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Passage Bio

Passage Bio Inc is a genetic medicines company. The company is focused on developing transformative therapies for rare, monogenic CNS disorders. It has pipeline products such as GM1 Gangliosidosis, Frontotemporal dementia, and Krabbe Disease. The Company operates in a single reportable segment, developing and advancing genetic medicines designed to target critical underlying pathology of neurodegenerative diseases.

Passage Bio Inc

From the halls of Congress to the streets of New York, cannabis news bloomed in every direction this week. Slovenia introduced what may become Europe's most progressive medical cannabis law. U.S. lawmakers filed new federal reform legislation. Trulieve and Curaleaf took diverging paths in Florida. And Governor Ron DeSantis faces questions over whether public funds were funneled into anti-cannabis campaigns.
Elsewhere, Weedmaps dropped a custom sneaker collab, Swatch&#8217;s 4/20-friendly watch returned to the spotlight and a massive new cancer study delivered groundbreaking validation for medical cannabis. Avicanna posted record earnings, Minnesota crossed a regulatory milestone and Blue Violets made delivery history in New Jersey.
Here's everything you need to know.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Business And Financial Moves</h3>
Avicanna Reports Record Year
Avicanna Inc. (TSX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVCN#TSX">AVCN</a>) (OTCQX:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AVCNF#OTCQX">AVCNF</a>) reported audited financial results for 2024, including $25.5 million in revenue—a 52% increase over 2023—and gross profits of $12.9 million, up 94%. Consolidated gross margins improved to 51%, while adjusted EBITDA losses narrowed by 68% to $1.4 million. The company also repaid $1.3 million in debt.
CEO Aras Azadian called 2024 "our most successful year to date," citing clinical innovation, international expansion, and commercial growth in Canada and abroad.
Key 2024 milestones include:
<ul>
<li>A real-world evidence study in Canada evaluating cannabis for conditions like pain, sleep, anxiety and epilepsy</li>
<li>A completed study at The Hospital for Sick Children assessing CBD topical creams for wound healing</li>
<li>Drug approval in Colombia for Trunerox, targeting rare epileptic disorders</li>
<li>First delivery of CBD/CBG topicals to a multinational pharmaceutical company</li>
<li>Two new U.S. patents for topical and oral cannabinoid delivery technologies</li>
</ul>
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/25/04/44802163/why-cannabis-focused-biopharma-co-avicanna-traded-up-26-today">Read the full story here</a>.
Tilray Plans Reverse Stock Split
Tilray Brands (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TLRY#NASDAQ">TLRY</a>) will hold a special shareholder meeting on June 10 to vote on a proposed reverse stock split ranging from 1-for-10 to 1-for-20. CEO Irwin Simon said the move aims to maintain Nasdaq compliance, reduce costs by more than $1 million per year, and attract institutional investors. The company recently reported over $248 million in cash and trimmed debt by $76 million.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/04/44871447/why-cannabis-co-tilray-tlry-is-trading-down-today">Read more on Benzinga</a>
Safe Harbor and FundCanna Join Forces
SHF Holdings, d/b/a Safe Harbor Financial (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHFS#NASDAQ">SHFS</a>), announced a strategic partnership with FundCanna to provide cannabis operators with streamlined access to capital and compliant banking services. The agreement enables mutual referrals and onboarding of FundCanna-approved clients into Safe Harbor-managed accounts.
"This partnership delivers a practical, scalable solution that puts the financial needs of cannabis operators first," said Safe Harbor CEO Terry Mendez.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Politics, Policy And Regulation</h3>
Congress Reintroduces STATES 2.0 Act
A bipartisan group of U.S. lawmakers reintroduced the STATES 2.0 Act, which would shield legal cannabis activity from federal interference. The bill would also legalize interstate commerce, normalize IRS treatment of cannabis businesses and establish a framework for federal oversight and testing.
"The current federal approach to cannabis policy is not working," said Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH), co-chair of the Congressional Cannabis Caucus. "The STATES 2.0 Act creates a more logical approach that protects states' rights while improving public safety."
The bill maintains FDA oversight for cannabis products, removes barriers to tax deductions under Section 280E, and instructs federal agencies to begin rulemaking within 180 days of passage. Supporters include Reps. Max Miller (R-OH), Dina Titus (D-NV) and a coalition of advocacy organizations including CPEAR, Americans for Prosperity, and the U.S. Cannabis Roundtable.
<a class="" href="https://www.marijuanamoment.net">Read more via Marijuana Moment</a>
Minnesota Finalizes Adult-Use Cannabis Rules
The Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management (OCM) announced that final adult-use rules were published in the State Register and are now in effect. With this step completed, OCM can begin issuing business licenses to qualifying applicants, including more than 600 social equity applicants already advanced through preapproval.
"We are continuing to prioritize social equity in every stage of licensing," said Jess Jackson, OCM's director of social equity. Licenses for capped categories such as cultivator and retailer will be awarded via lottery later this summer, while uncapped license types will be distributed on a rolling basis.
<a class="" href="https://cannabis.mn.gov">Details available on the OCM Rulemaking page</a>
Slovenia Unveils Progressive Medical Cannabis Law
Slovenia's Parliament introduced sweeping medical cannabis reforms that would legalize the cultivation, production and distribution of cannabis for medical and scientific use. The bill eliminates public tenders, allows open licensing for private companies and removes cannabis and THC from the country's prohibited drugs list—so long as products meet GACP, GMP and European Pharmacopeia standards.
Cannabis will be available via standard medical or veterinary prescriptions, and patient access is guaranteed through pharmacies, licensed distributors and healthcare providers.
The legislation follows a 2024 referendum in which 66.7% of voters supported cannabis cultivation and legalization for medical use. According to ICBC, the new framework would position Slovenia as having the most advanced medical cannabis law in Europe.
<a class="" href="https://internationalcbc.com/slovenian-parliament-introduces-europes-most-progressive-medical-cannabis-law">Full article via ICBC</a>
DeSantis Faces Scrutiny Over Anti-Cannabis Funding
A Miami Herald investigation revealed that the DeSantis administration steered $10 million from a legal Medicaid settlement to a charity led by Florida First Lady Casey DeSantis. That charity then gave $5 million each to two organizations backing a political committee that opposed Amendment 3, the failed 2024 initiative to legalize adult-use cannabis in Florida.
The money flowed from the Hope Florida Foundation to Secure Florida's Future and Save Our Society from Drugs, which then routed millions to Keep Florida Clean, a DeSantis-aligned committee. Republican lawmakers are now demanding records and investigating whether public funds were improperly used to fight cannabis legalization.
<a class="" href="https://www.miamiherald.com/news/politics-government/article304020886.html">Full investigation by the Miami Herald</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">State Moves And Brand Power Plays</h3>
Carmelo Anthony Launches STAYME7O In New York
