La chaîne d'options affiche les données clés des options sur actions de B2Gold à différents prix d'exercice et dates d'expiration. Les traders utilisent ces informations pour analyser les transactions potentielles et évaluer le sentiment du marché pour B2Gold..

B2Gold (AMEX:BTG) Stock, Chaîne d'Options

B2Gold

B2Gold Corp is an international, low-cost, senior gold mining company. It has three operating open-pit gold mines in Mali, Namibia, and the Philippines and numerous exploration projects across four continents. Other significant assets include the Gramalote and Kiaka gold projects. The company focuses on acquiring and developing interests in mineral properties with a primary focus on gold deposits as gold production forms all its revenue. There is no dependence on a particular purchaser because the gold is sold into a global market. The company's reportable operating segments include its mining operations and development projects, namely Fekola; Masbate; Otjikoto; the Goose Project, and other mineral properties; and corporate and other.

B2Gold Corp

Bitcoin Gold - United States Dollar

STKD Bitcoin & Gold ETF

Bitcoin Group SE

BIGTINCAN HLDGS LTD by BIGTINCAN HLDGS LTD.

Bigtincan Holdings Ltd

BITCOIN GENERATION INC by Bitcoin Generation Inc.

Bitcoin Generation Inc

BT Group PLC

BTS GRP HLDGS PUB CO by BTS Group Holdings Public Company Ltd

BTS Group Holdings PLC

BTS GRP HLDGS PUB NVDR by BTS Group Holdings Public Company Ltd

BTG PLC SP/ADR by BTG plc

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Politics

Economics

General

Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Says Moscow Can 'Definitely' Work With Trump Administration

JMP Securities analyst Jonathan Wolleben reiterates Structure Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GPCR#NASDAQ">GPCR</a>) with a Market Outperform and maintains $91 price target.

Price Target

Reiteration

Analyst Ratings

GPCR

JMP Securities Reiterates Market Outperform on Structure Therapeutics, Maintains $91 Price Target

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades and downgrades, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>Stifel analyst Drew Crum downgraded the rating for Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EA#NASDAQ">EA</a>) from Buy to Hold and maintained the price target of $167. Electronic Arts shares closed at $154.79 on Tuesday. See how other analysts view this stock.</li>
<li>Baird analyst George Gianarikas downgraded Rivian Automotive, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/RIVN#NASDAQ">RIVN</a>) from Outperform to Neutral and lowered the price target from $18 to $16. Rivian Automotive shares closed at $14.70 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/RIVN/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>JP Morgan analyst Cory Carpenter downgraded Match Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MTCH#NASDAQ">MTCH</a>) from Overweight to Neutral and lowered the price target from $40 to $33. Match Group shares closed at $31.58 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MTCH/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Barclays analyst David Anderson downgraded the rating for Halliburton Company (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HAL#NYSE">HAL</a>) from Overweight to Equal-Weight and lowered the price target from $43 to $33. Halliburton shares closed at $27.19 on Tuesday. See how other analysts view this stock.</li>
<li>Baird analyst Andrew Wittmann downgraded Fluor Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FLR#NYSE">FLR</a>) from Outperform to Neutral and raised the price target from $54 to $58. Fluor shares closed at $53.45 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/FLR/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
</ul>
Considering buying EA stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="440" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18094447/image-158-1024x440.png" alt="" class="wp-image-697889" style="width:595px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18094447/image-158-1024x440.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18094447/image-158-300x129.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18094447/image-158-768x330.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18094447/image-158.png 1442w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
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Downgrades

Markets

Trading Ideas

MTCH

RIVN

This Electronic Arts Analyst Is No Longer Bullish; Here Are Top 5 Downgrades For Wednesday

