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Take-Two Interactive Software (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTWO#NASDAQ">TTWO</a>) stock has been on a wild roller coaster in recent years with investors changing valuation of the company based on <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/11/42144628/gta-6-trailer-2-fans-frustrated-as-rockstar-possibly-breaks-moon-theory">potential release dates </a>for the highly anticipated "Grand Theft Auto VI."
Roundhill Investments CEO Dave Mazza shares his thoughts on how to value Take-Two stock and what's next for the company.
Take-Two Out In 2026?: After a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/25/05/45453761/gta-vi-delay-looms-over-take-two-earnings-sales-beat-eps-miss-outlook-updated"> long delay</a>, Mazza is confident that 2026 is the year the public sees "Grand Theft Auto VI" released to the public.
"Yes, Take-Two and Rockstar have locked in May 26, 2026, as the street date, pushing the project out of fiscal 2026 and into fiscal 2027, but giving the team room to finish what CEO Strauss Zelnick calls ‘our most ambitious title ever,'" Mazza told Benzinga.
Mazza said that "barring force-majeure," the internal milestones and marketing spend on the new video game are now set for that key company date.
Prediction market <a href="https://kalshi.com/markets/kxgta6/gta-6-release-date#gta6">Kalshi </a>has a betting market on when "Grand Theft Auto VI" will be released. The game being released before June 2026, which would be the current company date, is at 68%. The game being released before August 2026 sits at 84%. The market for the game being released before 2027 sits at 94% odds.
<iframe loading="lazy" src="https://kalshi.com/external-widgets/events/GTA6?color_scheme=light&#038;widget_size=medium&#038;variant=a&#038;ids=GTA6-26DEC31&#038;ids=GTA6-26JUL31&#038;ids=GTA6-26MAY31" width="488px" height="196px" style="border:0"></iframe>
Video Game Pricing: One of the hot topics about the release of "Grand Theft Auto VI" is pricing, with reports that the game will have a higher price tag than other games.
"Rockstar's scope and marketing clout give it room to test higher price points as analysts expect $80 standard and $100-plus deluxe editions, but only a handful of ‘event' franchises can command that premium," Mazza said
Mazza named Grand Theft Auto, Elder Scrolls and Call of Duty as franchises that can likely charge more for games. The Roundhill CEO doesn't think the higher pricing for this particular game will change the overall sector.
"Most publishers will still ship at $70 and rely on post-launch DLC or battle-passes to grow ARPU, while free-to-play giants compete on zero entry cost and monetize through cosmetics."
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/gaming/25/07/46483022/exclusive-video-game-etf-ceo-says-switch-2-is-blockbuster-ea-gains-from-sports-gamestop-doesnt-pass-etf-test">EXCLUSIVE: Video Game ETF CEO Says Switch 2 Is &#8216;Blockbuster,&#8217; EA Gains From Sports, GameStop Doesn&#8217;t Pass ETF Test</a>
Valuing Take-Two Stock: Take-Two is the fourth-largest holding in the Roundhill Video Games ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NERD#NASDAQ">NERD</a>) which was launched back in 2019.
Mazza said the delay of "Grand Theft Auto VI" to the next fiscal year led to the stock falling 7% to 10% and around $2 billion in revenue forecasts going to the next year.
"Yet, sell-side targets still cluster around $235 to $240 on the view that a $3 billion-plus launch year in full year 2027 will dwarf the short-term gap," Mazza said.
Mazza said "the right lens is bookings visibility."
"Valuation therefore, rests on discounted cash flow that weights the out-year spike, balances mobile and sports portfolios in the interim, and assigns a probability discount to further slips. Long-only holders need patience; traders may treat the lull as optionality on flawless execution."
TTWO Price Action: Take-Two stock trades at $228.66 versus a 52-week trading range of $135.24 to $245.08. Take-Two stock is up 25.8% year-to-date in 2025.
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GTA 6 Delay Makes Take-Two Valuation Tough: Video Game ETF CEO Says 'Long-Only Holders Need Patience'

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Shares of health insurers are trading lower amid a selloff in the sector following Elevance's recent soft guidance and broader concerns over rising medical costs.

<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-18/iraq-set-for-key-oil-cargo-surge-in-sign-of-increased-output?srnd=homepage-americas&amp;embedded-checkout=true">https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-18/iraq-set-for-key-oil-cargo-surge-in-sign-of-increased-output?srnd=homepage-americas&amp;embedded-checkout=true</a>

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Corteva (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CTVA#NYSE">CTVA</a>) has outperformed the market over the past 5 years by 6.63% on an annualized basis producing an average annual return of 20.67%. Currently, Corteva has a market capitalization of $49.91 billion. 
Buying $1000 In CTVA: If an investor had bought $1000 of CTVA stock 5 years ago, it would be worth $2,617.42 today based on a price of $73.17 for CTVA at the time of writing.
<h3>Corteva's Performance Over Last 5 Years</h3>
<img src="https://www.benzinga.com/files/images/story/2025/1752857117_0.png" alt="comp_fig" />
Finally -- what's the point of all this? The key insight to take from this article is to note how much of a difference compounded returns can make in your cash growth over a period of time.
This article was generated by Benzinga's automated content engine and reviewed by an editor.

