Market Signal Briefing

Bitcoin’s network data show that long-term holders and larger players are still active, even though the price has cooled. At the same time, a fresh breakout in the Russell 2000 index lines up with a pattern that has often preceded past Bitcoin bull runs.

Bitcoin ‘Liveliness’ Metric Climbs Even as Price StallsBitcoin’s onchain “liveliness” keeps rising this cycle despite softer price action, suggesting steady demand for spot BTC, according to analyst TXMC, who cited data from Glassnode’s Liveliness Ribbon chart.

TXMC described liveliness as a running sum of all lifetime spending versus holding on the Bitcoin network. The metric rises when coins are spent and transacted, and it falls when more supply sits dormant in wallets. It also scales by the age of those coins, so movements in older holdings carry more weight than day-to-day trading.

Bitcoin Liveliness Ribbon Chart. Source: Glassnode / X

In past bull markets, liveliness has typically increased as coins change hands at higher prices and new capital enters the market. As demand cools and investors shift back to holding, the indicator’s upward momentum tends to slow or reverse. TXMC characterized it as a long-term moving average for onchain activity rather than a short-term trading tool.

This cycle, however, liveliness “continues to march higher” even while prices trade below prior peaks, TXMC noted. That pattern points to an underlying base of demand that does not yet appear fully in spot prices. It also signals that larger entities are active onchain, though the identities behind those flows remain unknown.

TXMC cautioned that liveliness is not a precise market timing signal, because it often turns after price has already moved. Even so, the continued upward trend in the metric shows that long-horizon Bitcoin holders and sizable market participants remain engaged in the network despite recent volatility.

Bitcoin Rallies Have Followed Russell 2000 Breakouts, Analyst SaysBitcoin may be entering another upward phase after the iShares Russell 2000 ETF broke above long-standing resistance, according to analyst AO, who compared the small-cap index with past BTC market cycles.

Bitcoin and Russell 2000 Breakout Comparison Chart. Source: TradingView / AO_btc_analyst

AO’s chart highlights four previous moments — 2011, 2013, 2017, and 2021 — when the Russell 2000 pushed through major horizontal resistance. In each case, Bitcoin followed with a strong multi-month rally. The analyst notes that the index has now broken out again, marking the first such move since early 2021.

The overlay shows the Russell’s resistance tests and breakouts aligned vertically with Bitcoin’s historical surges. Earlier cycles saw BTC accelerate shortly after the index confirmed strength, a pattern AO says has repeated consistently over the past decade.

With the Russell 2000 now trading above its prior ceiling, AO suggests Bitcoin could again follow the same structural rhythm. The chart places a potential new BTC acceleration window into 2026 if the relationship holds.

While the comparison does not provide timing precision, AO argues that the recurring correlation is strong enough to monitor as markets move into the next phase of the cycle.

Original U.Today article

Sun, 7/12/2025 - 17:13

Can Bitcoin (BTC) return above $90,000 by the end of the week?.

Cover image via U.Today

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed by our writers are their own and do not represent the views of U.Today. The financial and market information provided on U.Today is intended for informational purposes only. U.Today is not liable for any financial losses incurred while trading cryptocurrencies. Conduct your own research by contacting financial experts before making any investment decisions. We believe that all content is accurate as of the date of publication, but certain offers mentioned may no longer be available.

Bears have seized the initiative on the last day of the week, according to CoinStats.

Top coins by CoinStatsBTC/USDThe rate of Bitcoin (BTC) has declined by almost 2% since yesterday. Over the last week, the price has fallen by 3.58%.

Image by TradingViewOn the hourly chart, the price of BTC is in the middle of the local channel between the support of $87,744 and the resistance of $89,757.

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As neither side is dominating, traders are unlikely to witness sharp moves by tomorrow.

Image by TradingViewA similar picture is on the bigger time frame. The volume has declined, which means there are low chances to see increased volatility over the next few days.

Image by TradingViewFrom the midterm point of view, the price of the main crypto is far from the support and resistance levels. As neither buyers nor sellers are dominating, consolidation in the range of $85,000-$95,000 is the more likely scenario.

Bitcoin is trading at $88,834 at press time.

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According to metrics, the tally of ETH burned from fees has sailed past the 6 million mark, meaning that as of Dec. 7's exchange rates, more than $18 billion in value has effectively gone up in smoke since the London hard fork on Aug. 5, 2021.

The right investment can potentially be life-changing.

The end of the year can be a fantastic time to evaluate your investing strategy, and sometimes that involves buying in new places.

Exchange-traded funds (ETFs) can be fantastic options for investors seeking a low-maintenance way to buy into specific sectors of the market. These investments require next to no effort on your part, but they can generate life-changing wealth over time. And there's one ETF I'm loading up on in 2026 and holding forever.

Image source: Getty Images.

A growth ETF that can hedge against volatility
Two of the more common types of ETFs are broad market ETFs and growth ETFs. Broad market ETFs, such as S&P 500 ETFs, track large indexes or the entire stock market. They tend to be lower-risk investments, but they can also only earn average returns over time.

Growth ETFs, on the other hand, are designed to beat the market. They can be more volatile in the short term with more substantial downturns, but they have the potential for much higher-than-average returns over time.

One ETF that aims to find a middle ground between these two is the Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF (VOOG +0.33%). This fund tracks the S&P 500 (^GSPC +0.19%), but it only includes stocks from the index that show growth characteristics. Because companies in the S&P 500 are among the largest and strongest in the world, this ETF can help limit risk while also earning higher total returns.

Over the last 10 years, for example, the Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF has outperformed the S&P 500 itself with total returns of just over 366%.

VOOG Total Return Level data by YCharts

In other words, if you'd invested $5,000 in each of these places 10 years ago, you'd have accumulated over $23,000 with the Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF versus around $19,000 with an S&P 500-tracking fund.

How much could you earn over time?
There are no guarantees in the stock market, so it can be tough to say how much you could earn with any investment. However, it can still be helpful to examine historical returns to estimate future earnings.

Since the Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF was launched in 2010, it's earned an average rate of return of 16.82% per year. For context, the market itself has earned an average return of around 10% per year over the last 50 years.

