Okta (NASDAQ:OKTA) Stock, Quote.Headers.trade-ideas

Okta

Okta is a cloud-native security company that focuses on identity and access management. The San Francisco-based firm went public in 2017 and focuses on two key client stakeholder groups: workforces and customers. Okta's workforce offerings enable a company's employees to securely access its cloud-based and on-premises resources. The firm's customer offerings allow its clients' customers to securely access the client's applications.

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Okta&#39;s Costly Cyber Security Failures: A $60 Million Lesson in Transparency

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NVDA

This Analyst With 85% Accuracy Rate Sees Around 16% Upside In Chewy - Here Are 5 Stock Picks For August From Wall Street&#39;s Most Accurate Analysts

Rosenblatt Securities’ Hans Mosesmann Says Nvidia Will Be Worth $5 Trillion By Mid-2025, Here are 10 Companies It Will Eclipse If That Happens

CTRA

This Analyst With 87% Accuracy Rate Sees Over 24% Upside In Nvidia - Here Are 5 Stock Picks For Last Week From Wall Street&#39;s Most Accurate Analysts

Okta Inc

OKTA CL A ORD

BNZIW

Trading Halt: Halted at 7:50:00 p.m. ET - Trading Halt: Halt News Pending

BNZI

GDHG

Investors now have more ways to invest in or against MicroStrategy Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTR#NASDAQ">MSTR</a>), a software company and Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) holder that has outperformed top stocks, asset types and index funds <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/07/39817792/missed-out-on-nvidia-michael-saylor-says-get-on-the-bitcoin-standard-for-even-better-retur">in recent years.</a>
What Happened: REX Shares and Tuttle Capital Management launched two new ETFs Wednesday to give investors more ways to get exposure <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40878741/canaccord-lowers-microstrategy-price-target-to-173-cites-ongoing-bitcoin-accumulation">to MicroStrategy stock </a>with leveraged and inverse ETFs.
The two companies launched the T-REX 2X Long MSTR Daily Target ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTU#BATS">MSTU</a>) and the T-REX 2X Inverse MSTR Daily Target ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTZ#BATS">MSTZ</a>).
"These are the first ETFs to provide investors with 200% leveraged exposure and -200% inverse exposure to the daily price movement of MicroStrategy (MSTR), allowing traders to capitalize on MSTR's exposure to the Bitcoin market," the companies said.
The launch comes after <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/08/40399008/mstx-becomes-first-single-stock-leveraged-etf-for-microstrategy-stock-offers-175-exposure">Defiance launched</a> a 1.75X long MicroStrategy ETF and 1.5X Short MicroStrategy ETF in August with the Defiance Daily Target 1.75X Long MSTR ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSTX#NASDAQ">MSTX</a>) and Defiance Daily Target 1.5X Short MSTR ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SMST#NASDAQ">SMST</a>) respectively.
With the new 2X ETFs, REX and Tuttle have pushed the envelope further.
"The 2X Leveraged and 2X Inverse MSTR ETFs offer traders unparalleled access to MicroStrategy's Bitcoin exposure, whether they're looking to amplify potential gains or hedge against market volatility. We're a product of our ability to redefine what's possible in the ETF industry," Tuttle Capital Management CEO Matthew Tuttle said.
REX Shares CEO Greg King said the new ETFs help provide tools to traders "to engage with a company that's pushing the boundaries in digital assets."
"MicroStrategy's forward-thinking approach presents a compelling opportunity for traders seeking additional ways to trade the stock," King added.
The launches follow several other leveraged and inverse ETFs from REX and Tuttle Capital. The two companies launched the T-REX 2X Long Bitcoin Daily Target ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BTCL#BATS">BTCL</a>) and T-REX 2X Inverse Bitcoin Daily Target ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BTCZ#BATS">BTCZ</a>) in July.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/etfs/specialty-etfs/24/09/40802938/fund-manager-who-bet-against-jim-cramer-and-cathie-wood-has-new-anti-woke-etf-puts-profits-ah">Fund Manager Who Bet Against Jim Cramer And Cathie Wood Has New Anti-Woke ETF: &#8216;Puts Profits Ahead Of Politics, DEI &amp; ESG&#8217;</a>
Why It's Important: MicroStrategy has been a top-performing stock, gaining 94% year-to-date in 2024 and gaining 790% over the last five years.
The company has also seen shares highly volatile as related to the price of Bitcoin because the company is a large holder of the leading cryptocurrency.
MicroStrategy <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40857237/microstrategy-stock-climbs-after-bitcoin-purchase-heres-how-much-btc-michael-saylors-compa">recently announced it bought</a> $1.1 billion worth of Bitcoin bringing its total up to 244,800 Bitcoin. The company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40919378/microstrategy-raises-875m-in-convertible-notes-plans-further-bitcoin-purchases">recently raised</a> over $800 million to redeem $500 million in senior secured notes and to buy additional Bitcoin.
MicroStrategy began buying Bitcoin in August 2020 and will continue to add more Bitcoin, as co-founder and Executive Chairman Michael Saylor <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/22/06/27865236/exclusive-michael-saylors-microstrategy-is-married-to-bitcoin-everything-else-in-the-world">previously told Benzinga.</a>
"We have a simple strategy and our strategy is we just acquire Bitcoin, and we hold the Bitcoin," Saylor told Benzinga.
Saylor said he believes Bitcoin is the best asset in the world.
"Everything else in the world is inferior to Bitcoin. So, if you gave me $1 million and said what do you want to buy, I don't want to buy a sports team, I don't want to buy a building, I don't want to buy a company … all I want to buy is Bitcoin," Saylor previously told Benzinga.
Saylor also previously said that if people hate Bitcoin, they can short MicroStrategy and if they love Bitcoin they could buy the stock.
While investors have more ways to get Bitcoin exposure thanks to cryptocurrency exchanges and Bitcoin ETFs, MicroStrategy remains a popular option to get exposure.
With the new leveraged and inverse ETFs, investors have more ways to predict what will happen to MicroStrategy in terms of the stock going up or down.
Tuttle <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/01/36500461/exclusive-the-man-who-shorts-cathie-wood-and-jim-cramer-filed-for-new-bitcoin-etfs-why-lev">previously told Benzinga</a> that leveraged and inverse ETFs aren't for all investors, but have an important place in the market.
"They are a tool, just like stocks, bonds, ETFs, mutual funds, options, etc.," Tuttle told Benzinga. "Just like any tool some people will use them correctly and others won't."
Tuttle said that leveraged ETFs can be used by investors as an &#8220;alternative to options.&#8221;
&#8220;Unlike options, they can be traded after hours. They are very conducive to short-term trading strategies.&#8221;
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/09/40855829/benzingas-stock-whisper-index-5-stocks-investors-secretly-monitor-but-dont-talk-about-yet">Benzinga&#8217;s &#8216;Stock Whisper&#8217; Index: 5 Stocks Investors Secretly Monitor But Don&#8217;t Talk About Yet</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Master Tux from Pixabay

