Latest news for Polarean Imaging (OTC:PLLWF) Stock

Polarean Imaging PLC designs and manufactures medical drug-device combination companies operating in the high-resolution medical imaging market. Its only operating segment being the development and commercialization of gas polariser devices and ancillary instruments. Geographically, it derives majority of the revenue from the United States of America and also has a presence in Canada and the United Kingdom. The company generates revenue from products and services such as Polarisers, Parts and Upgrades, Service and other revenue. Its product portfolio includes 9820 129Xe Hyperpolarizer, 9800 129Xe Hyperpolarizer, Polarean 3777 129Xe Hyperpolarizer Upgrade Module, Polarean 2881 Polarization Measurement Station, and others.

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Stocks That Hit 52-Week Highs On Wednesday

POLAREAN IMAGING LTD by Polarean Imaging Ltd.

Polarean Imaging PLC

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

RNAZ

President-elect Donald <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42265694/trumps-kash-patel-fbi-pick-and-dea-nominee-could-signal-shift-in-drug-enforcement-priorities">Trump's choice to lead</a> the Drug Enforcement Administration announced on Tuesday he is withdrawing from consideration just three days after Trump made his nomination known, <a href="https://apnews.com/article/chad-chronister-trump-withdrawing-nominee-032bd91a5ef447e820e2b1f63e50861e">reported</a> the Associated Press.
Chad Chronister, Florida's Hillsborough County Sheriff, said in a post on X Tuesday evening that he will continue his duties as a Florida sheriff.
"Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I've concluded that I must respectfully withdraw from consideration," Chronister wrote. He did not elaborate, and Trump's transition team did not immediately respond to a message from AP seeking comment.
"There is more work to be done for the citizens of Hillsborough County and a lot of initiatives I am committed to fulfilling," Chronister continued. "I sincerely appreciate the nomination, outpouring of support by the American people, and look forward to continuing my service as Sheriff of Hillsborough County."
<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">To have been nominated by President-Elect <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@realDonaldTrump</a> to serve as Administrator of the Drug Enforcement Administration is the honor of a lifetime. Over the past several days, as the gravity of this very important responsibility set in, I've concluded that I must respectfully… <a href="https://t.co/bvNF8m9Bh4">pic.twitter.com/bvNF8m9Bh4</a>
&mdash; Chad Chronister (@ChadChronister) <a href="https://twitter.com/ChadChronister/status/1864068222309277751?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Chronister's nomination came at a pivotal time for the DEA, particularly as the agency navigates the federal marijuana rescheduling process. He had advocated for marijuana decriminalization, calling it the "right thing to do" as "society is evolving." Though Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis <a href="https://floridapolitics.com/archives/710176-ron-desantis-bucks-some-of-his-political-allies-backs-chad-chronister-to-dea/">endorsed</a> Chronister as head of the DEA, Trump's pick for the DEA job drew backlash from Florida conservatives, who blasted him over his actions during the COVID-19 pandemic, saying that his office "does not engage in federal immigration enforcement activities." Hillsborough County is located on the west side of the state and includes Tampa. Chronister&#8217;s withdrawal follows former Florida Republican congressman Matt Gaetz, Trump's first choice for attorney general, who <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42119848/matt-gaetz-withdraws-name-from-ag-nomination-calls-sex-trafficking-controversy-a-distraction">pulled his name</a> for a post as attorney general after widespread criticism over scrutiny over multiple <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/legal/24/11/42078192/trumps-attorney-general-pick-matt-gaetz-resigned-from-congress-ethics-committee-to-decide-if-report-will-be-released" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sex trafficking investigations</a>.</figcaption></figure>
Photo: Official photo of Chad Chronister in a June 2019 news conference

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Trump's DEA Pick Withdraws From Consideration, Will Keep Job As Florida Sheriff