Let's say you can afford to invest $200 per month, and your investment could earn a 10%, 13%, or 16% average annual return. Here's approximately how your earnings would add up in each of those scenarios, depending on how long you have to invest:

Number of YearsTotal Portfolio Value: 10% Avg. Annual ReturnTotal Portfolio Value: 13% Avg. Annual ReturnTotal Portfolio Value: 16% Avg. Annual Return20$137,000$194,000$277,00025$236,000$373,000$598,00030$395,000$704,000$1,273,00035$650,000$1,312,000$2,690,000
Data source: Author's calculations via investor.gov.

If this ETF continues performing at the rate that it has over the last 15 years, you could potentially earn well over $2 million after 35 years. Even if it underperforms going forward, it's still possible to become a stock market millionaire with enough time and consistency.

As with any investment, the sooner you get started and the more consistently you invest, the more you can earn. With just a couple hundred dollars per month, the Vanguard S&P 500 Growth ETF has the potential to transform your finances and build life-changing wealth.

I want to invest in a business that I can have more confidence in.

In early 2023, shares of quantum computing company D-Wave Quantum (QBTS 6.02%) hit a low at around $0.40 -- it was a penny stock. It's up nearly 5,000% since those lows. But for my part, I wouldn't touch the stock today with a 10-foot pole.

Quantum computing is likely to be one of the most significant technological trends over the next decade. And quite encouragingly, D-Wave is quickly growing its revenue. Through the first three quarters of 2025, it's generated revenue of $22 million, which is up over 200% from the comparable period of 2024.

Image source: Getty Images.

Despite some positive developments at D-Wave, I believe the business is fragile. And I look for something stronger when making a long-term investment.

Is there an advantage to being first?
D-Wave really wants investors to know that it's a first mover in the quantum computing space. It reportedly sold its first quantum computer in 2011 for around $10 million. But the company appears to have been almost too early, based on the numbers since.

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In 2024, D-Wave generated revenue of just $8.8 million -- less than its initial sale 13 years earlier. During these years, the company continued to develop quantum computing technology, as did many other players in the field. But this didn't translate into consistent revenue growth.

Indeed, D-Wave's scale shows that spending from its customers is still in the early stages. In other words, some customers are experimenting with quantum computing. But there are no significant commitments to the technology yet. This is likely because of how much the technology still needs to improve.

This gives other players in the quantum computing space plenty of time to catch up to D-Wave (although it's debatable whether they're truly behind in the first place). And among those interested in winning in this industry are formidable competitors such as Alphabet, Intel, and Microsoft. It could be hard to fend off this trio.

Forecasting the future
As of Q3, there isn't much long-term visibility into D-Wave's future. The company does have some remaining performance obligations (RPOs) -- deals it's made and will generate revenue from. But its Q3 RPO of $2.9 million is down from its RPO of $4 million in the third quarter of 2024.

Likewise, D-Wave's bookings in 2025 are down 7% from this time in 2024. This doesn't necessarily mean that the company is hitting a wall. But the reality is that a few forthcoming one-time deals could make or break this growth story. There's not much to give confidence about the long-term trajectory of the business at this time.

D-Wave's management isn't helping instill any confidence either with insider trades. CEO Alan Baratz sold $43 million of his shares from May through November, an odd move if the company is on the cutting edge of a life-changing opportunity.

An investment in D-Wave Quantum stock could work out fine, and I sincerely hope that it does. But for my part, I plan to stay away because I don't believe it has a meaningful lead, and I can't be sure about what's around the corner.

Jon Quast has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, Intel, and Microsoft. The Motley Fool recommends the following options: long January 2026 $395 calls on Microsoft and short January 2026 $405 calls on Microsoft. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Brookfield Asset Management and Singapore's GIC are nearing a binding offer for National Storage REIT in a deal that may value the Sydney-listed company at about 4 billion Australian dollars ($2.65 billion), Bloomberg News reported on Sunday, citing people familiar with the matter.

HomeDividends AnalysisDividend IdeasUtilities 

SummaryAmerican Electric Power is rated 'Buy' due to its unique infrastructure, robust growth drivers, and recent price dip.AEP's $72B capital plan and unmatched transmission network position it to capture surging AI-driven and industrial power demand.Management targets 7-9% annual EPS growth through 2030, supported by a well-covered 3.2% dividend yield. Seiya Tabuchi/iStock via Getty Images

As a value investor, I like stocks with low P/E ratios. However, focusing on this metric alone can cause one to miss out on truly great companies with steady and growing businesses. That’s why I remain plugged into GARP (growth at a reasonable price) stocks that

Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Long position through a purchase of the stock, or the purchase of call options or similar derivatives in AEP over the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

I am not an investment advisor. This article is for informational purposes and does not constitute as financial advice. Readers are encouraged and expected to perform due diligence and draw their own conclusions prior to making any investment decisions.

Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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December 07, 2025 11:00 ET

 | Source:

Dyne Therapeutics, Inc.

WALTHAM, Mass., Dec. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dyne Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: DYN), a clinical-stage company focused on delivering functional improvement for people living with genetically driven neuromuscular diseases, today announced that it plans to announce topline clinical results from the Registrational Expansion Cohort (REC) of the Phase 1/2 DELIVER trial of zeleciment rostudirsen (z-rostudirsen, also known as DYNE-251) on December 8, 2025, and to host a webcast at 8:00 a.m. ET. The company intends to issue a press release prior to the start of the event.

Investor Conference Call and Webcast
The webcast will be available on the Events & Presentations page of the Investors & Media section of Dyne’s website, and a replay will be accessible for 90 days following the presentation. An accompanying slide presentation will also be available. To view the webcast and replay, please visit https://investors.dyne-tx.com/news-and-events/events-and-presentations.

About Dyne Therapeutics

Dyne Therapeutics is focused on delivering functional improvement for people living with genetically driven neuromuscular diseases. We are developing therapeutics that target muscle and the central nervous system (CNS) to address the root cause of disease. The company is advancing clinical programs for myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD), and preclinical programs for facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD) and Pompe disease. At Dyne, we are on a mission to deliver functional improvement for individuals, families and communities. Learn more at https://www.dyne-tx.com/ and follow us on X, LinkedIn and Facebook.

