Two Dividend-Growth Stocks Stand Out as the TSX Surges (ENB, ABX)
December 19, 2025, 10:55 PM EST. Canadian stocks have kept rallying, with the TSX posting strong gains into year-end. The article spotlights two dividend growers: Enbridge (ENB) and Barrick Gold (ABX). Enbridge offers a ~6% dividend yield and a history of hikes, supported by improving cash flow as new pipelines come online, making it a value-oriented pick amid a yield-starved environment. Barrick Gold trades around $60 and provides upside tied to gold prices, which could stay resilient amid macro themes like USD debasement and persistent inflation pressures. While gold miners can be volatile, the potential for higher bullion prices and a weaker dollar could lift ABX. Both names offer predictable cash flows and shareholder-friendly management, potentially delivering growth as the market remains buoyant.
Palantir 2026 Outlook: Could Its High Valuation Spark a Pullback?
December 19, 2025, 10:54 PM EST. Palantir's stock has surged on AI hype but now faces a high valuation with a reported P/E well over 400 and a multimillion-dollar market cap (~$443B). The article frames Palantir as a hybrid meme-growth stock whose gains may not be sustainable if fundamentals falter. With the broader economy showing signs of strain-layoffs rising and consumer demand shifting-there could be meaningful headwinds for pricey tech names in 2026. While Palantir benefited from AI momentum, the piece warns a correction or multiple compression could unfold as investors reassess growth assumptions. The takeaway: a 2026 finish hinges on whether demand and earnings growth can justify the lofty multiples, or if valuations normalize despite ongoing AI optimism.
Turning Losing TSX Telecom Bets Into Tax Savings: A Tax-Loss Harvesting Guide
December 19, 2025, 10:46 PM EST. Canadian telecoms BCE and TELUS have fallen, with BCE cutting its dividend and TELUS pausing growth. In non-registered accounts, investors can use tax-loss harvesting to realize a capital loss and offset capital gains in the current year, with the option to carry losses back up to three years or forward indefinitely. Beware the superficial loss rule: selling at a loss and repurchasing the same security within 30 days negates the deduction. Also avoid purchases that are considered substantially identical. An alternative is the Hamilton Enhanced Utilities ETF (TSX:HUTS), which provides diversified exposure to utilities, telecoms, and pipelines, with modest leverage. This approach can reduce single-stock risk while preserving tax-loss flexibility under the CRA rules.
VIX India near record low: what it signals for the Indian stock market
December 19, 2025, 10:45 PM EST.VIX India is near its 52-week low of 9.40, finishing at 9.52 as benchmarks like the Nifty 50 and Sensex tread water. The slide in the VIX India signals market participants pricing in near-term stability and limited macro or global triggers, even as returns stay tepid. Analysts attribute the fall to a surge in conviction from DIIs and retail investors, aided by reforms such as GST, higher FDI in insurance, and reduced mutual fund fees by SEBI. The Bank of Japan's rate hike could influence FIIs, potentially pushing the VIX India lower still if risk sentiment improves. Yet others warn a record low VIX India can reflect a lack of clear catalysts, leaving the market directionless in the near term.
Revolve Group Rally Meets Reality: Is RVLV Overvalued Despite a 31% Monthly Run?
December 19, 2025, 10:44 PM EST. Revolve Group, trading near $28.99, has surged about 31% in the last month despite a tougher year. Our take: the market may be pricing in optimistic growth, but valuation checks paint a different picture. A DCF model yields an intrinsic value of about $18.92 per share, suggesting the stock is around 53% overvalued versus the current price. The company generated roughly $66.6 million of Free Cash Flow in the trailing twelve months, with analysts eyeing about $94.0 million by 2035 under a two-stage FCF-to-equity framework. While the rally and P/E context matter, the headline multiple isn't the full story, and a cautious stance on margins and consumer demand supports a nuanced view.
VF Corp (VFC) Valuation After Rebound: DCF Undervalues While Narrative Overvalues
December 19, 2025, 10:43 PM EST. VF Corp (VFC) has surged ~27% in a month, but valuation signals remain mixed. At last close of $18.62, analysts' fair value sits near $16.05, framing the rally as ahead of fundamentals and potentially overvalued. Yet a DCF view from the SWS model points to roughly 9% undervaluation vs intrinsic value, implying upside if margins recover. The story hinges on growth in higher-margin channels (direct-to-consumer, e-commerce), margin expansion, and sustainable revenue growth, while risks include Vans market-share loss, tariff headwinds, and leverage weighing on margins. The key question: is this a fresh buying opportunity or a narrative that overshoots fundamentals? Explore the growth runway, profitability reset, and the valuation multiple required to support the current price.
Porsche Share Price Slide and EV Strategy: Is There a Bargain Opportunity?
December 19, 2025, 10:42 PM EST.Porsche stock has slipped about 2.5% over the past week and is down 21.4% year-to-date, reflecting shifting sentiment around European automakers, evolving EV strategy, and the pace of the auto industry transition. While a 30-day gain of 2.9% belies a rough three-year decline of roughly 45%, investors are weighing whether the pullback yields value or signals ongoing risk. Simply Wall St assigns Porsche a valuation score of 1/6, suggesting limited checks point to possible mispricing. A DCF framework pegs intrinsic value near €47.10 per share, implying a slim margin of safety. The takeaway: monitor luxury demand, strategic shifts, and whether the dip creates a plausible entry point for patient investors.
Norges Bank Backing Elevates Metaplanet's Bitcoin Strategy at TSE:3350
December 19, 2025, 10:41 PM EST. Norges Bank Investment Management has backed all five of Metaplanet's capital restructuring proposals ahead of the December 22 Extraordinary General Meeting, including buybacks, dividends, and a new preferred share issue aimed at raising US$150 million from institutional investors. The support from a top sovereign wealth fund underscores growing institutional interest in Metaplanet's bitcoin-centric strategy and its unconventional balance sheet. The endorsement could help fund the targeted raise without heavy dilution, while the scale of equity and preferred issuances keeps capital-structure risk in focus. Investors should weigh dilution risk and Metaplanet's exposure to bitcoin price swings against management's ability to translate October guidance into sustained profitability. The stock has traded lower, but a sovereign stamp of approval adds credibility to its evolving narrative.
Is Coursera a Bargain After Its Share Slide? Valuation Signals a Discount
December 19, 2025, 10:40 PM EST. Coursera's stock has slid about 6% last week and ~10% year-to-date, sparking whether it's a bargain or a value trap. A 2/6 valuation score hints weaknesses, but a DCF suggests a different story: intrinsic value around $17.78 per share, about a 57.4% discount to today's price. The model uses ~$92M in free cash flow now, with forecasts to roughly $155M by 2035. The implied upside hinges on growth in enterprise/institutional learning and partnerships that could widen the moat and support a longer-term growth thesis. The stock may look attractive on a price-to-sales lens, which can be steadier for high-growth platforms. Bottom line: the stock appears undervalued on cash flow, but catalysts and execution will decide whether the discount narrows.
Diginex (DGNX) Valuation Under Scrutiny After Volatile Rally
December 19, 2025, 10:39 PM EST.Diginex (DGNX) has swung from a sharp slide to a strong year-to-date gain, but the stock now trades at a 130.2x price-to-book multiple, far richer than peers and the wider software sector. With modest revenue, persistent losses, and no solid analyst valuation anchor, the rally appears built on ambitious future growth expectations rather than current fundamentals. The setup suggests volatility may be cooling, yet little margin for disappointment if targets falter could trigger a rapid valuation reset. Investors should weigh valuation risk, limited analyst coverage, and the lack of a clear earnings anchor against potential upside from ESG growth drivers. The article breaks down the numbers and highlights key risks to watch.
Srivasavi Adhesive Tapes Ltd (NSE:SRIVASAVI) Faces Short-Term Weakness Despite Strong Fundamentals
December 19, 2025, 10:24 PM EST. Srivasavi Adhesive Tapes (NSE:SRIVASAVI) has fallen about 34% over the last three months, yet its fundamentals look robust. The company reports a trailing ROE of 12% on ₹436m shareholders' equity with ₹54m net profit for the year to September 2025, suggesting efficient capital use. Compared with the industry averageROE of 9.8%, Srivasavi's profitability stands out. Over the past five years, net income growth has run about 20%, higher than the industry's 8.6%, even as the stock price cooled. The data imply earnings momentum despite near-term weakness, though investors should consider other factors driving price moves. In the long run, sustained profitability and earnings retention could unlock upside, even if near-term sentiment remains cautious.
Wheaton Precious Metals (TSX:WPM) Valuation After a Strong YTD Rally
December 19, 2025, 10:23 PM EST. Wheaton Precious Metals (TSX:WPM) has extended a strong run, up ~13% in the last month and roughly double year-to-date. At about $165, the stock shows momentum and a durable multi-year total shareholder return profile, nudging investors to broaden watchlists for high-insider-ownership names. Our fair-value view suggests Wheaton remains undervalued, with a target of $182.74 implying about 12-13% upside from current levels, supported by lean growth, higher gold and silver pricing, and steady cash generation. The valuation is rich-around 54x P/E vs. ~21x industry avg-raising rerating risk. Key risks include competition squeezing returns on new streams and jurisdictional risks in Latin America that could disrupt production.
US stocks rally on track for Santa Claus rally as year-end gains persist
December 19, 2025, 10:17 PM EST. Wall Street offered a two-day lift, with the S&P 500 up 0.8% on both Thursday and Friday, capping the last full trading week of the year. Historically, the late-December stretch has favored gains: since 1928, the S&P 500 rises about 75% of the time in the final two weeks, averaging a 1.3% gain. Traders say the Santa Claus rally may be materializing, supported by solid economic data and improving earnings prospects, even as AI stocks remain a watchful eye. Money rotated into technology names, with chipmakers drawing fresh call buying activity and the Nasdaq 100 bouncing after a volatile spell. Goldman Sachs notes the favorable seasonal backdrop should be hard to reverse unless a shock hits, while some analysts see room for modest further gains into year-end as risk sentiment steadies.
LICI: Strong 38% ROE Underpins Durable Fundamentals Despite Recent Selloff
December 19, 2025, 9:50 PM EST. Despite a 6.8% slide in NSEI:LICI over the past month, Life Insurance Corporation of India's fundamentals look robust. The stock's standout metric is a 38% ROE based on ₹536b profit and ₹1.4t equity in the trailing twelve months to September 2025. That ROE comfortably exceeds the industry average of 10%, underscoring efficient capital use. The company posted roughly 30% net income growth over the last five years, broadly in line with the industry's ~32% pace. The analysis links ROE to earnings growth and sustainable reinvestment, suggesting a higher growth trajectory if profits are retained. The report also flags an intrinsic value assessment to gauge whether LICI is mispriced. In sum, today's weakness might be temporary if these fundamentals persist and investors reprice the stock.
As the TSX Breaks Higher, 3 Canadian Stocks Poised to Win in 2026
December 19, 2025, 9:38 PM EST. The TSX closed above 30,000 for the first time in a decade, fueling optimism for 2026. Three names to watch on the TSX30 list are Bombardier (TSX:BBD.B), Avino Silver & Gold Mines (TSX:ASM) and Firan Technology (TSX:FTG). Bombardier has reduced long-term debt by $500 million since 2020, boasts a $16.6 billion order backlog and just secured a $753 million Royal Canadian Air Force contract, supporting earnings and liquidity. Avino trades near $8.45, with a 570% YTD gain and a debt-free balance sheet, underpinned by a productive Mexico mine and an expanding pipeline. FTG has delivered 471% three-year total return; at $11.42, analysts peg a $15.67 target (~37% upside). If momentum persists, these names could lead in 2026.
Singapore Markets: GDP Upgrade, Keppel DC REIT Expansion, and Hougang Central Bid
December 19, 2025, 9:37 PM EST. Economists upgraded Singapore's 2025 GDP growth forecast to 4.1%, from 2.4%, driven by a stronger Q3 expansion of 4.2% YoY and broad gains across manufacturing, finance, wholesale/retail, and construction. Q4 growth seen at 3.6% with 2026 at 2.3%, while inflation remains contained (0.9% headline, 0.7% core for 2025) and policy expectations show little tightening through 2026. In real assets, Keppel DC REIT will own 100% of two Tampines data centres after acquiring the remaining 10% and 1% stakes for about S$50.5 million, with a roughly S$434m and S$586m value for KDC SGP 3/4. The deal is 0.8% DPU-accretive and funded by a recent S$404.5m offering, with completion targeted for Q1 2026. Separately, a CapitaLand Development-CICT-UOL consortium led the top bid at S$1.5 billion for Hougang Central, a 99-year leasehold mixed-use site.
As the TSX Breaks Higher, These Canadian Stocks Look Poised to Win in 2026
December 19, 2025, 9:36 PM EST. The TSX finished 2025 on a high, and three TSX30 names-Bombardier (BBD.B), Avino (ASM), and Firan Technology (FTG)-could drive gains into 2026. Bombardier has halved its long-term debt since 2020, boosting liquidity ahead of a hefty order backlog of $16.6 billion and a recent $753 million RCAF contract. Avino sits debt-free with a YTD gain of about 570% at $8.45 and strong 3Q25 momentum (operating income +141%, net income +438%). The company also touts a diversified gold/silver/copper pipeline. Firan Technology has posted ~471% three-year returns, trades near $11.42, with a 12-month target around $15.67 and ~37% upside on solid PCB/cockpit demand. If momentum persists, these names could deliver meaningful upside in 2026.
Before the Clock Strikes Midnight on 2025 – TSX Transportation & Logistics Stocks to Buy
December 19, 2025, 9:35 PM EST. Top TSX transportation and logistics plays to buy in 2025: Canadian National Railway (CNR), TFI International (TFII), and Mullen Group (MTL). CNR's three-coast network and a $2.8B capital budget for 2026 aim to lift productivity and free cash flow, with a share price around $134.30, a 2.7% dividend, and a 29-year dividend growth streak. TFII operates 100+ subsidiaries in a diversified freight portfolio, reducing client concentration risk; shares near $145.58 with a 1.8% yield and a 24-year dividend history. MTL dominates Western Canada with ~$1.4B revenue, a 5.3% dividend, and growth via acquisitions. Mordor Intelligence pegs Canada's logistics market to US$139.2B by 2030, supporting momentum amid tariff and macro headwinds.
TSX Transportation & Logistics Stocks to Buy Ahead of 2025: CNR, TFII, MTL
December 19, 2025, 9:34 PM EST. Industry outlook calls for sustained growth in Canada's Transportation & Logistics market, with Mordor Intelligence forecasting US$139.2 billion by 2030 from US$111.7 billion in 2025. Three major players likely to benefit: Canadian National Railway (TSX:CNR), a large-cap with a three-coast network, capex of US$2.8B in 2026, and a 29-year dividend growth streak at ~2.7%. TFI International (TSX:TFII), a trucking and logistics platform built via a robust 'buy-and-build' model, >100 operating companies, diversified customer base, 1.8% dividend. Mullen Group (TSX:MTL), Western Canada-focused logistics specialist with a 5.3% dividend and $1.4B market cap; growth driven by acquisitions. Risks include tariff uncertainty; demand shown as relatively stable. Investors may gain exposure to a growing sector via these names.
Infosys ADR surge on NYSE could spark gap-up for Infosys on NSE and BSE
December 19, 2025, 9:18 PM EST. Infosys' ADR jumped as much as 56% on Friday on the NYSE before settling 5.68% higher at $20.27, with volumes topping 3.5 million as intraday highs reached $30. Market observers say the move lacked a fundamental trigger and was driven by technicals and a short squeeze amid heavy trading on Wall Street. The rally could lift sentiment on Dalal Street, with expectations of a gap-up opening for Infosys on the NSE and BSE when markets reopen. Analysts caution the INR dynamics and broader tech rebound may cap gains, but the price action has renewed bullish momentum for Infosys, despite the lack of domestic catalysts.
Infosys ADR rally on NYSE could lift Infosys shares on NSE/BSE, driven by technicals
December 19, 2025, 9:17 PM EST. Infosys' ADR on the NYSE jumped over 56% intraday and settled about 5.68% higher at $20.27, with volumes above 3.5 million and a $30 intraday high. The move appears technical, not driven by a fresh fundamental catalyst, aided by a short-squeeze and elevated volume. The rally could prompt a gap-up for Infosys on the NSE and BSE when Indian markets reopen, lifting sentiment. However, a firmer INR could cap gains. Analysts warn the rebound may fade without solid earnings drivers, even as the ADR surge signals bullish mood on Dalal Street. In short, NYSE strength is a sentiment boost that might lift Indian-listed Infosys but is not a new fundamental driver.
Talon Metals (TSE:TLO) Stock Price Up 34.9% on Friday
December 19, 2025, 9:03 PM EST. Shares of Talon Metals Corp. (TSE:TLO) jumped 34.9% on Friday, trading as high as C$0.59 and settling near C$0.56 as ~26.5 million shares changed hands. The move followed a prior close of C$0.42 and comes as the stock clears its 50-day moving average of C$0.43 and sits above the 200-day moving average of C$0.37. The company carries a market cap around C$655 million, a P/E of -55.00, and a beta of 0.87. Talon Metals explores in the United States, owning an 18.45% stake in the Tamarack nickel-copper-PGE project in Minnesota and a 100% interest in the Trairão iron project in Brazil. Headquarters: Road Town, British Virgin Islands.
Intel Stock After Hours: Nvidia Investment Cleared, Focus Shifts to Execution
December 19, 2025, 8:30 PM EST. Intel edged higher in after-hours trading after U.S. antitrust regulators cleared Nvidia's $5 billion investment, removing a key overhang. The move shifts focus from regulatory risk to execution-timelines, product roadmaps, and manufacturing readiness for Intel's foundry and partner ecosystem. Friday's close was $36.82; after-hours around $37.10 with heavier volume, underscoring renewed interest in AI and semiconductor peers. Nvidia's roughly 4% stake was framed as a vote of confidence, not a guaranteed path to durable revenue. Traders should remember after-hours action can be thin and volatile; eyes turn to Monday's session for updates on foundry capacity, customer wins, and whether Intel can convert optimism into concrete results.
Broadcom Stock Tops the Market Friday as Target Raised to $510
December 19, 2025, 8:16 PM EST. Broadcom (AVGO) led Friday's market rally among tech names after a price-target raise. Shares jumped about 3% as investor sentiment for AI chips stayed buoyant. Truist Securities analyst William Stein increased his target to $510 from $500, while preserving a Buy rating. Stein argues AI demand will fuel steady growth and that Broadcom remains attractively valued relative to its growth potential. The stock traded around $340.18 intraday, with a market cap near $1.6 trillion and a 52-week range of $138.10-$414.61. While AI investment requires capital, Stein believes the sector offers substantial upside, and Broadcom stands to benefit as a leading maker of AI chips.
XSHU:CA Stock Analysis and AI Signals: Short Setup at 43.55, Near/Mid Weak; Long Strong | Stock Traders Daily Canada
December 19, 2025, 8:15 PM EST. Stock Traders Daily Canada presents AI-generated signals for iShares 1-5 Year U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF (XSHU:CA). The near-term setup shows a short entry around 43.55 with a stop loss at 43.77; no long plans are offered at this time. The AI ratings read: Near-term: Weak, Mid-term: Weak, and Long-term: Strong, suggesting mixed near-term caution but longer-term strength. The report notes updated AI signal pages for XSHU:CA and a timestamped data check. Traders should review the link for updates and apply their risk controls before acting.
