center Opportunity is Significant, Says Bernstein

Yesterday

Analysts at Bernstein just reiterated an outperform rating on Nvidia, citing a significant opportunity with data centers.

After all, artificial intelligence will continue to create massive demand for data centers.

We also have to consider that AI demand isn’t slowing, which increases the need for data centers.

Carvana Will Be Added to the S&P 500

Yesterday

Later this month, Carvana (NYSE: CVNA) will be added to the S&P 500 on December 22.

S&P 500 futures are up another 11 points this morning. The SPDR S&P 500 ETF (SPY) is up about $1.50 a share. The Dow is up another 23 points, as the Nasdaq tacks on 81 points.

Driving markets higher are hopes for another rate cut this week.

In fact, markets are pricing in an 87% chance of a rate cut, according to CME FedWatch.

While we won’t see payroll numbers until after the Federal Reserve’s meeting on December 10, there are hopes that we’ll see more rate cuts after Challenger, Gray & Christmas reported that job cuts in November moved further ahead of one million for the year. We also just got US PCE inflation data for September, which showed a lower-than-expected read of 2.8%.

Carvana Will Be Added to the S&P 500

Later this month, Carvana (NYSE: CVNA) will be added to the S&P 500 on December 22. As a result, analysts at Bank of America reiterated a buy rating with a price target of $485 a share. After all, inclusion into the S&P 500 typically forces index funds and ETFs to buy shares of newly added stocks.

Other stocks being added to the S&P 500 include Comfort Systems (FIX), Mohawk Industries (MHK), Pinterest (PINS), Dycom Industries (DY), and Marriott Vacations (VAC).

This New Year Resolution Trade is Exploding Higher

Over the last few weeks, many of us have stuffed ourselves full of turkey. Nowadays, we’re at holiday and family parties packing on even more weight.

Then, when all is said and done, we promise next year will be different.

We promise to diet and exercise. In fact, around this time of year, about 90% of us, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine, make a resolution to lose weight, diet, and exercise more.

Unfortunately, as many of us will also do, is push our resolutions to another time.

Others will join Weight Watchers, or even Medifast. Or even join a gym.

Look at Planet Fitness (NYSE: PLNT) for example, which we mentioned on November 7 as it traded at around $104 a share. Today, it’s up to $111 and continues its history of exploding higher around this time of year. In fact, we saw it take off in late 2020, in late 2021, in late 2022, and again in 2023, 2024, and again now.

All thanks in large part to the New Year’s Resolutions.

Released: The Ultimate Guide To Retirement Income (sponsor)

The post Stock Market Live December 8: S&P 500 (SPY) Running Ahead of the Fed appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Goldman Sachs Adds Red-Hot Gaming and Technology Stocks to December Conviction List

Lee Jackson — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:44:15 +0000

The Goldman Sachs

Conviction List is a curated list of stocks that the firm’s research team believes are highly likely to outperform the market. It is a tool for investors to identify stocks with strong growth potential, frequently updated to reflect changes in market conditions and company performance. The list aims to pinpoint stocks in which Goldman Sachs analysts have the “highest level of conviction” for outperformance. The list has been known to focus on specific themes, such as artificial intelligence, consumer trends, and sustainability. The Conviction List offers investors a valuable perspective on the stock market, enabling them to identify potential investment opportunities.

24/7 Wall St. Key Points

Goldman Sachs added four new stocks to its respected Conviction List.
All four stocks make sense for investors looking to add technology, gaming, and alternative assets to portfolios.
With less than a month left in the trading year, investors should take the opportunity to review their portfolios.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Founded in 1869, Goldman Sachs is the world’s second-largest investment bank by revenue and ranks 55th on the Fortune 500 list of the largest U.S. corporations by total revenue. The Wall Street white-glove giant offers financing, advisory services, risk distribution, and hedging for the firm’s institutional and corporate clients. We screen the firm’s Conviction List of top stock ideas each month, identifying new companies added to the list and those removed.

For December, the firm added four new stocks, one of which is an outstanding total return idea for growth and income investors. All four new additions have double-digit upside potential to the Goldman Sachs price targets.

Why we recommend Goldman Sachs stocks

Goldman Sachs

is the acknowledged leader in the investment landscape on Wall Street and worldwide. The firm’s top-notch research department continues to provide institutional and high-net-worth clients with the best ideas across the investment spectrum. It is likely to continue doing so for years.

Here are the four new stock additions to the Conviction List for December, along with the analyst’s comments from the research report.

Ares Management

A leader in alternative investments, this company pays a solid 2.74% dividend. Ares Management Corp. (NYSE: ARES) is an alternative investment manager offering clients complementary primary and secondary investment solutions across various asset classes.

Its segments include:

The Credit Group: manages credit strategies across the liquid and illiquid spectrum, including liquid credit, alternative credit, direct lending, and APAC credit.
The Private Equity Group: categorizes its investment strategies as corporate private equity, special opportunities, and APAC private equity.
The Real Assets Group: manages comprehensive equity and debt strategies across real estate and infrastructure investments.
The Secondaries Group: invests in secondary markets across alternative asset classes, including private equity, real estate, infrastructure, and credit.

The company

has operations across:

North America
South America
Europe
Asia Pacific
The Middle East

The Goldman

analyst had this to say about the company:

Alex Blostein sees this alternative asset manager delivering one of the most durable 20%+ 2-year EPS growth rates in the sector today. Yet it is trading at a meaningful discount to its historical valuation, with upside potential from inclusion in the S&P 500. Rising private credit concerns and EPS cuts have driven YTD stock underperformance, but earnings estimates appear to have stabilized, and Blostein’s analysis of the private credit market shows no major issues at this time. Going forward, look for fundraising momentum, an improving deployment backdrop, FRE margin expansion and a greater contribution from European-style performance fees to drive a 20%+ fee-related earnings (FRE) growth CAGR and 25% EPS growth CAGR in 2026/2027.

Goldman Sachs

has a $188 target price, representing a 20% gain.

Celestica

This is an exciting tech idea and offers a reasonable entry point now. Celestica Inc. (NYSE: CLS) is engaged in designing, manufacturing, and providing hardware platform and supply chain solutions. It delivers supply chain solutions globally to customers in two operating segments.

The Advanced Technology Solutions segment comprises its Aerospace & Defense (A&D), Industrial, HealthTech, and Capital Equipment businesses. Its Capital Equipment business comprises its semiconductor, display, and robotics equipment businesses.

The Connectivity & Cloud Solutions segment consists of its communications and enterprise end markets.

The enterprise end market consists of Celestica’s servers and storage businesses. It offers a range of product manufacturing and related supply chain services to customers across both segments, including design and development, new product introduction, engineering services, component sourcing, electronics manufacturing and assembly, testing, and systems integration.

Goldman Sachs analyst had this to say about the company:

Mike Ng sees the company’s strong engineering capabilities, combined with its ability to quickly and reliably scale production, as a competitive advantage over other ODM and EMS providers in supplying data center equipment. Ng expects CLS to benefit from ongoing capex growth amongst hyperscale and other large AI players, where the company has demonstrated its ability to win customer programs in cutting-edge technology (e.g., 800G and 1.6T networking switches), and gain traction over time in higher-margin ODM server business, relative to its traditional position as an EMS server player.

Goldman Sachs

$440 price target would be a 28% gain from current levels.

Keysight Technologies

This top company is a safer way to add some technology and AI to your portfolio now. Keysight Technologies Inc. (NYSE: KEYS) specializes in the computing, communications, and electronics market. Its portfolio of hardware, software, and services enables customers’ engineering workflows for designing, manufacturing, deploying, and optimizing their products and solutions.

Its segments include:

Communications Solutions Group (CSG): electronic design and test software, instrumentation, systems, and related services, serving customers across the global commercial communications, aerospace, defense, and government end markets.
Electronic Industrial Solutions Group (EISG): electronic design, test, and simulation software; optical design and photonics simulation tools; instrumentation; systems; and related services, serving customers across a diverse set of end markets, including automotive and energy, semiconductor solutions, and general electronics. Its product categories include oscilloscopes and digital multimeters.

The Goldman

Sachs analyst added this:

Mark Delaney notes that two of KEYS’ largest end markets (wireline/networking and Aerospace & Defense) are experiencing strong demand, driven in part by the data center buildout phase of the AI revolution. Additionally, KEYS’ industrial and wireless businesses are beginning to inflect positively, sustaining the company’s high margins and strong free cash flow generation while enabling KEYS to pursue M&A.