Contacts:

Investors
Mia Tobias
[email protected]
781-317-0353

Media
Stacy Nartker
[email protected]
781-317-1938

Fulcrum Therapeutics, Inc. (FULC) Discusses New Clinical Data From the Phase 1b PIONEER Trial of Pociredir in Sickle Cell Disease December 7, 2025 7:00 AM EST

Company Participants

Alexander Sapir - CEO, President & Director
Iain Fraser - Senior Vice President of Early Development

Conference Call Participants

Matthew Biegler - Oppenheimer & Co. Inc., Research Division
Kristen Kluska - Cantor Fitzgerald & Co., Research Division
Edward Tenthoff - Piper Sandler & Co., Research Division
Andres Maldonado - H.C. Wainwright & Co, LLC, Research Division
Tazeen Ahmad - BofA Securities, Research Division
James Condulis - Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, Incorporated, Research Division

Presentation

Alexander Sapir
CEO, President & Director

Good morning, everybody. Thank you all for joining us this morning. And I'd like to thank everybody who's online as well. We've got a fairly robust number of people online. So thank you all for joining us virtually as well.

My name is Alex Sapir, I'm the Chairman -- I'm sorry, I'm the CEO and President, not Chairman, CEO and President of Fulcrum Therapeutics.

This is a really exciting day for Fulcrum, but I think more importantly, it's an even more exciting day for patients and the sickle cell community at large, really because of the potential that this drug has to possibly truly transform patients' lives around the world. And so I think for that reason, we're so excited that you have been able to join us.

Before we get started, I just wanted to remind everybody that today's presentation will include some forward looking statements, which are based on current expectations and subject to risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially, and we encourage you to review the full disclaimer on this slide together with the Risk Factors in Fulcrum's most recent filings with the SEC.

So I'd like to introduce my fellow speakers

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Netflix stock is up 13% in 2025 – lagging the S&P 500's 17.1% return, according to Google Finance.

Adobe is hovering around a five-year low as investors question its role in the AI era.

The tech sector has crushed the S&P 500 in recent years, largely due to outsize gains from semiconductor stocks like Nvidia and Broadcom. But many application software companies have been struggling.

Shares of Adobe (ADBE +5.28%), a design software specialist, are down about 27% year to date. Here's what investors should look for when Adobe reports earnings on Dec. 10, and if the former market-darling growth stock turned value stock is a buy now.

Image source: Adobe.

Adobe's roots are steeped in software as a service
Adobe was a pioneer in transitioning from a traditional software licensing model to a recurring-revenue model based on software as a service.

By bundling Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere Pro, After Effects, InDesign, and other apps into a stand-alone subscription package, the company unlocked huge growth by capturing market share and leveraging pricing power. Its suite of apps, known as its Creative Cloud, has become the standard across major corporations, smaller businesses, professional programs, students, and individuals.

In the late 2010s, Adobe began transitioning from a revenue-focused company to a high-margin cash cow. The stock reached an all-time high in late 2021, then sold off in lockstep with the broader market in 2022, before largely recovering by the end of 2023.

^IXT data by YCharts; TTM = trailing 12 months; EPS = earnings per share.

But Adobe has been on a downward spiral for the last two years, and it has nothing to do with its earnings. In fact, the company is generating all-time-high earnings and free cash flow (FCF). And yet, its stock price is down over the last five years.

Sentiment can overpower fundamentals in the near term
The plummeting stock price is a reminder that the market cares more about a company's future direction than its current position. And in Adobe's case, investors are concerned that the company may not be a leader in artificial intelligence (AI) -- or, at the very least, that AI will erode its competitive advantages by making it easier to interact with text, images, and videos without using its software.

The concerns are warranted because this is exactly the kind of functionality available from many generative AI tools. But it would take a lot for creatives to switch from Adobe's apps to newer tools for their professional work.

The sell-off in its stock is eerily similar to what happened to Apple and Alphabet earlier this year. Both stocks were down big because investors criticized Apple's lack of spending and slow growth, along with weak iPhone demand in China. And investors assumed that Alphabet's Google Search would lose market share to large language models, such as those developed by OpenAI, which power ChatGPT.

But Apple and Alphabet proved the doubters wrong. And since their stock prices were beaten down, both Apple and Alphabet were coiled springs waiting for a recovery.

A similar recovery could occur with Adobe if it can effectively implement AI tools and monetize them to boost productivity. Sure, it may lose some subscribers if users can do more with less and enterprises need fewer accounts. But it may be a wash if management can price its tools effectively, thereby maintaining its high margins and steadily growing revenue.

The stock hasn't been this cheap in over a decade
Adobe stock is priced as if its once-wide moat in software for creatives is already shrinking, when that is hardly the case. At 20.4 times earnings and just 14 times forward earnings, the stock is the cheapest it has been in over a decade and is trading at a steep discount to the S&P 500's 23.6 forward price-to-earnings ratio. You'll find stodgy companies growing earnings in the low single digits with multiples far higher than Adobe's.

Its stock is particularly cheap because the company continues to buy back shares rapidly, reducing the share count by 12.4% in the last five years. And that's even when factoring in a hefty amount of stock-based compensation. For context, Apple, which is known for using the bulk of its FCF on buybacks, has reduced its share count by 11.5% in the last five years.

Since Adobe has been using FCF to support buybacks and not debt, its balance sheet remains in exceptional shape -- exiting its September quarter with just $260 million in long-term debt net of cash, cash equivalents, and short-term investments.

A compelling deep-value stock to buy now
Adobe stock is dirt cheap, so the company doesn't have to do a lot right to be a market outperformer over the next three to five years. However, because the stock price continues to decline despite decent earnings growth, the market is sending a clear signal that it cares more about the composition of that earnings growth than the number itself.

