Market Signal Briefing

, /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of  SCHMID Group N.V. ("Schmid" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: SHMD). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether Schmid and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. 

[Click here for information about joining the class action]

On November 17, 2025, Schmid issued a press release disclosing receipt of a staff determination letter from the Nasdaq's Listing Qualifications Department, advising the company of the staff's decision "to delist the Company's ordinary shares and warrants from Nasdaq unless the Company timely appeals the staff's determination," due to the Company's failure to file its annual report for 2024. 

On this news, Schmid's stock price fell $1.73 per share, or 31.51%, over the following two trading sessions, to close at $3.76 per share on November 18, 2025.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.  

CONTACT:
Danielle Peyton
Pomerantz LLP
[email protected]
646-581-9980 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP

, /PRNewswire/ -- Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Waldencast plc ("Waldencast" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: WALD). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at [email protected] or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.

The investigation concerns whether Waldencast and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices. 

[Click here for information about joining the class action] 

On November 24, 2025, Waldencast issued a press release reporting its financial results for the second quarter of 2025. Therein, the Company updated its financial outlook for the full year of 2025, expecting net revenue to be broadly in line with 2024 and adjusted EBITDA margin in the high single digits. Previously, Waldencast had guided to mid-teens net revenue growth and an adjusted EBITDA margin in the mid-to-high teens. The Company also reported a net loss of $185.2 million for the first half of 2025, primarily driven by impairment charges of $132.1 million and $20 million on its Obagi Medical and Milk Makeup brands, respectively. 

On this news, Waldencast's Class A ordinary share price fell $0.20 per share, or 6.49%, to close at $2.88 per share on November 24, 2025.

Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered numerous multimillion-dollar damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com.

Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

CONTACT:
Danielle Peyton
Pomerantz LLP
[email protected]
646-581-9980 ext. 7980

SOURCE Pomerantz LLP

DETROIT — Stellantis is resurrecting a V-8-powered Ram pickup truck called the TRX as the company faces fewer federal emissions regulations and enacts a U.S. sales turnaround plan for its brands.

The automaker said Thursday that the 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX will be available late in 2026 for around $100,000. It was first produced for the 2021-2024 model years before being canceled as the company de-emphasized V-8 engines.

The TRX is powered by a supercharged 6.2-liter "Hellcat" gas engine capable of 777 horsepower and 680 foot-pounds of torque. The automaker is calling it the "fastest and most powerful production gas pickup truck in the world," capable of 0–60 mph in 3.5 seconds and a top speed of 118 mph.

"We had to push it to the next level," Ram CEO Tim Kuniskis said during a recent media event. "We're super happy about this one coming back."

Despite relatively low sales in the past due to the vehicle's price, the TRX is viewed as a "halo" model for the brand, or a high-end vehicle that brings attention to Ram and potentially boosts sales for other models. It's been a successful strategy for Kuniskis, especially with the company's SRT performance vehicles.

The return of the TRX is the latest move for the brand under Kuniskis, who has been leading a turnaround plan since unretiring from the automaker a year ago.

Kuniskis aims to make more than 25 announcements through next year. Thus far they have included returning to NASCAR with mechanical bull rides and a new race truck, resurrecting Hemi V-8 engines with a new "Symbol of Protest," and killing a long-promised battery-electric version of its 1500 truck.

The 2027 Ram 1500 SRT TRX will start at $99,995, excluding a mandatory $2,595 destination fee that bumps the price to $102,590. The initial TRX started at $71,690 in 2020, including destination.

Ram on Thursday also announced a new 6.7-liter Cummins high-output turbo diesel engine for its 2027 Ram Power Wagon heavy-duty truck with 430 horsepower and 1,075 foot-pounds of torque.

Shifting plansMany of the new efforts go against Stellantis' previous plans to discontinue gas V-8 vehicles amid more stringent fuel economy regulations and penalties. But those policies have either been weakened or disappeared under the Trump administration.

Kuniskis said the rollback should help sales, but that he was "going to do it anyway" regardless of the standards.

Kuniskis has embraced V-8 engines again, including with resurrecting the TRX, as part of an effort to revive Stellantis' U.S. sales, which plummeted under former Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares from 2021 to 2024.

During that time, the automaker — formed in 2021 through a merger of Fiat Chrysler and PSA Groupe — fell from the No. 4 automaker in U.S. sales to No. 6.

Stellantis' sales through the third quarter of last year were 6% lower compared with a year earlier. Cox Automotive expects the automaker to finish the year with 1.25 million sales in the U.S., down 4.4% from 2024 and off from more than 2 million sales in 2020.

Kuniskis, who also oversees all of Stellantis' U.S. brands, said both Ram and Jeep — the automaker's most critical domestic brands — are going "in the right direction" to capitalize on growth next year.

That could be more difficult than it has been in the past, as auto forecasters such as Cox expect relatively flat or even falling auto sales in 2026. That means the automaker will have to conquest buyers from other brands.

"It's still a strong industry, so as long as we get our piece of it, we'll be OK," Kuniskis said.

Jeep reset Ram isn't the only Stellantis brand looking for a revival.

Jeep CEO Bob Broderdorf, much like Kuniskis, has been initiating a turnaround strategy for the company's Jeep brand. Jeep has experienced years of annual sales declines since it hit record sales of more than 973,000 vehicles in 2018.

The "Jeep reset" plan includes repositioning the brand's pricing, models and standard features, according to Broderdorf.

"This is going to be the last piece of the puzzle, I think, to resetting the foundation for Jeep this year and really getting into what makes it special going forward," Broderdorf told CNBC during an interview Dec. 16. "It's a much better Jeep."

Kuniskis described the Jeep reset plan as "making Jeep more Jeep."

The most recent actions essentially streamline Jeep's product lineup into fewer models, more content and a pricing strategy with fewer overlaps, from smaller vehicles such as the Compass and Cherokee to the bigger Grand Cherokee and Grand Wagoneer.

"The entire Jeep lineup is better," Broderdorf said.  "I think we're laying a very strong foundation for growth going into next year, plus the new cars."

New upcoming Jeeps include a resurrected Cherokee midsize SUV as well as an all-electric Recon inspired by the brand's iconic Wrangler off-road SUV.

2025 could be the year that Jeep breaks the trend and notches its first U.S. sales increase since 2018, but Broderdorf said in mid-December that the brand will be close to the goal, so it could go either way.

Broderdorf said Jeep remains profitable despite the pricing changes as well as lower sales amid the turnaround plan.

"We're going to grow healthy," he said. "I think this is what the brand needs. We're going to grow."

Read more CNBC auto newsGM's record stock performance beats Tesla, Ford and other automakers in 2025EV realism is here. How automakers react in 2026 will be tellingFord to record $19.5 billion in special charges as it pulls back on EV plansRobotaxis in 2025: Waymo plots global expansion as Zoox, Tesla roll to the starting line

Wall Street analysts expect MSC Industrial (MSM - Free Report) to post quarterly earnings of $0.95 per share in its upcoming report, which indicates a year-over-year increase of 10.5%. Revenues are expected to be $964.99 million, up 3.9% from the year-ago quarter.

Over the past 30 days, the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter has remained unchanged. This demonstrates the covering analysts' collective reassessment of their initial projections during this period.

Prior to a company's earnings announcement, it is crucial to consider revisions to earnings estimates. This serves as a significant indicator for predicting potential investor actions regarding the stock. Empirical research has consistently demonstrated a robust correlation between trends in earnings estimate revision and the short-term price performance of a stock.

While it's common for investors to rely on consensus earnings and revenue estimates for assessing how the business may have performed during the quarter, exploring analysts' forecasts for key metrics can yield valuable insights.

In light of this perspective, let's dive into the average estimates of certain MSC Industrial metrics that are commonly tracked and forecasted by Wall Street analysts.

The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Sales Days' of 62 . Compared to the current estimate, the company reported 62 in the same quarter of the previous year.

Analysts forecast 'Average Daily Sales (ADS)' to reach $15.55 million. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported $15.00 million in the same quarter of the previous year.

The average prediction of analysts places 'Days Sales Outstanding' at 40 . Compared to the current estimate, the company reported 41 in the same quarter of the previous year.

View all Key Company Metrics for MSC Industrial here>>>

Over the past month, MSC Industrial shares have recorded returns of +0.4% versus the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.8% change. Based on its Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), MSM will likely exhibit a performance that aligns with the overall market in the upcoming period. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .

Wall Street analysts forecast that Albertsons Companies, Inc. (ACI - Free Report) will report quarterly earnings of $0.67 per share in its upcoming release, pointing to a year-over-year decline of 5.6%. It is anticipated that revenues will amount to $19.16 billion, exhibiting an increase of 2.1% compared to the year-ago quarter.

Over the last 30 days, there has been no revision in the consensus EPS estimate for the quarter. This signifies the covering analysts' collective reconsideration of their initial forecasts over the course of this timeframe.