Carmelo Anthony has entered the New York cannabis market with STAYME7O, a premium cannabis brand launched in partnership with Grand National, the creative agency he co-founded with Jesce Horton and Brandon Drew Jordan Pierce. The product line features curated flower cultivated by Oregon-based LOWD, with an emphasis on sustainability and unique genetics.
"This isn't just about cannabis—it's about empowering our communities," Anthony said. A portion of proceeds will support NuProject and the Last Prisoner Project, continuing the brand's focus on economic equity and justice reform.
<a class="" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/sports/25/04/44801792/carmelo-anthony-enters-new-york-cannabis-market-all-about-his-product-line-and-creative-agency">Full story on Benzinga</a>
Curaleaf Turns Dispensary Into Hemp Shop
Curaleaf (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CURLF#OTC">CURLF</a>) has converted one of its medical dispensaries in West Palm Beach into a hemp-focused retail store called The Hemp Company. The location will offer Farm Bill-compliant THC products from Curaleaf brands and partners like 1906 and Cann.
The move comes as Curaleaf distances itself from Florida's stalled adult-use push and signals short-term interest in the rapidly growing hemp-derived THC segment.
Trulieve Invests $19.6M To Revive Legalization Push
Trulieve (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TCNNF#OTC">TCNNF</a>) contributed $19.6 million to Smart &amp; Safe Florida to support another attempt at adult-use legalization in 2026. That's in addition to the $145 million the company spent on the failed 2024 initiative.
So far, only 150,804 signatures have been verified out of the 880,062 needed to qualify for the next ballot, raising questions about whether other operators will step in to help fund the campaign.
Herbwell Cannabis Targets Manhattan's Elite
Herbwell, a national cannabis chain, is opening a luxury dispensary at 519 Madison Avenue—possibly the only one of its kind on the high-end Manhattan corridor. The shop promises a curated experience for both seasoned users and curious first-timers.
"We've built a gorgeous dispensary that fits in on Madison Avenue," said CEO Arish Halani. "One day we'll be doing collabs with the biggest brands in the world."
The brand is also planning to open a cannabis club in the building's upper floors, including a rooftop lounge overlooking Midtown, pending future regulations.
New Jersey's First E-Bike Weed Delivery
Hoboken dispensary Blue Violets has launched New Jersey's first cannabis delivery service by e-bike, in partnership with delivery tech company Priscotty. The program is live in Hoboken and parts of Jersey City and Weehawken.
"We want to reach our customers when they can't make their way to the store—but in a way that makes sense," said Lauren Thompson, co-owner of Blue Violets.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Culture And Commentary</h3>
Mike Tyson Becomes CEO Of Carma HoldCo
Boxing legend Mike Tyson has taken the reins as CEO of Carma HoldCo, the company behind TYSON 2.0, Ric Flair Drip, Evol by Future and Wooooo! Energy. The move marks Tyson's shift from brand ambassador to active executive, steering a portfolio built on cultural storytelling and celebrity power.
"This isn't just a title—it's a responsibility I take seriously," Tyson said. Under his leadership, Carma plans to double down on authenticity, community engagement and global expansion.
<a class="" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/04/44871633/mike-tyson-cannabis-ceo-the-champ-now-runs-carma-holdco">Read the full story on Benzinga</a>
Weedmaps Drops 420 1's Sneaker Collab With CEEZE
In one of the most buzzworthy 4/20 drops of the year, Weedmaps and custom sneaker studio CEEZE released the limited-edition "420 1's." Each of the 420 pairs is individually numbered, housed in an acrylic box with LED lighting and linked to a microsite via QR code.
The Friends &amp; Family version even includes GPS coordinates pointing to the historic San Francisco Cannabis Buyers Club. A sweepstakes is running through April 20, offering 20 pairs and one VIP trip to Spannabis.
<a class="" href="https://weedmaps.com/wm-sneakers-420-1s">Details and entry here</a>
Swatch's 4/20 Watch Gets a Second Life
Swatch's "Up In Smoke" watch from 2024 has found new life this April. With minty green hues, smoke-dial graphics and a laid-back BIOCERAMIC case, the piece fits right into the 4/20 aesthetic. Originally part of the BIG BOLD collection, the watch has quietly become a seasonal flex for cannabis aficionados.
<a class="" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/04/44878425/swatchs-up-in-smoke-watch-is-the-low-key-flex-of-4-20-season">Read the full feature on Benzinga</a>
Dreka Gates, Tiffany Haddish And Chamath Sound Off
Cannabis was also front and center in this week's cultural commentary. Highlights include:
<ul>
<li>Dreka Gates, in an exclusive interview, said: "Cannabis would be a trillion-dollar industry for Black and Brown communities—if it hadn't been criminalized." <a class="" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/04/39798605/dreka-gates-cannabis-would-be-a-trillion-dollar-industry-for-black-and-brown-communities-if-it-h">Read more</a></li>
<li>Tiffany Haddish remarked that "If men had period pain, weed would already be legal." <a class="" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/04/39797136/tiffany-haddish-if-men-had-period-pain-weed-would-already-be-legal">Full story here</a></li>
<li>Chamath Palihapitiya criticized the industry, saying legalization "turned our kids into zombies." <a class="" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/04/44831042/chamath-palihapitiya-calls-for-mandate-on-insidious-marijuana-labelling-and-toxicity-says-its-turning-kids-into-zombies">His take here</a></li>
</ul>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Science And Health</h3>
Landmark Study Confirms Cannabis Benefits for Cancer Patients
In what may be the most comprehensive review of its kind, Cancer Playbook and the Whole Health Oncology Institute published a meta-analysis of over 10,000 peer-reviewed studies on medical cannabis and cancer. The result: a 3-to-1 scientific consensus in favor of cannabis for treating cancer-related symptoms, including inflammation, metastasis, appetite loss and pain.
"We expected controversy. What we found was overwhelming scientific consensus," said Ryan Castle, WHOI's head of research.
The study also incorporated patient-reported outcomes to highlight real-world effectiveness—marking a shift toward more holistic, experience-driven research models. Findings from this report were submitted to the DEA as part of the case for rescheduling cannabis.
<a class="" href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/04/44835610/game-changing-study-confirms-medical-cannabis-helps-cancer-patients-we-found-overwhelming-scientific-consensus">Link to the full Benzinga article</a>
Israel Slaps 165% Tariffs on Canadian Cannabis
In a dramatic turn, Israel's Ministry of Economy announced it will impose tariffs of up to 165% on Canadian cannabis imports for the next four years. The decision—pending approval by the Knesset Finance Committee—carves out exceptions for select producers like Decibel (12%), Village Farms (28%), Organigram (53%) and Tilray (70%).
The move signals a potential realignment of the global cannabis trade, with implications for both exporters and Israeli medical patients.
<a class="" href="https://stratcann.com">More via StratCann</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Recommended Reads</h3>
<ul>
<li><a class="" href="https://www.forbes.com/sites/javierhasse/2025/04/14/he-sold-his-cannabis-vape-brand-for-nine-figures-now-hes-coming-for-your-cocktail/">He Sold His Cannabis Vape Brand for Nine Figures—Now He's Coming for Your Cocktail</a></li>
<li><a class="" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/25/04/44818968/how-one-european-company-is-flooding-america-with-cannabis-seeds">How One European Company Is Flooding America With Cannabis Seeds</a></li>
</ul>
That&#8217;s it for this week. See you next Friday!