The Goldman

Sachs target price for the stock is $232, representing a 17% gain.

Wynn Resorts

This high-profile gaming company remains one of Las Vegas and Macau’s top destinations. Wynn Resorts Ltd. (NASDAQ: WYNN) is a designer, developer, and operator of integrated resorts featuring hotel rooms, retail space, an array of dining and entertainment options, meeting and convention facilities, and gaming.

The company owns and operates:

Wynn Las Vegas
Wynn Macau
Wynn Palace
Cotai
Wynn Mayfair
Operates Encore Boston Harbor

Wynn and Encore

Las Vegas comprise two hotel towers, with a total of 4,748 spacious hotel rooms, suites, and villas.

Encore Boston Harbor features 671 hotel rooms and suites, a spa, 14 dining and lounge venues, a nightclub, and a ballroom and meeting spaces.

Wynn Macau is located in the Macau Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and features two luxury hotel towers.

Wynn Palace offers 1,706 exquisite rooms, suites, and villas; 14 food and beverage outlets; meeting and convention space; an extensive boutique shopping esplanade; SkyCabs that traverse an eight-acre Performance Lake; a vast collection of rare art; and a spa and salon.

Goldman Sachs said this about the stock:

Lizzie Dove believes the hotel and casino operator is one of the most catalyst-driven stocks in her coverage. The launch of Wynn Al Marjan in the UAE in 1Q 2027, plus WYNN’s best-in-class Las Vegas assets, leverage to higher-income consumers, a strong 2026 Las Vegas event calendar, and an improving backdrop in Macau should drive transformative upside at WYNN. Her EBITDA estimates sit 3% above Street consensus for 2026.

The Goldman

Sachs target price for the company is $145, representing a 13% gain.

Our December High-Yield 6% Dividend Stocks Have Big Total Return Potential

If You’ve Been Thinking About Retirement, Pay Attention (sponsor)

Answer a Few Simple Questions.
Get Matched with Vetted Advisors
Choose Your Fit

Why wait? Start building the retirement you’ve always dreamed of. Get started today! (sponsor)

The post Goldman Sachs Adds Red-Hot Gaming and Technology Stocks to December Conviction List appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Stock Market Live December 8: GDP Growth Forecasts Lift S&P 500 (VOO) Monday

Joel South — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:31:42 +0000

Live Updates

Mastercard Stock Is a Buy -- Or Is It?

Yesterday

HSBC analyst Saul Martinez upgraded MasterCard (NYSE: MA) stock to buy with a $633 price target this morning.

“As a leading global payment network benefiting from economies of scale and scope,” said Martinez, “Mastercard is well positioned to benefit from the displacement of cash even as its sizable services businesses continues to grow at an outsized pace. In addition, the company’s smaller size relative to Visa, higher proportions of revenue coming from non-US (which, on average, are growing faster than the US) and value added services and solutions businesses, and client-focused mindset suggest that Mastercard will grow revenue and EPS faster than Visa.”

The analyst anticipates low double digit revenue growth and mid-teen EPS growth from Mastercard for the next few years. It’s not clear how “mid-teens” growth justifies MasterCard’s hefty 35x earnings valuation, however, and investors don’t seem 100% convinced by the buy thesis.

In afternoon trading, Mastercard stock is down more than 1%. The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF is down 0.3%.

UBS Doubles Down on Micron

Yesterday

UBS analyst Timothy Arcuri reiterated his buy rating and $275 price target on Micron Technology (Nasdaq: MU) stock this morning, saying he sees “a favorable setup for MU into the [upcoming earnings release] and leave our estimates unchanged from prior in-quarter updates.”

That all sounds like some pretty no-news news, but Arcuri notes that his forecast for Micron’s earnings are “well ahead” Micron’s own guidance — essentially telling investors to expect an earnings beat for fiscal Q1 2026.

DRAM supplies continue to tighten, pushing up prices and broadening profit margins for Micron, says the analyst, and this all bodes very well for earnings.

Micron stock is up 2.3% in response to the note, but the Voo is now down 0.3%.

IBM to Buy Confluent at a Premium

Yesterday

S&P 500 component company IBM (NYSE: IBM) will acquire data streaming platform Confluent (Nasdaq: CFLT) in an $11 billion transaction that’s being couched in terms of its significance for the artificial intelligence market: “Confluent excels at preparing data for AI, keeping it clean and connected across systems and applications, eliminating silos inherent in agentic A.I.”

As IBM explains, the market for Confluent’s services has doubled in size over the past four years, to $100 billion.

The two tech companies signed a definitive agreement for the merger this morning. IBM will pay $31, in cash, for each outstanding share of Confluent, valuing the shares at approximately 6.7 times trailing revenue.

IBM’s own shares sell for a P/S ratio of less than 4.5x, but investors don’t seem to mind it paying a premium. Confluent stock is up more than 28% this morning, but IBM stock is also up, albeit only 1.5%.

The parties plan to close the transaction in mid-2026.

This article will be updated throughout the day, so check back often for more daily updates.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made the rounds of Sunday talk shows to spread the news that is doing “better than we thought,” and the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (NYSEMKT: VOO) likes the news. The Voo opened 0.1% on Monday morning.

“We’ve had 4% GDP growth in a couple of quarters,” Bessent told CBS News’ Face the Nation on Sunday, and “we’re going to finish the year … with 3% real GDP growth.” Gross domestic product grew only 0.6% in Q1, but 3.8% in Q2, and the Atlanta Fed estimates Q3 growth may have been 3.5%.

Not quite “4%” growth for “a couple of quarters,” but close (if you round up).

Meanwhile, the news from consumers is more mixed. The University of Michigan’s consumer sentiment survey last week showed a 53.3 reading, up 4.5 percentage points sequentially from November but down 28 points year over year.

That’s not necessarily good news, but it may help to give the Federal Open Markets Committee political cover to lower interest rates at its next meeting, as it’s forecast to do on Wednesday. This would please the stock market — a second reason for the Voo to be up this morning.

Earnings

There’s no big earnings news yet this morning, but later in the day we’re scheduled to get an update from Toll Brothers (NYSE: TOL) on its Q4 earnings numbers. Analysts will be looking for earnings of $4.88 per share on $3.3 billion in quarterly sales.

Tuesday should see earnings from S&P 500 component companies AutoZone (NYSE: AZO) and Campbell’s (NYSE: CPB).

Then on Wednesday: a slew of tech earnings news from Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), Adobe (Nasdaq: ADBE), and Synopsys (Nasdaq: SNPS).

The Next Nvidia Could Change Your Life

The post Stock Market Live December 8: GDP Growth Forecasts Lift S&P 500 (VOO) Monday appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Reddit Traders Push AST SpaceMobile Higher Despite Analyst Sell Ratings and Extreme Multiples

Austin Smith — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:30:45 +0000

AST SpaceMobile

(NASDAQ: ASTS) closed Friday at $69.90, up 185% year-to-date despite a volatile November that saw shares briefly touch oversold territory. The stock has rebounded sharply in December, and retail sentiment across Reddit and X has reached remarkably bullish levels. Over the past seven days, ASTS maintained an average sentiment score of 87 out of 100 on Reddit, with zero negative periods recorded. The latest reading hit 92, firmly in “very bullish” territory. By comparison, Rocket Lab (NASDAQ: RKLB), a frequent peer in space-sector discussions, averaged 79 over the same period.

Reddit Traders Pile Into ASTS Despite Extreme Valuation

The enthusiasm is visible across subreddits. On r/wallstreetbets, user ponnewslo posted about buying $70 call options just before a recent surge, writing: “I bought ASTS 70c in the last 1.5 hours before yesterday’s close at an average price of 0.72… ASTS stock has been declining since it reached ATH on 10/16 and only improved on 12/1, so I bought it yesterday after they sent out a report of an upcoming rocket launch.” The post drew 339 upvotes and reflects the catalyst-driven trading common among ASTS bulls.

$ASTS Rocket in the air
by
u/ponnewslo in
wallstreetbets

Yet the valuation remains extreme. AST SpaceMobile trades at 1,465 times trailing sales compared to Rocket Lab’s 47 times. ASTS generated just $18.5 million in revenue over the past twelve months against a $27.16 billion market cap, while RKLB posted $554.5 million. Both companies are unprofitable, but RKLB’s 48% quarterly revenue growth dwarfs ASTS’s 12.4%. Despite this, ASTS commands the premium, driven entirely by future expectations tied to its satellite broadband network.