Before a company announces its earnings, it is essential to take into account any changes made to earnings estimates. This is a valuable factor in predicting the potential reactions of investors toward the stock. Empirical research has consistently shown a strong correlation between trends in earnings estimate revisions and the short-term price performance of a stock.

While investors typically rely on consensus earnings and revenue estimates to gauge how the business may have fared during the quarter, examining analysts' projections for some of the company's key metrics often helps gain a deeper insight.

Given this perspective, it's time to examine the average forecasts of specific Albertsons Companies metrics that are routinely monitored and predicted by Wall Street analysts.

The collective assessment of analysts points to an estimated 'Revenues- Fuel' of $885.20 million.

The combined assessment of analysts suggests that 'Number of stores at end of quarter' will likely reach 2,258 . Compared to the present estimate, the company reported 2,273 in the same quarter last year.

The average prediction of analysts places 'Total Square Footage - Retail Square Feet' at 112.52 million. Compared to the current estimate, the company reported 113.20 million in the same quarter of the previous year.

View all Key Company Metrics for Albertsons Companies here>>>

Albertsons Companies shares have witnessed a change of -3.4% in the past month, in contrast to the Zacks S&P 500 composite's +0.8% move. With a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), ACI is expected closely follow the overall market performance in the near term. You can see the complete list of today's Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy) stocks here >>>> .

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

This year, Visa Inc. (NYSE: V) has unveiled a scam disruption initiative, adoption of its “Tap to Phone” technology has soared, it unveiled its vision for artificial intelligence (AI) in commerce, and it expanded its capabilities in the digital currency space. The company also has launched a pilot program enabling businesses and platforms to send payouts directly to stablecoin wallets. All this has helped buoy the stock despite economic uncertainty.

The share price hit an all-time high above $375 in June, and it is 5.6% lower since then, underperforming the S&P 500. Since Visa’s initial public offering, the stock has risen by about 2,170%. Around half of that gain has come in the past five years.

The question for investors is where the stock goes from here. 24/7 Wall St. offers readers insights into our assumptions about the stock’s prospects, what sort of growth we see in Visa stock for the next several years, and our best estimates for the payments processor’s stock price each year through 2030.

Why Invest in Visa?

A dominant player in the payments industry.

Despite the rapidly evolving landscape of the payments industry, Visa retains its preeminent dominance. The transaction processing behemoth was founded in 1958, but it did not go public until 50 years later when it issued 408 million shares at $44 each and raised $17.9 billion. It was the largest public offering in history at that time.

Since then, Visa’s dominance has only grown. Linking 100 million merchants and 15,000 banks worldwide, Visa possesses an extremely wide moat with over 4.5 billion cards issued. In comparison, rival Mastercard Inc. (NYSE: MA) has some 3.4 billion cards in circulation.

While its business has enjoyed exceptional growth and profitability over the decades, clouds are forming on the horizon. Congressional hearings found surprising bipartisan support for breaking the credit card duopoly, increasing industry competition, and reducing the cost of fees Visa and Mastercard impose. The U.S. Department of Justice also has sued Visa for monopolizing the merchant payments network.

Despite Visa stock trailing the S&P 500 in 2024, over the long haul the payments processor has been an excellent investment, with a total return for the past 10 years in excess of 420%. In contrast, the benchmark index has gained less than 199% in that time. And Visa is a dividend powerhouse.

Visa has increased its dividend at a compound annual growth rate of 17.2% with the payout growing from $0.13 per share in 2013 to $2.68 per share today. It suggests there is still significant upside potential for the payments processor before the end of the decade. Here is what prospective investors and current shareholders might expect from Visa over the next five years.

Visa’s Recent Stock Success

Visa is the payments industry behemoth with 4.5 billion cards in circulation.

The growth of electronic payments has been the driving force behind Visa’s historical growth trajectory, and there is no reason to believe that will not continue to be the case.

Because digital payments globally surpassed cash payments only a few years ago, there is plenty of runway in front of Visa to continue expanding. As much of a mature market as Western markets represent, there are significant growth opportunities in emerging markets.

Since its initial public offering on March 19, 2008, at $44 per share, Visa stock has enjoyed an incredible run. The payments processor has only split its stock once, a 4-for-1 split in March of 2015.

While economic recessions can hurt Visa’s business as consumer spending slows, it is also insulated for the worst impacts of a downturn. Because it does not lend money, but rather it just lends its brand to credit card issuers, it is not exposed to the bad debt and write-offs that often accompany a recession.

Year
Share Price (year-end)
Fiscal Year Revenue
Fiscal Year Net Income

2015
$77.55
$13,880
$6,328

2016
$78.02
$15,082
$5,991

2017
$114.02
$18,358
$6,699

2018
$131.94
$20,609
$10,301

2019
$187.90
$22,977
$12,080

2020
$218.73
$21,846
$10,866

2021
$216.71
$24,105
$12,311

2022
$207.76
$29,310
$14,957

2023
$260.35
$32,653
$17,273

2024
$311.01
$35,926
$19,743

Revenue and net income in millions.

Over the past decade, Visa’s annual revenue more than doubled, rising 158% for an 11.15% compound annual growth rate (CAGR). Profits did even better, more than tripling in value for an 11.8% CAGR. While the pandemic did slow Visa’s momentum momentarily—not surprising when the economy was largely shut down—the payments processor soon picked up where it left off when a sense of normalcy returned.

Key Drivers of Visa’s Stock

Digital payments have surpassed cash transactions globally, which offers room for significant expansion.

Market share dominance. As the largest payments processor with 4.5 billion cards in circulation, Visa benefits from the network effects of its brand accepted everywhere, virtually regardless of where you are in the world. It provides cost advantages and efficiencies virtually unmatched in the industry, particularly in the small but growing cash transfer and payments industry.

Long-term growth trajectory of electronic payments. Visa enjoys a wide and deep competitive moat, and with digital payments surpassing cash transactions globally, there is still room for significant expansion, especially within emerging markets where penetration may not be quite as extensive. Though Visa primarily oversees card-based transactions, it has expanded its expertise to accommodate mobile payments, contactless payments, and blockchain-based solutions.

Margin improvements despite regulatory scrutiny. Visa’s business is highly scalable due to its network-based model, where it primarily earns revenue from a small percentage fee on each transaction processed through its global network. That allows it to easily add new users and merchants without significant infrastructure costs as the volume of transactions increases.

How Visa’s Next Few Years Could Play Out

Mixed expectations in the near term.

The current consensus median one-year price target for Visa of $395.85 represents a potential upside of 11.8% from its current share price. Of 40 analysts covering Visa stock, 33 recommend buying shares, six of them with Strong Buy ratings.

24/7 Wall St.’s 2026 year-end forecast has Visa’s share price at $394.73, representing a potential gain of over 11%. That gives us a $394.73 target price. This is based on an annualized EPS estimate of $13.07, revenue of over $44.3 billion, net income of $24.633 billion, and a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio estimate of 30.

Year
Revenue (millions)
EPS

2025
$39,932
$11.28

2026
$44,384
$13.07

2027
$49,333
$15.15

2028
$54,834
$17.56

2029
$60,948
$20.35

2030
$67,743
$23.58

Because Visa’s business is fairly stable, barring economic upheavals, we expect revenue growth to continue at its historical 11.15% rate, though earnings per share will climb as the network effects of Visa’s scalable business drives margins higher. That brings Visa’s price target to $430.90 in 2027.

24/7 Wall St. forecasts similarly steady growth throughout the rest of the decade, with Visa seeing incrementally better net margins over that time, before hitting 58% in 2030. By the conclusion of 2030, 24/7 Wall St. estimates Visa’s stock to be trading for $522.60 per share, representing over a 46% increase from its current price, based on revenue of $67.743 billion and an annualized EPS of $23.58.

Year
Price Target
Upside Potential

2026
$394.73
11.5%

2027
$430.90
21.7%

2028
$473.06
33.6%

2029
$501.66
41.7%

2030
$522.60
47.6%

Three High-Quality Stocks Getting Stomped by the Market. Time to Buy?

Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of VICI; ADC 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.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In Sprouts To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

If you purchased or acquired securities in Sprouts between June 4, 2025 and October 29, 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]

, /PRNewswire/ -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Sprouts Farmers Market, Inc. ("Sprouts" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: SFM) and reminds investors of the January 26, 2026 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.

James (Josh) Wilson, Faruqi & Faruqi Senior Partner (PRNewsfoto/Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP)

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.

As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: 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 Sprouts' growth potential; notably, that a more cautious consumer could result in significant slowdown in sales growth and the purported tailwinds with be unable to dampen the slowdown or would otherwise fail to manifest entirely. Such statements absent these material facts caused Plaintiff and other shareholders to purchase Sprouts' securities at artificially inflated prices.

On October 29, 2025, Sprouts unveiled its third quarter fiscal 2025 results, which highlighted a worrying 4.3% decrease in comparable stores growth compared to the prior quarter, below the company's previous projections. Management further unveiled a continued reduction of comp sales into the fourth quarter, projecting only a 0%-2% growth, and reduced their full year expectations ass well from 7.5% - 9% last quarter to only 7%. While Sprouts is attributing its shortfall to challenging year-over-year comparisons and a softening consumer, just last quarter management attested to their "resilience almost irrespective of what happens in the macro economy."