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

Cryptocurrency

Specialty ETFs

New ETFs

ETFs

$BTC

BTCL

BTCZ

MSTR

ETF Opportunities Trust T-Rex 2X Long MSTR Daily Target ETF

MSTU

MSTX

ETF Opportunities Trust T-Rex 2X Inverse MSTR Daily Target ETF

MSTZ

SMST

MicroStrategy 2X Leveraged, Inverse ETFs Are Here, Offer 'Unparalleled Access To MicroStrategy's Bitcoin Exposure'

A well-known Apple Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) analyst and iPhone sales forecaster is predicting weak demand of the iPhone 16 with a new hint that expectations <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40882969/iphone-16-pro-demand-lags-longer-wait-times-globally-china-shows-smaller-gap-analyst">may not be met.</a>
What Happened: Apple <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40780100/apple-intelligence-ready-iphone-16-with-faster-processor-dedicated-camera-button-announced-check-pri">unveiled the iPhone 16</a> last week and highlighted several new features including its Apple Intelligence generative AI that will be rolled out to consumers.
Early pre-order data shows demand for the iPhone 16 may be lower than expected due to a lack of reasons for existing iPhone owners to upgrade to the latest model.
Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo recently said pre-order sales for the iPhone 16 have reached 37 million units.
On Wednesday, Kuo shared another sign that demand could be low.
"Apple employees can already purchase the iPhone 16 with their employee discount. Typically, employees have had to wait several weeks after the release of new iPhone models before being able to buy. This could be another sign that the early demand for the iPhone 16 is below expectations," Kuo <a href="https://x.com/mingchikuo/status/1836445270902808958">tweeted</a>.
Kuo's recent 37 million estimate comes from pre-order data from Apple and supply chain surveys. Average delivery times and shipment volumes could indicate weaker demand for the more expensive iPhone Pro models, Kuo also said.
Did You Know?
<ul>
<li>Congress Is Making Huge Investments. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/?utm_source=BZprocontent091824">Get Tips On What They Bought And Sold Ahead Of The 2024 Election With Our Easy-to-Use Tool</a></li>
</ul>
 Why It's Important: Smartphone competition in global markets such as China could be hurting demand for the iPhone 16 along with weak reception to the Glowtime event and the new features.
With many consumers expecting more integrated AI features, the lack of AI features and slow rollout of Apple Intelligence could be a disappointment.
While it remains to be determined what the official sales figures for the iPhone 16 in 2024 and beyond are, initial iPhone 16 leaks aren't suggesting strong results.
Analysts could lower price targets and financial expectations as more data becomes available.
Pre-orders for the iPhone 16 began on Sept. 13 with initial deliveries on Sept. 20.
 AAPL Price Action: Apple stock closed Wednesday up 1.80% at $220.69 versus a 52-week trading range of $164.08 to $237.23. Apple stock is up 18.9% year-to-date in 2024.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/09/40799397/apple-analysts-mixed-after-glowtime-event-iphone-16-could-drive-upgrades-but-next-y">Apple Analysts Mixed After Glowtime Event: iPhone 16 Could &#8216;Drive Upgrades,&#8217; But &#8216;Next Year Will Be Better&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Courtesy Apple

Tech

AAPL

Apple iPhone 16 Pre-Orders Show Possible Low Demand, One Sign Could Point To Company Break With This Employee Rule

Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>) is set to end its work-from-home regime and mandate a return to full-time office work starting in January.&nbsp; CEO Andy Jassy shared the news to employees in a Monday memo, also announcing changes to<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/09/40887347/amazon-to-cut-management-layers-end-work-from-home"> the managerial structure.</a>
The end of a flexible work-from-home mandate has a more meaningful impact for the average employee. This decision has drawn considerable attention, particularly from former employees such as John McBride, a former Amazon Web Services (AWS) software engineer, who shared his opinions in an<a href="https://x.com/johncodezzz/status/1836259845118231000"> X</a> post.
McBride, who worked at AWS for a year before resigning due to Amazon&#8217;s insistence on relocating from Denver to Seattle, believes the move to reinstate full office presence is primarily driven by economic factors — as headcount reduction helps the company boost its margin.
Amazon hired heavily in the COVID-19 aftershock, adding over 400,000 employees through 2020. McBride believes the company has overhired and since then, has gone through several phases, starting with mass layoffs and gradually implementing stricter office requirements to push employees into resigning if they refuse to relocate.
His former colleague, former AWS senior developer Justin Garrison, documented such a practice as "<a href="https://justingarrison.com/blog/2023-12-30-amazons-silent-sacking/">The Silent Sacking</a>."
Garrison explained that instead of openly laying off employees, Amazon quietly encourages them to leave by making their roles undesirable. Employees are excluded from meetings, given unfulfilling work and generally made to feel unwelcome, pushing them to quit voluntarily.
This method helps Amazon cut costs without formally announcing mass layoffs or offering severance packages. His experiences show a company that quietly subverts its employees, avoiding the public scrutiny of large-scale firings.
While the means offer a reasonably clear explanation, the ends are mixed.
McBride's claim about AWS's thin operating margins is unsubstantiated. That segment has been the most profitable, with margins reaching almost 40%.
Still, his remark on tax breaks and the office presents a more reasonable angle. In 2022, Amazon received<a href="https://qz.com/amazon-s-5-billion-discount-see-all-its-tax-cuts-and-1849821611"> at least $5 billion</a> in U.S.-based tax breaks and other subsidies from 38 states, with $824 million coming from Virginia, where the corporation has a second domestic headquarters.
The company specifically located the second headquarters there, Crystal City, which is part of Arlington, Virginia, after asking for subsidy proposals from state and local governments.
Furthermore, office-based work can positively impact local economies by supporting restaurants, transportation and other services around corporate hubs. This creates a ripple effect that benefits not just Amazon, but the broader business ecosystem in cities like Arlington.
Also Read: • <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/40927293/powell-defends-0-5-interest-rate-drop-as-right-thing-for-the-economy-doubles-down">Powell Defends 0.5% Interest Rate Drop As &#8216;Right Thing For The Economy,&#8217; Doubles Down On Fed&#8217;s Cautious, Data-Driven Approach</a>
Photo: Shutterstock

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Rumors

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AMZN

Amazon Ends Remote Work, Former Employee Asks If This Is The Company's Version Of 'Silent Sacking'

