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Turning Point Brands

Turning Point Brands Inc operates as manufacturer, marketer, provider of consumer products that include Other Tobacco Products (OTP) in the U.S. The company offers a wide variety across the OTP spectrum including moist snuff tobacco (MST), loose-leaf chewing tobacco, premium cigarette papers, make- your-own (MYO) cigar wraps, cigars, liquid vapor products, and tobacco vaporizer products. It operates in three segments namely Zig-Zag products; Stoker's products and NewGen products. The company generates maximum revenue from the Zig-Zag products segment.

Turning Point Brands Inc

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Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CLF#NYSE">CLF</a>) CEO Lourenco Goncalves repeatedly predicted President Joe Biden would block Nippon Steel Corp.&#8216;s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NPSCY#OTC">NPSCY</a>) <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/42792034/biden-blocks-us-steel-deal-whats-next-for-x-stock">proposed $14.9 billion acquisition</a> of United States Steel Corp. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/X#NYSE">X</a>) months before it happened, according to documents submitted to federal regulators.
In at least nine investor calls throughout 2024, Goncalves, whose company&#8217;s own $7 billion bid for U.S. Steel was rejected in August 2023, expressed confidence the deal would fail, reported Reuters on Sunday. 
&#8220;I can&#8217;t force U.S. Steel to sell to me, but I can work my magic to make a deal that I don&#8217;t agree with not to close,&#8221; he told investors during a JP Morgan conference on Mar. 13, according to a letter from Nippon Steel&#8217;s lawyers to CFIUS.
The revelation comes after Biden blocked the Japanese steelmaker&#8217;s bid on Mar. 14, citing national security concerns. The White House stated Goncalves&#8217; comments did not influence the decision. Cleveland-Cliffs and Goncalves declined to comment on the matter.
The deal faced mounting political pressure, with both Biden and President-elect Donald Trump opposing foreign ownership of U.S. Steel, particularly after the United Steelworkers union expressed concerns. U.S. Steel said it will continue fighting for the deal.
Price Action: United States Steel Corp. closed at $30.47 on Friday, down 6.53% for the day. In after-hours trading, the stock slightly recovered by 1.08%. Over the past year, U.S. Steel&#8217;s stock has fallen by 36.98%, according to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">data from Benzinga Pro</a>. Nippon Steel Corp. is currently trading at 3,150 JPY, down 1.01% at the time of writing this article.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/42804461/sanders-backs-trumps-credit-cap-carters-passing-trumps-response-to-nola-attack-and-more-this-week-in-politics">Sanders Backs Trump&#8217;s Credit Cap, Carter&#8217;s Passing, Trump&#8217;s Response To NOLA Attack And More: This Week In Politics</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock 
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

Equities

News

Markets

NPSCY

Cleveland-Cliffs CEO Predicted Biden's Block $14.9B Nippon Steel-US Steel Deal Months Before Action

Elon Musk is reportedly gearing up to introduce a new Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) and cryptocurrency feature called "X Money" on his rebranded platform, X, formerly Twitter.
What Happened: According to a leak reported by influencer Alex Finn and MacRumors contributing researcher Aaron Perris on Friday, "X Money" might launch without needing approval from all 50 states.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">&#x1f6a8;BREAKING: X PAYMENTS LAUNCHING IMMINENTLY New X code has just shipped that reveals X Payments will launch WITHOUT approval from all 50 states Meaning X Payments could launch TODAY Creators could start earning WAY MORE money immediately States it will be available: 1.… <a href="https://t.co/8Wej1XrIQK">pic.twitter.com/8Wej1XrIQK</a>
&mdash; Alex Finn (@AlexFinnX) <a href="https://twitter.com/AlexFinnX/status/1874916936032870834?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">It seems like X plans to launch X money in the US before getting approval in all 50 states <a href="https://t.co/M8QBHf3U6S">pic.twitter.com/M8QBHf3U6S</a>
&mdash; Aaron (@aaronp613) <a href="https://twitter.com/aaronp613/status/1874898592181436658?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42780776/is-apple-ready-for-a-new-challenge-chinas-smartphone-subsidies-aim-to-boost-domestic-demand-giving-companies-like-huawei-the-upper-hand?itm_source=parsely-api">Apple Rival Huawei, Alibaba And Others Get Boost As China Doles Out Subsidies To Smartphone Buyers</a>
X CEO Linda Yaccarino said earlier this week that payments, including &#8216;X Money,&#8217; will be <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/education/25/01/42794433/if-you-invested-1000-in-dogecoin-when-elon-musk-acquired-twitter-heres-how-much-youd-have-now">integrated into the platform</a> in 2025. The idea behind it is to transform X into an &#8220;everything app&#8221; similar to Tencent Holdings Limited&#8217;s (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TCEHY#OTC">TCEHY</a>) WeChat.
X payments' support for cryptocurrency could potentially trigger a bitcoin price surge similar to PayPal Holdings Inc.&#8217;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PYPL#NASDAQ">PYPL</a>) 2021 crypto support, <a href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/digital-assets/2025/01/05/x-money-leak-reveals-elon-musks-game-changing-plan-as-bitcoin-nears-100000-price/">noted</a> Forbes.
Bitcoin&#8217;s value currently hovers around the $100,000 mark. The apex cryptocurrency touched an all-time high of $108,268.45 on Dec. 17, 2024. 
Why It Matters: The potential launch of &#8216;X Money&#8217; comes amid a series of events that have kept Musk in the crypto spotlight.
Last month, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42739155/elon-musk-changes-his-name-to-kekius-maximus-on-x-sending-to-memecoin-skyrocketing-over-600">Musk changed his name</a> on X to &#8220;Kekius Maximus,&#8221; causing a similarly-named meme coin, Kekius Maximus (KEKIUS), to skyrocket over 600% in value. However, KEKIUS<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/42758291/elon-musks-return-to-original-x-avatar-causes-coin-themed-on-kekius-maximus-to-crash-90-frog-themed-pepe-slips-as-well"> crashed by 90%</a> when Musk reverted to his original avatar in January.
Musk&#8217;s influence in the crypto market also became evident when an adult-themed meme <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42780378/elon-musks-x-post-now-sends-this-adult-themed-crypto-up-175">coin surged 175% after he</a> referenced it in a post on X.
While Musk has not directly commented on Bitcoin recently, his support for Donald Trump in the upcoming U.S. presidential election has been linked to rising Bitcoin prices.
His role as an influential advisor to the President-elect has also fueled speculation about the creation of a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42378618/musk-fuels-speculation-on-us-bitcoin-reserve-as-crypto-surges">U.S. Bitcoin strategic reserve</a>.
Price Action: Bitcoin is currently priced at $98,247, reflecting a 0.17% increase over the past 24 hours. Its trading volume has risen by 2.45%, reaching $21.52 billion, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard">data from Benzinga Pro</a>.
Photo Courtesy: Shutterstock.com
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/01/42781554/tech-youtuber-marques-brownlee-addresses-honey-scam-allegations-as-5-million-lawsuit-rocks-paypal-owned-extension?itm_source=parsely-api">YouTuber Marques Brownlee Addresses Honey Scam Allegations As $5 Million Lawsuit Rocks PayPal-Owned Extension</a></li>
</ul>
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

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

Cryptocurrency

Tech

$BTC

PYPL

TCEHY

Elon Musk's Push For Crypto-Powered 'Everything App' Reflected In 'X Money' Leak As Bitcoin Hovers Around $100K

