Register for free to join our community of investors and share your ideas. You will also get access to streaming quotes, interactive charts, trades, portfolio, live options flow and more tools.
Register for free to join our community of investors and share your ideas. You will also get access to streaming quotes, interactive charts, trades, portfolio, live options flow and more tools.
NY Times - >>> Killing of Hamas Leader Fuels More Tension Between Biden and Netanyahu
The New York Times
by Peter Baker
August 4, 2024
https://news.yahoo.com/killing-hamas-leader-fuels-more-144237474.html
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel is pushing back against President Joe Biden over U.S. concerns about the assassination of the political leader of Hamas and Israel’s approach to cease-fire talks in the latest rift between the two allies since the war in the Gaza Strip began 10 months ago.
In what a U.S. official described as a heated conversation Thursday, Netanyahu denied that Israel was an obstacle to a cease-fire agreement and rejected Biden’s contention that the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Iranian soil could sabotage efforts to reach a deal halting hostilities and freeing hostages.
A senior Israeli government official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive relations between the two countries, said in an interview that Netanyahu insisted he was not trying to block a cease-fire. While he acknowledged that the death of Haniyeh, the main negotiator in the cease-fire talks, would interrupt progress for a few days, Netanyahu argued that it would ultimately hasten the finalization of an agreement by putting more pressure on Hamas, according to the Israeli official.
Biden contended that the assassination of Haniyeh was poorly timed, coming at what the Americans hoped would be the endgame of the process, according to the U.S. official, who likewise did not want to be identified describing private talks. Moreover, Biden expressed concern that carrying out the operation in Tehran could trigger the wider regional war that he has been trying to avert.
According to both governments, the Israelis did not inform the Americans of the plan to kill Haniyeh even though Biden had hosted Netanyahu at the White House just days before. Netanyahu did not want to compromise the Americans by giving them a heads-up, the Israeli official said. For their part, U.S. officials have made no objections to being left in the dark.
Biden alluded to his worries about the combustible situation in the Middle East during a brief late-night conversation with reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland on Thursday after welcoming home three Americans released by Russia in a prisoner swap.
“I’m very concerned about it,” the president said. “I had a very direct meeting with the prime minister today — very direct. We have the basis for a cease-fire. He should move on it and they should move on it now.”
Asked if the Haniyeh killing made it harder to reach a deal, Biden said, “It’s not helped. That’s all I’m going to say right now.”
Even as Biden and Netanyahu quarreled, the two allies were working closely to thwart a threatened Iranian attack in retaliation for the Haniyeh killing. Biden ordered more warships and aircraft to the region, and U.S. military officers were collaborating with Israeli counterparts to counter such a strike, much as they did in April when they knocked down nearly all of 300 missiles and drones that Iran had launched at Israel.
The president’s frustration over the fitful cease-fire talks came as Israel’s Channel 12 reported Friday that Netanyahu had clashed with his own security chiefs, who accused him of changing the terms of the proposal to make it harder to reach a deal. The prime minister’s office denied the report.
Netanyahu ordered his negotiators to return to Cairo on Saturday to resume the talks, and U.S. officials said they were determined to keep pressing. The U.S. official said disagreements between U.S. and Israeli officials over the latest draft proposal had been resolved over the past week and that it was not fair for critics to accuse Netanyahu of changing the conditions. But reports from Cairo indicated that no breakthrough had been reached.
The senior Israeli government official described in detail how Israel sees the state of play at the moment. The official flatly denied that Israel had added new conditions, asserting that Hamas had made 29 changes to the document.
But either way, it was clear that significant points of dispute between the two sides remained unresolved. The first phase of the three-stage cease-fire plan calls for Hamas to turn over 33 hostages and for Israel to release a number of Palestinians in Israeli prisons during a 42-day break in military operations.
Netanyahu, however, is insisting that the remains of hostages who have died not be counted toward the total to be returned. Under the deal as currently written, Israel retains a veto of about 100 Palestinians serving life sentences who will not be eligible for release and can stipulate that about 50 others go into exile rather than return to Gaza.
The Israelis insist on preserving control of what is called the Philadelphi corridor, a narrow strip of land along Gaza’s border with Egypt, to prevent weapons and militants from entering Gaza. The Israeli official strongly denied reports that the Israelis had agreed to leave that corridor. The Israelis also are demanding a mechanism to prevent Hamas fighters from traveling from south to north in Gaza, although it is not clear whether that would have to mean checkpoints.
While Israeli forces would pull back to the along the borders of Gaza under the cease-fire plan, the Israeli official said Israel considers Rafah, the major city in the south of Gaza, to be part of that perimeter, meaning its forces would remain there.
Israel also wants to make it clear that as the two sides negotiate during a final phase of the cease-fire, it can choose to withdraw from the talks if it does not think progress is being made toward a permanent resolution and resume the war. Otherwise, Hamas could simply stretch out the talks with no intention of actually coming to a final agreement while hostilities remain paused, the official said, calling that a huge deal-breaker.
The Israeli official complained that pressure from the Americans might encourage Hamas to assume that the United States does not fully support Israel and that the group therefore does not need to make a deal. Biden administration officials have rejected that logic, and some have questioned whether Netanyahu really wants a deal or simply wants to look like he does to deflect pressure from the families of hostages eager for the return of their loved ones.
The issue came up during the Oval Office meeting between Biden and Netanyahu on July 25. Biden pressed Netanyahu strongly during that conversation to make a cease-fire agreement, raising his voice and insisting that a deal be done in a week or two, according to the U.S. official, in details previously reported by Axios.
Biden had a document in his hand to discuss the Israeli position on the cease-fire. The U.S. official said the Israelis had amended their views of some parts of the proposal and brought those views to the meeting, but Biden and his advisers argued that some of those views were problematic and could prevent a deal. Netanyahu told Biden he had not added any conditions, the Israeli official said.
Biden and the Americans asked to have teams from the two sides get together to work out those points of dispute, which they did in the succeeding days, according to the U.S. official. The final result is now in good shape, added the official.
But an Israeli strike that killed a Hezbollah commander in Lebanon on Tuesday, just five days after the Oval Office meeting, and the assassination of Haniyeh in Tehran on Wednesday caught the Americans off guard. While they said they did not mourn either man, the timing and venues of the operations stunned the Americans and raised questions in their minds about whether Netanyahu was as serious about the cease-fire as he had just told the president he was.
The subsequent phone conversation between Biden and Netanyahu on Thursday was a tough one. The president was extremely direct and forthright, according to the U.S. official, telling the prime minister that it was time to get the deal over the finish line.
In the interview, the senior Israeli official said it seemed like the American side wanted a deal immediately, regardless of what is in it, and complained about the pressure being put on Netanyahu.
<<<
---
Apple - >>> Why Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Dumped 55.8% Of Its Apple Stock
Forbes
by Peter Cohan
Aug 3, 2024
https://www.forbes.com/sites/petercohan/2024/08/03/why-warren-buffett-dumped-56-of-berkshires-apple-stock/
Warren Buffett dumped 55.8% of Berkshire Hathaway’s holdings of Apple stock in the first six months of 2024, according to Reuters.
Since the end of 2023 Berkshire has sold 505 million Apple shares — 115 million in the first quarter and another 390 million in the second quarter. As of June 30, that represents a 55.8% reduction in Berkshire’s Apple holdings since the beginning of the year, Reuters noted.
Why did he sell so much Apple stock? Should other investors follow suit?
I do not know why Buffett sold such a huge chunk of Berkshire’s Apple stock. However, Apple’s tepid growth rate and high valuation suggest the famed investor may have concluded the stock’s prospects are not great.
While Apple’s AI offerings could give consumers a reason to upgrade, the iPhone maker’s declining revenues in China, its regulatory woes, and the absence of a compelling growth vector — particularly if Apple Intelligence does not prove to be a killer app — could mean Apple will be lucky to achieve low single digit revenue growth.
I suspect other investors will take a cue from Buffett.
Apple has been a good investment. Since Buffett began buying he iPhone maker’s stock in 2016, Berkshire has spent roughly $40 billion. Apple shares have delivered a total return of nearly 800% since Berkshire first disclosed its stake, noted the Financial Times.
<<<
---
Apple - >>> Why Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Dumped 55.8% Of Its Apple Stock
Forbes
by Peter Cohan
Aug 3, 2024
https://www.forbes.com/sites/petercohan/2024/08/03/why-warren-buffett-dumped-56-of-berkshires-apple-stock/
Warren Buffett dumped 55.8% of Berkshire Hathaway’s holdings of Apple stock in the first six months of 2024, according to Reuters.
Since the end of 2023 Berkshire has sold 505 million Apple shares — 115 million in the first quarter and another 390 million in the second quarter. As of June 30, that represents a 55.8% reduction in Berkshire’s Apple holdings since the beginning of the year, Reuters noted.
Why did he sell so much Apple stock? Should other investors follow suit?
I do not know why Buffett sold such a huge chunk of Berkshire’s Apple stock. However, Apple’s tepid growth rate and high valuation suggest the famed investor may have concluded the stock’s prospects are not great.
While Apple’s AI offerings could give consumers a reason to upgrade, the iPhone maker’s declining revenues in China, its regulatory woes, and the absence of a compelling growth vector — particularly if Apple Intelligence does not prove to be a killer app — could mean Apple will be lucky to achieve low single digit revenue growth.
I suspect other investors will take a cue from Buffett.
Apple has been a good investment. Since Buffett began buying he iPhone maker’s stock in 2016, Berkshire has spent roughly $40 billion. Apple shares have delivered a total return of nearly 800% since Berkshire first disclosed its stake, noted the Financial Times.
<<<
---
Bigworld, Here's an interesting theory on the dramatic change in the narrative on the economy. Over several days, the narrative instantly went from 'dovish soft landing' to a 'scary hard landing'. The timing of this was sudden and dramatic, and seems suspicious.
One explanation for the sudden reversal would be that the Fed / 'powers that be' are sending an unambiguous message to Biden & Co that they better go along with something that is approaching (US Bombs Iran scenario?), or else the Fedsters will tank the stock market and scare the hell out of the voters, thus destroying the Dem's chances in the election.
Ostensibly, the recent economic / unemployment data was responsible for the abrupt change in Wall Street sentiment (along with the deteriorating Middle East situation). But as we know, the data / numbers can easily be cooked to show anything they want, therefore they (powers that be) can tank the markets anytime they want. Remember the 2015 'Flash Crash' that hit the market the week the US Congress was voting on the Audit the Fed legislation? The market mysteriously dropped 1000 points, scaring the hell out of everyone, and Congress promptly watered down the bill.
Anyway, this has a similar feel to it. I follow the main financial articles most every day, and the sudden shift from 'kumbaya' to 'the ship is sinking' was unreal. The UK articles were especially strange, using terms like a US economic 'collapse', when the day before everything was rosy. The whole thing seems fishy imo. (Or maybe I should go back on my meds), lol..
---
>>> USPTO Grants Acurx Pharmaceuticals New Patent for Ibezapolstat to Treat CDI While Reducing Recurrence of Infection and Improving Health of the Gut Microbiome
PR Newswire
Jul 17, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/uspto-grants-acurx-pharmaceuticals-patent-110000920.html
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y., July 17, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Acurx Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ACXP) ("Acurx" or the "Company"), a late-stage biopharmaceutical company developing a new class of small molecule antibiotics for difficult-to-treat bacterial infections, today announced that a new patent has been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) on July 16, 2024. This patent relates to ibezapolstat and its use to treat C. difficile Infection (CDI) while reducing the recurrence of the infection, as well as improving the health of the gut microbiome. This is the latest in the series of granted patents and pending patent applications that Acrux has filed to protect its proprietary technologies in the field of antimicrobials.
Robert J. DeLuccia, Executive Chairman of Acurx, stated: "This patent is very important and timely as ibezapolstat continues to demonstrate previously unexpected and favorable effects on the gut microbiome while at the same time curing the C. difficile bacterial infection and preventing recurrent infection." He further added: "As we continue to prepare for initiation of our Phase 3 clinical program, we expect this feature of ibezapolstat's selective mechanism of action to be further demonstrated and to be an important competitive advantage over currently available antibiotics by reducing the recurrence of the infection. This could have a dramatically favorable effect on patient outcomes and on reducing downstream healthcare costs."
David P. Luci, President & CEO of Acurx stated: "This latest patent is part of our company's pivotal product, ibezapolstat, which is a two-dimensional antibiotic to cure infections clinically comparable to marketed antibiotics while restoring the microbiome and preventing reinfections which is unusually positive for CDI antibiotics."
Acurx has previously announced that it had a successful FDA End-of- Phase 2 Meeting and Phase 3 Readiness for ibezapolstat for the Treatment of C. difficile Infection. Agreement with FDA was reached on key elements to move forward with its international Phase 3 clinical trial program. Agreement was also reached with FDA on the complete non-clinical and clinical development plan for filing of a New Drug Application (NDA) for marketing approval. Planning continues to advance ibezapolstat into international Phase 3 clinical trials for treatment of C. difficile Infection (CDI). Acurx is also now preparing to submit requests for guidance to initiate clinical trials in the European Union, the United Kingdom, Japan and Canada.
About the Ibezapolstat Phase 2 Clinical Trial
The completed multicenter, open-label single-arm segment (Phase 2a) study was followed by a double-blind, randomized, active-controlled, non-inferiority, segment (Phase 2b) at 28 US clinical trial sites which together comprise the Phase 2 clinical trial. (see https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04247542). This Phase 2 clinical trial was designed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of ibezapolstat in the treatment of CDI including pharmacokinetics and microbiome changes from baseline and continue to test for anti-recurrence microbiome properties seen in the Phase 2a trial, including the treatment-related changes in alpha diversity and bacterial abundance and effects on bile acid metabolism.