Momentum Intact, But Risks Remain Significant

Technical indicators support the bullish narrative. ASTS’s RSI sits at 62.71, well below overbought levels despite the massive year-to-date gain. The stock recovered from an RSI of 30.94 on November 20, adding nearly 27 points in two weeks. Among ten analysts covering the stock, four rate it a buy, but two assign strong sell ratings. The consensus target of $71.51 sits essentially at current levels, suggesting limited upside without new catalysts. Investors should monitor the company’s satellite deployment schedule and any updates to its contracted revenue pipeline, which management says exceeds $1 billion in commitments.

Want Up To $1,000? SoFi Is Giving New Active Invest Users up to $1k in Stock

The post Reddit Traders Push AST SpaceMobile Higher Despite Analyst Sell Ratings and Extreme Multiples appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Worst CEOs of the Year: Evan Spiegel of Snap

Douglas A. McIntyre — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:15:05 +0000

We have started choosing candidates for our annual worst CEO list, and Evan Spiegel of Snap Inc. (NYSE: SNAP) is the next candidate. An all-time winner will be selected later in the year.

24/7 Wall St. Key Points

Evan Spiegel of Snap Inc. (NYSE: SNAP) is a candidate for the worst CEO of 2025.
Wall Street believes that Snap’s future is no better than its past.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Before looking at the past year, it is worth remembering that Spiegel has been chief executive of Snap since 2011. Snap shares are down 84% in the past five years, 36% in the past year, and 27% year to date. His net worth, in the meantime, is approximately $2.5 billion.

However, this is about 2025. Granted, revenue is up 11% in the first three quarters to $4.2 billion. Yet, after all these years, the company still loses money. In the first three quarters, the net loss was $104 million. That compared to a loss of $153 million in the same period of last year. After so many years, Snap should be doing better.

More Disappointments

The post Worst CEOs of the Year: Evan Spiegel of Snap appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Meta Plans 30% Metaverse Budget Trim—What Is Next

Joey Frenette — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 14:12:57 +0000

Quick Read

Meta plans to cut its metaverse budget by roughly 30% to prioritize AI spending.
Reality Labs has spent tens of billions over recent years.
Meta shares recently fell more than 25% from peak levels.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) shares are back on the ascent after briefly dipping below 25% from peak levels, thanks in part to a calming of the tech and AI waters, as well as recent news that the firm is looking to trim its metaverse budget by around 30%.

In a prior piece dated just last week, I suggested that Meta Platforms cut from its Reality Labs rather than its AI efforts. After all, AI stands out as the number-one priority, even though the metaverse might be the next big thing after that (some would argue quantum computing deserves that number-two spot). Regardless, it just makes more sense to place more chips on your bigger, bolder, timelier bet, even if it means metaverse and mixed reality won’t advance as quickly.

At this juncture, it feels like AI is the prime-time technology as the revolution looks to shift from a rapid buildout stage to more of a monetization stage. Though investors should be patient, as hefty front-loaded investments might make the relatively slow and steady trickling in of returns look quite small in comparison. But what happens if the monetization potential ends up far exceeding the cost of investment at some later point down the road?

In many ways, there’s the potential that investors are overestimating the short-term potential of AI while underestimating its longer-term potential, especially if the technology continues to advance at such a rapid pace.

Will investors feel more content with the budget now?

Either way, the November dip in AI stocks, I think, is fantastic for dip-buyers who want to take advantage of those who aren’t patient enough to wait around as AI spend soars while the uncertain returns look to arise at some uncertain time in the future. It’s hard to tell when the big payoff will be, if there will be one at all, especially as competition surges and the commoditization of AI models looks to deter investors from staying invested amid a rise in those fearful of an AI bubble.

Undoubtedly, Meta Platforms has already endured a violent decline of more than 25%. The big question moving forward is whether investors can feel comfortable with the sheer amount the company is poised to keep spending. In my view, the 30% budget cut on the metaverse should do quite a bit to soothe fears of excessive cash bleed in the new year. The Reality Labs division has been spending tens of billions of dollars over the past several years.

And while I wouldn’t be quick to dismiss those Reality Labs bets as wasted, I just think there are more pressing matters for Meta Platforms as the AI race becomes far more intense, while the metaverse race experiences a vast slowing of pace. In other words, AI is a rapid sprint towards AGI, while the metaverse is a lengthy marathon. And a company like Meta Platforms might need to win the AI sprint before the metaverse marathon.

What’s next for the metaverse, as Meta Platforms prioritizes AI?

Though I’m sure the metaverse could be a cash cow one day, there just aren’t as many players in the space that are “flooring it” compared to AI. Also, I believe we’ll need generative AI to reach a point where it can generate immersive virtual worlds before virtual reality and concepts like the metaverse can really experience an iPhone moment.

Undoubtedly, playing games, watching films, working, and exercising with a virtual-reality headset is fun and all, but it’ll probably not face mass adoption until the technology is in a spot such that we have customizable virtual worlds that are populated, either with AI non-player characters or other people.

Though it might seem far-fetched today, I think that advanced AI is absolutely critical to fuel a metaverse supercycle. I think Zuckerberg and his team have recognized this, and their recent moves (30% trim to the metaverse) suggest they’re getting their priorities right.

The bottom line

While investors might still need time to digest the hefty AI spend, I do think that the latest moves suggest that Meta Platforms is 100% an AI-first company. So, are more budget cuts coming?

That’s the big question I don’t have the answer to. Given recent trends, though, and the potential for AI to automate more advanced roles (think mid-level coding), I wouldn’t be surprised if there were more waves of smaller cuts through the next year. That said, I do not expect any future cuts to entail a slowdown in AI innovation.

The company seems to be aiming for maximum velocity in the AI race. And, in due time, I suspect they will trim accordingly if there are expenditures that aren’t conducive to accelerating its position in the race.

Released: The Ultimate Guide To Retirement Income (sponsor)

The post Meta Plans 30% Metaverse Budget Trim—What Is Next appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

The Only 3 Dividend ETFs Investors Need to Own in 2026 for Long-Term Passive Income

Chris MacDonald — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:56:32 +0000

Investors certainly don’t have any shortage of dividend exchange traded funds (ETFs) to choose from. According to an interesting source I found, there are currently more than 15,000 ETFs in existence, with the majority of these paying some sort of dividend yield (small or large).

Quick Read

The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) yields 3.8% and tracks the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index of high-quality large-cap stocks.
SCHD provides significant exposure to consumer staples, energy and healthcare sectors with an average price-earnings ratio between 15 and 16 times.
The Fidelity High Dividend ETF (FDVV) has delivered over 13% annualized returns since its 2016 inception while yielding 3.1%.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

That’s an incredibly large sample size to work with. Accordingly, many investors looking for top-tier dividend ETFs to park some capital for the long-term in will want to do their research on which of the thousands of options out there fit one’s personal investing profile, risk tolerance levels, and long-term goals.

I’ve picked three top dividend ETFs in this piece that I either own, or would recommend to friends. This isn’t financial advice, and readers should do their homework on each of these stocks before buying. But here’s why I think these top dividend ETFs are at least worth a look right now.

Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD)

The Schwab U.S. Dividend Equity ETF (SCHD) happens to be one of my largest ETF holdings, and this is one particular purchase I’m intending on holding for decades.

There are a number of reasons for this view. First, SCHD provides a very juicy 3.8% dividend yield, fueled by some of the top dividend stocks in the market. Tracking the Dow Jones U.S. Dividend 100 Index, this ETF focuses on only the highest-quality large-cap dividend stocks in the market. And given the fact that the vast majority of top-tier tech stocks don’t carry dividends (or if they do have yields, they are minuscule), this ETF allows investors who may be otherwise overly exposed to tech stocks to diversify their portfolios further.

With significant weightings to the consumer staples, energy and heath care sectors, I think SCHD can provide much-needed portfolio diversification for those seeking greater yield and value in their overall holdings. And with an average price-earnings ratio between 15 and 16-times, there’s a lot to like about the defensiveness this ETF can provide over long market cycles.

Fidelity High Dividend ETF (FDVV)

Dividend income is kind of like dessert – the more the better.

In terms of ETFs providing high yield exposure to the market, the Fidelity High Dividend ETF (FDVV) is an option I think is worth considering. With a dividend yield of 3.1% at the time of writing, this fund provides a more traditional mix of large and mid-cap exposure in a range of sectors.