Planet 13 Holdings (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/PLNH#OTC">PLNH</a>), a key player in the cannabis retail and cultivation space has seen its stock drop 29% over the last 30 days, reflecting broader market pressures. However, the company presents an attractive opportunity for investors, given its discounted valuation relative to peers and its substantial growth prospects, particularly in Florida.
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<li>Get Benzinga's exclusive analysis and the top news about the cannabis industry and markets daily in your inbox for free. Subscribe to our newsletter&nbsp;<a href="https://newsletteremail.benzinga.com/subscribe" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">here</a>. You can&#8217;t afford to miss out if you're serious about the business.</li>
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<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Valuation: Discounted Yet Attractive</h3>
PLNHF is trading at $0.40 per share, with an enterprise value (EV) of $137 million, factoring in net cash of $19 million, net leases, and tax debt. A sales multiple is a common valuation metric that compares a company's market value to its revenue. This places PLNHF at a 1.1x sales multiple, lower than its competitors: Green Thumb Industries (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GTBIF#OTC">GTBIF</a>) and Curaleaf (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/CURLF#OTC">CURLF</a>), both at 2x, and AYR Wellness (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AYRWF#OTC">AYRWF</a>) at 1.5x. PLNHF's lower multiple suggests it is valued more cheaply relative to these competitors, meaning investors are paying less for each dollar of <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/41861161/planet-13-slashes-costs-66-revenue-grows-losses-shrink-is-this-the-turning-point">PLNHF's revenue</a> compared to the others.
<a href="https://zuanicgroup.com/">Zuanic &amp; Associates</a> notes, "PLNH trades at 1.1x current sales vs. 1.5x for the group and 2x for the likes of Green Thumb and Curaleaf." 
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/12/42301372/canopy-growth-set-to-complete-acreage-acquisition-leaving-some-shareholders-potentially-open-to-losses">Canopy Growth Set To Complete Acreage Acquisition, Leaving Some Shareholders Potentially Open To Losses</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Growth Catalysts And Regulatory Exposure</h3>
While PLNHF lacks "regulatory unlock" optionality in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/ohio-cannabis">Ohio</a> and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/pennsylvania-cannabis">Pennsylvania</a>, where potential legalization could offer future upside, the company's Florida expansion is poised to drive growth. <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/pablo-zuanic">Zuanic points out</a>, "With several <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/03/37680463/how-company-planet-13-cannabis-company-stays-green-amid-23m-revenue-and-red-ink-q4-2023-financia">organic growth catalysts</a> and a strong balance sheet, PLNH's downside risk is minimized compared to peers."
In Florida, the company plans to open 8 new stores by the end of 2024 and improve cultivation yields by 40%. PLNHF is also expanding its Nevada retail operations.
Zuanic explained that despite missing out in states like Ohio and Pennsylvania, PLNHF holds a solid financial position.&nbsp;
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42300451/nasdaq-listed-high-tide-under-the-magnifying-glass-key-insights-for-cannabis-investors">NASDAQ-Listed High Tide Under The Magnifying Glass: Key Insights For Cannabis Investors</a>
<h3 class="wp-block-heading">Bottom Line: Think Long-Term&nbsp;</h3>
Despite short-term challenges, PLNHF's strategic growth initiatives—especially in <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/05/38955155/floridas-marijuana-market-could-drive-139-revenue-spike-for-planet-13-fourfold-mark">Florida</a> and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cannabis/24/07/39677795/planet-13-joins-fight-nights-sponsors-ufc-fighter-and-mma-cannabis-friendly-watch-parties-in-veg">Nevada</a>—position the company for long-term success. With an attractive valuation discount compared to peers, Planet 13 represents a compelling opportunity for investors looking to capitalize on the cannabis sector's evolution.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42297268/why-cannabis-industry-workers-and-employees-should-think-about-401k-plans">EXCLUSIVE: Why Cannabis Industry Workers And Employees Should Think About 401(k) Plans</a>

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CURALEAF HLDGS INC by Curaleaf Hldgs Inc.