Leading cryptocurrencies were rangebound Sunday as investors awaited fresh macroeconomic data to assess investments in riskier markets.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
<td>Price (Recorded at 7:30 p.m. ET)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td>
<td>+0.20%</td>
<td>$98,435.33</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>) &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>-0.44%</td>
<td>$3,644.50</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>-3.07%</td>
<td>$0.3819</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
What Happened: Bitcoin saw choppy movement, oscillating between $98,700 and $97,300. The world's leading cryptocurrency has regained momentum since New Year, resulting in weekly gains of 4.59%.
Ethereum also stagnated at around the $3,600 level. The coin has endured weeks of corrective action since hitting $4,000 last month.
About $136 million was liquidated from the cryptocurrency market in the last 24 hours, with long positions accounting for 66% of the total.
Bitcoin's Open Interest rose by 0.48%, indicating speculative interest for the leading asset.
That said, the Long/Short Ratio dropped in the last 24 hours, suggesting expectations of further decline in prices.
Market sentiment entered the "Extreme Greed" zone, according to the Crypto Fear &amp; Greed Index.
Top Gainers (24-Hours)
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
<td>Price (Recorded at 7:30 p.m. ET)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Movement (MOVE)</td>
<td>+12.10%</td>
<td>$1.11</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SPX6900 (SPX)</td>
<td>+11.27%</td>
<td>$1.49</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Injective (INJ)</td>
<td>+7.50%</td>
<td>$25.54</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
The global cryptocurrency market capitalization stood at $3.49 trillion, following a marginal drop of 0.31% in the last 24 hours.
Stock futures edged slightly lower on Sunday evening. The Dow Jones Industrial Average Futures fell 33 points, or 0.08%, as of 7:45 p.m. EDT.&nbsp; Futures tied to the S&amp;P 500 dipped 0.07%, while Nasdaq 100 Futures slid 0.08%.
Investors will keep their eyes peeled on the upcoming <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/01/36506821/why-the-december-jobs-report-is-a-crucial-indicator-for-us-economys-trajectory">December jobs report</a>, due on Friday, for hints about the market&#8217;s outlook and the Federal Reserve&#8217;s rate-cut plans.
The NYSE and NASDAQ <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42725647/markets-will-close-for-president-jimmy-carters-state-funeral-what-you-need-to-know">will be closed</a> on Thursday to honor former President Jimmy Carter, who died at 100.
See More: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/best-crypto-scanners">Best Cryptocurrency Scanners</a>
Analyst Notes: Widely followed cryptocurrency analyst Rekt Capital said Bitcoin was back to its previously lost support area of $97,000-$98,000 and the technical uptrend.
"If Bitcoin weekly closes inside this blue area, there&#8217;ll be a good chance of reclaiming that previously lost support into support once again," the analyst remarked.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BTC?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BTC</a> Since confirming additional downside, Bitcoin dropped into the ~$91000 Weekly support before reversing to the upside Bitcoin is now back at the previously lost support area that is the blue Order Block ($97k-$98k) and the previously lost technical uptrend (orange) If… <a href="https://t.co/qMf2hJz2g6">https://t.co/qMf2hJz2g6</a> <a href="https://t.co/MOdXEmWhwF">pic.twitter.com/MOdXEmWhwF</a>
&mdash; Rekt Capital (@rektcapital) <a href="https://twitter.com/rektcapital/status/1875954197067399207?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Well-known on-chain analyst Ali Martinez called attention to Ethereum's strong move in the ascending parallel channel, painting a target of as much as $6,000.
An ascending parallel channel is a pattern of two parallel lines that slope upward, connecting higher highs and lows. It indicates a bullish trend.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Despite the volatility, <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Ethereum?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Ethereum</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24ETH&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$ETH</a> is holding strong within an ascending parallel channel, pointing towards $6,000! <a href="https://t.co/GKrHvv9mkA">pic.twitter.com/GKrHvv9mkA</a>
&mdash; Ali (@ali_charts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1875854504958320844?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Read Next:&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/specialty-etfs/24/12/42751129/bitwises-bold-approach-new-etf-targets-bitcoin-powerhouses-as-institutional-adoption-soars">Bitwise&#8217;s Bold Approach: New ETF Targets Bitcoin Powerhouses As Institutional Adoption Soars</a></li>
</ul>

Movers

Trading Ideas

$DOGE

$ETH

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Remain Muffled As Investors Await Jobs Data: Top Analyst Says ETH 'Holding Strong' In Pattern Pointing Toward $6K

Jim Cramer indicated potential interest in Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) and Palantir Technologies Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NYSE">PLTR</a>) on Sunday, citing their &#8220;protective intellectual blankets&#8221; as key attractors for his investing club portfolio.
What Happened: &#8220;Working on a Sunday brainstorm about buying Palantir and Tesla,&#8221; CNBC&#8217;s Cramer wrote on X. 
The interest comes as Tesla faces scrutiny over its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/42792642/tesla-analysts-on-deliveries-ev-stock-could-have-stormy-weather-in-short-term-generational-set-of-growth-opportunities-long-term">fourth-quarter deliveries</a> falling short of analyst expectations. The electric vehicle maker&#8217;s stock closed Friday at $410.44, up 8.22%, despite recent delivery challenges that prompted mixed analyst reactions.
Canaccord Genuity analyst George Gianarikas maintained his bullish stance on Tesla, raising his price target to $404 while highlighting &#8220;a generational set of growth opportunities&#8221; in EVs, autonomy/AI, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/42792642/tesla-analysts-on-deliveries-ev-stock-could-have-stormy-weather-in-short-term-generational-set-of-growth-opportunities-long-term">energy storage, and robotics</a>.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Working on a Sunday brainstorm about buying Palantir and Tesla and the need to do so because of the protective intellectual blankets they give you. Only, of course, for the CNBC Investing Club. Oh why not
&mdash; Jim Cramer (@jimcramer) <a href="https://twitter.com/jimcramer/status/1875942132772696423?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/01/42804461/sanders-backs-trumps-credit-cap-carters-passing-trumps-response-to-nola-attack-and-more-this-week-in-politics">Sanders Backs Trump&#8217;s Credit Cap, Carter&#8217;s Passing, Trump&#8217;s Response To NOLA Attack And More: This Week In Politics</a>
However, GLJ Research analyst Gordon Johnson struck a more cautionary tone, predicting &#8220;stormy weather&#8221; ahead. Johnson pointed to Tesla&#8217;s production of 459,445 vehicles in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/42792642/tesla-analysts-on-deliveries-ev-stock-could-have-stormy-weather-in-short-term-generational-set-of-growth-opportunities-long-term">the fourth quarter of 2024</a>, representing just 78.2% of stated capacity, suggesting potential demand concerns.
Why It Matters: Palantir, riding the AI wave, has seen its stock surge nearly 400% over the past year. The data analytics company closed Friday at $79.89, though Cathie Wood&#8216;s Ark Invest recently <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/42801940/cathie-woods-ark-invest-books-profits-on-hot-ai-stock-palantir-sells-bitcoin-etf-shares-as-btc-starts-2025-on-a-positive-note">reduced its position</a>, selling 20,332 shares worth approximately $1.6 million.
Tesla&#8217;s market position remains strong with a $1.33 trillion market cap, despite concerns about average selling prices facing downward pressure. Truist analyst William Stein maintained a Hold rating while lowering the price target to $351, citing expectations of continued pricing <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/01/42792642/tesla-analysts-on-deliveries-ev-stock-could-have-stormy-weather-in-short-term-generational-set-of-growth-opportunities-long-term">pressure to stimulate demand</a>.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/25/01/42802658/tesla-ceo-elon-musks-20-to-30-sales-growth-target-for-2025-is-not-realistic-says-analyst">Elon Musk &#8216;Likes To Talk Big Numbers&#8217; But His Growth Target For Tesla Is Not &#8216;Realistic,&#8217; Says Analyst</a></li>
</ul>
Image Via Shutterstock 
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.