Unlike SCHD, FDVV does have a higher weighting to the tech sector, with most of the major names in this space that pay a dividend included in this fund. That said, the returns FDVV has provided in recent years (more than 13% per year since its inception in 2016) is impressive, and is one of the key reasons why investors looking for broad exposure to dividend paying stocks continue to gravitate toward this name.

With a smart beta tilt (FDVV is aimed at more growth-oriented dividend players) investors in such an ETF don’t have to worry about giving up too much in the way of growth while chasing yield. Thus, for younger investors looking for a top dividend ETF to buy now, this would probably be my pick of the three.

Vanguard Dividend Appreciation ETF (VIG)

I think one of the most under-appreciated aspects of dividend stocks, at least relative to other fixed income options out there such as bonds, is the ability of companies to consistently raise their dividends over time. By increasing distributions each and every year, investors who lock in a given yield on day one (relative to their cost base) can see much higher yields down the line on their initial investment.

So, unlike other securities that really lock you into a specific yield or return, the upside over a very long period of time for a dividend-paying stock that continues to raise its distributions each and every year for a long period of time, can be meaningful. That goes double for investors who are concerned about inflation eating into their dividend payments over time.

I’ve long thought that dividend growth generally matters more than up-front yield, and VIG is an excellent option for those seeking companies with the balance sheet strength and stability to support future increases over time.

All three ETF options are excellent, and aimed at those with long investing time horizons. For those with the greatest capital needs in retirement, though, the VIG ETF could be among the best options.

Released: The Ultimate Guide To Retirement Income (sponsor)

The post The Only 3 Dividend ETFs Investors Need to Own in 2026 for Long-Term Passive Income appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

The 5 Percent Income Strategy More Retirees Are Switching To in 2026

David Beren — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:51:22 +0000

As retirees enter 2026, the hope is that it will be both different from 2025 and potentially some of the same. After an uncertain early part of the year, from May on, the year ended with significant growth, earning those investors who stayed the course with sizable returns. Of course, the question is what to do next, and that brings up a lot of ideas around how to handle 2026.

Quick Read

Retirees are shifting from the traditional 4% withdrawal rule to 5% to combat rising healthcare and living costs.
A 5% withdrawal on $1M generates $50K annually versus $40K at 4%.
The strategy relies on dividend ETFs and bond ladders to generate income without selling principal during market downturns.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

To this point, alongside this stronger market performance in 2025, you also had some negative news as higher living costs, including healthcare, combined with longer lifespans, have led many retirees to rethink how they are generating income from their savings, and these concerns aren’t going away next year. The result is a mindset shift toward a 5% income strategy that continues to gain real traction. The hope is that this move, up from the traditional 4% gives retirees more spending power from day one without abandoning long-term stability or increasing overall risk.

Why a 5 Percent Withdrawal Rate Is Gaining Momentum

For better or worse, retirees are now increasingly opting for a higher starting withdrawal rate because the math supports it in a more diversified, income-focused portfolio. A 5% withdrawal rate unsurprisingly translates into more spending power. Consider that with a $1 million portfolio, the 5% withdrawal rate is equivalent to $50,000, compared with $40,000 under the traditional 4% rule. Given the rising cost of healthcare and overall living costs, this $10,000 difference, even after taxes, might be the difference between paying all bills on time and not.

Add to this the rise of stronger dividend ETFs, bond ladders, monthly-pay REITs, and a more durable cash-flow asset format that is changing the equation. Income generation is no longer just dependent on selling shares, as the 4% rule has long been mindful of. Instead, retirees are now focused on a strategy that has them adapting to changing market conditions rather than fighting them.

When equity stocks perform well, a portfolio can gain enough cushion to support percentage withdrawals. However, when the market weakens, retirees have to temporarily dial back their spending instead of being forced to sell at a loss. These trends, paired with stronger long-term forecasts, are driving renewed confidence that a 5% strategy can be sustainable when executed properly.

How Retirees Can Build a Portfolio Designed for 5 Percent Withdrawals

Retirees who are adopting the 5 percent withdrawal strategy are hopefully doing so with a clear view of their income needs. And, as a result, start building a diversified portfolio that supports those needs with a predictable cash flow that can last indefinitely. The caveat here is that it shouldn’t all be about equity stocks.

Dividend stocks and dividend ETFs are likely to be and should be a major pillar, since they can provide ongoing income without requiring principal drawdowns. You can look at funds like Vanguard Real Estate ETF (NYSE:VNQ) for REIT investing, Schwab US Dividend Equity (NYSE:SCHD) for dividend growth, and JPMorgan Equity Premium Income ETF (NYSE:JEPI) for higher monthly income.

Additionally, bonds are going to help stabilize income, and many retirees can build a portfolio that includes short-term or intermediate bond ladders to match near-term expenses. Bond ETFs like the Vanguard Total Corporate Bond ETF (NASDAQ:VTC) or corporate bond funds can help round out the mid-term income bucket. Energy partnerships like Enterprise Product Partners (NYSE:EPD) add another layer of dependable distributions, all of which combine for dependable income as a retiree.

Bringing this all together is a popular framework known as the three-bucket system. The first is a cash bucket that covers the first two to five years of expenses and protects retirees from market dips. The income budget includes bonds and dividends to support intermediate spending needs. Lastly, a third bucket, the growth bucket, holds equities to keep the portfolio expanding over time.

What Retirees Must Consider Before Moving to a 5 Percent Rule

The 5% strategy offers more income but requires more planning, so retirees who have a lower risk tolerance or short life expectancies may still lean more toward the 4% range. Market volatility can affect how practical a higher withdrawal rate is, especially if a retiree refuses to adapt their spending habits when markets pull back.

Longevity matters too, so someone who is expecting a long retirement may adopt a more conservative approach to investing or choose to allocate more heavily to dividend growth strategies. Taxes are also a major consideration, as the order in which withdrawals are made, from taxable accounts, traditional IRAs, Roth accounts, etc., can meaningfully impact how long savings will last. Ultimately, many retirees may use the 5 percent rule and rely on professional advice to tailor a version that fits their risk profile, spending habits, and investment preferences. Reminder, this is a framework, not a formula, and it’s best matched with a disciplined investment plan.

At the end of the day, this strategy is gaining more and more traction because it reflects the realities of retirement in 2026. Retirees want more income now, along with more control over when they sell assets. When paired with strong dividend payers, modern income ETFs, and a flexible withdrawal plan, the 5% strategy can offer retirees a higher quality of life without straining long-term sustainability.

Released: The Ultimate Guide To Retirement Income (sponsor)

The post The 5 Percent Income Strategy More Retirees Are Switching To in 2026 appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

These 3 ETFs Could Be the Best Gifts You Give Your Kids or Grandkids This Holiday Season

Chris MacDonald — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:48:38 +0000

Quick Read

VT provides exposure to 98% of global investable equities with a 0.06% expense ratio.
GLD has been among the best-performing large-cap ETFs over the past year as gold prices surged.
BND offers a 3.8% dividend yield with a 0.03% expense ratio as interest rates remain elevated.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Those looking to gift their loved ones something truly special have plenty of options to consider. Whether that’s a physical good to put under the tree (or five), some sort of experience such as a vacation, or an asset that may appreciate in value, we’re all different.

Most readers can fancy a guess that I tend to find myself in the latter group. For my kids, I focus on putting some capital away in their education accounts as their primary gift. The plan is to talk through the investing process with them when they’re old enough, and try to build up their sense of responsibility around money, and give them a solid understanding of personal finance and all the other psychological aspects that go into building wealth for them and their future families.

For those in such a grouping, deciding early on which investments should go into such funds is an important task. In this piece, I’m going to dive into three exchange traded funds (ETFs) I think provide folks who have truly long-term investing time horizons (such as two decades or so) I think are worth adding to such a portfolio.

Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT)

The world is a big place, and while your kids and grandkids may certainly be looking forward to some travel, the Vanguard Total World Stock ETF (VT) can allow them to benefit from global exposure earlier than they may feel comfortable climbing onto a plane.

This ETF tracks the entire global stock market, holding roughly 98% of all investable equities across the U.S., other developed nations, and a broad swath of emerging markets as well.

Thus, investors looking to truly benefit from strong global economic growth tailwinds can do so in one neat package. And importantly, this exposure can be had for an expense ratio of just 0.06% – a fee I’d argue is dirt cheap considering the breadth of exposure this ETF provides.

What I like most about investing in an ETF like VT is the “set it and forget it” ability this fund provides. This is the ETF I’d consider putting most of the long-term capital I’m stashing away for loved ones in, as it benefits from strong global growth in the largest companies and economies in the world (it’s market-cap weighted), but also can outperform other domestic portfolios in times when international equities are taking off.