Following this news, Sprouts' stock price fell by $22.64 per share to open at $81.91 per share.

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 Sprouts's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

To learn more about the Sprouts Farmers Market class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/SFM 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.

SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP

Highly anticipated park opening ushers in new world records for its collection of 28 rides and attractions including the world's longest, fastest and tallest roller coaster

Visual assets available HERE

, /PRNewswire/ -- Six Flags Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia's first-of-its-kind theme park and entertainment destination, celebrated its grand opening Dec. 31 by welcoming guests from across the Kingdom and globe. The debut marks Six Flags Entertainment's first theme park designed and built outside North America. The trailblazing new park blends immersive entertainment with innovative technology across its six themed lands.

Six Flags Qiddiya City VIP Opening Ceremony.

Six Flags Qiddiya City theme park aerial.

Qiddiya City is the world's first global destination built entirely upon the "Power of Play." Located at the heart of the Tuwaiq Mountains, just 40 minutes from Riyadh, this vibrant city, once complete, will bring world-class entertainment, sports and cultural experiences together in a way never seen before.

Six Flags Qiddiya City, Qiddiya City's inaugural entertainment development, brings next-level thrills and unforgettable experiences to families, friends and adventure-seekers from across the Kingdom and beyond. It features 28 rides and attractions including record-breaking experiences, such as:

Falcons Flight - the world's tallest, fastest and longest roller coaster
Iron Rattler - the world's tallest tilt coaster
Spitfire - the world's tallest inverting coaster
"Six Flags is proud to announce the opening of Six Flags Qiddiya City in Riyadh, Saudia Arabia, a landmark project that will redefine entertainment in the region. This world-class destination combines cutting-edge, record-breaking attractions, immersive experiences for all ages, and the signature thrills that have made Six Flags a global leader. We look forward to welcoming guests from across the Kingdom and beyond to experience the future of fun at Qiddiya City," said John Reilly, president and CEO of Six Flags Entertainment Corporation.

With 18 rides specially designed for families and younger entertainment-seekers, the park ensures entertainment for all generations. Guests can also look forward to a variety of international dining options, along with retail outlets offering exclusive Six Flags merchandise and souvenirs.

Adult ticket prices start from $85 USD, children's ticket prices start from $70 USD, and kids under the age of 4 enjoy free admission. Pricing is inclusive of all rides, while guests can also enhance their visit with the Unlimited GoFast Pass offering priority access for select rides.

Full ticketing, directions and other theme park details can be found at www.SixFlagsQiddiyaCity.com. The theme park is designed to be accessible to all guests, including individuals with special needs and their companions, ensuring an enjoyable and inclusive experience for everyone. Discounted tickets for these guests are available for purchase exclusively at the park with prices starting from $20 USD.

About Six Flags Qiddiya City

The first Six Flags theme park (designed and built) outside North America promises an unforgettable blend of thrills, culture and sustainability in Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia. With 28 exclusive rides and attractions across six immersive lands, anchored by the vibrant Citadel, visitors will embark on a dynamic journey through the rich heritage of Saudi Arabia in a sustainable setting.

About Qiddiya City                                            

Qiddiya City is Qiddiya Investment Company's inaugural giga-initiative – a new global destination built from scratch on the foundations of play. Located at the heart of the Tuwaiq Mountains just 40 minutes from Riyadh, the vibrant master-planned city brings entertainment, sports, and culture together in a way never seen before. With Qiddiya's Power of Play philosophy at its heart, the city is designed to host some of the world's biggest sports competitions, festivals, concerts, and cultural events.

At scale, Qiddiya City will offer residents and visitors a high quality of life with hundreds of attractions and experiences, coupled with residential, retail, office, hospitality, healthcare and educational offerings set in a thoughtfully planned, smart and sustainable urban fabric.

About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE: FUN) is North America's largest regional amusement-resort operator with 27 amusement parks, 15 water parks and nine resort properties across 16 states in the U.S., Canada, Mexico and Saudi Arabia. Focused on its purpose of making people happy, Six Flags provides fun, immersive and memorable experiences to millions of guests every year with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks, resorts and a portfolio of beloved intellectual property including Looney Tunes®, DC Comics® and PEANUTS®.

© 2026 SIX FLAGS ENTERTAINMENT CORPORATION

SOURCE Six Flags Entertainment Corporation

, /PRNewswire/ -- A securities class action lawsuit styled Smith v. F5, Inc., et al., No. 2:25-cv-02619 (W.D. Wash.) has been filed, seeking to represent investors in F5 (NASDAQ: FFIV) who purchased or otherwise acquired F5 securities between October 28, 2024 and October 27, 2025. 

The lawsuit comes in the wake of F5's October 15, 2025 report that, on August 9, 2025, it learned of a major cybersecurity incident involving a nation-state actor that gained unauthorized access to certain Company systems, including its highest revenue product (F5 BIG-IP). This and related subsequent disclosures drove the price of F5 shares sharply lower.

National shareholders rights firm Hagens Berman continues to investigate whether F5 timely reported the breach to investors and its impact on the company's business. The firm urges F5  investors who suffered substantial losses to submit your losses now. The firm also encourages persons with knowledge who may be able to assist in the investigation to contact its attorneys.

Class Period: Oct. 28, 2024 – Oct. 27, 2025
Lead Plaintiff Deadline: Feb. 17, 2026
Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/investor-fraud/ffiv
Contact the Firm Now: [email protected]
                                        844-916-0895

F5, Inc. (FFIV) Securities Class Action:

The lawsuit is focused on the timing and propriety of F5's disclosures about the sufficiency of its cybersecurity response plan, the adverse effect of any cybersecurity incidents on its business and growth prospects including its F5 BIG-IP products which provide application delivery and security solutions.

Specifically, the complaint alleges that during the Class Period F5 assured investors that it "delivers the most effective and comprehensive app and API security platform in the industry[]" and claimed that it could uniquely address newly developing security concerns while providing best-in-class security offerings.

Investors' expectations were dashed beginning on October 15, 2025. That day, F5 revealed that "[o]n August 9, 2025, F5, Inc. […] learned that a highly sophisticated nation-state threat actor had gained unauthorized access to certain Company systems." F5 also disclosed "the threat actor maintained long-term, persistent access to certain F5 systems, including the BIG-IP product development environment and engineering knowledge management platform."

Still, the company assured investors "this incident has not had a material impact on the Company's operations[.]"

This news sent the price of F5 shares down $47.82 (-13.9%) during the two trading days ended October 16, 2025.

The incident's full impact became clearer on October 27, 2025. That day, the company reported its Q4 and FY 2025 financial results and guided for 2026 revenue growth of only 0% to 4% as compared to 2025 revenue growth of 10%. Management blamed the steep growth deceleration "on what we see as potential near-term impact related to the security incident[]" and said "it would be natural that in some of our customers, at an executive level, we may see some delays of approvals or delays of deals or additional approval, as customers across a complex organization make sure that they want to be reassured that their projects should move forward[.]"

This news sent the price of F5 shares down $22.83 (-7.8%) the next day.

"We're focused on when F5 determined that the August 2025 cybersecurity incident was material and whether the company timely informed investors consistent with the SEC's 4 business day rule and which might have predated the October 15 disclosure," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the firm's investigation.

If you invested in F5 and have substantial losses, or have knowledge that may assist the firm's investigation, submit your losses now »

If you'd like more information and answers to frequently asked questions about the F5 case and our investigation, read more »

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding F5 should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC.

About Hagens Berman
Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw. 

SOURCE Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP

LRN Investors with Losses Encouraged to Contact the Firm Before Jan. 12, 2026 Deadline in Securities Class Action

, /PRNewswire/ -- National shareholder rights law firm Hagens Berman is issuing a reminder to investors in Stride, Inc. (NYSE: LRN) that the deadline to move the Court for appointment as lead plaintiff in the pending securities class action lawsuit is January 12, 2026. The firm urges investors who suffered substantial losses in LRN to contact Hagens Berman now to discuss their rights.

The lawsuit seeks to recover investor losses sustained after the purported disclosure of two distinct, alleged fraudulent schemes: inflated enrollment figures (using "Ghost Students") and a catastrophic technology platform failure. The cumulative impact of these disclosures caused the stock to crash 54% in a single day, leading to a sudden loss of billions in market capitalization.

The complaint details how Stride and its executives allegedly misled investors about core business metrics and operational stability. The subsequent revelation of the severity of the platform upgrade failure—which CEO James Rhyu acknowledged resulted in "poor customer experience"—is alleged to have contradicted prior assurances of strong growth.

For a detailed breakdown of the fraud allegations and operational failures, visit the dedicated Hagens Berman Stride (LRN) Case Page.