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PLNHF

Diversify Around And Find Out: Can Vegas Superstore And Florida Sales Boost This Weed Penny Stock?

Aswath Damodaran, finance professor at New York Univerisity&#8217;s Stern School of Business, told Bloomberg Television on Monday that he recommends buying any of the Magnificent Seven <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/tech/24/11/42143676/which-magnificent-7-stock-should-doj-target-next-benzinga-poll-finds-over-50-say">stocks on dips. </a>
What To Know: Corrections will occur and "I'd suggest that when that happens you find a way to add at least one, maybe two or three of these companies, because these are so much part of what drives the economy and the market," Damodaran said.
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42300548/art-cashins-lessons-cuban-crisis-trades-to-timeless-wall-street-wit">Art Cashin&#8217;s Lessons: Cuban Crisis Trades To Timeless Wall Street Wit</a>
It has been difficult to buy the dip on a Magnificent Seven stock as the tech giants have climbed throughout 2024. The Roundhill Magnificent Seven ETF (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MAGS#NASDAQ">MAGS</a>) offers equal-weight exposure to the Magnificent Seven stocks and is up nearly 60% year-to-date. 
"As a value investor, I have never seen cash machines as lucrative as these companies are," Damodaran said. "And I don't see the cash machine slowing down."
Apple, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/AAPL#NASDAQ">AAPL</a>) and Nvidia Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NVDA#NASDAQ">NVDA</a>) continue jockeying for the top position as the largest company in terms of market capitalization. Apple currently holds the largest market cap at $3.67 trillion, while Nvidia is in second place with a market cap of $3.44 trillion. Microsoft Corp. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MSFT#NASDAQ">MSFT</a>) remains in third with a market capitalization of $3.21 trillion. 
Tesla, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TSLA#NASDAQ">TSLA</a>), formerly the laggard of the seven, has gained more than 40% over the past month. CEO Elon Musk has grown into a trusted advisor of President-elect Donald Trump and investors are betting Tesla <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42283558/elon-musks-doge-co-lead-already-targeting-tesla-rivals-vivek-ramaswamy-flags-stellantis-75b-loan-days-after-criticizing-rivians-66b-loan">will benefit</a> under the Trump administration. 
Though not quite a dip, Alphabet, Inc. (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>) (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) shares have remained flat over the past month as the company faces ongoing litigation and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/government/regulations/24/11/42143421/staggering-google-breakup-proposal-from-doj-a-kitchen-sink-moment-alphabet-analyst">the potential sale</a> of its Chrome browser in a federal antitrust lawsuit. 
Read Next:&nbsp;
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/analyst-ratings/analyst-color/24/12/42273676/walmart-target-bath-body-works-stand-out-as-black-friday-winners-analysts">Walmart, Target, Bath &amp; Body Works Stand Out As Black Friday Winners: Analysts</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

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TSLA

What's Going On With Magnificent 7 Stocks?