SPDR Gold Shares (GLD)

In my personal portfolio, I hold a small amount of gold as a strategic portfolio hedge. For long-term portfolios, such as those designed for one’s kids or grandkids to benefit from when they’re older, I’d argue that such hedges could be even more valuable the more years (and cycles) one has to work through.

In this regard, the SPDR Gold Shares ETF (GLD) is a great option to consider. This spot commodity backed ETF is designed to track the price of gold very closely, and has done so successfully for a long time. While I view this ETF as a hedge, it’s also been true that GLD has been among the best-performing large-cap ETFs (at least ranked by assets under management) over the past year, as the price of gold has continued to skyrocket.

For those who think the structural and cyclical forces taking gold prices higher are likely to stay in place, GLD is a great option for the near and medium term. That said, I’m thinking longer-term with this holding, and view a smaller portfolio position as a market hedge as the way I’d go about viewing my exposure to GLD.

With inflation fears on the rise, other geopolitical and currency-based concerns peaking, and central banks looking to shore up their balance sheets, there are plenty of reasons why GLD could continue to rise over time.

Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND)

Last, but certainly not least on this list of top long-term ETFs to consider gifting one’s loved ones, is the Vanguard Total Bond Market ETF (BND).

Along the same veins as the previous pick, what I like most about BND is the portfolio hedge and security this ETF provides. By providing investors with very broad exposure to investment-grade U.S. bonds, investors in such a fund are able to maintain exposure to a wide range of fixed income assets including Treasurys, agency securities, mortgage-backed securities, and other assets which provide yield.

Given where interest rates are right now, and the historically high yields investors can receive by putting their capital to work in a fund like BND, now could be one of the best times (at least over the past 15 years) to put capital to work in such a fund.

That’s perhaps more true if you share the view I do that interest rates are likely to decline from here. But even if interest rates do trend higher, I’d make the argument the portfolio diversification of owning such a fund could outweigh any sort of near-term losses (that is, until the Federal Reserve and other central banks cut to zero again).

With an effective duration around 5.8 years, and an effective maturity of over 8 years, I’d argue this fund is best suited for those with an investing time horizon longer than eight years. Those looking for defensive positioning for themselves or their loved ones at an expense ratio of just 0.03% (with a dividend yield around 3.8% right now) can’t go wrong owning this ETF in my view.

Released: The Ultimate Guide To Retirement Income (sponsor)

The post These 3 ETFs Could Be the Best Gifts You Give Your Kids or Grandkids This Holiday Season appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Emerson Electric Has Raised Its Dividend for 68 Years and the Streak Looks Secure

William Temple — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:47:10 +0000

Emerson Electric (NYSE: EMR) has paid dividends for 68 consecutive years, but can the industrial automation giant maintain that streak? With a 1.54% yield and recent earnings volatility, income investors need to look beyond the surface. I analyzed payout ratios, cash flow coverage, and the balance sheet to determine whether this dividend is truly safe.

The Dividend at a Glance

Metric	Value
Annual Dividend	$2.11 per share
Dividend Yield	1.54%
Consecutive Years of Increases	68 years
Most Recent Increase	5.2% (November 2025)
Dividend Aristocrat Status	Yes (25+ years)

Emerson raised its quarterly dividend to $0.555 per share in November 2025, marking a 5.2% increase and extending one of the longest dividend streaks in American industry.

Comfortable Payout Ratios With Room to Spare

Metric	FY2025 Value	Assessment
Earnings Payout Ratio	35.2%	Healthy
FCF Payout Ratio	44.7%	Healthy
Operating Cash Flow Coverage	2.60x	Strong

Emerson paid $1.19 billion in dividends against $2.67 billion in free cash flow during fiscal 2025, producing a FCF payout ratio of 44.7%. That leaves $1.48 billion in retained cash for debt reduction, acquisitions, or the $1.24 billion in share buybacks the company executed.

The earnings payout ratio stands at 35.2% based on fiscal 2025 EPS of $6.00. This marks a dramatic improvement from 60.7% in fiscal 2020, when pandemic pressures squeezed profitability.

Operating cash flow of $3.10 billion covered the dividend 2.6 times over, providing substantial cushion even before accounting for capital expenditures of $431 million.

This infographic details Emerson Electric’s (EMR) strong dividend safety, explaining its 68-year streak and the temporary dip in free cash flow coverage in FY2023 due to a strategic spinoff.

One Anomaly Worth Watching

Year	Free Cash Flow	Dividend Paid	FCF Coverage
FY2025	$2,667M	$1,192M	2.24x
FY2024	$2,913M	$1,201M	2.43x
FY2023	$274M	$1,198M	0.23x
FY2022	$2,391M	$1,223M	1.96x
FY2021	$2,994M	$1,210M	2.47x

Fiscal 2023 stands out. Operating cash flow collapsed to $637 million, and free cash flow dropped to $274 million. The dividend exceeded free cash flow by more than 4x that year. This stemmed from the tax-free spinoff of Emerson’s Climate Technologies business to Copeland in October 2023, which generated an $11.1 billion accounting gain but disrupted normal cash operations.

The company maintained its $1.2 billion dividend commitment during this transition year, demonstrating management’s resolve. Cash flow has since normalized, with fiscal 2024 and 2025 both generating over $2.6 billion in free cash flow and healthy 2.2x to 2.4x coverage ratios.

This Dividend Looks Secure

Dividend Safety Rating: Safe

The free cash flow payout ratio of 44.7% provides ample cushion, the balance sheet weathered a major restructuring without cutting the dividend, and management raised the payout by 5.2% in November. The 68-year streak speaks to institutional commitment beyond quarterly results.

Emerson works for income if you can accept modest 1-2% annual dividend growth and a below-average yield. However, the company’s 1.1% five-year dividend CAGR suggests a conservative approach to payout increases.

The Next Nvidia Could Change Your Life

The post Emerson Electric Has Raised Its Dividend for 68 Years and the Streak Looks Secure appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

XRP CME Futures Hit Record Levels: Can Institutional Demand Push XRP Past $3.50?

Sam Daodu — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:45:35 +0000

Quick Read

XRP CME futures hit record 9,900 contracts in late October, continuing growth from $1 billion milestone reached in August, making it the fastest CME contract ever to hit that milestone.
New XRP ETFs from Franklin Templeton, Grayscale, Bitwise, and Canary Capital pulled in over $906 million in 14 consecutive days, approaching $1 billion.
XRP consolidates near $2.15, holding a critical support zone. 2026 price projections range from $1.40-$1.80 (bearish) to $5-$6 (bullish) depending on institutional adoption pace.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

XRP’s (CRYPTO: XRP) getting serious attention from institutions. Since launching CME futures in May 2025, the token hit $1 billion in open interest by August, the fastest-ever CME contract to reach that milestone. By late October, XRP’s open interest climbed to a record 9,900 contracts. Add in over $906 million flowing into new XRP ETFs in 14 consecutive days, and XRP’s building real infrastructure that institutions can actually use.

Retail traders aren’t running the show anymore. Big institutions are setting up long-term positions through regulated futures and ETFs. XRP’s trading near $2.15, and the big question for 2026 is whether this institutional money can push it above $3.50.

Why XRP’s CME Debut Is Sending a New Signal to Institutions

CME futures opened a new door for institutions that need regulated exposure to XRP. The setup works like what Bitcoin and Ethereum went through before their ETF launches brought them mainstream legitimacy.

XRP’s futures contract settles through a regulated benchmark that the CFTC oversees. This means when institutions buy in, it shows real interest instead of just retail speculation. The contract hit $1 billion in open interest by late August, then kept climbing to a record 9,900 contracts by late October, proving big trading desks are positioning for the long term.

Combined XRP and Solana futures open interest reached $3 billion by early November, with XRP showing the fastest growth of any new CME contract. Between CME futures hitting record levels and new ETFs pulling in over $900 million, XRP’s sitting in a much stronger position than previous market cycles. The demand backing it now looks sustainable rather than speculative.

Five Drivers Behind Growing Institutional XRP Demand

Institutions are paying closer attention to XRP for a few concrete reasons. The token now operates in clearer regulatory territory, powers real payment settlements, and offers multiple regulated ways to invest. These changes put XRP inside the same frameworks institutions use for traditional assets.