PLTR

TSLA

Jim Cramer Works 'Sunday Brainstorm' On Buying Palantir And Tesla Stock, Calls Them 'Protective Intellectual Blankets'

Elon Musk took to social media to express his dissatisfaction with the current leadership of the Reform Party, targeting Nigel Farage on Sunday.
What Happened: Musk posted on X, &#8220;The Reform Party needs a new leader. Farage doesn't have what it takes.&#8221; Farage in turn said that Musk&#8217;s loss of confidence came as a surprise to him.
&#8220;I am afraid I disagree,&#8221; said the U.K. leader known for his association with President-elect Donald Trump and his fierce campaign to take the country out of the European Union.
Farage had taken distance from comments made by Musk in support of anti-immigration activist Stephen Yaxley-Lennon also known as Tommy Robinson, who is currently in prison for contempt of court, according to a report from Reuters.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Well, this is a surprise! Elon is a remarkable individual but on this I am afraid I disagree. My view remains that Tommy Robinson is not right for Reform and I never sell out my principles. <a href="https://t.co/V7iccN6usS">https://t.co/V7iccN6usS</a>
&mdash; Nigel Farage MP (@Nigel_Farage) <a href="https://twitter.com/Nigel_Farage/status/1875918844562473373?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Farage said, &#8220;My view remains that Tommy Robinson is not right for Reform and I never sell out my principles.&#8221; 
Farage previously shared a photo of himself with Musk, with a portrait of a young Trump visible in the background. The post prompted a response from Musk, who appeared to align with the idea that Britain needed the Reform Party.
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<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Absolutely
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1869034409799950394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Notably, Farage had said during the U.S. presidential campaign that he <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/05/38805726/nigel-farage-brexit-champion-discloses-confidential-job-offer-from-donald-trump-very-heavily-involve">received a job offer</a> from Trump for his U.S. re-election campaign. 
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/25/01/42761769/if-you-invested-1000-in-bitcoin-when-vivek-ramaswamy-began-accepting-btc-donations-for-his-presidential-campaign-heres-how-much-youd-have-today?itm_source=parsely-api" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">If You Invested $1000 In Bitcoin When Vivek Ramaswamy Began Accepting BTC Donations For His Presidential Campaign, Here&#8217;s How Much You&#8217;d Have Today</a>
Why It Matters: Previously, Musk <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/41041174/elon-musk-slams-uk-government-for-releasing-convicted-pedophiles-after-being-reportedly-banned-from">criticized the U.K. government</a> for releasing convicted pedophiles and reportedly banning him from the International Investment Summit due to his social media activity during recent riots. He stated, &#8220;I don&#8217;t think anyone should go to the UK when they&#8217;re releasing convicted pedophiles in order to imprison people for social media posts.&#8221;
More recently, Musk criticized U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer and supported a national inquiry into cases of underage exploited girls, which Starmer&#8217;s prosecution service once handled. Starmer, expected to address the issue, highlighted his 2013 reforms for prosecuting pedophile gangs but avoided criticizing Musk, given his ties to Trump, according to a Reuters report.
Musk has dismissed the idea of establishing a Tesla Gigafactory in the U.K., citing the current Labour government as a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/12/42717793/elon-musk-rejects-uk-as-a-possible-gigafactory-location">deterrent for potential investors</a>. &#8220;Very few companies will be willing to invest in the UK with the current administration,&#8221; he wrote.
Photo Courtesy: Flickr
Did You Know?
<ul>
<li>Congress Is Making Huge Investments. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades">Get Tips On What They Bought And Sold Ahead Of The 2024 Election With Our Easy-to-Use Tool</a></li>
</ul>
This story was generated using <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/benzinga-neuro">Benzinga Neuro</a> and edited by <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/author/shivdeep-dhaliwal" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Shivdeep Dhaliwal</a>

Politics

General

Elon Musk Flips On Trump's UK Ally Nigel Farage: 'Doesn't Have What It Takes'

Raising kids is rewarding, but let's be honest—it's expensive. The average cost to raise a child until age 18? According to Northwestern Mutual, it's a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-much-do-babies-cost-savings-guide">whopping $300,000</a>, as Business Insider reported. For some parents, those costs came with regrets they wish they'd considered earlier.
Business Insider asked over 3,400 older Americans, aged 48 to 96, about their biggest financial regrets. The responses poured in and many centered around parenting. Some wished they'd waited longer to start a family. Others felt they spent too much—or not enough—on their kids. The bottom line? Decisions made decades ago still echo today.
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"Babies Are So Precious, But…"
Judy Taylor, 72, from Georgia, loves her children. But looking back, she says <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/07/39778022/dave-ramsey-tells-man-and-wife-spending-80-000-a-year-in-child-care-costs-that-they-have-lost-th">having kids</a> in her early 20s wasn't the best financial move. "Babies are so precious," Taylor said to BI. "But having another life to be responsible for can be overwhelming. Just be sure you're ready for that."
Taylor and her husband weren't professionally established when they started their family. After their divorce, she had to shoulder the financial burden as a single parent. Today, she relies on just over $2,000 in Social Security monthly. Missing a check, she said, would leave her "dead in the water."
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Planning Ahead Is Key
Jessica Douieb, head of wealth partners at JPMorgan, told BI that the key is planning. Families should focus on short- and long-term goals like education, tax planning, cash-flow management and retirement savings. "A frequent misstep is failing to plan for the long term," Douieb said. Without a plan, she warns, parents could end up working longer and delaying their retirement to support their kids.
For Roxanne Lewis, 61, a mental health case manager, not having a nest egg before <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/06/39434605/new-study-surprises-many-as-houston-ranks-among-top-cities-for-affordable-child-raising-families">starting a family</a> made things harder. She relied on child support and food stamps to get by as a single mother. With seven children, she now wishes she'd waited until she had a stable career and savings.
Trending: 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>
No Regrets About the Love, But…
Here's the thing: None of the parents interviewed regretted the love they gave their kids. Many said their financial sacrifices were worth it to build strong family relationships. But they all stressed the importance of being financially prepared before leaping into parenthood.
Raising kids is one of life's biggest joys—and challenges. Whether it's $300,000 or more, knowing what you're getting into financially could save you from tough regrets later on. Plan now so your future self can thank you.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/62-years-old-with-1-mil-saved">I&#8217;m 62 Years Old And Have $1.2 Million Saved. Is This Enough to Retire Stress-Free?</a></li>
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Personal Finance

$300,000 And Counting: The Cost Of A Decision Many Parents Regret

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/personal-finance/24/10/41145078/billionaire-bill-gates-has-a-bold-plan-to-shrink-the-wealth-of-the-rich-heres-how-he-intends-to-">Bill Gates </a>is turning heads again, but not for anything tech-related. While Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) remains his largest holding (about $15.4 billion) in the Bill &amp; Melinda Gates Foundation portfolio, Gates has been making some surprising moves.&nbsp;
Over the past year, he sold nearly a quarter of his Microsoft stock, but his bold third-quarter buys have everyone talking. Gates put his money into two transportation companies, signaling he's betting big on an industry bounce-back.
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<li>Inspired by Uber and Airbnb &#8211; Deloitte's fastest-growing software company is transforming 7 billion smartphones into income-generating assets &#8211; <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/mode-mobile-2">with $1,000 you can invest at just $0.26/share!</a></li>
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The S&amp;P 500 Transportation Index had a tough 2024, slipping 0.5% while the overall S&amp;P 500 soared 23%. But Gates seems to see opportunity in the midst of it all.&nbsp;
According to market analysts, his two picks – Paccar and FedEx – reflect a belief that the sector is poised for a turnaround, especially if the economy improves in 2025. These strategic buys are worth a closer look.
Paccar (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PCAR#NASDAQ">PCAR</a>) might not ring a bell, but it&#8217;s heavy in heavy-duty trucks. The company's Peterbilt and Kenworth brands command 14.9% and 14.7% of the U.S. Class 8 truck market, second only to Freightliner's dominant 36.5% share, as reported by ATD.&nbsp;
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These massive trucks, weighing over 33,000 pounds, are critical to the economy and Paccar's performance reflects that.
Paccar had a strong start to 2024, with a quarterly revenue of $8.74 billion in the first quarter. But as truckload demand dipped, the momentum faded. Still, signs of a recovery are emerging. Kenny Vieth, president of ACT Research, told Transport Topics, "We're in the early stages of building 2025 backlogs and November orders were up 21% from October."&nbsp;
Gates scooped up one million Paccar shares at around $100 each, a $100 million <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/10/41312615/investors-pour-billions-into-openai-whats-driving-this-unprecedented-surge-in-funding">investment </a>in a company he believes has long-term promise.
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Then there's FedEx (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FDX#NYSE">FDX</a>), a logistics powerhouse navigating turbulence. Its third-quarter report fell short of expectations and the company revised its full-year forecast downward, unsettling investors. But Gates saw an opportunity, snapping up another one million shares at an average of $273 each.
FedEx has been shaking things up internally. The company announced plans to spin off its less-than-truckload freight division, FedEx Freight, into a stand-alone business. According to Bloomberg, this division pulled in $9.4 billion in 2023 and could become a growth driver as FedEx sharpens its focus on core operations.&nbsp;
The move is part of its broader DRIVE initiative, which aims to make the company more efficient and flexible. Analysts believe this will streamline FedEx's operations and position it for growth if the economy rebounds.
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Startups