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier faces a critical vote of no confidence tomorrow (Dec. 4) after invoking Article 49.3 to pass a controversial 2025 austerity budget <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/france">without parliamentary approval</a>.
The move, designed to address France's soaring deficit with $42 billion in spending cuts and $21 billion in tax hikes, has polarized the fractured National Assembly. Marine Le Pen's National Rally and the leftist New Popular Front have united in opposition, calling for Barnier's ouster. In on interview on TV today, Barnier warned that if the motion succeeds, millions of French citizens could face economic instability, including rising interest rates and tax hikes, <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/live/2024/dec/03/france-no-confidence-motion-government-budget-michel-barnier-latest-updates">per</a> the Guardian.
A failure to secure support would result in Barnier's government being the shortest-lived in modern French history, he only took office in September, further destabilizing the eurozone. President Emmanuel Macron would then need to appoint a new prime minister to navigate the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/24/07/39657677/french-elections-take-a-surprising-turn-as-left-poised-for-victory-what-does-that-mean-for-the-marke">deeply divided parliament</a>.
France has often been a volatile market for foreign companies, but its size, manpower, favorable geographical position, and pole position in global tourism have made it a lucrative economy.
The following publicly listed companies have exposure to the French economy.
McDonald's (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/MCD#NYSE">MCD</a>) has been operating in France since 1972. Since then, it has grown into a network of 1,485 restaurants — the most in Europe — generating billions in revenue. However, the franchise got caught evading taxes after a trade union asked the company to raise wages and introduce profit-sharing bonuses. Eventually, the firm <a href="https://drupal-cloudfront.benzinga.com/news/22/06/27724606/mcdonalds-agrees-to-settle-french-tax-case-for-1-3b-wsj">paid a $1.3 billion fine</a>.
Walt Disney Co. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/DIS#NYSE">DIS</a>) opened its resort in Paris in 1992, growing it into one of the top attractions in Europe. Around 16.1 million tourists visited the park in 2023, generating $343 million in profits. The park is the largest single-site employer in the country, with 17,000 workers — making it prone to strikes that last occurred in 2023. Despite its popularity, the park has been a problematic part of Disney's portfolio and is often a drain on its resources.
IBM (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/IBM#NYSE">IBM</a>) has a long-standing relationship with France as one of the IT pioneers that expanded overseas seeking foreign talent.  Nowadays, IBM has over 7,000 employees in the country, working on technology services, cloud computing, AI and digital transformation solutions for businesses.
Carmaker Stellantis NV (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/STLA#NYSE">STLA</a>) has a vital presence in the country, owing to its origins in the French PSA Group. It is the fourth largest automotive firm by sales, managing established brands like Citroen, Peugeot and DS Automobiles. Stellantis currently has five operating factories in different regions, producing at least 14 different models.
For investors monitoring broad exposure to domestically incorporated French companies there is iShares MSCI France ETF (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EWQ#NYSE">EWQ</a>). It holds 60 largest French companies, including market leaders such as LVMH Moet Hennessy Louis Vuitton SE (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LVMUY#OTC">LVMUY</a>), Schneider Electric, TotalEnergies SE (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/TTE#NYSE">TTE</a>) and Airbus SE (OTC:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/EADSY#OTC">EADSY</a>).
Read Next:<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42301885/south-korea-etfs-won-pare-losses-as-yoon-makes-u-turn-on-martial-law-declaration"> </a> • <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/global/24/12/42301885/south-korea-etfs-won-pare-losses-as-yoon-makes-u-turn-on-martial-law-declaration">South Korea ETFs, Won Pare Losses As Yoon Makes U-Turn On Martial Law Declaration</a>