Quantum Computing Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QUBT#NASDAQ">QUBT</a>) shares are trading higher by 31.6% to $22.09 during Wednesday&#8217;s session, possibly on continued strength, after the company on Tuesday announced it was awarded a prime contract by NASA to apply Dirac-3 for imaging and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42533581/quantum-computing-stock-is-rising-tuesday-heres-why">data processing support</a>.
What To Know: The contract, awarded by NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center, involves using Quantum Computing&#8217;s entropy quantum optimization machine, Dirac-3, to tackle advanced imaging challenges. 
The company says Dirac-3 will address a complex phase unwrapping issue for reconstructing images and extracting radar-generated interferometric data, aiming to enhance data quality and accuracy.
CEO William McGann expressed pride in supporting NASA&#8217;s mission to process vast imaging data efficiently. The project will compare Dirac-3&#8217;s quantum optimization capabilities with classical algorithms.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/market-summary/24/12/42548385/fund-managers-increase-allocation-to-banking-and-insurance-stocks-in-december-here-are-the-best-performing-financial-stocks-in-2024">Fund Managers Increase Allocation To Banking And Insurance Stocks In December: Here Are The Best Performing Financial Stocks In 2024</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">How To Buy QUBT Stock</h2>
Besides going to a brokerage platform to purchase a share &#8211; or fractional share &#8211; of stock, you can also gain access to shares either by buying an exchange traded fund (ETF) that holds the stock itself, or by allocating yourself to a strategy in your 401(k) that would seek to acquire shares in a mutual fund or other instrument. 
For example, in Quantum Computing&#8217;s case, it is in the Information Technology sector. An ETF will likely hold shares in many liquid and large companies that help track that sector, allowing an investor to gain exposure to the trends within that segment.
According to data from&nbsp;<a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a>, QUBT has a 52-week high of and a 52-week low of

QUBT

What's Going On With Quantum Computing (QUBT) Stock?

Whales with a lot of money to spend have taken a noticeably bearish stance on NVIDIA.
Looking at options history for NVIDIA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) we detected 32 trades.
If we consider the specifics of each trade, it is accurate to state that 40% of the investors opened trades with bullish expectations and 59% with bearish.
From the overall spotted trades, 3 are puts, for a total amount of $373,838 and 29, calls, for a total amount of $1,590,377.
<h3>Predicted Price Range</h3>
Taking into account the Volume and Open Interest on these contracts, it appears that whales have been targeting a price range from $125.0 to $150.0 for NVIDIA over the last 3 months. 
<h3>Insights into Volume &amp; Open Interest</h3>
Looking at the volume and open interest is a powerful move while trading options. This data can help you track the liquidity and interest for NVIDIA's options for a given strike price. Below, we can observe the evolution of the volume and open interest of calls and puts, respectively, for all of NVIDIA's whale trades within a strike price range from $125.0 to $150.0 in the last 30 days. 
<h3>NVIDIA Option Activity Analysis: Last 30 Days</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734533127_0.png" alt="Options Call Chart" />
<h3>Largest Options Trades Observed:</h3>