Key elements for the two Phase 3, non-inferiority, pivotal trials were confirmed and included agreement on the protocol design, patient population, primary and secondary endpoints, and size of the registration safety database. Based on FDA recommendations, and in anticipation of an EMA Scientific Advice Meeting, the primary efficacy analysis will be performed using a Modified Intent-To-Treat (mITT) population consistent with EMA requirements. This will result in an estimated 450 subjects in the mITT population, randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either ibezapolstat or standard-of-care vancomycin, enrolled into the initial Phase 3 trial. The trial design not only allows determination of ibezapolstat's ability to achieve Clinical Cure of CDI as measured 2 days after 10 days of oral treatment, but also includes assessment of ibezapolstat's potential effect on reduction of CDI recurrence in the target population. In the event non-inferiority of ibezapolstat to vancomycin is demonstrated, further analysis will be conducted to test for superiority.
The completed Phase 2a segment of this trial was an open label cohort of up to 20 subjects from study centers in the United States. In this cohort, 10 patients with diarrhea caused by C. difficile were treated with ibezapolstat 450 mg orally, twice daily for 10 days. All patients were followed for recurrence for 28± 2 days. Per protocol, after 10 patients of the projected 20 Phase 2a patients completed treatment (100% cured infection at End of Treatment), the Trial Oversight Committee assessed the safety and tolerability and made its recommendation regarding early termination of the Phase 2a study and advancement to the Ph2b segment. The Company's Scientific Advisory Board concurred with this recommendation.
In the now completed Phase 2b trial segment, 32 patients with CDI were enrolled and randomized in a 1:1 ratio to either ibezapolstat 450 mg every 12 hours or vancomycin 125 mg orally every 6 hours, in each case, for 10 days and followed for 28 ± 2 days following the end of treatment for recurrence of CDI. The two treatments were identical in appearance, dosing times, and number of capsules administered to maintain the blind. The Company previously reported that the overall observed Clinical Cure rate in the combined Phase 2 trials in patients with CDI was 96% (25 out of 26 patients), based on 10 out of 10 patients (100%) in Phase 2a in the Modified Intent to Treat Population, plus 15 out of 16 (94%) patients in Phase 2b in the Per Protocol Population, who experienced Clinical Cure during treatment with ibezapolstat. Ibezapolstat was well-tolerated, with three patients each experiencing one mild adverse event assessed by the blinded investigator to be drug-related. All three events were gastrointestinal in nature and resolved without treatment.
There were no drug-related treatment withdrawals or no drug-related serious adverse events, or other safety findings of concern. In the Phase 2b vancomycin control arm, 14 out of 14 patients experienced Clinical Cure. The Company is confident that based on the pooled Phase 2 ibezapolstat Clinical Cure rate of 96% and the historical vancomycin cure rate of approximately 81% (Vancocin® Prescribing Information, January 2021), we will demonstrate non-inferiority of ibezapolstat to vancomycin in Phase 3 trials in accordance with the applicable FDA Guidance for Industry (October 2022).
The Phase 2b clinical trial segment was discontinued due to success. The Company made this decision in consultation with its medical and scientific advisors and statisticians based on observed aggregate blinded data and other factors, including the cost to maintain clinical trial sites and slow enrollment due to COVID-19 and its aftermath. The Company had determined that the trial performed as anticipated for both treatments, ibezapolstat and the control antibiotic vancomycin (a standard of care to treat patients with CDI), with high rates of clinical cure observed across the trial.
The Phase 2b trial was originally designed to be a non-inferiority (NI) trial and later amended to include an interim efficacy analysis with review by an Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC). The decision to end the trial early based on blinded clinical observations obviated the need for an interim analysis, IDMC review, and NI assessment. The Company determined, in consultation with its clinical and statistical experts, that presenting clinical cure rates for the primary efficacy endpoint is the most appropriate representation for the clinical activity of ibezapolstat in treating CDI.
In the Phase 2 clinical trial, the Company will also evaluate pharmacokinetics (PK) and microbiome changes and test for anti-recurrence microbiome properties, including the change from baseline in alpha diversity and bacterial abundance, especially overgrowth of healthy gut microbiota Actinobacteria and Firmicute phylum species during and after therapy. Phase 2a data demonstrated complete eradication of colonic C. difficile by day three of treatment with ibezapolstat as well as the observed overgrowth of healthy gut microbiota, Actinobacteria and Firmicute phyla species, during and after therapy. Very importantly, emerging data show an increased concentration of secondary bile acids during and following ibezapolstat therapy which is known to correlate with colonization resistance against C. difficile. A decrease in primary bile acids and the favorable increase in the ratio of secondary-to-primary bile acids suggest that ibezapolstat may reduce the likelihood of CDI recurrence when compared to vancomycin. The company also recently reported positive extended clinical cure (ECC) data for ibezapolstat (IBZ), its lead antibiotic candidate, from the Company's recently completed Phase 2b clinical trial in patients with CDI. This exploratory endpoint showed that 12 patients who agreed to be followed up to three months following Clinical Cure of their infection, 5 of 5 IBZ patients experienced no recurrence of infection. In the vancomycin control arm of the trial, 7 of 7 patients experienced no recurrence of infection. ECC success is defined as a clinical cure at the TOC visit (i.e., at least 48 hours post EOT) and no recurrence of CDI within the 56 ± 2 days post EOT (ECC56) and 84 ± 2 days post EOT (ECC84) in patients who consented to extended observation. In the Phase 2b trial, 100% (5 of 5) of ibezapolstat-treated patients who agreed to observation for up to three months following Clinical Cure of CDI experienced no recurrence of infection.
About Ibezapolstat
Ibezapolstat is the Company's lead antibiotic candidate planning to advance to international Phase 3 clinical trials to treat patients with C. difficile Infection (CDI). Ibezapolstat is a novel, orally administered antibiotic being developed as a Gram-Positive Selective Spectrum (GPSS®) antibacterial. It is the first of a new class of DNA polymerase IIIC inhibitors under development by Acurx to treat bacterial infections. Ibezapolstat's unique spectrum of activity, which includes C. difficile but spares other Firmicutes and the important Actinobacteria phyla, appears to contribute to the maintenance of a healthy gut microbiome.
In June 2018, ibezapolstat was designated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a Qualified Infectious Disease Product (QIDP) for the treatment of patients with CDI and will be eligible to benefit from the incentives for the development of new antibiotics established under the Generating New Antibiotic Incentives Now (GAIN) Act. In January 2019, FDA granted "Fast Track" designation to ibezapolstat for the treatment of patients with CDI. The CDC has designated C. difficile as an urgent threat highlighting the need for new antibiotics to treat CDI.
About Clostridioides difficile Infection (CDI).
According to the 2017 Update (published February 2018) of the Clinical Practice Guidelines for C. difficile Infection by the Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA) and Society or Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA), CDI remains a significant medical problem in hospitals, in long-term care facilities and in the community. C. difficile is one of the most common causes of healthcare-associated infections in U.S. hospitals (Lessa, et al, 2015, New England Journal of Medicine). Recent estimates suggest C. difficile approaches 500,000 infections annually in the U.S. and is associated with approximately 20,000 deaths annually. (Guh, 2020, New England Journal of Medicine). Based on internal estimates, the recurrence rate for the antibiotics currently used to treat CDI is between 20% and 40% among approximately 150,000 patients treated. We believe the annual incidence of CDI in the U.S. approaches 600,000 infections and a mortality rate of approximately 9.3%.
About the Microbiome in C. difficile Infection (CDI) and Bile Acid Metabolism
C. difficile can be a normal component of the healthy gut microbiome, but when the microbiome is thrown out of balance, the C. difficile can thrive and cause an infection. After colonization with C. difficile, the organism produces and releases the main virulence factors, the two large clostridial toxins A (TcdA) and B (TcdB). (Kachrimanidou, Microorganisms 2020, 8, 200; doi:10.3390/microorganisms8020200.) TcdA and TcdB are exotoxins that bind to human intestinal epithelial cells and are responsible for inflammation, fluid and mucous secretion, as well as damage to the intestinal mucosa.
Bile acids perform many functional roles in the GI tract, with one of the most important being maintenance of a healthy microbiome by inhibiting C. difficile growth. Primary bile acids, which are secreted by the liver into the intestines, promote germination of C. difficile spores and thereby increase the risk of recurrent CDI after successful treatment of an initial episode. On the other hand, secondary bile acids, which are produced by normal gut microbiota through metabolism of primary bile acids, do not induce C. difficile sporulation and therefore protect against recurrent disease. Since ibezapolstat treatment leads to minimal disruption of the gut microbiome, bacterial production of secondary bile acids continues which may contribute to an anti-recurrence effect. Beneficial effects of bile acids include a decrease in primary bile acids and an increase in secondary bile acids in patients with CDI, which was observed in the Company's Ph2a trial results and previously reported (CID, 2022).
About Acurx Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
Acurx Pharmaceuticals is a late-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing a new class of small molecule antibiotics for difficult-to-treat bacterial infections. The Company's approach is to develop antibiotic candidates with a Gram-positive selective spectrum (GPSS®) that blocks the active site of the Gram+ specific bacterial enzyme DNA polymerase IIIC (pol IIIC), inhibiting DNA replication and leading to Gram-positive bacterial cell death. Its R&D pipeline includes antibiotic product candidates that target Gram-positive bacteria, including Clostridioides difficile, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), vancomycin resistant Enterococcus (VRE) and drug-resistant Streptococcus pneumoniae (DRSP).
<<<
---
Acurx - CEO Luci interview -
The odds appear good for a partnership deal fairly soon, I'm figuring between now and the end of the year. Should be interesting -
Acurx - CEO Luci interview -
The odds appear good for a partnership deal fairly soon, I'm figuring between now and the end of the year. Should be interesting -
Acurx - Luci interview -
The odds appear good for a partnership deal fairly soon, I'm figuring between now and the end of the year. Should be interesting -
>>> Palantir Technologies -- Shares of Palantir Technologies (NYSE: PLTR) are up 63% over the last year due to growing demand for its enterprise AI software platform. A growing number of U.S. companies are turning to Palantir to use AI models with their data, which could be the start of a long stretch of high growth.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/2-monster-stocks-could-create-080500097.html
Palantir is used for a variety of use cases, including military operations, supply chain analysis, and investigating financial crimes. The U.S. government made up over half the company's revenue last quarter, which validates the capabilities of Palantir's technology, but government spending can also be a two-edged sword considering the potential for budget caps.
However, Palantir is starting to see momentum in diversifying away from the government. U.S. commercial revenue grew 40% year over year last quarter to $150 million and accounted for nearly a quarter of Palantir's business. Management expects U.S. commercial revenue to be up 45% in 2024 over 2023 and expects this segment to remain a significant growth driver over the long term.
Another positive indicator is that management is seeing a significant shortening in deal cycles. Some customers are signing deals just days after trying the product. To capitalize on the growing demand, management wants to broaden the market for its offering outside the U.S., in addition to state and local governments, researchers, and academic institutions.
It's clear Palantir has only just begun to tap its potential. The company reported a record net profit of $106 million in Q1 on $634 million of revenue, and Wall Street analysts currently expect the company to grow earnings at an annualized rate of 22% over the next several years.
As demand for AI software takes off over the next decade, Palantir shares should be a very rewarding holding for patient investors.
<<<
---
>>> Palantir Technologies -- Shares of Palantir Technologies (NYSE: PLTR) are up 63% over the last year due to growing demand for its enterprise AI software platform. A growing number of U.S. companies are turning to Palantir to use AI models with their data, which could be the start of a long stretch of high growth.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/2-monster-stocks-could-create-080500097.html
Palantir is used for a variety of use cases, including military operations, supply chain analysis, and investigating financial crimes. The U.S. government made up over half the company's revenue last quarter, which validates the capabilities of Palantir's technology, but government spending can also be a two-edged sword considering the potential for budget caps.
However, Palantir is starting to see momentum in diversifying away from the government. U.S. commercial revenue grew 40% year over year last quarter to $150 million and accounted for nearly a quarter of Palantir's business. Management expects U.S. commercial revenue to be up 45% in 2024 over 2023 and expects this segment to remain a significant growth driver over the long term.
Another positive indicator is that management is seeing a significant shortening in deal cycles. Some customers are signing deals just days after trying the product. To capitalize on the growing demand, management wants to broaden the market for its offering outside the U.S., in addition to state and local governments, researchers, and academic institutions.
It's clear Palantir has only just begun to tap its potential. The company reported a record net profit of $106 million in Q1 on $634 million of revenue, and Wall Street analysts currently expect the company to grow earnings at an annualized rate of 22% over the next several years.
As demand for AI software takes off over the next decade, Palantir shares should be a very rewarding holding for patient investors.
<<<
---
>>> Palantir Technologies -- Shares of Palantir Technologies (NYSE: PLTR) are up 63% over the last year due to growing demand for its enterprise AI software platform. A growing number of U.S. companies are turning to Palantir to use AI models with their data, which could be the start of a long stretch of high growth.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/2-monster-stocks-could-create-080500097.html
Palantir is used for a variety of use cases, including military operations, supply chain analysis, and investigating financial crimes. The U.S. government made up over half the company's revenue last quarter, which validates the capabilities of Palantir's technology, but government spending can also be a two-edged sword considering the potential for budget caps.
However, Palantir is starting to see momentum in diversifying away from the government. U.S. commercial revenue grew 40% year over year last quarter to $150 million and accounted for nearly a quarter of Palantir's business. Management expects U.S. commercial revenue to be up 45% in 2024 over 2023 and expects this segment to remain a significant growth driver over the long term.
Another positive indicator is that management is seeing a significant shortening in deal cycles. Some customers are signing deals just days after trying the product. To capitalize on the growing demand, management wants to broaden the market for its offering outside the U.S., in addition to state and local governments, researchers, and academic institutions.
It's clear Palantir has only just begun to tap its potential. The company reported a record net profit of $106 million in Q1 on $634 million of revenue, and Wall Street analysts currently expect the company to grow earnings at an annualized rate of 22% over the next several years.
As demand for AI software takes off over the next decade, Palantir shares should be a very rewarding holding for patient investors.