As in, if Adobe can chart a clear path toward monetizing AI within its existing system, it could be a game changer for how the stock is perceived. That would be similar to how Alphabet proved that Google Search would benefit from AI by integrating Gemini into Chrome, as well as having the stand-alone Gemini app.

Adobe reports earnings on Dec. 10. Typically, management is very positive on these calls with big promises of being a leader in AI. That talk isn't good enough. Investors should sift through the confident rhetoric to uncover the measurable ways Adobe is actually monetizing AI, rather than how it claims to be doing so.

December 07, 2025 11:17 AM EST | Source: The Rosen Law Firm PA
New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - December 7, 2025) - WHY: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of American Depositary Shares ("ADS" or "ADSs") of WPP plc (NYSE: WPP) between February 27, 2025 and July 8, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important December 8, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.

SO WHAT: If you purchased WPP ADSs during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

WHAT TO DO NEXT: To join the WPP class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=46121 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than December 8, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

WHY ROSEN LAW: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

DETAILS OF THE CASE: According to the complaint, defendants provided overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of WPP's media arm; notably, that it was not truly equipped to handle the ongoing macroeconomic challenges while competing effectively and had instead begun to lose significant market share to its competitors. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the WPP class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=46121 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

-------------------------------

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277067

Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of GOOGL, META either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

WILMINGTON, Del.--(BUSINESS WIRE)---- $INCY #ASH2025--Incyte's First-in-Class mutCALR-Targeted Monoclonal Antibody, INCA033989, Granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation by U.S. FDA.

This under-the-radar ETF can be a good complementary piece in your portfolio.

When I invest in exchange-traded funds (ETFs), I generally intend to hold them for the long haul. I use the same thought process when investing in individual stocks, but changing industry landscapes or company-specific setbacks can make jumping ship a better option than staying on a sinking boat. With broad ETFs, that's not usually a concern, because many companies are doing the heavy lifting.

One stock that has been a staple in my portfolio is the Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF (VO +0.07%). The main reason I continue to buy VO with no intention of selling is that I believe a truly well-rounded portfolio should include companies of all sizes, because each has its own advantages.

Image source: Getty Images.

The sweet spot between stability and risk
There will inevitably be volatility regardless of what kind of stock you're investing in, but one of the advantages of investing in large-cap stocks is the relative stability that comes with them. These companies are often well-established industry leaders and have the financial resources to weather most economic storms.

The selling point of investing in small-cap stocks is the growth opportunities they offer due to their relatively small size. With this growth opportunity comes extra risk because their operations are more sensitive to the broader environment. But again, that's the trade-off you make.

Mid-cap stocks are the sweet spot between the two. These companies are generally large enough to have proven business models and consistent cash flow, yet they're small enough that there are still plenty of growth opportunities available to them if they decide to expand into new markets versus continuing to operate in a lucrative niche.

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Don't make decisions based on short-term performance
Since VO's January 2004 inception, its returns have almost mirrored the S&P 500's (^GSPC +0.19%), up 488% compared to the S&P 500's 490%. Over the past decade, the S&P 500 has noticeably outperformed VO, largely due to the growth in megacap stocks, but that hasn't made me abandon my routine VO investments.

My focus isn't on chasing gains; it's about keeping a diversified portfolio that allows me to benefit from different economic environments. In the case of mid-cap stocks and VO, they tend to outperform the market during periods of early to-mid economic expansion.

On the other hand, large-cap stocks tend to take the lead later in the cycle, when growth stabilizes, while small-cap stocks tend to flourish in the very early stages of the cycle, when rate cuts and optimism make it easier for investors to stomach risk.

In addition to an S&P 500 ETF and a small-cap ETF, VO will remain a staple in my portfolio. I'm intentional about not making it the bulk, but it serves its purpose well.

Stefon Walters has positions in Vanguard Index Funds - Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Vanguard Index Funds - Vanguard Mid-Cap ETF. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Explore how differing bond exposures and risk profiles set these two popular ETFs apart for income-focused investors.

The Vanguard Long-Term Corporate Bond ETF (NASDAQ:VCLT) stands out for its lower costs and higher yield, while iShares 20 Year Treasury Bond ETF (NASDAQ:TLT) offers greater scale and pure exposure to U.S. Treasuries.

Both funds target the long end of the bond market, but with different approaches: TLT focuses exclusively on U.S. Treasuries with maturities over 20 years, while VCLT invests in a broad basket of investment-grade corporate bonds with maturities between 10 and 25 years. This comparison highlights how these choices affect cost, performance, risk, and portfolio makeup.

Snapshot (cost & size)MetricTLTVCLTIssueriSharesVanguardExpense ratio0.15%0.03%1-yr return (as of 2025-11-28)-4.0%-1.6%Dividend yield4.4%5.4%Beta2.360.67AUM$49.7 billion$9.1 billionBeta measures price volatility relative to the S&P 500; beta is calculated from five-year weekly returns. The 1-yr return represents total return over the trailing 12 months.

VCLT is notably more affordable, with an expense ratio that's 0.10 percentage points lower than TLT. The difference in yield is also material, as VCLT's payout is 1.1 percentage points higher, which may appeal to investors prioritizing income.

Performance & risk comparisonMetricTLTVCLTMax drawdown (5 y)-45.06%-34.31%Growth of $1,000 over 5 years$564$695What's insideVCLT tracks investment-grade corporate bonds, holding 257 securities across sectors like cash and others (15%), healthcare (14%), and financial services (13%). Its largest positions — CVS Health Corp (CVS 1.60%), Goldman Sachs Group (GS +2.00%), and Boeing (BA +0.08%) — are each a small slice of the portfolio. Launched 16 years ago, VCLT applies an environmental, social, and governance (ESG) screen, which may matter to those seeking responsible investing criteria.

TLT, in contrast, is entirely focused on U.S. Treasury bonds, with 100% of assets in cash and government debt and 45 holdings. Its top positions are simply Treasury bonds, each representing a small proportion of the fund. This pure government exposure means TLT is highly sensitive to interest rate changes and carries no corporate credit risk.

For more guidance on ETF investing, check out the full guide at this link.