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Ask</th>
<th>Bid</th>
<th>Price</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>NVDA</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$18.15</td>
<td>$18.1</td>
<td>$18.15</td>
<td>$150.00</td>
<td>$254.6K</td>
<td>17.9K</td>
<td>249</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NVDA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/17/25</td>
<td>$12.9</td>
<td>$12.7</td>
<td>$12.9</td>
<td>$125.00</td>
<td>$129.0K</td>
<td>91.4K</td>
<td>202</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NVDA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/27/24</td>
<td>$3.7</td>
<td>$3.65</td>
<td>$3.65</td>
<td>$134.00</td>
<td>$127.7K</td>
<td>57.5K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NVDA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$4.7</td>
<td>$4.6</td>
<td>$4.6</td>
<td>$130.00</td>
<td>$95.4K</td>
<td>64.5K</td>
<td>1.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NVDA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>12/20/24</td>
<td>$3.8</td>
<td>$3.75</td>
<td>$3.75</td>
<td>$131.00</td>
<td>$78.7K</td>
<td>13.5K</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h3>About NVIDIA</h3>
Nvidia is a leading developer of graphics processing units. Traditionally, GPUs were used to enhance the experience on computing platforms, most notably in gaming applications on PCs. GPU use cases have since emerged as important semiconductors used in artificial intelligence. Nvidia not only offers AI GPUs, but also a software platform, Cuda, used for AI model development and training. Nvidia is also expanding its data center networking solutions, helping to tie GPUs together to handle complex workloads.
Following our analysis of the options activities associated with NVIDIA, we pivot to a closer look at the company's own performance.
<h3>Present Market Standing of NVIDIA</h3>
<ul>
<li>With a volume of 12,388,943, the price of NVDA is up 2.58% at $133.76. </li>
<li>RSI indicators hint that the underlying stock may be approaching oversold.</li>
<li>Next earnings are expected to be released in 70 days.</li>
</ul>
<h3>What The Experts Say On NVIDIA</h3>
5 market experts have recently issued ratings for this stock, with a consensus target price of $185.0.
Unusual Options Activity Detected: Smart Money on the Move
Benzinga Edge's Unusual Options board spots potential market movers before they happen. See what positions big money is taking on your favorite stocks. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/premium/ideas/benzinga-edge-checkout/?t=Be8be9arja3be22bz20&amp;utm_source=benzinga-insights">Click here for access</a>. 
&#x2A; Maintaining their stance, an analyst from Rosenblatt continues to hold a Buy rating for NVIDIA, targeting a price of $220. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from TD Cowen keeps a Buy rating on NVIDIA with a target price of $175. 
&#x2A; Reflecting concerns, an analyst from Loop Capital lowers its rating to Buy with a new price target of $175. 
&#x2A; Consistent in their evaluation, an analyst from Benchmark keeps a Buy rating on NVIDIA with a target price of $190. 
&#x2A; An analyst from Goldman Sachs persists with their Buy rating on NVIDIA, maintaining a target price of $165. 
Options are a riskier asset compared to just trading the stock, but they have higher profit potential. Serious options traders manage this risk by educating themselves daily, scaling in and out of trades, following more than one indicator, and following the markets closely.
If you want to stay updated on the latest options trades for NVIDIA, <a href="https://benzinga.grsm.io/register174">Benzinga Pro</a> gives you real-time options trades alerts.

Options

NVDA

Decoding NVIDIA's Options Activity: What's the Big Picture?

Artificial intelligence is making waves at work. Some U.S. workers are warming up to it. Others? Still a bit scared.
A new survey from KPMG U.S. found that half of the workers think automation – including AI – has helped their careers. About 47% even believe it'll bring fresh job opportunities. But the flip side? Around 28% are worried it might steal their jobs.
&#8220;As adoption increases, people are getting more comfortable with the impact that&#8217;s going to have on their careers,&#8221; John Doel, a principal in KPMG&#8217;s human capital advisory practice, told Business Insider.
Don't Miss:
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<li>The average American couple has saved this much money for retirement —<a href="http://www.benzinga.com/money/smartasset"> How do you compare</a>?</li>
<li>Can you guess how many Americans successfully retire with $1,000,000 saved?<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/1milsaved"> The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
</ul>
AI tools are becoming the norm. Seven in 10 workers said they use automation tools weekly and one in three uses them daily. It's clear: AI isn't just for the tech-savvy anymore. It's mainstream.
Skills Are The Key To Staying Ahead
If AI creeps into the workplace, training might be the shield workers need. According to the survey, eight in 10 respondents said building skills is crucial for their careers. One in four workers said access to learning opportunities kept them in their current roles.
Doel thinks employers should take note. "It's the No. 1 thing they could do to retain workers," he said.
But even with training, some workers are still looking to leave. In the past year, 42% said they considered quitting. Millennials led the charge, with many citing work-life balance, low pay and feeling disrespected as top reasons.
See Also: Deloitte's fastest-growing software company partnered with Amazon, Walmart &amp; Target announces the deadline to invest this year is 12/20. – <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">Last Chance to get 4,000 of its pre-IPO shares for just $0.26/share!</a>
Flexibility: The New Workplace Must-Have
Since the pandemic, flexibility has become nonnegotiable. Seven in 10 workers said remote work helped balance job demands with caretaking responsibilities. While some big companies like Amazon and Goldman Sachs are pushing people back to the office, employees aren't sold on a full return.
Still, office life has its perks. Forty-seven percent said they're more productive in the office and 62% felt the social aspect builds a better corporate culture.
&#8220;We&#8217;ve kind of reached a homeostasis,&#8221; Doel said. The battle over remote work? It might finally be calming down.
Trending: It&#8217;s no wonder Jeff Bezos holds over $70 million in art — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">this alternative asset has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 since 1995, delivering an average annual return of 11.4%. Here&#8217;s how everyday investors are getting started.</a>
AI And The Four-Day Week
Generative AI is giving workers hope for even more flexibility. Two-thirds of respondents believe a four-day, 32-hour workweek could match the productivity of a traditional 40-hour week and nearly half think AI tools could make it a reality.
"They're looking at GenAI as an enabler of a more flexible work environment," Doel said.
AI might still feel like a threat to some, but it's becoming an ally for many. Whether boosting skills or reshaping workweeks, this tech is here to stay. The key is figuring out how to use it without letting it use you.
Read Next:
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<li>Many are using retirement income calculators to check if they&#8217;re on pace —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-do-i-calculate-my-retirement-income-adv"> here&#8217;s a breakdown on what&#8217;s behind this formula.</a></li>
<li>Can you guess how many retire with a $5,000,000 nest egg? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/5mil-nest-egg-adv">The percentage may shock you</a>.</li>
</ul>