<<<
---
>>> Why Booz Allen Hamilton Stock Is Sinking Today
by Lou Whiteman
Motley Fool
Jul 26, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-booz-allen-hamilton-stock-170740049.html
Government contractor Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH) missed Wall Street's profit expectations for the quarter and set full-year profit guidance that underwhelmed expectations. Investors are looking elsewhere, sending Booz shares down 10% as of 12:30 p.m. ET.
Costs creep higher
Booz Allen Hamilton provides information technology and consulting services for civilian and military government customers. The company has outperformed the market over the past five years, and investors had big hopes coming into earnings season.
But Booz failed to deliver. The company earned $1.38 per share in its fiscal first quarter ended June 30, well short of the $1.52 per share Wall Street had expected. Revenue, at $2.94 billion, came in close to expectations.
The issue was costs. Headcount grew 7.7% year over year, but management said during the earnings call there was a gap between when the new hires came on and when they became billable under new contracts.
For the full fiscal year, Booz Allen sees earnings coming in at between $5.80 and $6.05 per share. That suggests some potential downside compared to Wall Street's $6.05-per-share expectation.
Is Booz Allen Hamilton a buy?
There is a lot to like in this report. Headcount tends to be a good indicator of future revenue, and Booz Allen said it booked $1.80 of new business in the quarter for every $1 it billed out. Overall, the company expects revenue to grow between 8% and 11% in its new fiscal year.
But the expenses are something to watch and the full-year guidance is not nearly as impressive as the numbers that Wall Street had hoped for.
Booz Allen Hamilton is a solid operator with strong connections inside some of the most important areas of the U.S. government and is set up well to be a long-term winner. But investors need to be on the lookout for further volatility until the market has more clarity about how fiscal 2025 is playing out.
<<<
---
>>> Why Booz Allen Hamilton Stock Is Sinking Today
by Lou Whiteman
Motley Fool
Jul 26, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-booz-allen-hamilton-stock-170740049.html
Government contractor Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH) missed Wall Street's profit expectations for the quarter and set full-year profit guidance that underwhelmed expectations. Investors are looking elsewhere, sending Booz shares down 10% as of 12:30 p.m. ET.
Costs creep higher
Booz Allen Hamilton provides information technology and consulting services for civilian and military government customers. The company has outperformed the market over the past five years, and investors had big hopes coming into earnings season.
But Booz failed to deliver. The company earned $1.38 per share in its fiscal first quarter ended June 30, well short of the $1.52 per share Wall Street had expected. Revenue, at $2.94 billion, came in close to expectations.
The issue was costs. Headcount grew 7.7% year over year, but management said during the earnings call there was a gap between when the new hires came on and when they became billable under new contracts.
For the full fiscal year, Booz Allen sees earnings coming in at between $5.80 and $6.05 per share. That suggests some potential downside compared to Wall Street's $6.05-per-share expectation.
Is Booz Allen Hamilton a buy?
There is a lot to like in this report. Headcount tends to be a good indicator of future revenue, and Booz Allen said it booked $1.80 of new business in the quarter for every $1 it billed out. Overall, the company expects revenue to grow between 8% and 11% in its new fiscal year.
But the expenses are something to watch and the full-year guidance is not nearly as impressive as the numbers that Wall Street had hoped for.
Booz Allen Hamilton is a solid operator with strong connections inside some of the most important areas of the U.S. government and is set up well to be a long-term winner. But investors need to be on the lookout for further volatility until the market has more clarity about how fiscal 2025 is playing out.
<<<
---
>>> Why Booz Allen Hamilton Stock Is Sinking Today
by Lou Whiteman
Motley Fool
Jul 26, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-booz-allen-hamilton-stock-170740049.html
Government contractor Booz Allen Hamilton (NYSE: BAH) missed Wall Street's profit expectations for the quarter and set full-year profit guidance that underwhelmed expectations. Investors are looking elsewhere, sending Booz shares down 10% as of 12:30 p.m. ET.
Costs creep higher
Booz Allen Hamilton provides information technology and consulting services for civilian and military government customers. The company has outperformed the market over the past five years, and investors had big hopes coming into earnings season.
But Booz failed to deliver. The company earned $1.38 per share in its fiscal first quarter ended June 30, well short of the $1.52 per share Wall Street had expected. Revenue, at $2.94 billion, came in close to expectations.
The issue was costs. Headcount grew 7.7% year over year, but management said during the earnings call there was a gap between when the new hires came on and when they became billable under new contracts.
For the full fiscal year, Booz Allen sees earnings coming in at between $5.80 and $6.05 per share. That suggests some potential downside compared to Wall Street's $6.05-per-share expectation.
Is Booz Allen Hamilton a buy?
There is a lot to like in this report. Headcount tends to be a good indicator of future revenue, and Booz Allen said it booked $1.80 of new business in the quarter for every $1 it billed out. Overall, the company expects revenue to grow between 8% and 11% in its new fiscal year.
But the expenses are something to watch and the full-year guidance is not nearly as impressive as the numbers that Wall Street had hoped for.
Booz Allen Hamilton is a solid operator with strong connections inside some of the most important areas of the U.S. government and is set up well to be a long-term winner. But investors need to be on the lookout for further volatility until the market has more clarity about how fiscal 2025 is playing out.
<<<
---
NY Times - 'Netanyahu goes rogue' -
>>> Netanyahu, Defiant, Appears to Have Gone Rogue, Risking a Regional War
The New York Times
by Steven Erlanger
August 2, 2024
https://www.yahoo.com/news/netanyahu-defiant-appears-gone-rogue-181538517.html
As the Biden administration and its allies try to secure an elusive cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, Israel appears to have gone rogue.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, came to Washington last week to give a defiant speech. Despite international condemnation, he vowed to continue the war against Hamas in Gaza and the West Bank, where Israel is killing and imprisoning scores of Palestinians each week, without any clear idea of its endgame.
The assassinations of senior Hezbollah and Hamas figures abroad have now sharply raised the risks of a larger regional war as Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah prepare retaliation, analysts say.
But the deaths of Fouad Shukur, a senior Hezbollah commander, and Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, will not change the strategic quandary Israel faces over how to end the war, govern Gaza or care for the civilians there. They are more likely to intensify the conflict than diminish it, making progress on a Gaza cease-fire even more difficult.
Israel says it does not want to occupy Gaza, but it has no other solution to provide order; Hamas refuses to surrender, despite the thousands of dead. While Washington sees a cease-fire followed by a regional deal as an answer, Netanyahu is contemptuous of the idea. He believes only force will compel Hamas to concede and restore Israel’s strategic deterrence toward Iran and its proxies, especially Hezbollah.
Absent a clear goal in the war, however, Netanyahu’s defiance is dividing Israel from its allies and the country itself. It has further shaken trust in his leadership. It is fueling suspicions that he is keeping the country at war to keep himself in power. It is intensifying a deep rift inside the society — about the fate of Israeli hostages, the conduct of the war and the rule of law — that is challenging the institutional bonds that hold Israel together.
“Israel’s international image continues to take hits since October — despite nine months of war, its military objectives are unmet, and its reputation socially and domestically is also damaged,” said Sanam Vakil, a Middle East analyst at Chatham House.
To form a government and stay in power, Netanyahu has empowered deeply religious, pro-settlement far-right politicians who oppose a Palestinian state of any kind. He has given powerful roles to Itamar Ben-Gvir, a convicted criminal, who now heads the police and is influential in how the West Bank is run, and to Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister.
Both men have moved to weaken the Palestinian Authority, support expanding settlements in the West and oppose any deal with Hamas — while putting their own followers into key positions in the Israeli bureaucracy.
They represent a populist revolt against the country’s traditional democratic ethos and institutions, including the army and the judiciary. Much like Donald Trump, Netanyahu, despite his long period in power, rides that anti-elitist wave, arguing that he is the only politician who can stand up to the United States and the United Nations and prevent a sovereign Palestine dominated by Hamas.
“We’re in a very dangerous process that can cast a shadow over the basic DNA of this country,” said Nahum Barnea, one of Israel’s most prominent journalists and commentators. “Cultural confrontation is fine, but not so fine with politicians who are messianic or radical populists and not only become part of the government but hold crucial posts there.”
The far-right politicians have an agenda, he said: “They want a real revolution in our regime and in our values.”
The most visible recent example came this week, when protesters massed outside two military bases to support soldiers who had been arrested on suspicion of torturing and sodomizing a Palestinian prisoner at Sde Teiman, a military jail.
Hundreds of protesters, including at least three far-right legislators from the ruling coalition and soldiers in uniform, gathered outside that jail and a second base where the men had been brought for interrogation. Dozens of protesters surged into both bases, brushing aside guards, while Ben-Gvir’s police forces arrived late and in small numbers.
Hours later, Netanyahu criticized the protests, but he also seemed to justify them, comparing them to the months of anti-government demonstrations against his effort to diminish the power of the judiciary and the Supreme Court in favor of parliament.
“State institutions are being challenged even by people in uniform,” said Natan Sachs, the Israeli American director of the Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings, a centrist research institution. “It’s a symptom of something very worrying, a challenge not just to the institutions but to the connective tissue of a society that has always been closely knit despite its fissures.”
“People are very much on edge,” said Shalom Lipner, a former prime ministerial aide from 1990 to 2016 and senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, also a centrist research institution. “And not just about how others look at Israel, but Israelis themselves are frightened about what this means for the country itself. If this is how we behave, how is this project sustainable?”
To be sure, while a sizable majority of Israelis want Netanyahu and his far-right coalition gone, a sizable majority also wants Hamas defeated and dismantled as the power in Gaza, to ensure that what happened on Oct. 7 can never happen again. There is widespread agreement that Israel must remain strong and has the right to attack its stated enemies.
But there is inevitable disagreement about the best way to attain a more lasting peace, with many fearing that an independent Palestinian state of the kind the Israeli elite had hoped to negotiate would be dominated by more extreme factions, like Hamas.
The revolt against the elites has been building for years. It was most visible in the proposed new law that would have diminished the power of the judiciary system and the Supreme Court in favor of parliament, which prompted nine months of street protests and highlighted the divisions in the country.
The Hamas attacks on Oct. 7 pulled the country together, even as they absorbed the shock of a massive failure of the intelligence services and the military, largely sacred institutions. But the long war has also pulled the country apart, with the far right trying to weaken key institutions and infiltrate them. Discipline in the army has also suffered.
And even as the army leadership tries to maintain its standards, Ben-Gvir and Smotrich label those who want to punish the abusers of Palestinian prisoners as traitors.
Although representing a minority, the two men have become the face of Israel to the world nearly as much as Netanyahu, his own image tainted by his political dependency on them and his toleration of their actions and excesses.
There has always been a tension between the rule of law and Israel’s security and counterterrorism operations, said Dahlia Scheindlin, an Israeli pollster and analyst.
“Israelis have become habituated to the idea that law is selective,” she said. “There are too many who are above the law, like the settlers, who are beyond the law, like the ultra-Orthodox and the security forces, and who are pushed out of the law, like the Palestinians and many Arab citizens of Israel, who are often under martial law.”
The protests at the military bases were the “closest I’ve ever experienced to state breakdown,” Scheindlin said, calling the internal divisions on display a victory for Hamas and Hezbollah.
There are many Israelis “who have no belief in diplomacy but think of Israeli security only in terms of preemption, intimidation and deterrence, and who think that they must always have the back of the military in the face of an implacable cruel enemy you’re always confronting,” said Bernard Avishai, an Israeli American analyst. “So anything you do to the enemy is justified.”
There were violent protests by settlers and the right against the army in 2005 over the forced withdrawal of Israelis from settlements in Gaza and the West Bank. But many Israelis point to a later controversial episode as the real turning point for the country.
In 2016, an Israeli soldier, Elor Azaria, killed an incapacitated Palestinian who had attacked an Israeli with a knife. Despite angry protests, he was convicted of manslaughter, but he served only half of his 18-month sentence. He was considered a hero by people on the right, while those on the left argued he deserved a harsher sentence.
Azaria has since supported soldiers accused of beating Palestinian prisoners and has been the target of sanctions imposed by the United States.
“After Azaria, the lines were drawn,” Avishai said. Settlers and those who favor force over diplomacy were mobilized against “the statists,” like the military chiefs and the current minister of defense, Yoav Gallant, “who feel that national morale is a function of the rule of law and that the army must observe international law,” he said.
The statist view is “disappearing under Netanyahu, and the cultural war is fundamental now,” he said. “A continuing war of attrition and preemption in Gaza and elsewhere is good for them politically.”
In the protests on Monday, he said, “for the first time you have violence between these two rival conceptions of Israel’s future.”
<<<
---
>>> Netanyahu, Defiant, Appears to Have Gone Rogue, Risking a Regional War
The New York Times
by Steven Erlanger
August 2, 2024
https://www.yahoo.com/news/netanyahu-defiant-appears-gone-rogue-181538517.html
As the Biden administration and its allies try to secure an elusive cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, Israel appears to have gone rogue.
Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s prime minister, came to Washington last week to give a defiant speech. Despite international condemnation, he vowed to continue the war against Hamas in Gaza and the West Bank, where Israel is killing and imprisoning scores of Palestinians each week, without any clear idea of its endgame.
The assassinations of senior Hezbollah and Hamas figures abroad have now sharply raised the risks of a larger regional war as Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah prepare retaliation, analysts say.
But the deaths of Fouad Shukur, a senior Hezbollah commander, and Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, will not change the strategic quandary Israel faces over how to end the war, govern Gaza or care for the civilians there. They are more likely to intensify the conflict than diminish it, making progress on a Gaza cease-fire even more difficult.
Israel says it does not want to occupy Gaza, but it has no other solution to provide order; Hamas refuses to surrender, despite the thousands of dead. While Washington sees a cease-fire followed by a regional deal as an answer, Netanyahu is contemptuous of the idea. He believes only force will compel Hamas to concede and restore Israel’s strategic deterrence toward Iran and its proxies, especially Hezbollah.
Absent a clear goal in the war, however, Netanyahu’s defiance is dividing Israel from its allies and the country itself. It has further shaken trust in his leadership. It is fueling suspicions that he is keeping the country at war to keep himself in power. It is intensifying a deep rift inside the society — about the fate of Israeli hostages, the conduct of the war and the rule of law — that is challenging the institutional bonds that hold Israel together.