Billionaire investor, entrepreneur and NBA team owner Mark Cuban announced that the 16th season of "Shark Tank" <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/11/35971715/billionaire-entrepreneur-mark-cuban-set-to-leave-shark-tank-after-season-16-its-time">will be his last.</a>
With a new shark set to join the cast alongside Cuban in the 16th season, could the show be testing his replacement?
What Happened: Cuban has been a staple on "Shark Tank" since the third season and has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/23/11/35988212/mark-cuban-to-exit-shark-tank-reflects-on-his-worst-deal-and-surprise-success-shared-with-benzinga">invested over $20 million</a> in companies over the numerous seasons of the award-winning investing show.
With Cuban's decision to leave, questions remain on how the show that airs on Walt Disney Co (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>) unit ABC will handle future seasons.
On Wednesday, the company announced that Kind Snacks founder Daniel Lubetzky will be joining the show as the first new regular investor in more than a decade, as reported by <a href="https://variety.com/2024/tv/news/shark-tank-kind-snacks-daniel-lubetzky-1236148219/">Variety</a>.
Lubetzky has previously been a guest shark on the show with appearances in Seasons 11 through 15. The billionaire has <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/startups/24/02/37102187/shark-tank-helped-retired-couple-bring-in-over-100-000-in-less-than-24-hours-after-appearing-on-the">invested in companies </a>such as Yellow Leaf Hammocks, FitFighter, Toast-It and HummViewer while on the show.
With Lubetzky as part of the regular list of panelists, it adds a billionaire who Forbes estimates his wealth at $2.3 billion. Cuban has a net worth of $5.7 billion according to Forbes.
Lubetzky <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/m-a/20/11/18428174/a-look-at-mars-latest-acquisition-kind-bars">sold Kind Snacks </a>to Mars in 2020. He now runs the investment company Camino Partners.
"It's an honor to be part of a production that continues to educate, entertain and unite Americans behind the spirit of building together," Lubetzky said.
Lubetzky said he is looking forward to "partnering with entrepreneurs from all walks of life" who are pursuing the American dream.
Did You Know?
<ul>
<li>Congress Is Making Huge Investments. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/gov-trades/?utm_source=BZprocontent091824">Get Tips On What They Bought And Sold Ahead Of The 2024 Election With Our Easy-to-Use Tool</a></li>
</ul>
What's Next: Lubetzky is set to join the Season 16 panel, which will include the regular rotation of sharks Cuban, Barbara Corcoran, Lori Greiner, Robert Herjavec, Daymond John and Kevin O'Leary. The season will be Cuban's last.
The show, which is produced by Amazon.com Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AMZN#NASDAQ">AMZN</a>)-owned MGM Television in association with Sony Group Corp (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SONY#NYSE">SONY</a>) unit Sony Pictures Television doesn't show plans of slowing down despite Cuban leaving.
According <a href="https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/18/business/daniel-lubetzky-shark-tank-mark-cuban.html">to </a>the New York Times, Lubetzky signed a multi-season deal, which likely indicates the producers' confidence in the billionaire having a big part in the show in a post-Cuban world.
"Shark Tank" executive director Clay Newbill said Lubetzky is not a direct replacement for Cuban though.
"Personally, I don't think that you can replace Mark Cuban. He's a force on the show," Newbill said.
Four new guest sharks are also being added for Season 16, including venture capitalist Rashaun Williams and Raising Cane's CEO Todd Graves.
Season 16 is set to premiere on ABC on Oct. 18.
Photo: Shutterstock

Entertainment

Media

Sony Group Corporation American Depositary Shares

SONY

Slide Over Mark Cuban, There's A New Shark In The Pool: Could This Billionaire Be His Replacement On 'Shark Tank'?

Thailand has introduced a new cannabis bill to regulate the country&#8217;s booming marijuana industry, marking the latest step in its ongoing efforts to steer cannabis use toward medical and<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/medical-cannabis"> health-related purposes. </a>
This move comes after a series of policy shifts and follows the 2022 decriminalization of the plant, which made Thailand the first country in Asia to take such action.
See Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/08/40492719/thailands-cannabis-prices-drop-amid-oversupply-and-legal-uncertainties-pakistan-senate-reviews-m">Thailand&#8217;s Cannabis Prices Drop Amid Oversupply And Legal Uncertainties</a>
The new draft bill, published earlier this week by the Ministry of Public Health, is seen as a more measured approach than previous proposals, Bloomberg <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2024-09-18/thailand-unveils-new-bill-to-regulate-cannabis-while-keeping-it-legal">reported.</a>
It arrives just days after Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra's administration took office. The legislation allows cannabis and its extracts to be used for medical treatment and research by state agencies, while also approving its use in herbal remedies, food products, and cosmetics.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Softer Stance On Recreational Use</h3>
One key aspect of the bill is its omission of a clause that explicitly outlaws recreational cannabis use, which was part of an earlier draft under former Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin. 
The new version also abandons previous efforts to reclassify cannabis as a "narcotic," a significant shift from the original stance taken by the ruling Pheu Thai Party during last year&#8217;s national elections. 
While Pheu Thai initially vowed to restrict cannabis use to medical purposes over addiction concerns, opposition from the Bhumjaithai Party, a key coalition partner, has resulted in the plant remaining legal.
Despite this more lenient approach, penalties for those who use cannabis outside the bill's defined uses remain steep. 
Under the current draft, individuals caught using cannabis for purposes not specified in the legislation will face fines of up to 60,000 baht (approximately $1,803). Sellers of cannabis products not adhering to the law face even harsher penalties, including a possible one-year jail term, fines of up to 100,000 baht, or both.
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Impacts On Thailand's Cannabis Boom</h3>
Thailand&#8217;s decriminalization of cannabis in 2022 led to the rapid rise of more than 9,400 cannabis dispensaries across the country, especially in popular tourist destinations and business hubs such as Bangkok. 
With this new bill, the government seeks to bring tighter control over this growing industry, requiring all cannabis growers, sellers and related businesses to apply for licenses or permits. Failure to comply could result in hefty fines or jail terms.
The draft legislation also calls for stricter regulations on the planting, sale, export and import of cannabis. Businesses that produce cannabis-infused goods, such as candies and baked goods, will be required to adhere to the current law, which mandates that these products contain no more than 0.2% THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for cannabis' "high" effect.
The public and industry stakeholders have until September 30 to submit their feedback on the draft legislation. The Ministry of Public Health will review the input and may make changes before presenting the bill to the cabinet. From there, it will head to parliament for approval, where it could still face further debate and revisions.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/asia/24/09/40832311/inside-the-thai-retreat-with-cannabis-infused-wellness-treatments-that-target-insomnia-and-more">Inside The Thai Retreat With Cannabis-Infused Wellness Treatments That Target Insomnia And More</a></li>
</ul>
Cover image made with AI.