Equinix (EQIX) Outpaces Market Gains Ahead of Feb 12 Earnings Release
December 19, 2025, 8:05 PM EST. Equinix shares closed at $951.04, up 1.17% on the session, outperforming the S&P 500 (+0.16%). The Dow rose 0.25%, while the Nasdaq slipped 0.06%. Over the past month, EQIX has fallen about 2.31%, better than a Finance sector loss of 4.27% and the S&P 500 decline of 2.7%. Investors are eyeing the February 12, 2025 earnings report, with consensus calling for EPS of $8.11, up 11.1% year over year, and revenue of $2.28 billion, up 8.07%. The market remains focused on any analyst estimate revisions, the backbone of the Zacks Rank. EQIX currently carries a Forward P/E of 24.82 vs. industry 14.51, and a PEG ratio of 1.99 (industry 2.8). Zacks ranks EQIX at #3 Hold.
Medpace (MEDP) Outperforms Market Ahead of Earnings; Zacks Rates Strong Buy
December 19, 2025, 8:04 PM EST. Medpace (MEDP) closed at $405.68, +1.12%, outpacing the S&P 500 (+0.26%). Over the last month the stock rose 2.82%, lagging the Medical sector (+3.06%) and the S&P 500 (+3.25%). Investors await the next earnings report, with consensus estimates calling for EPS of $2.52 (up about 30.57% YoY) and quarterly revenue of $529.73 million (up 14.94%). For the full year, EPS of $11.29 and revenue of $2.17 billion are projected, reflecting increases of 27.14% and 14.92%, respectively. The stock carries a Zacks #1 Strong Buy rating amid modest estimate revisions. On valuation, a Forward P/E of 35.55 vs. industry 19.51 and a PEG of 1.98-the Medical Services group remains a relatively strong cohort.
Lyft (LYFT) Stock Slides as Market Rises: Key Metrics Ahead of Earnings
December 19, 2025, 8:03 PM EST. Lyft (LYFT) closed at $14.76, down 1.14%, lagging the S&P 500's 0.54% gain while the Dow and Nasdaq advanced. Over the last month, LYFT has risen 1.63%, still behind the Computer & Technology sector (+5.77%) and the S&P 500 (+4.2%). Ahead of its next earnings report, the stock faces an EPS estimate of $0.27, up 12.5% YoY, with revenue expected at $1.61B, up 12.28%. For the full year, Zacks Consensus pegs EPS $1.10 and revenue $6.51B (approx. +15.8% and +12.5%). The firm carries a Zacks Rank #4 Sell, with a 3.27% downgrade in the last 30 days. Valuation shows a forward P/E of 13.57 (vs. industry 19.88) and a PEG of 0.66, in the Internet-Services group ranked 73.
u-blox Holding AG Stock Analysis: AI-Driven Positioning, Valuation, and Outlook
December 19, 2025, 8:00 PM EST. u-blox Holding AG (UBXN.SW) sits at the intersection of AI-enhanced positioning and wireless connectivity. The Swiss tech player leverages AI to optimize GPS/GNSS solutions for automotive and industrial markets, reinforcing its strategic niche. The stock trades near its 52-week high at CHF 135.2, with a low-volume profile and a dramatic 1-year gain of roughly 92%. Yet on fundamentals, the trailing PE sits at -61.3, signaling valuation beyond earnings. Meyka AI assigns UBXN.SW a 75/100 and a Hold, while forecasting a modest move to CHF 136.83 next month and a quarterly target of CHF 153.82. The path forward hinges on revenue growth and sustained AI-enabled product momentum in auto positioning and wireless solutions, offset by broader market headwinds.
Is Scotiabank Still a Buy After its 2025 Rally? Valuation Signals Hidden Upside
December 19, 2025, 7:59 PM EST. Bank of Nova Scotia has surged 29.6% YTD and 6.5% last month, raising questions about upside. The macro backdrop and bank sector risk are discussed, alongside management's strategy and capital allocation. Despite the rally, the stock scores only a 2/6 valuation check. The Excess Returns model implies an intrinsic value of about CA$155.74 per share, suggesting the shares are undervalued by roughly 35.7%. Inputs include a CA$70.26 per share book value, a CA$8.87 stable EPS, an estimated ROE of ~13%, and a CA$4.89 cost of equity. The analysis advocates a nuanced approach: be mindful of macro and sector risks, but recognise potential upside on cash-flow valuation rather than relying solely on headline multiples.
Shake Shack's 2025 Valuation Signals Overvaluation After Big Slide
December 19, 2025, 7:58 PM EST. Shake Shack trades near $85 after a 35% YTD drop and a 33% annual decline, raising questions whether it's a bargain or a value trap. The stock has seen a modest rebound but remains far from its intrinsic value. A simple valuation checklist prints 0/6 on signs of being undervalued. A DCF/2-stage FCF estimate places the fair value at roughly $35.56 per share, implying the shares are about 141% overvalued vs today. The model forecasts free cash flow rising from about $38.9M in the last twelve months to roughly $122.6M by 2035, with early acceleration tapering later. Meanwhile, the P/E sits near 81x, underscoring growth expectations and risk. The takeaway: consider whether Shake Shack's growth plan justifies the premium or signals higher risk of contraction.
Is BGC Group Undervalued After Its Price Pullback? A Valuation Snapshot
December 19, 2025, 7:57 PM EST. BGC Group (BGC) has quietly outperformed peers over 3 years, but its pullback now has it trading below some analysts' fair value. In the last year the stock drifted despite a solid revenue backdrop, although a 1-month gain of 5.38% and a 3-year total shareholder return of 141.02% show lasting momentum. If the mix of trading and technology exposure appeals to you, this could be a moment to compare other financial names with strong owner alignment. With double-digit revenue growth and a stated fair value of $14.50 against a last close of $9.01, the question is whether the digital trading push can expand earnings. Growth in data network and post-trade services-including Lucera and Fenics Market Data-could unlock higher-margin recurring revenue, while risks to the forecast remain.
Rockwool (CPSE: ROCK B) Valuation Check: Mixed Momentum, Steady Earnings Growth, and Upside Potential
December 19, 2025, 7:50 PM EST. Rockwool (CPSE: ROCK B) has a choppy quarter, with the share price up modestly over 1 month while YTD returns lag, even as earnings growth persists. At around DKK 221, the stock trades near a narrative fair value of about DKK 250, suggesting potential upside if growth and margin leverage hold. However, a DCF view points to a fair value around DKK 180, signaling a tighter margin of safety if growth disappoints. The 3-year TSR above 40% keeps the longer-term story constructive, supported by ongoing capacity expansions in the US, Europe, and India. Macro uncertainty remains a risk, but the combination of top-line growth, steady margins, and capacity expansion could still drive re-rating.
Carvana (CVNA) Stock: Triple-Witching Ahead of S&P 500 Addition
December 19, 2025, 7:49 PM EST. Carvana (CVNA) finished Friday's session lower, closing at $450.22 (-3.33%), with after-hours trading edging toward $451.01. The move unfolds on a triple witching day and ahead of Carvana's S&P 500 inclusion, effective before the open on Monday, 12/22. The session featured a wide intraday range ($450.08-$474.89) and above-average volume (~28.5M), signaling hedging and rebalancing activity as index-tracking funds prepare to buy. While no new long-term catalyst emerged, the S&P 500 addition could introduce mechanical buying pressure. Investors should watch the open for early follow-through and whether index-driven demand sustains into the week.
Cattle Rally Ahead of Bullish Cattle on Feed Report
December 19, 2025, 7:48 PM EST. Live cattle futures closed higher Friday, with Feb up about $1.25 on the week and spot feeder cattle futures gaining $4 to $5, buoyed by a softer cash trade around $228 and dressed at $356-358. The Cattle on Feed report showed November placements at 1.595 million head, down 11.19% year over year, with marketings down 11.83%. December 1 on feed totaled 11.727 million, down 2.13% and below the 1.6% decline expected. The CME feeder cattle index rose to $350.05. Commitment of Traders data showed speculators adding to net longs in live cattle futures and options, while feeders also increased exposure. Wholesale boxed beef prices moved higher, with the Choice box at $361.63 and Select at $346.02, supporting near-term sentiment.
Corn Closes Friday with Fractional Losses as Market Eyes USDA Export Sales and Brazilian Crop Estimates
December 19, 2025, 7:47 PM EST. Corn futures finished Friday mostly lower, with fractional losses across most contracts, while the March contract closed the week with a small 3-cent gain. The CmdtyView national cash price for corn slipped to $3.99 per bushel, down ¾ cent. Traders await the USDA's upcoming Export Sales report for the week ending 12/4, with a query for about 1.2-2.4 MMT of corn sold. CFTC data through 12/9 show speculative net longs trimmed by 13,552 contracts to about 9,718. On the production side, Safras pegs the 2025/26 Brazilian corn crop at 142.88 MMT, with reductions in the second and first crop. Price anchors included Mar 26 at $4.43 3/4, with nearby cash near $3.99; May and Jul futures also eased.
Cotton Futures Close Higher on Friday as Ginnings Data Aligns With Mixed Signals
December 19, 2025, 7:46 PM EST. Cotton futures closed higher on Friday, with front-month contracts up 20-25 points as March slipped 8 points on the week. Crude oil rose 55 cents to $56.55 and the US dollar index edged to 98.38. The latest ginnings data through December 15 shows 10.212 million RB ginned, up 1.567 million RB from two weeks earlier but down 10% year over year. CFTC data indicate managed money trimming about 4,774 contracts from its net short to 55,013. The December 18 auction from The Seam sold 9,858 bales at 60.53 cents/lb. The Cotlook A Index rose to 73.30 cents, while ICE certified stocks remained unchanged at 12,396 bales. The Adjusted World Price was updated to 49.99 cents/lb, a 40-point drop from last week.
Wheat Markets End Friday Mixed as KC Weakens; SRW Edges Higher
December 19, 2025, 7:45 PM EST. Friday's Wheat Complex closed mixed, with the KC market the weakest. Chicago SRW futures were up 1-2 cents, though March SRW slid 19.5 cents on the week. KC HRW futures dipped 1-2 cents, March posting a weekly decline near 2.75 cents. MPLS spring wheat rose 5-6 cents, with March up about 2.25 cents for the week. Export sales data are due Monday for the week ended 12/4, with estimates of 300k-600k MT. CFTC shows CBT wheat net short up 2,228 to 46,069; KC net short trimmed 900 to 17,011. South Korea bought 50,000 MT US and 9,200 MT Canada; Buenos Aires pegs Argentina crop at 27.1 MMT, up 1.6. Close: CBOT Mar 5.09 3/4; KC Mar 5.15 1/4; MGEX Mar 5.78.
Lean Hog Futures Settle Higher Friday as Net Longs Rebuild; Pork Cutout Rises
December 19, 2025, 7:44 PM EST. Lean hog futures were steady to up to 40 cents higher Friday, with February easing slightly on the weekly basis. The USDA national base hog price posted $67.45 on Friday afternoon, down $1.20 from Thursday. The CME Lean Hog Index rose 1 cent on Dec. 17 to 83.88. Speculators rebuilt length, with the week ending Dec 9 showing the net long up 4,821 contracts to 51,471. The pork carcass cutout value in the Friday AM report was $99.76 per cwt, up $2.22, while the loin was the only primal lower. Slaughter so far this week totaled 2.683 million head, 39,000 below last week and 97,673 above a year ago. Nearby futures include Feb at 84.50, Apr at 89.13, May at 92.93.
Soybeans End Week in Weakness as Front Months Slide; Export Sales in Focus
December 19, 2025, 7:43 PM EST. Soybeans extended Friday weakness as front-months fell 2-3 cents, leaving January down about 27.5 cents for the week. The cmdtyView national cash price eased to $9.78 1/2. Soymeal dropped about $0.80 to $1.50; January soymeal was down roughly $4.90 on the week, while soy oil slipped 2 points to 21 on Friday and January oil was down about 217 points WoW. The USDA reported another private export sale of 134,000 MT to China. Upcoming data: Export Sales for the week of Dec 4 due Monday, with beans seen at 0.8-2.0 MMT, meal 200k-500k MT, oil 5k-25k MT. CFTC showed managed money cutting net longs by 35,088 contracts to about 180,338 as of Dec 9. Nearby quotes: Jan 26 soybeans $10.49 1/4, nearby cash $9.78 1/2, Mar $10.59 1/2, May $10.70 1/2.
NYSE Halts Infosys ADR Trading After Spike; ADR Volatility Highlights Market Risk (Dec. 19, 2025)
December 19, 2025, 7:33 PM EST. Infosys ADRs surged intraday on Friday, prompting an NYSE trading halt as volume exploded and volatility in U.S.-listed foreign shares spiked. The stock traded near $20.26 after a +5.63% session, with a daily high near $30.00 and a low around $19.07. Friday's volume totaled about 115.6 million shares, roughly 738% above the three-month average of 13.8 million, underscoring demand and liquidity stress. Infosys' U.S. ADRs reached a 52-week intraday high, while Indian listings rose modestly; peers such as Cognizant and Wipro advanced, highlighting diverging ADR dynamics. The incident raises questions about ADR structure, cross-border liquidity, and risk management for U.S. investors in foreign tech names. Investors consider added volatility when evaluating ADR exposure, even as the IT services rally persists.
Symbotic Inc. (SYM) Stock Rises as Earnings Outlook and Zacks Rank Signal Caution
December 19, 2025, 7:32 PM EST. Symbotic Inc. (SYM) closed at $28.58, up 0.95%, outpacing the S&P 500 (+0.22%) as the Dow fell 0.33% and the Nasdaq rose 0.76%. The stock has climbed about 22.45% in the last month, outperforming the Business Services sector. Investors are eyeing the upcoming earnings report, with a consensus EPS of $0.03 (+137.5% YoY) and revenue of $471.59 million (+20.34%). Recent analyst revisions feed the narrative, but Zacks Rank remains at #5 (Strong Sell). Valuation sits at a Forward P/E of 85.27, well above the industry average of 24.15. The Technology Services sub-industry sits in the top 27% by Zacks Industry Rank. Stay tuned for updates, including the highlighted 5 Stocks Set to Double picks.
Tenet Healthcare (THC) Outpaces Market Gains Ahead of July 22 Earnings
December 19, 2025, 7:31 PM EST. Tenet Healthcare (THC) outpaced the market in the latest session, closing at $173.66, up 1.32% versus the S&P 500's 0.28% gain. The stock has risen about 6.19% over the past month, beating the Medical sector. The company is set to report on July 22, 2025, with expected Q2 EPS of $2.84 (up ~23% YoY) on revenue of $5.15B (up ~0.85%). For the full year, consensus calls for EPS of $12.73 and revenue of $20.9B. The forward P/E is 13.47, above the industry average of 11.43, and the PEG is 1.25. Zacks assigns a Rank #3 Hold; the Medical-Hospital industry ranks in the bottom 26% of the Zacks Industry Rank. Monitor estimate revisions for near-term momentum.
Dominion Energy (D) Stock Drops as Market Rallies: Key Takeaways Ahead of Earnings
December 19, 2025, 7:30 PM EST. Dominion Energy (D) ended the session at $49.45, down 1.94% as the broader market rose. The stock underperformed the S&P 500 (+0.77%), while the Dow and Nasdaq posted gains. Over the past month, D has fallen about 5.74%, lagging the Utilities sector. Investors will be watching the upcoming earnings release, with the EPS forecast at $0.59 (up ~11.3% YoY) and revenue near $3.68B (down ~3.1% YoY). For the full year, the Zacks Consensus calls for about EPS of $2.75 on revenue of $15.91B, with recent estimate revisions shaping the Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold). Valuation sits at a Forward P/E around 18.3 and a PEG of 1.35, indicating a modest premium to the industry.
Twilio (TWLO) Outpaces Market Gains Ahead of Earnings; Zacks Rank Holds at #3
December 19, 2025, 7:29 PM EST. Twilio (TWLO) advanced 2.04% to $141.74, outpacing the S&P 500 (+0.88%), Nasdaq (+1.31%), and tech peers. The stock has climbed ~16.8% over the last month, outperforming the Computer & Technology sector. Ahead of its next earnings release, TWLO is seen delivering EPS of $1.24 and revenue of $1.32B, with the year consensus near $4.81 per share and $5.01B in revenue. The stock carries a Forward P/E of 28.89 and a PEG ratio of 1.45, modestly below the industry. Zacks flags TWLO at Rank #3 (Hold), within an industry ranked in the top quartile. Analysts have been nudging estimates higher, a sign of improving near-term health.
Talon Metals Stock Soars 34.9% on Friday (TLO) as Volume Surges
December 19, 2025, 7:26 PM EST. Talon Metals Corp. (TSE:TLO) jumped 34.9% on Friday, trading as high as C$0.59 and last at C$0.56 with 26,514,236 shares changing hands-far above the average session volume of 1,909,445. The move follows a prior close of C$0.42. The company lists a market capitalization of C$654.99 million, a P/E of -55.00 and a beta of 0.87. Liquidity metrics show a quick ratio of 5.62 and a current ratio of 2.81, with a debt-to-equity of 0.08. Key price anchors include the 50-day SMA at C$0.43 and the 200-day SMA at C$0.36. Talon Metals focuses on the Tamarack nickel-copper-PGE project in Minnesota and the Trairão iron project in Brazil.
Nebius Group NBIS Stock Surges 14.6% Amid Analyst Upbeat Targets
December 19, 2025, 7:15 PM EST. Nebius Group N.V. (NASDAQ: NBIS) surged 14.6% in mid-day trading, trading as high as $90.54 and last at $89.46 on volume of about 17.38 million. The move comes after a batch of analyst notes: Goldman Sachs reiterates a buy with a $120 target; DA Davidson also bullish, with a $150 target; Citizens Jmp starts coverage with a market outperform and $175 target; Seaport Res Ptn upgrades to hold; Wall Street Zen trims to sell. The consensus from MarketBeat shows a Buy rating with a $144.71 target. Key stats: market cap about $22.53B, P/E of -116.18, beta 3.83, 50-day SMA $103.09 and 200-day SMA $80.51. Institutional holders, like Signaturefd and Assetmark, have increased stakes.
Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) Outpaces Market Ahead of Earnings: Key Metrics and Valuation
December 19, 2025, 7:14 PM EST. Bristol Myers Squibb (BMY) closed at $48.79, up 1.06% on the session, narrowly outperforming the S&P 500 (+0.41%) as Dow rose 0.08% and Nasdaq 0.67%. The stock has fallen about 4.53% in the past month, vs the Medical sector's -3.74% and the S&P 500's +6.13%. Investors will watch the upcoming results for an EPS of $1.67 (down 19.32% YoY) and revenue of $11.32 billion (−7.19% YoY). For the year, Zacks estimates call for EPS of $6.89 and revenue of $46.32 billion (↑499.13% and −4.1%, respectively). The stock carries a Forward P/E of 7 vs the industry forward average of 20.51, and a PEG of 1.4 (industry ~1.47). Zacks ranks BMY #3 Hold.
Applied Materials (AMAT) Trading Higher Ahead of Earnings; Valuation and Zacks Rank Insights
December 19, 2025, 7:13 PM EST. Applied Materials (AMAT) closed at $256.41, up 1.15%, topping the S&P 500 (+0.88%) and extending a 1-month gain of about 15.1%. With earnings on deck, the company is seen delivering an EPS of $2.21 (down ~7.1% YoY) on revenue of roughly $6.86 billion (down ~4.3%). For the full year, consensus targets EPS of $9.54 and revenue of $28.94 billion, modestly higher year over year. The stock carries a Zacks Rank of #3 (Hold), with estimate revisions (+0.38% in the past month). On the valuation side, Forward P/E is about 26.6 vs. the industry's 34.1, and a PEG of 2.63 (vs. ~1.90 industry). The Electronics – Semiconductors group sits in the top tier of its sector per Zacks.