"Stride's alleged conduct in the pending suit is particularly egregious, as the complaint alleges a systematic practice of inflating enrollment figures with 'Ghost Students' and maintaining improper student-to-teacher ratios just before revealing a foreseeable technological failure," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the firm's investigation. "We are specifically focused on gathering evidence linking these alleged compliance and operational failures to the 54% crash."

The Alleged Dual Fraud: Claimed "Ghost Student" Scheme and Platform Upgrade Failure

The litigation focuses on how two distinct, undisclosed operational failures corrected the market's misperception of Stride's true financial health.

1. The Alleged Enrollment Fraud & Compliance Risk:

The Claim: The company allegedly utilized unlawful business practices, including retaining "Ghost Students" (students who never officially started or were absent for extended periods) to artificially inflate enrollment metrics and profit margins.

Financial Impact: The initial disclosure that partially revealed these undisclosed facts led to an 11% stock drop.

2. The Alleged Concealed Technology Catastrophe:

The Claim: Stride allegedly failed to disclose severe, known issues with a critical platform upgrade implemented over the summer, which blocked access for an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 enrolled students, stifling growth and requiring costly remediation.

Financial Impact: The alleged revelation of this operational failure forced the company to forecast a dramatically slowed sales growth of only 5% (down from its historical 19%), and triggered the single-day 54% stock crash.

3. Alleged Recoverable Damages and the Defined Class:

The complaint seeks to recover losses for investors who purchased LRN securities during the Class Period (October 22, 2024 – October 28, 2025), seeking to hold Stride and certain of its key executives accountable for the alleged misrepresentations regarding core business metrics and operational stability.

Next Steps: Contact Partner Reed Kathrein Today

Hagens Berman is a leading plaintiff litigation firm recognized for securing substantial recoveries for investors in complex securities fraud cases involving operational and compliance failures.

Mr. Kathrein is actively advising investors who purchased LRN securities during the Class Period and suffered significant losses due to the alleged undisclosed facts.

The Lead Plaintiff Deadline is January 12, 2026.

TO SUBMIT YOUR STRIDE (LRN) LOSSES NOW PLEASE USE THE SECURE FORM BELOW:

Submit Your Stride (LRN) Investment Losses Now

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Stride should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected].

About Hagens Berman
Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw. 

SOURCE Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP

Partner Reed Kathrein Urges Investors to Contact Firm Before January 12, 2026 Lead Plaintiff Deadline

, /PRNewswire/ -- National shareholder rights law firm Hagens Berman is alerting investors in Primo Brands Corporation (NYSE: PRMB) that the deadline to move the Court for appointment as lead plaintiff in the pending securities class action lawsuit is January 12, 2026.  The firm urges investors who suffered substantial losses to contact our firm now.

The lawsuit seeks to recover investor losses sustained after the disclosure of an allegedly concealed severe, operational crisis following the merger of Primo Water and BlueTriton Brands. The complaint alleges that while management repeatedly assured investors that the integration was "flawless" and would accelerate growth, the alleged reality was a catastrophic failure of technology, logistics, and customer service.

The truth allegedly emerged over multiple disclosures, culminating on November 6, 2025, when Primo Brands announced a dramatic reduction in its full-year adjusted EBITDA guidance and the immediate replacement of its CEO. On this news, the stock crashed 21%, erasing substantial shareholder value.

For a detailed breakdown of the fraud allegations and answers to frequently asked questions about the Primo case, visit the dedicated Hagens Berman Primo Brands (PRMB) Case Page.

"The crux of the complaint is the alleged contradiction between the company's repeated assurances of a 'flawless' merger and the new CEO's admission of 'self-inflicted' disruptions that crippled the ReadyRefresh delivery business," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the firm's investigation. "We are scrutinizing when management became aware that the foundational technology and operational integration had failed."

Alleged Undisclosed Merger Failures

The litigation focuses on how the company's alleged misrepresentations regarding the merger integration masked severe, undisclosed operational risks.

Misrepresentation Regarding the Integration of BlueTriton Brands: The complaint alleges Primo executives repeatedly assured investors that the merger integration was proceeding "flawlessly," would accelerate growth, and deliver substantial synergies.
Concealed Operational Reality: The complaint alleges the company failed to disclose that the accelerated integration process was causing severe technology breakdowns, supply disruptions, and massive customer service issues within its direct delivery segment.
The First Disclosure Event (August 7, 2025): The company reported weak Q2 results and reduced guidance, partially blaming "service issues," causing the stock to drop 9%.
The Final Disclosure Event (November 6, 2025): The market's misperception of Primo Brands was allegedly fully corrected when the company slashed its EBITDA guidance again and replaced its CEO. The new CEO described the issues as "self-inflicted," allegedly confirming the severity of the undisclosed operational issues. This final disclosure caused the stock to drop 21%.

Next Steps: Contact Partner Reed Kathrein Today

Hagens Berman is a leading plaintiff litigation firm recognized for prosecuting complex securities fraud cases.

Mr. Kathrein is actively advising investors who purchased PRMB shares during the Class Period (June 17, 2024 – Nov. 6, 2025) and suffered substantial losses due to the undisclosed merger integration failures and the subsequent management shakeup.

The Lead Plaintiff Deadline is January 12, 2026.

TO SUBMIT YOUR PRIMO BRANDS (PRMB) LOSSES NOW, PLEASE USE THE SECURE FORM BELOW:

Submit Your Primo Brands (PRMB) Losses Now
Contact: Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected]

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Primo should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected].

About Hagens Berman
Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw. 

SOURCE Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP

Partner Reed Kathrein Scrutinizing Allegedly Omitted Known Trends in Vendor Payments

, /PRNewswire/ -- National shareholder rights law firm Hagens Berman is issuing a reminder to investors in StubHub Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: STUB) ahead of the January 23, 2026, deadline of their opportunity to seek appointment as lead plaintiff in the pending securities class action lawsuit.

The litigation centers on allegations that StubHub's highly anticipated September 2025 Initial Public Offering (IPO) was launched using Offering Documents that contained material misstatements and omissions. Specifically, the lawsuit alleges the company failed to disclose crucial "known trends, events, or uncertainties" that were already adversely impacting its Free Cash Flow (FCF)—a key liquidity metric touted to prospective investors.

"This litigation focuses alleged violations of the Securities Act of 1933, which requires transparency for newly public companies. The complaint alleges that the Registration Statement was materially flawed because it failed to disclose the known trends regarding vendor payments, causing the stock to collapse shortly after the IPO," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the firm's investigation in this matter.  "We urge investors in StubHub who purchased or otherwise acquired company shares pursuant to the IPO to contact the firm now."

Legal Analysis: Alleged Undisclosed Vendor Payment Trends and IPO Disclosure Failures

The complaint focuses on the alleged misrepresentations and omissions within the core offering documents, which led to a substantial loss of market capitalization:

Securities Act of 1933 Liability: The lawsuit alleges the Registration Statement and Prospectus were materially flawed, making Defendants liable to investors who acquired shares pursuant to the IPO.
Concealment of Known Trends: The Offering Documents allegedly failed to disclose adverse changes in the timing of payments to vendors—an alleged known trend that directly impacted liquidity.
143% Liquidity Collapse: The alleged omitted truth led to Q3 2025 results revealing Free Cash Flow was negative $4.6 million, marking a stunning 143% decline from the prior year. This revelation corrected the market's perception of the company's operational financial health.
Investor Damages: This disclosure caused the stock to fall well below the IPO price resulting in compensable damages for investors who acquired shares traceable to the IPO.

Next Steps: Contact Partner Reed Kathrein Today

Hagens Berman has a proven track record, securing significant recoveries for investors.

Mr. Kathrein and the firm's investor fraud team are actively advising investors who purchased STUB shares pursuant and/or traceable to the IPO and suffered significant losses due to the alleged undisclosed financial trends.

The Lead Plaintiff Deadline is January 23, 2026.

TO SUBMIT YOUR STUBHUB (STUB) INVESTMENT LOSSES NOW, PLEASE USE THE SECURE FORM BELOW:

Submit Your StubHub (STUB) IPO Losses
Contact: Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected]

If you'd like answers to frequently asked questions about the StubHub case and our investigation, read more »

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding StubHub should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC. For more information, call Reed Kathrein at 844-916-0895 or email [email protected].

About Hagens Berman
Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw. 

SOURCE Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP

Also from this source

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In Stride To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

If you purchased or acquired securities in Stride between October 22, 2024 and October 28, 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]

, /PRNewswire/ -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Stride, Inc. ("Stride" or the "Company") (NYSE: LRN) and reminds investors of the January 12, 2026 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.

James (Josh) Wilson, Faruqi & Faruqi Senior Partner (PRNewsfoto/Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP)

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.

As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose information regarding the Company's products and services to public and private schools, school districts, and charter boards. Throughout the Class Period, Stride represented to investors that "[t]hese products and services, spanning curriculum, systems, instruction, and support services are designed to help learners of all ages reach their full potential through inspired teaching and personalized learning." Unbeknownst to investors, Stride was inflating enrollment numbers, cutting staff costs beyond required statutory limits, ignoring compliance requirements, and losing existing and potential enrollments.