CTVA

Here's How Much You Would Have Made Owning Corteva Stock In The Last 5 Years

TotalEnergies (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTE#NYSE">TTE</a>) is a French company with over 100 years of experience in the oil industry and a presence in more than 130 countries.
It is considered one of the major oil companies, with a leading position in the upstream, midstream, and downstream oil segments.
The Company also plays a significant role in the LNG market and has increased its capital expenditures on low-carbon energies to strengthen its position in this industry.
In the first three months of 2025, Totalenergies recorded "revenues from sales" for an amount of $47,899m ($51,883m for the same period of 2024) and "cost of sales" for an amount of $33,853m ($36,722 in 2024).
Gross Profit result was $14,046m, EBIT was recorded at an amount of $7,089m while the net income for the period was $3,921m.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="602" height="274" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18120432/Totalenergies-31.03.2025-Income-Expenditure.png" alt="Totalenergies - Income Statement" class="wp-image-16087" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18120432/Totalenergies-31.03.2025-Income-Expenditure.png 602w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18120432/Totalenergies-31.03.2025-Income-Expenditure-300x137.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px" /></figure>
TotalEnergies primarily focuses on the exploration and production of oil and gas.
However, in recent years, the French company has restructured its operations to align with its long-term strategy of increasing low-carbon activities and aims to become a net-zero company by 2050.
In 2024, Totalenergies was organised into five business segments:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>&#8220;Exploration &amp; Production&#8221; includes the oil and natural gas exploration and production activities (excluding LNG) in about 50 countries and the carbon neutrality activities.</li>
<li>&#8220;Integrated LNG&#8221; includes the integrated gas chain, biogas, hydrogen and gas trading activities.</li>
<li>&#8220;Integrated Power&#8221; includes renewable energy activities, electricity generation, storage, trading, and B2B and B2C marketing activities.</li>
<li>&#8220;Refining &amp; Chemicals&#8221; includes refining, base petrochemicals, polymer derivatives, biomass transformation, and trading and shipping activities.</li>
<li>&#8220;Marketing &amp; Services&#8221; includes the global supply and marketing activities of oil products and services, low-carbon fuels, and new energies for mobility.</li>
</ul>
TotalEnergies&nbsp;is a stock usually selected by investors seeking a reliable dividend income source at low risk and at a cheap price.
In this article, we analyse the dividends the French company has offered to its shareholders since 2012 and the returns that investors can reasonably expect in the coming years.

<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-large-font-size">Dividend Analysis</h2>
TotalEnergies&nbsp;has a solid tradition of dividend returns.
In the period 2012-2025, the French Company has offered increasing dividends, from 0.57 Euro paid in 2012 to 0.85 Euro the Company will pay in July 2025 (+49.12%).
The Company also paid dividends during difficult times (e.g. COVID) thanks to a strong balance sheet and financial discipline.
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="602" height="234" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18120748/Totalenergies-Dividend-history.png" alt="Totalenergies - Dividend History" class="wp-image-16088" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18120748/Totalenergies-Dividend-history.png 602w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18120748/Totalenergies-Dividend-history-300x117.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px" /></figure>
Since 2012, Totalenergies has offered the following annual dividend increases to its shareholders:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>3.13% and 4.48% in 2018 and 2019</li>
</ul>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>6.05%, 6.64% and 6.52% in 2022, 2023 and 2024</li>
<li>Up to 2.46% (2013) in the other periods.</li>
</ul>
(The calculation does not consider the interim dividend of 1 Euro paid in 2022).
In 2020 (COVID), the Company paid the dividends with a decrease of 1.52% compared to 2019.
In July 2025, TotalEnergies will pay a final 2024 dividend of 0.85 Euro per share resulting in an increase for the 2024 dividend to 3.22 Euro per share compared to the 2023 dividend. Furthermore, the Board of Directors also confirmed a shareholder return policy for 2025 targeting &gt;40% CFFO payout, which will combine interim dividends increasing to 0.85 Euro per share and $2 billion of share buybacks per quarter, a level which will be pursued under reasonable market conditions.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">The &#8220;Exploration &amp; Production&#8221; segment: the Company&#8217;s primary cash generator</h3>
Historically, the French Company has offered increasing dividends thanks to its capacity to generate solid cash flows from its core business.
In the period 2012-2024,&nbsp;Totalenergies generated &#8220;cash flow from operating activities&#8221; in the range of 15-25 billion dollars (based on the cycle).

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="909" height="448" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18121029/Totalenergies-Cash-Flow-from-Operating-Activities.png" alt="Totalenergies - Cash Flow from Operating Activities" class="wp-image-16089" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18121029/Totalenergies-Cash-Flow-from-Operating-Activities.png 909w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18121029/Totalenergies-Cash-Flow-from-Operating-Activities-300x148.png 300w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18121029/Totalenergies-Cash-Flow-from-Operating-Activities-768x379.png 768w" sizes="(max-width: 909px) 100vw, 909px" /></figure>
In 2024, the French company recorded 30.854 million of dollars of cash flow from operating activities:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>56.36% from the "Exploration &amp; Production" segment</li>
<li>16.8% from the "Integrated LNG" segment</li>
</ul>
(Only 1% was generated by the "Integrated Power" segment).
With regard to the upstream activities, the production reached 2.4 Mboe/d, including 1.5 Mboe/d of oil and 1.1 Mboe/d of gas around different countries.