Foolish takeAlthough the Vanguard Long-Term Corporate Bond ETF (VCLT) and iShares 20 Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLT) both offer investments with long time horizons in the bond market, they are quite different in some key aspects.

VCLT possesses a substantially lower expense ratio than TLT, which makes it cost efficient. Another plus is that its holdings are  highly diversified across many sectors.

However, TLT's focus on U.S. Treasury bonds makes it a safer investment, as it's not as vulnerable to the impact of economic downturns and risk of default that's present in corporate bonds. That safety comes at the cost of a lower yield compared to VCLT.

Choosing between the two comes down to whether you want the financial security of U.S. Treasuries, which can be preferable to investors who are closer to or in retirement, or prefer the lower cost and higher yield of corporate bonds, and are willing to take on the higher credit risk.

GlossaryExpense ratio: The annual fee, as a percentage of assets, that a fund charges to cover operating costs.
Dividend yield: Annual income from dividends expressed as a percentage of the fund's current price.
Drawdown: The maximum observed loss from a fund's peak value to its lowest point over a period.
Beta: A measure of a fund's volatility compared to the overall market, typically the S&P 500.
Assets under management (AUM): The total market value of assets a fund manages on behalf of investors.
Investment-grade: Bonds rated as relatively low risk of default by major credit rating agencies.
Corporate bonds: Debt securities issued by companies to raise capital, typically paying interest to investors.
U.S. Treasuries: Debt securities issued by the U.S. government, considered very low risk.
Interest rate sensitivity: How much a bond or fund's price changes in response to interest rate movements.
ESG screen: Criteria used to select investments based on environmental, social, and governance factors.
Max drawdown: The largest percentage drop from a fund’s highest to lowest value over a specified period.
Total return: The investment's price change plus all dividends and distributions, assuming those payouts are reinvested.

Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of CRWV, AMZN, GOOG either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

The analysis is provided exclusively for informational purposes and should not be considered professional investment advice. Before investing, please conduct personal in-depth research and utmost due diligence, as there are many risks associated with the trade, including capital loss.

Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

Top US Marijuana Stocks to Watch in December 2025
The U.S. cannabis industry continues evolving in 2025. Investors are watching major multi-state operators closely as legalization debates continue. Many traders remain cautious after repeated sector pullbacks. However, long-term growth expectations still look strong. Because of this, investors are searching for companies with real revenue, strong national footprints, and disciplined expansion plans.

Moreover, analysts expect legalization progress to continue during 2026 and 2027. Federal reform still looks uncertain today. Yet state-level expansion continues. Adult-use markets are growing quickly in several states. Medical programs are expanding across other fields. In addition, many states have legalized recreational use. Consequently, large operators with broad footprints continue benefiting from rising demand.

Going into December, three US-focused marijuana stocks deserve attention. These companies include Trulieve, Curaleaf, and Green Thumb Industries. Each company brings something different to the table. Trulieve’s leadership in Florida remains a major strength. Curaleaf holds one of the largest national footprints and international exposures. Meanwhile, Green Thumb continues generating strong revenue growth with disciplined execution. Therefore, these three stocks may appeal to long-term investors watching the sector closely.

[Read More] Cannabis REITs to Watch This December

Top U.S. Marijuana Stocks to Watch This Week

Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (OTC: TCNNF)
Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (OTC: CURLF)
Green Thumb Industries Inc. (OTC: GTBIF)

Trulieve Cannabis Corp. (TCNNF)
Trulieve remains one of the most recognized U.S. cannabis companies. The company holds its largest presence in Florida. In fact, Trulieve operates more than 190 dispensaries nationwide, with most located in Florida. The company has gradually expanded into Pennsylvania, Arizona, and several other markets. The brand focuses heavily on medical patients. It offers flower, concentrates, edibles, and vape products. Trulieve has earned a strong reputation for consistent product quality. However, it also continues watching recreational developments in many states.

Furthermore, Trulieve recently opened new stores across the Southeast. The company aims to strengthen its presence in medical markets before recreational transitions eventually take place. Although federal reform remains uncertain, Trulieve’s regional dominance in Florida gives it a competitive advantage as legalization expands. As a result, many investors see Trulieve as an important long-term growth story.

Financially, Trulieve continues showing strong revenue performance compared to many peers. The company has reported steady quarterly revenue during 2025. While growth has slowed compared to earlier years, Trulieve still holds one of the strongest financial positions among major U.S. operators. The company has focused on cost management in recent quarters. Therefore, profit margins have shown improvement compared to previous periods.

Additionally, Trulieve continues working on debt reduction and improving financial flexibility. The company remains cautious about expansion spending during slower industry conditions. Management has emphasized operational efficiency and cash flow improvements. Many analysts believe this disciplined strategy reduces long-term risk. Still, the company remains exposed to shifting regulatory conditions and price pressure. Even so, Trulieve’s market leadership in Florida remains a powerful advantage for long-term investors.

[Read More] Top U.S. Marijuana Penny Stocks to Watch in December 2025

Curaleaf Holdings, Inc. (CURLF)
Curaleaf stands among the largest cannabis operators in the United States. The company maintains a wide national footprint, with more than 140 dispensaries. Curaleaf’s largest presence includes New Jersey, Arizona, and Florida. The company continues building a diversified product portfolio. This includes flower, edibles, topicals, and wellness products. Curaleaf also sells CBD and hemp products through national retail chains.

Unlike many competitors, Curaleaf also operates in international markets. The company maintains operations in Europe and sees long-term potential outside the U.S. While international markets remain early, Curaleaf expects future revenue growth across medical regions overseas. Meanwhile, U.S. expansion remains steady as more states advance adult-use legalization. Consequently, Curaleaf continues positioning itself for long-term industry leadership.

From a financial standpoint, Curaleaf remains one of the top revenue producers in the U.S. cannabis sector. The company continues reporting strong sales during 2025. However, profitability remains a challenge similar to most industry peers. Curaleaf has emphasized expense reductions and improved operational efficiency. Management expects margin improvements over the next several quarters.