Asia

Cannabis

Thailand's New Cannabis Bill: Stricter Rules, But Marijuana Remains Legal

A significant Ukrainian drone assault on Russia caused an <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/24/09/40888451/russia-to-expand-army-for-third-time-since-war-with-ukraine-began-defense-stocks-rtx-northrop-grumma">earthquake-sized eruption</a> at a major arsenal in the Tver region on Wednesday, forcing citizens in the city of Toropets to evacuate, according to reports from war bloggers and some media.
Unverified video and images on social media showed a huge ball of flame rising into the night sky and numerous explosion detonations tearing across a lake about 240 miles west of Moscow, Reuters reported.
NASA satellites registered intense heat sources coming from an area of about five square miles at the site in the early hours. Earthquake monitoring stations picked up the attack as a small earthquake&nbsp;in the area.
&#8220;The enemy hit an ammunition depot in the area of Toropets,&#8221; said Yuri Podolyaka, a Ukrainian-born, pro-Russian military blogger. &#8220;Everything that can burn is already burning there (and exploding).&#8221;
Read Also: <a href="http://US And Allies Worried Amid Reports Of Russia Potentially Sharing Nuclear Secrets With Iran">US And Allies Worried Amid Reports Of Russia Potentially Sharing Nuclear Secrets With Iran</a>
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, speaking in his nightly video address, praised the attack without mentioning the target.
&#8220;A very important result was achieved last night on Russian territory and such actions weaken the enemy,&#8221; Zelenskyy said. &#8220;I thank everyone involved. Such precision is truly inspiring.&#8221;
A source in Ukraine&#8217;s SBU state security service told Reuters earlier that the drone attack had destroyed&nbsp;a warehouse storing missiles, guided bombs and artillery ammunition.
Igor Rudenya, governor of the Tver region, said Ukrainian drones had been shot down, a fire had broken out and some residents were being evacuated. He did not say what was burning, Reuters reported.
The size of the main blast shown in the unverified social media video was consistent with 200 to 240 tons of high explosives detonating, said George William Herbert of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey in California.
Some war bloggers asked how drones could trigger such large blasts at what was thought to be a highly fortified facility.
Price Action: Defense contractors saw gains and losses by the end of Wednesday&#8217;s trading day.
<ul>
<li>General Dynamics Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GD#NYSE">GD</a>) slipped 0.44% to $302.52</li>
<li>Northrop Grumman Corporation (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NOC#NYSE">NOC</a>) rose 0.2% to $521.77</li>
<li>TransDigm Group Incorporated (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TDG#NYSE">TDG</a>) declined 0.12% to $1,273.80</li>
</ul>
Exchange-traded funds that hold defense stocks trended up and down.
<ul>
<li>IShares U.S. Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (BATS:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/ITA#BATS">ITA</a>) rose 0.06%</li>
<li>Invesco Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PPA#NYSE">PPA</a>) fell 0.13%</li>
<li>SPDR S&amp;P Aerospace &amp; Defense ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/XAR#NYSE">XAR</a>) declined 0.01%</li>
</ul>
Read Now:
<ul>
<li><a href="http://over-30-months-of-war-zelensky">Russia Launches &#8216;One Of The Heaviest Strikes&#8217; On Ukraine In Over 30 Months Of War: Zelensky</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Global

iShares Dow Jones US Aerospace & Defense Index Fund

Ukrainian Drone Attack Causes Earth-Rattling Blast In Russia's Tver Region

CTSH

mecwacare, Cognizant Embark On Multi-year Relationship To Launch Digital Transformation Program

This will result in Vistra being the sole owner of its Vistra Vision subsidiary, which includes its zero-carbon nuclear, energy storage, and solar generation assets, as well as its retail business.
The net present value of the purchase price as of&nbsp;Dec. 31, 2024, discounted at a&nbsp;6%&nbsp;interest rate, is&nbsp;$3.085 billion.
The agreement does not impact or change Vistra&#39;s capital allocation priorities. Vistra remains committed to its long-term net leverage target of less than 3x2. Vistra also continues to expect to execute at least&nbsp;$2.25 billion&nbsp;of share repurchases in 2024 and 2025 and at least&nbsp;$1 billion&nbsp;in 20263, as well as pay&nbsp;$300 million&nbsp;in aggregate common dividends in each year 2024-20263.
&nbsp;

Vistra Enters Deal With Nuveen Asset Management And Avenue Capital To Acquire Their Combined 15% Equity Interest In Vistra Vision LLC For Undiscounted Purchase Price Of $3.248B Cash, To Be Paid In Five Installments

BLMZ

BloomZ Gets Nasdaq Notification Letter That It Is Not In Compliance With Minimum Market Value Requirement

Core Scientific, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CORZ#NASDAQ">CORZ</a>) shares moved higher Wednesday as markets witnessed the first interest rate cut from the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/40926026/federal-reserve-delivers-bold-0-5-rate-cut-signals-further-easing-ahead">Federal Reserve in four years. </a>
The Details: Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>) miner Core Scientific's stock has climbed more than 20% over the past five days, as investors anticipated an interest rate cut. 
The Federal Reserve announced a 50 basis points (bps) cut Wednesday, bringing the federal funds rate down to a range of 4.75%-5% and increasing the appeal of risk assets like stocks and cryptocurrencies. 
Core Scientific shares climbed throughout Wednesday's session and spiked to an intraday high of $12.48  just after the announcement from Fed Chairman Jerome Powell. 
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/09/40910569/nvidia-salesforce-announce-strategic-ai-collaboration-what-to-know">NVIDIA, Salesforce Announce Strategic AI Collaboration: What To Know</a>
Earlier this month, Core Scientific CEO Adam Sullivan shared plans with Bernstein analysts to <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/top-stories/24/09/40800336/core-scientific-aims-for-25-30-billion-valuation-with-ai-data-center-services-bernstein">significantly expand</a> the company's AI data center services, potentially boosting its valuation to a range of $25 billion to $30 billion.&nbsp;
According to data from <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw">Benzinga Pro</a>, Core Scientific shares are trading above the stock&#8217;s 50-day moving average of $10.05 and just under its 52-week high of $12.25.&nbsp;
CORZ Price Action: According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw">Benzinga Pro</a>, Core Scientific shares ended Wednesday's session up 4.79% at $12.03.&nbsp;
Read Also:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/large-cap/24/09/40904271/whats-going-on-with-amazon-stock">What&#8217;s Going On With Amazon Stock?</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Movers

Core Scientific, Inc. - Class A Common Stock

CORZ

What Happened With Bitcoin Miner Core Scientific's Stock Today?