<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="602" height="371" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18121156/Totalenergies-Oil-Production-Year-2024.png" alt="Totalenergies - Oil &amp; Gas production - Year 2024" class="wp-image-16090" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18121156/Totalenergies-Oil-Production-Year-2024.png 602w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18121156/Totalenergies-Oil-Production-Year-2024-300x185.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 602px) 100vw, 602px" /></figure>
The Company&#8217;s portfolio has a low breakeven point, in line with its objective of keeping it below $30/b (Totalenergies&#8217; organic cash breakeven point before dividend was $25.4/b in 2024), which ensures the competitiveness of its resources.
For its Upstream Oil &amp; Gas assets in 2024, the French Company has the lowest production cost per barrel of around $4.9/boe among its peers (e.g.,&nbsp;BP PLC (NYSE: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/bp#NYSE">BP</a>), Chevron (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CVX#NYSE">CVX</a>), ExxonMobil (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XOM#NYSE">XOM</a>), Shell (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SHEL#NYSE">SHEL</a>).
Although the Company has established a long-term strategy to move from oil to low-carbon energies, Totalenergies does not plan a quick retreat from oil.
In 2025, the French firm expects net investments of $17-17.5 billion.
Through cycles,&nbsp;Totalenergies expects net investments between $14 billion and $18 billion per year along the following lines:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>33% of net investments in low-carbon energies</li>
<li>20% of net investments in natural gas, mainly LNG</li>
<li>45% of net investments in the oil chain.</li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-full"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="476" height="340" src="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18121305/Totalenergies-CAPEX.png" alt="Totalenergies - CAPEX Investments" class="wp-image-16092" srcset="https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18121305/Totalenergies-CAPEX.png 476w,https://contributor-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/18121305/Totalenergies-CAPEX-300x214.png 300w" sizes="(max-width: 476px) 100vw, 476px" /></figure>
With regard to CAPEX investments on oil, Totalenergies is focusing on selecting projects that can offer higher margins and generate more cash flow.
In line with this strategy, TotalEnergies has increased the selectivity of its exploration investments, with a greater focus on oil prospects with low technical costs, low GHG emissions, and short timelines for production.
The Company assesses its EP investment projects by considering an environment of $50/b and a CO2 price of $100/t from 2025 in all countries and focuses on projects with costs of less than $20/boe or where the break-even is less than $30/b and where GHG emissions (Scope 1+2) are less than the average of its portfolio in 2023.
In addition to those criteria, the French Company intends to balance its exploration investments among mature areas, emerging provinces, and frontier basins:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>35% in mature areas, which should be situated near existing producing fields and infrastructures with relatively low levels of geological risk.</li>
<li>50% in emerging provinces, which should be in under-explored areas where the presence of hydrocarbons is already proven.</li>
<li>15% in frontier basins where the highest resource potential exists.</li>
</ul>
Based on this analysis, the &#8220;Exploration &amp; Production&#8221; segment will continue to serve as the Company&#8217;s primary cash generator for many years, influencing the dividends that TotalEnergies can provide to its shareholders.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-medium-font-size">Is a 7% increase in dividends a reasonable expectation for the next 5 to 7 years?</h3>
If we compare the dividends offered by the Company and the cash flow it generated from its operating activities, we note that:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>TotalEnergies recorded the all-time high result in &#8220;cash flow from operating activities&#8221; in 2022; the French Company distributed an interim dividend to its shareholders that year.</li>
<li>In 2023 and 2024, cash flow generation results exceeded the normal trend. Over the last two years, Totalenergies provided its two highest dividend increases at 6.64% and 6.52%.</li>
</ul>
Totalenergies achieved record earnings and generated an all-time high of $46 billion in cash flow in 2022.
All segments contributed to stronger cash flow generation:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>$26 billion from E&amp;P (+39% on higher oil and gas prices and despite the UK windfall tax profit, which represented $1 billion in 2022).</li>
<li>$10 billion from LNG, a record high.</li>
<li>$10 billion from the downstream activities, driven by the contribution from the refining of close to $8 billion (more than 2.5 times 2021 contribution), thanks to a higher refining utilization rate that allowed Totalenergies to capture high margins.</li>
<li>$1 billion from the Integrated Power business unit.</li>
</ul>
The cash flow was allocated as per the following:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>$17 billion return to shareholders: $7.3 billion of ordinary dividend plus $7 billion of buybacks and $2.7 billion of special dividend that was paid in December.</li>
<li>$16.3 billion for investment.</li>
<li>$14.5 billion of debt reduction, which cut company&#8217;s gearing by more than half, to 7% end of 2022 compared to 15.3% end of 2021.</li>
</ul>
An exceptional macroeconomic situation supported these outstanding results.
In February 2022, Russia invaded Ukraine, and oil prices jumped above $100 a barrel and increased to $127 per barrel on the 8th of March before falling back to below $100 in June of that year, where they have remained since.
This event also significantly impacted the LNG market; the Russia-Ukraine war drove gas and LNG prices to never-seen-before levels as Europe scrambled to decouple from Russian pipe gas by importing an additional 50 million tons of LNG in 2022. This represents more than 10% of the market.
In this scenario, Totalenergies was in a favourable position: in 2022, the Company managed 48 million tons of LNG, 12% of the market;&nbsp;the French firm was the first US exporter and first European regas holder.
Thanks to the results recorded in 2022, Totalenergies significantly improved the solidity of its balance sheet and supported significant dividend increases in 2023 and 2024.
In our opinion, the macroeconomic scenario in the coming years will not offer the same opportunities for big oil companies.
Oil quotations are expected to be between 60 and 80 dollars per barrel in the next 5-7 years; they are unlikely to reach 100 dollars.
Also, LNG and refining activities, two important businesses for Totalenergies, are not expected to offer the same opportunities as in 2022.

<h4 class="wp-block-heading has-medium-font-size">LNG Market</h4>
In 2024, the &#8220;Integrated LNG&#8221; segment generated 16.8% of the Company&#8217;s cash flow.
CAPEX investments in new LNG projects will increase the percentage of cash flow that&nbsp;Totalenergies&nbsp;will generate from this business unit.
However, the LNG market is not expected to offer the same opportunities it did in 2022 because the price should slow down in the period 2027-2029 due to increasing production of 50 million tons of new capacity per year (+30% increase in three years) and reduce the potential profit for companies in this sector.
Asia represents about 70% of the world&#8217;s LNG demand and is expected to be a major outlet for the next wave of LNG.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>The LNG market in Asia recorded a growth of 8% per year during the period: 2015-2021.</li>
<li>It recorded a dip in demand in 2022 when Asia had to compete for available LNG cargos with Europe.</li>
<li>Since then, the Asian market recorded a renewed demand growth.</li>
</ul>
Analysts expect a strong demand pull from the region between 2025 and 2030 because the expected wave on the supplied side will create softening prices, which will trigger additional demand from price-sensitive countries such as India and South-East Asia, as it has happened in the past.
<h4 class="wp-block-heading">Refining market</h4>
In 2022, the Refining business generated 8 billion in cash flow.
The result was supported by supply shortages caused by Russia&#8217;s invasion of Ukraine, disruptions to Red Sea navigation by Houthi militants, and a significant recovery in demand following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The macroeconomic scenario has changed now: the industry is currently recording a significant oversupply, which is significantly stressing the profit margins.
There are three main reasons to explain the actual oversupply:
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>In 2022 and 2023, when margins were positive, some companies that planned to restructure their refineries, stopped the process. This situation increased the supply more than expected.</li>
<li>Some old Chinese refineries called the &#8220;teapots&#8221;, which should be shut down, are still cooking.</li>
<li>New refineries coming on stream in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia have increased the supply of refinery products.</li>
</ul>