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CURALEAF HLDGS INC by Curaleaf Hldgs Inc.

CURLF

SHF Holdings, Inc. - Class A Common Stock

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TSX:AVCN

This Week In Cannabis: Carmelo's NY Launch, Federal Reform, Cancer Study, Avicanna's Growth, Tilray's Split, DeSantis Fallout, Slovenia's Big Move And More

<a href="https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/china-ford-halts-shipment-3cb51285?msockid=21c662101c496b42343370ae1de86aaa">https://www.wsj.com/business/autos/china-ford-halts-shipment-3cb51285?msockid=21c662101c496b42343370ae1de86aaa</a>

'Ford Halts Shipments of F-150s and Other Models to China'- WSJ

It was the summer of 1971. The United States was embroiled in the Vietnam War, inflationary pressures were building, and global confidence in the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets">U.S. dollar was faltering. </a>
On August 15, President Richard Nixon addressed the nation and made a historic announcement: the U.S. would suspend the convertibility of dollars into gold, effectively ending the Bretton Woods system.
The move—now known as the "Nixon Shock"—broke the last tie between paper money and the precious metal, inaugurating the era of floating fiat currencies and sparking one of the most consequential monetary transitions in modern history.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Gold vs. Stocks Performance Since Nixon Killed The Gold Standard</h3>
Imagine waking up on August 16, 1971, with $5,000 to invest. 
The S&amp;P 500 index was trading at 100 points, while an ounce of gold cost just $43.50. 
Had you bought gold, you would have taken home around 115 ounces of bullion. Had you put your money into the S&amp;P 500, you&#8217;d have secured a diversified slice of the 500 largest publicly traded U.S. companies.
At first glance, gold appears to have been the winning bet. 
Fast forward to April 2025, and those 115 ounces of gold would now be worth roughly $379,500, based on a spot price of $3,330 per ounce. 
That&#8217;s a total return of about 7,500%—not bad for something you can stash in a vault.
By contrast, the S&amp;P 500 has grown from 100 to 5,282 points over the same period, delivering a price appreciation of approximately 5,182%. Your $5,000 would have grown to just $264,100. 
Gold wins. Yet, only on paper.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="528" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/18092549/image-27-1024x528.png" alt="" class="wp-image-878256" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/18092549/image-27-1024x528.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/18092549/image-27-300x155.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/18092549/image-27-768x396.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/18092549/image-27-1536x792.png 1536w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/04/18092549/image-27.png 1920w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Dividend Illusion</h3>
Here&#8217;s what most investors miss: the S&amp;P 500 index, as quoted daily, reflects only price movements. 
It doesn't account for the powerful stream of dividends that companies pay out to shareholders—cash payments that, when reinvested, have a compounding effect on long-term returns.
If you had collected those dividends every year and simply pocketed them in cash without reinvesting, your total would have been modestly higher than the price-only return. 
Over 53 years, with an average dividend yield of around 2.81%, you would have accumulated about $7,452 in cash. 
Combined with the $264,100 value of your original stock investment, you'd have ended up with roughly $271,552. Better than the price-only figure, but still well behind gold.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">The Power Of Reinvestment</h3>
Now let's consider the full picture. If you had reinvested every dividend back into the S&amp;P 500 over those 54 years, your $5,000 would have ballooned into an astonishing $1,185,516.
That's not a typo. It's a total return of 23,610%, or 47x your original investment. 
The power of compounding, of reinvesting the cash paid out by companies rather than spending it or letting it sit idle, is what transforms long-term equity investing into a wealth-generating engine.
So while gold may have shone brightly during the inflationary storms and monetary turmoil that followed Nixon's speech, it ultimately lagged behind the compounding machine that is the S&amp;P 500, with one important condition: you had to reinvest those dividends.
<figure class="wp-block-table is-style-stripes"> 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Investment Type</th>
<th>Strategy</th>
<th>Final Value (Apr 2025)</th>
<th>Total Return</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Gold</td>
<td>Hold physical gold</td>
<td>$379,950</td>
<td>+7,500%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500 (Price Only)</td>
<td>No dividends</td>
<td>$264,100</td>
<td>+5,182%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500 (Dividends Taken in Cash)</td>
<td>Dividends collected, not reinvested</td>
<td>$271,552</td>
<td>+5,331%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>S&amp;P 500 (Total Return)</td>
<td>Dividends reinvested</td>
<td>$1,185,516</td>
<td>+23,610%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Are S&amp;P 500 ETFs Reinvesting Dividends?</h3>
Today's investment vehicles tracking the S&amp;P 500—such as the Vanguard S&amp;P 500 ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/VOO#NYSE">VOO</a>) and the SPDR S&amp;P 500 ETF Trust (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SPY#NYSE">SPY</a>)—do provide investors with exposure to dividends, but they are distributing funds. This means that dividends are paid out in cash and are not automatically reinvested within the ETF. 
To replicate the compounding effect seen in historical total return scenarios, investors must manually reinvest those dividends or activate a dividend reinvestment plan (DRIP) through their brokerage account.
Read now: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/25/04/44883642/peter-schiff-rings-alarm-after-foreign-investors-dump-6-5-billion-in-us-equities-in-a-week-quips-trump-thought-tariffs-would-bring-capital-into-america">Peter Schiff Rings Alarm After Foreign Investors Dump $6.5 Billion In US Equities In A Week, Quips &#8216;Trump Thought Tariffs Would Bring Capital Into America&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock/FOTOGRIN

If You Had Bet On Gold After The 1971 Nixon Shock, You'd Have Beaten The S&P 500 — Unless You Did This One Thing

POWW

AMMO Finalizes Sale of Its Ammunition Manufacturing Assets to Olin Winchester; No Financial Terms Disclosed

Renowned investor and political commentator Anthony Scaramucci foresees a possible division within the Republican Party, attributing it to President Donald Trump&#8216;s trade policies.
What Happened: Scaramucci, who once served as a spokesperson for Trump, expressed his disapproval of Trump&#8217;s trade policy and its repercussions on the U.S. economy. 
He also hinted at the possibility of discontented Republicans forming a new party, drawing parallels with the Republican separation&nbsp;from the Whigs in the&nbsp;1850s. He provided guidance to Democrats on strategies to counter Trump&#8217;s influence.
Scaramucci, who has ties with both major U.S. political parties, has not shied away from expressing his disapproval&nbsp;of Trump&#8217;s trade and economic&nbsp;policies. He also shared his thoughts on how Democrats and Republicans should react.
As per the report <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/anthony-scaramucci-trump-republicans-democrats-tariffs-trade-political-strategy-wokeism-2025-4">by </a>Insider, Scaramucci has observed that opposing Trump has often led to the end of political careers for Republicans. Nevertheless, he is of the opinion that if his predictions materialize, politicians who are on good terms with Trump may need to create some distance before the midterm elections.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/04/44658808/scaramucci-on-tariffs-there-is-stupid-and-then-there-is-donald-trump-stupid">Scaramucci on Tariffs: &#8216;There Is Stupid and Then There Is Donald Trump Stupid&#8217;</a>
Scaramucci also encouraged Democrats to take a leaf out of Trump&#8217;s book when it comes to authenticity and connecting with the middle class. He cautioned Democrats against underestimating issues such as border security and economic challenges, even if they are in disagreement with Trump&#8217;s approach.
Finally, Scaramucci highlighted the necessity for Democrats to improve their messaging. He pointed out that their failure to effectively promote their achievements has given Trump the opportunity to advance his trade policy.
Why It Matters: Scaramucci&#8217;s predictions and advice come at a time when the U.S. is grappling with political polarization and economic uncertainty. 
His insights could potentially influence the strategies of both Democrats and Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections. 
His comments also highlight the ongoing debate about Trump&#8217;s trade policies and their impact on the U.S. economy.
Read Next
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/25/03/44211446/anthony-scaramucci-slams-donald-trump-hes-going-to-put-us-into-a-recession-frankly" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Anthony Scaramucci Slams Donald Trump: ‘He&#8217;s Going To Put Us Into A Recession, Frankly&#8217;</a>
Image: Shutterstock

Anthony Scaramucci Foresees Republican Division, Counsels Democrats On Trump Resistance

ESAB's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ESAB#NYSE">ESAB</a>) short percent of float has risen 8.33% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 927 thousand shares sold short, which is 2.34% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.59 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>ESAB Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1744999228_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for ESAB has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing ESAB's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, ESAB's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 3.16%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

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Is ESAB Gaining or Losing Market Support?