JPMorgan Chase: Stock Gains Ahead of Oct 14 Earnings; Key Metrics & Estimates
December 19, 2025, 7:11 PM EST. JPMorgan Chase & Co. (JPM) closed at $297.85, up 1.69%, outpacing the S&P 500's gain as the Dow and Nasdaq also rose. Earlier, the stock had gained 1.16% while the Finance sector led broad strength. The firm is slated to report earnings on October 14, 2025; consensus EPS is $4.69 (about +7.3% YoY) with revenue seen at $43.91B (+2.95%). For the year, Zacks pegs EPS at $19.58 and revenue at $177.19B, modest declines vs prior year. JPM currently holds a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). Valuation shows a Forward P/E around 14.96 (industry 16.26) and a PEG of 1.92 (industry 1.58). JPM remains in the Financial – Investment Bank group with a favorable industry rank of 16.
Boeing (BA) Outpaced the Market Today Ahead of Earnings
December 19, 2025, 7:10 PM EST. Boeing (BA) closed at $233.88, up +2.36%, outpacing the S&P 500 (+0.78%) as the Dow rose 1.14% and the Nasdaq 0.61%. Over the past month, Boeing has gained about 13.71%, ahead of the Aerospace sector's 4.46% and the S&P 500's 5.88% rise. Investors will watch the July 29, 2025 earnings release, with estimates for EPS of -$1.47 and revenue of $21.86B for the quarter. For the year, the Zacks Consensus projects EPS -$2.71 and revenue $85.16B. The update notes estimate revisions and assigns Zacks Rank #3 (Hold), a potential near-term driver within the Aerospace-Defense group.
Carnival Climbs on Record Profits, Dividend Reinstatement and 2026 Outlook
December 19, 2025, 6:56 PM EST. Carnival Corp jumped about 9.9% to around $31.14 after reporting record full-year 2025 profits, and reinstating a quarterly dividend of $0.15 per share. The move followed strong earnings and a bright 2026 outlook, with guidance for adjusted EBITDA of $7.63B and a focus on debt reduction (roughly $10B paid down since 2023). Trading volume surged to about 83.3M shares, far above the 3-month average, signaling heavy investor interest as cruise peers also climbed on strong bookings. The stock yields about 1.9% at current levels and trades at roughly 8.3x next year's EBITDA, leaving Carnival potentially attractive given the improving trajectory and sector momentum.
Carnival jumps on record profits and dividend reinstatement; 2026 guidance boosts stock
December 19, 2025, 6:55 PM EST. Carnival Corp. shares jumped about 9.9% to around $31.14 after reporting record full-year 2025 profits, a reinstated quarterly dividend of $0.15 and an upbeat 2026 outlook. Volume surged to 83.3 million, roughly 250% above the 3-month average, as investors cheered stronger revenue and adjusted EPS along with a solid debt reduction. Management guided for adjusted EBITDA of $7.63 billion in 2026, trading at about 8.3x forward EBITDA. The payout yields about 1.9% at today's price. Broader markets advanced, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq up, and peers Royal Caribbean and Norwegian rallying on sector momentum. Carnival's bookings strength for 2026-2027 underpins the optimistic view despite near-term volatility.
Build Passive Income with a $1,000/Month Scotiabank Dividend Strategy for 2026
December 19, 2025, 6:51 PM EST. Investing $1,000 per month in Canada's Big Six banks, particularly Scotiabank (TSX:BNS), can generate a steady passive income stream. The case study highlights dividend reliability: Scotiabank has paid quarterly dividends for over 190 years, including through wars and downturns. A monthly $1,000 plan, placed in a TFSA, compounds tax-free and can turn quarterly payouts into meaningful annual income as the position grows toward a $12,000 yearly investment. With a recent price around $100 and a quarterly dividend near $1.10, the example estimates about $4.40 in annual dividends per share, translating into a growing passive income in 2026. The strategy emphasizes dividend investing in blue-chip banks to balance growth with income, while international exposure and defensive positioning aid resilience.
Invest $1,000 Per Month to Generate Passive Income with Scotiabank (BNS)
December 19, 2025, 6:49 PM EST. To build passive income through dividend investing, the article spotlights Canada's Big Six banks, especially Scotiabank (Bank of Nova Scotia). With a long, reliable track record of quarterly dividends-paid for well over 190 years-Scotiabank can provide steady cash flow for a long-term investor. The piece urges a buy and hold approach and notes the tax advantages of a TFSA when reinvesting dividends. By contributing $1,000 per month, an investor could accumulate shares over 12 months and convert quarterly payouts into meaningful annual income, depending on price and payout rates. Scotiabank's international footprint and defensive profile may support growing dividend payouts through diverse revenue streams while weathering volatility.
Tech-Led Rally Lifts Major Averages as Oracle Surges on US JV News
December 19, 2025, 6:48 PM EST. U.S. equities climbed on Friday with the S&P 500 up 0.88%, the Dow Jones higher 0.38%, and the Nasdaq 100 advancing 1.31% as a rally in cloud infrastructure stocks boosted sentiment. The session also saw gains in E-mini futures, with the S&P 500 and Nasdaq 100 contracts higher. Oracle jumped over 7% after TikTok's CEO signaled a binding US joint venture with American investors, including Oracle. Strength in chipmakers supported the broader market amid mixed economic data: existing home sales rose to 4.13 million (0.5% m/m) and the University of Michigan sentiment index was revised lower to 52.9. Bond yields rose, while traders watched triple witching flows and the odds of a FOMC cut in late January. Comments from NY Fed's Williams offered cautious support for equities.
Stocks Rally as Tech Lifts Market Sentiment on Oracle JV News
December 19, 2025, 6:47 PM EST. Major indices closed higher as tech and cloud names lifted sentiment. The S&P 500 rose 0.88%, the Dow 0.38%, and the Nasdaq 100 1.31%, while March E-mini futures firmed. Oracle jumped more than 7% after TikTok disclosed binding agreements for a US joint venture owned by American investors, including Oracle, helping lift the market alongside strength in chipmakers. Higher bond yields capped gains, with the 10-year yield near 4.15%. The session blended positive economic signals with caution from bonds, and traders watched triple witching and the odds of a January FOMC move. New York Fed President Williams offered a cautious but supportive view on growth; tech leadership and cloud exposure remain key drivers.
Shifting Segment Margins Lift Siemens Valuation as Industrial Automation Outshines Electrification
December 19, 2025, 6:46 PM EST. Analysts lift Siemens' fair value to about €255 per share from roughly €253, while trimming revenue growth outlook to ~6.23% and nudging the discount rate down to ~5.80%. The adjustment reflects a more balanced view of Siemens' portfolio, where industrial automation margins remain robust even as expectations for electrification and mobility soften. The bullish case emphasizes the automation franchise as the key profitability engine, supporting the higher target, while the bearish case warns that the lower-margin segments could dilute overall profitability and cap near-term upside. Other talking points include a potential spin-off of a large stake in Siemens Healthineers, ongoing turbine talks with GE Vernova to rebuild Syria's power grid, and a proposed dividend of €5.35 per share for 2026. Investors will watch how these factors reshape the narrative.
Shifting Segment Margins Reframe Siemens Valuation Outlook
December 19, 2025, 6:45 PM EST. Analysts nudged Siemens fair value up to around €255 per share, even as revenue growth estimates edge down and the discount rate slightly falls. The recalibration reflects a more balanced view where industrial automation delivers meaningfully higher margins than the electrification and mobility segments. The narrative hinges on execution and cost control, with bullish takeaways praising the core automation franchise, while bearish notes warn the group's profitability could be restrained by lower-margin segments. Investors should watch potential moves like a spin-off of a large stake in Siemens Healthineers, and how portfolio optimization and new tech capex support returns, alongside the dividend of €5.35 expected in 2026. Stay tuned for more updates on how these shifting assumptions shape the stock's path.
Pagaya Technologies: Has the 137% Rally Priced In the AI Growth Narrative?
December 19, 2025, 6:44 PM EST. Pagaya Technologies has rallied 137% year-to-date, buoyed by expectations for an AI-driven underwriting and risk-assessment model with banks and fintechs. While the stock looks undervalued on several metrics-DCF results imply a near-$320 per share intrinsic value and a ~92.9% discount vs. the market-investors must weigh volatility from tighter credit conditions and evolving AI regulation in financial services. A 5/6 valuation score signals upside on some metrics but not all, and the near-term profitability path remains a risk. If the long-term cash-flow ramp materializes, Pagaya's fee-based growth could sustain upside; else sentiment swings with credit cycles. In short, the stock trades at a meaningful discount, pending execution and policy risk.
Is Pagaya Technologies Still Attractive After a 137% 2025 Surge and AI Growth Hopes?
December 19, 2025, 6:43 PM EST. Pagaya Technologies has surged 137% year-to-date as investors bet on its AI-driven underwriting role with banks and fintechs. Yet tighter credit conditions and evolving AI regulation add volatility to the outlook. On valuation, the stock scores 5/6 on our checks and appears undervalued. A two-stage DCF puts intrinsic value near $320 per share, implying roughly a 93% discount to the current price and upside if long-term cash flows materialize. The model starts with ~$183.5 million TTM FCF and factors a near-term dip before a substantial ramp. Given high growth yet evolving profitability, the price-to-sales metric can be more informative than earnings, making Pagaya attractive for investors who can tolerate regulatory and sentiment risk while the platform scales its AI-based growth.
Is Rexford Industrial Realty Still Attractive After Its Price Recovery?
December 19, 2025, 6:42 PM EST. Rexford Industrial Realty's stock has rebounded with a ~13.2% gain over the last year, but the long-run narrative remains mixed. The article assigns Rexford a 3/6 valuation score, suggesting the stock looks undervalued on some metrics while pricey on others. A DCF view puts an intrinsic value near $45.48 per share, with the current price trading at roughly a 9.5% discount to that fair value-a signal of being about right. The company's expansion in infill Southern California with long-term leases supports the bull case, though REXR trades at a PE around 29.1x, signaling a premium tied to growth and perceived stability. Investors may want to track the stock in a watchlist as conditions shift.
Rexford Industrial Realty After the Price Recovery: Valuation Check and Outlook
December 19, 2025, 6:41 PM EST. Rexford Industrial Realty has delivered a 13.2% return over the past year, with 7.2% YTD and a 2.4% recent uptick, while 3- and 5-year results remain negative. This mix hints at potential value opportunities as the stock trades against a recovering narrative of infill Southern California expansion, long-term leases, and deals in supply-constrained submarkets. Market rotation and shifting rate expectations are pressuring how investors price industrial REITs like REXR. Our checks assign a 3/6 valuation score, suggesting pockets of undervaluation. A two-stage DCF yields an intrinsic value around $45.48 per share, implying shares trade about a 9.5% discount to fair value. A PE near 29x underscores the tension between growth expectations and risk. The piece promises to synthesize these views and highlight a more integrated approach.
US stock markets finish the week flat after late rally and record options expiry
December 19, 2025, 6:39 PM EST. Markets finished the week relatively unchanged, despite a two-part stretch: early selling on the post-FOMC backdrop and a late rally helped by solid Micron results and a cooler US CPI. For the week, the S&P 500 basically closed flat as gains on Thursday and Friday offset steeper early losses. The session saw a rare burst of options expiry, rumored to total around $7.1 trillion, before price action cooled into a tight range. Leaders included Carnival Cruise Lines, Moderna, Micron, Oracle, AMD, and Norwegian Cruise Line, each up more than 5%. Disappointments included Nike (-10.9%), Lamb Weston, D.H. Horton, and Lululemon. The so-called Mag7 were mostly muted amid the expiries, with NVDA up 3.4%, MSFT -0.1%, AMZN +1.0%, TSLA -0.2%, AAPL -0.5%, META +0.2%, GOOG +0.6%.
AI stocks lift tech-led rally as Wall Street closes higher
December 19, 2025, 6:37 PM EST. Stocks edged higher on Wall Street for a second straight session, with technology names and especially AI-focused giants helping lift the market. The S&P 500 rose 59.74 points (0.9%), the Dow gained 183.04 points (0.4%), and the Nasdaq jumped 301.26 points (1.3%). Nvidia led the advance with a 3.9% gain, while Broadcom rose 3.2%. Oracle climbed 6.6% on news of a TikTok U.S. JV. Nike slid 10.5% after tariff concerns overshadowed a solid quarter; Lamb Weston tumbled 25.9%. Homebuilders fell as new-home sales cooled (KB Home -8.5%). Investors weighed inflation and consumer sentiment as the year winds down amid a lingering trade backdrop.
DBS Group Holdings: Retail Investors Lead Ownership at 46%, Temasek Holds 28% as Largest Stake
December 19, 2025, 6:35 PM EST. DBS Group Holdings (SGX:D05) shows a diverging ownership landscape: retail investors own about 46%, while private equity and other holders account for 28% and 26% respectively. Temasek Holdings (Private) Limited is the largest shareholder with 28% of shares outstanding, and the top 25 shareholders collectively control less than half, indicating a widely dispersed base. This mix suggests retail and institutional dynamics can shape strategy and price, as large owner trades could move the stock. The report also notes limited hedge fund exposure and encourages considering earnings history and analyst coverage for the outlook.
TSX Set to Rally in 2026: 3 Mighty Stocks Leading the Charge in AI, Gold, and Nuclear Infrastructure
December 19, 2025, 6:11 PM EST. Market observers expect a higher TSX in 2026, led by three 'mighty' stocks riding megatrends like AI/data centres, rising gold prices, nuclear energy, and infrastructure. Hammond Power Solutions (TSX:HPS.A) is North America's largest dry-type transformer maker and a back-to-back TSX30 winner, with a 29.5% YTD gain and a 794.2% three-year return, plus a modest 0.64% dividend. New Gold (TSX:NGD) ranks among 2025's top performers, trading around $11.52 with a 220.9% YTD gain; it boasts strong free cash flow and projects higher gold and copper production over the next three years. AtkinsRéalis Group (TSX:ATRL), a nuclear-focused engineering services firm, shows a 334% three-year return and trades near $85.20 as it supports infrastructure and energy projects.
PTC Therapeutics Grants Inducement Stock Options and RSUs to Five New Hires Under Nasdaq Rule 5635(c)(4)
December 19, 2025, 6:09 PM EST. PTC Therapeutics disclosed that on Dec. 16, 2025 it granted non-statutory stock options to purchase 3,825 shares and 4,385 RSUs to five new employees under the Nasdaq inducement grant exception (Rule 5635(c)(4)). The exercise price is $75.42, the Dec. 16 closing price. Options have a 10-year term and vest 25% after the first anniversary, then 6.25% every three months. RSUs vest 25% annually over four years, subject to continued service. Approved by the Compensation Committee, the awards are intended to attract and retain talent as PTC advances its pipeline in rare diseases and global biopharma.
NFI Group jumps 17% this week on TSX; analysts see more upside
December 19, 2025, 6:07 PM EST. NFI Group Inc. (TSX:NFI) jumped about 17% this week on the S&P/TSX Composite, reversing a slide after confirming a new chief executive and a battery-recall settlement. The stock climbed 12% on the news and held gains Friday. With a $13.2 billion order backlog, analysts at CIBC Capital Markets say the company still shows solid fundamentals and potential margin improvement into 2026; CIBC's target is $20 and Bloomberg's average 12-month target sits near $20.83, with six analysts tracking the name. NFI closed Friday around $15.37. Separately, Nouveau Monde Graphite rose on fresh coverage from major banks, with targets around $5-$6 as Quebec advances a graphite mine and plant. Food inflation data from Statistics Canada supports grocers' earnings outlook.
Dollar Rises on Yen Weakness as Fed Commentary Supports USD
December 19, 2025, 6:06 PM EST. The dollar rose to a one-week high as yen weakness and supportive Fed commentary boosted the greenback. The DXY edged up about 0.2% after New York Fed President John Williams said some data are "pretty encouraging" and there's no sign of a sharp deterioration in jobs data. The move comes as the Fed's liquidity push via roughly $40 billion/month T-bill purchases provides backdrop, and talk of a dovish future Fed Chair candidate-Kevin Hassett-keeps dollar downside risk alive. Weekend data showed US Nov existing home sales +0.5% to 4.13 million and Michigan sentiment revised lower, with inflation expectations at 4.2%. Markets price ~22% odds of a 25 bp cut at the January FOMC. In EURUSD, the euro dipped on weak German data before ECB chatter offered some support.
Advance Auto Parts (AAP) RSI at 29.7 Signals Oversold Near 52-Week Low
December 19, 2025, 5:58 PM EST. On Monday, AAP shares entered oversold territory with an RSI reading of 29.7. The stock dipped to as low as $31.76 and last traded around $32.55. The year's 52-week range stands at $31.76 – $79.85, placing the current level near the bottom. By comparison, the SPY held an RSI of about 21.9. The Buffett-inspired angle: be fearful when others are greedy, and vice versa; a 29.7 RSI could hint at a near-term exhaustion of selling, potentially opening a risk-managed entry point for investors watching for a bounce. Note that oversold signals do not guarantee gains and should be weighed with other indicators and fundamentals.
Charter's Softer Q3 Tests Spectrum Investment Thesis Amid Xumo Push and High Debt
December 19, 2025, 5:57 PM EST. Charter Communications (Spectrum) delivered a softer Q3, with revenue meeting expectations but EPS and adjusted operating income missing the mark, while director David C. Merritt signaled retirement in January 2026. Management highlights investments in the workforce and growing Xumo connected TV advertising as a path to higher-margin revenue on an underused network. The results underscore concerns about execution and the US$93.6 billion debt load that could constrain future capital allocation amid competitive and regulatory headwinds. Investors will weigh whether Xumo's ad revenue potential can offset softer demand and churn, and how leverage plans affect the bull case. Long-term forecasts show a wide fair value range, underscoring the tension between a resilient broadband narrative and elevated leverage and interest coverage risks.
Nat-Gas Rebounds on Technical Short Cover as Production Near Record High
December 19, 2025, 5:51 PM EST. January Nymex natural gas closed +1.94% on Friday, erasing a 7-week low as technical short covering outweighed softer demand. Since a December 5 multi-year high, warmer US weather has cooled heating needs and allowed storage to rebuild. Forecasters expect above-normal temperatures across much of the US for late December into early January, underscoring a softer near-term trajectory. Still, supply fundamentals remain supportive: EIA boosted 2025 US nat-gas production to 107.74 bcf/d and current dry gas output sits near a record high. LNG export flows slipped, while total US demand eased. The weekly EIA draw for Dec 12 was -167 bcf, a smaller pull than consensus but still a draw, keeping storage slightly above the five-year average. Rigs held at 127, near a 2.25-year high, signaling ongoing drilling activity.
Crude Oil Prices Rally on Heightened Geopolitical Risks and OPEC+ Signals
December 19, 2025, 5:50 PM EST. Crude oil closed higher on Friday as geopolitical risks in Venezuela and Russia supported prices, while a Friday stock rally buoyed demand prospects for WTI and RBOB. A drop in US rigs reported by Baker Hughes signaled tighter near-term supply, though gains were capped by a firmer dollar index and a softer crack spread. Markets tracked sanctions on Russia and Venezuela and potential sanctions on their energy exports, with OPEC+ signaling restraint into 2026 to address a global surplus. Storage metrics from Vortexa showed more tankers idle, and Ukrainian strikes continued to threaten Russian exports. Traders eye IEA and OPEC+ outlooks, as price support remains tied to geopolitics and demand expectations.