<h2 class="wp-block-heading has-text-align-center has-large-font-size">Final Comment</h2>
<a href="http://www.totalenergies.com">TotalEnergies</a>&nbsp;has a solid tradition of dividend returns.
Historically, the French Company has offered increasing dividends thanks to its capacity to generate solid cash flows from its oil &amp; gas businesses.
Although the Company has established a long-term strategy to move from oil to low-carbon energies, Totalenergies does not plan a quick retreat from oil.
Based on this analysis, the &#8220;Exploration &amp; Production&#8221; segment will continue to serve as the Company&#8217;s primary cash generator for many years, influencing the dividends that TotalEnergies can offer to its shareholders.
In our opinion, dividend distribution in the last three years have been significantly influenced by an exceptional macroeconomic situation which is unlikely to happen in the coming years.
For this reason, we do not believe that the French Company will be able to maintain a 7% increase in the mid-term period. Based also on its track history, we believe that an increase of 3-5% is a more reasonable expectation for investors.
Benzinga Disclaimer: This article is from an unpaid external contributor. It does not represent Benzinga&#8217;s reporting and has not been edited for content or accuracy.

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SHEL

TotalEnergies: Why I Expect Dividend Growth To Slow From Recent Years

Citigroup analyst Ben Gerlinger maintains Texas Capital Bancshares (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TCBI#NASDAQ">TCBI</a>) with a Sell and raises the price target from $69 to $79.

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Citigroup Maintains Sell on Texas Capital Bancshares, Raises Price Target to $79

Citigroup analyst Ben Gerlinger maintains Webster Financial (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/WBS#NYSE">WBS</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $65 to $71.

Citigroup Maintains Buy on Webster Financial, Raises Price Target to $71

<ul>
<li>Argent LNG, Baker Hughes, Hunt Energy form coalition for Syria energy masterplan</li>
<li>Masterplan includes oil, gas exploration and power generation</li>
<li>Syria's energy infrastructure needs billions in investment</li>
<li>Focus on areas west of Euphrates under Syrian government control</li>
</ul>
DAMASCUS, July 18 (Reuters) - U.S.-based firms Baker Hughes <a href="https://workspace.refinitiv.com/web/apps/quotewebapi?RIC=BKR.O">BKR.O</a>, Hunt Energy and Argent LNG will develop a masterplan for Syria's oil, gas and power sector, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/company/argent-lng-llc/">Argent LNG</a> CEO Jonathan Bass said on Friday, in a partnership aimed at rebuilding energy infrastructure shattered by 14 years of civil war.
The move marks a swift turnaround as U.S. companies enter a country previously under one of the world's tightest sanctions regimes that U.S. President Donald Trump <a href="reuters://REALTIME/verb=NewsStory/ric=nS0N3S901W">lifted</a> at the end of June.
The companies plan to help explore and extract oil and gas and produce power to help get the economy running as the government seeks to put Syria back on the map. The plan comes after a dash by other companies, many from Gulf Arab states, to sign deals to bolster Syria's <a href="reuters://REALTIME/verb=NewsStory/ric=nS8N3RO01P">power generation</a> and <a href="reuters://REALTIME/verb=NewsStory/ric=nS8N3RM0BE">ports infrastructure</a>.
Details of the plan have not been previously reported.
"We are initiating the development of a comprehensive masterplan for energy and power generation in Syria, based on a preliminary assessment of opportunities for near-term improvements in generation capacity and service delivery," Bass told Reuters via phone.
"Our efforts aim to support the revitalization of the energy sector in coordination with relevant stakeholders," he added.
"This includes potential activities across the value chain—from exploration and production to electricity generation, including combined-cycle power plants," he said, declining to elaborate further.
Argent LNG, which is developing a liquefied natural gas export facility in Louisiana, <a href="reuters://REALTIME/verb=NewsStory/ric=nL2N3OK0R7">in January signed</a> a non-binding agreement to supply Bangladesh up to 5 million metric tons of the fuel annually, the first major U.S. LNG supply deal since Trump began his second term.
Reuters received no immediate response to emailed questions to global energy services provider Baker Hughes and Texas-based electric utility Hunt Energy.
The plan is to begin with areas west of the Euphrates River, under control of the Syrian government.
Syria's east, where much of its oil is produced, remains controlled by the Syrian Democratic Forces, a U.S.-backed and Kurdish-led armed group that Washington has urged to integrate with the new authorities in Damascus following the ouster of former Syrian strongman Bashar al-Assad.
After 14 years of war, Syria's electricity sector is severely damaged, generating only 1.6 gigawatts of electricity, down from 9.5 GW before 2011. Billions of dollars of investment are needed to fix the sector, so the cash-strapped state is looking at private investment or donors to foot the bill.
In May, Syria signed a <a href="reuters://REALTIME/verb=NewsStory/ric=nS8N3RO01P">memorandum of understanding</a> with Qatar's UCC Holding to develop $7 billion worth of power generation projects, including four combined-cycle gas turbine power plants and a 1,000-MW solar power plant in southern Syria.
&nbsp;
'GROWING INTEREST'
In a post on LinkedIn on Thursday, Syrian Finance Minister Yisr Barnieh said the three U.S.-based companies were forming a coalition to invest in Syria and develop the country's energy sector.
"This visit signals a growing interest among American companies and investors in engaging with Syria," he said.
Bass, Hunt Energy CEO Hunter L. Hunt, and a senior executive at Baker Hughes arrived in Syria on a private jet on Wednesday morning and were meeting with Barnieh when Israel conducted a series of <a href="reuters://REALTIME/verb=NewsStory/ric=nS8N3SS01K">airstrikes on Damascus</a> that shook the city, Bass said.
"It was big," said Bass, who has been working on the energy project since visiting Damascus and <a href="reuters://REALTIME/verb=NewsStory/ric=nL8N3RH1RB">meeting with</a> Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa in April.
He was part of both state-led and informal efforts to lobby Trump to meet with Sharaa.
The landmark meeting took place in mid-May with a big push from the leaders of Turkey and Saudi Arabia, and Trump announced the end of Syria sanctions. As they are slowly phased out, <a href="reuters://REALTIME/verb=NewsStory/ric=nL8N3RM23S">investor interest</a> in Syria has grown.
A week of violence in the <a href="reuters://REALTIME/verb=NewsStory/ric=nS8N3SR05S">southern province of Sweida</a>, however, has darkened the mood in the country and left at least 321 people dead, according to the Syrian Network for Human Rights, a human rights group.
"To work in Syria, there are potholes, there are ditches, it has craters," said Bass.
"If you don't have the team that's willing to accept craters, don't come."
&nbsp;