Payment Infrastructure With Real Utility

XRP works inside a payment network that’s actually moving money, not just theory. Ripple’s On-Demand Liquidity system has processed more than $1 trillion in cross-border transactions. Singapore’s regulators just approved broader use across Asia-Pacific, which opens up huge markets.

Banks and payment companies can now settle transactions using XRP with fewer regulatory headaches. This gives the token a real job in the financial system rather than just being a speculative asset.

Regulatory Clarity That Lowers Institutional Friction

The SEC settled its case against Ripple in 2025, which cleared away years of legal uncertainty. XRP now fits clearly into commodity and payments regulations. This reopened conversations with institutional risk teams who’d been sitting on the sidelines waiting for legal clarity.

Regulatory approvals in Singapore and Abu Dhabi show XRP can operate in major financial centers without triggering compliance problems. Institutions need that predictability before they allocate serious money.

ETF Inflows Creating Steady Long-Term Demand

Franklin Templeton, Grayscale, Bitwise, and Canary Capital all launched XRP ETFs, giving institutions an easy way to get exposure. These funds are seeing steady money coming in rather than wild speculative swings.

Financial advisors are adding XRP to client portfolios through standard rebalancing strategies. This creates consistent buying that supports price stability over time. Franklin especially emphasizes XRP’s role in actual payment settlements, positioning it as a useful tool rather than just a trade.

CME Futures Supporting Hedged Exposure

CME’s regulated futures contracts let institutions build positions while managing risk properly. Funds can hedge their spot holdings, control volatility exposure, and fit XRP into their existing risk management systems. The rapid growth in open interest since May shows professional trading desks are getting involved.

Futures combined with ETFs create a complete market structure that institutions recognize from stocks and bonds. This makes it easier for them to justify adding XRP to their portfolios.

A Balanced Profile Among Payment-Focused Assets

XRP’s price swings less wildly than most newer tokens. It focuses on settlements, liquidity, and enterprise use cases instead of chasing speculative hype. That appeals to institutions looking for functional value.

The XRP Ledger runs reliably, RLUSD serves as a settlement stablecoin, and XRP provides native liquidity across the network. This complete package fits how institutions actually operate. Treasury teams and risk officers can justify holding XRP as part of their payment operations, not just as a speculative bet.

XRP Price Prediction 2026: Will Institutions Push Past $3.50?

XRP starts 2026 with more institutional backing, active CME futures trading, and expanding payment corridors. How the year plays out depends on two things: how fast real payment volume grows and whether ETF money keeps flowing in steadily.

Bullish Scenario

In the bullish case, XRP breaks back above its old peak of $3.40 sometime in the first half of 2026. That move would signal institutional demand, CME positioning, and payment settlement flows are all lining up in the same direction.

Once that momentum builds, XRP could push toward the $4 level and potentially stretch to $5-$6 by late 2026. The drivers would be steady ETF inflows and growing transaction volume through RLUSD payment corridors. Institutions ramping up buying through early 2026 would accelerate the move.

Base Scenario

The more likely scenario has XRP holding support around $2 but struggling to break above $2.50. CME trading stays active but balanced. ETF money slows down as investors wait for clearer signals about the broader economy. RLUSD adoption keeps growing but doesn’t see any major breakthroughs.

XRP probably trades between $2.20 and $2.80 for most of 2026. It might test $3 a few times but fall back without strong catalysts pushing it higher. This reflects institutions staying engaged but cautious, building positions slowly rather than aggressively.

Bearish Scenario

In a bearish scenario, a broader economic downturn or weak institutional appetite drops XRP below the $1.90 support level. ETF money dries up and futures traders shift to defensive positions. Payment corridor growth slows as banks delay rolling out new systems. RLUSD expansion falls short of projections.

Activity on the XRP Ledger’s DeFi platform levels off, which limits overall transaction volume. XRP settles into a range between $1.40 and $1.80 for much of 2026. Recovery would require either better market conditions overall or a clear shift in how institutions view crypto risk.

Want Up To $1,000? SoFi Is Giving New Active Invest Users up to $1k in Stock

The post XRP CME Futures Hit Record Levels: Can Institutional Demand Push XRP Past $3.50? appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Another Famous Tech Investor Sold Some Palantir Stock—Time To Do the Same?

Joey Frenette — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:44:26 +0000

Quick Read

Cathie Wood has been trimming her Palantir stake after a strong run, but still holds it as a major position in the Ark Innovation ETF.
Palantir trades above $180 per share with a $433B market cap amid growing AI bubble concerns.
Wedbush analyst Dan Ives reports prospective customers remain shocked by product demos despite recent volatility.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Ark Invest’s Cathie Wood, who’s a big investor in disruptive innovators, has been reducing her stake in AI data analytics firm Palantir (NASDAQ:PLTR) in recent weeks. And a bit of profit-taking at quite a volatile and anxious time certainly does seem wise, especially as Dr. Michael Burry looks to keep those subscribed to his newsletter informed on his views of big tech and his bearish put positions.

Undoubtedly, Cathie Wood and her line of Ark Invest ETFs are having quite the incredible year, outpacing the market by a wide margin, thanks in part to the AI boom, falling rates, and a hunger for innovative growth ideas. And while I still believe in the long-term growth prospects of Palantir, I think that Cathie Wood’s latest trims should ring yet another alarm bell for investors who are up big and fearful of a swift reversal, primarily due to valuation concerns.

Cathie Wood’s Ark trims Palantir. But it’s still a major holding in the Ark Innovation Fund

While it’s never encouraging to learn of another seller of shares of Palantir, especially as AI bubble calls grow louder, it’s important to note that the name still represents quite a sizeable part of the flagship Ark Innovation ETF (NYSEARCA:ARKK). Arguably, recent selling activity is less of a running for the hills kind of move, and perhaps more of a smart round of ringing the register.

If Palantir stock is due for a more severe decline, let’s just say I wouldn’t be surprised if Ark were to increase its position. Given the extreme volatility and the recent bounce-back gain of nearly 18% off recent lows, I’d say the stock is in a very difficult spot technically.

Of course, Dr. Michael Burry wants the name to go lower, while other forces, including Palantir CEO Alex Karp, seem more than willing to do everything to keep the $433 billion AI data company moving at its blistering pace. The AI Platform (AIP) is booming, and if the growth can impress, I do think the AI bubble fears and Burry’s warnings might be put to rest, at least for the time being. Until then, though, I think there’s a serious amount of risk in buying up Palantir stock as it soars past $180 per share again.

This bull is still pounding the table loudly on Palantir shares

It’s getting harder to hard the table on Palantir, even as shares wander through a more difficult period. The company clocked in a blowout number that was met with selling. Arguably, that’s a correction that might prove unfair. Once investors digest the results and calm their nerves, perhaps that wonderful quarter might be able to sustain a robust rally later on.

In any case, Dan Ives of Wedbush Securities was in the trenches, reportedly speaking with more “prospective customers” about their viewpoints and the sheer “shock” they have following product demos. I think this AI “shock” factor might be key as the next wave of growth comes in for 2026.

Undoubtedly, it certainly feels like there’s more adoption and growth on the horizon. And if that’s the case, selling shares of Palantir just because others, including Cathie Wood, are might not be the best move in the world, provided you’re willing to ride out a hyper-volatile stock into what could be another AI-induced scare.

Guaranteed Income With As Little as $1,000

The post Another Famous Tech Investor Sold Some Palantir Stock—Time To Do the Same? appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Oracle Turned $1,000 Into $5,726 Over a Decade but Recent Buyers Lost 37%

William Temple — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:28:31 +0000

Quick Read

Oracle (ORCL) cloud services now represent 77% of total revenue and grew 55% year-over-year. GPU consumption revenue surged 336%.
Oracle’s remaining performance obligation hit $97.3B in Q2 FY2025. Cloud RPO grew nearly 80% and represents three-fourths of total RPO.
The stock dropped 46% from $345.72 in September 2025 to $185.63 two months later despite strong fundamentals.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Oracle Corporation (NYSE: ORCL) spent two decades as a database giant before pivoting hard into cloud infrastructure. That shift accelerated dramatically after 2020, when hyperscale AI workloads became the company’s defining growth engine. Oracle built modular data centers, signed partnerships with OpenAI and Meta, and positioned itself as the fastest, cheapest option for training large language models. The strategy worked. Cloud services now represent 77% of total revenue and grew 55% year-over-year in the most recent quarter.