MSFT

PCAR

'A $2M Bet On Recovery': Bill Gates Quietly Buys 2 Stocks He Believes Will Define 2025's Economic Boom

Elon Musk announced a significant &#8220;algorithm tweak&#8221; on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. This move aims to mitigate the &#8220;excessive negativity&#8221; that has been a growing concern on the platform.
What Happened: Elon Musk made the announcement via an X post, stating his goal&nbsp;to &#8220;maximize unregretted user-seconds.&#8221; 
Musk took the reins of Twitter in October 2022 and reinstated several previously suspended conservative figures, including President-elect Donald Trump, who was removed from the platform following the Capitol Hill riot on Jan. 6, 2021.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">Algorithm tweak coming soon to promote more informational/entertaining content. We will publish the changes to <a href="https://twitter.com/XEng?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@XEng</a>. Our goal is to maximize unregretted user-seconds. Too much negativity is being pushed that technically grows user time, but not unregretted user time.
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1875355425601999255?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Musk has been at the center of several controversial interventions on X. His latest announcement regarding the algorithm change has elicited a range of reactions from social media users.
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Musk has stated that the new algorithm will prioritize more informational and entertaining content. He also mentioned that they are exploring ways for users to dynamically adjust their content feed.
Why It Matters: Musk&#8217;s decision to tweak the algorithm comes at a time when social media platforms are under scrutiny for their content moderation policies. 
The move is seen as an attempt to balance freedom of speech with the need to maintain a positive and respectful discourse on the platform. However, the impact of this algorithm change on the platform and its users remains to be seen. 
As the platform continues to evolve under Musk&#8217;s leadership, users and observers alike will be keenly watching the changes and their effects on the platform&#8217;s user experience and overall atmosphere.
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Image: Shutterstock

Social Media

Elon Musk Announces Changes to X Over Negativity Concerns: 'Too Much Negativity Is Being Pushed'

If there's one thing Jeff Bezos knows how to do, it's raise the stakes – whether it's in e-commerce, space travel or <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/05/38921536/jeff-bezos-quietly-enters-residential-mortgage-business-giving-high-interest-rate-loans-to-other-inv">even real estate</a>. The Amazon founder recently made headlines with his splashy purchases on Miami's exclusive Indian Creek Island, nicknamed the "<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/12/42673539/how-jeff-bezos-knocked-1-billion-off-his-tax-bill-by-moving-to-his-infamous-billionaire-bunker">Billionaire Bunker</a>." But now, one of his neighbors is taking the "asking price" concept to a whole new level.
A 1.84-acre empty lot right next to Bezos' properties is up for grabs and the price tag? A whopping $200 million. Yes, you read that right – $200 million for less than two acres of land. To put it in perspective, the current owners bought the same lot for $27.5 million in 2018. That's almost an eightfold increase in just five years. So, what's driving the jaw-dropping price hike?
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Welcome to Indian Creek: The World's Most Exclusive Address
Indian Creek isn't your average gated community. It's a 300-acre, human-made island in Miami-Dade County, home to about 40 properties. With a private bridge, 24/7 armed security and a police force that patrols the perimeter like it's Fort Knox, it's the kind of place where billionaires go to escape the rest of us.
Jeff Bezos joined the elite club in 2023, shelling out <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/05/38894190/jeff-bezos-spent-237-million-on-florida-mansions-billionaires-flock-to-upside-down-tax-haven-where-r">over $237 million across three separate purchases</a>. His real estate spree included a $68 million mansion, a $79 million adjacent property and a third mansion for $90 million. According to reports, he planned to live in the third home while the other two were <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/04/38075377/jeff-bezos-buys-90-million-florida-mansion-to-live-in-while-his-other-newly-purchased-147-million-ho">demolished to build one mega-mansion</a>. Clearly, he's all in on Miami, leaving Seattle behind after 29 years.
Other residents include <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/11/41912517/inside-ivankas-24-million-billionaire-bunker-mansion-with-a-15-million-mortgage">Jared Kushner, Ivanka Trump</a>, Carl Icahn and Tom Brady. And now, the mystery seller of the $200 million lot is betting that Bezos' arrival has elevated Indian Creek's already sky-high real estate market.
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What's So Special About This Empty Lot?
Aside from being Jeff Bezos' soon-to-be neighbor, the lot boasts 200 feet of prime Biscayne Bay waterfront. According to the listing, it's perfect for building a deep-water dock accommodating a 180-foot megayacht. There are pre-design plans for a 25,000-square-foot mansion, which the new owner can either embrace or toss out entirely.
Broker Ilya Reznik, who represents the anonymous sellers, told Business Insider the asking price reflects the "unique location."&nbsp;
"Bezos did pay the numbers, which are really high," Reznik said. "But now those prices are there and the market is there – and higher."
Reznik also pointed to Miami's overall real estate frenzy, where new-build luxury homes command premium prices. "If it's new, buyers are willing to pay a premium. This is just what's going on in Miami," he added.
Is $200 Million Too Much?
A $200 million price tag for an empty lot on Indian Creek Island raises eyebrows – even in billionaire real estate. While the exclusivity of the location and the arrival of high-profile neighbors like Jeff Bezos have undeniably boosted demand, the fact remains: this is 1.84 acres of undeveloped land and waterfront.
To put things in perspective, the asking price far exceeds what Bezos paid for any of his three properties on the island. Indian Creek is certainly a trophy address, but this price could give even the wealthiest buyers a reason to pause.
That said, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/10/41453235/even-after-hurricane-helene-and-milton-south-floridas-luxury-market-sees-prices-rise-9-6">Miami's ultra-luxury real estate market</a> often defies traditional logic. Sometimes, it's just about saying, "Yeah, I live next to Jeff Bezos."
So, will this empty lot sell for its ambitious price? Only time – and the whims of the ultra-wealthy – will tell.
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Real Estate

Jeff Bezos' Miami 'Billionaire Bunker' Neighbor Is Selling An Empty Lot For $200 Million – It's Less Than 2 Acres And They Paid $27.5 Million

Coss Marte, the founder and CEO of Conbud, is set to generate a whopping $12 million from his legal cannabis venture this year. Marte&#8217;s journey from a convict to a cannabis mogul is a testament to his resilience and the changing landscape of cannabis laws.
What Happened: Marte&#8217;s journey commenced with a drug conviction in 2009, resulting in a seven-year prison sentence. 
However, he was released early in 2013 and went on to establish a fitness business, Conbody, based on his prison workout regimen, CNBC <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/04/conbud-founder-from-drug-sentence-to-building-nyc-cannabis-dispensary.html">reported</a>. 
"I was following this law, and what they required was two years of a net profitable business and a conviction on your record. Now, how many people have that to qualify for a cannabis license? Not many," Marte told the outlet. 
"When I was a kid, people would ask me: ‘What do you want to be when you grow up?' And I would say: ‘I want to be rich. The first opportunity was through the world of drugs. So I started dealing weed," Marte added.
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The legalization of recreational cannabis in New York in 2021 and the expungement of past marijuana-related convictions presented Marte with a business opportunity. 
The state permitted entrepreneurs with past marijuana convictions to be the first recipients of licenses for selling recreational cannabis.
Marte, with his successful business and a conviction, was an ideal candidate. He established Conbud, one of the first fully-licensed recreational cannabis businesses in Manhattan. 
The business, which commenced operations in October 2023, is currently generating around $800,000 in sales per month, including nearly $100,000 in profit. Marte anticipates closing 2024 with an estimated total of approximately $7 million, according to his projections. 
Why It Matters: Marte&#8217;s journey is a powerful narrative of resilience and highlights the potential for social and economic equity in the rapidly growing legal cannabis market. 
His story underscores the transformative power of changing cannabis laws, offering individuals with past convictions a chance to rebuild their lives and contribute to society. 
Furthermore, it emphasizes the potential economic benefits of legal cannabis, as evidenced by Conbud&#8217;s impressive sales figures.
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Cannabis

Success Stories

From Prison To Profits: Here's How This Entrepreneur's Cannabis Business Makes $800,000 Monthly