Photo: Shutterstock

Eurozone

Global

European Aeronautic Defence And Space Unsponsored

EADSY

LVMUY

STLA

Key Stocks, ETF To Watch As French Government Faces No-Confidence Vote

Social media platform Threads, which is a part of Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/META#NASDAQ">META</a>) is rolling out new search tools as it looks to compete with X and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/42156013/bluesky-adds-millions-of-users-as-elon-musks-social-media-platform-faces-exodus-post-trump-win-here-are-a-few-starter-packs-to-help-you-get-going-on-latest-x-rival">fast-growing competitor Bluesky.</a>
What Happened: Threads, which like Bluesky, has been trending and gaining new subscribers as <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/11/41872302/taylor-swift-fans-abandon-elon-musks-x-for-bluesky-how-trumps-election-victory-triggered-swifties-uprising">people look for </a>alternatives to Elon Musk's X platform.
The Meta-owned company announced new search tools, which include the option to refine searches by a profile and date range. The update will roll out globally over the coming weeks, <a href="https://www.threads.net/@threads/post/DDFkqNuPil1">according </a>to the company.
"We're making it easier for you to search for specific posts here," the company said.
While the new search tools still pale in comparison to ways to find posts on X, Threads can better compete with Bluesky, according to a <a href="https://techcrunch.com/2024/12/02/threads-takes-on-bluesky-with-more-advanced-search/">report </a>from TechCrunch.
On Bluesky, users can search by user profiles and date ranges.
Prior to the latest Threads update, the platform offered basic search functions like using a keyword and then narrowing results based on top results or recent results.
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/social-media/24/11/42039681/x-vs-threads-vs-bluesky-does-elon-musks-social-media-site-still-reign-supreme">X Vs. Threads Vs. Bluesky: Does Elon Musk&#8217;s Social Media Site Still Reign Supreme?</a>
Why It's Important: In October, Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg said Threads had around 275 million monthly users, averaging around one million signups daily.
Bluesky has also seen strong growth in recent months with users looking for alternates to X since the 2024 election. Bluesky had around nine million users in October and has grown to around 24 million users, according to the report.
Outside of the new search tools, Threads recently made changes that included users being able to choose their default feed.
The focus on new features could show how serious Meta is about growing Threads and/or come as Bluesky is growing in the sector.
"Engagement is growing too, so we continue to be on track towards this becoming our next major social app," Zuckerberg said in October of Threads.
At the time, Meta Chief Financial Officer Susan Li also said there were plans to bring more features to Threads given the growth potential.
&#8220;We&#8217;re very focused on continuing to build out the sort of functionality of Threads over time and being responsive to what users tell us that they&#8217;re interest in," Li said.
META Price Action: Meta Platforms stock hit an all-time high of $614.20 Tuesday before closing up 3.51% to $613.65. The stock is up 77% year-to-date in 2024.
Read Next: 
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<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42271676/fidelity-raises-valuation-of-elon-musks-x-but-its-still-worth-72-less-than-his-buyout-price">Fidelity Raises Valuation Of Elon Musk&#8217;s X, But It Remains 72% Below Buyout Price</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock

Social Media

Threads Takes On X, Bluesky With New Search Options: 'Making It Easier For You'

PSTG

Pure Storage Enters Collaboration With Kioxia To Addresses The Growing Demand For Scalable Storage Infrastructure

Gamers are spending more time watching gaming content than actually playing games, according to a new <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/08/40403494/gaming-industry-shows-signs-of-recovery-in-2024-report">report.</a>
The study, conducted by Midia Research (<a href="https://www.gamesindustry.biz/new-report-claims-gamers-spend-more-time-watching-videos-about-gaming-than-playing-games">via</a> GamesIndustry.biz), reveals that gamers average 8.5 hours weekly watching game-related videos on platforms like Alphabet Inc&#8216;s (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOGL#NASDAQ">GOOGL</a>)(NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/GOOG#NASDAQ">GOOG</a>) YouTube and Twitch, compared to 7.4 hours actively gaming.
See Also: &#8216;<a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42297564/we-are-not-considering-elden-ring-2-says-fromsoftwares-miyazaki">We Are Not Considering Elden Ring 2,&#8217; Says FromSoftware&#8217;s Miyazaki</a>
This trend presents a significant revenue opportunity for game publishers, the report suggests.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">The Shift Toward Gaming Video Content</h1>
Midia&#8217;s findings show the growing dominance of video content in the gaming world. About 24% of console and PC players, along with 48% of &#8220;in-game buyers,&#8221; regularly consume game-related content, with the latter group identified as &#8220;high-spending gamers.&#8221; These numbers signal an untapped market within the gaming ecosystem.
According to Midia, game publishers are losing potential revenue to third-party platforms, particularly in advertising. This loss is significant at a time when the gaming industry faces challenges to sustain growth.
<h1 class="wp-block-heading">Reclaiming Engagement and Revenue</h1>
"It's time for game publishers to think about in-game video as something beyond marketing alone," said Rhys Elliott, games analyst at Midia Research. 
&#8221;By reclaiming video engagement, publishers have the potential to unlock new revenue streams, like advertising and drive growth,&#8221; he added.
Read Next:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/gaming/24/12/42270630/gta-6-fans-analyze-playlists-and-combat-ai-chaos-one-year-after-first-trailer">GTA 6 Fans Analyze Playlists And Combat AI Chaos, One Year After First Trailer</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Shutterstock.