Moreover, Curaleaf continues managing debt and strengthening its balance sheet. Investors should watch cash levels closely. The company still spends capital expanding markets and product lines. Even so, revenue scale gives Curaleaf a long-term advantage. Analysts expect continued growth if legalization momentum continues. Although short-term volatility remains high, Curaleaf’s broad geographic footprint supports long-term investor confidence.

[Read More] Canadian Cannabis Market Outlook for December 2025: Key Trends for Investors

Green Thumb Industries Inc. (GTBIF)
Green Thumb Industries operates more than 90 stores across the United States. The company’s largest presence includes Illinois, Florida, and Pennsylvania. Green Thumb focuses heavily on branded consumer products. The portfolio includes well-known brands such as RYTHM and Dogwalkers. The company also develops edible and wellness products. Green Thumb has positioned itself around product innovation and brand building.

Additionally, Green Thumb continues expanding its retail presence across important growth markets. Many of these states show rising adult-use demand. The company’s strategy focuses on both retail and wholesale channels. While competition remains intense, Green Thumb has maintained disciplined expansion. Therefore, analysts often describe Green Thumb as one of the most balanced operators in the sector.

Financially, Green Thumb has delivered impressive revenue growth compared to many rivals. The company continues reporting consistent quarterly revenue increases during 2025. Furthermore, Green Thumb has shown strong gross margins relative to peers. The company’s disciplined approach helps protect profitability during industry volatility.

Green Thumb has also maintained controlled expenses and focused resources on the most profitable markets. As a result, cash flow performance continues improving. Analysts have highlighted Green Thumb’s ability to manage growth responsibly. Although risks remain similar to other operators, Green Thumb maintains one of the strongest financial profiles in the industry. Consequently, the company remains an attractive long-term cannabis investment heading into 2026.

[Read More] 3 Great Marijuana Stocks To Help Build Your Long-term Portfolio

Final Thoughts
These three U.S. cannabis leaders remain important names to watch in December 2025. Each company continues navigating challenging industry conditions. However, strong footprints and disciplined financial strategies support long-term potential. While volatility may persist, long-term growth trends continue favoring large multi-state operators.

MAPH Enterprises, LLC | (305) 414-0128 | 1501 Venera Ave, Coral Gables, FL 33146 | [email protected]

RADNOR, Pa., Dec. 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The law firm of Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP (www.ktmc.com) informs investors that a securities class action lawsuit has been filed against StubHub Holdings, Inc. (“StubHub”) (NYSE: STUB) on behalf of those who purchased or otherwise acquired StubHub common stock pursuant and/or traceable to the registration statement and prospectus (collectively, the “Offering Documents”) issued in connection with StubHub’s September 2025 initial public offering. The lead plaintiff deadline is January 23, 2026.

CONTACT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP:
If you suffered StubHub losses, you may CLICK HERE or copy and paste the following link into your browser: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/stubhub-holdings-inc?utm_source=Globe&mktm=PR

You can also contact attorney Jonathan Naji, Esq. by calling (484) 270-1453 or by email at [email protected].

DEFENDANTS’ ALLEGED MISCONDUCT:
The complaint alleges that, in the Offering Documents, Defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) StubHub was experiencing changes in the timing of payments to vendors; (2) those changes had a significant adverse impact on StubHub’s free cash flow, including trailing 12 months free cash flow; (3) as a result, StubHub’s free cash flow reports were materially misleading; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants’ positive statements about the company’s business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

THE LEAD PLAINTIFF PROCESS:
StubHub investors may, no later than January 23, 2026, seek to be appointed as a lead plaintiff representative of the class through Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP or other counsel, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. A lead plaintiff is a representative party who acts on behalf of all class members in directing the litigation.  The lead plaintiff is usually the investor or small group of investors who have the largest financial interest and who are also adequate and typical of the proposed class of investors. The lead plaintiff selects counsel to represent the lead plaintiff and the class and these attorneys, if approved by the court, are lead or class counsel. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision of whether or not to serve as a lead plaintiff.

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP encourages StubHub investors who have suffered significant losses to contact the firm directly to acquire more information.

CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR THE CASE OR GO TO: https://www.ktmc.com/new-cases/stubhub-holdings-inc?utm_source=Globe&mktm=PR

ABOUT KESSLER TOPAZ MELTZER & CHECK, LLP: 
Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP prosecutes class actions in state and federal courts throughout the country and around the world. The firm has developed a global reputation for excellence and has recovered billions of dollars for victims of fraud and other corporate misconduct. All of our work is driven by a common goal: to protect investors, consumers, employees and others from fraud, abuse, misconduct and negligence by businesses and fiduciaries. The complaint in this action was not filed by Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP. For more information about Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP please visit www.ktmc.com.

CONTACT:

Kessler Topaz Meltzer & Check, LLP
Jonathan Naji, Esq.
(484) 270-1453
280 King of Prussia Road
Radnor, PA 19087
[email protected]

May be considered attorney advertising in certain jurisdictions. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

HomeDividends AnalysisDividend Strategy

SummaryMy portfolio goal is sustainable, stress-free income—prioritizing safety over chasing high yields.Even though it might be very tempting, tilting investments towards 10%+ yields is not the smartest thing to do.The historical stock market annual return figure is around 10%, which is very difficult to meet for income investors, who are usually concentrated into fixed income factor (lower return potential).In the article I detail why being aggressive on high income investing is likely to turn out to be value destructive and create an income mirage. Jikaboom/iStock via Getty Images

My ultimate objective is to build up a portfolio that would generate sufficient cash flows for me to be in a position where remaining on a payroll becomes a choice, not a necessity.

So, in essence, the objective is very similar to

Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of PDO,QQQI either through stock ownership, options, or other derivatives. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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HomeETFs and Funds AnalysisClosed End Funds Analysis

SummaryNuveen Dynamic Municipal Opportunities Fund (NDMO) offers diversified municipal bond exposure targeting tax-exempt income and capital appreciation.
NDMO has delivered solid performance, validating its role as a tactical play within the muni sector.
The fund's attractive yield remains heavily reliant on return of capital, warranting careful scrutiny.
Munis have lagged other asset classes YTD, reinforcing the need for tactical allocation in NDMO.
Debbie Ann Powell/iStock via Getty Images

Main Thesis & Background The purpose of this article is to evaluate the Nuveen Dynamic Municipal Opportunities Fund (NDMO) as an investment option. This is a diversified municipal bond fund with a variety

Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, but may initiate a beneficial Long position through a purchase of the stock, or the purchase of call options or similar derivatives in NDMO, over the next 72 hours. I wrote this article myself, and it expresses my own opinions. I am not receiving compensation for it (other than from Seeking Alpha). I have no business relationship with any company whose stock is mentioned in this article.