BSM Crosses Below 200-Day Moving Average, Signals Potential Near-Term Momentum
December 19, 2025, 5:49 PM EST. On Friday, Black Stone Minerals LP (BSM) traded below its 200-day moving average of $13.46, hitting a session low near $13.35 and finishing the day about -1.7%. The chart shows BSM's one-year performance vs the 200-day moving average, with a 52-week range of $11.78-$15.60 and a last trade around $13.44. A cross below the 200-day moving average can signal negative near-term momentum and potential support testing near the prior range. Traders may watch for follow-through or a reversion toward the 200-day moving average. For context, a related note highlights several energy stocks that recently crossed below their 200-day averages.
Figma (FIG) Breaks Above 200-Day Moving Average, Shares Rally
December 19, 2025, 5:48 PM EST. Shares of Figma Inc Class A (FIG) break above their 200-day moving average of $38.62, trading as high as $39.14 and up roughly 5.5% on Friday. The move comes as FIG's price tests the long-term trend line after a year of volatility. The year-long chart shows a 52-week range from $18.41 to $142.92, with the last trade near $39.29. Traders will watch for follow-through volume to confirm a sustained breakout above the moving average. This development places FIG among peers signaling potential trend reversals and trending strength in the current market environment.
Stagwell (STGW) Crosses Below 200-Day Moving Average
December 19, 2025, 5:47 PM EST. Stagwell Inc (STGW) traded as low as $5.11 after crossing below its 200-day moving average of $5.27 on Friday, leaving the stock about 2.5% softer on the session. The one-year chart shows STGW's performance relative to the 200-day MA, with a 52-week range of $4.03 to $7.48 and a last trade near $5.16. The move keeps traders watching whether price can reclaim the moving average or extend the pullback. The report notes STGW's positioning within the broader pattern of stocks crossing below their 200-day moving average and hints at other names with similar signals.
Is Simon Property Group's Rally Pricing in Future Growth? A DCF Valuation Review
December 19, 2025, 5:46 PM EST. SPG has surged, but the question remains: is the rally pricing in future growth? Our view: the stock appears undervalued on a DCF basis. The intrinsic value sits around $262.43 per share, implying about a 29.5% discount to today's price. Trailing free cash flow was roughly $4.36B, with analysts modeling a gradual rise toward about $6.0B by 2035 as redevelopment and rent growth flow through. The positives-strong balance sheet, redevelopment into mixed-use destinations, and selective asset purchases-support a longer-term upside, even if consumer spending slows. Investors should compare valuation methods with market pricing of future cash generation. SPG may offer continued upside as it redevelops and navigates the retail shift.
ANZ Fair Value After 3-Month and 1-Year Rally (ASX:ANZ)
December 19, 2025, 5:45 PM EST. ANZ Group Holdings has delivered a solid price run, rising about 9% in the last 3 months and roughly 36% over the past year, outpacing peers. With the stock near A$36.03, the narrative fair value sits around A$35.24, implying the story is near value or slightly overvalued. A DCF view pegs fair value at about 8.8% below current prices, suggesting the market may be underpricing long-term cash flows, while the narrative view shows about 2% overvaluation. Catalysts include cost savings from automation and legacy decommissioning (2026-2028) and digital scale, but risks include regulatory costs and execution delays in ANZ Plus/Transactive. Simply Wall St notes 2 rewards and 1 warning sign.
Is Strathcona Resources Still Attractive After a 56% Surge and Rich Valuation Metrics?
December 19, 2025, 5:43 PM EST. Strathcona Resources trades near CA$41 after a roughly 56% 12-month surge, helped by stronger commodity expectations and sector consolidation. Yet its numbers raise red flags. The stock scores just 1/6 on our valuation checks, and a DCF analysis puts intrinsic value at about CA$1.69 per share – implying the stock is dramatically overvalued versus today. Near-term FCF projections show volatility: CA$236.5M in 2026, ~CA$105M in 2027, and a dip into negative territory in 2028 before a recovery. Longer-range models extend to 2035 with more modest cash flows. While a more favorable energy backdrop could support price, the current price appears to reflect more than fundamentals alone, raising the question of whether the pullback or a late entry would be prudent unless investors buy into the macro thesis and scale/disciplines touted by the market.
CCC Intelligent Solutions Bets on Growth After New $500M Buyback; Valuation Signals Upside Despite Discount to Fair Value
December 19, 2025, 5:42 PM EST. CCC Intelligent Solutions (CCC) authorized a fresh $500 million buyback after wrapping a $300 million program, signaling management confidence and ongoing cash generation. The stock has slid YTD but posted a 1-month gain of ~10.7%, with the valuation pointing to upside: last close $7.98 vs a narrative fair value of $11.75. A robust subscription-based model (80% of revenue) and high gross/net dollar retention (above 99%/107%) cushion the business against cyclicality and claims volatility. Yet the stock trades at about 5x sales, richer than peers (~4.7x) and near-term upside could hinge on continued margin expansion and execution. Risks include weaker claim volumes and AI-integration challenges that could delay reacceleration. Overall, the analysis frames CCC as an undervalued growth narrative rather than a slow-moving niche SaaS name.
Dominion Energy Rally Sparks Valuation Debate: DDM Signals Overvaluation Near $60
December 19, 2025, 5:41 PM EST. Shares of Dominion Energy sit near $60 after a 1.3% gain in the past week, with a year-to-date rise of about 10.5% and a 12-month gain around 17%. Investors weigh progress on its strategic simplification and regulatory approvals against a shift in utilities amid changing rate expectations. Our valuation checks rate the stock 2/6, suggesting some risk of overpricing and potential upside in specific metrics. The Dividend Discount Model implies an intrinsic value around $36.73, signaling the stock could be overvalued by roughly 63%. With a high dividend payout (about 105% of earnings) and a ~6.7% ROE, sustainability questions arise. A fuller view would also require a DCF and other multiples. Bottom line: the rally may be pricing in more optimism than fundamentals currently justify.
AS ONE (TSE:7476) Valuation After Completing 157,500-Share Buyback
December 19, 2025, 5:40 PM EST. AS ONE (TSE:7476) has completed a buyback of 157,500 common shares, underscoring management's focus on capital efficiency and shareholder returns. The stock has nudged higher lately, with a 1-month return around 2.82%, though the 1-year TSR (-5.28%) remains soft. The stock trades at a P/E of 20.4x based on a last close of ¥2481.5, a premium vs. peers and the sector. Earnings are forecast to grow about 7.72% annually, with ROE below 20%. A regression fair P/E around 19.3x could imply a re-rating. The DCF fair value sits near ¥2,745, implying roughly 9.6% upside from the current price, though execution risk and demand could test the premium.
Firefly Aerospace (FLY) Valuation Under Scrutiny After Volatility: High P/S Relative to Peers, DCF Signals Upside
December 19, 2025, 5:39 PM EST. Firefly Aerospace (FLY) has zigzagged, up 8% today but down sharply over 90 days (-55.6%) and year-to-date (-66.7%). The latest rally to $20.07 coincides with shifting risk appetite for growth stories in space technology. On a price-to-sales basis, FLY trades at 28.7x, far above the US aerospace/defense average (~3x) and peers, implying lofty expectations for rapid revenue expansion and eventual profitability. Yet a DCF framework points to a fair value around $52.29 per share, suggesting significant upside if growth and execution meet forecasts. Risks include whether rapid revenue growth translates into margins and whether funding markets stay favorable as Firefly scales. The gap between P/S reality and discounted cash flow underlines a complex, uncertain outlook for Firefly's early-stage ambitions.
Premium Brands Holdings: Is There Still Upside After the 2025 Rally and a DCF Upside Signal?
December 19, 2025, 5:38 PM EST. Premium Brands Holdings trades around CA$101.50 after a sizable rally, inviting a valuation check. The stock has risen ~5.5% last week, ~12% in the past month, and ~26% year-to-date, with a 33.8% gain over the last year. The company's growth thesis-expansion in specialty foods and premium, higher-margin lines, plus acquisition-driven consolidation-supports a higher long-term earnings trajectory. On a valuation score, it's a 3/6, implying the market may not fully price fundamentals. A Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model suggests a stark upside: an intrinsic value near CA$1,389 per share, or about 92.7% undervalued versus CA$101.50. Yet near-term cash flow is negative (~CA$292 million) as the business funds investments, so upside comes with notable risk.
Bank of America (BAC) Valuation in Focus After Strong YTD Rally: Is the Stock Undervalued?
December 19, 2025, 5:37 PM EST. Bank of America (BAC) has extended its gains into the year, up roughly 23% YTD and about 4% over the past month, trading around $54.26 as longer-term returns stay solid. Our narrative fair value sits near $58.98, suggesting the stock remains undervalued by about 8% despite trading at a premium to the broad US Banks group on a 14x P/E basis. Analysts' targets vary, with a consensus near $53.52 but bulls as high as $59 and bears as low as $46. The picture hinges on durable earnings power and capital returns versus potential headwinds from a softer economy and rising deposit competition that could compress net interest income. Investors should weigh buybacks, risk factors, and the valuation mix when deciding on BAC.
UnitedHealth Group Stock After Hours: Guardian Nursing-Home Probe, UNH Outlook, and What to Watch Before Thursday Open
December 19, 2025, 5:23 PM EST. UnitedHealth Group Inc. (UNH) traded modestly lower after the bell Thursday as investors digest a Guardian investigation into its nursing-home program tied to Optum clinicians and Medicare Advantage I-SNPs. In after-hours trading, UNH slid to about $330.19 from a regular-session close of $331.51, as broader risk-off sentiment and healthcare headlines weighed on the stock. The Guardian report alleges wrongdoing, including delayed hospital transfers and pressure around documentation, across more than 1,900 nursing homes in 29 states serving over 55,000 long-term residents. UnitedHealth denies the allegations, saying patient safety was not compromised and that reducing unnecessary hospitalizations can protect frail residents. The piece adds political scrutiny to UNH's operations, underscoring ongoing risk factors for the stock despite its defensive profile.
Wheels Up Receives NYSE Listing-Compliance Notice; Board Considers Reverse Stock Split
December 19, 2025, 5:22 PM EST. Wheels Up Experience Inc. (NYSE: UP) disclosed that it received an NYSE notice on December 17, 2025 stating its average closing price did not stay at or above $1.00 for a 30-trading-day period, triggering standard-of-listing requirements. The company said the notice does not affect its strategic initiatives, including its fleet transition to Bombardier Challenger 300 series and Embraer Phenom 300 series jets, and its Delta Air Lines partnership, which underpin its plan to deliver premium solutions for members and customers. Wheels Up has up to six months to regain compliance and may pursue options, including a reverse stock split, subject to board approval. The board has not approved a reverse split as of the release. Management remains focused on its multi-year transformation and projected $70 million of annualized cost savings by mid-2026.
Three TSX Stocks Poised to Outperform in 2026: goeasy, ATS and Stella-Jones
December 19, 2025, 5:21 PM EST. Canadian stocks could outperform in 2026. The Motley Fool Canada highlights goeasy (GSY), ATS (ATS), and Stella-Jones (SJ) as examples. goeasy's diversification into consumer credit and leasing supports durable earnings and dividend growth despite macro headwinds. ATS is a global automation leader capitalizing on re-shoring and digital transformation, with strong revenue growth, improving margins, and healthy backlog that could accelerate in 2026. Stella-Jones specializes in pressure-treated wood for critical infrastructure like railway ties and utility poles, with earnings that show resilience and steady demand. Together, these names showcase Canada's cash-flowing, dividend-friendly mix across financials, industrials, and infrastructure, offering yield plus resilience when global growth slows.
Canopy Growth (TSE:WEED) Stock Dives 11.2% Amid Mixed Analyst Signals
December 19, 2025, 5:17 PM EST. Canopy Growth Corp (TSE:WEED) shares dropped 11.2% on Friday, trading as low as C$2.04 and settling near C$2.06 as volume surged to about 10.6 million. The pullback follows mixed analyst signals: Benchmark moved the stock from sell to hold, while ATB Capital slashed its price objective from C$1.60 to C$1.40 and issued an underperform rating. MarketBeat's consensus remains Sell with an implied target near C$1.45. The stock trades below its 50-day MA (C$1.77) and 200-day MA (C$1.81). Key fundamentals show a debt-to-equity ratio around 120%, EPS of -0.01 and revenue of C$66.68M last quarter, underscoring ongoing profitability headwinds and a negative margin profile.
Medtronic files IPO registration for MiniMed Diabetes unit, signaling planned separation
December 19, 2025, 5:07 PM EST. Medtronic plc said its Diabetes business, to operate as MiniMed, filed a Form S-1 with the SEC for a proposed initial public offering of newly issued common stock. The separation is expected to proceed via an IPO and a subsequent split-off, with MiniMed aiming to list on the Nasdaq Global Select Market under the symbol MMED. Details on share count and price range were not disclosed, and the offering will occur after SEC review and market conditions. Goldman Sachs, BofA Securities, Citigroup and Morgan Stanley are active bookrunners; Barclays, Deutsche Bank, Mizuho, Wells Fargo, Evercore, and Piper Sandler are co-managers. The registration statement has not yet become effective.
Find Your Balance: 3 TSX Stocks for Income, Growth, and Value
December 19, 2025, 4:54 PM EST. In this piece, the author builds a triad of TSX ideas across value, growth and income. Restaurant Brands (QSR) appears as a defensive value pick at about 12.5x forward earnings, with a 3.5% dividend yield and strong growth momentum. For growth, Shopify (SHOP) is cited as a high-quality Canadian tech name with a robust trajectory driven by global e-commerce trends, despite volatility. As the income pick, SmartCentres REIT (SRU.UN) offers a diversified retail real estate portfolio and a solid dividend amid sector headwinds. The takeaway: balanced exposure across value, growth and income can support long-term, risk-adjusted returns.
Heico Corp (HEI) Q4 2025 Highlights: Record Net Income, FSG/ETG Growth, and Five Acquisitions
December 19, 2025, 4:53 PM EST. HEICO Corp reported Q4 FY25 consolidated net income of $188.3 million, up 35%, driven by a record quarter for the Flight Support Group with net sales up 21% and operating income up 30%. The Electronic Technologies Group posted net sales +14% and operating income +10%. Consolidated EBITDA rose 26% to $331.4 million, while cash flow from operating activities surged 44% to $295.3 million and the net debt-to-EBITDA ratio improved to 1.6. The company completed five acquisitions in fiscal '25, aiding top-line and cash flow, with more accretive deals anticipated. A semiannual dividend of $0.12 per share was declared. Risks include defense/spending shifts, regulatory/export constraints, manufacturing costs, cybersecurity, and inflation. Management cited 16% organic growth plus 5% from acquisitions for a 21% total sales growth.
Is Innoviva Still Attractive Around $20 After Strong Multi-Year Gains?
December 19, 2025, 4:52 PM EST. At roughly $20 a share, Innoviva looks potentially undervalued based on a DCF showing an intrinsic value near $54.61 and an estimated 63.2% discount to the current price. The model, anchored by a roughly $192.6 million trailing Free Cash Flow and conservative long-term growth, suggests the market has not fully priced in Innoviva's portfolio of royalty streams and strategic assets. Recent price action has cooled after multi-year gains, but the stock remains up year-to-date and over the past year, with longer-term gains pointing to a solid underlying story. Investors should weigh the durability of cash flows in a shifting healthcare landscape and the potential for sentiment to swing with portfolio developments.
Airbnb valuation after price surge: DCF suggests ~42% undervalued
December 19, 2025, 4:51 PM EST. Airbnb trades around $133.99 after a ~17% jump in the past month, with a 1-year return near flat. The rally follows headlines on expanding into more long-term stays and experiences, while regulatory debates in New York and across Europe persist. With a 3/6 valuation score, the stock shows signs of undervaluation but isn't a clear bargain. A two-stage DCF (Free Cash Flow to Equity) points to an intrinsic value of about $232.27 per share, implying roughly 42.3% undervaluation versus the current price. The analysis also notes a PE of ~30.9x, above the broader Hospitality peers. The message: investors face a mixed picture-DCF-driven upside exists, but sentiment and risk warrant careful scrutiny.
SkyWest (SKYW) Valuation Revisited After 12% Monthly Rally
December 19, 2025, 4:50 PM EST. SkyWest (SKYW) has risen about 12% in the last month, nudging investors to reassess its valuation alongside a modest YTD gain and a standout three-year total shareholder return of 568.5%. Our latest narrative points to an undervalued setup, with a fair value of $131.80 against a recent price near $104.28. Despite a compelling earnings trajectory, the stock trades at a 9.6x P/E, roughly in line with the airlines sector but well below peers' average, implying potential upside if sentiment catches up to fundamentals. Key risks include pilot shortages and SkyWest's reliance on major carriers. Fleet modernization with E175 aircraft could improve costs and margins, supporting a multiyear growth path if contracts hold.
Is Pagaya Technologies (PGY) Still Undervalued After Strong Returns?
December 19, 2025, 4:49 PM EST. Pagaya Technologies (PGY) remains a polarizing AI-driven fintech, swinging as momentum cools despite strong multi-year returns. At about $22.93, the stock trades well below a narrative fair value in the high $30s, implying upside to roughly $40.50 per share in this analysis. The bull case rests on proprietary AI underwriting, growing data network effects from partners, and expanding margins that could lift long-term profitability. Risks include tighter AI credit regulation and the possibility of a key partner pulling back. While the stock has posted impressive YTD gains, the recent 90-day pullback suggests volatility but not necessarily a break in the growth story. The piece invites readers to explore the underlying math and consider whether PGY is an underappreciated AI compounder or already priced for the next leg of growth.
Arabica Coffee Falls on Ample Brazil Rainfall, Supply Outlook Dims Prices
December 19, 2025, 4:46 PM EST. Arabica futures (KCH26) closed Friday at a four-month low as Brazil's rains ease crop development concerns, weighing on prices. March arabica fell about 1.29%, while January ICE Robusta inched higher. Ample rainfall in major coffee areas, including Minas Gerais, supports expectations of larger 2025 output and keeps a lid on prices. CONAB lifted Brazil's 2025 production estimate to 56.54 million bags. Robusta remains pressured by ample global supplies. ICE arabica inventories fell to a 1.75-year low earlier in the month but rebounded to a seven-week high, underscoring tight but fluctuating stock levels. Vietnam's output is projected higher, adding to global supplies, though some exporters reported softer shipments. In sum, improving supply fundamentals continue to weigh on arabica, even as inventories tighten intermittently.
UnitedHealth Group (UNH) Valuation Reassessment After a 34% Drop in 2024
December 19, 2025, 4:45 PM EST. UnitedHealth Group (UNH) has slipped about 34% year-to-date even as revenue and earnings advance in the mid- to high-single digits. The pullback signals risk re-pricing amid sector headlines on medical costs and policy uncertainty. Yet longer-term total shareholder returns remain modestly positive, and the latest analysis asks whether the current valuation captures UnitedHealth's earnings power or discounts the next leg of growth. From a last close near $331.63, the narrative points to a fair value in the high $380s, implying upside under a roughly 7% discount rate. The story hinges on improving Medicare Advantage star ratings and margin expansion, while risks include Medicare Advantage pricing and execution risk at Optum Health. Read the full narrative, run the numbers, and form your own view.