The company’s remaining performance obligation hit $97.3 billion in Q2 FY2025, up 50% in constant currency. CEO Safra Catz noted that “our cloud RPO grew nearly 80% and now represents nearly three-fourths of total RPO.” Oracle’s GPU consumption revenue surged 336% as demand from AI customers outstripped supply. Chairman Larry Ellison emphasized the company’s technical edge: “We just extended our AI performance advantage by delivering the largest and fastest AI supercomputer in the world, scaling up to 65,000 Nvidia H200 GPUs.”

The stock reflected this transformation. Oracle went from a steady, dividend-paying value play to a volatile AI trade with extreme price swings in 2025.

Your $1,000 Became $5,726 Over a Decade

1-Year Return

Initial Investment: $1,000
Current Value: $1,319
Total Return: 31.9%
S&P 500 (same period): Approximately 26%

5-Year Return

Initial Investment: $1,000
Current Value: $3,817
Total Return: 281.7%
Annualized Return: 30.7%
S&P 500 (same period): Approximately 15% annualized

10-Year Return

Initial Investment: $1,000
Current Value: $5,726
Total Return: 472.6%
Annualized Return: 19.0%
S&P 500 (same period): Approximately 13% annualized

Oracle crushed the S&P 500 at every time horizon, but the ride required conviction. The stock hit $345.72 in September 2025 before collapsing to $185.63 two months later, a 46% drawdown. Timing mattered enormously. Investors who bought at the peak are down 37% despite strong fundamentals.

Returns were driven by Oracle’s cloud transformation and AI positioning. Revenue growth accelerated from mid-single digits to double digits as cloud infrastructure took over. Management expects cloud revenue to reach $25 billion this fiscal year, up from near zero a decade ago.

Key Investment Considerations

Investors considering Oracle should evaluate whether AI infrastructure spending will stay elevated for the next three to five years. The company has real technical advantages in network speed and modular deployment. Major customers like OpenAI, Meta, and xAI validate the product. The $97.3 billion RPO provides revenue visibility, and margins are improving with scale. Analysts have a consensus target of $332.29, implying 53% upside from current levels around $217.

Potential risks include the possibility that AI infrastructure demand has peaked or that Oracle’s execution could slip. The stock trades at 50x trailing earnings and 42x forward earnings, pricing in perfection. Three of the last four quarters missed earnings estimates. The recent 46% drawdown shows how quickly sentiment can turn. Regulatory scrutiny around data center power contracts adds uncertainty.

The bull case centers on patient investors willing to ride volatility. The cloud migration is still early, and Oracle’s unique multi-cloud partnerships give it optionality competitors lack. However, the stock carries significant risk given premium valuations and the need for sustained AI infrastructure demand.

Released: The Ultimate Guide To Retirement Income (sponsor)

The post Oracle Turned $1,000 Into $5,726 Over a Decade but Recent Buyers Lost 37% appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Carvana Pops 10% as Users Call Its S&P 500 Addition ‘Market Manipulation’ and Bet Against Rally

Austin Smith — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:26:05 +0000

Shares of Carvana (NYSE: CVNA) jumped 10% in pre-market trading on December 9, 2025, following news that the company will join the S&P 500 on December 22. Yet retail sentiment tells a starkly different story. On Reddit and X, traders remain deeply skeptical, with social sentiment scores hovering around 25 out of 100, firmly bearish territory. While institutional money prepares to pour in through index funds, retail investors are calling it “one of the greatest market manipulations in history.”

The disconnect is striking. Carvana has surged 120% year-to-date and 45% in the past month alone. Analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. (NYSE:JPM) upgraded the stock to Overweight with a $425 target. The company posted record Q3 adjusted EBITDA of $637M and sold 155,941 retail units, up 44% year-over-year. Yet mentions on r/WallStreetBets remain overwhelmingly negative, with users questioning why executives are selling millions of dollars in shares at $370-$400 if the business is truly healthy.

$CVNA liquidity crisis tomorrow
by
u/dowgy in
wallstreetbets

The post warned that “Carvana is about to face a liquidity crisis” and pointed to insider selling as a red flag, stating: “The CFO, President, and a Director all sold shares in the past week at prices between $370-$400. If the business is so healthy and the stock is going to $420+, why are insiders dumping?”

Why Retail Remains Bearish on Carvana

The skepticism centers on three key concerns:

Insider selling totaled over $30M in early December, with CFO Mark Jenkins, President Thomas Taira, and Director Michael Maroone all disposing of shares at $370-$400
Used car demand may be weakening after demand was pulled forward due to EV credit expirations and tariff concerns
Historical accounting concerns and related-party transactions involving CEO Ernest Garcia III and his father, who owns nearly 40% of diluted shares

One widely discussed post on r/WallStreetBets asked directly: “Can someone please explain why I’m stupid and the analysts are right, and that $CVNA is going to 420?” The 157 comments reflected confusion over how institutional buyers could be so bullish while executives cash out.

Explain $CVNA bull case? Execs selling, used cars demand weakening
by
u/marketwatcher2024 in
wallstreetbets

S&P Inclusion Creates Technical Squeeze

Today’s rally stems from forced buying mechanics. Index funds must purchase roughly 16 million Carvana shares by December 19. Combined with 12M shares sold short and market makers hedging newly in-the-money call options, the technical setup favors a near-term squeeze. But retail traders see this as the “grand finale,” not a fundamental revaluation. Watch for continued volatility through month-end as these buying pressures collide with persistent insider selling and retail skepticism.

Want Up To $1,000? SoFi Is Giving New Active Invest Users up to $1k in Stock

The post Carvana Pops 10% as Users Call Its S&P 500 Addition ‘Market Manipulation’ and Bet Against Rally appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) Stock Price Prediction and Forecast 2025-2030 (Dec 2025)

Joel South — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:25:13 +0000

Everyone knows Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) and its best-known products, including the Windows operating system and Microsoft 365 suite of productivity apps, but its growing cloud computing platform, Azure, is the future of the company.

Microsoft stock has been a millionaire maker for decades, with a stock split-adjusted IPO price of $0.14, which means at today’s stock price around $480, the stock is up about 505,900%. That would have turned a $1,000 investment at Microsoft’s initial public offering into about $4.8 million today, including dividends and stock splits.

In the past month, Microsoft has expanded artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities across its product line and rolled out significant Windows 11 updates. Recent SEC filings revealed the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Trust significantly cut its Microsoft stake. The stock retreated 2.7% in the past month, underperforming the S&P 500.

24/7 Wall St. Key Points

Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ: MSFT) is one of the Magnificent 7 tech stocks and has been a millionaire maker for decades.
With its dominance in productivity and business solutions, cloud computing, and personal computing, 24/7 Wall St. projects strong upside for Microsoft stock through 2030.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

Though one of the most valuable companies in the world and one of the Magnificent 7 stocks, the only thing investors focus on is what the stock will do over the coming years. Wall Street analysts typically only provide stock predictions one year out. However, long-term investors want to know where Microsoft might be several years down the road.

24/7 Wall St. aims to give you our assumptions on the stock and provide our insights around the numbers coming from Microsoft and which markets the company is operating in that are most exciting to us.

Microsoft’s Market-Smashing Results

The post Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) Stock Price Prediction and Forecast 2025-2030 (Dec 2025) appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

If You Have These ETFs, Social Security’s Insolvency Probably Doesn’t Matter

John Seetoo — Mon, 08 Dec 2025 13:22:53 +0000

Quick Read

Social Security insolvency is projected by 2034. Benefit cuts could force retirees to rely more heavily on portfolio income.
Fidelity Enhanced High Yield ETF (FDHY) yields 6.61% through below investment grade bonds with 0.35% expense ratio.
FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (KNG) yields 7.98% by combining dividend stocks with covered call options.
If you’re focused on picking the right stocks and ETFs you may be missing the bigger picture: retirement income. That is exactly what The Definitive Guide to Retirement Income was created to solve, and it’s free today. Read more here

It’s no secret that Social Security has been lurching towards insolvency for several decades. Thanks to profligate spending by Congress, massive fraud luckily identified by DOGE, millions of undocumented migrants illegally stealing benefits, and a lack of any alternative plans from legislators has some economists projecting insolvency by 2034.

Retirees who are living off their IRA or 401-K nest eggs are luckily able to treat Social Security benefits as supplemental to their investment income. Should Social Security be declared insolvent, benefits are likely to be cut, which can devastate some retirees’ lifestyles if their portfolios aren’t yielding big enough income to cover the shortfall.