On September 14, 2025, Simply Wall St. published a report stating that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board of Education had filed a complaint against Stride, alleging fraud, deceptive trade practices, systemic violations of law, and intentional and tortious misconduct, including inflating enrollment numbers by retaining "ghost students" on rolls to secure state funding per student and ignoring compliance requirements, including background checks and licensure laws for its employees.

On this news, Stride's stock price fell $18.60, or 11.7%, to close at $139.76 per share on September 15, 2025, thereby injuring investors.

Then, on October 28, 2025, Stride released its first quarter fiscal 2026 financial results, revealing the Company had purposely "limit[ed] enrollment growth while we improve our execution." The Company also revealed it had experienced "system implantation issues" resulting in "higher withdrawal rates and lower conversion rate." The Company stated that "these factors resulted in approximately 10,000 to 15,000 fewer enrollments" and "these challenges will likely restrict [its] in-year enrollment growth."

On this news, Stride's stock price fell as much as 51% during intraday trading on October 29, 2025, thereby injuring investors further.

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 Stride's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

To learn more about the Stride class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/LRN 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.

SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses In DeFi Technologies To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options

If you purchased or acquired securities in DeFi Technologies between May 12, 2025 and November 14, 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]

, /PRNewswire/ -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against DeFi Technologies Inc. ("DeFi Technologies" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: DEFT) and reminds investors of the January 30, 2026 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.

James (Josh) Wilson, Faruqi & Faruqi Senior Partner (PRNewsfoto/Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP)

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.

As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (i) DeFi Technologies was facing delays in executing its DeFi arbitrage strategy, which at all relevant times was a key revenue driver for the Company; (ii) DeFi Technologies had understated the extent of competition it faced from other DAT companies and the extent to which that competition would negatively impact its ability to execute its DeFi arbitrage strategy; (iii) as a result of the foregoing issues, the Company was unlikely to meet its previously issued revenue guidance for the fiscal year 2025; (iv) accordingly, Defendants had downplayed the true scope and severity of the negative impact that the foregoing issues were having on DeFi Technologies' business and financial results; and (v) as a result, Defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times.

On November 6, 2025, DeFi Technologies issued a press release purporting to report an arbitrage trade by DeFi Alpha. The press release disclosed, inter alia, that "[DAT]s have absorbed or delayed a significant share of arbitrage opportunities over the past year."

On this news, DeFi Technologies' stock price fell $0.13 per share, or 7.43%, to close at $1.62 per share on November 6, 2025.

Then, on November 14, 2025, DeFi Technologies issued a press release reporting its financial results for the third quarter of 2025. Among other items, DeFi Technologies reported a revenue decline of nearly 20%, falling well short of market expectations. The Company also significantly lowered its 2025 revenue forecast, from $218.6 million to approximately $116.6 million, and attributed this reduction to "a delay in executing DeFi Alpha arbitrage opportunities previously forecasted due to the proliferation of [DAT] companies and the consolidation in digital asset price movement in the latter half of 2025."

Concurrently, DeFi Technologies announced that Defendant Newton would leave his role as CEO and transition to an advisory position.

Following these disclosures, DeFi Technologies' stock price fell $0.40 per share, or 27.59%, over the following two trading sessions, to close at $1.05 per share on November 17, 2025.

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 DeFi Technologies' conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

To learn more about the DeFi Technologies class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/DEFT 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.

SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP

(This is the Warren Buffett Watch newsletter, news and analysis on all things Warren Buffett and Berkshire Hathaway. You can sign up here to receive it every Friday evening in your inbox.)

Warren Buffett's last day as Berkshire's CEOAfter six decades in the job he bought for himself with what he's called the "dumbest" investment of his life, Wednesday was Warren Buffett's last day as Berkshire Hathaway's CEO.

His strategy of using insurance premiums, "float," to make brilliant investments in stocks and to help buy entire companies transformed the struggling textile mill into a $1 trillion conglomerate and made him one of the wealthiest people in the world with a net worth of more than $150 billion.

He has already given away stock currently valued at $208 billion and has directed his children to eventually donate virtually all that's left.

It isn't really a "retirement." At the age of 95, he will remain chairman of the board and still plans to come to the company's Omaha HQ as much as he ever did.

But he has said he will be "going quiet ... soft of" and will leave all the decision making to the new CEO, Greg Abel, who has been serving as vice-chairman of non-insurance operations since 2018. Abel first joined Berkshire in 2000 when it closed its deal to take a controlling stake in MidAmerican Energy, where he was president.

Still, when Buffett announced at the May annual meeting that he planned to step down at the end of the year, he expected he could be helpful, especially if "we ran into periods of great opportunity or anything."

Becky Quick, CNBC's longtime Berkshire/Buffett correspondent, noted on Wednesday's "Squawk Box" that "for the most part" Abel has been running the non-insurance companies "for years now" and has done a "phenomenal job" at making sure things run smoothly and dealing with a lot of the problems that Buffett didn't want to handle himself.

She expects it will be helpful for Abel to have Buffett and his 30% voting control as a "fireshield to anybody who wants to come along and say that you're not Warren Buffett, this is not your company."

For several years already, Abel has been putting his own stamp on the way Berkshire manages its wholly owned subsidiaries.

Back in 2023, in a section of the newsletter with the headline, "Things are already beginning to change at Berkshire," we reported on a CNBC interview in Japan with Buffett and Abel.

While both men were smiling and almost playing it as a joke, it was clear Abel was much more involved in the management of the subsidiaries, in contrast to Buffett's famously decentralized hands-off approach.

At the 1999 annual meeting, Buffett and Munger said their "non-interference has enormous value, at least with the kind of managers and the kind of businesses that have joined us."

"Not only do people have more time to work on the productive things, but I think they probably actually appreciate the fact that they're left alone."

Twenty-four years later, Buffett said, "Our managers like autonomy, but they also get lonesome... I give them the autonomy, but Greg gives them both, and he gets somewhat more discipline out of the managers ... than I would get."

Earlier this month, Berkshire announced it was adding a new layer of management, appointing the CEO of its NetJets subsidiary to "support the outstanding CEOs of our 32 consumer products, service and retailing businesses, and uphold Berkshire's culture and values."

But while Berkshire is beginning to change, it won't be a dramatic overnight shift.

As shareholder Ann Winblad told CNBC's "The Exchange" Wednesday, while the company will "operate differently" with a new CEO it won't "fundamentally change in its strategies."

Andrew Bary at Barron's writes Buffett's continued presence at the company "could mean that important matters such as a potential dividend [which Buffett has consistently opposed], stock buybacks, and the deployment of Berkshire's cash balance of more than $350 billion could remain unresolved for some time, perhaps until after Buffett's death."

Over the very long run, however, it will be difficult for Berkshire to avoid becoming more like other corporations that don't have Buffett's spectacular success to shield management from impatient investors who are likely to push the company to abandon his insistence on waiting for the right opportunities and resisting the typical C-suite compulsion to justify its existence by constantly doing "something."

Berkshire trails S&P in Buffett's last year as CEOAnother big unknown is what will happen to Berkshire's stock price without Buffett as CEO.

This year, it trailed the benchmark S&P 500 index as investors reacted negatively to Buffett's early-May announcement that he would be handing over the job to Abel at year-end.

The A shares closed at an all-time high of $809,350 the day before Buffett dropped his surprise.

It then fell 14.4% to its closing low of the year of $692,600 on August 4.

The shares have partially rebounded to end the year at $754,800, up almost 10.9% for 2025. 

The more widely held B shares followed almost the same exact trajectory.

Meanwhile, the S&P rallied to a 16.4% gain for the year after coming close to falling into a bear market in April following President Trump's tariffs announcement.

As a result, what had been a 22.4 percentage point overperformance for Berkshire's B shares in May turned into a 5.5 percentage point deficit as the year ended.

With dividends included, the S&P returned 17.9% this year, increasing Berkshire's underperformance to 7.0 percentage points vs a slim 0.5 percentage point win in 2024.