Lamb Weston Q2 2026 Highlights: 8% Volume Growth and EBITDA Pressures
December 19, 2025, 4:44 PM EST. Lamb Weston reported an 8% Q2 volume gain driven by customer wins and share gains, with net sales up 1% (plus a $24 million FX benefit). Price/mix declined 8% at constant currency due to price and trade support and mix shifts. Adjusted EBITDA fell $9 million to $286 million, pressured by unfavorable price mix and higher international manufacturing costs. North America EBITDA rose 7% to $288 million, while International EBITDA declined to $27 million. Free Cash Flow remained strong at $375 million in H1, and capex was $156 million, down $331 million year over year. The company raised the quarterly dividend 3% to $0.38, and liquidity stood at about $1.43 billion with $3.6B net debt (leverage ~3.1x). Management targets capex below $500M in fiscal 2026; growth pockets include Asia and Latin America; Europe faces pricing headwinds.
BINC crosses below 200-day moving average near $52.66
December 19, 2025, 4:43 PM EST. On Friday, iShares Flexible Income Active ETF (BINC) crossed below its 200-day moving average of $52.66, trading as low as $52.65. The ETF was down about 0.8% on the session. The accompanying chart contrasts one-year performance of BINC with its 200-day moving average. BINC's 52-week range spans $50.84 to $53.51, with a last trade near $52.66. A move below the 200-day moving average can signal near-term momentum weakness, though daily swings around the MA are common in choppy markets. Investors may watch whether BINC can reclaim the MA in coming sessions.
Talon Metals (TSE:TLO) Shares Jump 30.1% on Friday
December 19, 2025, 4:42 PM EST.Talon Metals Corp. (TSE:TLO) saw its share price surge 30.1% on Friday, trading as high as C$0.59 and last at C$0.54. Volume reached 20,327,423 shares, versus about 1.88M typical. The stock closed previously at C$0.42. The chart shows a 50-day SMA of C$0.43 and a 200-day SMA of C$0.36. It carries a market cap of C$666.69 million, a P/E of -55.00, and a beta of 0.87. Liquidity ratios sit at current 2.81 and quick 5.62, with debt-to-equity around 0.08. Talon owns an 18.45% stake in Tamarack's nickel-copper-PGE project in Minnesota and a 100% interest in the Trairão iron project in Brazil.
Better Buy in 2026: Pfizer or Merck? Pipeline Catalysts, Patent Cliffs, and Growth Outlook
December 19, 2025, 4:41 PM EST. Pfizer and Merck face a patent cliff and a sluggish backdrop, but each has catalysts for 2026. Pfizer looks to offset near-term weakness with a broader pipeline, led by MET-097i, a GLP-1 weight-loss asset, and PF-4404, an investigational cancer therapy now in Phase 3. Cost cuts and a White House tariff deal could lift margins. Merck contends with softer demand for Gardasil/Gardasil 9 in China and continued reliance on Keytruda, even as late-stage assets mature. The key question is which path offers better risk/return: Pfizer's pipeline expansion and margin improvement or Merck's vaccine rebound and oncology pipeline. Investors should watch data updates and patent-cliff timing into 2026.
Is UnitedHealth the Best Dividend Stock to Buy for 2026? A Look at UNH's Volatility and Reliable Cash Flows
December 19, 2025, 4:39 PM EST. UnitedHealth Group (UNH) has plunged about 35% in 2025, its worst annual slide since the 2008 crisis, before a partial rebound to around $328 from a 52-week low near $235. With a forward P/E near 18 and a dividend yield around 2.7%, the stock looks like an attractive entry point for 2026, underpinned by its massive scale and robust free cash flow generation. The pullback reflects headwinds in Medicare Advantage-higher medical costs and utilization-plus leadership changes and ongoing DOJ scrutiny. Yet, the company's fundamentals remain solid: UnitedHealthcare serves 50M+ members, TTM FCF exceeds $17B, and the dividend has grown double-digits for a decade, with a ~$8.84 annual payout and a ~45% payout ratio. Valuation remains reasonable, but macro and regulatory risks warrant caution.
Goldman Sachs and Bank of America Back Texas Stock Exchange as TXSE Gains Institutional Momentum
December 19, 2025, 4:38 PM EST. Goldman Sachs and Bank of America reportedly joined TXSE as institutional investors, investing around $20 million as part of TXSE's fundraising, bringing total capital raised to about $270 million. The exchange won regulatory approval in September 2025 and plans to begin trading in early 2026, facing competition from NYSE and Nasdaq, which are planning dual-listing venues in 2026. Backers also include JPMorgan Chase from a prior round. The broader Texas growth story features Texas Instruments' new 300mm semiconductor plant in Sherman, a nearly $40 billion project expected to create about 3,000 jobs. Separately, Texas Pacific Land Corp. and Bolt Data & Energy struck a $200 million partnership to develop AI-ready data centers on TPL land.
Sugar Prices Rally as Funds Cover Shorts Ahead of Year-End Holidays; India and Brazil Outlook in Focus
December 19, 2025, 4:33 PM EST. March NY world sugar #11 (SBH26) closed up about 2.35% and March London ICE white sugar #5 (SWH26) roughly +2.3% as funds engaged in short-covering ahead of the year-end holidays, trading thin on holiday liquidity. Earlier moves were driven by India's export prospects, with the government eyeing a 1.5 MMT quota for 2025/26 and ISMA lifting India's 2025/26 production toward about 31 MMT. In Brazil, Conab boosted 2025/26 sugar output to around 45 MMT and Unica showed stronger cane crush, underscoring a wider global surplus backdrop. The ISO still forecasts a bearish market for sugar into 2025-26, though near-term prices may remain buoyed by holiday demand.
Cocoa Prices Slip as West Africa Weather Boosts Supplies, Ahead of Index Inclusions
December 19, 2025, 4:32 PM EST. Cocoa futures extended losses on Friday, with NY (CCH26) down ~1.5% and London (CAH26) off ~1%. Prices hit a 1.5-week low as favorable West Africa weather boosts yields and supplies. Ivory Coast and Ghana crop conditions improved, with rain aiding blooms and pod development ahead of harmattan. Traders note that Ivory Coast's new crop harvest has begun, shipments rose to 895,544 MT in Oct 1-Dec 14 and ICE cocoa inventories in U.S. ports fell to a 9-month low, supporting a bullish supply picture. Yet, some support emerged: Citigroup cut its 2025/26 global surplus to 79,000 MT, NY cocoa will join the Bloomberg Commodity Index (BCOM) in January, potentially attracting passive inflows of up to $2 billion; ICCO and Rabobank also lowered surplus estimates. The outlook for ample global cocoa supplies remains bearish for prices.
Noteworthy Friday Options Activity: IMAX, C, and BYND Show Heavy Volume
December 19, 2025, 4:31 PM EST. Friday's options action across IMAX Corp (IMAX), Citigroup (C) and Beyond Meat (BYND) shows spikes in contract volume relative to recent averages. IMAX traded 17,166 contracts today, about 1.7 million shares, equal to roughly 99.4% of its 1-month average daily volume. The heaviest emphasis was the $28 put expiring January 16, 2026 with 5,000 contracts (~500k shares). Citigroup posted 120,756 contracts (~12.1 million shares), about 95.8% of its 1-month average; notable was the $115 call expiring December 19, 2025 with 24,614 contracts (~2.5 million shares). Beyond Meat showed 810,096 contracts (~81.0 million shares), about 92.2% of average, led by the $1.50 call expiring December 19, 2025 with 440,100 contracts (~44.0 million shares).
GSK (LSE:GSK) Undervalued After Rally? Fair Value Near £18.64 Sparks Growth-Driven Debate
December 19, 2025, 4:30 PM EST. GSK (LSE:GSK) has surged this year, up ~34% YTD and ~44% over the last 12 months, yet the stock still offers upside. The rally reflects an improving growth profile, a robust pipeline, and reduced litigation risk, suggesting momentum could persist. With a close at £18.22 vs a narrative fair value of about £18.64, the setup remains modestly positive and hinges on growth engines. Strong volume growth in oncology (Jemperli, Blenrep), immunology (Benlysta, Nucala, depemokimab) and HIV long-acting injectables underpins premium pricing and potential margin expansion as portfolios scale. Key risks include Zantac litigation outflows and patent expiries on HIV/respiratory drugs. For investors rethinking healthcare exposure, GSK could be undervalued, but the thesis carries notable caveats.
Jim Cramer Praises Texas Capital Bancshares CEO; TCBI Rally Surges 23% in 2 Months
December 19, 2025, 4:29 PM EST. Jim Cramer highlighted Texas Capital Bancshares, Inc. (TCBI) as a standout among regional banks, noting the stock has risen about 23% over the last two months. Since Rob Holmes took the helm in January 2021, the bank has undertaken a broad turnaround to become a full-service financial firm, helping the stock climb nearly 43% since his appointment and outperform the State Street SPDR Regional Banking ETF by a wide margin. The October earnings beat added to the positive momentum. TCBI provides commercial and consumer banking, investment banking, and wealth management services, with lending, deposits, treasury, capital markets, and advisory solutions. The piece also hints at higher upside in AI stocks and mentions a free report on the best short-term AI stock. (Disclosure: none; originally published at Insider Monkey.)
Moderna (MRNA) jumps on CEPI funding for mRNA-1018 Phase 3 bird flu vaccine
December 19, 2025, 4:28 PM EST. Moderna (MRNA) shares surged about 7.8% after CEPI announced an investment of up to $54.3 million to back a pivotal Phase 3 trial of the mRNA-1018bird flu vaccine candidate. The funding signals a meaningful validation of Moderna's platform as the late-stage study moves toward licensure, though it follows earlier government funding cuts. Moderna's shares remain highly volatile, with more than 50 moves greater than 5% in the past year. The latest move implies investors view the CEPI backing as important but not a wholesale re-rating of the business. At about $33-$34, the stock is well below its 52-week high and down roughly YTD.
FLO Dividend Yield Pushes Above 9% as Flowers Foods Attracts Income-Focused Investors
December 19, 2025, 4:27 PM EST. Flowers Foods, Inc. (FLO) is trading with a dividend yield above 9% after a quarterly payout that annualizes to $0.99 per share. With shares near $10.87, investors weigh the appeal of high income against the need for sustainable payouts. Historically, dividends have contributed meaningfully to total return, as illustrated by long-term holdings such as the iShares Russell 3000 ETF (IWV), where dividends helped drive results. The key question is whether FLO's high yield is sustainable, which depends on profitability trends and the company's dividend history. While FLO is a member of the Russell 3000, analysts caution that dividend amounts are not perfectly predictable. Investors should examine the payout history to judge if a 9% yield can reasonably continue.
First Busey Corp Breaks Above 4% Yield as Dividend Investors Eye BUSE
December 19, 2025, 4:26 PM EST. First Busey Corp (BUSE) traded with a yield above 4% after annualizing its quarterly dividend to $0.96. The stock moved as low as $23.83, pointing to a potentially attractive income angle for dividend seekers. The piece notes that dividends have supported long-run returns and highlights how a strong yield can affect total return comparisons, even against broad benchmarks like the iShares Russell 3000 ETF (IWV) over extended periods. As a member of the Russell 3000, BUSE sits among large U.S. companies, but dividend sustainability remains uncertain without checking the historical payout trend. Investors are advised to review the history chart and other fundamentals before expecting a steady 4% yield.
STZ Dividend Yield Pushes Past 3% on $4.08 Annual Payout (Constellation Brands)
December 19, 2025, 4:25 PM EST. Constellation Brands Inc (STZ) now yields above 3% based on its quarterly dividend of $4.08 annualized. The stock traded near $135.02 as investors weighed income against price moves. Dividends can be a meaningful driver of total return, especially for long-term holders. By contrast, a hypothetical SPY example shows price can drift while dividends accumulate, underscoring why an attractive yield-when sustainable-adds appeal even as equity prices fluctuate. STZ's status as an S&P 500 member reinforces its large-cap profile. Still, dividend amounts aren't guaranteed and depend on profitability; the history chart can help judge whether the latest payout is likely to continue. Also see nine other dividend stocks recently on sale.
Friday Sector Leaders: Tech & Communications Lead, Healthcare Rises with SMCI, PLTR
December 19, 2025, 4:24 PM EST. Technology & Communications leads Friday's session, up 1.5%, with SMCI (+8.1%) and PLTR (+6.3%) driving the move. The XLK ETF is up 1.5% on the day and 1.25% higher year-to-date, with SMCI and PLTR together accounting for roughly 1.9% of XLK's holdings. The Healthcare sector follows at +1.3%, led by CVS (+3.9%) and PODD (+3.4%). The XLV ETF trades up 1.1% on the day and 1.16% YTD; CVS is +2.36% YTD and PODD+1.73%. Across sectors, nine are higher with none down; trailing performance charts illustrate relative moves among the listed symbols.
Noteworthy Friday Option Activity: HUT, UBER, WSO
December 19, 2025, 4:23 PM EST. Options activity picks up among Russell 3000 names Hut 8 (HUT), Uber Technologies (UBER) and Watsco (WSO). HUT saw 38,592 contracts traded today (about 3.9 million shares), roughly 54.8% of its 1-month average volume, with $37 put expiring 2026-01-02 leading at 5,137 contracts (~513,700 shares). UBER totaled 124,314 contracts (~12.4 million shares), about 54.7% of its 1-month average, led by the $81 call expiring 2025-12-26 at 8,174 contracts (~817,400 shares). WSO moved 2,389 contracts (~238,900 shares), about 53.6% of average, with the $310 call expiring 2026-08-21 at 1,147 contracts (~114,700 shares). Expirations for each name vary; more details on StockOptionsChannel.
Friday Option Activity: FCX, GTX, CORZ See Notable Volume Spikes
December 19, 2025, 4:22 PM EST. Friday option activity lit up the pits in three Russell 3000 components: FCX, GTX, and CORZ. FCX saw 74,391 contracts traded-about 7.4 million underlying shares, roughly 48.3% of its 1-month average volume. The standout: the $47 strike call expiring 12/19/2025 with 8,955 contracts (~895,500 shares). GTX posted 11,152 contracts (~1.1 million shares, 47.8% of average daily volume), led by the $17 strike call expiring 01/16/2026 with 5,840 contracts (~584,000 shares). CORZ showed 57,470 contracts (~5.7 million shares, 47.8% of normal volume), highlighted by the $17 strike call expiring 02/20/2026 with 17,186 contracts (~1.7 million shares). For more expirations, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Notable Friday Option Activity: ZBIO, TECH, OMER
December 19, 2025, 4:21 PM EST. Notable Friday option activity lit up ZBIO, TECH and OMER. Zenas Biopharma (ZBIO) saw 1,680 contracts today (~168k underlying), about 55.5% of its 1-month ADV; the standout was the $20 put expiring May 15, 2026 with 1,604 contracts (~160k). Bio-Techne (TECH) options traded 10,193 contracts (~1.0M shares), about 55.3% of its 1-month ADV; the top name was the $60 put expiring Jan 16, 2026 with 5,000 contracts (~500k). Omeros (OMER) booked 7,979 contracts (~798k shares), about 54.8% of its 1-month ADV; notable was the $12 call expiring Dec 19, 2025 with 1,321 contracts (~132k).
Notable Friday Option Activity: GAP, SPG, JPM
December 19, 2025, 4:18 PM EST. Rising option activity today across GAP, SPG, and JPM highlighted notable volume relative to recent averages. In GAP (GAP), total options volume reached 49,178 contracts, about 50.3% of its 1-month average daily volume. The standout is the $29 strike call expiring Jan 02, 2026, with 20,999 contracts (roughly 2.1 million underlying shares). SPG (Simon Property Group) saw 6,907 contracts today, about 690,700 shares or 49.7% of its 1-month average volume. The focal point was the $175 strike put expiring Jan 16, 2026, with 3,039 contracts (≈303,900 shares). JPM (JPMorgan Chase) posted 47,515 contracts, about 4.8 million shares or 49.2% of its month average. The most active is the $320 strike call expiring Dec 19, 2025, with 2,994 contracts (~299,400 shares).
BlackBerry (TSE:BB) Stock Down 10.1% on Friday; TD Securities Upgrades to Hold
December 19, 2025, 4:17 PM EST. BlackBerry Limited (TSE:BB) fell 10.1% on Friday, trading as low as C$5.31 and closing around C$5.42 as about 2.34 million shares changed hands (roughly +3% vs. the 2.26 million average). TD Securities upgraded the stock to a hold rating, while MarketBeat's consensus remains a Hold with a target of C$4.75. The company's market cap sits near C$3.04 billion, with a P/E of 106.39, P/E/G of 0.06, and a beta of 1.00. Liquidity metrics show a quick ratio of 1.49 and a current ratio of 1.37; debt-to-equity stands at 30.90. The stock is near its 50-day (C$6.19) and 200-day (C$5.83) moving averages. In the latest quarter, BlackBerry posted C$0.03 EPS on C$198.1 million revenue, with negative margins and ROE.
BlackBerry (TSE:BB) Stock Drops 10.1% as TD Securities Upgrades to Hold
December 19, 2025, 4:16 PM EST. BlackBerry Ltd. (TSE:BB) fell 10.1% on Friday, dipping as low as C$5.31 and ending near C$5.42 on roughly 2.34 million shares traded, above the 2.26 million typical volume. TD Securities upgraded the stock to a hold rating in a Friday note, aligning with a consensus Hold from MarketBeat and an average price target of C$4.75. The company has a market capitalization of about C$3.04 billion, a P/E of 106.39, a P/E/G of 0.06 and a beta of 1.00. Liquidity remains solid (quick ratio 1.49; current ratio 1.37) with a debt-to-equity ratio of 30.90. In the latest quarter, BlackBerry posted C$0.03 EPS on C$198.1 million revenue, with negative margins, as it pivots to enterprise software and secure communications.
Notable Friday Option Activity: DAWN, XPO, UUUU Highlight Heavy Volume
December 19, 2025, 4:15 PM EST. Friday's option action flags notable activity in three Russell 3000 components. DAWN saw 13,188 contracts traded, about 1.3 million underlying shares and roughly 43.6% of its 1-month average volume. The most active strike was the $9 call expiring 12/19/2025, with 4,647 contracts (≈464,700 shares). For XPO, 6,953 contracts changed hands (≈695,300 shares, ~42.9% of the ADV). The standout was the $115 put expiring 2/20/2026, with 5,017 contracts (≈501,700 shares). UUUU posted 40,512 contracts (≈4.1 million shares, ~42.6% of the ADV). The heavy activity centered on the $15.50 call expiring 12/19/2025, at 3,204 contracts (≈320,400 shares).
Camp4 Therapeutics Stock Surges 119% in an 8-Day Rally
December 19, 2025, 4:13 PM EST. An 8-day rally pushed Camp4 Therapeutics stock up 119%, according to Trefis. The move highlights strong momentum for the biotech name as investors react to recent performance and potential upcoming catalysts. While the surge signals positive sentiment, traders should remain mindful of volatility and monitor company updates for pipelines, data readouts, or regulatory news that could affect whether gains continue.
Noteworthy Friday Option Activity: CDTX, STZ, LRCX
December 19, 2025, 4:12 PM EST. Friday's notable options activity spotlighted CDTX, STZ, and LRCX. In CDTX, about 6,238 contracts traded (roughly 57.5% of its ADV), with heavy interest in the $230 strike call expiring 1/16/2026 (3,019 contracts, ~301,900 shares). STZ saw 14,009 contracts (about 57.3% of ADV), led by the $115 strike put expiring 1/30/2026 (2,505 contracts, ~250,500 shares). LRCX posted 59,750 contracts (roughly 56.2% of ADV), driven by the $167.50 strike call expiring 12/19/2025 (3,648 contracts, ~364,800 shares). For more expirations, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
8-Day Rally Sends Camp4 Therapeutics Stock Up 119%
December 19, 2025, 4:11 PM EST. An 8-day rally sent Camp4 Therapeutics stock up about 119%, signaling renewed optimism around its pipeline and growth potential. Traders weigh the momentum against fundamentals, watching for volume confirmation and upcoming catalysts that could sustain gains. Short-term buyers may drive further moves, while long-term investors will assess valuation relative to peers and any clinical milestones ahead. If the rally continues, focus will shift to potential regulatory updates and how pipeline progress translates into meaningful upside. This move illustrates how sector momentum can amplify price action even when earnings visibility remains limited.