'US firms to develop Syria energy masterplan after Trump lifts sanctions'- Reuters Exclusive

Citigroup analyst Filippo Falorni maintains PepsiCo (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PEP#NASDAQ">PEP</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $160 to $168.

Citigroup Maintains Buy on PepsiCo, Raises Price Target to $168

Live On CNBC, Kevin Simpson Announces Bought Home Depot

<a href="https://www.globenewswire.com/Tracker?data=0jWiVJjX3ymS4x2d-plWs2UObOVkXaXd9H2oV9oUclqxjOWRnxZNlBvcY-LMmRM7lT3vO2DgNmf1r6zIkymZdw==">Tevogen</a> ("Tevogen Bio Holdings Inc." or "Company") (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TVGN#NASDAQ">TVGN</a>) announced today that the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has published its international patent application (Publication No. WO 2025/129197) titled, "Systems and Methods for Predicting Immunologically Active Peptides with Machine Learning Models."
This patent covers technology developed by Tevogen.AI that leverages machine learning algorithms, powered by Microsoft (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) and Databricks intended to rapidly and accurately identify peptides with strong immune system interactions. Identifying these peptides is critical in developing targeted therapies for a variety of diseases, including cancers and infectious diseases.
Traditional methods for identifying immunologically active peptides often face significant limitations, such as overlooking critical human genetic diversity factors like age, sex, race, and ethnicity. Tevogen.AI's proprietary approach may overcome these challenges by:
<ul>
<li>Efficiently screening and ranking potential peptides based on their immunological activity.</li>
<li>Eliminating peptides likely to be ineffective due to self-tolerance or human genome overlap.</li>
<li>Continuously refining predictions using real-world data to train and enhance machine learning models.</li>
</ul>

MSFT

TVGN

Tevogen Bio's International Patent Application Published By WIPO For AI-Based Peptide Prediction System

Citigroup analyst Christopher Danely maintains Advanced Micro Devices (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMD#NASDAQ">AMD</a>) with a Neutral and raises the price target from $145 to $165.

Citigroup Maintains Neutral on Advanced Micro Devices, Raises Price Target to $165

Citigroup analyst David Lebowitz maintains Cogent Biosciences (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/COGT#NASDAQ">COGT</a>) with a Buy and raises the price target from $15 to $22.

COGT

Citigroup Maintains Buy on Cogent Biosciences, Raises Price Target to $22

<a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-18/fda-is-investigating-if-sarepta-s-elevidys-should-stay-on-market">https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-07-18/fda-is-investigating-if-sarepta-s-elevidys-should-stay-on-market</a>

'FDA Is Investigating If Sarepta's Gene Therapy Should Stay on Market'- Bloomberg