StoneX Group's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SNEX#NYSE">SNEX</a>) short percent of float has risen 25.81% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 1.01 million shares sold short, which is 2.73% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.28 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>StoneX Group Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1744999223_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for StoneX Group has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing StoneX Group's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, StoneX Group's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 3.43%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

SNEX

Is StoneX Group Gaining or Losing Market Support?

In the current market session, Conagra Brands Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CAG#NYSE">CAG</a>) price is at $25.38, after a 1.93% increase. However, over the past month, the stock fell by 1.36%, and in the past year, by 18.55%. Shareholders might be interested in knowing whether the stock is undervalued, even if the company is performing up to par in the current session. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1744999220_0.png" alt="Past Year Chart" />

<h3>Conagra Brands P/E Compared to Competitors</h3>
The P/E ratio measures the current share price to the company's EPS. It is used by long-term investors to analyze the company's current performance against it's past earnings, historical data and aggregate market data for the industry or the indices, such as S&amp;P 500. A higher P/E indicates that investors expect the company to perform better in the future, and the stock is probably overvalued, but not necessarily. It also could indicate that investors are willing to pay a higher share price currently, because they expect the company to perform better in the upcoming quarters. This leads investors to also remain optimistic about rising dividends in the future. 
Conagra Brands has a better P/E ratio of 36.62 than the aggregate P/E ratio of 21.63 of the Food Products industry. Ideally, one might believe that Conagra Brands Inc. might perform better in the future than it's industry group, but it's probable that the stock is overvalued. 

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1744999220_1.png" alt="Guage" />

In summary, while the price-to-earnings ratio is a valuable tool for investors to evaluate a company's market performance, it should be used with caution. A low P/E ratio can be an indication of undervaluation, but it can also suggest weak growth prospects or financial instability. Moreover, the P/E ratio is just one of many metrics that investors should consider when making investment decisions, and it should be evaluated alongside other financial ratios, industry trends, and qualitative factors. By taking a comprehensive approach to analyzing a company's financial health, investors can make well-informed decisions that are more likely to lead to successful outcomes.

Intraday Update

Markets

A Look Into Conagra Brands Inc's Price Over Earnings

Hologic's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HOLX#NYSE">HOLX</a>) short percent of float has risen 11.34% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 6.53 million shares sold short, which is 3.83% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.33 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>Hologic Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1744999217_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for Hologic has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing Hologic's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, Hologic's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 4.37%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

HOLX

How Is The Market Feeling About Hologic?

<a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/kkr-among-asset-managers-vying-abu-dhabis-district-cooling-business-sources-say-2025-04-18/">https://www.reuters.com/business/kkr-among-asset-managers-vying-abu-dhabis-district-cooling-business-sources-say-2025-04-18/</a>

'KKR Among Asset Managers Vying For Abu Dhabi's District Cooling Business, Sources Say'- Reuters

Nvidia Corp (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) has gone from being an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/artificial-intelligence">AI crown jewel</a> to a geopolitical chess piece. And, it looks like Wall Street just got a front-row seat to a high-stakes poker game between Washington and Beijing.
After weeks of tension, the first real blow in the U.S.-China tech trade war has landed: the White House is blocking Nvidia's H20 chip sales to China. "This week were the first shots fired in the trade war in the tech world," said Wedbush analyst Dan Ives.
With 145% reciprocal tariffs in play, and tech still awaiting Section 232 hits &#8211; Nvidia is now "caught in the eye of this Category 5 storm," said Ives. While the financial damage may be manageable for now, the strategic signal is deafening. America's most prized chipmaker just got walled off from the world's second-largest economy. "Nvidia is one of the most important pieces in this chess game with China&#8230;and restricting its H20 chips is an important move that will clearly spark more actions from Beijing."
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/04/44882893/billionaire-peter-hargreaves-backed-fund-offloads-stake-in-meta-microsoft-amid-global-economic-woes">Billionaire Peter Hargreaves-Backed Fund Offloads Stake In Meta, Microsoft Amid Global Economic Woes</a>
Meanwhile, CEO Jensen Huang is reportedly in China &#8211; an eyebrow-raising detail amid rising tensions. As Ives puts it, "the Street waits for the next poker move."
While Nvidia's dominance in AI remains unchallenged, the short-term turbulence is real. The market is already "baking in a 7%-10% (or more) cut to 2025 numbers across the board," Ives says. The upcoming June quarter? A mulligan, with "minimal/no guidance expected during this earnings season."
Adding fuel to the fire: Advanced Micro Devices Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) and others are now seeing similar restrictions, a trend that's been brewing since the Biden administration but is now front and center in Trump's trade war redux. Ives doesn't mince words: "The Trump Administration knows there is one chip and company fueling the AI Revolution and it's Nvidia… and put a ‘Do Not Enter' sign in front of China."
Nvidia remains the ace in America's AI hand &#8211; but right now, it's being played in a global poker game, not an earnings report.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/04/44883683/xi-jinpings-minister-urges-nvidia-us-firms-to-invest-more-in-china-during-meeting-with-jensen-huang-despite-chip-export-curbs">Xi Jinping&#8217;s Minister Urges Nvidia, US Firms To Invest More In China During Meeting With Jensen Huang, Despite Chip Export Curbs</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock/gguy

Analyst Color

Long Ideas

Analyst Ratings

Tech

NVDA

Nvidia's 'Do Not Enter' Sign: Caught In A Category 5 Tariff Storm

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders will search for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges heavily from its normal worth. High amounts of trading activity could push option prices to exaggerated or underestimated levels. 
Here's the list of options activity happening in today's session: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>UNH</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$450.00</td>
<td>$52.0K</td>
<td>100</td>
<td>4.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TEM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$33.3K</td>
<td>3.9K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BNTX</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$105.00</td>
<td>$134.3K</td>
<td>992</td>
<td>550</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BHVN</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$17.50</td>
<td>$26.6K</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>401</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>LLY</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$780.00</td>
<td>$25.9K</td>
<td>1.0K</td>
<td>384</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SLNO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$65.00</td>
<td>$25.0K</td>
<td>4.4K</td>
<td>262</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>NVO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>01/15/27</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$26.2K</td>
<td>897</td>
<td>233</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>SRPT</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$70.00</td>
<td>$61.9K</td>
<td>336</td>
<td>39</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MTD</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>10/17/25</td>
<td>$1180.00</td>
<td>$58.8K</td>
<td>0</td>
<td>15</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ABT</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>03/20/26</td>
<td>$75.00</td>
<td>$29.0K</td>
<td>10</td>
<td>5</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding UNH (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 1 day(s) on April 17, 2025. Parties traded 100 contract(s) at a $450.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 7 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $52.0K, with a price of $520.0 per contract. There were 100 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 4332 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For TEM (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TEM#NASDAQ">TEM</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 273 day(s) on January 16, 2026. This event was a transfer of 34 contract(s) at a $50.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 10 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $33.3K, with a price of $980.0 per contract. There were 3960 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1145 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For BNTX (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BNTX#NASDAQ">BNTX</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 28 day(s) on May 16, 2025. This event was a transfer of 363 contract(s) at a $105.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 52 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $134.3K, with a price of $370.0 per contract. There were 992 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 550 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding BHVN (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BHVN#NYSE">BHVN</a>), we observe a put option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 28 day(s) on May 16, 2025. Parties traded 140 contract(s) at a $17.50 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $26.6K, with a price of $190.0 per contract. There were 20 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 401 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For LLY (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>), we notice a call option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 1 day(s) on April 17, 2025. This event was a transfer of 4 contract(s) at a $780.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.9K, with a price of $6480.0 per contract. There were 1032 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 384 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding SLNO (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SLNO#NASDAQ">SLNO</a>), we observe a call option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 1 day(s) on April 17, 2025. Parties traded 50 contract(s) at a $65.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.0K, with a price of $500.0 per contract. There were 4483 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 262 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding NVO (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>), we observe a call option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 637 day(s) on January 15, 2027. Parties traded 25 contract(s) at a $70.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $26.2K, with a price of $1050.0 per contract. There were 897 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 233 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding SRPT (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SRPT#NASDAQ">SRPT</a>), we observe a put option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 1 day(s) on April 17, 2025. Parties traded 38 contract(s) at a $70.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $61.9K, with a price of $1630.0 per contract. There were 336 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 39 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MTD (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MTD#NYSE">MTD</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 182 day(s) on October 17, 2025. Parties traded 12 contract(s) at a $1180.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $58.8K, with a price of $4900.0 per contract. There were 0 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 15 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ABT (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ABT#NYSE">ABT</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 336 day(s) on March 20, 2026. This event was a transfer of 5 contract(s) at a $75.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $29.0K, with a price of $5814.0 per contract. There were 10 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 5 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