Camp4 Therapeutics Stock Surges 119% Over 8-Day Rally
December 19, 2025, 4:10 PM EST. Shares of Camp4 Therapeutics rallied for an eighth straight session, surging about 119% over an eight-day stretch, as investors priced in optimism around the company's pipeline and early data. The move, highlighted by Trefis, underscores the volatility of biotech stocks and the risk that gains may unwind if trial results disappoint or regulatory timelines shift. Traders should weigh the stock's valuation, liquidity, and catalysts such as upcoming data readouts against the speculative nature of recent gains. While the rally signals strong sentiment, it does not guarantee future performance, and investors should use risk management and diversification.
BlackBerry (TSE:BB) Stock Dips 10.1% as TD Securities Upgrades to Hold
December 19, 2025, 4:02 PM EST. Shares of BlackBerry (TSE:BB, NASDAQ:BBRY) fell about 10.1% on Friday, trading as low as C$5.31 and last at C$5.42 with roughly 2.34M shares traded. The move comes after a TD Securities upgrade to hold and a broader Hold consensus with a C$4.75 average target. The stock trades with a market capitalization near C$3.04B, a lofty P/E of about 106.39, and a P/E/G of 0.06. The latest quarterly results showed C$0.03 EPS on C$198.1M revenue, with negative net margin and ROE. BlackBerry, once a smartphone giant, now focuses on enterprise software and secure communications across regulated industries.
Noteworthy Friday Options Activity in CDTX, STZ, LRCX
December 19, 2025, 3:59 PM EST. Friday's notable options activity spanned three Russell 3000 components: CDTX, STZ and LRCX. In CDTX, total options volume reached 6,238 contracts (~623,800 underlying shares), about 57.5% of the stock's 1.1 million-share daily average. The standout was the $230 call expiring 1/16/2026, with 3,019 contracts (~301,900 shares). For STZ, options volume hit 14,009 contracts (~1.4 million shares), roughly 57.3% of its 2.4 million daily average. The notable trade was the $115 put expiring 1/30/2026, with 2,505 contracts (~250,500 shares). LRCX saw 59,750 contracts (~6.0 million shares), about 56.2% of its 10.6 million daily average. The key item was the $167.50 call expiring 12/19/2025, with 3,648 contracts (~364,800 shares).
Noteworthy Friday Options Activity: CDTX, STZ and LRCX Lead the Charge
December 19, 2025, 3:58 PM EST. Friday's notable options action centers on CDTX, STZ and LRCX. In CDTX, about 6,238 contracts traded-roughly 623,800 shares-equal to ~57.5% of the stock's 1-month average volume. The $230 strike call expiring Jan 16, 2026 drew heavy interest with 3,019 contracts (≈301,900 shares). For STZ, 14,009 contracts traded (≈1.4 million shares), about 57.3% of its 1-month average volume. The standout was the $115 strike put expiring Jan 30, 2026 with 2,505 contracts (≈250,500 shares). LRCX saw 59,750 contracts today (≈6.0 million shares), about 56.2% of average daily volume. The active strikes include the $167.50 call expiring Dec 19, 2025 with 3,648 contracts (≈364,800 shares).
Notable Friday Option Activity: BX, RRC, HCA Highlight Elevated Volume
December 19, 2025, 3:57 PM EST. Friday's session highlighted notable options activity in three Russell 3000 names: BX, RRC and HCA. Overall, BX traded 18,759 contracts (about 1.9 million shares), roughly 47.5% of its 1-month average volume of 3.9 million. The standout strike was the $162.50 call expiring Dec 26, 2025, with 6,036 contracts (≈603,600 shares). RRC posted 15,586 contracts (≈1.6 million shares), about 46.6% of its month average, led by the $40 call expiring Mar 20, 2026 with 8,597 contracts (≈859,700 shares). HCA saw 6,232 contracts (≈623,200 shares), roughly 45% of its average. The focal point was the $475 put expiring Dec 19, 2025 with 1,195 contracts (≈119,500 shares).
Notable Friday Option Activity: BX, RRC, HCA Highlighted on Options Volume
December 19, 2025, 3:56 PM EST. BX led Friday options with 18,759 contracts traded today, about 1.9 million underlying shares and roughly 47.5% of its 1-month average volume. Notable activity centered on the $162.50 strike call expiring December 26, 2025, with 6,036 contracts (≈603,600 shares). RRC followed with 15,586 contracts (~1.6 million shares), about 46.6% of its 1-month average, highlighted by the $40 strike call expiring March 20, 2026 with 8,597 contracts (≈859,700 shares). HCA Healthcare saw 6,232 contracts (~623,200 shares), about 45% of its average, especially the $475 strike put expiring December 19, 2025 with 1,195 contracts (≈119,500 shares). See StockOptionsChannel.com for all expirations.
Notable Friday Options Activity: BX, RRC, HCA Show Elevated Volume
December 19, 2025, 3:55 PM EST. On Friday, notable option activity showed strength in BX, RRC, and HCA. BX traded 18,759 contracts (about 1.9 million underlying shares), roughly 47.5% of its 1-month average daily volume of 3.9 million. The standout was the $162.50 call expiring Dec 26, 2025 with 6,036 contracts (~603,600 shares). For RRC, volume reached 15,586 contracts (~1.6 million shares), about 46.6% of its 1-month ADV of 3.3 million. The $40 strike call expiring Mar 20, 2026 drew 8,597 contracts (~859,700 shares). HCA turnover was 6,232 contracts (~623,200 shares, ~45% of ADV). The $475 strike put expiring Dec 19, 2025 saw 1,195 contracts (~119,500 shares).
Noteworthy Friday Option Activity: FHN, AA, LUNR
December 19, 2025, 3:54 PM EST. Friday's notable option activity spans FHN, AA, and LUNR. Total today: FHN 170,038 contracts (~17.0M shares), about 309.7% of its 1-month average volume (5.5M). Highlights include the $26 call expiring 2026-02-20 with 102,943 contracts (~10.3M). AA: 106,467 contracts (~10.6M), about 176.2% of average (6.0M). The $45 put expiring 2025-12-26 with 18,582 contracts (~1.9M). LUNR: 87,077 contracts (~8.7M), about 154.6% of average (5.6M), with the $12.50 call expiring 2026-01-16 (8,039 contracts, ~803,900 shares).
Noteworthy Friday Option Activity: FHN, AA, LUNR See Heavy Volume
December 19, 2025, 3:53 PM EST. Friday's options tape shows notable activity in three Russell 3000 components: First Horizon Corp (FHN), Alcoa Corp (AA) and Intuitive Machines (LUNR). FHN's total options volume reached 170,038 contracts, about 17.0 million underlying shares, or roughly 309.7% of its 1-month average. The standout was the $26 strike call expiring Feb 20, 2026, with 102,943 contracts (≈10.3 million shares). AA saw 106,467 contracts (≈10.6 million shares), about 176.2% of its 1-month average. The $45 strike put expiring Dec 26, 2025 traded 18,582 contracts (≈1.9 million). LUNR posted 87,077 contracts (≈8.7 million shares), about 154.6% of typical volume, with the $12.50 strike call expiring Jan 16, 2026 trading 8,039 contracts (≈803,900 shares).
Noteworthy Friday Option Activity: FHN, AA, LUNR Drive Elevated Volume
December 19, 2025, 3:52 PM EST. Today's notable options activity across the Russell 3000 includes FHN, AA, and LUNR. FHN saw 170,038 contracts traded (about 17.0 million underlying shares), or roughly 309.7% of its 1-month avg volume (5.5 million). The standout: $26 strike call expiring Feb 20, 2026, with 102,943 contracts (~10.3 million shares). For AA, 106,467 contracts (~10.6 million shares), about 176.2% of its 1-month avg (6.0M). Key: $45 strike put expiring Dec 26, 2025, with 18,582 contracts (~1.9 million shares). LUNR posted 87,077 contracts (~8.7 million), about 154.6% of its 1-month avg (5.6M). The notable strike: $12.50 strike call expiring Jan 16, 2026, with 8,039 contracts (~803,900 shares).
Friday's Notable Option Activity: LEU, SMCI, ACMR See Heavy Volume
December 19, 2025, 3:51 PM EST. Notable Friday options flow lit up three Russell 3000 components: LEU, SMCI, and ACMR. In LEU, 7,681 contracts traded, about 768,100 underlying shares and roughly 87% of the monthly average volume, with the $270 put expiring 1/16/2026 drawing 1,032 contracts (≈103,200 shares). SMCI saw 168,967 contracts, about 16.9 million shares and ~78% of its 1-month ADV, led by the $31 call expiring 12/26/2025 with 7,940 contracts (≈794,000 shares). ACMR posted 8,759 contracts (~875,900 shares, ~74.8% of ADV), bolstered by the $40 call expiring 12/19/2025 with 1,772 contracts (≈177,200 shares). For other expirations, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Notable Friday Options Activity: LEU, SMCI, ACMR Highlight Heavy Volume and Key Strikes
December 19, 2025, 3:50 PM EST. Today's notable Friday option activity centered on LEU, SMCI and ACMR. Led by Centrus Energy (LEU), 7,681 LEU contracts traded, about 768,100 underlying shares and roughly 87% of its 1-month average volume. The standout was the $270 put expiring 1/16/2026 with 1,032 contracts (~103,200 shares). SMCI posted 168,967 contracts, about 16.9 million shares, equating to 77.9% of its 1-month ADV; the top name was the $31 call expiring 12/26/2025 with 7,940 contracts (~794,000 shares). ACMR traded 8,759 contracts, about 875,900 shares or 74.8% of ADV, led by the $40 call exp 12/19/2025 with 1,772 contracts (~177,200 shares).
Notable Friday Option Activity: LEU, SMCI, ACMR
December 19, 2025, 3:49 PM EST. Notable Friday option activity surfaced in LEU, SMCI and ACMR. Centrus Energy Corp (LEU) saw about 7,681 contracts traded, roughly 768,100 underlying shares, about 87% of its average daily volume (882,705 shares). The standout was the $270 put expiring 2026-01-16 with 1,032 contracts (~103,200 shares). SMCI options traded 168,967 contracts (~16.9M shares), about 77.9% of its 30-day ADV of 21.7M. The $31 call expiring 2025-12-26 drew 7,940 contracts (~794,000 shares). ACMR saw 8,759 contracts (~875,900 shares), about 74.8% of avg daily volume. The $40 call expiring 2025-12-19 accounted for 1,772 contracts (~177,200 shares).
Friday Sector Laggards: Consumer Products and Utilities Drag Midday Trading
December 19, 2025, 3:48 PM EST. As of midday Friday, the worst performer is the Consumer Products sector, down 0.7%. Within that group, LW (-24.0%) and NKE (-11.3%) are laggards. The iShares U.S. Consumer Goods ETF (IYK) is flat on the day and up 5.46% YTD; LW is down 30.32% YTD; NKE down 20.92% YTD; LW makes up about 0.3% of IYK holdings. The next worst sector is Utilities, down 0.5%. Large utilities stocks CEG (-1.3%) and PNW (-1.2%). The Utilities Select Sector SPDR ETF (XLU) is down 0.5% today and up 15.73% YTD; CEG up 60.00% YTD; PNW up 7.41% YTD; Together they comprise about 9.3% of XLU holdings.
Friday Sector Laggards: Consumer Products and Utilities Drag Markets as LW, NKE Slide
December 19, 2025, 3:47 PM EST. During Friday's midday trading, Consumer Products stocks are the day's laggards, down about 0.7%. Within that group, Lamb Weston Holdings (LW) and Nike (NKE) slide 24.0% and 11.3% for the session. The related IYK ETF is flat, up 5.46% YTD; LW weights roughly 0.3% of IYK's holdings. The Utilities sector is next, down 0.5%, with CEG and PNW off 1.3% and 1.2%. The XLU ETF is down 0.5% today, yet up 15.73% YTD. Year-to-date, CEG is up 60.00% and PNW up 7.41%, together about 9.3% of XLU's holdings. Seven sectors are higher on the day, two lower, highlighting a mixed intraday snapshot.
Friday Sector Laggards: Consumer Products and Utilities Drag Midday Trading
December 19, 2025, 3:46 PM EST. At Friday's midday, the Consumer Products sector trails the market, down about 0.7%, with Lamb Weston (LW) and Nike (NKE) among the day's laggards, down 24.0% and 11.3%, respectively. The iShares U.S. Consumer Goods ETF (IYK) is flat on the day but up 5.46% year-to-date; LW makes up roughly 0.3% of IYK's holdings. The Utilities sector is the next-worst performer, down about 0.5%, led by Constellation Energy (CEG) and Pinnacle West Capital (PNW) down 1.3% and 1.2%. The XLU ETF is down 0.5% on the day and up 15.73% YTD, with CEG and PNW together comprising about 9.3% of XLU's holdings. A sector snapshot shows seven sectors higher, two lower, with Technology & Communications and Healthcare among leaders and Utilities among laggards.
Cotton Futures Edge Higher at Midday as Export Sales Lag; Oil and Dollar Move Markets
December 19, 2025, 3:40 PM EST.Cotton futures moved higher at midday Friday, adding 25-30 points, while crude oil rose about 47 cents and the U.S. dollar index edged higher. The market also noted weaker total export sales commitments, 5.72 million RB and roughly 16.5% below year-ago levels, although shipments rose 7.61% to 2.3 million RB. The day featured The Seam's December 18 auction results (9,858 bales at 60.53 cents/lb), a firmer Cotlook A Index at 73.30 cents, and flat ICE certified cotton stocks at 12,396 bales. The Adjusted World Price slipped 40 points to 49.99 cents/lb. Nearby contracts showed gains: Mar 26 cotton at 63.8, May 26 cotton at 64.88, Jul 26 cotton at 65.91, all higher by a few points.
Corn Slips on Friday as Cash Prices Dip and Export Pace Surges
December 19, 2025, 3:39 PM EST. Corn futures are slipping on Friday with fractional to penny losses across most contracts. The CmdtyView national average cash price sits at $3.99 3/4 per bushel, down a penny. Export commitments are up 29.7% year over year at 44.35 MMT (about 1.746 billion bushels), signaling a record pace for corn exports. Safras pegs the 2025/26 Brazilian corn crop at 142.88 MMT, slightly below prior estimates, with the second crop at 101.79 MMT and the first at 25.37 MMT. Friday prices show Mar 2026 corn at $4.43 3/4, Nearby Cash at $3.99 3/4, May at $4.51 1/2, and Jul at $4.57 1/4.
Wheat Mixed at Friday Midday as SRW Gains, HRW Edges Lower
December 19, 2025, 3:38 PM EST. The wheat complex is mixed at Friday's midday action. Chicago SRW futures are up about 2 cents, while KC HRW softens slightly. MPLS spring wheat is higher by 4-5 cents. Export sales commitments stand at 18.94 MMT (about 696 million bushels), up 21.8% from last year. SovEcon pegs the 2026 Russian wheat crop at 83.8 MMT, unchanged from last forecast but down 5 MMT year over year. South Korea bought 50,000 MT from the US and 9,200 MT from Canada; Argentina's crop is estimated at 27.1 MMT, up 1.6 MMT. Prices: CBOT Mar $5.09 3/4, May $5.20 3/4; KCBT Mar $5.16 1/2, May $5.28 3/4; MGEX Mar $5.77 3/4, May $5.88.
Soybeans Hold Losses as China Demand Slows; Export Sales Lag
December 19, 2025, 3:37 PM EST. Soybeans are extending a weaker session on Friday, with nearby futures 3-4 cents lower. The cmdtyView national average cash bean price is $9.78 1/4 per bushel, down 3 1/4 cents. Soymeal futures are down 50 cents and soy oil futures lower by 31-33 points. The USDA reported another private export sale of 134,000 MT to China this morning. Weekly export sales show commitments at 21.829 MMT (802 mbu), about 39.3% below year-ago levels, much of the lag centered on China. Sinograin auctioned 179,702 MT of soybeans, about a third of offered stock. Key prices: Jan 26 at $10.49 1/4, nearby cash $9.78 1/4, Mar 26 $10.59, May 26 $10.70.
Cattle Futures Rally Ahead of Cattle on Feed Report
December 19, 2025, 3:36 PM EST. Live cattle futures posted Friday gains of $2.17 to $2.70, with feeder cattle futures up about $5 to $6 as traders await the USDA's December Cattle on Feed report. Cash trade kicked off Thursday with scattered sales around $228 and $356-358. The Fed Cattle Exchange saw no bids on 1,708 head. The December Cattle on Feed is expected to show placements down roughly 8% and marketings down about 11%, with 1 December on feed estimate near -1.6% versus last year. Boxed beef prices were mixed and the Choice vs Select spread widened. Slaughter data showed week-to-week declines, underscoring caution ahead of the report.
Lean Hog Futures Edge Higher on Friday as USDA Data Mixed
December 19, 2025, 3:35 PM EST. Lean hog futures are modestly higher on Friday, with gains of about 15 to 45 cents. The USDA's national base hog price was not reported due to thin volume, while the CME Lean Hog Index rose 1 cent to $83.88 as of December 17. The pork carcass cutout value slipped $2.92 to $100.35 per cwt, with the loin the sole primal lower. USDA estimated federally inspected hog slaughter for Thursday at 495,000 head, bringing the weekly total to 1.957 million – down 8,000 from last week but up 10,755 from the year-ago week. Nearby contracts showed: Feb 26 hogs at 84.575, Apr at 89.100, May at 93.250.
Encore to IPO as Corporate Events Boom Draws Investor Interest
December 19, 2025, 3:34 PM EST. Encore, the Blackstone-owned Events specialist, is lining up an IPO after quietly expanding through M&A and organic growth to become a dominant player in corporate expos. With an enterprise value reportedly above $5 billion, the company sits at the intersection of a resilient yet cyclical market. CEO Ben Erwin says demand remains robust even as marketing budgets wobble, as firms push for large-scale events to energize calendars. Encore's fortunes track the broader economy: tighter budgets can bite, but a public listing provides currency for acquisitions and employee ownership. The IPO backdrop highlights how corporate events-from Dreamforce-style displays to high-profile acts-have evolved into a sizable, investor-relevant growth story rather than a traditional trade show.
Stock Markets Close Early on Christmas Eve; Closed on Christmas Day (U.S. Holiday Schedule)
December 19, 2025, 3:33 PM EST. Key takeaway: The U.S. stock market closes early on Christmas Eve and is closed on Christmas Day. The NYSE and Nasdaq close at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, Dec. 24, with late sessions (NYSE American Equities, NYSE Arca Equities, NYSE National, NYSE Texas) ending at 5 p.m. ET. The bond market closes at 2 p.m. ET and remains shut through Christmas. OTC trading closes at 1 p.m. ET. Markets resume normal hours after the holiday, with an early close again on New Year's Eve and a closure on Jan. 1, 2026. International markets have varied holiday schedules. Plan accordingly for last-minute trading.