Apple Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) shares are moving higher Wednesday. Here&#8217;s <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/09/40917539/while-apple-abandoned-its-car-project-after-pouring-1b-into-it-its-key-supplier-foxconn-is-now-colla">what you need to know.</a>
What To Know: In significant economic development, the Federal Reserve instituted a<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/40927293/powell-defends-0-5-interest-rate-drop-as-right-thing-for-the-economy-doubles-down"> 50 basis points cut</a>, bringing the federal funds rate to 4.75%–5%. This unexpected move, marking the first rate reduction in more than four years, reflects the Fed&#8217;s greater confidence in managing inflation. 
The Fed also revised its economic growth forecast for 2024 down to 2%. Inflation projections for the same year were also lowered, while unemployment rates were revised upward through 2026.
Future Rate Path: The updated Dot Plot suggests another 50 basis points in cuts in 2024 and an additional 100 basis points by the end of 2025, highlighting a more aggressive easing approach compared to previous projections. This outlook signals a significant shift from the Fed's earlier stance and impacts projections for economic metrics over the next few years.
See Also:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/40927293/powell-defends-0-5-interest-rate-drop-as-right-thing-for-the-economy-doubles-down"> Powell Defends 0.5% Interest Rate Drop As &#8216;Right Thing For The Economy,&#8217; Doubles Down On Fed&#8217;s Cautious, Data-Driven Approach</a>
What Else: The company formerly abandoned its electric vehicle (EV) project after significant investments. In contrast, its key supplier Hon Hai Precision Industry Co Ltd &#8211; ADR, also known as Foxconn, (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/HNHPF#OTC">HNHPF</a>) is advancing in the EV market. Foxconn, collaborating with Sharp, recently unveiled the LDK+ electric vehicle prototype. Designed with a room-like interior, the LDK+ aims to serve as a personal space, highlighting the evolving role of vehicles in the autonomous driving era.
Foxconn demonstrated strategic acumen by focusing on modular EV platforms that allow for cost-efficient, unique model creation. The company has also approved a $246 million investment in Northern Vietnam for manufacturing EV parts, with operations expected to start in January 2025. This investment underscores Foxconn's commitment to enhancing its production capabilities and positioning itself as a notable player in the EV industry.
AAPL Price Action: Apple shares closed Wednesday up 1.80% at $220.69, according to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/dashboard?new_user=False&amp;backend=google-oauth2">Benzinga Pro.</a>
<figure class="wp-block-image size-large is-resized"><a href="https://benzinga.slack.com/archives/D072651PB4K/p1722883001180099"><img loading="lazy" decoding="async" width="1024" height="548" src="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/18141238/AAPL-1-1024x548.png" alt="" class="wp-image-554734" style="width:482px;height:auto" srcset="https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/18141238/AAPL-1-1024x548.png 1024w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/18141238/AAPL-1-300x161.png 300w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/18141238/AAPL-1-768x411.png 768w,https://editorial-assets.benzinga.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/18141238/AAPL-1.png 1078w" sizes="(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px" /></a></figure>
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/equities/24/09/40925721/crowdstrike-launches-ai-security-posture-management-to-enhance-cloud-protection">CrowdStrike Launches AI Security Posture Management To Enhance Cloud Protection</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Courtesy Apple Inc.

After-Hours Center

HNHPF

Apple Shares Are Trading Higher Today: What You Need To Know

INCY

SNDX

Incyte, Syndax Report Publication Of Data From Pivotal AGAVE-201 Trial Of Niktimvo; Trial Met The Primary Endpoint Across All Cohorts

Northrop Grumman Says B-21 Raider Program Is Making Progress As The Team Executes Flight Test Campaign And Scales Into Production

Guidance

SANG

Sangoma Expects FY25 Revenue Of $250M - $260M; Q1 Revenue Of $61M - $62M

Cryptocurrency markets are trading relatively flat after the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/economics/macro-economic-events/24/09/40926026/federal-reserve-delivers-bold-0-5-rate-cut-signals-further-easing-ahead">Federal Reserve announced a 50-basis-point interest rate cut</a>, making risk assets more attractive.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td>
<td>$60,376.37</td>
<td>-0.4%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</td>
<td>$2,322.72</td>
<td>-1.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)</td>
<td>$130.3</td>
<td>-1.7%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)</td>
<td>$0.101</td>
<td>-0.3%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>)</td>
<td>$0.00001334</td>
<td>-0.04%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Notable Statistics:
<ul>
<li>IntoTheBlock data shows an 8% decline in large transaction volume and a 4% increase in daily active addresses. Transactions greater than $100,000 increased from 7,579 to 8,280 in single day. Exchanges netflows narrowed by 238%.</li>
<li>Coinglass data shows 56,823 traders were liquidated in the past 24 hours for $124 million.</li>
<li>HODL15Capital <a href="https://x.com/HODL15Capital/status/1836412436250865968">noted</a> that U.S. Bitcoin ETFs continue to buy more than 100% of newly mined BTC. The ETFs bought 2,921 Bitcoin yesterday vs. 450 mined.</li>
</ul>
Notable Developments:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40922909/revolut-plans-to-launch-stablecoin-crypto-is-part-of-our-belief-in-banking-without-borders">Revolut Plans To Launch Stablecoin: &#8216;Crypto Is Part Of Our Belief In Banking Without Borders&#8217;</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40913998/jamie-dimon-says-jpmorgan-is-likely-one-of-the-bigger-users-of-blockchain-technology-but-c">Jamie Dimon Says JPMorgan Is Likely &#8216;One Of The Bigger Users&#8217; Of Blockchain Technology, But Calls Cryptocurrencies A &#8216;Pet Rock&#8217;</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40919168/ethereum-co-founder-says-donald-trump-is-certainly-the-favorite-over-kamala-harris-for-cry">Ethereum Co-Founder Says Donald Trump Is &#8216;Certainly The Favorite&#8217; Over Kamala Harris For Crypto</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40924865/hamster-kombat-to-launch-game-development-ecosystem-aiming-to-onboard-next-billion-into-we">Hamster Kombat To Launch Game Development Ecosystem, Aiming To Onboard &#8216;Next Billion&#8217; Into Web3</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40913080/shiba-inu-team-says-launching-k9-finance-liquid-staking-on-shibarium-tomorrow-are-shib-bur">MicroStrategy Raises $875M In Convertible Notes, Plans Further Bitcoin Purchases</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40913080/shiba-inu-team-says-launching-k9-finance-liquid-staking-on-shibarium-tomorrow-are-shib-bur">Shiba Inu Team Says Launching K9 Finance Liquid Staking On Shibarium Tomorrow: Are SHIB Burns Set To Accelerate From Here On Now?</a></li>
</ul>
Top Gainers:
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Price</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Nervos Network (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ckb/usd">CKB</a>)</td>
<td>$0.01754&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>+10%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Fantom (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/ftm/usd">FTM</a>)</td>
<td>$0.6171</td>
<td>+8.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>BinaryX (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">BNX</a>)</td>
<td>$1.56</td>
<td>+7.8%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Trader Notes: Crypto chart analyst Ali Martinez predicts that today's close above $61,500 "could signal the resumption of the bull market! Uptober."
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a> attempts to break through an important trend line. Closing today above $61,500 could signal the resumption of the bull market! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Uptober?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Uptober</a> &#x1f440; <a href="https://t.co/CU2a38Jsdh">pic.twitter.com/CU2a38Jsdh</a>
&mdash; Ali (@ali_charts) <a href="https://twitter.com/ali_charts/status/1836475047625560515?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Another trader Satoshi Flipper calls this FOMC decision bullish for risk assets like Bitcoin and crypto assets. He added that 50 basis points is more bullish than 25 basis points. He <a href="https://x.com/SatoshiFlipper/status/1836468861174198325">concluded</a>, "cost of borrowing just got even cheaper, hence companies will make more and have more capital available for investing in BTC/risk assets." &nbsp; Another crypto trader, More Crypto Online, predicts that a "break above yesterday&#8217;s high would open the door to $67,000." He <a href="https://x.com/Morecryptoonl/status/1836473875187560632">called</a> the price action a good reaction to the support zone and bulls need to hold above the trend channel for further upside momentum. &nbsp; Crypto Bully provided both long and short trade plans for Bitcoin. Suggesting how to trade, "Look for a retest with good volume to long towards $61,500 for a continuation long."</figcaption></figure>
<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-rich is-provider-twitter wp-block-embed-twitter"> 
<div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-width="500" data-dnt="true"><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%24BTC&amp;src=ctag&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">$BTC</a> Update: Both Long and short trade plans &#8211; Powell says that 50bps rate cuts should not be seen as the norm going forward, also says labor market bears close watching &#8211; BTC just following equities the entire day today. Open Interest up 4% since FOMC number release &#8211; Both… <a href="https://t.co/nchUhNYRWD">pic.twitter.com/nchUhNYRWD</a>
&mdash; Crypto Bully &#x1f525; (@BullyDCrypto) <a href="https://twitter.com/BullyDCrypto/status/1836479545697816826?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 18, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
What&#8217;s Next: The influence of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/money/is-bitcoin-a-good-investment" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bitcoin as an institutional asset class</a>&nbsp;is expected to be thoroughly explored at Benzinga&#8217;s upcoming&nbsp;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/events/digital-assets/agenda/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Future of Digital Assets</a>&nbsp;event on Nov. 19.
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/09/40908610/whale-games-bitcoin-trader-takes-11-6m-profit-but-guess-how-much-more-theyre-sitting-on">Whale Games: Bitcoin Trader Takes $11.6M Profit But Guess How Much More They&#8217;re Sitting On</a></li>
</ul>