Options

BHVN

BNTX

SLNO

SRPT

10 Health Care Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Consumer Discretionary sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</th>
<th>Strike Price</th>
<th>Total Trade Price</th>
<th>Open Interest</th>
<th>Volume</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>TSLA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$240.00</td>
<td>$31.4K</td>
<td>7.7K</td>
<td>117.4K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BABA</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/25/25</td>
<td>$110.00</td>
<td>$26.3K</td>
<td>2.8K</td>
<td>3.6K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AMZN</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$180.00</td>
<td>$86.0K</td>
<td>6.7K</td>
<td>1.5K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PDD</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$523.1K</td>
<td>15.9K</td>
<td>772</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>GM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>01/16/26</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$117.0K</td>
<td>11.6K</td>
<td>602</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CMG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>04/25/25</td>
<td>$48.00</td>
<td>$37.4K</td>
<td>460</td>
<td>390</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>DKNG</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>05/02/25</td>
<td>$34.00</td>
<td>$27.7K</td>
<td>414</td>
<td>244</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>TCOM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$165.4K</td>
<td>806</td>
<td>193</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BKNG</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/18/26</td>
<td>$4300.00</td>
<td>$245.0K</td>
<td>1</td>
<td>10</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MELI</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$2300.00</td>
<td>$27.2K</td>
<td>20</td>
<td>8</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding TSLA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 1 day(s) on April 17, 2025. Parties traded 252 contract(s) at a $240.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 9 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $31.4K, with a price of $117.0 per contract. There were 7704 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 117466 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For BABA (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BABA#NYSE">BABA</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 7 day(s) on April 25, 2025. This event was a transfer of 100 contract(s) at a $110.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $26.3K, with a price of $263.0 per contract. There were 2852 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 3680 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For AMZN (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 28 day(s) on May 16, 2025. This event was a transfer of 151 contract(s) at a $180.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $86.0K, with a price of $570.0 per contract. There were 6798 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1529 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For PDD (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PDD#NASDAQ">PDD</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 63 day(s) on June 20, 2025. This event was a transfer of 465 contract(s) at a $100.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 49 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $523.1K, with a price of $1125.0 per contract. There were 15908 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 772 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding GM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GM#NYSE">GM</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 273 day(s) on January 16, 2026. Parties traded 300 contract(s) at a $50.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $117.0K, with a price of $390.0 per contract. There were 11604 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 602 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For CMG (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CMG#NYSE">CMG</a>), we notice a put option trade that happens to be neutral, expiring in 7 day(s) on April 25, 2025. This event was a transfer of 200 contract(s) at a $48.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $37.4K, with a price of $187.0 per contract. There were 460 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 390 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For DKNG (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DKNG#NASDAQ">DKNG</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bearish, expiring in 14 day(s) on May 2, 2025. This event was a transfer of 190 contract(s) at a $34.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.7K, with a price of $146.0 per contract. There were 414 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 244 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding TCOM (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TCOM#NASDAQ">TCOM</a>), we observe a put option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 63 day(s) on June 20, 2025. Parties traded 827 contract(s) at a $50.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 45 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $165.4K, with a price of $200.0 per contract. There were 806 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 193 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding BKNG (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BKNG#NASDAQ">BKNG</a>), we observe a put option trade with bullish sentiment. It expires in 426 day(s) on June 18, 2026. Parties traded 5 contract(s) at a $4300.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $245.0K, with a price of $49000.0 per contract. There were 1 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 10 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding MELI (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MELI#NASDAQ">MELI</a>), we observe a call option trade with bearish sentiment. It expires in 119 day(s) on August 15, 2025. Parties traded 2 contract(s) at a $2300.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $27.2K, with a price of $13600.0 per contract. There were 20 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 8 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more about unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