“Israel’s international image continues to take hits since October — despite nine months of war, its military objectives are unmet, and its reputation socially and domestically is also damaged,” said Sanam Vakil, a Middle East analyst at Chatham House.
To form a government and stay in power, Netanyahu has empowered deeply religious, pro-settlement far-right politicians who oppose a Palestinian state of any kind. He has given powerful roles to Itamar Ben-Gvir, a convicted criminal, who now heads the police and is influential in how the West Bank is run, and to Bezalel Smotrich, the finance minister.
Both men have moved to weaken the Palestinian Authority, support expanding settlements in the West and oppose any deal with Hamas — while putting their own followers into key positions in the Israeli bureaucracy.
They represent a populist revolt against the country’s traditional democratic ethos and institutions, including the army and the judiciary. Much like Donald Trump, Netanyahu, despite his long period in power, rides that anti-elitist wave, arguing that he is the only politician who can stand up to the United States and the United Nations and prevent a sovereign Palestine dominated by Hamas.
“We’re in a very dangerous process that can cast a shadow over the basic DNA of this country,” said Nahum Barnea, one of Israel’s most prominent journalists and commentators. “Cultural confrontation is fine, but not so fine with politicians who are messianic or radical populists and not only become part of the government but hold crucial posts there.”
The far-right politicians have an agenda, he said: “They want a real revolution in our regime and in our values.”
The most visible recent example came this week, when protesters massed outside two military bases to support soldiers who had been arrested on suspicion of torturing and sodomizing a Palestinian prisoner at Sde Teiman, a military jail.
Hundreds of protesters, including at least three far-right legislators from the ruling coalition and soldiers in uniform, gathered outside that jail and a second base where the men had been brought for interrogation. Dozens of protesters surged into both bases, brushing aside guards, while Ben-Gvir’s police forces arrived late and in small numbers.
Hours later, Netanyahu criticized the protests, but he also seemed to justify them, comparing them to the months of anti-government demonstrations against his effort to diminish the power of the judiciary and the Supreme Court in favor of parliament.
“State institutions are being challenged even by people in uniform,” said Natan Sachs, the Israeli American director of the Center for Middle East Policy at Brookings, a centrist research institution. “It’s a symptom of something very worrying, a challenge not just to the institutions but to the connective tissue of a society that has always been closely knit despite its fissures.”
“People are very much on edge,” said Shalom Lipner, a former prime ministerial aide from 1990 to 2016 and senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, also a centrist research institution. “And not just about how others look at Israel, but Israelis themselves are frightened about what this means for the country itself. If this is how we behave, how is this project sustainable?”
To be sure, while a sizable majority of Israelis want Netanyahu and his far-right coalition gone, a sizable majority also wants Hamas defeated and dismantled as the power in Gaza, to ensure that what happened on Oct. 7 can never happen again. There is widespread agreement that Israel must remain strong and has the right to attack its stated enemies.
But there is inevitable disagreement about the best way to attain a more lasting peace, with many fearing that an independent Palestinian state of the kind the Israeli elite had hoped to negotiate would be dominated by more extreme factions, like Hamas.
The revolt against the elites has been building for years. It was most visible in the proposed new law that would have diminished the power of the judiciary system and the Supreme Court in favor of parliament, which prompted nine months of street protests and highlighted the divisions in the country.
The Hamas attacks on Oct. 7 pulled the country together, even as they absorbed the shock of a massive failure of the intelligence services and the military, largely sacred institutions. But the long war has also pulled the country apart, with the far right trying to weaken key institutions and infiltrate them. Discipline in the army has also suffered.
And even as the army leadership tries to maintain its standards, Ben-Gvir and Smotrich label those who want to punish the abusers of Palestinian prisoners as traitors.
Although representing a minority, the two men have become the face of Israel to the world nearly as much as Netanyahu, his own image tainted by his political dependency on them and his toleration of their actions and excesses.
There has always been a tension between the rule of law and Israel’s security and counterterrorism operations, said Dahlia Scheindlin, an Israeli pollster and analyst.
“Israelis have become habituated to the idea that law is selective,” she said. “There are too many who are above the law, like the settlers, who are beyond the law, like the ultra-Orthodox and the security forces, and who are pushed out of the law, like the Palestinians and many Arab citizens of Israel, who are often under martial law.”
The protests at the military bases were the “closest I’ve ever experienced to state breakdown,” Scheindlin said, calling the internal divisions on display a victory for Hamas and Hezbollah.
There are many Israelis “who have no belief in diplomacy but think of Israeli security only in terms of preemption, intimidation and deterrence, and who think that they must always have the back of the military in the face of an implacable cruel enemy you’re always confronting,” said Bernard Avishai, an Israeli American analyst. “So anything you do to the enemy is justified.”
There were violent protests by settlers and the right against the army in 2005 over the forced withdrawal of Israelis from settlements in Gaza and the West Bank. But many Israelis point to a later controversial episode as the real turning point for the country.
In 2016, an Israeli soldier, Elor Azaria, killed an incapacitated Palestinian who had attacked an Israeli with a knife. Despite angry protests, he was convicted of manslaughter, but he served only half of his 18-month sentence. He was considered a hero by people on the right, while those on the left argued he deserved a harsher sentence.
Azaria has since supported soldiers accused of beating Palestinian prisoners and has been the target of sanctions imposed by the United States.
“After Azaria, the lines were drawn,” Avishai said. Settlers and those who favor force over diplomacy were mobilized against “the statists,” like the military chiefs and the current minister of defense, Yoav Gallant, “who feel that national morale is a function of the rule of law and that the army must observe international law,” he said.
The statist view is “disappearing under Netanyahu, and the cultural war is fundamental now,” he said. “A continuing war of attrition and preemption in Gaza and elsewhere is good for them politically.”
In the protests on Monday, he said, “for the first time you have violence between these two rival conceptions of Israel’s future.”
<<<
---
Bigworld, >> miners get taken down with the rest of the market <<
Yes, that also happened to the miners during the 2008 and 2020 stock market meltdowns, with bullion dropping too, so neither were a good hedge in the short term. though they turned around fast during the recovery phase.
Btw, I picked up a little more SPY this morning to take advantage of the relative bargains, but am leery since a lot could happen over the weekend and next week. 'US bombs Iran' is a real possibility, but will depend on how far Netanyahu & Co can push things. Imo, Biden needs to tell Bibi to f**** off.
---
Bigworld, Here's a recent interview with Whitney Webb (below). She details the extensive Peter Thiel connections to JD Vance and also to Trump. It's hard to deny her conclusion that US politics has long been a controlled 'Uni-Party' -
(interview starts ~ 9:00)
Bigworld, The Middle East mayhem is the biggest problem right now. The US media is trying to play up the increase in US unemployment as the cause for this sudden global stock market meltdown, while ignoring the Middle East lunacy. But objectively, it looks like Netanyahu has decided to 'go for it', and try to force the 'US bombs Iran' scenario.
Several factors at work -- Iran is reportedly very close to getting a nuclear weapon, or may already have one, so Netanyahu is desperate and in a race against time. He tried to gin up the 'US bombs Iran' scenario back in April, but Biden refused, forcing Netanyahu to pin his hopes on 2025 and a Rep administration full of Neocons. However, recent events have changed his analysis --> the Trump assassination attempt, and Biden dropping out of the race. Odds have increased that Trump might be gone, therefore no Rep administration is coming. With Biden, Netanyahu & Co at least has some blackmailing leverage (the VP payola), but with his replacement Harris, he won't have that leverage. So out of desperation Netanyahu decides to 'go for it' now.
The big questions are - 1) will Iran take the bait and retaliate big against Israel / US interests, and then - 2) will Biden finally go along with the 'US bombs Iran' scheme? Netanyahu has provided the provocations, so now the ball is in Iran's court, and we should see their response sometime this weekend.
Wildcards include the fact that Iran has only limited control over what its so-called 'proxies' do (Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis, etc). We already know that Hamas has received funding from Israel for many years (see the NY Times article), with many of its top leadership bought off by bribes funneled through Qatar. The Houthis have long been suspected of being a quasi US/West vehicle used to foment regional trouble against the Saudis, blamed on Iran, and thus driving a perpetual wedge between the Saudis and Iran. We also know ISIS has been supported by the US/West, as was the Muslim Brotherhood by the British in earlier periods. So just because Iran wants to avoid the 'US bombs Iran' scenario, it doesn't mean their 'proxies' won't do something massive to force the US into a major war with Iran. What would it take? A US naval ship getting hit in the region would do it.
But who knows. Hopefully Biden refuses to take the bait, as do the Iranians, and things can cool down again, as happened in April. Then Israel calls for elections to replace Netanyahu, and Benny Gantz is elected and some sanity returns. In the US, Trump is elected and ends the madness in Ukraine. WW 3 is averted, and the world can return to some semblance of normal. This could just be wishful thinking though.
---
Xena, >> Spirit and prayer <<
Nothing wrong with that. One of religion's primary roles is to provide some meaning and comfort in an otherwise uncertain / messed up world.
From my own viewpoint - on the analytical side, by studying biology, the 'intelligent design' aspect is extremely obvious, so logic says there is a 'Creator / designer'. But beyond that there isn't much evidence that this Creator actively intervenes in our individual affairs, at least not much, and instead has set things up to run on autopilot. But not very comforting.
Objectively, the ancient religions seem more true to our reality, with a wrathful or capricious God that would periodically send down floods, plagues, famines. In contrast, Christianity has a God of love, compassion, and forgiveness, so a much more attractive proposition, and as a religion it became wildly popular.
Btw, there's a very interesting theory on the origins of Christianity from Joseph Atwill (author of 'Caesar's Messiah'). The Romans were having so much trouble controlling Judea (the 3 Jewish Wars), they came up with a plan to 'chill out' the region by introducing a new softer religion based on love, forgiveness, compassion. Josephus, the Jewish 'court historian' for the Romans, was the primary architect in designing the new religion. While it wasn't effective in pacifying Judea, it eventually took off and became the state religion for the late Roman Empire (beginning with Constantine) and the eastern Byzantine Empire, as well as the western Holy Roman Empire, up to today. So arguably the most successful religion of all time. The Roman leadership especially liked the 'pay unto Caesar' part, and the big draw for the public was the 'love, forgiveness, compassion' aspect. And the rest is history.
Josephus -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Josephus
---
Xena, Yes that's true, but the genetic aspects are touted as a main justification for the Ashkenazi's claim to Israel, ie their being 'descendants of Abraham'.
In another post you ask - >>> Is Zionism actually Satanism in disguise? <<<
This gets into Sabbatean Frankism and its 'antinomian' aspects, ie the deliberate breaking of all religious commandments. Followers of Zevi and Frank were encouraged to break every moral law. So 'fasting days' became 'feasting days', wild orgies were encouraged, etc. This movement was hugely popular in Europe, and continued to be among the ruling elites (and today?) Hence the connection to Satanism and Crowley's 'do what thou wilt'.
Sabbatai Zevi -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabbatai_Zevi
Sabbateans -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sabbateans
Jacob Frank -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jacob_Frank
Frankism -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frankism
---
Xena, Not sure if you are familiar with this research on the Ashkenazis becoming Jewish via a mass religious conversion of the Khazarian Empire to Judaism (see below). It's a touchy subject among scholars, but the historical foundation for the theory is there. The Sephardim on the other hand, are mainly from the original Jewish diaspora. With the Ashkenazis, while there were some diaspora Jews within the Khazarian Empire prior to the mass conversion, the vast majority became 'Jewish' via the conversion decree. This is very controversial since it means that the bulk of European Jewry would have basically zero genetic link to the original Israelites.
Khazar hypothesis of Ashkenazi ancestry -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khazar_hypothesis_of_Ashkenazi_ancestry
Khazars -
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Khazars
---
>>> Scientists Found Heavy Metals Like Lead In Many Chocolate Bars. Should Consumers Be Worried?
Forbes
by Robert Hart
7-31-24
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/nutrition/scientists-found-heavy-metals-like-lead-in-many-chocolate-bars-should-consumers-be-worried/ar-BB1qYHlw?ocid=BingNewsSerp
Many dark chocolate and cocoa products sold across the country contain levels of toxic heavy metals that exceed food safety guidelines, according to new research published Wednesday—and while the food industry and researchers involved said the findings should not stop people from eating chocolate, experts said it warrants further scrutiny.
Key Facts
Researchers from George Washington University and ConsumerLab, a company that tests foods and supplements, examined the amount of lead, cadmium and arsenic in more than 70 dark chocolate and cocoa products purchased from retailers including Amazon, GNC and Whole Foods Market over 8 years.
Their results, published in the peer reviewed journal Frontiers of Nutrition, revealed 43% of products exceeded acceptable levels of lead per serving and 35% exceeded acceptable levels of cadmium, according to California’s stringent food guidelines.
The state’s guidelines are often used by researchers as a conservative safety benchmark when investigating heavy metal contamination in foods, as the Food and Drug Administration does not set limits for toxins including cadmium and arsenic and for others like lead may only do so for specific products like candy or baby food.
None of the products tested exceeded California’s maximum level for arsenic and almost all products—70 out of 72, or 97%—had levels of lead that fell below FDA limits for the metal.
The researchers said the heavy metals found in the chocolate are unlikely to “pose any appreciable risk” when consumed as a single serving but could be “potentially problematic” if multiple servings are consumed or they are eaten with other products that may contain heavy metals such as teas or spices.
The study is the latest research to suggest some popular chocolate brands contain heavy metals, including studies by Consumer Reports.
In an emailed statement, the National Confectioners Association told Forbes “chocolate and cocoa are safe to eat and can be enjoyed as treats as they have been for centuries,” adding that “food safety and product quality remain” the organization’s “highest priorities.”
What Brands Of Chocolate Contain Heavy Metals?
It’s not clear what brands of dark chocolate and cocoa products had what levels of heavy metals in the study as the researchers intentionally left the information out of the study. The products tested are likely to be well known to consumers, however, and the researchers said their aim was to assess heavy metal contamination in “the most popular cocoa-containing consumer products each year for several years to assess trends,” using consumer surveys to assess popularity.