Personal Finance

Nearly One-Third Of Workers Say AI Is Boosting Their Skills But Still Fear Losing Their Jobs To It

Texas Pacific Land (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TPL#NYSE">TPL</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 10 years by 45.48% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 56.74%. Currently, Texas Pacific Land has a market capitalization of $27.93 billion. 
Buying $100 In TPL: If an investor had bought $100 of TPL stock 10 years ago, it would be worth $8,775.34 today based on a price of $1215.58 for TPL at the time of writing.
<h3>Texas Pacific Land's Performance Over Last 10 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2024/1734533110_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

$100 Invested In This Stock 10 Years Ago Would Be Worth This Much Today

President-elect Donald Trump on Monday met Crypto.com CEO Kris Marszalek to discuss topics related to the digital asset industry, including reportedly a strategic Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42511716/bitcoin-as-neutral-reserve-asset-could-overhaul-financial-system-says-analyst">reserve</a>.
What Happened: The meeting focused on crafting a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/12/42552111/trump-era-will-unlock-crypto-market-with-regulatory-clarity-says-analyst">clear regulatory framework</a> for digital assets and bolstering the U.S.'s leadership in crypto innovation, Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-12-17/crypto-com-ceo-kris-marszalek-met-trump-at-mar-a-lago-as-industry-courts-favor">reported</a>, citing a a person familiar with the discussion.
A spokesperson for Crypto.com expressed optimism about collaborating with the administration on these initiatives.
This follows a similar engagement earlier this year when Coinbase (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COIN#NASDAQ">COIN</a>) CEO Brian Armstrong met with Trump to advocate for pro-crypto policies. 
The meeting comes amid rising tensions between the crypto industry and regulators. 
Crypto.com recently filed a lawsuit against the SEC after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/10/41234336/crypto-com-takes-on-sec-in-legal-battle-after-receiving-wells-notice">receiving a Wells notice</a>, signalling potential enforcement action.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42531359/is-a-bitcoin-strategic-reserve-a-good-idea-expert-pushes-back-just-buy-btc-yourself">Is A Bitcoin Strategic Reserve A Good Idea? Expert Pushes Back: &#8216;Just Buy BTC Yourself&#8217;</a>
Why It Matters: Shortly after the meeting, Dennis Porter, CEO of SatoshiActFund, <a href="https://x.com/Dennis_Porter_/status/1869106847153889413">confirmed</a> his team&#8217;s work on a model executive order for the Bitcoin reserve, signaling serious consideration of the proposal by Trump's team.
Trump has already tapped several crypto-friendly individuals for pivotal roles, including <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42157756/firm-led-by-trumps-commerce-secretary-pick-howard-lutnick-reportedly-in-talks-for-a-multi-billion-dollar-bitcoin-lending-project-with-tether">Howard Lutnick</a> as Commerce Secretary and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42495805/trumps-sec-nominee-paul-atkins-under-ethical-scrutiny-over-3-million-consulting-payments">Paul Atkins</a> to lead the SEC. 
Notably, venture capitalist David Sacks has been appointed as an advisor on AI and crypto, bypassing calls for a dedicated &#8220;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42356067/venture-capitalist-david-sacks-appointed-as-white-house-ai-crypto-czar-by-trump">crypto czar</a>.&#8221;
Trump's involvement in crypto extends to his family project, World Liberty Financial, a decentralized finance initiative that recently raised $30 million in funding from entrepreneur Justin Sun.
What's Next: This meeting signals a strategic alignment between Trump's administration and the crypto sector, with the potential for groundbreaking policy changes, including the creation of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42505162/trump-reportedly-considering-executive-order-to-establish-strategic-bitcoin-reserve">a Bitcoin reserve.</a>
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Image: Shutterstock

Coverage of Bitcoin, Etherum, Ripple and all the latest digital currencies.