NFLX

Live On CNBC, Kevin Simpson Announces Sold A Netflix Covered Call

Despite delivering a robust <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/movers/25/07/46481193/netflix-q2-fueled-by-price-ads-squid-game-q3-set-to-repeat">second-quarter earnings report</a> that surpassed analyst expectations and raised full-year guidance, Netflix (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) stock dipped over 5% on Friday, leaving investors to weigh strong financials against underlying concerns.
The company reported second-quarter revenue of $11.08 billion, up 16% year-over-year (Y/Y). The revenue total beat a Street consensus estimate of $11.04 billion.
The company reported second-quarter earnings per share of $7.19, beating a Street consensus estimate of $7.06. The quarter&#8217;s operating margins were 34%, beating the company&#8217;s estimate.
Also Read: <a target="_blank" href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/large-cap/25/07/46252229/netflix-is-worth-half-trillion-and-one-analyst-forecasts-trillion-dollar-valuation" rel="noreferrer noopener">Netflix Is Worth Half Trillion And One Analyst Forecasts Trillion Dollar Valuation</a>
Netflix attributed more members, higher pricing, and increased advertising revenue to helping boost revenue and operating margins.
Netflix expects third-quarter revenue of $11.526 billion, up 17% Y/Y, &nbsp;and earnings per share of $6.87. Both figures are above Street estimates.
The company also raised full-year revenue guidance to $44.8 billion-$45.2 billion, up from a previous range of $43.5 billion-$44.5 billion. Netflix is guiding for operating margins of 29.5% for the whole year.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Wall Street Analysts Weigh In</h2>
In the wake of Netflix&#8217;s recent financial disclosures, several prominent Wall Street analysts have issued updated ratings and price forecasts for the streaming company. 
Rosenblatt&#8217;s Barton Crockett maintained a <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/NFLX/analyst-ratings">Buy rating</a>, nudging his price forecast up a dollar from $1,514 to $1,515. Similarly, Needham&#8217;s Laura Martin reiterated a Buy rating with a $1,500 price forecast. 
On the other hand, JP Morgan&#8217;s Doug Anmuth kept a Neutral rating but increased his price forecast from $1,230 to $1,300. Finally, Bank of America Securities analyst Jessica Reif Ehrlich reiterated her Buy rating, setting a price forecast of $1,490.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Rosenblatt&#8217;s Bullish Stance</h2>
Crockett responded positively to Netflix&#8217;s second-quarter 2025 results and raised guidance, highlighting steady financial performance and optimism for the year&#8217;s second half despite mixed engagement trends. 
The analyst noted that Netflix&#8217;s quarterly revenue exceeded guidance by $44 million due to currency tailwinds. He said the constant currency growth of 17% aligned with forecasts, with subscriber growth, ads, and pricing driving revenue. Crockett noted that operating income rose 45% Y/Y, beating guidance by $100 million on substantial margin expansion.
While Netflix no longer reports subscriber numbers, the analyst flagged mixed engagement data. Total hours streamed rose just 1% Y/Y in the first half of 2025, down from 4.5% in the second half of 2024, raising questions about Netflix&#8217;s claim to chase the remaining 80% of global TV viewing time, he noted.
However, Crockett expects engagement to improve in the second half of 2025, with June finishing strong due to Squid Game 3. Anticipated releases like Stranger Things, Wednesday, Knives Out 3, Happy Gilmore 2, and Christmas NFL games are likely to boost viewership, as per the analyst.
Netflix raised its fiscal 2025 revenue forecast, reflecting that optimism, Crockett noted. It also lifted operating margin expectations to 30% (from 29%) and raised free cash flow guidance. The analyst highlighted ad revenue doubling Y/Y as another key driver.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Needham&#8217;s Cautious Praise</h2>
Martin largely praised Netflix&#8217;s strong quarterly results and upbeat guidance but flagged concerns around engagement trends, sports strategy, and content bets that led to a muted stock reaction after hours. The analyst flagged weak engagement growth in the quarter, with total viewing time appearing flat or declining per user. 
She characterized engagement growth in the second quarter of 2025 as anemic, implying a year-over-year decline on a per-person basis. She emphasized that improving engagement is critical for pricing power, especially as Netflix no longer reports subscriber numbers or ARPU.
Netflix&#8217;s push to partner with YouTube creators and video podcasters impressed Martin, who noted it as a strategic shift to stay competitive with YouTube&#8217;s content ecosystem. The analyst cited the TF1 deal in France as a smart test case for acquiring local content at scale and low cost. She noted Netflix&#8217;s optimism about GenAI tools, which will improve content quality, discovery, and ad targeting.
The company&#8217;s dismissive stance on live sports raised eyebrows, and Martin questioned the decision given sports&#8217; proven impact on engagement and subscriber retention in the broader streaming space.
On user experience, the analyst welcomed the long-overdue UI/UX overhaul, noting Netflix&#8217;s efforts to modernize navigation to reflect its expanded offerings, such as video games and live shows.
Despite its financial strength, Netflix reiterated it has no plans to acquire legacy media networks, preferring to return cash to shareholders, a move Martin noted as a sign of financial discipline.
While Netflix plans to ramp up video game investment based on subscriber retention metrics, the analyst noted early adoption has fallen short of expectations.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">J.P. Morgan&#8217;s Neutral View</h2>
Anmuth viewed Netflix&#8217;s quarterly results and full-year guidance as solid, reflecting strong execution across content, advertising, and monetization. However, the stock traded lower after hours as expectations were already high.
While engagement rose just 1% in the first half of 2025, the analyst expects a meaningful ramp in the second half with the return of major titles like Squid Game S3, Stranger Things S5, and Wednesday S2. He noted that this slate could unlock stronger per-user engagement and pricing power.
Anmuth emphasized that Netflix is well-positioned to become a &#8220;global TV&#8221; leader by expanding into verticals like live, broadcast, and animation, while boosting scripted and unscripted formats.
The analyst also spotlighted Netflix&#8217;s growing advertising business. Ad revenue will likely double in 2025 to $2.9 billion, driven by expanding third-party DSP partnerships (e.g., Google, Yahoo, Xandr) and the rollout of the Netflix Ads Suite and interactive formats.
While advertising is still catching up to Netflix&#8217;s user base, Anmuth noted that ad-tier monetization is improving. He said they project ad-tier subscribers could reach 60 million by year-end, representing over 130 million monthly active users.
Despite the strong guide and bullish tone, he remained cautious in the near term, as buy-side expectations are already priced in.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Bank of America Securities&#8217; Continued Optimism</h2>
Ehrlich reacted positively to Netflix&#8217;s quarterly 2025 results and raised guidance, reinforcing her bullish stance on the stock while acknowledging that high investor expectations may have muted the immediate market response.
The analyst praised Netflix for delivering another strong quarter driven by rising membership, price hikes, and ad revenue. She noted broad-based regional strength, with all markets delivering double-digit FX-neutral revenue gains. Netflix raised full-year 2025 revenue guidance, citing favorable currency trends, subscriber gains, and ad momentum.
While Netflix shares have surged over 40% year-to-date and now trade near 40x forward earnings, Ehrlich noted the company remains well-positioned for continued outperformance, supported by a strong brand, global scale, and growing ad and live content opportunities.
<h2 class="wp-block-heading">Why the Stock Dipped: Investor Expectations and Engagement Concerns</h2>
The paradoxical dip in Netflix&#8217;s stock despite strong financials is largely attributed to elevated investor expectations. While the company&#8217;s performance was excellent, some analysts and investors might have hoped for an even more bullish outlook, especially given the stock&#8217;s significant appreciation year-to-date (over 40%). 
Concerns over engagement trends, specifically the modest 1% Y/Y increase in total hours streamed in the first half of 2025, also played a role. Additionally, the company&#8217;s warning of lower operating margins in the second half of 2025 due to increased content amortization and sales and marketing costs for a larger content slate may have contributed to investor caution.
Price Action:&nbsp;NFLX stock is trading lower by 4.64% to $1,215.18 at last check Friday.
Read Next:
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/large-cap/25/07/46488931/comcast-hikes-peacock-prices-again-will-you-pay-11-a-month-for-ads" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Comcast Hikes Peacock Prices Again: Will You Pay $11 A Month For Ads?</a></li>
</ul>
Image via Shutterstock