$BNX

$CKB

$DOGE

$ETH

$FTM

$SHIB

$SOL

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Cheer Fed's Decision, Erase Early Losses: Close Above $61.5K Is 'Resumption Of Bull Market,' Says Trader

Sangoma Technologies (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/SANG#NASDAQ">SANG</a>) reported quarterly losses of $(0.05) per share which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $(0.03) by 66.67 percent. The company reported quarterly sales of $60.93 million which missed the analyst consensus estimate of $61.03 million by 0.16 percent. This is a 4.31 percent decrease over sales of $63.68 million the same period last year.

Earnings

Earnings Misses

Sangoma Technologies Q4 2024 GAAP EPS $(0.05) Misses $(0.03) Estimate, Sales $60.93M Miss $61.03M Estimate

iLearningEngines and GenLab Ventures&#39; alliance will initially focus on accelerating digital transformation for global multinationals in Japan, India, the Middle East, and the Americas by applying Generative AI to assist Chief Digital Officers and Chief Learning Officers.&nbsp;

AILE

iLearningEngines Enters Strategic Alliance With GenLab Venture Studio

Truist Financial analyst Joel Fishbein maintained a Hold rating on Okta (OKTA – Research Report) yesterday and set a price target of $95.00. The co...

Okta (OKTA) Receives a Hold from Truist Financial

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Okta, Inc. ($OKTA), a global leader in cloud-based identity management solutions, has lost more than 20% of its market value since Aug. 29 despite ...

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Okta, Inc. (OKTA) Citi's 2024 Global TMT Conference (Transcript)