Seeking Alpha's Disclosure: Past performance is no guarantee of future results. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. Any views or opinions expressed above may not reflect those of Seeking Alpha as a whole. Seeking Alpha is not a licensed securities dealer, broker or US investment adviser or investment bank. Our analysts are third party authors that include both professional investors and individual investors who may not be licensed or certified by any institute or regulatory body.

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Exxon Mobil (NYSE: XOM) pays an annual dividend of $3.96 per share, yielding 3.38%. The company has raised its dividend for 43 consecutive years, maintaining that streak through the 2020 oil price collapse. The question is whether this dividend remains sustainable as earnings decline from recent peaks.

Metric
Value

Annual Dividend
$3.96 per share

Dividend Yield
3.38%

Consecutive Years of Increases
43 years

Most Recent Payment
December 10, 2025

Dividend Aristocrat Status
Yes

Payout Ratios Show Comfortable Coverage
XOM’s earnings payout ratio stands at 57.6%, calculated from TTM diluted EPS of $6.88 against the $3.96 annual dividend. This leaves substantial room even if earnings soften further.

The free cash flow picture is tighter but healthy. In 2024, XOM generated $30.7 billion in free cash flow (operating cash flow of $55.0 billion minus capex of $24.3 billion) and paid $16.7 billion in dividends. That produces an FCF payout ratio of 54.4%.

Metric
TTM Value
Assessment

Earnings Payout Ratio
57.6%
Healthy

FCF Payout Ratio
54.4%
Healthy

Operating Cash Flow Coverage
3.3x
Strong

The concern is the trend. Net income fell from $55.7 billion in 2022 to $33.7 billion in 2024. Q3 2025 earnings dropped 12.3% year over year. If this decline continues, payout ratios will rise.

A Fortress Balance Sheet Provides Cushion
XOM’s balance sheet is exceptionally strong. Net debt of $53.3 billion against EBITDA of $61.7 billion produces a net debt-to-EBITDA ratio of 0.86x. Interest coverage stands at 53.7x, meaning debt service barely registers against operating income.

Metric
Value
Assessment

Debt-to-Equity
0.26
Conservative

Net Debt-to-EBITDA
0.86x
Low

Interest Coverage
53.7x
Strong

Cash on Hand
$13.9B
Solid Buffer

This financial strength proved critical in 2020, when XOM posted a $22.4 billion loss but maintained the $14.9 billion dividend by drawing on its balance sheet.

The 2020 Test Revealed Both Commitment and Risk
XOM’s 43-year dividend growth streak survived the 2020 pandemic, but required paying dividends from the balance sheet when free cash flow turned negative. The company paid $14.9 billion in dividends against negative $2.6 billion in FCF that year.

Management has since restored profitability. From 2022 through 2024, XOM generated an average of $40.9 billion in annual free cash flow, well above the current $16.7 billion dividend requirement.

This Dividend Is Safe but Cyclicality Remains
Dividend Safety Rating: Safe

XOM’s dividend is secure based on current payout ratios of approximately 55% on both earnings and free cash flow, combined with a conservative balance sheet. The 43-year growth streak reflects genuine commitment.

XOM works for income if oil prices remain above $70 per barrel and the company maintains capital discipline. Watch closely if crude falls below $60, which could pressure both earnings and cash flow enough to threaten dividend growth, though likely not the dividend itself given the balance sheet strength.

, /PRNewswire/ -- 

Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of securities of Marex Group plc (NASDAQ: MRX) between May 16, 2024 and August 5, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important December 8, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline.

So what: If you purchased Marex securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement.

What to do next: To join the Marex class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=43100 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than December 8, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation.

Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company at the time. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers.

Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, during the Class Period, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Marex sold over-the-counter financial instruments to itself; (2) Marex had inconsistencies in its financial statements between its subsidiaries and related parties, including as to intercompany receivables and loans; (3) as a result of the foregoing, Marex's financial statements could not be relied upon; and (4) as a result of the foregoing, defendants' positive statements about Marex's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages.

To join the Marex class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=43100 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action.

No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff.

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Contact Information:

      Laurence Rosen, Esq.
      Phillip Kim, Esq.
      The Rosen Law Firm, P.A.
      275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor
      New York, NY 10016
      Tel: (212) 686-1060
      Toll Free: (866) 767-3653
      Fax: (212) 202-3827
      [email protected]
      www.rosenlegal.com

SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A.

The market might not appreciate the long-term potential of this AI leader.

Three years since the launch of ChatGPT, it's safe to say generative artificial intelligence is more than just a passing fad. The innovations of the past few years have the potential to affect a wide range of businesses, and a handful of companies have been at the forefront of the efforts.

Nvidia (NVDA 0.53%) and Palantir Technologies (PLTR +2.19%) are two of the biggest beneficiaries of investor optimism around AI. One makes the essential infrastructure for building better large language models while the other provides the software backbone that enables all sorts of businesses to harness the power of those models.

Both companies have seen their stocks soar over the past three years on the back of strong financial results. More recently, though, they've both seen pullbacks in their stock prices, and investors may be thinking whether now is the opportunity they've been waiting for to invest in the tech giants.

But a pullback in another stock could be even more appealing for long-term investors who expect artificial intelligence to play a pivotal role in the future. Here's why readers should take a closer look at Meta Platforms (META +1.80%) as an incredible opportunity to capitalize on the advances of artificial intelligence.

Image source: Getty Images.