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Movers

Tech

Netflix's Blockbuster Profits Overshadowed By 'Anemic' Engagement

As one of the top technology enterprises in the world, Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) will command a massive audience when it releases its<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/GOOG/earnings"> second-quarter earnings report</a> on Wednesday, July 23, after the closing bell. Analysts will be looking for earnings per share of $2.17 on revenue of $93.72 billion, a sizable lift from the year-ago quarter's print of $1.89 and $84.74 billion, respectively.
Undoubtedly, artificial intelligence will represent a hot topic for Alphabet, which owns the Google ecosystem. Earlier this year, the company<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45537306/google-unveils-total-reimagining-of-search-with-chatbot-style-feature-to-compete-with-openai"> revamped its iconic search engine</a>, introducing an AI chatbot-style feature, thereby competing directly with competitors like OpenAI, which developed the popular ChatGPT. Notably, Alphabet CEO Sundar Pichai labeled the move as a "total reimagining of search."
This improvement couldn't have come soon enough, with the tech giant absorbing criticism for<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/25/05/45509746/google-i-o-2025-a-big-deal-says-gene-munster-sundar-pichais-alphabet-has-no-choice-but-to-disrupt-itself-before-someone-else-does"> lagging in AI development</a>. As part of a broader response, Alphabet has upgraded its Gemini AI model, stating that the latest 2.5 version outperforms rivals in key benchmarks.
Another core area that Alphabet has historically relied on in prior earnings seasons is its <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/insights/analyst-ratings/25/07/46452755/a-glimpse-into-the-expert-outlook-on-alphabet-through-7-analysts">financial resilience</a>. At the moment, the company sets a high standard across several metrics, including net margin of 38.28% and return on equity of 10.3%. These stats demonstrate robust profitability, effective cost control and efficient utilization of shareholder capital.
Still, not every factor is aligned favorably for GOOG stock. One particular area that stands out as a risk factor is<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/tech/25/06/46108450/google-says-its-made-it-easier-for-gemini-to-interact-with-your-device-but-some-are-now-worried-about-their-privacy"> rising privacy concerns</a>. While Alphabet recently announced that Gemini will be able to interact more easily and seamlessly with user devices, the tech stalwart's decision to expand its AI model's access to critical apps has sparked much debate.
According to the Pew Research Center, most Americans are concerned about how corporations and government agencies<a href="https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/2023/10/18/how-americans-view-data-privacy/"> collect</a> data on them. In addition, most survey respondents expressed confusion about what these entities do with the collected data.
Finally, while generative AI represents an obvious growth market for the tech industry, Alphabet isn't the only player. Late last month, news surfaced that social media giant and tech powerhouse Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) was exploring the acquisition of voice-cloning AI startup PlayAI and some of its employees. With the rivalry among the major innovators becoming even more frenetic, Alphabet faces serious pressure.
The Direxion ETFs: With clashing narratives ahead of Alphabet's earnings report, market speculators have ample opportunities to play both sides of the field with Direxion's GOOGL-focused exchange-traded funds. For the optimists, the <a href="https://www.direxion.com/product/daily-googl-bull-and-bear-leveraged-single-stock-etfs?utm_source=Referral&amp;utm_medium=Text&amp;utm_source_platform=Benzinga&amp;utm_campaign=LandI_Product_GGLL-GGLS">Direxion Daily GOOGL Bull 2X Shares</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GGLL#NASDAQ">GGLL</a>) seeks the daily investment results of 200% of GOOGL stock. On the other hand, the <a href="https://www.direxion.com/product/daily-googl-bull-and-bear-leveraged-single-stock-etfs?utm_source=Referral&amp;utm_medium=Text&amp;utm_source_platform=Benzinga&amp;utm_campaign=LandI_Product_GGLL-GGLS">Direxion Daily GOOGL Bear 1X Shares</a> (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GGLS#NASDAQ">GGLS</a>) seeks 100% of the inverse performance of the namesake security.
In both cases, Direxion ETFs offer a convenient mechanism for speculation. Typically, those interested in using leverage or initiating short positions must engage the options market. However, financial derivatives tend to have complexities that may not be suitable for all traders. In contrast, Direxion ETFs can be bought and sold like any other public security, thereby easing the learning curve.
It's important to realize, though, that these products are not without the real possibility of financial loss. Indeed, Direxion ETFs carry unique risk profiles that must be considered before participation. First, leveraged and inverse funds tend to be more volatile than standard ETFs tracking benchmark indices like the Nasdaq Composite. Second, these specialized products are designed for one-day exposure. Holding beyond the recommended period may expose investors to value decay due to the daily compounding phenomenon.
The GGLL ETF: Since the start of the year, the GOOGL bull fund lost slightly more than 18%, amplifying the red ink of the underlying security.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Since early April, the GGLL ETF has been on an upward trend, with the price action popping above the 200-day moving average.</li>
<li>Although the upward trend is encouraging, prospective investors should note that volume since May has not been confirming the optimism.</li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXcifCpkhcoL9gNhjkbi-Xg6tr_q5VFtTzgxskka_eMVa-6Wpwry6vHIH4ZkiXImhPgCFoUQptGQVR5WA1i9cREEsOhhGYTJ7ftYZL2jzWQUqikfViq0csx_5uPAgk_1zte07OGM6g?key=st0PKmupnNNAb9BgOzA_Zg" alt="" /></figure>
The GGLS ETF: Although a stronger relative performer, the GOOGL bear fund is also down for the year by a margin of 2.13%.
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>While the GGLS ETF got off to a strong start, the momentum in the bear fund was stunted in April, leading to a conspicuous erosion.</li>
<li>Though the price action is below key moving averages, it's also possible that the bearishness is nearing an exhaustion point.</li>
</ul>
<figure class="wp-block-image"><img decoding="async" src="https://lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com/docsz/AD_4nXd-y6OeFsPoFku2p9WlLKcspnzyplhj5fEa4juSvrFAFIRBMcXshT6pjOdrJkoE-LpgxNq0uFPwReCYAmHQ0scdxNkYEGXhX8Mt0MSvMZAmArRHyohE-yaDqsoKhSbBjHRJfBaTQQ?key=st0PKmupnNNAb9BgOzA_Zg" alt="" /></figure>
Featured image by <a href="https://pixabay.com/users/asphotohrapy-1546875/?utm_source=link-attribution&amp;utm_medium=referral&amp;utm_campaign=image&amp;utm_content=1433323">ASPhotohrapy</a> on <a href="https://pixabay.com/photos/internet-search-engine-tablet-1433323/">Pixabay</a>.
This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice.