Elon Musk has expressed his strong disapproval of lawmakers who opposed a bill aimed at deporting convicted sex offenders who are <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42715951/trump-backs-immigration-visas-musk-praises-his-stance-and-says-rising-tide-lifts-all-boats">undocumented immigrants</a>.
What Happened: Musk took to X on Sunday to voice his criticism. He urged his followers to post a list of all those who opposed the bill, stating they should be voted out of office. His tweet was in response to a post that highlighted that 158 Democrats voted against the bill in September.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">There is no excuse. Please post the list of people who opposed this law and want to keep illegals who are convicted sex offenders in America. They all need to be voted out of office. Every one of them. <a href="https://t.co/nuimP3Hsm1">https://t.co/nuimP3Hsm1</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1875746145261195463?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Musk wrote, &#8220;There is no excuse. Please post the list of people who opposed this law and want to keep illegals who are convicted sex offenders in America. They all need to be voted out of office. Every one of them.&#8221;
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42714402/elon-musk-weighs-in-on-maga-divide-urges-gop-to-purge-contemptible-fools">Elon Musk Weighs In On MAGA Divide, Urges GOP To Purge &#8216;Contemptible Fools&#8217;</a>
Following his response, the original poster shared the list and Musk then said, &#8220;These awful people all need to be voted out, either in the primaries or the general election. They sully the Capitol Building with their presence.&#8221;
At the time of the debate over the bill, Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.), then the ranking Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, said that the bill was too broad and risked deporting victims of domestic violence back to dangerous living arrangements in their country of origin.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">These awful people all need to be voted out, either in the primaries or the general election. They sully the Capitol Building with their presence. <a href="https://t.co/6i9LqTefzv">https://t.co/6i9LqTefzv</a>
&mdash; Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1875759992898515080?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 5, 2025</a></blockquote>
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Why It Matters: The bill in question was passed by the House in September, with every Republican and 51 Democrats voting in favor. However, 158 Democrats opposed it, causing a stir in the political landscape. The bill aimed to deport undocumented immigrants convicted of sex crimes, a move that Musk strongly supports.
Musk&#8217;s tweet has sparked a conversation about the bill, the lawmakers who opposed it, and the future of immigration policies in the United States. 
As an influential figure, Musk&#8217;s views could potentially sway public opinion and impact future political decisions.
Read Next
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Elon Musk Calls for Identifying Lawmakers Who Support Undocumented Immigrants Convicted of Sex Crimes: 'No Excuse'

According to U.S. Census Bureau data, U.S. homebuilders have 266,000 houses under construction and ready for sale, the second-highest level since records began, trailing only the 2008 housing bubble.
The construction surge comes as speculative &#8220;spec&#8221; homes – built without committed buyers – reached 124,000 units nationwide, up from the shortage levels seen between 2012 and 2022. The last time spec home inventory climbed higher was in 2008, when builders reported 199,000 units.
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&#8220;Builders are doing their part to inundate the housing market with supply,&#8221; said Nick Gerli, real estate data platform Reventure App CEO.
The construction boom centers on southern states, where <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/real-estate/24/12/42557395/with-690000-unsold-homes-experts-predict-slight-growth-in-2025-is-now-the-time-to-buy">builders maintain most of their inventory</a>. Texas, Florida and Tennessee report an overflow of available homes on builder lots. Active listings in those regions have returned to pre-pandemic levels, ending local housing shortages.
Meanwhile, the Northeast and Midwest continue facing inventory deficits compared to pre-pandemic levels. Builders have largely avoided these regions, concentrating New South and Mountain West construction.
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&#8220;Homebuilders in these areas permitted lots of homes during the pandemic boom and continue to permit homes in late 2024, even as buyer demand has cooled,&#8221; Gerli told Newsweek. &#8220;Texas, Florida, Arizona, Tennessee and Georgia are the most impacted states by the run-up in builder inventory.&#8221;
According to Redfin data, the median home sale price reached $430,010 in November, rising 5.4% from the previous year. Total homes for sale increased 10.3% year-over-year to 1,689,082 units, while sales volume grew 4.4%.
Reventure forecasts home price declines in Texas and Florida for 2025, with potential price drops concentrated in suburban and rural areas where builders remain most active.
Trending: Commercial real estate has historically outperformed the stock market, and<a href="https://equitymultiple.com/benzinga?invite=benzinga&amp;utm_campaign=product-promotion-earn&amp;utm_source=yahooFinance&amp;utm_medium=affiliate&amp;utm_content=stockmarket-yahoo"> this platform allows individuals to invest in commercial real estate with as little as $5,000 offering a 12% target yield with a bonus 1% return boost today!</a>
The Senate Budget Committee recently warned about broader market risks. A new report from the committee points to rising insurance premiums combined with elevated home prices and mortgage rates as potential triggers for market instability.
&#8220;Property values will eventually fall – just like in 2008 – sending household wealth tumbling. The United States could be looking at a systemic shock to the economy similar to the financial crisis of 2008 – if not greater,&#8221; the committee&#8217;s report stated.
The inventory surge marks a reversal from 2008-2022 when the U.S. housing market saw construction lag behind population growth. The resulting shortage pushed many first-time <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/07/39614880/now-owning-a-house-in-us-is-more-challenging-than-ever-as-affordability-drops-to-">buyers out of the market as prices climbed beyond reach</a>.
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266K Homes Under Construction: Builders Challenge The Housing Shortage Narrative

Dog-themed meme coin Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>) has seen a massive 2,133% surge in its burn rate, followed by a 10% price rise.
What Happened: According to Shibburn, a platform that collects burn transaction data from Etherscan and presents it to the SHIB community, reported six burn transactions in the last 24 hours. 
These transactions resulted in the removal of a total of 34,312,733 SHIB from circulation. This large burn rate led to a 2,133% increase in the Shiba Inu burn rate metric.
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true">HOURLY SHIB UPDATE<a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24SHIB&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$SHIB</a> Price: $0.00002274 (1hr 0.84% ▲ &#x7C; 24hr 6.27% ▲ ) Market Cap: $13,386,574,644 (6.33% ▲) Total Supply: 589,257,088,533,288 TOKENS BURNT Past 24Hrs: 34,312,733 (2133.1% ▲) Past 7 Days: 46,355,986 (-30.37% ▼)
&mdash; Shibburn (@shibburn) <a href="https://twitter.com/shibburn/status/1875361550149537914?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 4, 2025</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Most of the burned SHIB was destroyed in a single transfer, which moved 31,483,015 SHIB to an unspendable blockchain wallet. Two other large transfers moved 1,000,000 and 1,259,569 SHIB to the same destination.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42378684/shiba-inus-208-surge-this-year-sparks-predictions-of-top-10-crypto-ranking-in-2025">Shiba Inu&#8217;s 208% Surge This Year Sparks Predictions Of Top 10 Crypto Ranking In 2025</a>
The SHIB community leader, known as Shytoshi Kusama, announced on his official X account that he plans to take a break&nbsp;from social media for a&nbsp;few days. This is due to the launch of&nbsp;a new Shibarium token TREAT&nbsp;and the completion of &#8220;2 extremely important papers&#8221;.
Why It Matters: The surge in Shiba Inu&#8217;s burn rate and subsequent price rise is significant as it indicates a strong demand for the meme coin. The burn rate is a measure of how many coins are being removed from circulation, effectively reducing the supply and potentially driving up the price.
The announcement from Shytoshi Kusama, the SHIB community leader, about his temporary departure from social media and the launch of a new Shibarium token also adds to the intrigue. 
The market will be keenly watching the developments around the new token and the impact it could have on SHIB&#8217;s price.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42635671/analyst-bullish-on-shiba-inu-sees-235-surge-despite-recent-fall">Analyst Bullish on Shiba Inu, Sees 235% Surge Despite Recent Fall</a>

$SHIB

Shiba Inu's 2,133% Burn Rate Surge Followed by 10% Price Rise: What's Happening?