AMZN

BABA

BKNG

DKNG

MELI

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TCOM

TSLA

10 Consumer Discretionary Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

This whale alert can help traders discover the next big trading opportunities.
Whales are entities with large sums of money and we track their transactions here at Benzinga on our options activity scanner.
Traders often look for circumstances when the market estimation of an option diverges away from its normal worth. Abnormal amounts of trading activity could push option prices to hyperbolic or underperforming levels. 
Below are some instances of options activity happening in the Information Technology sector: 
<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Symbol</th>
<th>PUT/CALL</th>
<th>Trade Type</th>
<th>Sentiment</th>
<th>Exp. Date</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>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>04/25/25</td>
<td>$106.00</td>
<td>$25.4K</td>
<td>5.3K</td>
<td>80.7K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>AAPL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>04/25/25</td>
<td>$200.00</td>
<td>$30.5K</td>
<td>12.3K</td>
<td>23.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>PLTR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/25/25</td>
<td>$100.00</td>
<td>$31.1K</td>
<td>8.5K</td>
<td>15.9K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>UMC</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>04/17/25</td>
<td>$7.00</td>
<td>$101.2K</td>
<td>17.9K</td>
<td>6.3K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>QCOM</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>NEUTRAL</td>
<td>05/16/25</td>
<td>$140.00</td>
<td>$34.1K</td>
<td>758</td>
<td>2.1K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>FSLR</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>06/20/25</td>
<td>$195.00</td>
<td>$106.8K</td>
<td>100</td>
<td>1.2K</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ON</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/25/25</td>
<td>$34.50</td>
<td>$67.7K</td>
<td>9</td>
<td>560</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>ARM</td>
<td>PUT</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BEARISH</td>
<td>09/19/25</td>
<td>$95.00</td>
<td>$47.1K</td>
<td>1.1K</td>
<td>551</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>MRVL</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>TRADE</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>04/25/25</td>
<td>$50.00</td>
<td>$45.0K</td>
<td>783</td>
<td>398</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CRDO</td>
<td>CALL</td>
<td>SWEEP</td>
<td>BULLISH</td>
<td>08/15/25</td>
<td>$35.00</td>
<td>$149.6K</td>
<td>37</td>
<td>392</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<h2>Explanation</h2>
These bullet-by-bullet explanations have been constructed using the accompanying table. 
• Regarding NVDA (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>), we observe a call option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 7 day(s) on April 25, 2025. Parties traded 194 contract(s) at a $106.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $25.4K, with a price of $131.0 per contract. There were 5356 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 80731 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding AAPL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bearish sentiment. It expires in 7 day(s) on April 25, 2025. Parties traded 100 contract(s) at a $200.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 17 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $30.5K, with a price of $305.0 per contract. There were 12329 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 23193 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding PLTR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLTR#NASDAQ">PLTR</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 7 day(s) on April 25, 2025. Parties traded 249 contract(s) at a $100.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 3 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $31.1K, with a price of $125.0 per contract. There were 8596 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 15969 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding UMC (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UMC#NYSE">UMC</a>), we observe a put option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 1 day(s) on April 17, 2025. Parties traded 4400 contract(s) at a $7.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $101.2K, with a price of $23.0 per contract. There were 17942 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 6399 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding QCOM (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/QCOM#NASDAQ">QCOM</a>), we observe a call option trade with neutral sentiment. It expires in 28 day(s) on May 16, 2025. Parties traded 55 contract(s) at a $140.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $34.1K, with a price of $620.0 per contract. There were 758 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 2196 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding FSLR (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/FSLR#NASDAQ">FSLR</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 63 day(s) on June 20, 2025. Parties traded 1199 contract(s) at a $195.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 46 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $106.8K, with a price of $89.0 per contract. There were 100 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 1211 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ON (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ON#NASDAQ">ON</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bullish, expiring in 7 day(s) on April 25, 2025. This event was a transfer of 491 contract(s) at a $34.50 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 10 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $67.7K, with a price of $138.0 per contract. There were 9 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 560 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For ARM (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ARM#NASDAQ">ARM</a>), we notice a put option sweep that happens to be bearish, expiring in 154 day(s) on September 19, 2025. This event was a transfer of 38 contract(s) at a $95.00 strike. This particular put needed to be split into 21 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $47.1K, with a price of $1240.0 per contract. There were 1155 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 551 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• For MRVL (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MRVL#NASDAQ">MRVL</a>), we notice a call option trade that happens to be bullish, expiring in 7 day(s) on April 25, 2025. This event was a transfer of 150 contract(s) at a $50.00 strike. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $45.0K, with a price of $300.0 per contract. There were 783 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 398 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
• Regarding CRDO (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CRDO#NASDAQ">CRDO</a>), we observe a call option sweep with bullish sentiment. It expires in 119 day(s) on August 15, 2025. Parties traded 174 contract(s) at a $35.00 strike. This particular call needed to be split into 30 different trades to become filled. The total cost received by the writing party (or parties) was $149.6K, with a price of $860.0 per contract. There were 37 open contracts at this strike prior to today, and today 392 contract(s) were bought and sold. 
Options Alert Terminology 
 - Call Contracts: The right to buy shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Put Contracts: The right to sell shares as indicated in the contract. 
 - Expiration Date: When the contract expires. One must act on the contract by this date if one wants to use it. 
 - Premium/Option Price: The price of the contract. 
For more information, visit our <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/blog/how-to-understand-option-alerts/">Guide to Understanding Options Alerts</a> or read <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/options">more news on unusual options activity</a>. 
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

AAPL

CRDO

FSLR

MRVL

PLTR

QCOM

10 Information Technology Stocks Whale Activity In Today's Session

A Pennsylvania man says <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/01/43310996/elon-musk-outshines-zuckerberg-200-billion-richer-dominates-politics-and-emerges-as-trumps-right-hand-power-player">Elon Musk</a>&#8216;s promise turned into a financial nightmare—and he&#8217;s taking it to court. The man, referred to as &#8220;John Doe&#8221; in court documents for his safety, filed a<a href="https://legacy.www.documentcloud.org/documents/25878399-doe-v-musk"> class-action lawsuit</a> April 1 in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania.&nbsp;
He claims Musk&#8217;s America Political Action Committee owes him at least $20,000 for voter referrals tied to a petition push that offered cash for signatures. According to the lawsuit, the PAC promised $100 per signature and another $100 for every successful referral during the 2024 election campaign.
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading">When a $100 Promise Turns Into a $5 Million Headache</h2>
The initiative targeted swing states like Pennsylvania and Wisconsin and encouraged voters to support petitions tied to free speech and gun rights. The plaintiff says he was paid his hourly canvassing wage and received partial referral payments—but a substantial chunk, amounting to $20,000, never came through.
According to <a href="https://whyy.org/articles/lawsuit-elon-music-bucks-county-2024-petition-signatures/">WHYY</a>, he repeatedly contacted America PAC in hopes of receiving the remainder but got no response. His lawsuit, which seeks a jury trial, alleges breach of contract and states the plaintiff suffered &#8220;significant emotional and physical distress,&#8221; including damage to his credit and health due to missed bills.
Speaking to <a href="https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-america-pac-pennslyvania-voter-lawsuit-class-action-2025-4">Business Insider</a>, plaintiff attorney Shannon Liss-Riordan said, &#8220;Our client relied on that promise because he believed in Elon, but unfortunately, that promise was not kept. It appears the promise was broken for many others as well.&#8221; &#8220;He relied on these payments to pay his bills—but they never came.&#8221;
Trending: The secret weapon in billionaire investor portfolios that you almost certainly don't own yet. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/masterworks">See which asset class has outpaced the S&amp;P 500 (1995-2024) – and with near-zero correlation.</a>
The complaint also says that over 100 people might be in the same situation, pushing potential claims above $5 million.&nbsp;
America PAC spokesperson Andrew Romeo told Business Insider that the organization &#8220;is committed to paying for every legitimate petition signature&#8221; and has &#8220;paid tens of millions of dollars to canvassers.&#8221; Romeo added that while they cannot verify John Doe&#8217;s specific claims, the PAC has the right to withhold payments from &#8220;fraudsters.&#8221;
The lawsuit adds another layer to Musk&#8217;s already controversial 2024 campaign efforts. In addition to the $100-per-signature initiative, America PAC launched a $1 million-per-day sweepstakes to boost voter turnout.&nbsp;
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/elon-musk-told-the-u-n-if-they-could-show-a-plan-for-ending-world-hunger-hed-donate-6-billion-i-will-sell-tesla-stock-right-now-and-do-it">Elon Musk Told The U.N. If They Could Show A Plan For Ending World Hunger He'd Donate $6 Billion – ‘I Will Sell Tesla Stock Right Now And Do It'</a>
However, the <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2024/10/24/doj-elon-musk-1-million-giveaway-election-laws/">Department of Justice</a> warned that this could violate federal election laws. Philadelphia District Attorney, Larry Krasner, even filed a lawsuit calling the program an &#8220;illegal lottery scheme.&#8221;
A Pennsylvania judge allowed the giveaway to continue, ruling it didn&#8217;t legally constitute a lottery. According to<a href="https://pbswisconsin.org/news-item/what-does-wisconsin-law-say-about-musk-having-offered-money-to-voters/"> PBS Wisconsin</a>, Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul challenged the sweepstakes' legality under election bribery laws, but the state&#8217;s Supreme Court declined to intervene.
The program went ahead. Notably, just before the Wisconsin Supreme Court election earlier this month, Musk&#8217;s PAC handed out two $1 million checks to voters who&#8217;d signed the petitions, per<a href="https://wisconsinexaminer.com/briefs/musk-pac-offers-wisconsin-voters-100-for-signing-petition-against-activist-judges/"> Wisconsin Examiner</a>.
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Personal Finance