BUFFETT AROUND THE INTERNETSome links may require a subscription:

Buffett's career and accomplishmentsNBC News: The 'billionaire next door' bows outBloomberg TV video: The impact and legacy of Warren Buffet Yahoo Finance: Be a good person and buy boring stocks: Wall Street reflects on Warren Buffett's wisdom Inc.: Why There Will Never Be Another Warren BuffettFox Business video: Charles Payne reflects on Warren Buffett's 'remarkable run'NPR All Things Considered: Warren Buffett is retiring: We look back at a critical turning point in his careerBusiness Insider: Why Warren Buffett has stayed as Berkshire Hathaway CEO, the job he loved, into his mid-90sWit, wisdom, and investing Associated Press: Some Warren Buffett wisdom on his last day leading Berkshire HathawayYahoo Finance video: Warren Buffett: 5 lessons learned from the investing legendThe Wall Street Journal on MSN: Warren Buffett stayed true to his ways in his final year as Berkshire CEOCNN Business: Today is Warren Buffett's last day as Berkshire CEO. Business leaders tell us what they learned from himMarketWatch on MSN: Warren Buffett gifts us 5 secrets for investing success, as he hands off Berkshire's reins this weekMorningstar: How to Invest Like Warren Buffett The Guardian (UK): 'Be fearful when others are greedy': Warren Buffett's sharpest lessons in investingBerkshire and its stock priceCNBC Pro (subscription): There's a buying opportunity in Berkshire Hathaway as Warren Buffett steps away, investor saysBusiness Insider: Warren Buffett's departure is putting a 'succession discount' on Berkshire Hathaway stock, a strategist saysBarron's on MSN: It's Warren Buffett's Last Day as CEO of Berkshire Hathaway. How the Stock Has Performed.Reuters on MSN: Berkshire falls on Buffett's last day as CEO, gained 6,100,000% over 60 yearsThe Motley Fool: Tomorrow Is Warren Buffett's Last Day. Is Berkshire Hathaway a Buy as Greg Abel Takes the Reins? I Think So.What's next?CNBC.com: Warren Buffett's exit leaves open question: Who runs Berkshire's $300 billion equity portfolio?Barron's on MSN: Warren Buffett's likely replacement as Berkshire's top stock picker has a lot to proveBloomberg Podcasts: Warren Buffett Steps Back From Berkshire As Greg Abel Takes The ReignsAssociated Press on MSN: The legendary Warren Buffett steps back this week and Berkshire Hathaway enters a new eraCNN Business: With Warren Buffett's retirement, Berkshire Hathaway loses its best pitchmanYahoo Finance video: Berkshire Hathaway beyond Warren Buffett: The legacy and future HIGHLIGHTS FROM THE ARCHIVEBuffett threatens to come back if Berkshire does this after he's gone (2017)In this clip recently added to the Buffett Archive, Warren Buffett and Charlie Munger explain why they really, really hate it when companies hire executive compensation consultants, and threaten to "come back mad" if Berkshire Hathaway ever does it.

watch now

CHARLIE MUNGER: I have avoided, all my life, the compensation consultants.

To me it's a — I hardly can find the words to express my contempt. (Laughter)

WARREN BUFFETT: I will say this. If the board hires a compensation consultant after I go, I will come back. (Laughter)

CHARLIE MUNGER: Mad! Mad!

So I think there's a lot of mumbo jumbo in this field, and I don't see it going away.

WARREN BUFFETT: Oh, it isn't going to go away. No, it's going to get worse. It — I mean, the — if you look at —

I mean, the way compensation gets handled, it — you know, everybody looks at everybody else's proxy statement and says, "We can't possibly hire a guy that hasn't been — "

CHARLIE MUNGER: It's ridiculous.

WARREN BUFFETT: — so on. And the human relations department, you know, who work for the CEO, come in and suggest a consultant.

What consultant is ever going to get another assignment if he says, "You should pay your CEO below the — down in the fourth quartile because you're getting a fourth quartile result?" It — I mean, it just, you know —

It isn't that the people are evil or anything. It's just the nature of the situation just — it produces a result that is not consistent with how representatives of the owners should behave.

CHARLIE MUNGER: It's even worse than that. Capitalism is the golden goose that we all live on.

And if people generally get so they have contempt for it because they don't like the pay arrangements in the system, your capitalism may not last as well.

And that's like killing the golden goose.

So I think the existing system has a lot wrong with it.

BERKSHIRE STOCK WATCHFour weeks

Twelve months

BRK.A stock price: $754,800.00

BRK.B stock price: $502.65

BRK.B P/E (TTM): 16.07

Berkshire market capitalization: $1,084,815,990,868

Berkshire Cash as of September 30: $381.7 billion (Up 10.9% from June 30)

Excluding Rail Cash and Subtracting T-Bills Payable: $354.3 billion (Up 4.3% from June 30)

No Berkshire stock repurchases since May 2024.

(All figures are as of the date of publication, unless otherwise indicated)

BERKSHIRE'S TOP EQUITY HOLDINGS - Dec. 31, 2025Berkshire's top holdings of disclosed publicly traded stocks in the U.S. and Japan, by market value, based on the latest closing prices.

Holdings are as of September 30, 2025, as reported in Berkshire Hathaway's 13F filing on November 14, 2025, except for:

Mitsubishi, which is as of August 28, 2025Mitsui, which is as of September 30, 2025The full list of holdings and current market values is available from CNBC.com's Berkshire Hathaway Portfolio Tracker.

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTSPlease send any questions or comments about the newsletter to me at [email protected]. (Sorry, but we don't forward questions or comments to Buffett himself.)

If you aren't already subscribed to this newsletter, you can sign up here.

Also, Buffett's annual letters to shareholders are highly recommended reading. There are collected here on Berkshire's website.

Happy New Year!

-- Alex Crippen, Editor, Warren Buffett Watch

Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have no stock, option or similar derivative position in any of the companies mentioned, and no plans to initiate any such positions within 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.

Analysts aren't expecting much upside from the AI software company in the coming year, but there is more to it than meets the eye.

Palantir Technologies (PLTR 1.71%) stock had another stellar year in 2025, jumping by an impressive 149%. The market has rewarded the artificial intelligence (AI) software specialist handsomely for its growing influence in its space, but Wall Street analysts' sentiments suggest that the stock may not have much more room to run in the near future.

The median 12-month price target of $200 would amount to a gain of just 6% from current levels. Moreover, only about a quarter of the 27 analysts covering Palantir rate it a buy, while two-thirds rate it a hold.

Does this mean investors shouldn't be buying Palantir stock in the new year? 

Image source: Getty Images.

Palantir needs to justify its lofty valuation 
The surge in Palantir stock in the past couple of years has lifted it to some extremely expensive valuations. It's trading at 435 times trailing earnings, a massive premium when compared to the U.S. tech sector's average earnings multiple of 45. Its forward earnings multiple of 188 is significantly lower than its trailing multiple -- reflecting its expected bottom-line growth --  but it's still expensive.

Today's Change

(

-1.71

%) $

-3.09

Current Price

$

177.75

Those premiums, however, are justifiable considering its strong unit economics. The company's ability to land new customers at a healthy pace and win more business from its established customers has helped it achieve solid profitability. In the third quarter, its adjusted operating margin shot up by an impressive 13 percentage points year over year to 51%.

Another key metric worth paying attention to here is the Rule of 40, a metric that is calculated by adding a company's revenue growth rate to its adjusted operating margin. For software companies, a result of more than 40% (hence the name) is viewed to mean the company is "investable."

Palantir reported a 63% increase in revenue in Q3. Add that to its adjusted operating margin of 51% and you get a Rule of 40 score of 114%. This metric has been expanding at a solid clip over the past couple of years, growing from just 54% in the Q4 2023 to last quarter's record levels.

Management notes that its Rule of 40 score ranks second among the top 25 companies globally, behind only Nvidia. It's also the top enterprise software company with more than $1 billion in trailing-12-month revenue by that metric.

All this suggests that Palantir's premium valuation is indeed justifiable, especially considering that its Rule of 40 score is likely to rise. That's because Palantir's overall customer count increased by 45% year over year in Q3. Given that the company's customers tend to expand their deployments of its Artificial Intelligence Platform (AIP) following their initial contracts, it is likely to get more business from those new clients.

Palantir landed $2.8 billion worth of new contracts in Q3, up by 151% from the year-ago period. That was well above the revenue growth clocked by the company in Q2, suggesting that it now has a much stronger revenue pipeline that will translate into bigger increases in its top and bottom lines in future quarters. Additionally, it is emerging as the go-to choice for governments and enterprises seeking to deploy AI tools, and its revenues are growing at a faster pace than the AI software market's annual growth pace of 24%.

According to one estimate, the global AI software market could generate nearly $400 billion in revenue in 2030, as compared to an estimated $126 billion in 2025. That would equate to an annualized growth rate of 25%. The pace at which Palantir is landing new contracts and attracting new customers suggests that it is on track to capture a nice chunk of this opportunity, which may result in more stock upside despite its high valuation.

What should investors do?
Anyone who wants to buy Palantir's stock now to take advantage of that incredible expected growth will have to pay a massive premium. However, the points discussed suggest that the company has the ability to maintain its stunning growth rate for a long time to come.

For example, in Q3, Palantir's earnings jumped by 110% year over year to $0.21 per share, crushing Wall Street's estimate of $0.17 per share. Importantly, there's still room for improvement in the company's margins and revenues, considering the lucrative opportunity in the generative AI software market. As a result, Palantir's Rule of 40 score, which is already among the highest in the world, is likely to continue improving.

Analysts forecast a 40% increase in its earnings in the new year, a figure it could easily exceed because of its healthy revenue pipeline and new customer additions that can boost its margins.