While many investment vehicles, stocks, bonds and funds all vie in the marketplace for investors, two (2) ETFs that can provide high yields, diversity of asset class focus, and large institution gravitas may be worth consideration as portfolio additions. One is the bond oriented Fidelity Enhanced High Yield ETF (NYSE: FDHY). The other one tracks Dividend Aristocrat equities, which are large-cap stocks with a 25-year or longer unbreakable streak of annual dividend increases. This one is FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (CBOE: KNG).

Fidelity Enhanced High Yield ETF

Fidelity Investments’ huge menu of funds has something for nearly every level of risk tolerance and investment goal profile investor.

Individual investors often view bonds from the perspective akin to watching paint dry, due to their relatively incremental price changes compared with stocks. However, professional bond traders trading large blocs of bonds can often generate impressive returns when managing profits in basis points. While higher yielding bonds are often commensurate with higher risk of default, active portfolio management mitigates that risk to a significant degree.

The Fidelity Enhanced High Yield ETF (NYSE: FDHY) is actively managed by Fidelity’s Benjamin Harrison, Jared Beckerman, and Rahul Bhargava. They use the ICE® BofA® BB-B US High Yield Constrained Index for their benchmark. Focusing on high yield, below investment grade bonds, FDHY will hold a minimum of 80% of “junk” bonds in its pursuit of higher income while managing default risk. Average duration is 1-5 years. Retirees will be heartened by FDHY’s monthly dividend payments. Morningstar gives FDHY a Silver rating.

Yield	6.61%
Net Assets	$449.7 million
Beta	0.62
Expense Ratio	0.35%
Inception date	6-12-2018
Average Daily Volume	48,634 shares
1-year Return	7.57%
3-year Return	8.80%
5-year Return	3.99%
NAV	$49.15
Average Credit Rating	B+
Weighted Coupon	6.81%

Bond categories: Corporate: 93.79%; balance in cash

Rating Breakdown: BBB: 3.15%, BB: 45.73%, B: 52.48% (includes leverage)

Top 5 Largest Holdings:

LiveNation Entertainment, Inc. 4.75%cpn: 1.25%
Enova Int’l Inc. 9.125%cpn: 1.00%
Wayfair 7.75%cpn: 0.97%
Mineral Resources Ltd. 8.50%cpn: 0.96%
CoreWeave Inc. 9.25%cpn: 0.94%

FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF

KNG is an ETF that tracks Dividend Aristocrat Fortune 500 stocks and contains a covered call component for added dividend boost.

Founded in 1991 by Robert Van Kampen, First Trust is headquartered in Wheaton, Illinois. After creating previous firms bearing his name, Van Kampen founded investment banking firm Nike Securities, which later acquired the Unit Investment Trust assets of Clayton, Brown, & Associates. The businesses were subsequently combined under the First Trust brand following Van Kampen’s death in 1999. Its menu of ETFs are popular with individual investors, notably because First Trust deploys actual customer service reps to deal with customer inquiries, eschewing the use of computerized, pre-programmed call responses.

Dividend Aristocrat stocks are those companies with a history of paying increased dividends for a consecutive minimum of 25 years. Companies with the wherewithal to annually increase a dividend for over 2 decades or more invariably have a strong business model with savvy management and a sufficient profit growth trajectory to afford the dividend hikes. Unsurprisingly, the vast majority of US Dividend Aristocrat stocks are members of the S&P 500.

The FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF (CBOE: KNG) is an Exchange Traded Fund that is geared to track the CBOE S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income IndexMonthly Series. However, while most Exchange Traded Funds are passively managed and automatically make changes to mirror those of the underlying index, KNG also deploys a covered call option writing strategy to boost returns.

As a result, FT Vest S&P 500 Dividend Aristocrats Target Income ETF will likely pay a higher annual dividend than what its underlying index might automatically calculate out to total. A snapshot profile of KNG appears as thus:

Dividend Yield	7.98%
Dividend Payment Frequency	Monthly
Distribution Rate	8.33%
No. of Holdings	138
Total Assets	$3.458 billion
Daily Trade Volume Average	420.635 shares
Beta (5 year)	0.81
1-Year Return	-1.21%
3-Year Return	10.43%
5-Year Return	8.95%%
Inception Date	3-26-2018
Inception Price	$40.00
Expense Ratio	0.75%

Sector wise, KNG’s top 5 heaviest weighted industrial areas are:

Industrials – 22.49%
Consumer Staples – 22.23%
Financials – 12.93%
Materials – 12.05%
Health Care – 10.64%

The top 5 weighted holdings in KNG are:

Albemarie Corp. – 1.88%
Expeditors Int’l of Washington – 1.83%
Cardinal Health – 1.80%
C.H. Robinson Worldwide – 1.79%
Nucor Corp. – 1.71%

Released: The Ultimate Guide To Retirement Income (sponsor)

The post If You Have These ETFs, Social Security’s Insolvency Probably Doesn’t Matter appeared first on 24/7 Wall St..

24/7 Wall St.

Top Insider Purchases in December Signal Market Confidence

24/7 Wall St. Key Points

Is Insider Buying Important?

Universal Technical Institute

GE Aerospace

Hycroft Mining

And Other Insider Buying

If You’ve Been Thinking About Retirement, Pay Attention (sponsor)

Lululemon Turned $1,000 Into $571 Over Three Years While Staying Profitable

Quick Read

The Premium Athleisure Dream Turned Nightmare

Your $1,000 Became $479

The Bull and Bear Case

The Next Nvidia Could Change Your Life

Income Investors Can Sleep Well With MSA’s Dividend Despite 2023 Cash Flow Scare

Quick Read

The Payout Ratios Look Extremely Comfortable

Balance Sheet Provides Solid Support

Steady Growth, No Cuts

This Dividend Is Safe

The New Report Shaking Up Retirement Plans

ITT Has Raised Its Dividend for 14 Years and Retains 77% of Profits

Quick Read

Payout Ratios Leave Enormous Room

Minimal Debt Burden Adds Confidence

A Quiet But Consistent Track Record

Management Signals Confidence

This Dividend Is Rock Solid

If You’ve Been Thinking About Retirement, Pay Attention (sponsor)

Here Are Tuesday’s Top Wall Street Analyst Research Calls: Agilent, Alibaba, Delta Air Lines, Intel, JD.com, Micron Technology, Reddit and More

Quick Read

Pre-Market Stock Futures:

Treasury Bonds:

Oil and Gas:

Gold:

Crypto:

Upgrades:

Downgrades:

Initiations:

Get Ready To Retire (Sponsored)

Disney’s Entertainment Model Stumbles as Amazon Doubles Down on AI Infrastructure Spending

Quick Read

Cloud Infrastructure Drives Amazon. Content Costs Weigh on Disney.

Capital Allocation Reveals Different Priorities

Analyst Conviction Favors the Platform Model

Amazon’s Fundamental Advantages

Guaranteed Income With As Little as $1,000

United Chases Market Share With Service Upgrades as Delta Rewards Shareholders

Quick Read

Premium Cabins Drive Both, But Execution Differs

One Rewards Shareholders. One Reinvests Aggressively

The Next Test Is Holiday Demand and Cost Pressure

Key Differences Between Delta and United

Want Up To $1,000? SoFi Is Giving New Active Invest Users up to $1k in Stock

Ooma Reports Record Cash Flow and Lands Exclusive Deal With National Cable Giant

Quick Read

Fourth Straight Beat Drives Momentum

Major Partnership Wins Validate Strategy

Quiet Reaction Despite Strong Fundamentals

The New Report Shaking Up Retirement Plans

Nancy Pelosi’s “Farewell Portfolio”: The 3 AI Stocks She’s Holding as She Leaves Congress

Quick Read

Nvidia (NVDA)

Broadcom (AVGO)

Alphabet (GOOG, GOOGL)

Released: The Ultimate Guide To Retirement Income (sponsor)

Stock Market Live December 9: Anticipating a Rate Cut, the S&P 500 (VOO) Rises a Bit

Live Updates

Campbell's Soups Up Some Profits

Earnings

If You have $500,000 Saved, Retirement Could Be Closer Than You Think (sponsor)

Compass Minerals Narrows Losses 65% as Revenue Climbs but Investors Stay Cautious

Quick Read

Losses Narrow as Revenue Climbs

Market Reaction Remains Muted

Focus Shifts to FY2026 Guidance

The New Report Shaking Up Retirement Plans

3 Under-the-Radar Dividend Stocks Quietly Beating the Market

Quick Read

Get Ready To Retire ^(Sponsored)

Get Ready To Retire ^(Sponsored)