Elon Musk's $100-Per-Signature Offer Sparks $5 Million Lawsuit—Canvasser Says: 'He Relied On These Payments To Pay His Bills—But They Never Came'

Three <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs">healthcare-themed ETFs</a> were in sharp spotlight Thursday as the sector got through a wild trading day, fueled by UnitedHealth&#8217;s (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/UNH#NYSE">UNH</a>) earnings disappointment and steep stock decline. While insurers weighed down on broad healthcare gauges, a drugmakers rally, led by Eli Lilly (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LLY#NYSE">LLY</a>), limited the damage.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/04/44869920/unitedhealth-ceo-says-high-cost-of-us-health-care-simply-not-sustainable">UnitedHealth CEO Says High Cost Of US Health Care &#8216;Simply Not Sustainable&#8217;</a>
ETFs In Spotlight
Health Care Select Sector SPDR Fund (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XLV#NYSE">XLV</a>)
<ol>
<li></li>
</ol>
1-Day Return (Thursday): -0.6%
Top holdings of this fund are Eli Lilly, UnitedHealth, Johnson &amp; Johnson (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/JNJ#NYSE">JNJ</a>). UnitedHealth dropped 2.4%, spooking XLV early in the session. The ETF trimmed losses, however, as Eli Lilly rallied 14.3% on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/biotech/25/04/44878381/eli-lilly-rallies-over-14-notches-best-day-since-june-2000-on-oral-weight-loss-drug-results-analysts-react">good weight-loss pill trial news</a>, calling out the group&#8217;s internal divergency. Barring Thursday&#8217;s turmoil, though, XLV is off just 1.5% for the year so far and commands a 17x forward-earnings multiple—below its five-year history and the large-cap S&amp;P 500&#8217;s 20x multiple, according to Barron&#8217;s.
iShares U.S. Pharmaceuticals ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IHE#NYSE">IHE</a>)
<ol start="2">
<li></li>
</ol>
1-Day Performance: +4.6%
IHE surged as investors rotated into large-cap pharma stocks, bolstered by Eli Lilly's rally. The gains came despite a nearly 8% drop in Novo Nordisk (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVO#NYSE">NVO</a>), Lilly's rival in the GLP-1 space.
SPDR S&amp;P Pharmaceuticals ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XPH#NYSE">XPH</a>)
<ol start="3">
<li></li>
</ol>
1-Day Performance: +2.15%
XPH tracked gains across a broader basket of pharmaceutical names, benefiting from bullish sentiment on drugmakers following Lilly's breakthrough.
Market Context: A Sector Of Contrasts
UnitedHealth&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/health-care/25/04/44869920/unitedhealth-ceo-says-high-cost-of-us-health-care-simply-not-sustainable">poor earnings and soft guidance</a> spooked healthcare investors, highlighting how exposed insurers are to firm-specific disappointments and policy-level risks. The 22% decline in the stock not only heavily burdened XLV—where it is the second-largest position—but pulled down peers CVS Health (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVS#NYSE">CVS</a>), Humana (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HUM#NYSE">HUM</a>), and Elevance Health (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ELV#NYSE">ELV</a>) too.
However, the overall message of the day was one of subtlety and not panic. Eli Lilly&#8217;s explosion proved the influence of innovation in developing market-driving catalysts within the health-care sector. It provided the stimulus that helped neutralize weakness within managed care and indicated how investors in ETFs are able to still uncover segments of strength despite sector-wide selloffs.
At the same time, Johnson &amp; Johnson kept its steady pace going with the help of strong earnings.
Device and medical equipment manufacturers like Medtronic (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MDT#NYSE">MDT</a>), Zimmer Biomet (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ZBH#NYSE">ZBH</a>), and Stryker (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SYK#NYSE">SYK</a>) are also attracting investor attention as Wall Street is wagering on secular demand from the aging population.
Takeaway
The health care industry remains far from monolithic. Thursday&#8217;s ETF action underscored the increasing divide between pressured insurers and pharma names benefiting from innovation tailwinds. For investors in ETFs, the message is simple: thematic selectivity is key. Though political headlines and earnings fluctuations might continue to shock portions of the industry, solid fundamentals within pharma and medtech imply there&#8217;s still ample healthy opportunity to go around.
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ETF Shake-Up: UNH's Meltdown Meets LLY's Moonshot

<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-18/boeing-begins-flying-back-planes-destined-for-chinese-airlines">https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-04-18/boeing-begins-flying-back-planes-destined-for-chinese-airlines</a>

'Boeing Begins Flying Back Planes Destined For Chinese Airlines'- Bloomberg

Mark Cuban isn't interested in patching up the healthcare system with duct tape and buzzwords. He wants to rip it open, throw it under a spotlight, and ask what a lot of Americans are already thinking: Why is this entire industry allowed to operate in complete darkness?
In a February <a href="https://hospitalogy.com/articles/2025-04-04/i-just-wanna-fck-up-healthcare/">fireside chat</a> with Hospitalogy founder Blake Madden—later revisited in April—the billionaire behind Cost Plus Drugs didn't hold back. He took aim at insurance companies, hospitals, consultants, and just about anyone profiting off the confusion. And yes, he said it: "I don't think there's a reason that health insurance should exist."
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<li>Invest in the future of digital engagement: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/vatom-adv">Own a piece of the $100 billion Metaverse for just $500</a>.</li>
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Cuban's not looking to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/02/43932776/mark-cuban-slams-fd-up-healthcare-system-blames-insurance-designed-deductibles-for-patient-bankruptcy">compete with insurers</a>. He just wants to make them irrelevant. "We're going to try to make it so that self-insured employers have no reason to work with insurance companies," he said. In his view, insurers approve plans that restrict access and bury costs behind layers of red tape. Worse, they don't even ask the most basic questions.
"Why is the health of our entire country based on providers who don't know their own f&#x2A;cking costs?" he asked.
Hospitals don't get a pass either. Cuban blasted their refusal to publish general ledgers or disclose what procedures and services actually cost. He called out the culture of secrecy, noting that executives are afraid of what transparency might reveal. "People don't want to do that because they're scared of what it would do for their business."
Trending: Maker of a life-changing asthma device with 12,000+ patients waiting, FDA clearance, and a 67% drop in attacks — now <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-a-10k-bet-on-health-care-originals-could-have-skyrocketed-your-portfolio">taking final investors at just $1.52 per share.</a>
To Cuban, that's more than just bad management—it's a moral failure. "This isn't the Dallas Mavericks," he said. "This is the health and welfare of our entire country."
And while he proudly calls himself a capitalist, he draws a line when it comes to healthcare. "You don't have to just grab every nickel that you can get when there's this at stake."
If the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/25/03/44530674/mark-cuban-vows-to-revamp-us-healthcare-by-empowering-independent-pharmacies-wants-no-pharmacy-deserts">industry refuses to act on its own</a>, Cuban believes it's time for regulators to step in. Not to micromanage. Not to take over. Just to require the basics.
"You've got to open the books," he said.
He's pushing for laws that would force hospitals and insurers to disclose actual costs, margins, and spending—something he says should be standard practice in any business that <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/25/02/43662970/mark-cuban-says-u-s-healthcare-is-horrific-calls-for-free-medical-school-to-fix-doctor-shortages-and-soaring-costs">deals with life-and-death decisions</a>. If transparency threatens the business model, Cuban's argument is simple: maybe that business shouldn't exist in the first place.
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Image: Shutterstock