Top economist warns stagflation could derail 2026 stock-market gains
December 19, 2025, 3:32 PM EST. An influential economist signals that stagflation risks may temper the accelerating gains seen in equities into 2026. The warning centers on a persistent mix of weak growth, high inflation, and higher interest rates that could compress valuations and delay earnings upgrades. If price pressures re-emerge, cyclicals and high-leverage sectors could underperform as the Fed maintains a restrictive stance. Investors should monitor inflation metrics, wage growth, and policy guidance while diversifying into durable, cash-flow resilient names. The piece cautions against assuming a smooth path for the bull run and highlights sectors with pricing power and strong balance sheets as potential shelters. In short: stagflation risk remains a key driver to watch for while positioning portfolios for a choppier 2026.
Kinross Gold (KGC) Emerges as a Profitable Value Stock Amid Rising Gold Demand
December 19, 2025, 3:31 PM EST. Kinross Gold Corporation (KGC) is highlighted as a profitable value stock after upgrades from UBS and Bank of America. UBS raised its price target to $33 and reiterated a Buy rating, citing continued gold momentum into 2026 and solid demand from private investors and central banks. Bank of America lifted its target to $32 with a Buy rating as it refreshed its outlook on North American metals. In Q3 2025, Kinross posted revenue of $1.80 billion, up about 25.8% YoY, and EPS of $0.44, beating estimates by $0.05. Costs have risen due to planned mine sequencing, sustaining capital, and higher royalties linked to higher gold prices, pressuring all-in sustaining costs. Kinross operates mines in the US, Brazil, Chile, Canada, and Mauritania.
Barclays Lowers VICI Target on Tenant Stability; Evercore Downgrade Highlights Risks
December 19, 2025, 3:30 PM EST. Barclays trimmed its price target on VICI Properties to $33 from $37 while keeping an Overweight rating, citing tenant stability concerns in its Q3 2025 update. Earlier, Evercore ISI downgraded VICI to In Line with a $32 target amid worries about a regional gaming lease with Caesars Entertainment and a low coverage ratio. In Q3 2025, VICI signaled diversification beyond core gaming, highlighting its 14th tenant Clairvest and the MGM Northfield Park deal, with initial annual base rent of about $53 million. Leadership is pursuing mission-critical infrastructure investments in university sports, including arenas and stadiums, indicating a broader strategy to monetize non-gaming assets while monitoring tenant risk.
Desjardins Raises Aritzia Target to C$125 with Buy Rating
December 19, 2025, 3:29 PM EST. Desjardins lifted Aritzia's target from C$95 to C$125 with a Buy rating, implying about 6.8% upside from the current level. The note comes as several peers also turn bullish: BMO (C$136, Outperform), Raymond James (C$110, Outperform), Goldman Sachs (Strong Buy), and Truist (C$116). The stock was around C$117.03 (up ~1.8%), on volume ~316k. Street consensus remains Buy with an average target of C$105.58 (MarketBeat). Fundamentals show a P/E of ~48.8, ROE ~15%, net margin ~5.2%, and a beta ~1.97; the company trades with a 50-day MA of C$101.75 and a 200-day MA of C$85.20. Market cap ~C$13.5B; 1-year range C$36.51-C$117.60.
ATB Capital Lowers Ensign Energy Services Target to C$3.00 as Analysts Provide Mixed Ratings (TSE:ESI)
December 19, 2025, 3:28 PM EST. Analyst firm ATB Capital trimmed its target on Ensign Energy Services (TSE:ESI) from C$3.25 to C$3.00, maintaining a sector perform rating. The new target implies about 25% upside from the stock's recent levels. Other coverage is mixed: RBC moved to hold from buy; ATB Cap Markets also nudged ESI to hold; CIBC lifted their objective to C$2.75; BMO cut to hold with a C$3.50 target. Market consensus leans Hold (five ratings). In intraday action, ESI traded near C$2.40 on light volume; the stock has a 52-week range of C$1.73-C$3.52 and a P/E of negative, reflecting a cautious outlook despite potential upside.
National Bankshares Lifts NexGen Energy Price Target to C$18, Signaling ~44% Upside
December 19, 2025, 3:27 PM EST. National Bankshares raised NexGen Energy (NXE) price target from C$15.50 to C$18.00, with an outperform rating and an implied 44.12% upside from the prior close. Other firms boosted targets: Haywood to C$15.00, TD Securities to C$15.00, Stifel to C$20.00, BMO to C$16.00, Canaccord to C$18.50. MarketBeat shows an avg Buy rating and a target of about C$16.25. NXE traded up to C$12.49 on Friday with volume around 1.74M. Key metrics: market cap C$8.18B; P/E negative; beta 1.43; 50-/200-day moving averages at C$12.23 and C$10.82. Last quarter: EPS -C$0.23; analysts expect -0.07 for the year. NexGen is a Canadian uranium explorer with projects ROOK I, IsoEnergy, Arrow Zone.
ATB Capital Lowers Western Energy Services Target to C$2.50 (WRG)
December 19, 2025, 3:26 PM EST. ATB Capital cut its price target on Western Energy Services (TSE:WRG) from C$2.75 to C$2.50, while keeping a sector perform rating. The move suggests a potential upside of about 21.36% from Friday's close. Western Energy Services traded around C$2.06 as volume lagged the 5,355-share average. The stock sits near its 50-day MA (C$2.10) and 200-day MA (C$2.11). In its latest quarterly results, the company posted C($0.07) EPS on C$50.04 million revenue, with a negative net margin and ROE. An insider transaction saw Sime Armoyan acquire 12,400 shares, lifting insider ownership to roughly 6.92 million shares. With a market cap near C$70 million and a β ≈ 0.41, investors will weigh the outlook against the firm's debt and earnings trajectory.
X3 Holdings Co. Ltd. (XTKG) Stock Price – Live Quotes, Charts & News
December 19, 2025, 3:25 PM EST. X3 Holdings Co. Ltd. (ticker: XTKG) is showing a live price move, up +$0.14 or +7.57% in today's session. The page covers direct live quotes, candlestick charts (1D, 5D, 1M, 6M, 1Y, 5Y), and broad market chatter. A note mentions the seldom-used indicator Bullish Fuel flagging several large names-watch for potential volatility as traders weigh momentum signals. Current analyst ratings data appear sparse, with an average price target listed at $0 based on 0 ratings in the last 3 months. There is no available earnings data yet for X3 Holdings Co. Ltd., which could affect near-term valuation. Investors should stay tuned for new updates, including earnings releases and updated price targets.
US Stock Market Today: AI Rebound Lifts S&P and Nasdaq; Nike Slumps as Triple Witching Stirs Volatility
December 19, 2025, 3:23 PM EST. US stocks traded higher in afternoon trade as AI rebound and megacap tech led gains, despite a sharp drop in Nike and volatility from the day's triple witching. By mid-afternoon, the S&P 500 was up about 0.6% (some prints ~0.9%), the Dow up ~0.4%, and the Nasdaq Composite up ~1.0% (Nasdaq-100 ~1.3%). Semiconductors rose ~2.9%, with NVIDIA up ~3.6% and Micron up ~6.7%. Oracle jumped ~8% and Carnival ~8%, while Nike slid ~10%. The move underscored renewed leadership from AI/data-center names and a tech-led risk-on tilt into year-end.
Investors React To Dominion Energy's Amazon MoU On Small Modular Reactors
December 19, 2025, 3:22 PM EST. Investors are weighing how Dominion Energy's Amazon MoU to explore Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) could reshape its growth story. The plan aligns with ongoing moves to expand a cleaner generation mix and meet rising data center demand, but analysts note near-term risks around capex, financing, and regulatory outcomes. A steady US$0.6675 quarterly dividend signals income appeal, yet concerns persist that the dividend may not be fully covered by free cash flow, given project costs and interest costs. The collaboration could bolster long-term rate-base growth from renewables and potential nuclear innovation, while still keeping core priorities like Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind on track. Overall, investors should watch cost overruns, regulatory recovery risks, and the ability to translate ambition into earnings growth by 2028.
Wall Street opens the week with a year-end rally in doubt
December 19, 2025, 3:21 PM EST. Stocks enter the week with a year-end rally in doubt as the S&P 500 and Nasdaq slip for December, risking a seven-month run. The index's 50-day moving average remains a key hurdle, suggesting Santa may leave coal. Traders point to bond markets: a flattening and potential shifts in the yield curve, with attention on long-dated Japanese yields. The prospect of Kevin Hassett as Fed chair fuels fears of aggressive easing that could lift long-term yields. A looming tariff ruling and frothy AI valuations add risk. Yet rotation into value-via data centers, industrials, and financials-could shape 2025.
Johnson Controls Exhibits Growth Across HVAC, OpenBlue and Services Amid Cost and FX Headwinds
December 19, 2025, 3:19 PM EST. Johnson Controls International plc (JCI) is riding solid momentum across its HVAC platforms, data centers, and controls businesses to support the Americas segment, with gains in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and continued momentum in APAC service. A strengthened product portfolio and acquisitions-including the FM:Systems deal expanding OpenBlue and cloud-based SaaS capabilities-boost revenue, while shareholder returns remain robust through a dividend increase (up 8% to $0.40) and sizable buybacks ($5.99 billion in fiscal 2025). The company logged a $25 million revenue bump from acquisitions in fiscal 2025. However, elevated SG&A, IT and cybersecurity costs, and higher corporate expenses dampen near-term profitability. Forex exposure remains a risk, as a stronger USD can pressure margins outside the U.S. Overall, JCI trades a solid growth trajectory with some near-term cost headwinds.
3 Manufacturing Stocks Set to Benefit from Supply-Chain Shifts Into 2026
December 19, 2025, 3:18 PM EST. As the global supply chain shifts toward greater domestic production and regional sourcing by 2026, three manufacturing stocks stand out. Caterpillar (CAT), EnerSys (ENS), and Honeywell International (HON) are positioned to benefit from supply-chain diversification, resilient operations, and investments in productivity-enhancing tech. Caterpillar is expanding US facilities, strengthening its supplier network, and advancing responsible sourcing and supplier diversity to reduce exposure to single-source risks. EnerSys could benefit from robust energy-storage demand and regionalized procurement, supporting a localized, low-variance supply chain. Honeywell's diversified product lines and global footprint help cushion inflation and regulatory pressures while enabling continued automation and digitalization across industries. Key catalysts include regional production, labor development, and risk management through diversified suppliers into 2026.
Friday Insider Buying Report: Immunome (IMNM) and SentinelOne (S) See Big Purchases
December 19, 2025, 3:16 PM EST. Two notable insider purchases emerged in Friday's report. Immunome's CEO Clay B. Siegall bought $999,986 of IMNM, purchasing 46,511 shares at $21.50 per share. This follows two prior IMNM buys in the last year totaling $2.16 million at an average of $7.53. At SentinelOne, Director Mark S. Peek acquired 40,000 shares at $14.89 each, for a total of $595,600 in S. The stocks were higher on Friday, with IMNM up about 7.9% and S up about 0.3%. Today, S traded as low as $14.61, roughly 1.9% below Peek's purchase price.
Three Promising TSX Penny Stocks Under CA$200M Market Cap to Watch
December 19, 2025, 3:15 PM EST. Canadian penny stocks on the TSX remain a growth-focused niche, often trading under CA$200M in market cap. The screener flags several standouts with solid financial health ratings and clear growth paths, including Westbridge Renewable Energy (WEB) at CA$53.59M, Canso Select Opportunities (CSOC.A) at CA$21.61M, Zoomd Technologies (ZOMD) at CA$123.98M, Montero Mining (MON) at CA$3.93M, CEMATRIX (CEMX) at CA$52.57M, Automotive Finco (AFCC.H) at CA$23.78M, Pulse Seismic (PSD) at CA$148.62M, and Hemisphere Energy (HME) at CA$189.25M. Note Sailfish Royalty (FISH) sits above the threshold at ~CA$250M. The piece highlights how macro signals from the Bank of Canada and the Fed shape risk and opportunity in this space.
Stock market today: Dow, S&P 500 and Nasdaq rise as Nvidia and Oracle shine in tech revival
December 19, 2025, 3:14 PM EST. U.S. stocks rose Friday after a brief pullback, as signs of cooling inflation and easing AI concerns boosted bets on a year-end rally. The S&P 500 advanced about 0.9%, while the Nasdaq Composite gained more than 1% and the Dow Jones added roughly 0.5%. In tech, Oracle jumped after ByteDance's US TikTok venture news, and Nvidia helped lift sentiment with chatter that Washington may ease AI chip sales restrictions for China. Inflation data suggested price pressures are cooling, reinforcing bets on potential Fed rate cuts next year. The yield on the 10-year Treasury edged higher as markets priced in tighter financial conditions, while traders eye a possible year-end Santa Claus rally amid thin liquidity.
Gabelli Equity Trust's Series K Preferred Yield Tops 6% as PRK Trades Near $20.71
December 19, 2025, 3:13 PM EST. Gabelli Equity Trust's 5.00% Series K Cumulative Preferred Stock (GAB.PRK) yielded above 6% on Friday, based on an annualized dividend of $1.25. The shares traded as low as $20.71. This compares with an average yield of 6.24% in the ETFs & CEFs preferred stock category. At Friday's close, GAB.PRK traded at a 16.40% discount to its liquidation preference, versus the 16.64% average in the category. In the session, the common shares (GAB) were up about 0.7% while GAB.PRK slipped about 0.2%. The note includes a dividend history for GAB.PRK and a look at high-yield preferreds.
Fund Short Covering Lifts Sugar Prices Ahead of Year-End Holidays
December 19, 2025, 3:11 PM EST. Funds' short-covering lifted the March NY world sugar and March London white sugar futures by about 2% ahead of the year-end holidays, as liquidity thins. The move comes as traders weigh India sugar production and export plans that could shift global supplies. ISMA data show India's 2025/26 output rising, while Conab raised Brazil's 2025/26 outlook and cane crush. The ISO still forecasts a surplus in 2025-26, suggesting some downside risk, but the near-term bid tone remains on fund-driven covering into the holidays.
West African Weather Weighs on Cocoa Prices as Supplies Grow
December 19, 2025, 3:10 PM EST. March ICE NY cocoa (CCH26) and ICE London (CAH26) futures extended losses as West African weather boosts yields, signaling a larger supply cushion. Ivory Coast farmers report rain and sun aiding bloom, while Ghana's rains support pod development ahead of the harmattan. The Ivory Coast harvest has begun, with port arrivals showing a robust bean flow. ICE cocoa inventories in US ports are shrinking, and global supplies are rising, keeping prices under pressure despite late-week rallies. Citi trimmed its 2025/26 surplus, and NY cocoa's inclusion in the Bloomberg Commodity Index could attract roughly $2 billion of buying. The market remains sensitive to the global supply outlook and weather signals.
Waste Management: Is It Still Undervalued After Its Rally?
December 19, 2025, 3:09 PM EST. Is it too late to chase Waste Management after its steady multi-year run? The stock has advanced on expectations for infrastructure spending, sustainability mandates, and rising demand for recycling and waste-to-energy solutions. On valuation, the firm scores a middling 3/6 for undervaluation, suggesting it's neither a screaming bargain nor an obvious overpay. A DCF model using a 2-stage approach yields roughly $2.37B of trailing free cash flow, climbing to about $5.36B by 2035, implying an intrinsic value of $242.89 per share and an undervalued by 10.1% signal today. The case rests on ongoing pricing power, efficiency gains, and durable demand for essential services, even as regulatory and capital-intensity debates keep the outlook nuanced for long-term investors.
Infosys ADR jumps 56% on strong US volumes, hits 52-week high on Wall Street
December 19, 2025, 3:08 PM EST. Infosys ADR surged more than 56% in Friday's session on Wall Street, as strong buying fueled volume to over 3.5 million shares versus the typical ~300k. The ADR briefly touched an intraday high of $30, marking a 56.4% jump and a brief halt at the upper circuit. MarketWatch data show the stock trading around $20.54 mid-day, up about 7.8% from the prior close of $19.18. The shares' 52-week high sits near $30, with a market cap near $73.06 billion. The move comes as a broader rebound in US-listed tech stocks supports risk appetite, even as the stock remains down on a YTD basis. Investors will watch volumes for signs of sustained momentum in this name.
Firefly Aerospace Stock (NASDAQ: FLY) Gets KeyBanc Coverage; Litigation Deadline Looms, What Investors Watch (Dec 19, 2025)
December 19, 2025, 3:07 PM EST. Firefly Aerospace stock (NASDAQ: FLY) is back in high attention on Dec. 19, 2025, trading around $22.65 after a close of $20.07, with intraday $20.30-$22.98 and a 52-week span of $16.00-$73.80 (Investing.com). The day's headlines center on two catalysts: a fresh Wall Street initiation from KeyBanc with a Sector Weight rating, and ongoing securities-class action notices with a lead plaintiff deadline of January 12, 2026. KeyBanc's note flags Firefly at ~5.5x price-to-sales, hints at free cash flow breakeven late in 2028, and notes peer-group variability; no explicit price target was published. The litigation overhang-filed during the IPO era-continues to loom, even as investors weigh a potentially catalyst-rich 2026.
Nike Stock Slides as China Slump; Two Bright Spots Emerge Under Win Now Push
December 19, 2025, 3:06 PM EST. Nike's stock retreated as the company presses its comeback in a mixed quarter. While net sales rose 1% to $12.43 billion and the top line beat estimates, net income fell 32% and margins remain under pressure from Greater China. CEO Elliott Hill framed the results as the company being in the middle innings of its turnaround, with different streams in different stages. The quarter underscored ongoing work to rightsize Converse and reset Greater China, even as promotions decelerate and wholesale dynamics shift. On the positives, retailer checks point to improving product offerings and stronger sell-through, with some wholesale partners delivering better-than-expected performance. Nike's Win Now actions in China-focusing on Beijing/Shanghai storytelling-show early momentum even as the broader market wrestles with deceleration.
Fortrea (FTRE) Valuation Reassessment After Sharp Rally: Is the 12.07 Fair Value Justified?
December 19, 2025, 3:05 PM EST. Fortrea Holdings has surged roughly 65% in the last month and over 64% in 3 months, yet the stock remains negative year-to-date and shows a weak 1-year TSR. The article scrutinizes whether the rebound is sustainable or a market overreaction. The base case carries a fair value of $12.07 versus the last close of $16.61, implying the stock looks overvalued on the headline narrative, though the price-to-sales ratio at 0.6x sits below the Life Sciences sector averages, suggesting potential rerating if execution improves. Risks include customer concentration and intense pricing pressure in a highly competitive CRO market, which could erode margins and growth. For investors, the piece also notes how a modest tweak to growth and margin assumptions and discount rate can drastically affect the valuation outcome.
Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB) Valuation Update: Undervalued Amid Solid Momentum
December 19, 2025, 3:04 PM EST. Fifth Third Bancorp (FITB) has delivered a notable rally this month, supported by solid results and improving sentiment for regional banks. The stock has posted a 30-day return of about 14.9% and a roughly 15% one-year total shareholder return, with a 5-year TSR above 100%. At current levels around $47.66, the fair value narrative points to a target near $51.50, implying the stock remains undervalued. The story hinges on expansion in Texas and California as a structural growth driver that could sustain loan and fee income growth. Risks include potential hiccups from the Comerica integration or softer commercial loan demand. If the up-side remains intact, the valuation could re-rate as forecasts extend beyond the near term.