If that's indeed the case, Palantir stock could continue soaring in 2026, which is why those looking to add another growth stock to their portfolios can still consider accumulating its shares.

This exchange-traded fund's performance has been strangely weak for a while now, but this might just spell opportunity.

Does the broad market's steep valuation have you leery of buying anything right now? If so, you're not alone. The S&P 500's (^GSPC 0.74%) trailing price-to-earnings ratio of just under 27 (and by some measures it's more than 30) is higher than it's been in years. Even if the advent of artificial intelligence (AI) allows most companies to grow into their stocks' lofty valuations, it may not happen soon enough to sidestep a correction in the meantime. We could even slip into a full-blown bear market if the feared AI bubble ends up popping.

If you dig deeper though, you will find that most stocks are not outrageously overpriced at this time. A small handful of huge technology companies operating in the artificial intelligence sector are skewing the S&P 500's valuation sharply higher. If you take these companies out of the equation, the S&P 500's trailing valuation is actually more or less in line with long-term norms. Meanwhile, the rest of the market is quietly priced below its long-term average valuations, making new investments in the Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 ETF (VIOO 1.15%) or the Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF (VTWO 0.73%) particularly attractive right now.

AI euphoria just a little too distracting for the crowd
It's an often-forgotten detail. But just because it's used as a broad market barometer doesn't mean the S&P 500 represents the entirety of the stock market.

Most of the time a position in an exchange-traded fund like the SPDR S&P 500 ETF Trust (SPY 0.74%) or the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO 0.73%) does more or less match the overall performance of most of the market... simply because most stocks rise and fall in tandem.

Every now and then though, we see a meaningful divergence between the large caps of the S&P 500 and the small caps that make up the Russell 2000.

That's what we've seen since the last bear market ended in 2022. Fueled by the explosion of AI, a small number of stocks soared, outracing even their own earnings growth. It was just these few names though. Everything else was held to more reasonable, sustainable valuations. Indeed, the demand for the market's most popular AI-related stocks was so strong that investors lost interest in most everything else, including the Russell 2000's small caps.

^SPX data by YCharts

This was arguably a serious mistake, however. While these smaller businesses weren't experiencing outsized earnings growth stemming from artificial intelligence during this stretch, their profits did continue to grow well. End result? A trailing price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of right about 18, according to data from World PE Ratio, which is no higher than its peak valuation reached at any point since late 2004.

It's not like the Russell 2000's relatively low valuation right now is a mathematical fluke either. Numbers from Yardeni Research suggest the index's forward-looking P/E ratio of 24.6 is (with the exception of the pandemic-prompted sell-off in early 2020) no higher than it's been since 2014.

The comparable -- and somewhat overlapping -- S&P 600 Small Cap Index mirrored by the Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 ETF is also dirt cheap here, and actually, even cheaper. The Vanguard ETF's calculated trailing P/E ratio currently stands at 17.9, while Yardeni reports the index's forward-looking P/E ratio stands at a below-average 15.5, with its per-share earnings expected to soar through the end of the new year.

Data source: Standard & Poor's. Chart by author.

Analysts are increasingly taking notice
A few analysts have taken notice of the depth of this disparity, too, turning bullish in response. As Acuitas Investments Chief Investment Officer Chris Tessin recently opined, "You could drive a truck through the return differential." Tessin is particularly excited about the prospects of mergers and acquisitions within the small-cap realm, as these deals tend to value smaller target companies at a nice premium.

Brokerage firm Merrill Lynch's analysts are on board with the idea, too. Merrill's head of portfolio strategy Marci McGregor recently explained in an article on its website, "Since 1990, small-caps have outperformed large-caps on average in the one, three, six, 12, and 24 months after the Federal Reserve (the Fed) has cut interest rates" like it recently did, and is likely to do again more than once in 2026.

Image source: Getty Images.

Just bear in mind that McGregor, Tessin, and several other analysts encouraging investors to own small caps here and now largely agree that any new entries into any small-cap ETF should be viewed as a multiyear trade. If you're already a fan of exchange-traded funds though, you've likely already got this sort of long-term mindset.

Not your only option, but certainly the easiest option
The Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF or its close cousin, the Vanguard S&P Small-Cap 600 ETF, obviously aren't your only choices here. There are other small-cap exchange-traded funds. Or, you can gain exposure to this sliver of the market with individual small-cap companies.

That could prove tricky, though. It's not always easy to get complete, timely information regarding many of these businesses. This is a case where it arguably makes the most sense to buy into the strategic philosophy of a broad ETF, and then just leave it alone on faith that time will make the most of the decision.

Or more to the point for interested investors, yes, if your portfolio feels too overloaded with expensive large caps right now, the Vanguard Russell 2000 ETF is a great buy at this time.

Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of DGXX 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.

Reddit Today

$229.98 -3.38 (-1.45%)

As of 12/31/2025 03:59 PM Eastern

52-Week Range$79.75▼

$282.95P/E Ratio132.17

Price Target$230.28

Reddit Inc. NYSE: RDDT closed just above $230 on Tuesday night, setting up a finish to a strong year that has seen the stock rise about 40%.

After a run like that, some investors might be forgiven for urging caution, yet analyst enthusiasm around the stock has only intensified as the year draws to a close. 

Get Reddit alerts:

A wave of bullish updates in December has pushed Reddit back onto investors’ radars and raised a more provocative question—could there really be another 40% of upside waiting for the stock in 2026?

The analysts say yes—let’s take a closer look at why.

Analyst Conviction Keeps Building
Reddit Stock Forecast Today12-Month Stock Price Forecast:
$230.28
0.13% Upside

Moderate Buy
Based on 29 Analyst Ratings

Current Price$229.98High Forecast$325.00Average Forecast$230.28Low Forecast$75.00Reddit Stock Forecast Details

Having already gained more than 400% since going public last year, Reddit was one of the most consistently supported names on the Street this past quarter. 

Buy ratings have been reiterated steadily over the past few months; for example, Citigroup reaffirmed its bullish stance in November, and B. Riley did the same in October.

December has only seen analyst momentum build. Piper Sandler, Needham & Co, and Jefferies have all reiterated Buy or equivalent ratings in the past few weeks.

The Jefferies team went so far as to assign a Street-high $325 price target, implying upside of around 40% from current levels.

What stands out is not just the number of bullish calls, but their timing. These updates are landing after what has already been a strong year for the stock, which makes their confidence all the more telling.

Why Reddit Is Emerging as an AI Search Winner
The common thread across recent bullish commentary is a shift in how internet discovery is evolving. As users increasingly move away from clicking blue links and toward consuming AI-generated answers, the sources those answers cite become more valuable than ever.

Analysts broadly agree that Reddit is exceptionally well-positioned in this new paradigm. Multiple independent studies have shown that Reddit is cited disproportionately often in AI-generated responses, far more than traditional publishers. As AI summaries compress referral traffic from conventional search results, platforms that are quoted directly stand to gain influence, visibility, and ultimately monetization power.

In practical terms, this means Reddit’s role in online discovery may actually expand even as overall search traffic fragments. Analysts view this as a structural tailwind rather than a short-term trend, and one that could materially reshape how Reddit captures value over time.

More Than Just a Social Platform
Beyond citations, Reddit’s cultural reach is increasingly being viewed as a strategic asset. The platform hosts more than one billion human-created posts and reported more than 116 million daily active users in its most recent earnings report. 

This depth of human-generated content is highly attractive for training large language models. Analysts see licensing agreements around this data as an incremental revenue opportunity that is not yet fully reflected in current estimates. Importantly, this represents a potential upside that complements, rather than replaces, Reddit’s core advertising business.

This combination of relevance in AI-driven discovery and monetizable data helps explain why sentiment has continued to improve even after this year’s rally. In many ways, Reddit’s story is still in its infancy, and it’s clearly valued as more than a social platform.

What Needs to Go Right From Here
That being said, at $230 and with a price-to-earnings ratio of more than 130, expectations are higher than they were earlier in the year, and some volatility is to be expected with a growth stock like this. Execution around monetization, user engagement, and data partnerships will matter, and any stumble could test investor patience.

Reddit Inc. (RDDT) Price Chart for Thursday, January, 1, 2026

Still, heading into 2026, the setup remains compelling. Reddit doesn’t need to do a whole lot more than continue to post strong performance without major setbacks. That’s easier said than done, but if it can maintain its momentum through January and then smash February’s earnings report, the 40% upside that Jefferies is targeting could quickly be realized.

Should You Invest $1,000 in Reddit Right Now?Before you consider Reddit, you'll want to hear this.

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While Reddit currently has a Moderate Buy rating among analysts, top-rated analysts believe these five stocks are better buys.

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Analyst’s Disclosure:I/we have a beneficial long position in the shares of ADC, BBW 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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Tom Carter

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Elon Musk has frequently said he doesn't have enough control over Tesla's voting shares.

Marc Piasecki/Getty Images

2026-01-01T12:18:50.978Z

Elon Musk gave away nearly $100 million worth of Tesla shares to undisclosed charities on Tuesday.
An SEC filing said the gift was made in connection with "year-end tax planning."
Musk has previously told investors he needs more voting shares to build a "robot army."