Mark Cuban Says Health Insurance Shouldn't Exist — 'You Don't Have to Grab Every Nickel When It's the Health of the Entire Country at Stake'

AZZ (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AZZ#NYSE">AZZ</a>) is gearing up to announce its quarterly earnings on Monday, 2025-04-21. Here's a quick overview of what investors should know before the release.
Analysts are estimating that AZZ will report an earnings per share (EPS) of $0.98.
Anticipation surrounds AZZ's announcement, with investors hoping to hear about both surpassing estimates and receiving positive guidance for the next quarter.
New investors should understand that while earnings performance is important, market reactions are often driven by guidance.
<h3>Past Earnings Performance</h3>
Last quarter the company beat EPS by $0.12, which was followed by a 1.92% drop in the share price the next day.
Here's a look at AZZ's past performance and the resulting price change:

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Quarter</th>
<th>Q3 2025</th>
<th>Q2 2025</th>
<th>Q1 2025</th>
<th>Q4 2024</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>EPS Estimate</td>
<td>1.27</td>
<td>1.32</td>
<td>1.30</td>
<td>0.70</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>EPS Actual</td>
<td>1.39</td>
<td>1.37</td>
<td>1.46</td>
<td>0.93</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Price Change %</td>
<td>-2.0%</td>
<td>-5.0%</td>
<td>6.0%</td>
<td>8.0%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1744995631_0.png" alt="eps graph" />
<h3>Tracking AZZ's Stock Performance</h3>
Shares of AZZ were trading at $82.01 as of April 16. Over the last 52-week period, shares are up 5.88%. Given that these returns are generally positive, long-term shareholders are likely bullish going into this earnings release. 
<h3>Analyst Opinions on AZZ</h3>
For investors, staying informed about market sentiments and expectations in the industry is paramount. This analysis provides an exploration of the latest insights on AZZ.
Analysts have provided AZZ with 3 ratings, resulting in a consensus rating of Buy. The average one-year price target stands at $106.67, suggesting a potential 30.07% upside.
<h3>Analyzing Ratings Among Peers</h3>
The analysis below examines the analyst ratings and average 1-year price targets of Hayward Holdings, Griffon and CSW Industrials, three significant industry players, providing valuable insights into their relative performance expectations and market positioning.
<ul>
<li>Analysts currently favor an Buy trajectory for Hayward Holdings, with an average 1-year price target of $17.25, suggesting a potential 78.97% downside.</li>
<li>Analysts currently favor an Buy trajectory for Griffon, with an average 1-year price target of $96.5, suggesting a potential 17.67% upside.</li>
<li>Analysts currently favor an Neutral trajectory for CSW Industrials, with an average 1-year price target of $319.33, suggesting a potential 289.38% upside.</li>
</ul>
<h3>Overview of Peer Analysis</h3>
In the peer analysis summary, key metrics for Hayward Holdings, Griffon and CSW Industrials are highlighted, providing an understanding of their respective standings within the industry and offering insights into their market positions and comparative performance.

<table>
<thead>
<tr>
<th>Company</th>
<th>Consensus</th>
<th>Revenue Growth</th>
<th>Gross Profit</th>
<th>Return on Equity</th>
</tr>
</thead>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>AZZ</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>5.78%</td>
<td>$97.78M</td>
<td>3.31%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Hayward Holdings</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>17.45%</td>
<td>$168.00M</td>
<td>3.91%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Griffon</td>
<td>Buy</td>
<td>-1.68%</td>
<td>$264.28M</td>
<td>31.30%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>CSW Industrials</td>
<td>Neutral</td>
<td>10.68%</td>
<td>$80.11M</td>
<td>2.60%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>

Key Takeaway:
AZZ ranks at the bottom for Revenue Growth among its peers. It is in the middle for Gross Profit. For Return on Equity, AZZ is at the bottom compared to its peers.
<h3>Get to Know AZZ Better</h3>
AZZ Inc is a provider of galvanizing and a variety of metal coating solutions and coil coating solutions to a broad range of end markets in North America. In its Metal Coatings segment, the company offers metal finishing services to protect against corrosion, such as hot dip galvanizing, spin galvanizing, powder coating, anodizing, and plating. The Precoat Metals Segment offers aesthetic and corrosion-resistant coatings for steel and aluminum coils.
<h3>AZZ: A Financial Overview</h3>
Market Capitalization Analysis: Positioned below industry benchmarks, the company's market capitalization faces constraints in size. This could be influenced by factors such as growth expectations or operational capacity.
Revenue Growth: AZZ's revenue growth over a period of 3 months has been noteworthy. As of 30 November, 2024, the company achieved a revenue growth rate of approximately 5.78%. This indicates a substantial increase in the company's top-line earnings. As compared to competitors, the company encountered difficulties, with a growth rate lower than the average among peers in the Industrials sector.
Net Margin: AZZ's net margin is below industry standards, pointing towards difficulties in achieving strong profitability. With a net margin of 8.32%, the company may encounter challenges in effective cost control.
Return on Equity (ROE): AZZ's ROE is below industry averages, indicating potential challenges in efficiently utilizing equity capital. With an ROE of 3.31%, the company may face hurdles in achieving optimal financial returns.
Return on Assets (ROA): AZZ's ROA falls below industry averages, indicating challenges in efficiently utilizing assets. With an ROA of 1.5%, the company may face hurdles in generating optimal returns from its assets.
Debt Management: AZZ's debt-to-equity ratio is below industry norms, indicating a sound financial structure with a ratio of 0.88.
<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/AZZ/earnings">To track all earnings releases for AZZ visit their earnings calendar on our site.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

A Preview Of AZZ's Earnings

AGNC Investment's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AGNC#NYSE">AGNC</a>) short percent of float has risen 24.66% since its last report. The company recently reported that it has 58.04 million shares sold short, which is 6.47% of all regular shares that are available for trading. Based on its trading volume, it would take traders 2.33 days to cover their short positions on average.
<h3>Why Short Interest Matters</h3>
Short interest is the number of shares that have been sold short but have not yet been covered or closed out. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-short-a-stock?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">Short selling</a> is when a trader sells shares of a company they do not own, with the hope that the price will fall. Traders make money from short selling if the price of the stock falls and they lose if it rises.
Short interest is important to track because it can act as an indicator of market sentiment towards a particular stock. An increase in short interest can signal that investors have become more bearish, while a decrease in short interest can signal they have become more bullish.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/short-interest?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">List of the most shorted stocks</a>
<h3>AGNC Investment Short Interest Graph (3 Months)</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1744995628_0.png" alt="short_fig" />
As you can see from the chart above the percentage of shares that are sold short for AGNC Investment has grown since its last report. This does not mean that the stock is going to fall in the near-term but traders should be aware that more shares are being shorted.
<h3>Comparing AGNC Investment's Short Interest Against Its Peers</h3>
Peer comparison is a popular technique amongst analysts and investors for gauging how well a company is performing. A company's peer is another company that has similar characteristics to it, such as industry, size, age, and financial structure. You can find a company's peer group by reading its 10-K, proxy filing, or by doing your own similarity analysis.
According to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pro/">Benzinga Pro</a>, AGNC Investment's peer group average for short interest as a percentage of float is 7.07%, which means the company has less short interest than most of its peers.
Did you know that increasing short interest can actually be bullish for a stock? <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/how-to-make-money-on-a-short-squeeze?adType=benzinga-insights&amp;ad=short-interest&amp;campaign=wallstreetadvantage">This post by Benzinga Money explains how you can profit from it.</a>
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and was reviewed by an editor.

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