Arabica Coffee Prices Slip as Brazil Rainfall Eases Supply Concerns; Robusta Rises
December 19, 2025, 3:03 PM EST. Arabica futures (KCH26) are down, dropping to a four-month low, while January ICE Robusta (RMF26) climbs modestly. The bearish supply outlook weighs on arabica after widespread rains in Brazil eased crop worries, with Climatempo forecasting heavy rain across key growing regions. Minas Gerais received substantial rainfall, supporting the case for ample supplies. Brazil's crop forecast agency Conab raised 2025 production to 56.54 million bags. In contrast, robusta inventories remain pressured but near-term output signals from Vietnam are bearish for prices as 2025/26 production is expected to rise and exports climb. Still, tightening ICE inventories for arabica and earlier US demand dynamics offer some support. Overall, the market cues point to a mixed snapshot driven by weather, plantings, and policy shifts on tariffs.
REG – RNS: Market Data Providers and Content Credits
December 19, 2025, 3:02 PM EST. This REG – RNS entry lists the providers powering market data and filings for market participants. It credits ICE Data Services for market data, FactSet for reference data and the CUSIP Database, and notes that Quartr supplies SEC filings and related documents while TradingView contributes charting and data rights. The notice underscores copyrights held by FactSet Research Systems Inc., the American Bankers Association, and other providers. It serves as a transparent acknowledgement of data sources and intellectual property used to disseminate regulatory information to investors.
FedEx (FDX) Upgraded to Zacks Rank #2 Buy on Rising Earnings Estimates
December 19, 2025, 3:01 PM EST. FedEx (FDX) has been upgraded to Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) on an improving earnings picture. The upgrade reflects rising earnings estimates and ongoing earnings estimate revisions, factors that tend to sway near-term stock moves as institutional investors adjust fair value. Zacks' rating system measures changes in a company's earnings potential, and a higher rank can trigger buying pressure and higher prices. For FedEx, the projected earnings per share of $18.00 for the fiscal year ending May 2026 indicates stability even as estimates climb. Analysts have steadily raised their estimates over the past three months, reinforcing the improving business trend. The system's track record shows Zacks Rank #1 stocks delivering notable returns, underscoring the potential upside behind this upgrade.
Costco Stock (COST) News Today: Valuation Re-Ratings, Target Cuts, and Tariff Risks (Dec 19, 2025)
December 19, 2025, 2:59 PM EST. Costco Wholesale Corp. (NASDAQ: COST) ended the week near $850 as analysts reassess a premium multiple. A new note from Guggenheim reiterates a Neutral stance, citing elevated valuation, sensitivity to operating ebbs and flows, and scrutiny of membership renewal dynamics. Wells Fargo cut its price target to $900 from $1,000, adding to a mixed analyst tape. Tariffs are shaping holiday assortment decisions, with Costco pivoting to substitutions and sourcing shifts to protect value while avoiding broad price increases. On fiscal Q1 2026: Revenue $67.31B, EPS $4.50, and Same-Store Sales (ex-gas) up 6.4%. Membership fees show resilience, with revenue up, and total cardholders reaching about 145.9 million. Renewal rates circa 92.2% US/Canada, 89.7% worldwide; executives stress the model's durability as a quality defensive growth name.
Commonwealth Bank of Australia ADR (CMWAY) Gaps Down Pre-Market; Goldman Sachs Sets $130.18 Target with Sell Rating
December 19, 2025, 2:57 PM EST. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ADR (CMWAY) gapped down pre-market after closing at $103.03, opening around $100.13. The stock last traded at $104.73 with light volume (3,943). In a separate note, The Goldman Sachs Group set a $130.18target price and issued a Sell rating on CMWAY. Analysts split: one Hold, one Sell; MarketBeat shows an overall Reduce rating and the same $130.18target. Technicals point to a 50-day moving average of $106.11 and a 200-day moving average of $111.51. On the fundamentals side, CMWAY sports a current ratio of 1.10, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a debt-to-equity of 2.18. Commonwealth Bank remains one of Australia's largest banks, with ADRs trading OTC under CMWAY.
Friday ETF Movers: URA Leads Rally, NFRA in Focus
December 19, 2025, 2:56 PM EST. On Friday, the URA Uranium ETF led gains, rising about 5.4%. Among its components, Centrus Energy jumped roughly 14.4% and Mega Uranium rose about 12.8%. By contrast, the FlexShares STOXX Global Broad Infrastructure Index Fund fell about 3.9%. Within that ETF, Cogent Communications Holdings slid around 2% and Geo Group declined about 1.9%. The report also notes NFRA among Friday's movers. The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
Unusual Volume in SPWO as Infosys and Wipro Lead SP Funds World ex-US ETF Session
December 19, 2025, 2:55 PM EST. Friday saw unusual volume in the SP Funds S&P World ex-US ETF (SPWO), with about 139,000 shares traded versus a three-month average of ~25,000. SPWO rose roughly 0.7% on the session. The heaviest activity came from components: Infosys up about 6.3% on more than 80.4 million shares, and Wipro up about 7.2% on roughly 26.6 million shares. By contrast, Icon lagged, trading down about 1.3%. The surge in name-brand tech ADRs inside SPWO helped lift the ETF despite a modest overall gain.
Lennar Enters Oversold Territory as RSI Dips to 28.4 (LEN)
December 19, 2025, 2:54 PM EST. Legendary investor Warren Buffett's adage about fear and greed frames Lennar's latest move. Lennar Corp (LEN) slid into oversold territory after its RSI dropped to 28.4, with a session low around $105.23. By contrast, the SPY RSI sits near 50.7, underscoring Lennar's relative weakness. A trader could view the 28.4 RSI as a sign selling pressure may be easing and consider a buy-side entry if other signals align. The chart shows Lennar's 52-week low near $98.42 and a high around $144.24, with the latest trade near $106.01. Investors may also scan for other oversold stocks cited in the report. As always, caution remains warranted, and price action should confirm a rebound before taking a long position.
AHR's US$950M Expansion Could Boost Growth for American Healthcare REIT, But Elevates Integration Risks
December 19, 2025, 2:53 PM EST. Investors eye AHR after the company closed a US$950 million portfolio expansion focused on Integrated Senior Health Campuses and Senior Housing Operating Properties, alongside a US$0.25 quarterly dividend for Q4 2025. The scale-up could support near-term growth through stronger same-store NOI and higher rental income, feeding into projected revenue of about US$2.7 billion and earnings of around US$203 million by 2028. Yet the expansion heightens integration risk and may face tougher year-over-year comparisons and hospital-system headwinds. Reimbursement dynamics and funding shifts (Medicaid/Medicare Advantage) could affect cash flows. Still, the stock's implied fair value and upside reflect optimistic scenarios if portfolio execution stays on track and occupancy remains healthy across Trilogy and SHOP platforms.
Notable Friday Options Activity: ALB, MU, and ERIE
December 19, 2025, 2:49 PM EST. Friday's notable options activity centered on ALB (Albemarle), MU (Micron Technology) and ERIE (Erie Indemnity). ALB saw 74,960 contracts traded, about 7.5 million shares, roughly 228% of its 1-month average volume. The most active line was the $155 strike call expiring 2026-01-16 with 28,209 contracts (~2.8 million underlying). MU posted 388,294 contracts (~38.8 million shares, ~147% of the 1-month ADV); the top name was the $265 call expiring 2025-12-19 with 28,659 contracts (~2.9 million underlying). ERIE totaled 1,751 contracts (~175,100 underlying shares, ~113% of ADV), led by the $250 call expiring 2026-06-18 with 866 contracts (~86,600 underlying). For more expirations, visit StockOptionsChannel.com.
Dividend Roundup: IVR, BXP, STT, UDR, HEI
December 19, 2025, 2:48 PM EST. Daily dividend round-up: The following firms declared quarterly cash dividends. IVR (Invesco Mortgage Capital) declared a cash dividend of $0.36 per share for Q4 2025, payable Jan 23, 2026, to stockholders of record by Dec 29, 2025; ex-div date Dec 29, 2025. BXP (Boston Properties) declared a regular quarterly dividend of $0.70 per share for Q4 2025, payable Jan 29, 2026; record date Dec 31, 2025. STT (State Street) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.84 per share, payable Jan 12, 2026; record date Jan 2, 2026. UDR declared a quarterly dividend of $0.43 per share for Q4 2025, payable Feb 2, 2026; record date Jan 12, 2026 (213rd consecutive). HEI (HEICO) declared a $0.12 per share dividend on all Class A and Common stock, payable Jan 20, 2026; record date Jan 5, 2026.
Notable Friday Option Activity: GOOGL, PTC, CHTR
December 19, 2025, 2:47 PM EST. Friday's notable option activity spotlighted GOOGL, PTC, and CHTR. In Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL), total options volume reached 227,772 contracts, about 22.8 million underlying shares and roughly 51.8% of its average daily volume (44.0M). The standout was the $305 strike call expiring December 19, 2025, with 16,626 contracts (around 1.7M shares). In PTC (PTC), options traded 4,046 contracts, about 404,600 shares, or 44.5% of the past month's ADV (910,120). The top-name was the $160 strike call expiring July 17, 2026, with 2,016 contracts (~201,600 shares). CHTR saw 7,472 contracts (~747,200 shares; ~44.4% ADV). The most active was the $165 strike put expiring January 30, 2026, with 5,101 contracts (~510,100 shares).
Friday Options Spotlight: DVA, CCL and FICO Notable Volume
December 19, 2025, 2:46 PM EST. Notable Friday options activity highlighted three S&P 500 components: DaVita Inc (DVA), Carnival Corp (CCL) and Fair Isaac Corp (FICO). DVA logged 6,468 contracts, about 66.3% of its average daily volume, with a focus on the $120 strike call expiring Dec 19, 2025 that traded 2,140 contracts (roughly 214,000 shares). CCL posted 128,655 contracts (about 61.9% of ADV), led by the $29 strike call expiring Dec 19, 2025 with 10,507 contracts (around 1.1 million shares). FICO showed 982 contracts (about 98,200 shares or 52% of ADV), with notable activity in the $1850 strike put expiring Dec 19, 2025 and 80 contracts. Chart visuals accompany each name, and expirations are available at StockOptionsChannel.com.
Noteworthy Friday Options Activity: UNH, CEG & EXE Highlight Heavy Volume
December 19, 2025, 2:45 PM EST. Friday brought notable options action among S&P 500 names: UnitedHealth Group (UNH), Constellation Energy (CEG) and Expand Energy Corp (EXE). UNH posted total option volume of 61,033 contracts, about 6.1 million underlying shares-roughly 91.7% of its 1-month average volume. The standout is the $335 strike call expiring December 19, 2025 with about 3,700 contracts (≈370,000 underlying shares). CEG showed 20,168 contracts (≈2.0 million shares, 83% of its avg daily). Another notable highlight: the $372.50 strike call expiring Dec 19, 2025 with 14,054 contracts (~1.4 million). EXE traded 25,975 contracts (~2.6 million shares, 74.3% of the avg). The active strikes and expirations are illustrated in the accompanying charts linked on StockOptionsChannel.com.
DraftKings bets big on prediction markets with new DraftKings Predictions app
December 19, 2025, 2:44 PM EST. DraftKings is expanding into prediction markets with DraftKings Predictions, a mobile app and web product regulated by the CFTC. The platform will let users trade event contracts tied to sports, finance, and eventually entertainment and culture, with initial availability in 38 states and connections to exchanges starting with CME Group. It pits DraftKings against rivals like Kalshi and Polymarket, both valued in the billions, and follows its Railbird Technologies acquisition to bolster its regulated markets strategy. Regulators warn over markets lacking sports-betting licenses, while critics worry about integrity in sports speculation. Based in Boston, the company aims to leverage its marketing, analytics, and technology to lead the space over the long term.
DraftKings Launches Predictions App to Tap Billions in Prediction Markets
December 19, 2025, 2:43 PM EST. DraftKings is expanding into prediction markets with the launch of DraftKings Predictions, a mobile app and web product regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC). The company says event contracts will trade in 38 states, with plans to extend beyond sports and finance into entertainment and culture. The app will connect with multiple exchanges, starting with the CME Group, and is built on the company's in-house tech, marketing, and analytics. DraftKings also highlighted its Railbird Technologies acquisition to bolster its push into regulated markets. Competitors like Kalshi and Polymarket are valued at around $9B and $11B. The move touches regulatory concerns and sports-angle criticisms, including chatter from the NCAA about competition integrity.
DraftKings launches Predictions app to tap into regulated prediction markets
December 19, 2025, 2:42 PM EST. DraftKings is expanding into the fast-growing world of prediction markets with its new DraftKings Predictions app, regulated by the CFTC. The platform will allow users to trade event contracts across sports, finance and beyond, with initial access in 38 states and connections to exchanges such as CME Group. The move pits DraftKings against rivals like Kalshi and Polymarket, both valued in the billions, as the company aims to broaden beyond traditional sports wagering. DraftKings previously acquired Railbird Technologies to deepen its footprint in regulated markets. Regulators and critics warn of evolving rules around sports-related contracts, while industry voices stress the need for clear governance to protect competition and integrity.
DraftKings launches predictions app tied to CME Group, eyeing growth beyond sports betting
December 19, 2025, 2:41 PM EST. DraftKings is entering the prediction markets space with DraftKings Predictions, a mobile and web app regulated by the CFTC and connected to the CME Group. Available in 38 states, the platform aims to expand beyond sports and finance into entertainment and culture. The Boston-based company says its technology and market reach position it to lead the space long term. Competitors like Kalshi and Polymarket are valued at several billion dollars, underscoring strong investor interest in contract-based event bets. DraftKings previously acquired Railbird Technologies to bolster its regulated offerings. Regulators have raised concerns about sports-related contracts, and some states restrict wagering beyond traditional bets. The company continues to leverage its marketing and analytics footprint as it scales in a rapidly evolving sector.
Rivian (RIVN) Hits 52-Week High After Baird Upgrades to Buy, PT Raised to $25
December 19, 2025, 2:40 PM EST. Rivian Automotive, Inc. (RIVN) jumped to a fresh 52-week high, trading as high as $20.33 and closing up 15.03% at $20.28 after an upbeat note from Baird. The firm upgraded Rivian to buy from hold and lifted its price target to $25 from $14, signaling about a 23% upside from the prior close. Baird highlighted Rivian's upcoming R2 EV platform and potential boost from new models to demand, plus its ongoing work on autonomous driving and microchips. The move comes as Rivian shows strong revenue growth while posting a widened quarterly loss. Investors will weigh the upgraded outlook against the company's profitability trajectory and longer-term AI/autonomy initiatives.
Rivian (RIVN) Hits 52-Week High After Baird Upgrades to Buy, PT to $25
December 19, 2025, 2:39 PM EST. Rivian Automotive (RIVN) surged to a 52-week high, trading intraday at $20.33 and closing up 15.03% to $20.28 after investment firm Baird upgraded the stock to Buy from Hold and lifted its price target to $25. The upgrade signals upside potential of about 23% from the prior close. Baird cited progress on the R2 platform, potential demand boost from a new vehicle series, and positive signs from Rivian's work on autonomous driving microchips. Despite a third-quarter net loss of $1.17 billion on revenue of $1.5 billion (up 78% year over year), the stock benefited from optimism around growth catalysts and product competitiveness. Investors weigh the growth story against the loss backdrop as automaker advances its EV lineup.
Daily Dividend Report: IVR, BXP, STT, UDR & HEI Declares Dividends
December 19, 2025, 2:38 PM EST. Five companies declared dividends today: Invesco Mortgage Capital (IVR): $0.36/share for Q4 2025, payable Jan 23, 2026; record Dec 29, 2025; ex-div Dec 29, 2025. Boston Properties (BXP): a regular $0.70/share quarterly dividend for the Oct 1-Dec 31, 2025 period, payable Jan 29, 2026; record Dec 31, 2025. State Street (STT): $0.84/share quarterly dividend, payable Jan 12, 2026; record Jan 2, 2026. UDR (UDR): $0.43/share for Q4 2025; payable Feb 2, 2026; record Jan 12, 2026; 213rd consecutive quarterly dividend. HEICO (HEI): $0.12/share dividend payable Jan 20, 2026; record Jan 5, 2026; 95th consecutive semiannual dividend since 1979; applies to all Class A and Common shares.
Rivian RIVN Surges to Record High After Baird Upgrades to Buy, PT Raised to $25
December 19, 2025, 2:35 PM EST. Rivian Automotive (RIVN) jumped to a 52-week high on Thursday after investment firm Baird upgraded the stock to Buy and lifted its price target to $25 from $14, signaling about 23% upside from the prior close. Intraday, Rivian traded as high as $20.33 before finishing up 15.03% at $20.28. Baird highlighted Rivian's upcoming R2 platform and potential demand drivers from a new vehicle lineup, plus positive reads on its autonomous driving efforts and chip design. Despite widening quarterly losses to $1.17 billion on $1.5 billion in revenue (up 78% year over year), the firm argues the stock offers favorable downside risk and upside potential compared with other AI names.
Ace Liberty & Stone Issues 370,370 New Ordinary Shares; Admission Planned for 29 December 2025
December 19, 2025, 2:34 PM EST. Ace Liberty & Stone PLC (AQSE: ALSP) announced the issue of 370,370 new ordinary shares, with 148,148 issued at 67.5p and 222,222 at 45p, in settlement of invoices and interest related to the extension of a £10 million CLN. Following the issue, the total issued ordinary shares rise to 72,043,106. Application has been made for the New Ordinary Shares to be admitted to trading on the London Stock Exchange around 29 December 2025, with the New Ordinary Shares ranking pari passu with existing shares. The denominator for the Disclosure and Transparency Rules is 72,043,106. The Directors accept responsibility for this announcement.
Rivian (RIVN) Surges After Baird Upgrade to Buy, PT Raised to $25
December 19, 2025, 2:33 PM EST. Rivian RIVN jumped to a new 52-week high after Baird upgraded the stock to Buy and lifted the price target to $25 from $14, signaling roughly 23% upside. Intraday, the shares peaked at $20.33 before closing around $20.28, up about 15% on the session. Baird cited optimism for Rivian's upcoming R2 platform and noted potential benefits from autonomous-driving tech and custom microchips. The company reported a widened Q3 loss but revenues rose about 78% year over year to $1.5B. The upgrade underscores investor optimism around product demand and longer-term automation bets, though profitability remains a challenge and risks persist in equities tied to AI and EV cycles.
Lion Finance Group PLC: 3,000 Shares Purchased Under Buyback Programme at VWAP 92.40p; Cancellation Planned
December 19, 2025, 2:32 PM EST. Lion Finance Group PLC has disclosed that Cavendish Capital Markets Limited, acting on behalf of the Company, purchased 3,000 ordinary shares on 19 December 2025 under the Company's Buyback Programme. The purchase price was the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of 92.40p per share, with a high of 92.50p and a low of 91.45p. The Repurchased Shares will be cancelled following application, with the shares to be held in Treasury until cancellation. After cancellation, the total voting rights will be 43,468,333. The Company will announce further purchases as the programme continues, and the detailed schedule of trades on the London Stock Exchange is provided in the release.
Lion Finance Group PLC: 3,000 Shares Bought Back under Buyback Programme (VWAP 92.40p)
December 19, 2025, 2:31 PM EST. Lion Finance Group PLC confirms a Transaction in Own Shares under its extended Buyback Programme. On 19 December 2025, Cavendish Capital Markets Limited purchased 3,000 Ordinary Shares at a VWAP of 92.40p on the London Stock Exchange. The Repurchased Shares will be cancelled (held in Treasury in the interim), reducing the total voting rights to 43,468,333. The programme was first announced on 20 August 2025 and extended on 20 November 2025. The company will issue further announcements for additional purchases. The detailed time-stamped trading data are provided; the denominator will be used to determine disclosure thresholds under the FCA's Rules.