Should I Stop Eating Chocolate?
In short, no. According to the researchers, the amount of heavy metals found in the chocolate studied is unlikely to be “biologically significant” on its own, especially as most people are likely to consume the products relatively infrequently and in small amounts. The findings do suggest a need for better food standards and guidelines when it comes to heavy metal contamination, they said. “Enhanced surveillance may be warranted,” as well, the researchers added, particularly given the presence of outliers in the study with particularly high levels of contamination. Further research into the potential impact of multiple streams of food contamination should also be conducted, the researchers said, as it’s possible there may be “additive exposure” that is problematic from multiple food sources.
Can I Avoid Heavy Metal Exposure In Food?
Also no. “You actually cannot avoid exposure to heavy metals in the diet,” Leigh Frame, the study’s lead author and director of integrative medicine at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, told NBC News. Heavy metals can naturally enter foods from soil and water in the growing process or at various points during packaging, drying, processing and transportation. Cocoa, rice, cereals, potatoes and tobacco can take up cadmium from the soil, for example, and lead can be introduced in the production of cocoa products. Small levels are not always dangerous and can be excreted from the body such as through sweat and urine but high levels can become concentrated in the body where they can cause damage. Cadmium is a carcinogen at high levels—it can cause cancer—and can damage most of the body’s systems, including the lungs, bones and kidneys. The CDC says there are no safe levels of lead in the blood for children and the metal can interfere with the developing brain and damage the nervous system. However, “it’s really not about avoiding them; it’s about making sure you’re not getting too much,” Frame said. Eating a diverse diet is one way of avoiding exposure, as is limiting consumption of products known to contain relatively high levels. Frame added that “better quality control practices during harvesting and manufacturing may help eliminate the problem” too, as well as better surveillance.
Surprising Fact
Organic products were more likely to have higher levels of cadmium and lead, the researchers found. “More striking, the number of trade certifications (e.g., Non-GMO, Fairtrade) did not significantly alter the levels of heavy metals found among products surveyed,” the researchers wrote.
<<<
---
>>> Scientists Found Heavy Metals Like Lead In Many Chocolate Bars. Should Consumers Be Worried?
Forbes
by Robert Hart
7-31-24
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/nutrition/scientists-found-heavy-metals-like-lead-in-many-chocolate-bars-should-consumers-be-worried/ar-BB1qYHlw?ocid=BingNewsSerp
Many dark chocolate and cocoa products sold across the country contain levels of toxic heavy metals that exceed food safety guidelines, according to new research published Wednesday—and while the food industry and researchers involved said the findings should not stop people from eating chocolate, experts said it warrants further scrutiny.
Key Facts
Researchers from George Washington University and ConsumerLab, a company that tests foods and supplements, examined the amount of lead, cadmium and arsenic in more than 70 dark chocolate and cocoa products purchased from retailers including Amazon, GNC and Whole Foods Market over 8 years.
Their results, published in the peer reviewed journal Frontiers of Nutrition, revealed 43% of products exceeded acceptable levels of lead per serving and 35% exceeded acceptable levels of cadmium, according to California’s stringent food guidelines.
The state’s guidelines are often used by researchers as a conservative safety benchmark when investigating heavy metal contamination in foods, as the Food and Drug Administration does not set limits for toxins including cadmium and arsenic and for others like lead may only do so for specific products like candy or baby food.
None of the products tested exceeded California’s maximum level for arsenic and almost all products—70 out of 72, or 97%—had levels of lead that fell below FDA limits for the metal.
The researchers said the heavy metals found in the chocolate are unlikely to “pose any appreciable risk” when consumed as a single serving but could be “potentially problematic” if multiple servings are consumed or they are eaten with other products that may contain heavy metals such as teas or spices.
The study is the latest research to suggest some popular chocolate brands contain heavy metals, including studies by Consumer Reports.
In an emailed statement, the National Confectioners Association told Forbes “chocolate and cocoa are safe to eat and can be enjoyed as treats as they have been for centuries,” adding that “food safety and product quality remain” the organization’s “highest priorities.”
What Brands Of Chocolate Contain Heavy Metals?
It’s not clear what brands of dark chocolate and cocoa products had what levels of heavy metals in the study as the researchers intentionally left the information out of the study. The products tested are likely to be well known to consumers, however, and the researchers said their aim was to assess heavy metal contamination in “the most popular cocoa-containing consumer products each year for several years to assess trends,” using consumer surveys to assess popularity.
Should I Stop Eating Chocolate?
In short, no. According to the researchers, the amount of heavy metals found in the chocolate studied is unlikely to be “biologically significant” on its own, especially as most people are likely to consume the products relatively infrequently and in small amounts. The findings do suggest a need for better food standards and guidelines when it comes to heavy metal contamination, they said. “Enhanced surveillance may be warranted,” as well, the researchers added, particularly given the presence of outliers in the study with particularly high levels of contamination. Further research into the potential impact of multiple streams of food contamination should also be conducted, the researchers said, as it’s possible there may be “additive exposure” that is problematic from multiple food sources.
Can I Avoid Heavy Metal Exposure In Food?
Also no. “You actually cannot avoid exposure to heavy metals in the diet,” Leigh Frame, the study’s lead author and director of integrative medicine at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, told NBC News. Heavy metals can naturally enter foods from soil and water in the growing process or at various points during packaging, drying, processing and transportation. Cocoa, rice, cereals, potatoes and tobacco can take up cadmium from the soil, for example, and lead can be introduced in the production of cocoa products. Small levels are not always dangerous and can be excreted from the body such as through sweat and urine but high levels can become concentrated in the body where they can cause damage. Cadmium is a carcinogen at high levels—it can cause cancer—and can damage most of the body’s systems, including the lungs, bones and kidneys. The CDC says there are no safe levels of lead in the blood for children and the metal can interfere with the developing brain and damage the nervous system. However, “it’s really not about avoiding them; it’s about making sure you’re not getting too much,” Frame said. Eating a diverse diet is one way of avoiding exposure, as is limiting consumption of products known to contain relatively high levels. Frame added that “better quality control practices during harvesting and manufacturing may help eliminate the problem” too, as well as better surveillance.
Surprising Fact
Organic products were more likely to have higher levels of cadmium and lead, the researchers found. “More striking, the number of trade certifications (e.g., Non-GMO, Fairtrade) did not significantly alter the levels of heavy metals found among products surveyed,” the researchers wrote.
<<<
---
>>> Scientists Found Heavy Metals Like Lead In Many Chocolate Bars. Should Consumers Be Worried?
Forbes
by Robert Hart
7-31-24
https://www.msn.com/en-us/health/nutrition/scientists-found-heavy-metals-like-lead-in-many-chocolate-bars-should-consumers-be-worried/ar-BB1qYHlw?ocid=BingNewsSerp
Many dark chocolate and cocoa products sold across the country contain levels of toxic heavy metals that exceed food safety guidelines, according to new research published Wednesday—and while the food industry and researchers involved said the findings should not stop people from eating chocolate, experts said it warrants further scrutiny.
Key Facts
Researchers from George Washington University and ConsumerLab, a company that tests foods and supplements, examined the amount of lead, cadmium and arsenic in more than 70 dark chocolate and cocoa products purchased from retailers including Amazon, GNC and Whole Foods Market over 8 years.
Their results, published in the peer reviewed journal Frontiers of Nutrition, revealed 43% of products exceeded acceptable levels of lead per serving and 35% exceeded acceptable levels of cadmium, according to California’s stringent food guidelines.
The state’s guidelines are often used by researchers as a conservative safety benchmark when investigating heavy metal contamination in foods, as the Food and Drug Administration does not set limits for toxins including cadmium and arsenic and for others like lead may only do so for specific products like candy or baby food.
None of the products tested exceeded California’s maximum level for arsenic and almost all products—70 out of 72, or 97%—had levels of lead that fell below FDA limits for the metal.
The researchers said the heavy metals found in the chocolate are unlikely to “pose any appreciable risk” when consumed as a single serving but could be “potentially problematic” if multiple servings are consumed or they are eaten with other products that may contain heavy metals such as teas or spices.
The study is the latest research to suggest some popular chocolate brands contain heavy metals, including studies by Consumer Reports.
In an emailed statement, the National Confectioners Association told Forbes “chocolate and cocoa are safe to eat and can be enjoyed as treats as they have been for centuries,” adding that “food safety and product quality remain” the organization’s “highest priorities.”
What Brands Of Chocolate Contain Heavy Metals?
It’s not clear what brands of dark chocolate and cocoa products had what levels of heavy metals in the study as the researchers intentionally left the information out of the study. The products tested are likely to be well known to consumers, however, and the researchers said their aim was to assess heavy metal contamination in “the most popular cocoa-containing consumer products each year for several years to assess trends,” using consumer surveys to assess popularity.
Should I Stop Eating Chocolate?
In short, no. According to the researchers, the amount of heavy metals found in the chocolate studied is unlikely to be “biologically significant” on its own, especially as most people are likely to consume the products relatively infrequently and in small amounts. The findings do suggest a need for better food standards and guidelines when it comes to heavy metal contamination, they said. “Enhanced surveillance may be warranted,” as well, the researchers added, particularly given the presence of outliers in the study with particularly high levels of contamination. Further research into the potential impact of multiple streams of food contamination should also be conducted, the researchers said, as it’s possible there may be “additive exposure” that is problematic from multiple food sources.
Can I Avoid Heavy Metal Exposure In Food?
Also no. “You actually cannot avoid exposure to heavy metals in the diet,” Leigh Frame, the study’s lead author and director of integrative medicine at George Washington University School of Medicine and Health Sciences, told NBC News. Heavy metals can naturally enter foods from soil and water in the growing process or at various points during packaging, drying, processing and transportation. Cocoa, rice, cereals, potatoes and tobacco can take up cadmium from the soil, for example, and lead can be introduced in the production of cocoa products. Small levels are not always dangerous and can be excreted from the body such as through sweat and urine but high levels can become concentrated in the body where they can cause damage. Cadmium is a carcinogen at high levels—it can cause cancer—and can damage most of the body’s systems, including the lungs, bones and kidneys. The CDC says there are no safe levels of lead in the blood for children and the metal can interfere with the developing brain and damage the nervous system. However, “it’s really not about avoiding them; it’s about making sure you’re not getting too much,” Frame said. Eating a diverse diet is one way of avoiding exposure, as is limiting consumption of products known to contain relatively high levels. Frame added that “better quality control practices during harvesting and manufacturing may help eliminate the problem” too, as well as better surveillance.
Surprising Fact
Organic products were more likely to have higher levels of cadmium and lead, the researchers found. “More striking, the number of trade certifications (e.g., Non-GMO, Fairtrade) did not significantly alter the levels of heavy metals found among products surveyed,” the researchers wrote.
<<<
---
Bigworld, Gold is closing in on the all time high set 2 weeks ago, when intraday it reached 2483.
Looking at the 5 year chart, after a volatile sideways consolidation for over 3 years, gold had that big breakout in March, and has been consolidating since. Now it looks about ready to continue on to 2500 and beyond, but tough to say exactly when.
Chart-wise, gold had formed a huge Cup + Handle formation over ~12 years, and based on the 'chart rules' that Wall Street goes by, the move up after the breakout should roughly equal the distance from the base of the cup to the lip, so ~ $1000 / oz. So with the breakout level being ~ 2000, this bull move would ultimately put gold at 3000. Therefore at 2500 we are ~ 1/2 way into the move.
But undoubtedly lots of volatility along the way, plus the potential for central bank suppression, etc. However, the TA / chart mavens of Wall Street will be expecting to see 3000, and collectively having that target will tend to make it self-fulfilling.
---
>>> Procter & Gamble Dinged By Beauty and Diaper Sales Declines
Investopedia
by Bill McColl
Jul 30, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/procter-gamble-dinged-beauty-diaper-150851535.html
Key Takeaways
Procter & Gamble posted a decline in sales of beauty products and diapers, and shares tumbled Tuesday.
The consumer products giant missed revenue estimates, although adjusted profit was better than expected.
P&G also faced what it called "unfavorable foreign exchange impacts."
Shares of Procter & Gamble (PG) tumbled Tuesday when the consumer products giant missed revenue estimates as sales of its beauty products and diapers declined.
P&G reported fiscal 2024 fourth-quarter revenue was basically unchanged from last year at $20.53 billion, affected by “unfavorable foreign exchange impacts,” while the average of analysts surveyed by Visible Alpha came in at $20.75 billion. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.40 was above forecasts.
CFO Says Supply-Chain Constraints Hit Luvs
Beauty division sales fell 1% year-over-year to $3.72 billion, hurt by lower demand for the super-premium SK-II brand and in Greater China. Sales at its Baby, Feminine & Family Care unit dropped 3% to $5.01 billion, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Andre Schulten explained in an interview that the company wasn't able to innovate its Luvs diaper brand because of supply-chain constraints.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jon Moeller said the company faced "a challenging economic and geopolitical environment" during the year.
Even with today's 6% declines to $159.69 as of 11 a.m. ET, shares of Procter & Gamble are about 9% higher year-to-date.
<<<
---
>>> Procter & Gamble Dinged By Beauty and Diaper Sales Declines
Investopedia
by Bill McColl
Jul 30, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/procter-gamble-dinged-beauty-diaper-150851535.html
Key Takeaways
Procter & Gamble posted a decline in sales of beauty products and diapers, and shares tumbled Tuesday.
The consumer products giant missed revenue estimates, although adjusted profit was better than expected.
P&G also faced what it called "unfavorable foreign exchange impacts."
Shares of Procter & Gamble (PG) tumbled Tuesday when the consumer products giant missed revenue estimates as sales of its beauty products and diapers declined.
P&G reported fiscal 2024 fourth-quarter revenue was basically unchanged from last year at $20.53 billion, affected by “unfavorable foreign exchange impacts,” while the average of analysts surveyed by Visible Alpha came in at $20.75 billion. Adjusted earnings per share (EPS) of $1.40 was above forecasts.