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

COIN

Donald Trump Reportedly Discussed Bitcoin Reserve In Meeting With Crypto․com CEO Kris Marszalek

JMP Securities analyst Mitch Germain reiterates Gaming and Leisure Props (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GLPI#NASDAQ">GLPI</a>) with a Market Outperform and maintains $55 price target.

GLPI

JMP Securities Reiterates Market Outperform on Gaming and Leisure Props, Maintains $55 Price Target

Patriot Battery Metals Inc. (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PMETF#OTC">PMETF</a>) has announced a strategic investment <a href="https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/c69-million-investment-offtake-and-strategic-partnership-with-volkswagen-and-powerco-to-propel-patriot-battery-metals-towards-production-302334768.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">agreement </a>with Germany automaker Volkswagen AG (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VWAGY#OTC">VWAGY</a>). Through this agreement, Volkswagen Finance Luxemburg S.A. will acquire 15.55 million common shares of Patriot at C$4.42 per share.
This transaction will generate approximately C$69 million ($48 million) in gross proceeds upon closing, reflecting a 65% and 35% premium to the 30-day and 90-day volume-weighted average prices, respectively.
Upon closing of the strategic investment, Volkswagen will own approximately 9.9% of Patriot&#8217;s issued and outstanding common shares on a pro forma non-diluted basis.
The agreement includes a binding offtake commitment with PowerCo SE, Volkswagen&#8217;s vertically integrated battery manufacturer, under which Patriot will supply 100,000 tonnes of spodumene concentrate annually over 10 years, representing approximately 25% of Stage 1 production or 12.5% of combined Stage 1 and Stage 2 output from the Shaakichiuwaanaan Lithium Project in Québec, Canada.
The offtake bolsters PowerCo&#8217;s battery cell production in Europe and North America, including its St. Thomas, Canada facility, with a capacity of up to 90 GWh.
In addition to the investment and offtake agreement, Patriot and PowerCo have signed a Memorandum of Understanding outlining a joint commitment to pursue shared strategic objectives, including the development of a cost-effective, sustainable, and ESG-compliant battery supply chain designed to attract government support and incentives, while also exploring the potential establishment of a chemical conversion facility.
Volkswagen plans to provide additional financing for the Shaakichiuwaanaan Project after the feasibility study, securing further offtake and reinforcing their partnership to advance critical battery materials for the global clean energy transition.
Photo by multitel on Shutterstock.

Equities

PMETF

VWAGY

Volkswagen Takes Strategic Stake In Patriot Battery Metals - What's On The Cards?

D. Boral Capital analyst Jason Kolbert maintains Coya Therapeutics (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COYA#NASDAQ">COYA</a>) with a Buy and maintains $15 price target.