Why the market is giving investors a great deal
Shares of Meta declined sharply after the company reported its third-quarter earnings. The company continues to produce strong operating results, though. Revenue climbed 26% year over year last quarter, and earnings per share (adjusted for a one-time non-cash tax expense) came in well above expectations, growing 20% year over year.

The thing that has investors pulling away from the stock is Meta's plans for AI spending. The company saw a big step-up in spending this year, and that's already reflected in its income statement. The operating margin compressed 3 percentage points last quarter, although it's still a healthy 40%. Management said it's planning to spend even more on AI data centers in 2026.

It's essential to note that data center spending requires a significant up-front investment, but those expenses are recognized over time as the assets depreciate, ultimately affecting the income statement. Meta's management estimates the useful lives of the servers in its data centers to be five-and-a-half years, so it amortizes the expense over that period on its income statement.

As spending continues to increase year after year, operating costs will also continue to rise. And if Meta's estimate of useful lives is too favorable, it could end up taking a big hit on its income statement at some point down the line as it accelerates the depreciation expense.

Another point of concern for investors recently is the use of off-balance-sheet financing using special purposive vehicles. Meta used a joint venture to raise debt to finance its $27 billion data center planned for Louisiana. That debt won't show up on Meta's balance sheet, but it's a notable position for the company and should be factored into its valuation.

Perhaps after Meta spent heavily to build out Reality Labs without much to show for it, investors are wary of the tens of billions that Meta plans to spend on AI every year. But the tech giant is well-positioned to benefit from further advances in generative AI, and it's already showing excellent financial results.

Today's Change

(

1.80

%) $

11.89

Current Price

$

673.42

One of the biggest beneficiaries of generative AI
Meta could ultimately benefit more from more capable generative AI than any company in the world. It could provide a significant boost to its already massive advertising business.

Meta has historically grown its advertising business in cycles. It creates a product, builds engagement, and then turns on the ad faucet. As it ramps up advertising on a certain surface (like Feeds, Stories, or Reels), it usually sees a decline in the average price per ad as supply increases. As marketers learn to optimize new ad formats, they experience improved returns on investment, and the average price per ad increases until the market reaches equilibrium again.

Meta recently started showing ads in Threads and WhatsApp in addition to producing improved engagement on Instagram and Facebook. The result was a 14% increase in ad impressions last quarter. But the average price per ad also increased, up 10% year over year.

Meta's artificial intelligence capabilities are a key reason why. Meta's AI is getting better at targeting advertisements to users. On top of that, it's helping marketers iterate on their ad campaigns to make advertisements more effective and appeal to more users. As a result, users are seeing increasingly relevant ads.

But that's just the tip of the iceberg. Meta is developing an AI agent that can create and manage ad campaigns for a business. That can put small businesses, which make up the majority of Facebook and Instagram advertisers, on a level playing field with big corporations that have dedicated ad teams. As a result, Meta could expand the budgets for many of its advertisers and bring in new marketers to its platform.

Lastly, generative AI could also expand the output of content creators, producing tons of content for Facebook and Instagram. As a result, engagement on the two social media apps could continue climbing as users find a growing catalog of tailor-made content. That should increase ad inventory, providing more space for the influx of advertisers from AI-assisted campaigns to see strong returns on their ad spend.

But getting to that point will cost money. At Meta's scale, licensing another developer's AI models doesn't make sense. It has to build it. That means lots of data centers and high research and development costs.

Why it's a great opportunity right now
After the pullback in share price, Meta stock trades for less than 22 times analysts' expectations for 2026 earnings. That's an incredible price for a stock that's growing its bottom line at a 20% rate, fueled by strong revenue growth. The price is far more attractive than the ultra-expensive Palantir, which trades for well over 200 times earnings. It's also more attractive than Nvidia, which has high growth expectations but faces growing challenges and risks.

While Meta's bottom-line growth might slow temporarily as more AI expenses show up on the income statement, the top line should continue to climb at a steady pace thanks to the improvements it's making in the ad business. As AI spending levels off, it should demonstrate operating leverage once again, with an expanding operating margin, indicating a long runway for earnings growth.

The stock isn't without risks, but at the current price, the downside is a lot smaller than the upside.

December 07, 2025 8:45 AM EST | Source: Faruqi & Faruqi LLP
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses in StubHub to Contact Him Directly to Discuss Their Options

If you purchased or otherwise acquired stock of StubHub pursuant and/or traceable to StubHub's registration statement for the initial public offering held on or about September 17, 2025 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

[You may also click here for additional information]

New York, New York--(Newsfile Corp. - December 7, 2025) - Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against StubHub Holdings, Inc. ("StubHub" or the "Company") (NYSE: STUB) and reminds investors of the January 23, 2026 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.

Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

The complaint filed in this class action alleges that Registration Statement was materially false and/or misleading and failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) the Company was experiencing changes in the timing of payments to vendors; (2) those changes had a significant adverse impact on free cash flow, including trailing 12 months ("TTM") free cash flow; (3) as a result, the Company's free cash flow reports were materially misleading; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects, were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

On September 17, 2025, StubHub conducted its IPO, selling approximately 34 million shares of Class A common stock at $23.50 per share.

On November 13, 2025, after the market closed, StubHub issued a press release announcing financial results for the third quarter 2025, which ended September 30, 2025. The press release revealed free cash flow of negative $4.6 million in the quarter, a 143% decrease from the Company's free cash flow in the year ago period, which was positive $10.6 million. The press release further revealed the Company's net cash provided by operating activities was only $3.8 million, a 69.3% decrease from the year ago period, where the Company reported $12.4 million in net cash provided by operating activities.

On the same date, the Company filed its Form 10-Q for the same quarterly period ended September 30, 2025, with the SEC. The quarterly report revealed that this year-over-year decrease "primarily reflects changes in the timing of payments to vendors."

On this news, StubHub's stock price fell $3.95 per share, or 20.9%, to close at $14.87 per share on November 14, 2025, on unusually heavy trading volume.

By the commencement of this action, the Company's stock was trading as low as $10.31 per share, a nearly 56% decline from the $23.50 per share IPO price.

The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding StubHub's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

To learn more about the StubHub Holdings, Inc. class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/STUB or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/277127