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Direxion's GOOGL-Focused Bull And Bear Funds Grab The Limelight Ahead Of Alphabet's Earnings

One of YouTube's biggest stars is an animated character with wavy blue hair named <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@BlooGaming/videos">Bloo</a>. A virtual YouTuber, or a VTuber, Bloo has more than 2.5 million subscribers and has amassed over 700 million views on his play-through videos of popular games like "Grand Theft Auto" and "Minecraft."
The character was created by Jordi van den Bussche, a 29-year-old who lives in Amsterdam. He brought Bloo online in 2021 after feeling that he could no longer keep up with the demands of creating content for his own channel. Four years later, the character has generated millions of dollars in revenue.
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"Turns out, the flaw in this equation is the human, so we need to somehow remove the human," van den Bussche told <a href="https://www.cnbc.com/2025/07/02/ai-virtual-personality-youtubers-or-vtubers-are-earning-millions.html">CNBC</a>. "The only logical way was to replace the human with either a photorealistic person or a cartoon. The VTuber was the only option, and that's where Bloo came from."
According to van den Bussche, Bloo is puppeteered, meaning that a human is behind his actions and words using motion capture technology or something similar. Everything else on the channel is handled by AI technologies from ElevenLabs, OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic. The long-term goal, the creator said, is to have the entire content creation process handled by AI.
"When AI can do it better, faster or cheaper than humans, that's when we'll start using it permanently," van den Bussche told the outlet.&nbsp;
That time may be closer than we think.&nbsp;
Trending: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/finally-a-fully-automated-trading-platform-for-individual-investors?">You Can Become an Investor for Just $500.25</a>
Hedra is a tech startup that offers a product called Character-3, which allows users a way to make fully AI-generated videos. In May, it raised <a href="https://www.hedra.com/blog/series-a-announcement">$32 million</a> in a funding round. "We're doing a lot of research, accelerating models like Character-3 to real time, and that's going to be a really good fit for VTubers, CEO Michael Lingelbach told CNBC.
Between products like Hedra's and generative AI applications like ChatGPT, an increasing number of content creators are using AI as the foundation of their platforms. Spain-based creator GoldenHand told CNBC that he published up to 80 videos a day across multiple channels thanks to generative AI.
"People think using AI means you're less creative, but I feel more creative than ever," he told the outlet. "Coming up with 60 to 80 viral video ideas a day is no joke. The ideation is where all the effort goes now."
See Also: Named a TIME Best Invention and Backed by 5,000+ Users, Kara's Air-to-Water Pod Cuts Plastic and Costs — <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/americans-spend-1000-per-year-on-plastic-water-bottles-kara-pod-gives-you-clean-drinking-water-by-pulling-moisture-from-the-air">And You Can Invest At Just $6.37/Share</a>
Of course, as AI-generated content is on the rise, concerns about its existence are increasing.
"Even if the content is informative and someone might find it entertaining or useful, I feel we are moving into a time where &#8230; you do not have a way to understand what is human-made and what is not," Latent Space Advisory founder Henry Ajder told CNBC.
He's especially frustrated by the low-quality, randomly generated AI content, often referred to as AI slop, that's flooding feeds.
"The age of slop is inevitable," Ajder said, "I'm not sure what we do about it."
But AI creators push back, saying that as long as their work continues to receive clicks, there's no reason to stop making it.&nbsp;
"There's never been a barrier to people making uninteresting content," Noah Morris, a creator with 18 AI-generated YouTube channels, told CNBC. said. "Now there's just more opportunity to create different kinds of uninteresting content, but also more kinds of really interesting content too."
Read Next: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die."<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/warren-buffet-make-money-when-you-sleep"> Here&#8217;s how you can earn passive income with just $10.</a>
Image: Shutterstock

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