New Jersey-based dinnerware designer Jono Pandolfi has transformed his side hustle into a multi-million dollar business.
What Happened: Pandolfi, along with his 30-member team at&nbsp;Jono Pandolfi Designs, manufactures and ships thousands of ceramic pieces from their Union City studio to a global clientele. 
The company&#8217;s dinnerware graces the tables of hundreds of restaurants and has even made appearances in FX&#8217;s TV series &#8220;The Bear.&#8221;
When the pandemic wreaked havoc on the restaurant industry, the company pivoted to expand its direct-to-consumer offerings. This strategic move now contributes to nearly half of its revenue. By the close of December 2024, the company&#8217;s revenue was projected to exceed $6.6 million, as per documents reviewed <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/01/02/how-dinnerware-designer-turned-his-side-hustle-into-a-lucrative-business.html">by</a> CNBC.
"I think it's safe to say that it's pretty hard for a ceramic artist or someone who studied clay to build a business that's bringing in over $6 million per year. I feel like I'm living the dream of a ceramic artist," Pandolfi told the outlet. 
The company&#8217;s offerings, which include four-piece settings and 8-inch pasta bowls, are available for purchase on its website. 
Collaborations with high-profile clients like&nbsp;Anthropologie&nbsp;and&nbsp;Crate &amp; Barrel&nbsp;have necessitated the acquisition of additional kilns to meet the growing demand.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/08/33986712/from-side-hustle-to-77k-heres-a-22-year-olds-car-detailing-success">From Side Hustle to $77K: Here&#8217;s A 22-Year-Old&#8217;s Car Detailing Success</a>
Despite the financial challenges associated with expanding production capacity, Pandolfi remains steadfast in his commitment to grow the business.&nbsp;The company&#8217;s shift to a&nbsp;direct-to-consumer strategy has proven successful, tripling its revenue since 2020.
Why It Matters: Pandolfi&#8217;s story is a testament to the power of adaptability and resilience in the face of adversity. The company&#8217;s successful pivot to a direct-to-consumer model amidst a global pandemic underscores the importance of agility and innovation in business. 
Furthermore, the collaborations with high-profile clients highlight the value of strategic partnerships in driving growth and expanding market reach. 
This entrepreneurial journey serves as an inspiration for aspiring business owners and side hustlers, demonstrating that with the right strategy and determination, even the most challenging circumstances can be transformed into opportunities for growth and success.
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From Side Hustle to $6.6 Million a Year: How This 48-Year-Old Is Living the Dream

Running a small business can teach you a lot about people and for one Reddit user, it's been a crash course in frustration. A small-business owner vented about getting satisfied customers to leave positive reviews in a post on the r/small business <a href="https://www.reddit.com/r/smallbusiness/comments/1hc6mvk/if_i_learned_anything_from_business_is_that_the/">subreddit</a>.&nbsp;
"A customer will take tons of your time, will be super happy with the result of your work, thank you profusely … and the same f bastard won't bother to take a few seconds to leave you a review after you've begged them repeatedly," the post reads.
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This post got much attention, with hundreds of upvotes and a heated comment section. Some people agreed with the frustration, but others thought the poster sounded entitled. "You're trading work for money, not reviews," one commenter replied, adding that customers don't owe anything beyond payment.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Are Reviews a Business Lifeline or a Bonus?</h2>
For many small businesses, online reviews are crucial in <a href="https://boost.benzinga.com/">attracting new customers</a>. Platforms like Google and Yelp often serve as the first impression, making a strong review profile a must-have. Yet, as several Redditors pointed out, getting those reviews can feel like pulling teeth.
The main takeaway from the discussion? People don't prioritize reviews unless they're either overjoyed or deeply disappointed. As one user aptly put it, Satisfied customers tend not to leave reviews. However, unhappy ones will let the world know.
See Also: 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>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why Customers Don't Leave Reviews</h2>
There are plenty of reasons why a happy customer might skip leaving a review, even when they've had a great experience. For starters, life is busy. Many simply forget about the request once they've received the service or product. Others might feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of daily review requests.
"I get bombarded asking for reviews," one commenter shared. Flights, online shopping, even banks. It gets exhausting. The same person shared an interesting story about their service provider calling their wife eight times, trying to get her to change her review to five stars and offering her $250 in free services.
Trending: Maker of the $60,000 foldable home has 3 factory buildings, 600+ houses built, and big plans to solve housing —<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/boxabl"> you can become an investor for $0.80 per share today.</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">What Can Businesses Do?</h2>
Despite the challenges, some business owners shared ideas that have helped them get more reviews. Making the process simple is important. For example, using QR codes or links that take customers straight to the review page makes it faster and easier. Asking for feedback at the right time, like right after a customer has had a great experience, can also make a big difference.&nbsp;
Giving small rewards like discounts or free items can encourage people to leave a review, but businesses should be careful to follow the rules of review platforms. Many business owners agreed that while reviews are helpful, they aren't something you can count on every time. Instead, focusing on doing a great job and growing naturally might work better in the long run.
At the end of the day, focusing on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/06/39175566/jeff-bezos-once-picked-up-the-phone-and-called-amazon-customer-support-to-make-a-point-and-set-off-w">delivering great service</a> and building genuine connections with customers is likely to result in long-term success – with or without glowing reviews.
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After Begging Customers Repeatedly For Reviews, Frustrated Business Owner Claims 'The Average Human Is Extremely Selfish'

Amit Yoran, the CEO and chairman of Tenable Holdings (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TENB#NASDAQ">TENB</a>), died on Friday at age 54.
What Happened: Yoran, a revered figure in the cybersecurity sector, had been battling cancer for a prolonged period and had taken a medical leave on December 5.
Yoran had been steering Tenable since 2016 and played a crucial role in the company&#8217;s public listing in 2018. Before joining Tenable, he held the position of president at RSA Security and was the founder of NetWitness. He also co-founded Riptech Inc., a firm focused on safeguarding corporate and government computers from cyberattacks, <a href="https://edition.cnn.com/2025/01/04/business/amit-yoran-dies-tenable-ceo/index.html">reports</a> CNN.
In 2003, Yoran was entrusted with the responsibility of leading the newly established National Cyber Security Division of the Homeland Security Department. However, he&nbsp;resigned from the position after&nbsp;a year.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/analyst-ratings/24/12/42599500/deep-dive-into-tenable-holdings-stock-analyst-perspectives-9-ratings">Deep Dive Into Tenable Holdings Stock: Analyst Perspectives (9 Ratings)</a>
In Yoran&#8217;s absence, Tenable&#8217;s board had assigned CFO Steve Vintz and COO Mark Thurmond as co-CEOs. The company announced that Vintz and Thurmond will continue to guide the firm while the search for a permanent CEO is in progress.
Why It Matters: Yoran&#8217;s demise is a significant blow to Tenable and the cybersecurity industry at large. His leadership and vision were instrumental in shaping Tenable&#8217;s growth trajectory and his contributions to the cybersecurity sector have been monumental. His loss leaves a void that will be challenging to fill.
Under Yoran&#8217;s stewardship, Tenable successfully transitioned to a public company and continued to innovate in the cybersecurity space. 
His leadership style and commitment to the industry will continue to inspire future cybersecurity leaders. As the company navigates this challenging time, the continuity provided by Vintz and Thurmond will be crucial. 
Their combined experience and understanding of the company&#8217;s operations will be key in maintaining stability and driving the company&#8217;s future growth.
Read Next
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Image: Shutterstock