Datadog (DDOG) reported mixed financial results in the second quarter of 2024. While the cloud-based monitoring and analytics platform operator's long-term outlook appears bright with strategic investments and innovations, it faces mixed analysts' expectations and rigid competition. So, should you buy or hold this stock? Read more to find out... Datadog, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/DDOG/">DDOG</a>) is an operator of an observability and security platform for cloud applications. It offers a wide range of products, including infrastructure and application performance monitoring, log management, digital experience monitoring, and database monitoring.
The company easily beat the analysts' estimates in the last reported quarter. It reported second-quarter revenue of $645.28 million, exceeding analysts' expectations of $625.10 million. Its EPS came in at $0.43, compared to the consensus estimate of $0.36.
During the second quarter, Datadog introduced various new products and capabilities like Datadog Kubernetes Autoscaling and Log Workspaces. The company continued its efforts of delivering innovations to cater to the customers and help them observe their environments, secure their infrastructures and workloads, and take necessary measures to remediate problems actively.
Olivier Pomel, co-founder and CEO of Datadog, commented, "Datadog executed well in the second quarter, with 27% year-over-year revenue growth, continued customer growth, and expanding multi-product adoption across our platform."
Datadog holds strong leadership in cloud monitoring and analytics in the cloud computing segment. The segment refers to the on-demand seamless access of computing resources consisting of servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence over the Internet.
However, DDOG competes with other leading cloud computing-centric companies driven by AI. These include Domo Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/DOMO/">DOMO</a>), Okta Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/OKTA/">OKTA</a>), Olo Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/OLO/">OLO</a>), and Workday Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/WDAY/">WDAY</a>), which are set to deliver significant returns in the mid to long term. This can result in compromised profitability for DDOG as companies strive to leverage AI and enhance their capabilities and offerings
As per the company's third-quarter 2024 outlook, DDOG expects revenue between $660 million and $664 million. Its non-GAAP operating income is anticipated to be $146 million - $150 million, while non-GAAP net income per share is set to be $0.38 to $0.40.
For the full year 2024, Datadog's revenue is expected to range from $2.62 billion to $2.63 billion. The company's non-GAAP operating income is expected to be between $620 million and $630 million. And non-GAAP net income per share is projected to be $1.62 - $1.66.
Shares of DDOG have gained 8% over the past month and 12.3% over the past year to close its last trading session at $110.09. However, the stock has declined 10.9% over the past six months.
Let's look at factors that could influence DDOG's performance in the upcoming months.
Positive Recent Developments
On June 26, DDOG unveiled Datadog Kubernetes Autoscaling, a set of capabilities that intelligently automates resource optimization and automatically scales customers' Kubernetes environments based on real-time and historical utilization metrics. This made DDOG the first observability vendor to offer its customers to make changes to their Kubernetes environments.
Also, on the same day, the company launched Log Workspaces, a suite of capabilities in a powerful, collaborative space enabling analysts and engineers from all teams in an organization to connect logs and other datasets and build multi-stage queries to answer complex questions on business, security and application issues of sophisticated analytics.
Datadog also announced new additions to its security product portfolio, including Agentless Scanning, Data Security, and Code Security, allowing DevOps and security teams to easily secure their code, cloud environments, and production applications.
Mixed Financials
For the second quarter that ended June 30, 2024, DDOG's revenue increased 26.6% year-over-year to $645.28 million. However, its cost of revenue also increased 21.3% year-over-year to $123.50 million. The company's non-GAAP <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/g/grossprofit.asp#:~:text=Gross%20profit%2C%20or%20gross%20income,fluctuate%20compared%20to%20production%20output.">gross profit</a> grew 27.9% from the year-ago value to $529.52 million, while the non-GAAP operating income of $157.54 million reflects an increase of 48% from the prior year's quarter.
Furthermore, the company's non-GAAP net income after non-GAAP tax adjustments came in at $152.96 million and $0.43 per share, up 50.8% and 48.3% year-over-year, respectively. Also, its free cash flow increased 1.4% year-over-year to $143.78 million.
However, the company's total liabilities stood at $2.01 billion as of June 30, 2024, compared to $1.91 billion as of December 31, 2023.
Favorable Historical Growth
DDOG's revenue grew at a CAGR of 46.3% over the past three years. Its tangible book value increased at a CAGR of 47.2% over the same period, while the company's total assets grew at a CAGR of 28.6% over the same time frame.
However, the company's levered free cash flow increased at a CAGR of 81.2% over the same timeframe.
Mixed Analyst Estimates
Analysts expect DDOG's revenue for the third quarter (ending September 2024) to come in at $664.75 million, indicating an increase of 21.4% year-over-year. However, its consensus EPS estimate of $0.40 for the same period reflects a 12.1% year-over-year decline. The company has surpassed the consensus revenue and EPS estimates in all of the trailing four quarters.
Further, for the fiscal year 2024, the company's revenue and EPS are anticipated to grow 23.7% and 26.8% year-over-year to $2.63 billion and $1.67, respectively. In addition, Street expects its revenue and EPS for the fiscal year 2025 to grow 22.3% and 16.1% from the prior year to $3.22 billion and $1.94, respectively.
Elevated Valuation
In terms of forward EV/Sales, DDOG is currently trading at 13.34x, 380.6% higher than the industry average of 2.78x. The stock's forward non-GAAP P/E and Price/Sales of 65.75x and 14.10x are considerably higher than the industry average of 22.90x and 2.77x, respectively.
Additionally, the stock's forward EV/EBITDA and Price/Book of 52.02x and 14.18x are 271.4% and 251.6% higher than the industry averages of 14.01x and 4.03x, respectively.
POWR Ratings Reflect Uncertainty
DDOG's mixed fundamentals are reflected in its <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a>. The stock has an overall rating of C, translating to a Neutral in our proprietary system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 different factors, with each factor weighted to an optimal degree.
Our proprietary rating system also evaluates each stock based on eight distinct categories. DDOG has an A grade for Growth, in sync with its favorable historical growth.
However, the stock has a D grade for Value and Stability, consistent with its elevated valuation and mixed analysts' estimates.
DDOG is ranked #17 among the 39 stocks in the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/software-business/">Software - Business</a> industry.
Beyond what I have stated above, we have also given DDOG grades for Momentum, Sentiment, and Quality. Get access to all the DDOG ratings <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/DDOG/">here</a>.
Bottom Line
DDOG reported mixed financial results in the last reported quarter. Further, the company's long-term prospects appear promising, driven by its strategic investments and continuous innovations. However, it continues to grapple with increasing cost of expenses and rising competition from its peers.
Given DDOG's mixed financials and elevated valuation, waiting for a better entry point in this stock seems prudent.
Stocks to Consider Instead of Datadog, Inc. (DDOG)
Given its near-term uncertain prospects, the odds of DDOG outperforming in the weeks and months ahead are compromised. However, there are many industry peers with much more impressive POWR Ratings. So, consider these A (Strong Buy) or B (Buy) stocks from the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/software-business/">Software - Business</a> industry instead:
SolarWinds Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/SWI/">SWI</a>)
VMware Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/VMW/">VMW</a>)
RingCentral Inc. Cl A (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/RNG/">RNG</a>)
For exploring more A and B-rated software stocks, <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/software-business/">click here</a>.
What To Do Next?
Get your hands on this special report with 3 low priced companies with tremendous upside potential even in today's volatile markets:
<a href="https://report.stocknews.com/free-report/3stocks/?formplacement=artbotad_3s">3 Stocks to DOUBLE This Year &gt;</a>

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DDOG shares were trading at $107.20 per share on Friday afternoon, down $2.89 (-2.63%). Year-to-date, DDOG has declined -11.68%, versus a 14.42% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Rjkumari Saxena</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/Rajkumari-Saxena_Image-1.jpeg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Rajkumari started her career as a writer but gradually shifted her focus to financial journalism, leveraging her educational background in Commerce. Fascinated by the interplay of business and economic shifts in equities, she aspires to evolve as an analyst. With a knack for simplifying complex financial concepts, her mission is to empower investors with insights that lead to profitable decisions.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=rajkumari-saxena">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/ddog-swi-vmw-rng-domo-okta-olo-wday-with-ai-powered-analytics-is-datadog-ddog-a-stock-to-watch/>With AI-Powered Analytics, Is Datadog (DDOG) a Stock to Watch?</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

With AI-Powered Analytics, Is Datadog (DDOG) a Stock to Watch?

Tracking George Soros's 13F Portfolio - Q2 2024 Update

Okta, Inc. (OKTA) CEO Todd McKinnon presents at Goldman Sachs Communacopia + Technology Conference (Transcript)