CFO Says Supply-Chain Constraints Hit Luvs
Beauty division sales fell 1% year-over-year to $3.72 billion, hurt by lower demand for the super-premium SK-II brand and in Greater China. Sales at its Baby, Feminine & Family Care unit dropped 3% to $5.01 billion, and Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Andre Schulten explained in an interview that the company wasn't able to innovate its Luvs diaper brand because of supply-chain constraints.
Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jon Moeller said the company faced "a challenging economic and geopolitical environment" during the year.
Even with today's 6% declines to $159.69 as of 11 a.m. ET, shares of Procter & Gamble are about 9% higher year-to-date.
<<<
---
>>> Gartner (NYSE: IT) is known for its research and consulting services, and the company works with businesses across 90 countries and territories around the globe. The company's Magic Quadrant report has become an industry standard for businesses in the tech space to look at competitors in a particular market and strategize their own growth approach.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/2-unstoppable-growth-stocks-buy-084300768.html
Gartner makes money in several different ways. Its research segment is its largest source of revenue growth and is subscription-based. Most contracts are at least 12 months long, and roughly 70% are multiyear, giving the company predictable sources of recurring revenue. This segment delivers the research content and data-driven analysis that organizations of all sizes around the world use to align their business vision and streamline operations.
Gartner's second stream of revenue is from the conferences that it holds for information technology and business executives. Finally, Gartner makes money from consulting services provided to chief information officers and other senior executives at various companies.
Revenue from Gartner's research division is recognized over the term of the specific contract. Revenue from its conference division is recognized once the meeting or conference is completed. Consulting revenues often derive from fixed fees or are delivered as those specific services are provided.
To give readers an idea of the breakdown of Gartner's revenue sources as they translate to its overall balance sheet, in the full year 2023, the company reported just shy of $6 billion in total revenue. That was a nice 8% bump compared to the full year 2022. Of that total revenue amount, about $4.9 billion was derived from its subscription-based research segment, while conference revenue totaled $505.2 million and consulting revenue $514.7 million.
Gartner is a profitable company. Last year, the company brought in a total net income of about $883 million, up 9% from the prior 12-month period. Fast-forward to the first quarter of 2024, and the company brought in profits of $211 million on revenue of about $1.5 billion. That revenue figure was up about 5% one year ago, even though net income was down year over year.
The company is also consistently cash-flow positive. Gartner brought in an operating cash flow of $189 million in Q1 and a free cash flow of $166 million. Those two figures were up 15% and 16% from one year ago. Gartner's leadership in the technological research and consulting space has given it a considerable footprint in a vast total addressable market that management estimates is in the region of $200 billion. Shares are up about 30% from one year ago, and some investors might want to take a second look before they possibly edge higher.
<<<
---
>>> Gartner (NYSE: IT) is known for its research and consulting services, and the company works with businesses across 90 countries and territories around the globe. The company's Magic Quadrant report has become an industry standard for businesses in the tech space to look at competitors in a particular market and strategize their own growth approach.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/2-unstoppable-growth-stocks-buy-084300768.html
Gartner makes money in several different ways. Its research segment is its largest source of revenue growth and is subscription-based. Most contracts are at least 12 months long, and roughly 70% are multiyear, giving the company predictable sources of recurring revenue. This segment delivers the research content and data-driven analysis that organizations of all sizes around the world use to align their business vision and streamline operations.
Gartner's second stream of revenue is from the conferences that it holds for information technology and business executives. Finally, Gartner makes money from consulting services provided to chief information officers and other senior executives at various companies.
Revenue from Gartner's research division is recognized over the term of the specific contract. Revenue from its conference division is recognized once the meeting or conference is completed. Consulting revenues often derive from fixed fees or are delivered as those specific services are provided.
To give readers an idea of the breakdown of Gartner's revenue sources as they translate to its overall balance sheet, in the full year 2023, the company reported just shy of $6 billion in total revenue. That was a nice 8% bump compared to the full year 2022. Of that total revenue amount, about $4.9 billion was derived from its subscription-based research segment, while conference revenue totaled $505.2 million and consulting revenue $514.7 million.
Gartner is a profitable company. Last year, the company brought in a total net income of about $883 million, up 9% from the prior 12-month period. Fast-forward to the first quarter of 2024, and the company brought in profits of $211 million on revenue of about $1.5 billion. That revenue figure was up about 5% one year ago, even though net income was down year over year.
The company is also consistently cash-flow positive. Gartner brought in an operating cash flow of $189 million in Q1 and a free cash flow of $166 million. Those two figures were up 15% and 16% from one year ago. Gartner's leadership in the technological research and consulting space has given it a considerable footprint in a vast total addressable market that management estimates is in the region of $200 billion. Shares are up about 30% from one year ago, and some investors might want to take a second look before they possibly edge higher.
<<<
---
>>> Gartner (NYSE: IT) is known for its research and consulting services, and the company works with businesses across 90 countries and territories around the globe. The company's Magic Quadrant report has become an industry standard for businesses in the tech space to look at competitors in a particular market and strategize their own growth approach.
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/2-unstoppable-growth-stocks-buy-084300768.html
Gartner makes money in several different ways. Its research segment is its largest source of revenue growth and is subscription-based. Most contracts are at least 12 months long, and roughly 70% are multiyear, giving the company predictable sources of recurring revenue. This segment delivers the research content and data-driven analysis that organizations of all sizes around the world use to align their business vision and streamline operations.
Gartner's second stream of revenue is from the conferences that it holds for information technology and business executives. Finally, Gartner makes money from consulting services provided to chief information officers and other senior executives at various companies.
Revenue from Gartner's research division is recognized over the term of the specific contract. Revenue from its conference division is recognized once the meeting or conference is completed. Consulting revenues often derive from fixed fees or are delivered as those specific services are provided.
To give readers an idea of the breakdown of Gartner's revenue sources as they translate to its overall balance sheet, in the full year 2023, the company reported just shy of $6 billion in total revenue. That was a nice 8% bump compared to the full year 2022. Of that total revenue amount, about $4.9 billion was derived from its subscription-based research segment, while conference revenue totaled $505.2 million and consulting revenue $514.7 million.
Gartner is a profitable company. Last year, the company brought in a total net income of about $883 million, up 9% from the prior 12-month period. Fast-forward to the first quarter of 2024, and the company brought in profits of $211 million on revenue of about $1.5 billion. That revenue figure was up about 5% one year ago, even though net income was down year over year.
The company is also consistently cash-flow positive. Gartner brought in an operating cash flow of $189 million in Q1 and a free cash flow of $166 million. Those two figures were up 15% and 16% from one year ago. Gartner's leadership in the technological research and consulting space has given it a considerable footprint in a vast total addressable market that management estimates is in the region of $200 billion. Shares are up about 30% from one year ago, and some investors might want to take a second look before they possibly edge higher.
<<<
---
>>> UFP Industries Announces Second Quarter Results
Business Wire
Jul 30, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ufp-industries-announces-second-quarter-110000125.html
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., July 30, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UFP Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq: UFPI) today announced second quarter 2024 results including net sales of $1.9 billion, net earnings attributable to controlling interest of $126 million, and earnings per diluted share of $2.05.
"Our second quarter results were in line with expectations in a more challenging business cycle, and I am grateful for the efforts of all of our UFP teammates to adapt to this environment and adjust capacity to meet demand," said Chairman and CEO Matthew J. Missad. "The weaker environment and expected near-term softness in demand have enabled us to more aggressively pursue our long-term expansion plans and improvement strategies. These efforts include investments in automation and consolidating operations to eliminate redundancies, lower costs and enhance the profitability of each of our facilities. Additionally, we are using our strong balance sheet to stay on offense by investing in acquisitions, new ventures, new value-added products, and organic expansion, while returning capital to shareholders through our recently increased dividend and share repurchase program. Our long-term outlook for growth remains strong."
Second Quarter 2024 Highlights (comparisons on a year-over-year basis except where noted):
Net sales of $1.9 billion decreased 7 percent due to a 6 percent decrease in selling prices and a 1 percent decrease in organic unit sales. Quarter over quarter, the price of Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) decreased 19 percent, which contributed to our decrease in selling prices.
New product sales of $134 million were 7.0 percent of total sales compared to 7.4 percent in the second quarter of 2023. Many products that were considered new products in 2023 were sunset and not included in 2024 totals.
Net earnings attributable to controlling interests of $126 million represents a 16 percent decrease from last year.
Adjusted EBITDA1 of $204 million represents a decrease of 13 percent while adjusted EBITDA margin1 declined 80 basis points to 10.7 percent.
________________________
1 Represents a non-GAAP measurement; see the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures and related explanations below.
Capital Allocation
UFP Industries maintains a strong balance sheet with $1.04 billion in cash on June 29, 2024, compared to $702 million in cash at the end of the second quarter of 2023. The company had approximately $2.3 billion of liquidity as of June 29, 2024. The company’s return-focused approach to capital allocation includes the following:
- Acquisitions and Organic Growth. The company continues to pursue strategic acquisitions and will invest in organic growth opportunities when acquisition targets are not available at valuations that will allow us to meet or exceed targeted return rates. The company is targeting capital investments in 2024 of up to $300 million for automation, technology upgrades, geographic expansion and increased capacity at existing facilities, specifically for its Deckorators, Site Built, metal packaging, and machine-built pallet businesses. Approximately $200 million of projects have been approved in 2024 and another $96 million in projects are pending approval. Longer lead times for equipment and site selection in the case of new locations may delay some investments until 2025.
- Dividend payments. On July 24, 2024, the UFP Industries Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend payment of $0.33 per share, a 10 percent increase over the quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share paid in September 2023. The dividend is payable on September 16, 2024, to shareholders of record on September 2, 2024.
- Share repurchases. The company was authorized to purchase up to $200 million of outstanding stock through July 31, 2024. From July 26, 2023, through the end of the second quarter of 2024, the company repurchased approximately 1,477,000 shares at an average price of $110.96 (a total of $163.9 million). On July 24, 2024, the Board of Directors for UFP Industries authorized the company to repurchase up to $200 million of shares through July 31, 2025.
By business segment, the company reported the following second quarter 2024 results:
UFP Retail Solutions
Net sales of $809 million, down 14 percent compared to the second quarter of 2023, while gross profit increased 3 percent. Sales performance was attributable to a 7 percent decline in selling prices, a 5 percent decline in organic unit sales, and a 2 percent decline due to the transfer of certain product sales to the Packaging and Construction segments. Organic unit sales decreased 2 percent for Deckorators, 6 percent for ProWood and 4 percent for UFP-Edge. Overall, unit sales decreased 5 percent with big box customers, a decline that largely correlates with an easing in repair and remodel activity, and were flat with independent retailers. Gross profit for the retail segment increased 3 percent to $127 million, primarily due to operational improvements, SKU rationalization, and better inventory positioning and utilization of our managed inventory programs.
UFP Packaging
Net sales of $435 million were down 11 percent compared to the second quarter of 2023, due to an 8 percent decrease in selling prices and a 6 percent decline in organic unit sales, offset by a 3 percent increase from the transfer of certain product sales from the Retail segment. A 10 percent increase in organic unit sales for PalletOne, due to market share gains, partially offset an 11 percent decline in organic unit sales for Protective Packaging and a 12 percent decline in organic unit sales for Structural Packaging, attributable to weaker demand. Gross profit for the packaging segment decreased 29 percent to $84 million due to competitive price pressure and lower sales volumes.
UFP Construction
Net sales of $575 million increased 4 percent compared to the second quarter of 2023 as a 4 percent decrease in selling prices was offset by a 7 percent increase in organic unit sales and a 1 percent increase from the transfer of certain product sales from the Retail segment. Organic unit sales increased in Factory Built, up 19 percent due to an increase in industry production, and Site Built, up 4 percent, we believe due to market share gains in both existing and new product categories. Gross profit for the construction segment decreased 8 percent to $126 million due to competitive price pressure.
Short-Term Outlook
Lumber Market: We continue to anticipate lumber prices will remain at lower levels in 2024 based on current supply and demand dynamics.
End Market Demand: We continue to follow key indicators and forecasts in the markets we serve and have revised our outlook for the balance of 2024. We anticipate demand will decrease in Retail by mid-single digits, decrease in Packaging by mid- to high-single digits, and increase in Construction by low- to mid-single digits, reflecting continued strength in our Factory Built business. Generally, we expect the soft demand and competitive price environment will continue for the remainder of the year, resulting in more challenging year-over-year unit sales and profitability comparisons. We believe market share gains will help offset lower demand in each of our segments for the balance of the year.
CONFERENCE CALL
UFP Industries will conduct a conference call to discuss its outlook and information included in this news release at 9 a.m. ET on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. The call will be hosted by Chairman and CEO Matthew J. Missad and CFO Michael Cole and will be available simultaneously and in its entirety to all interested investors and news media through a webcast at https://www.ufpinvestor.com/news-filings-reports#events---presentations. A replay of the call will be available through the website.
UFP Industries, Inc.
UFP Industries, Inc. is a holding company whose operating subsidiaries – UFP Packaging, UFP Construction and UFP Retail Solutions – manufacture, distribute and sell a wide variety of value-added products used in residential and commercial construction, packaging and other industrial applications worldwide. Founded in 1955, the company is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., with affiliates in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. UFP Industries is ranked #493 on the Fortune 500 and #128 on Industry Week’s list of America’s Largest Manufacturers. For more about UFP Industries, go to www.ufpi.com.
<<<
---
>>> UFP Industries Announces Second Quarter Results
Business Wire
Jul 30, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/ufp-industries-announces-second-quarter-110000125.html
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., July 30, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--UFP Industries, Inc. (Nasdaq: UFPI) today announced second quarter 2024 results including net sales of $1.9 billion, net earnings attributable to controlling interest of $126 million, and earnings per diluted share of $2.05.