COYA

D. Boral Capital Maintains Buy on Coya Therapeutics, Maintains $15 Price Target

Pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) – key intermediaries in the U.S. pharmaceutical supply chain – have come under scrutiny for their role in exacerbating the opioid epidemic.
While presenting themselves as proactive in curbing opioid abuse, PBMs quietly profited from arrangements with drugmakers that undermined safeguards against overprescribing, a recent <a target="_blank" href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/12/17/business/pharmacy-benefit-managers-opioids.html" rel="noreferrer noopener">investigation</a> by The New York Times reveals.
The three largest PBMs—UnitedHealth Group Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>),&nbsp;through its Optum unit,&nbsp;CVS Health Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>) via CVS Caremark, and&nbsp;Cigna Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CI#NYSE">CI</a>) through Express Scripts oversee prescription drug access for over 200 million Americans.
Several state and local governments have filed lawsuits against drug companies and PBMs, accusing them of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/08/40560002/governments-suing-pharmacy-benefit-managers-over-insulin-prices-have-long-benefited-from-their-r" rel="noreferrer noopener">inflating insulin prices</a>.
These companies negotiate drug prices on behalf of insurers and employers, often collecting rebates from manufacturers in exchange for favorable placement on insurance formularies.
However, the NYT report says that internal documents reveal that PBMs repeatedly bargained away restrictions that could have curbed opioid misuse in exchange for lucrative rebates.
For example, Purdue Pharma, the maker of OxyContin, explicitly offered rebates to PBMs to remove limits on prescribing their drugs. These deals eliminated prior authorization requirements and allowed higher prescription doses than <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/06/39531087/purdue-pharma-bankruptcy-plan-rejected-by-supreme-court-billionaire-sacklers-to-face-lawsuits" rel="noreferrer noopener">federal guidelines suggested</a>.
Internal communications from Purdue and PBMs celebrated these arrangements as boosting sales while ensuring favorable drug coverage.
The NYT investigation highlights that opioid manufacturers paid staggering rebates to PBMs.
Between 2003 and 2012, Purdue's annual rebates for OxyContin nearly doubled to $400 million. PBMs retained a portion of these funds while passing some to their clients, incentivizing insurers to avoid imposing prescribing restrictions.
PBMs sometimes actively worked with manufacturers to prevent insurers from introducing safeguards. The lack of restrictions directly contributed to the worsening opioid crisis, the report said.
High prescription thresholds and unrestricted access facilitated overprescribing and fueled addiction.
One 2015 study found that patients receiving doses well below the thresholds negotiated by PBMs were still at significantly increased risk of overdose and death.
Despite mounting evidence and public pressure, PBMs prioritized revenue over patient safety, according to the report. In 2017, as public outrage over the opioid epidemic grew, Express Scripts and Optum Rx delayed introducing safety measures, citing potential losses from reduced rebates.
Some executives within these companies voiced frustration over prioritizing profits over lives, highlighting the ethical conflict at play.
Although PBMs later implemented stricter opioid controls following federal and state pressures, the damage was already done.
Critics argue that these measures were motivated more by public relations concerns than a genuine commitment to ending the crisis.
According to a Bloomberg&nbsp;report, Trump said he plans to "knock out" PBMs, or so-called drug middlemen, <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42517567/cvs-cigna-unitedhealth-shares-slide-as-trump-targets-drug-middleman" rel="noreferrer noopener">from the industry</a>.
In September, the&nbsp;FTC filed a complaint&nbsp;accusing the PBMs of creating a system that benefits them financially by prioritizing drug rebates, forcing patients to pay higher costs for life-saving insulin.
These PBMs, referred to as the Big Three, administer around 80% of <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/09/40964870/us-federal-trade-commission-sues-cvs-health-cigna-unitedhealths-pharmacy-benefit-managers-for-infl" rel="noreferrer noopener">prescriptions in the U.S</a>.
However, the PBMs argue that this action seeks to upend current drug rebate contracts and disrupt long-standing practices, all while expanding the FTC's authority <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/24/11/42097386/cvs-healthcignaunitedhealths-pharmacy-benefit-managers-accuse-ftc-of-overreach-in-effort-to-reshape-drug-rebate-system" rel="noreferrer noopener">beyond traditional limits</a>.
Price Action: At last check Wednesday, CI stock was up 4.34% to $277.12, CVS stock was up 2.97% to $45.35, and UNH stock was up 2.13% to $495.35.
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Photo via Shutterstock

Government

Large Cap

Health Care

Media

Pharmacy Benefit Managers Played Key Role in Worsening Opioid Crisis, Drug Makers Paid Staggering Rebates To Middlemen: NYT

NUKK

Nukkleus Shares Resumed Trade And Then Again Halted On Circuit Breaker To The Downside, Stock Now Up 62.2%

BWS Financial analyst Hamed Khorsand maintains Immersion (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IMMR#NASDAQ">IMMR</a>) with a Buy and maintains $13.5 price target.