Proof Of Life - Maintaining Okta With A Buy

Fidelity Select Technology Portfolio Q2 2024 Review

The cloud computing market offers a promising investment opportunity due to growing digital transformation, rising infrastructure spending, and AI adoption, along with the demand for cloud's cost efficiency, security, and scalability. Therefore, it could be wise to keep an eye on strong cloud computing stocks like Oracle (ORCL), ServiceNow (NOW), and Okta (OKTA) in the digital economy. Read on... Cloud computing plays a critical role in the modern economy by enabling businesses to scale, innovate, and streamline operations through agility and cost-efficiency. Companies leveraging cloud solutions are set to thrive as demand for digital transformation grows across sectors, creating lucrative investment opportunities.
Hence, investors should consider watching robust cloud computing stocks like Oracle Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/ORCL/">ORCL</a>), ServiceNow, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/NOW/">NOW</a>), and Okta, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/OKTA/">OKTA</a>) in the digital economy.
Cloud computing has revolutionized identity management and security, automating enterprise services worldwide. Thanks to software applications, business operations have been streamlined through storage, databases, and cybersecurity innovations. As a result, the software market is projected to grow at a <a href="https://www.statista.com/outlook/tmo/software/worldwide">5.3% CAGR</a> from 2024 to 2028, reaching $858.10 billion.
According to IDC, cloud infrastructure spending is projected to grow at a double-digit rate, reaching <a href="https://www.idc.com/getdoc.jsp?containerId=prUS52398324">$213.7 billion by 2028</a>, highlighting cloud's increasing significance. As cloud reliance intensifies, software security becomes crucial for protecting systems, managing access control, and defending against threats. The security software market is expected to grow at <a href="https://www.maximizemarketresearch.com/market-report/global-security-software-market/23958/">13.9% from 2024 to 2030</a>, reaching nearly $58.6 billion.
Hence, with the increasing focus on cloud computing for efficient data management and workflow optimization, there is growing optimism in the cloud computing market. Now, let's take a closer look at the fundamentals of the cloud computing stocks mentioned above.
Oracle Corporation (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/ORCL/">ORCL</a>)
ORCL offers products and services that address enterprise information technology environments worldwide. The company provides cloud software applications, cloud-based industry solutions, application licenses, infrastructure technologies, databases, Java, middleware, hardware products, and consulting and customer services.
In terms of the trailing-12-month <a href="https://www.investopedia.com/terms/l/levered-free-cash-flow.asp">levered FCF</a> margin, ORCL's 19.21% is 84.6% higher than the 10.41% industry average. Likewise, the stock's 30.45% trailing-12-month EBIT margin is 511.9% higher than the 4.98% industry average. Also, the stock's 20.40% trailing-12-month net income margin is 436% higher than the 3.81% industry average.
For the fiscal first quarter ended August 31, 2024, ORCL's total revenues increased 6.9% year-over-year to $13.31 billion. Likewise, its operating income was $3.99 billion, up 21.1% from the year-ago value. Furthermore, its net income and EPS stood at $2.93 billion and $1.03, respectively, representing increases of 21% and 19.8% over the prior-year quarter.
Street expects ORCL's revenue and EPS for the quarter ending November 30, 2024, to increase 9% and 10.3% year-over-year to $14.10 billion and $1.48, respectively. It surpassed the consensus EPS estimates in three of the trailing four quarters. The stock has gained 53% year-to-date to close the last trading session at $161.31.
ORCL's <a href="https://stocknews.com/powr-ratings/">POWR Ratings</a> reflect strong prospects. It has an overall rating of B, translating to a Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings assess stocks by 118 different factors, each with its own weighting.
It is ranked #25 out of 125 stocks in the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/software-application/">Software - Application</a> industry. It has an A grade for Sentiment and a B for Stability and Growth. <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/ORCL/">Click here</a> to see ORCL's Growth, Value, and Momentum ratings.
ServiceNow, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/NOW/">NOW</a>)
NOW provides enterprise cloud computing solutions that define, structure, consolidate, manage, and automate services for enterprises worldwide. The company operates the Now platform for workflow automation, artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotic process automation, process mining, performance analytics, electronic service catalogs and portals, data benchmarking, encryption, etc.
On September 10, 2024, NOW announced the integration of Agentic AI into its platform to enhance 24/7 productivity across IT, customer service, HR, and more. The new AI agents will use advanced reasoning for deep contextual understanding, while the NOW's Assist Skill Kit will allow organizations to build and deploy custom GenAI skills.
On July 24, 2024, NOW and Boomi announced a partnership to enhance customer experiences through AI-driven self-service solutions. Boomi will use NOW's platform to streamline support and self-service, while ServiceNow will integrate Boomi's API Management capabilities for better API visibility and governance.
In terms of the trailing-12-month net income margin, NOW's 11.51% is 202.5% higher than the 3.81% industry average. Its 6.29% trailing-12-month Return on Total Assets is 203.3% higher than the 2.08% industry average. Also, its 7.98% trailing-12-month Capex / Sales is 278.8% higher than the industry average of 2.11%.
During the second quarter ended June 30, 2024, NOW's non-GAAP total revenues rose 22.5% year-over-year to $2.64 billion. Its non-GAAP gross profit rose 23.1% from the year-ago quarter to $2.17 billion. Its non-GAAP net income rose 34% year-over-year to $651 million. Also, the company's non-GAAP earnings per share came in at $3.13, representing an increase of 32.1% year-over-year.
Analysts expect NOW's EPS for the quarter ending September 30, 2024, to increase 18.2% year-over-year to $3.45. Its revenue for the same quarter is expected to grow 20% year-over-year to $2.75 billion. It surpassed the consensus EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. Over the past year, the stock has gained 44.8% to close the last trading session at $877.57.
NOW's positive outlook is reflected in its POWR Ratings. It is ranked #15 out of 39 stocks in the B-rated <a href="Software%20-%20Business">Software – Business</a> industry. It has a B grade for Growth, Sentiment, and Quality. To see NOW's Value, Momentum, and Stability ratings, <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/NOW/">click here</a>.
Okta, Inc. (<a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/OKTA/">OKTA</a>)
OKTA operates internationally as an identity partner. The company offers a suite of products and services for managing and securing identities, including Single Sign-On, Adaptive Multi-Factor Authentication, API Access Management, Access Gateway, and Okta Device Access.
In terms of the trailing-12-month levered FCF margin, OKTA's 31.19% is 199.7% higher than the 10.41% industry average. Similarly, its 75.82% trailing-12-month gross profit margin is 53% higher than the industry average of 49.56%.
In the second quarter that ended on July 31, 2024, OKTA's total revenues rose 16.2% year-over-year to $646 million. The company's non-GAAP gross profit increased 18.9% from the year-ago value to $528 million. For the same quarter, OKTA's non-GAAP net income was $131 million, or $0.72 per share, marking increases of 133.9% and 132.3% over the previous year's quarter, respectively.
For the quarter ending October 31, 2024, OKTA's revenue and EPS are expected to increase 11.2% and 32.7% year-over-year to $649.65 million and $0.58, respectively. OKTA surpassed the Street EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. Over the past nine months, the stock has gained 3.9% to close the last trading session at $73.58.
OKTA's strong fundamentals are reflected in its POWR Ratings. It has a B grade for Growth. Within the <a href="https://stocknews.com/category/software-security/">Software – Security</a> industry, it is ranked #9 out of 23 stocks. To access the additional POWR Ratings for OKTA for Value, Momentum, Stability, Sentiment, and Quality, <a href="https://stocknews.com/stock/OKTA/">click here</a>.
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ORCL shares were trading at $161.45 per share on Thursday afternoon, up $4.27 (+2.72%). Year-to-date, ORCL has gained 54.66%, versus a 18.28% rise in the benchmark S&amp;P 500 index during the same period.
<hr><div style="clear:both;"></div> <h2>About the Author: Abhishek Bhuyan</h2> <img src='https:/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/ABhuyan.jpg' style="float:left; padding:5px;width:125px;">Abhishek embarked on his professional journey as a financial journalist due to his keen interest in discerning the fundamental factors that influence the future performance of financial instruments.<a href="https://stocknews.com/authors/?author=abhishek-bhuyan">More...</a>The post <a href=https://stocknews.com/news/orcl-now-okta-3-cloud-computing-stocks-to-watch-in-the-digital-economy/>3 Cloud Computing Stocks to Watch in the Digital Economy</a> appeared first on <a href=https://stocknews.com/>StockNews.com</a>

3 Cloud Computing Stocks to Watch in the Digital Economy

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Press Releases

Okta Announces First Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results

Okta to Present at Upcoming Investor Conference

Okta Names Anthony Bates to Board of Directors

Okta Sponsors Firstboard.io to Support Talent Diversification at the Highest Levels

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HiHello Welcomes Industry Leaders Shana Simmons and Eugenio Pace to Board of Directors

Okta to Announce Second Quarter Fiscal Year 2025 Financial Results on August 28, 2024

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