"Our second quarter results were in line with expectations in a more challenging business cycle, and I am grateful for the efforts of all of our UFP teammates to adapt to this environment and adjust capacity to meet demand," said Chairman and CEO Matthew J. Missad. "The weaker environment and expected near-term softness in demand have enabled us to more aggressively pursue our long-term expansion plans and improvement strategies. These efforts include investments in automation and consolidating operations to eliminate redundancies, lower costs and enhance the profitability of each of our facilities. Additionally, we are using our strong balance sheet to stay on offense by investing in acquisitions, new ventures, new value-added products, and organic expansion, while returning capital to shareholders through our recently increased dividend and share repurchase program. Our long-term outlook for growth remains strong."
Second Quarter 2024 Highlights (comparisons on a year-over-year basis except where noted):
Net sales of $1.9 billion decreased 7 percent due to a 6 percent decrease in selling prices and a 1 percent decrease in organic unit sales. Quarter over quarter, the price of Southern Yellow Pine (SYP) decreased 19 percent, which contributed to our decrease in selling prices.
New product sales of $134 million were 7.0 percent of total sales compared to 7.4 percent in the second quarter of 2023. Many products that were considered new products in 2023 were sunset and not included in 2024 totals.
Net earnings attributable to controlling interests of $126 million represents a 16 percent decrease from last year.
Adjusted EBITDA1 of $204 million represents a decrease of 13 percent while adjusted EBITDA margin1 declined 80 basis points to 10.7 percent.
________________________
1 Represents a non-GAAP measurement; see the reconciliation of non-GAAP financial measures and related explanations below.
Capital Allocation
UFP Industries maintains a strong balance sheet with $1.04 billion in cash on June 29, 2024, compared to $702 million in cash at the end of the second quarter of 2023. The company had approximately $2.3 billion of liquidity as of June 29, 2024. The company’s return-focused approach to capital allocation includes the following:
- Acquisitions and Organic Growth. The company continues to pursue strategic acquisitions and will invest in organic growth opportunities when acquisition targets are not available at valuations that will allow us to meet or exceed targeted return rates. The company is targeting capital investments in 2024 of up to $300 million for automation, technology upgrades, geographic expansion and increased capacity at existing facilities, specifically for its Deckorators, Site Built, metal packaging, and machine-built pallet businesses. Approximately $200 million of projects have been approved in 2024 and another $96 million in projects are pending approval. Longer lead times for equipment and site selection in the case of new locations may delay some investments until 2025.
- Dividend payments. On July 24, 2024, the UFP Industries Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend payment of $0.33 per share, a 10 percent increase over the quarterly dividend of $0.30 per share paid in September 2023. The dividend is payable on September 16, 2024, to shareholders of record on September 2, 2024.
- Share repurchases. The company was authorized to purchase up to $200 million of outstanding stock through July 31, 2024. From July 26, 2023, through the end of the second quarter of 2024, the company repurchased approximately 1,477,000 shares at an average price of $110.96 (a total of $163.9 million). On July 24, 2024, the Board of Directors for UFP Industries authorized the company to repurchase up to $200 million of shares through July 31, 2025.
By business segment, the company reported the following second quarter 2024 results:
UFP Retail Solutions
Net sales of $809 million, down 14 percent compared to the second quarter of 2023, while gross profit increased 3 percent. Sales performance was attributable to a 7 percent decline in selling prices, a 5 percent decline in organic unit sales, and a 2 percent decline due to the transfer of certain product sales to the Packaging and Construction segments. Organic unit sales decreased 2 percent for Deckorators, 6 percent for ProWood and 4 percent for UFP-Edge. Overall, unit sales decreased 5 percent with big box customers, a decline that largely correlates with an easing in repair and remodel activity, and were flat with independent retailers. Gross profit for the retail segment increased 3 percent to $127 million, primarily due to operational improvements, SKU rationalization, and better inventory positioning and utilization of our managed inventory programs.
UFP Packaging
Net sales of $435 million were down 11 percent compared to the second quarter of 2023, due to an 8 percent decrease in selling prices and a 6 percent decline in organic unit sales, offset by a 3 percent increase from the transfer of certain product sales from the Retail segment. A 10 percent increase in organic unit sales for PalletOne, due to market share gains, partially offset an 11 percent decline in organic unit sales for Protective Packaging and a 12 percent decline in organic unit sales for Structural Packaging, attributable to weaker demand. Gross profit for the packaging segment decreased 29 percent to $84 million due to competitive price pressure and lower sales volumes.
UFP Construction
Net sales of $575 million increased 4 percent compared to the second quarter of 2023 as a 4 percent decrease in selling prices was offset by a 7 percent increase in organic unit sales and a 1 percent increase from the transfer of certain product sales from the Retail segment. Organic unit sales increased in Factory Built, up 19 percent due to an increase in industry production, and Site Built, up 4 percent, we believe due to market share gains in both existing and new product categories. Gross profit for the construction segment decreased 8 percent to $126 million due to competitive price pressure.
Short-Term Outlook
Lumber Market: We continue to anticipate lumber prices will remain at lower levels in 2024 based on current supply and demand dynamics.
End Market Demand: We continue to follow key indicators and forecasts in the markets we serve and have revised our outlook for the balance of 2024. We anticipate demand will decrease in Retail by mid-single digits, decrease in Packaging by mid- to high-single digits, and increase in Construction by low- to mid-single digits, reflecting continued strength in our Factory Built business. Generally, we expect the soft demand and competitive price environment will continue for the remainder of the year, resulting in more challenging year-over-year unit sales and profitability comparisons. We believe market share gains will help offset lower demand in each of our segments for the balance of the year.
CONFERENCE CALL
UFP Industries will conduct a conference call to discuss its outlook and information included in this news release at 9 a.m. ET on Tuesday, July 30, 2024. The call will be hosted by Chairman and CEO Matthew J. Missad and CFO Michael Cole and will be available simultaneously and in its entirety to all interested investors and news media through a webcast at https://www.ufpinvestor.com/news-filings-reports#events---presentations. A replay of the call will be available through the website.
UFP Industries, Inc.
UFP Industries, Inc. is a holding company whose operating subsidiaries – UFP Packaging, UFP Construction and UFP Retail Solutions – manufacture, distribute and sell a wide variety of value-added products used in residential and commercial construction, packaging and other industrial applications worldwide. Founded in 1955, the company is headquartered in Grand Rapids, Mich., with affiliates in North America, Europe, Asia and Australia. UFP Industries is ranked #493 on the Fortune 500 and #128 on Industry Week’s list of America’s Largest Manufacturers. For more about UFP Industries, go to www.ufpi.com.
<<<
---
>>> Why Watsco Stock Is Falling Today
by Lou Whiteman
Motley Fool
Jul 30, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-watsco-stock-falling-today-175712682.html
Watsco (NYSE: WSO) reported record sales, improving cash flow, and an improving balance sheet in its most recent quarter. But the results weren't quite what Wall Street had expected.
After the earnings release, shares of the industrial equipment distributor were trading down about 5% as of noon ET.
Growth, but short of expectations
Watsco is a distributor of parts and supplies for the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC) industry. The company earned $4.49 per share in the quarter on revenue of $2.14 billion, generating 7% year-over-year sales growth.
The company saw strong 8% growth in its HVAC equipment segment, which accounts for 71% of total sales. Operating cash flow also turned positive and improved by $100 million, with $58 million in reported cash flow in the quarter.
But Wall Street had expected $4.68 per share in earnings on sales of $2.2 billion, and gross margin in the quarter fell 100 basis points to 27.1%.
Is Watsco a buy?
Watsco has been an impressive performer over the years thanks to the company's ability to roll up small distributors and drive efficiency and scale gains. The stock was up more than 20% for the year heading into earnings and perhaps got ahead of itself.
On the post-earnings call, management said quarter-to-quarter margin fluctuations are to be expected as manufacturers adjust pricing and as inventories are replenished, but it sees business as usual up ahead. For long-term-focused investors, business as usual has generated market-beating returns, and there is nothing in this earnings report to suggest Watsco can't continue to deliver in the years to come.
<<<
---
>>> Why Watsco Stock Is Falling Today
by Lou Whiteman
Motley Fool
Jul 30, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/why-watsco-stock-falling-today-175712682.html
Watsco (NYSE: WSO) reported record sales, improving cash flow, and an improving balance sheet in its most recent quarter. But the results weren't quite what Wall Street had expected.
After the earnings release, shares of the industrial equipment distributor were trading down about 5% as of noon ET.
Growth, but short of expectations
Watsco is a distributor of parts and supplies for the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC) industry. The company earned $4.49 per share in the quarter on revenue of $2.14 billion, generating 7% year-over-year sales growth.
The company saw strong 8% growth in its HVAC equipment segment, which accounts for 71% of total sales. Operating cash flow also turned positive and improved by $100 million, with $58 million in reported cash flow in the quarter.
But Wall Street had expected $4.68 per share in earnings on sales of $2.2 billion, and gross margin in the quarter fell 100 basis points to 27.1%.
Is Watsco a buy?
Watsco has been an impressive performer over the years thanks to the company's ability to roll up small distributors and drive efficiency and scale gains. The stock was up more than 20% for the year heading into earnings and perhaps got ahead of itself.
On the post-earnings call, management said quarter-to-quarter margin fluctuations are to be expected as manufacturers adjust pricing and as inventories are replenished, but it sees business as usual up ahead. For long-term-focused investors, business as usual has generated market-beating returns, and there is nothing in this earnings report to suggest Watsco can't continue to deliver in the years to come.
<<<
---
Broadcom - >>> Forget Nvidia: Billionaire Ken Griffin Raised His Position in This Rival AI Stock by More Than 500%
by Adria Cimino
Motley Fool
Jul 31, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/forget-nvidia-billionaire-ken-griffin-094000273.html
Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) shares have soared, resulting in a major boost for investors that got in on the shares early. And many billionaire investors have benefited -- including Ken Griffin, chief executive of Citadel. Griffin initially bought Nvidia back in 2013, and as recently as late last year his fund held more than three million shares of the artificial intelligence (AI) chip giant.
But Griffin wasn't a buyer of Nvidia in recent months. In fact, in the first quarter of this year, he reduced his position in Nvidia by 68% to about 1.1 million shares. And at the same time, he increased his holding of another AI stock by more than 500%. Does this mean that, like Griffin, you should forget Nvidia and bet on this AI player? Let's find out.
Citadel's track record
First, it's important to note investors have a pretty good reason for following Griffin's path. Since launching Citadel back in 1990, Griffin has built the fund to $63 billion in investment capital today. And Citadel has scored recognition as the most profitable hedge fund ever. So, when Griffin makes a particular bet on a stock, it's worth taking note -- and in some instances, you may decide to follow.
Now let's consider the billionaire's latest move. The hedge fund giant increased his position in Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO) by more than 500% to about 295,000 shares, a clear sign of confidence in this AI company. Griffin has probably already started to win from this move since the stock has advanced about 35% so far this year.
And the company completed a 10-for-1 stock split earlier this month, offering current holders additional shares to lower the per-share price of its stock. This doesn't change the value of Griffin's holding -- or yours if you're a Broadcom shareholder -- but it does offer shareholders a greater number of shares. A stock split is generally positive for a stock over time as it allows a wider range of investors to more easily buy it.
We don't know the exact reason why Griffin decided to increase his holding of Broadcom in the triple digits, but there's a lot of evidence showing Broadcom could be an AI winner down the road. In the most recent quarter, the semiconductor and networking giant said AI revenue surged 280% to more than $3.1 billion. Demand from mega-scale data centers for AI networking and custom accelerators is driving this growth, the company says.
Broadcom's new wave of growth
As these data centers, or hyperscalers, continue to expand, Broadcom is seeing more and more growth in its networking business. The company doubled the number of switches it sold in the quarter year over year and now is developing next-generation switches and optics that should drive a new wave of growth.
Broadcom is optimistic about this growth continuing, and considering forecasts for the AI market, there's reason for investors to be confident about the company's future too. Today's $200 billion AI market is set to reach more than $1 trillion later this decade. It's important to remember that right now more than 99% of Internet traffic travels through a Broadcom technology -- so the company, as a leader, is well positioned to benefit from the AI boom.
On top of this, Broadcom also is seeing growth from its acquisition of cloud software company VMware. In fact, it predicts VMWare will help drive a 42% increase in annual revenue this year to about $51 billion.
Nvidia vs Broadcom
So, is it time to forget Nvidia and turn to Broadcom? It's important to note that the companies could be considered rivals or peers because they are both chipmakers. But, while Nvidia is more focused on serving data centers with chips and other related products and services, Broadcom's business covers a lot more territory. The company makes thousands of products used not only in data centers but also in home connectivity, smartphones, and telecommunications in general. So, while Broadcom is growing thanks to AI, it doesn't depend on this market as much as Nvidia does -- this could make Broadcom a safer bet over time.
Still, it's also key to remember Citadel's Griffin hasn't exited his Nvidia position. He holds a considerable number of shares. So, the billionaire clearly hasn't lost faith in Nvidia and continues to believe the stock could generate solid returns.
All of this means there are reasons to be optimistic about both of these AI stocks. That said, one thing right now supports the idea of forgetting Nvidia and following Griffin into Broadcom, and that's valuation. Broadcom trades for 31x forward earnings estimates compared to 41x for Nvidia.
This is a very reasonable price considering the company's track record of growth and potential for gains from AI and the VMware acquisition. And that's why, right now you may want to forget Nvidia, and follow billionaire investor Griffin into Broadcom.
<<<
---
Broadcom - >>> Forget Nvidia: Billionaire Ken Griffin Raised His Position in This Rival AI Stock by More Than 500%
by Adria Cimino
Motley Fool
Jul 31, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/forget-nvidia-billionaire-ken-griffin-094000273.html
Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) shares have soared, resulting in a major boost for investors that got in on the shares early. And many billionaire investors have benefited -- including Ken Griffin, chief executive of Citadel. Griffin initially bought Nvidia back in 2013, and as recently as late last year his fund held more than three million shares of the artificial intelligence (AI) chip giant.