IMMR

BWS Financial Maintains Buy on Immersion, Maintains $13.5 Price Target

<a href="https://x.com/WolfpackReports/status/1869390477918863848">https://x.com/WolfpackReports/status/1869390477918863848</a>
&nbsp;

Short Ideas

Watching JOYY; Wolfpack Research Posts On X "1/ We are short $YY because its largest revenue contributor, Bigo Live, has been removed from the Google Play Store and App Store since early December. In typical China Hustle fashion, management is yet to inform shareholders of this catastrophic issue....."

Nukkleus Shares Halted On Circuit Breaker To The Upside, Stock Now Up 78.0%

Merck &amp; Company Inc (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRK#NYSE">MRK</a>) on Wednesday announced a GLP-1 agreement with <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/b42549621/merck-enters-into-exclusive-global-license-agreement-with-hansoh-pharma-for-investigational-oral-g">Chinese biopharmaceutical company Hansoh Pharma</a>.
What Happened: Merck and Hansoh entered into an exclusive global license agreement for HS-10535, an investigational preclinical oral small molecule GLP-1 receptor agonist.
Hansoh Pharma granted Merck an exclusive global license to develop, manufacture and commercialize HS-10535. The Chinese biopharmaceutical company will receive an upfront payment of&nbsp;$112 million and up to&nbsp;$1.9 billion&nbsp;in milestone payments. Hansoh will also receive royalties on sales. 
&#8220;We continue to leverage science-driven business development to augment and complement our robust pipeline,&#8221; said Dean Li, president of Merck Research Laboratories. 
&#8220;Through this agreement, we aim to build on our experience targeting incretin biology to evaluate HS-10535 and its potential to provide additional cardiometabolic benefits beyond weight reduction.&#8221;
Check This Out: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/long-ideas/24/12/42552855/boeing-baker-hughes-wabtec-and-a-financial-stock-on-cnbcs-final-trades">Boeing, Baker Hughes, Wabtec And A Financial Stock On CNBC&#8217;s &#8216;Final Trades&#8217;</a>
As a result of the agreement, Merck said it expects to record a fourth-quarter pre-tax charge of&nbsp;$112 million, or&nbsp;4 cents&nbsp;per share. 
Merck is not due to report its fourth-quarter financial results until February. Analysts currently expect the company to report earnings of $1.83 per share and revenue of $15.43 billion, according to estimates from <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>.
MRK Price Action: <a href="http://benzinga.com/quote/mrk">Merck shares</a> were up 0.83% at $100.89 at the time of writing Wednesday, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Photo: courtesy of Merck.

Global

Movers

What's Going On With Merck Shares Wednesday?

Top Wall Street analysts changed their outlook on these top names. For a complete view of all analyst rating changes, including upgrades and downgrades, please see our <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-stock-ratings">analyst ratings page</a>.
<ul>
<li>Evercore ISI Group analyst Eric Boyes upgraded the rating for Dow Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DOW#NYSE">DOW</a>) from In-Line to Outperform and announced a $56 price target. Dow shares closed at $40.57 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/DOW/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Goldman Sachs analyst George Tong upgraded MSCI Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSCI#NYSE">MSCI</a>) from Neutral to Buy and raised the price target from $617 to $723. MSCI shares closed at $611.50 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/MSCI/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Jefferies analyst Philip Ng upgraded Packaging Corporation of America (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PKG#NYSE">PKG</a>) from Hold to Buy and boosted the price target from $215 to $280. Packaging Corp shares closed at $232.55 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/PKG/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock</a>.</li>
<li>Citigroup analyst Steven Zaccone upgraded Ollie&#8217;s Bargain Outlet Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/OLLI#NASDAQ">OLLI</a>) from Sell to Buy and increased the price target from $64 to $133. Ollie&#8217;s Bargain shares closed at $114.94 on Tuesday. See how other analysts view this stock.</li>
<li>B of A Securities analyst Justin Post upgraded the rating for Expedia Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EXPE#NASDAQ">EXPE</a>) from Neutral to Buy and raised the price target from $187 to $221. Expedia shares closed at $180.64 on Tuesday. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/expe/analyst-ratings">See how other analysts view this stock.</a></li>
</ul>
Considering buying DOW stock? Here&#8217;s what analysts think: 
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="440" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18093309/image-157-1024x440.png" alt="" class="wp-image-697842" style="width:588px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18093309/image-157-1024x440.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18093309/image-157-300x129.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18093309/image-157-768x330.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/12/18093309/image-157.png 1446w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
Read This Next: 
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</ul>

Upgrades

EXPE

MSCI

OLLI

This Dow Analyst Turns Bullish; Here Are Top 5 Upgrades For Wednesday

JMP Securities analyst Patrick Walravens reiterates Salesforce (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRM#NYSE">CRM</a>) with a Market Outperform and maintains $450 price target.