TENB

Tenable Holdings CEO Amit Yoran Dies at 54

<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/10/41418922/kevin-oleary-claims-theres-zero-evidence-that-automation-at-u-s-ports-impacts-worker-wages-why-he-th">Kevin O'Leary</a>, known for grilling entrepreneurs on Shark Tank, is making headlines for an investment of a different kind. In a surprising twist, the sharp-tongued investor revealed in 2023 that he's now a citizen of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The news broke on LinkedIn, where O'Leary shared his excitement.&nbsp;
But why would a Canadian-American business tycoon with a net worth of $400 million make such a move? Turns out, the UAE isn't just about luxury skyscrapers and desert safaris – it's a hotbed for innovation, business and global finance.
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"Abu Dhabi is fast becoming a hub for innovation, finance and entrepreneurship. I wanted to be part of that," O'Leary explained.&nbsp;
The UAE&#8217;s growth shows no signs of slowing, with KPMG forecasting a 6.7% economic expansion in 2025, far outpacing the U.S., which the IMF projects will grow by 2.2%.&nbsp;
Strategic investments in renewable energy, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/12/42724565/dont-count-your-chickens-this-5-billion-food-startup-counts-them-daily-while-pushing-ai-to-predict-your-meals">artificial intelligence</a> and fintech drive this economic boom. Initiatives like the UAE National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 are designed to position the nation as a leader in emerging technologies.
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Dubai, one of the UAE's most vibrant cities, has also attracted global attention as a financial hub. Over 60 hedge funds established operations there, capitalizing on the city's tax-free policies and world-class infrastructure.&nbsp;
This influx of investment underscores the UAE's business-friendly environment, where foreign investors can enjoy benefits like 100% ownership in free trade zones and zero income taxes.
In addition to these financial advantages, the UAE's geographic location is a major asset. Strategically positioned between Europe, Asia and Africa, it provides unparalleled access to some of the world's fastest-growing markets. For O'Leary, this isn't about abandoning North America but expanding opportunities.
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"You talk about financial services and just the scale of how fast it's growing, it's absolutely huge. You got to go there because that's where the money is," he said in a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PrAReUiB-J4">recent YouTube video</a>.&nbsp;
O'Leary's move also underscores a broader trend. In recent years, the UAE has attracted high-net-worth individuals and companies. The country's zero-income tax policy and well-connected trade networks have made it a magnet for global investment.&nbsp;
In 2023, the UAE reported $30.688 billion in foreign direct investment (FDI), compared to $22.737 billion the previous year.&nbsp;
The UAE&#8217;s commitment to economic diversification is evident through substantial investments in renewable energy, fintech and artificial intelligence. Initiatives like Masdar City exemplify the country&#8217;s dedication to sustainable development, attracting international investors seeking opportunities in emerging sectors.
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Kevin O'Leary Bets Big On UAE Growth: Why This Nation's Economy Is Outpacing The U.S. With A Projected 6.7% Growth By 2025

<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Do Kwon Pleads Not Guilty In U.S. Courtroom&nbsp;</h2>
According to a Reuters report, Do Kwon, co-founder of Terraform Labs, the incubator of TerraUSD (CRYPTO:USTC) and Luna (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">LUNC</a>) pleaded not guilty on Thursday to criminal fraud charges in a U.S. court.&nbsp;
Kwon was handed over to U.S. law enforcement officers on Tuesday at an airport in Montenegro and extradited to the United States to face the charges.
Federal prosecutors in Manhattan <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/europe/montenegro-police-arrest-suspected-former-ceo-terraform-labs-interior-minister-2023-03-23/">charged</a> Kwon with securities fraud, wire fraud, commodities fraud and money laundering conspiracy related to the collapse of Luna and TerraUSD in 2022, which resulted in an estimated $40 billion loss.
Read more here: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/25/01/42773042/terra-lunas-do-kwon-to-face-criminal-fraud-charges-in-us">Terra Luna&#8217;s Do Kwon To Face Criminal Fraud Charges In US</a>
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">DOJ Announces $4.3 Billion In Total Distributions To Madoff Ponzi Scheme Victims</h2>
The Justice Department announced on Monday that the Madoff Victim Fund began its tenth and final distribution of over $131.4 million to victims of the Bernard Madoff fraud scheme.&nbsp;
The DOJ said the latest payments will be sent to more than 23,000 victims, bringing the total to over 40,000 victims in the Madoff scheme having recovered 93.71% of their fraud losses. In total, the MVF has paid over $4.3 billion from forfeited funds to 40,930 victims for losses suffered due to the collapse of &nbsp;Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC.&nbsp;
"Today's distribution represents an unprecedented conclusion of victim compensation from civil forfeiture actions related to the Madoff scheme with more than $4 billion repaid to over 40,000 victims," said Assistant Director in Charge James E. Dennehy of the FBI New York Field Office.&nbsp;
"These victims implicitly trusted Madoff with their investments only to ultimately lose significant monies to his selfish plan. With the Justice Department's steadfast support, the FBI will continue its tireless seizure of assets from criminals who steal from others and seek to recover those assets for victim losses," Dennehy added. 
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Legal

$LUNC

$USDT

Financial Crime Weekly: $4.3 Billion Paid To Bernie Madoff Ponzi Scheme Victims, Do Kwon Pleads Not Guilty

The profitability of Tesla Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>) could be severely impacted under the second Trump administration, with a potential 40% decrease.
What Happened: After a less than stellar Q4 sales performance and a 6% decrease in Tesla&#8217;s shares, JPMorgan analysts foresee more hurdles in the company&#8217;s path. 
The bank&#8217;s predictions are based on President elect Donald Trump&#8216;s plans to do away with EV tax credits and subsidies, which have made Tesla&#8217;s vehicles more affordable to consumers.
For the first time, Tesla reported a drop in annual vehicle sales, with approximately 1.79 million cars sold in 2024, a slight decrease from the record 1.8 million sales in 2023. 
This comes in the wake of a broader slowdown in the EV market as consumer preferences shift towards more economical hybrids.
JPMorgan analyst Ryan Brinkman expressed doubt about Tesla&#8217;s future prospects, stating that the company does not seem poised to dominate the global auto industry during the transition to electrification.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/12/42715951/trump-backs-immigration-visas-musk-praises-his-stance-and-says-rising-tide-lifts-all-boats">Trump Backs Immigration Visas, Musk Praises His Stance and Says &#8216;Rising Tide Lifts All Boats&#8217;</a>
&#8220;Tesla does not appear to us on track to dominate the global auto industry amidst the electrification transition, which we view as only the starting point for present valuation,&#8221; Brinkman wrote in a note on Friday and as quoted <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/tesla-profit-could-shrink-under-trump-policies-jpmorgan-2025-1">by </a>Insider.
Brinkman also contradicted Elon Musk&#8217;s assertion that the removal of EV subsidies would be beneficial for Tesla. He projected that Tesla could lose around $3.2 billion due to regulatory changes under Trump, as government subsidies constitute a significant part of Tesla&#8217;s revenue.
&#8220;The slowing of deliveries, even ahead of a likely subsidy removal, we think has the potential to refocus investors on the deterioration in deliveries, revenue, gross profit, EBIT, EPS, and FCF estimates across all periods,&#8221; Brinkman added in the note. 
Despite these obstacles, Tesla shares experienced a slight recovery on Friday morning, rising by about 4%.
Why It Matters: The potential elimination of EV tax credits and subsidies under the Trump administration could have a significant impact on Tesla&#8217;s profitability. 
These incentives have played a crucial role in making Tesla&#8217;s vehicles more affordable, thereby driving sales. The shift in consumer preferences towards more affordable hybrids could further exacerbate Tesla&#8217;s challenges. 
The company&#8217;s ability to navigate these changes and maintain its market position will be crucial in the coming years.
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Here's How Trump Could Wipe Out 40% of Tesla's Profits After Taking Office, According To JPMorgan Analyst

Jan. 1, 2025, marks the first possible birthdate for Generation Beta. It&#8217;s also a unique opportunity for financial advisors to guide new parents through comprehensive long-term planning, especially as Prudential Financial&#8217;s latest research shows that 58% of current and future parents believe Generation Beta<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/retirement"> may never retire.</a>
With 80% of Americans holding that retirement planning should begin at birth, financial advisors should start working with parents and prospective parents of Generation Beta as soon as possible.
The financial landscape these children, and their parents, will navigate differs significantly from previous generations. According to Prudential&#8217;s <a href="https://www.investmentnews.com/industry-news/generation-beta-has-arrived-planning-for-their-financial-future-should-start-now/258752">findings</a>, 86% of respondents anticipate these children will work in yet-to-be-created professions, while increased life expectancy could dramatically alter traditional retirement trajectories.
These shifting dynamics demand that advisors expand their traditional planning approach. While new parents typically focus on immediate concerns like healthcare coverage and life insurance, financial professionals must help them develop more comprehensive strategies. This includes creating flexible investment frameworks that can adapt to evolving career patterns and potentially extended lifespans.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/01/42793786/deal-dispatch-vera-bradley-party-city-modells-interest">Deal Dispatch: Vera Bradley Is A Mixed Bag, Modell&#8217;s Ex-CEO Explores Party City</a>
Brandon Goldstein, ChFC, a financial planner with Prudential Financial, emphasizes the importance of immediate action: &#8220;While you can&#8217;t predict the future, you can plan for it from day one.&#8221; This perspective underscores the need for advisors to guide families in reassessing budgets, establishing long-term savings goals, and accounting for rising costs across multiple decades.
The power of early planning becomes evident through Prudential&#8217;s Beta Baby Bonus initiative, which demonstrates how a modest initial investment of $150 &#8211; which the company is giving to any baby born on Jan. 1, 2025 &#8211; could grow to $100,000 over 70 years. This illustrates the crucial role advisors play in helping families understand and harness long-term compound growth.
Financial professionals must proactively address these planning considerations with new parents, ensuring Generation Beta&#8217;s financial future begins with informed, strategic decisions. The challenge lies not just in traditional retirement planning, but in preparing for a fundamentally different financial future that may require new planning paradigms and investment approaches.
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/25/01/42794980/tesla-stock-up-62-5-in-2024-how-it-compares-to-gains-since-2010-ipo">Tesla Stock Up 62.5% In 2024: How It Compares To Gains Since 2010 IPO</a></li>
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Photo: Shutterstock

Financial Advisors

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Turning Point Brands enters into at-the-market sales agreement

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Roth MKM analyst Philip Shen reiterated a Buy rating on Turning Point Brands (TPB – Research Report) today and set a price target of $70.00. The co...