But Griffin wasn't a buyer of Nvidia in recent months. In fact, in the first quarter of this year, he reduced his position in Nvidia by 68% to about 1.1 million shares. And at the same time, he increased his holding of another AI stock by more than 500%. Does this mean that, like Griffin, you should forget Nvidia and bet on this AI player? Let's find out.
Citadel's track record
First, it's important to note investors have a pretty good reason for following Griffin's path. Since launching Citadel back in 1990, Griffin has built the fund to $63 billion in investment capital today. And Citadel has scored recognition as the most profitable hedge fund ever. So, when Griffin makes a particular bet on a stock, it's worth taking note -- and in some instances, you may decide to follow.
Now let's consider the billionaire's latest move. The hedge fund giant increased his position in Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO) by more than 500% to about 295,000 shares, a clear sign of confidence in this AI company. Griffin has probably already started to win from this move since the stock has advanced about 35% so far this year.
And the company completed a 10-for-1 stock split earlier this month, offering current holders additional shares to lower the per-share price of its stock. This doesn't change the value of Griffin's holding -- or yours if you're a Broadcom shareholder -- but it does offer shareholders a greater number of shares. A stock split is generally positive for a stock over time as it allows a wider range of investors to more easily buy it.
We don't know the exact reason why Griffin decided to increase his holding of Broadcom in the triple digits, but there's a lot of evidence showing Broadcom could be an AI winner down the road. In the most recent quarter, the semiconductor and networking giant said AI revenue surged 280% to more than $3.1 billion. Demand from mega-scale data centers for AI networking and custom accelerators is driving this growth, the company says.
Broadcom's new wave of growth
As these data centers, or hyperscalers, continue to expand, Broadcom is seeing more and more growth in its networking business. The company doubled the number of switches it sold in the quarter year over year and now is developing next-generation switches and optics that should drive a new wave of growth.
Broadcom is optimistic about this growth continuing, and considering forecasts for the AI market, there's reason for investors to be confident about the company's future too. Today's $200 billion AI market is set to reach more than $1 trillion later this decade. It's important to remember that right now more than 99% of Internet traffic travels through a Broadcom technology -- so the company, as a leader, is well positioned to benefit from the AI boom.
On top of this, Broadcom also is seeing growth from its acquisition of cloud software company VMware. In fact, it predicts VMWare will help drive a 42% increase in annual revenue this year to about $51 billion.
Nvidia vs Broadcom
So, is it time to forget Nvidia and turn to Broadcom? It's important to note that the companies could be considered rivals or peers because they are both chipmakers. But, while Nvidia is more focused on serving data centers with chips and other related products and services, Broadcom's business covers a lot more territory. The company makes thousands of products used not only in data centers but also in home connectivity, smartphones, and telecommunications in general. So, while Broadcom is growing thanks to AI, it doesn't depend on this market as much as Nvidia does -- this could make Broadcom a safer bet over time.
Still, it's also key to remember Citadel's Griffin hasn't exited his Nvidia position. He holds a considerable number of shares. So, the billionaire clearly hasn't lost faith in Nvidia and continues to believe the stock could generate solid returns.
All of this means there are reasons to be optimistic about both of these AI stocks. That said, one thing right now supports the idea of forgetting Nvidia and following Griffin into Broadcom, and that's valuation. Broadcom trades for 31x forward earnings estimates compared to 41x for Nvidia.
This is a very reasonable price considering the company's track record of growth and potential for gains from AI and the VMware acquisition. And that's why, right now you may want to forget Nvidia, and follow billionaire investor Griffin into Broadcom.
<<<
---
Broadcom - >>> Forget Nvidia: Billionaire Ken Griffin Raised His Position in This Rival AI Stock by More Than 500%
by Adria Cimino
Motley Fool
Jul 31, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/forget-nvidia-billionaire-ken-griffin-094000273.html
Nvidia (NASDAQ: NVDA) shares have soared, resulting in a major boost for investors that got in on the shares early. And many billionaire investors have benefited -- including Ken Griffin, chief executive of Citadel. Griffin initially bought Nvidia back in 2013, and as recently as late last year his fund held more than three million shares of the artificial intelligence (AI) chip giant.
But Griffin wasn't a buyer of Nvidia in recent months. In fact, in the first quarter of this year, he reduced his position in Nvidia by 68% to about 1.1 million shares. And at the same time, he increased his holding of another AI stock by more than 500%. Does this mean that, like Griffin, you should forget Nvidia and bet on this AI player? Let's find out.
Citadel's track record
First, it's important to note investors have a pretty good reason for following Griffin's path. Since launching Citadel back in 1990, Griffin has built the fund to $63 billion in investment capital today. And Citadel has scored recognition as the most profitable hedge fund ever. So, when Griffin makes a particular bet on a stock, it's worth taking note -- and in some instances, you may decide to follow.
Now let's consider the billionaire's latest move. The hedge fund giant increased his position in Broadcom (NASDAQ: AVGO) by more than 500% to about 295,000 shares, a clear sign of confidence in this AI company. Griffin has probably already started to win from this move since the stock has advanced about 35% so far this year.
And the company completed a 10-for-1 stock split earlier this month, offering current holders additional shares to lower the per-share price of its stock. This doesn't change the value of Griffin's holding -- or yours if you're a Broadcom shareholder -- but it does offer shareholders a greater number of shares. A stock split is generally positive for a stock over time as it allows a wider range of investors to more easily buy it.
We don't know the exact reason why Griffin decided to increase his holding of Broadcom in the triple digits, but there's a lot of evidence showing Broadcom could be an AI winner down the road. In the most recent quarter, the semiconductor and networking giant said AI revenue surged 280% to more than $3.1 billion. Demand from mega-scale data centers for AI networking and custom accelerators is driving this growth, the company says.
Broadcom's new wave of growth
As these data centers, or hyperscalers, continue to expand, Broadcom is seeing more and more growth in its networking business. The company doubled the number of switches it sold in the quarter year over year and now is developing next-generation switches and optics that should drive a new wave of growth.
Broadcom is optimistic about this growth continuing, and considering forecasts for the AI market, there's reason for investors to be confident about the company's future too. Today's $200 billion AI market is set to reach more than $1 trillion later this decade. It's important to remember that right now more than 99% of Internet traffic travels through a Broadcom technology -- so the company, as a leader, is well positioned to benefit from the AI boom.
On top of this, Broadcom also is seeing growth from its acquisition of cloud software company VMware. In fact, it predicts VMWare will help drive a 42% increase in annual revenue this year to about $51 billion.
Nvidia vs Broadcom
So, is it time to forget Nvidia and turn to Broadcom? It's important to note that the companies could be considered rivals or peers because they are both chipmakers. But, while Nvidia is more focused on serving data centers with chips and other related products and services, Broadcom's business covers a lot more territory. The company makes thousands of products used not only in data centers but also in home connectivity, smartphones, and telecommunications in general. So, while Broadcom is growing thanks to AI, it doesn't depend on this market as much as Nvidia does -- this could make Broadcom a safer bet over time.
Still, it's also key to remember Citadel's Griffin hasn't exited his Nvidia position. He holds a considerable number of shares. So, the billionaire clearly hasn't lost faith in Nvidia and continues to believe the stock could generate solid returns.
All of this means there are reasons to be optimistic about both of these AI stocks. That said, one thing right now supports the idea of forgetting Nvidia and following Griffin into Broadcom, and that's valuation. Broadcom trades for 31x forward earnings estimates compared to 41x for Nvidia.
This is a very reasonable price considering the company's track record of growth and potential for gains from AI and the VMware acquisition. And that's why, right now you may want to forget Nvidia, and follow billionaire investor Griffin into Broadcom.
<<<
---
>>> Where Will Supermicro Stock Be in 5 Years?
by Will Healy
Motley Fool
Jul 31, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/where-supermicro-stock-5-years-091500517.html
Looking back on Super Micro Computer (NASDAQ: SMCI) five years ago, few likely envisioned it would reach the heights it has today. It has existed since 1993 and has traded as a stock since 2007. Despite building a large, successful business, the company was largely unknown outside its industry and drew little interest from stock investors.
Supermicro's fortunes changed dramatically when its partnership with Nvidia brought about exponentially higher sales of AI-capable servers. This helped lead to the AI stock rising by over 3,500% over the last five years. Admittedly, another 3,500% increase in the next five years is unlikely, but the stock can probably generate market-beating returns during that time. Here's why.
The state of Supermicro
The most surprising things about Supermicro are its longtime obscurity and meteoric rise to prominence. The company describes itself as a "rack-scale total IT solutions provider" that creates environmentally friendly and energy-saving machinery.
It produces first-to-market hardware for the edge, 5G, data centers, the cloud, and AI in approximately 6 million square feet of manufacturing space. Moreover, it operates in more than 100 countries, meaning it built an extensive footprint despite receiving little attention from investors until recently.
The company's growth has now become too significant for investors to ignore. In the first nine months of fiscal 2024 (ended March 31), it reported $9.6 billion in revenue, a 95% yearly increase. With that, net income surged to $855 million compared with $446 million in the same year-ago period.
Where Supermicro is going
Additionally, its rapid growth is on track to continue. Markets.us estimates the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the AI server industry will exceed 30% through 2033.
Fortunately for Supermicro's shareholders, company estimates far exceed that rapidly growing industry CAGR. In the most recent earnings report, the company raised its fiscal 2024 revenue guidance to $14.7 billion, which would mean a 107% growth rate if revenue levels match the company estimate.
As for the stock, it has risen by almost 130% over the last year. Still, nearly all of that growth occurred in the first three months of the calendar year, and the stock has pulled back by more than 40% since peaking in March.
However, that price correction could dramatically increase Supermicro's odds of outperforming the indexes. Its P/E ratio had reached 90 as its stock peaked. Now, with rising profits and falling stock prices, the earnings multiple has dropped to 39. Its PEG ratio of just 0.6 confirms that its P/E ratio is at a very low level, considering the rapid growth of its profits.
Furthermore, analysts forecast that Supermicro's net income will grow by an average of 62% per year for the next five years. Admittedly, this is a "way too early" estimate and will likely change significantly as more information becomes known. Still, if profits grow at an average close to this estimate, it is likely the rapid growth of Supermicro stock will continue.
Supermicro in five years
Although a lot can happen in five years, Supermicro stands a high likelihood of beating the market over that time. As stated before, investors should not expect another 3,500% gain over five years, nor should they expect the company to maintain revenue growth near the triple-digits over the long run.
Nonetheless, the AI servers produced by Supermicro are experiencing unprecedented demand, leading to massive gains in the stock price. Moreover, even if estimates for the future change significantly, both Supermicro and its industry should experience rapid growth rates for years to come.
Additionally, considering the growth rates of the recent past, the 39 P/E ratio and the PEG ratio under 1 arguably make Supermicro a bargain stock. Given its recent pullback, now might be a good time to add shares.
<<<
---
>>> Where Will Supermicro Stock Be in 5 Years?
by Will Healy
Motley Fool
Jul 31, 2024
https://finance.yahoo.com/news/where-supermicro-stock-5-years-091500517.html
Looking back on Super Micro Computer (NASDAQ: SMCI) five years ago, few likely envisioned it would reach the heights it has today. It has existed since 1993 and has traded as a stock since 2007. Despite building a large, successful business, the company was largely unknown outside its industry and drew little interest from stock investors.
Supermicro's fortunes changed dramatically when its partnership with Nvidia brought about exponentially higher sales of AI-capable servers. This helped lead to the AI stock rising by over 3,500% over the last five years. Admittedly, another 3,500% increase in the next five years is unlikely, but the stock can probably generate market-beating returns during that time. Here's why.
The state of Supermicro
The most surprising things about Supermicro are its longtime obscurity and meteoric rise to prominence. The company describes itself as a "rack-scale total IT solutions provider" that creates environmentally friendly and energy-saving machinery.
It produces first-to-market hardware for the edge, 5G, data centers, the cloud, and AI in approximately 6 million square feet of manufacturing space. Moreover, it operates in more than 100 countries, meaning it built an extensive footprint despite receiving little attention from investors until recently.
The company's growth has now become too significant for investors to ignore. In the first nine months of fiscal 2024 (ended March 31), it reported $9.6 billion in revenue, a 95% yearly increase. With that, net income surged to $855 million compared with $446 million in the same year-ago period.
Where Supermicro is going
Additionally, its rapid growth is on track to continue. Markets.us estimates the compound annual growth rate (CAGR) for the AI server industry will exceed 30% through 2033.
Fortunately for Supermicro's shareholders, company estimates far exceed that rapidly growing industry CAGR. In the most recent earnings report, the company raised its fiscal 2024 revenue guidance to $14.7 billion, which would mean a 107% growth rate if revenue levels match the company estimate.
As for the stock, it has risen by almost 130% over the last year. Still, nearly all of that growth occurred in the first three months of the calendar year, and the stock has pulled back by more than 40% since peaking in March.
However, that price correction could dramatically increase Supermicro's odds of outperforming the indexes. Its P/E ratio had reached 90 as its stock peaked. Now, with rising profits and falling stock prices, the earnings multiple has dropped to 39. Its PEG ratio of just 0.6 confirms that its P/E ratio is at a very low level, considering the rapid growth of its profits.
Furthermore, analysts forecast that Supermicro's net income will grow by an average of 62% per year for the next five years. Admittedly, this is a "way too early" estimate and will likely change significantly as more information becomes known. Still, if profits grow at an average close to this estimate, it is likely the rapid growth of Supermicro stock will continue.
Supermicro in five years
Although a lot can happen in five years, Supermicro stands a high likelihood of beating the market over that time. As stated before, investors should not expect another 3,500% gain over five years, nor should they expect the company to maintain revenue growth near the triple-digits over the long run.
Nonetheless, the AI servers produced by Supermicro are experiencing unprecedented demand, leading to massive gains in the stock price. Moreover, even if estimates for the future change significantly, both Supermicro and its industry should experience rapid growth rates for years to come.
Additionally, considering the growth rates of the recent past, the 39 P/E ratio and the PEG ratio under 1 arguably make Supermicro a bargain stock. Given its recent pullback, now might be a good time to add shares.
<<<
---