Forget champagne — Elon Musk rang in the new year with a $100 million giveaway.

The billionaire gifted around 210,000 Tesla shares worth nearly $100 million to undisclosed charities on Tuesday, in connection with "year-end tax planning," according to an SEC filing released on Wednesday.

The filing did not reveal what the charities were, but said the recipients had indicated they "had no current intention" to sell the shares. Musk and Tesla did not respond to a request for comment.

The $100 million gift is a drop in the ocean in terms of Musk's wealth, which stands at $619 billion, according to the Bloomberg billionaire's index.

It comes as the world's richest man attempts to strengthen his control over Tesla, which Musk has run as CEO since 2008.

Musk has regularly said this year that he does not own enough voting shares in the EV maker.

In January, he said he would not be comfortable expanding Tesla's AI and robotics initiatives without controlling at least 25% of the company. In October, he told investors that he didn't want to build a "robot army" at Tesla if there was a risk he could be ousted as CEO.

Musk's mammoth new pay package, which was approved by Tesla shareholders in November and could be worth as much as $1 trillion, provides him with a pathway to that level of control.

If Tesla meets a series of ambitious product and financial milestones over the next decade, Musk's stake in the company could rise from 13% to nearly 29%.

The billionaire's $100 million gift comes ahead of a pivotal week for Tesla, which is expected to report annual sales figures on Friday.

In an unusual move, the EV giant published a pessimistic analyst consensus on Monday, which forecast that Tesla will record an annual sales decline for the second year in a row.

Tesla has had a roller coaster year, with sales falling in China and Europe even as the company's stock price has hit a record high amid investor optimism over its robotaxi push.

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The State Street SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (XOP - Free Report) made its debut on 06/19/2006, and is a smart beta exchange traded fund that provides broad exposure to the Energy ETFs category of the market.

What Are Smart Beta ETFs?Products that are based on market cap weighted indexes, which are strategies designed to reflect a specific market segment or the market as a whole, have traditionally dominated the ETF industry.

Because market cap weighted indexes provide a low-cost, convenient, and transparent way of replicating market returns, they work well for investors who believe in market efficiency.

There are some investors, though, who think it's possible to beat the market with great stock selection; this group likely invests in another class of funds known as smart beta, which track non-cap weighted strategies.

By attempting to pick stocks that have a better chance of risk-return performance, non-cap weighted indexes are based on certain fundamental characteristics, or a combination of such.

While this space offers a number of choices to investors, including simplest equal-weighting, fundamental weighting and volatility/momentum based weighting methodologies, not all these strategies have been able to deliver superior results.

Fund Sponsor & IndexBecause the fund has amassed over $1.82 billion, this makes it one of the largest ETFs in the Energy ETFs. XOP is managed by State Street Investment Management. XOP seeks to match the performance of the S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Select Industry Index before fees and expenses.

The S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production Select Industry Index represents the oil and gas exploration and production sub-industry portion of the S&P Total Markets Index. The S&P TMI tracks all the U.S. common stocks listed on the NYSE, AMEX, NASDAQ National Market and NASDAQ Small Cap exchanges. The Oil & Gas Exploration Index is a modified equal weight index.

Cost & Other ExpensesInvestors should also pay attention to an ETF's expense ratio. Lower cost products will produce better results than those with a higher cost, assuming all other metrics remain the same.

Annual operating expenses for XOP are 0.35%, which makes it one of the least expensive products in the space.

XOP's 12-month trailing dividend yield is 2.62%.

Sector Exposure and Top HoldingsWhile ETFs offer diversified exposure, which minimizes single stock risk, a deep look into a fund's holdings is a valuable exercise. And, most ETFs are very transparent products that disclose their holdings on a daily basis.

Representing 99.3% of the portfolio, the fund has heaviest allocation to the Energy sector.

Looking at individual holdings, Cnx Resources Corp (CNX) accounts for about 3.51% of total assets, followed by Expand Energy Corp (EXE) and Murphy Oil Corp (MUR).

Its top 10 holdings account for approximately 30.04% of XOP's total assets under management.

Performance and RiskThe ETF has gained about 0% so far this year and is down about -2.12% in the last one year (as of 01/01/2026). In the past 52-week period, it has traded between $101.91 and $145.88

The fund has a beta of 0.75 and standard deviation of 27.80% for the trailing three-year period, which makes XOP a high risk choice in this particular space. With about 55 holdings, it effectively diversifies company-specific risk .

AlternativesState Street SPDR S&P Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF is not a suitable option for investors seeking to outperform the Energy ETFs segment of the market. Instead, there are other ETFs in the space which investors should consider.

Invesco Energy Exploration & Production ETF (PXE) tracks Dynamic Energy Exploration & Production Intellidex Index and the iShares U.S. Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (IEO) tracks Dow Jones U.S. Select Oil Exploration & Production Index. Invesco Energy Exploration & Production ETF has $75.61 million in assets, iShares U.S. Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF has $419.71 million. PXE has an expense ratio of 0.61% and IEO changes 0.38%.

Investors looking for cheaper and lower-risk options should consider traditional market cap weighted ETFs that aim to match the returns of the Energy ETFs

Bottom LineTo learn more about this product and other ETFs, screen for products that match your investment objectives and read articles on latest developments in the ETF investing universe, please visit Zacks ETF Center.

Launched on 12/23/2014, the Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF (EQAL - Free Report) is a smart beta exchange traded fund offering broad exposure to the Style Box - Large Cap Blend category of the market.

What Are Smart Beta ETFs?For a long time now, the ETF industry has been flooded with products based on market capitalization weighted indexes, which are designed to represent the broader market or a particular market segment.

Market cap weighted indexes work great for investors who believe in market efficiency. They provide a low-cost, convenient and transparent way of replicating market returns.

But, there are some investors who would rather invest in smart beta funds; these funds track non-cap weighted strategies, and are a strong option for those who prefer choosing great stocks in order to beat the market.

Non-cap weighted indexes try to choose stocks that have a better chance of risk-return performance, which is based on specific fundamental characteristics, or a mix of other such characteristics.

Methodologies like equal-weighting, one of the simplest options out there, fundamental weighting, and volatility/momentum based weighting are all choices offered to investors in this space, but not all of them can deliver superior returns.

Fund Sponsor & IndexBecause the fund has amassed over $689.05 million, this makes it one of the average sized ETFs in the Style Box - Large Cap Blend. EQAL is managed by Invesco. Before fees and expenses, EQAL seeks to match the performance of the Russell 1000 Equal Weight Index.

The Russell 1000 Equal Weight Index is composed of securities in the Russell 1000 Index and is equally weighted across nine sector groups with each security within the sector receiving equal weight.

Cost & Other ExpensesWhen considering an ETF's total return, expense ratios are an important factor. And, cheaper funds can significantly outperform their more expensive cousins in the long term if all other factors remain equal.

Annual operating expenses for EQAL are 0.20%, which makes it on par with most peer products in the space.

The fund has a 12-month trailing dividend yield of 1.79%.

Sector Exposure and Top HoldingsWhile ETFs offer diversified exposure, which minimizes single stock risk, a deep look into a fund's holdings is a valuable exercise. And, most ETFs are very transparent products that disclose their holdings on a daily basis.

This ETF has heaviest allocation in the Information Technology sector - about 12.7% of the portfolio. Healthcare and Industrials round out the top three.

Looking at individual holdings, Lumentum Holdings Inc (LITE) accounts for about 1.05% of total assets, followed by Ast Spacemobile Inc (ASTS) and Ciena Corp (CIEN).

Its top 10 holdings account for approximately 6.25% of EQAL's total assets under management.

Performance and RiskYear-to-date, the Invesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF has added about 0% so far, and is up about 10.93% over the last 12 months (as of 01/01/2026). EQAL has traded between $41.38 $53.70 in this past 52-week period.

The fund has a beta of 0.97 and standard deviation of 15.52% for the trailing three-year period, which makes EQAL a medium risk choice in this particular space. With about 999 holdings, it effectively diversifies company-specific risk .

AlternativesInvesco Russell 1000 Equal Weight ETF is a reasonable option for investors seeking to outperform the Style Box - Large Cap Blend segment of the market. However, there are other ETFs in the space which investors could consider.

iShares Core S&P 500 ETF (IVV) tracks S&P 500 Index and the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF (VOO) tracks S&P 500 Index. iShares Core S&P 500 ETF has $761.25 billion in assets, Vanguard S&P 500 ETF has $823.85 billion. IVV has an expense ratio of 0.03% and VOO changes 0.03%.

Investors looking for cheaper and lower-risk options should consider traditional market cap weighted ETFs that aim to match the returns of the Style Box - Large Cap Blend

Bottom LineTo learn more about this product and other ETFs, screen for products that match your investment objectives and read articles on latest developments in the ETF investing universe, please visit Zacks ETF Center.