Roth MKM Sticks to Their Buy Rating for Turning Point Brands (TPB)

Roth MKM analyst Nick Anderson raised the firm's price target on Turning Point Brands (TPB) to $70 from $55 and keeps a Buy rating on the shares. T...

Turning Point Brands price target raised to $70 from $55 at Roth MKM

Top picks for 2025 in healthcare, consumer, tech, industrials, energy and more

Turning Point Brands: Alp Is Off To A Fast Start

Altria Group, Inc. (MO) has emerged as a dominant market player, thanks to its diverse tobacco portfolio that's leading the shift from traditional smoking. With strong financial performance and over 50 years of consistent dividend payouts, could this stable, high-performing stock be a worthy addition to your portfolio? Read on… Altria Group, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/MO/">MO</a>) has firmly established itself as a dominant force in the market, largely due to its diverse portfolio of smokeable and oral tobacco products. These products are leading the charge against traditional smoking, positioning MO as a key player in the evolving industry.
In its third-quarter earnings report, MO delivered impressive financial results that exceeded analyst expectations. The company's long history of consistent dividend payments is another testament to its commitment to returning value to investors.
Dividend-paying stocks, like MO, offer investors a reliable and growing income stream, making them ideal for those seeking passive income. Moreover, MO's strong performance is reflected in its stock price. Over the past six months, the stock surged by 21.1%, and in the last year, it has gained 29.7%, closing the last trading session at $54.13.
The company's continued commitment to innovation, its ability to adapt to market trends, and the growth of its product portfolio are all likely to shape its future trajectory.
So, let us dive into the factors that could shape MO's performance in the near future.
Recent Developments
On June 26, MO announced the submission of <a href="https://investor.altria.com/press-releases/news-details/2024/Altria-Announces-PMTA-Submission-for-on-PLUS-Nicotine-Pouches/default.aspx">Premarket Tobacco Product Applications</a> (PMTAs) to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its innovative on! PLUS oral nicotine pouch products. The submission underscores MO's commitment to addressing consumers' evolving preferences.
On June 21, MO announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had <a href="https://investor.altria.com/press-releases/news-details/2024/NJOY-Receives-First-FDA-Authorizations-for-Menthol-E-Vapor-Products/default.aspx">authorized several new products</a>, including the NJOY ACE Pod Menthol 2.4%, NJOY ACE Pod Menthol 5%, NJOY DAILY Menthol 4.5%, and NJOY DAILY Extra Menthol 6%. These FDA approvals significantly enhance MO's smoke-free product portfolio.
As consumer demand for safer alternatives rises, these offerings would give MO a competitive edge, driving both immediate sales and sustained profitability while supporting broader public health goals.
Sound Historical Growth
Over the past five years, MO has demonstrated consistent growth across key financial metrics. Its EBITDA and operational income (EBIT) both expanded at a CAGR of 2.5%. Moreover, net income surged at a CAGR of 42.3%, while EPS climbed even higher at 44.7%, showcasing robust profitability.
Robust Financials
For the fiscal third quarter that ended September 30, 2024, MO's net revenues came in at $6.26 billion. Its gross profit increased 2.9% year-over-year to $3.81 billion. In addition, the company's <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/o/operatingincome.asp">operating income</a> grew 2% from the year-ago value to $3.15 billion.
Furthermore, MO's net earnings and EPS adjusted for special items rose 5.9% and 7.8% from the prior year's quarter to $2.29 billion and $1.38, respectively.
Impressive Dividend History
On December 11, MO announced a <a href="https://investor.altria.com/press-releases/news-details/2024/Altria-Declares-Regular-Quarterly-Dividend-of-1.02-Per-Share/default.aspx">regular quarterly dividend</a> of $1.02 per share, payable on January 10, 2025 to shareholders of record as of December 26, 2024. The announcement highlights MO's ongoing commitment to delivering value to its investors through consistent and reliable dividends.
MO has increased its dividends for 54 consecutive years. Moreover, with an annual dividend of $4.08 per share, the stock currently offers a robust 7.46% yield, reflecting its ability to generate solid returns for income-focused investors.
Also, the stock's dividend payouts have increased at a CAGR of 4.4% over the past three years, while its four-year average dividend yield is 7.97%.
Favorable Analyst Estimates
Analysts expect MO's revenue for the fiscal fourth quarter ending December 2024 to marginally increase year-over-year to $5.04 billion. In addition, the company's EPS is expected to rise 9% from the prior year's quarter to $1.29.
Looking at the full fiscal year ending December 2024, MO's revenue is projected to come in at $20.37 billion, meanwhile its EPS is forecasted to grow 3.7% from the previous year, reaching $5.13.
High Profitability
MO's trailing-12-month gross profit margin of 69.76% is 92.8% higher than the industry average of 36.18%. Its trailing-12-month EBITDA margin stands at 59.99%, 358.8% higher than the industry average of 13.08%.
In addition, the company boasts a trailing-12-month net income margin of 50.51%, which is significantly above the sector average of 4.29%. Also, the stock's trailing-12-month levered FCF margin of 21.24% outperforms the industry average of 5.61% by 278.6%.
POWR Ratings Reflects Optimism
MO's stable fundamentals are reflected in its <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a>. The stock has an overall rating of B, which equates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by taking into account 118 different factors, with each factor weighted to an optimal degree.
MO earns an A grade for Quality, supported by profitability measures that exceed industry benchmarks. Furthermore, the company has a B grade for Stability, reflecting its 24-month beta of 0.16.
Within the B-rated <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/tobacco/">Tobacco</a> industry, MO is ranked #2 out of 9 stocks. Beyond what is stated above, we have also given MO grades for Momentum, Growth, Value, and Sentiment. Get all MO ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/MO/">here</a>.
Bottom Line
MO has established itself as a titan in the Tobacco industry through its consistent growth and track record of dividend payments, making it a perfect opportunity for investors looking for passive income. Coupled with its portfolio of innovative smoke-free products, the company is set to soar even higher.
Considering MO's high profitability, strong financials and low volatility now might be the ideal time to consider adding MO to one's investment portfolio.
How Does Altria Group, Inc. (MO) Stack Up Against Its Peers?
Although MO's near-term outlook appears sound, it may be worthwhile to explore its industry peers, who exhibit even stronger POWR Ratings. So, consider these A (Strong Buy) and B (Buy) rated stocks from the Tobacco industry:
Philip Morris International Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/PM/">PM</a>)
Imperial Brands PLC (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/IMBBY/">IMBBY</a>)
Turning Point Brands, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/TPB/">TPB</a>)
To explore more A or B-rated Tobacco stocks, <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/tobacco/">click here</a>.
What To Do Next?
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MO shares rose $0.09 (+0.17%) in premarket trading Wednesday. Year-to-date, MO has gained 42.93%, versus a 28.33% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Aanchal Sugandh</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/Aanchal-Sugandh_Headshot.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Aanchal's passion for financial markets drives her work as an investment analyst and journalist. She earned her bachelor's degree in finance and is pursuing the CFA program.

She is proficient at assessing the long-term prospects of stocks with her fundamental analysis skills. Her goal is to help investors build portfolios with sustainable returns.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=aanchal-sugandh">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/mo-pm-imbby-tpb-is-altria-a-dividend-stock-worth-buying-now/>Is Altria a Dividend Stock Worth Buying Now?</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

Is Altria a Dividend Stock Worth Buying Now?

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