JMP Securities Reiterates Market Outperform on Salesforce, Maintains $450 Price Target

Truist Securities analyst Michael Lewis maintains Community Healthcare (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CHCT#NYSE">CHCT</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $22 to $23.

CHCT

Truist Securities Maintains Buy on Community Healthcare, Raises Price Target to $23

In a report released today, Ingrid Rico from Stifel Nicolaus maintained a Buy rating on B2Gold (BTG – Research Report), with a price target of C$6....

B2Gold (BTG) Receives a Buy from Stifel Nicolaus

Jurisdictional Risk Vs. Balance Sheet Risk For Gold Miners

Analysts have been eager to weigh in on the Materials sector with new ratings on B2Gold (BTG – Research Report) and LANXESS (LNXSF – Research Repor...

Analysts Have Conflicting Sentiments on These Materials Companies: B2Gold (BTG) and LANXESS (OtherLNXSF)

In a report released on November 25, Michael Siperco from RBC Capital maintained a Hold rating on B2Gold (BTG – Research Report), with a price targ...

B2Gold (BTG) Receives a Hold from RBC Capital

B2Gold (BTG) is closely monitoring a strike that began on November 29, 2024, by certain employees at the Company's Fekola Mine in Mali. Under the n...

B2Gold continuing to operate at Fekola despite temporary labor action

B2Gold sticks to full-year production guidance for Mali mine despite strike

Worker strike slows production at B2Gold's flagship Mali mine - Reuters

RBC Capital analyst Michael Siperco maintained a Hold rating on B2Gold (BTG – Research Report) on December 5 and set a price target of $4.00. The c...

RBC Capital Sticks to Their Hold Rating for B2Gold (BTG)

GDXJ: History May Favor Gold Miners Above S&P 500 In 2025

Big Dividends For Pennies On The Dollar: Barrick Gold Over B2Gold's 6.3% Yield

AAAU

BGLD

CAHPF

EDVMF

GDMN

GDXD

GDXJ

GDXU

GLDI

GLDM

GLTR

GOAU

GOEX

GOLD

HGMCF

IAUM

IAUX

IGLD

IPOAF

LNXSF

OUNZ

PAAS

PAASF

PHYS

PICK

RING

RMGGF

RMGGY

SGDJ

SGDM

SGOL

Press Releases

B2Gold Reaches Agreement on Terms with Mali Government Relating to the Framework for the Fekola Complex; Approvals for Fekola Regional and Fekola Underground to be Expedited

B2Gold Announces Goose Project Update; Project Construction and Development on Track for First Gold Production in Q2 2025; Total Construction and Mine Development Cash Expenditure Estimate Before First Gold Production Revised to Reflect Current Timeline

B2Gold Third Quarter 2024 Financial Results – Conference Call Details

Strategic Investment Announcement Sends Gold Exploration Company Shares Higher

Management

B2Gold Announces Appointment of Greg Barnes and Basie Maree to its Board of Directors

Earnings

B2Gold Reports Q3 2024 Results; On Track to Meet Total 2024 Gold Production Revised Guidance; Year-To-Date Cash Operating Costs within Annual Guidance Range and Year-To-Date All-In Sustaining Costs Below Revised Annual Guidance Range

B2Gold Announces Drilling Results from its 2024 Exploration Program at the Goose Project; Drill Results at the Nuvuyak Deposit and Mammoth Target Demonstrate Potential to Further Extend the Mine Life at the Goose Project

B2Gold Continuing to Operate at Fekola Mine Despite Temporary Labour Action; Implementation of MOU with State of Mali Continues

Precious Metals Mining: The Next Big Opportunity in the Face of Economic Challenges

Power Nickel Extends Lion Zone Depth: See New Mineralized Core Discoveries more stocks inside….

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