Gaming

General

Gamers Now Watch More Than They Play — How Publishers Can Reclaim Lost Revenue: Report

Streaming giant Netflix Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/NFLX#NASDAQ">NFLX</a>) is set to release the highly anticipated second season of "Squid Game" and the show's director and star are sharing details ahead of the <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/11/42199235/amazon-prime-vs-netflix-mrbeast-game-show-arrives-dec-19-squid-game-season-2-drops-1-week-later">Dec. 26 premiere.</a>
What Happened: Launched in 2021, <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/topic/squid-game">"Squid Game"</a> is the biggest series in Netflix history and turned into a pop culture phenomenon.
A second season hits the streaming platform on Dec. 26 and will be seven episodes, which is shorter than the nine in the first season.
Returning for the second season is the winner of the game in the first season, Seong Gi-hun (aka Player 456), portrayed on screen by Lee Jung-jae. Director and writer Hwang Dong-Hyuk also returns for the second season.
The second season features new characters and revolves around Gi-hun, who returns to the game three years after the competition to search for the people behind it and shut the game down for good, as reported by <a href="https://deadline.com/2024/12/squid-game-season-2-explained-hwang-dong-hyuk-lee-jung-jae-1236189235/">Deadline</a>. 
Characters competing for the prize this time include a former cryptocurrency influencer who loses a large amount of money for his subscribers and himself. The crypto influencer becomes a fugitive before joining the Squid Game competition, according to the report.
Another one of the 400-plus contestants in the games is a woman who made bad investments following the advice of the same cryptocurrency influencer taking part in the games.
In the interview with Deadline, Director Hwang as he is known said there is "greater scale" to the second season and new games for the contestants.
"The games are one of the biggest changes as well as the characters because, except for Gi-Hun, all of the characters that play the games are new so you're going to be able to see more endearing characters that you end up rooting for," Hwang said.
Hwang said Gi-Hun's revenge factor is a key message in the second season, but humanity's quest for making the world a better place could be a bigger theme.
"Does humanity have what it takes to change the course of the world, and can we truly let go of our greed, our desires in order to create a better world together?"
The director said the series is also somewhat political given the current state of the world being divided.
"There are so many things that divide us today, whether it's race, religion, language, the haves and the have nots, the generational divisions, and recently, with the very important vote that you have this week, we look at the political division, the left against the right, the conservatives against the progressives, Hwang said speaking days before the 2024 U.S. presidential election.
The director was asked <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/06/39538239/squid-game-to-get-an-english-remake-netflix-award-winning-director-could-make-it-happen-rep">about the report</a> that director David Fincher is working on an English-language version of "Squid Game" and said he doesn't know anything official about this, but respects the director's work.
"I like his films so if he does, I'm excited and I'll look forward to it."
Read Also: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/10/41391637/netflix-q3-earnings-revenue-beats-eps-tops-q4-guidance-projects-subscriber-boost-from-squid-game-nf">Netflix Q3 Earnings: Revenue Beats, EPS Tops, Q4 Guidance Projects Subscriber Boost From &#8216;Squid Game,&#8217; NFL, And Boxing</a> Why It's Important: The first season of "Squid Game" was watched by hundreds of millions of people on Netflix and helped the company boost its subscribers and host one of the most talked about shows in streaming history.
The first season was nominated for 14 Emmy Awards and earned critical praise.
Following the second season, a third and final season of the hit show will release in 2025. Director Hwang said the second and third seasons were written at the same time and both were produced simultaneously. The third season is currently in the post-production process, the director said.
Expectations are high for Netflix and the second season and the release, which comes around the Christmas holiday, could be a major catalyst for the stock with shares already nearing 52-week highs.
Netflix will also stream two National Football League games on Christmas, the day before the release of "Squid Game" season 2. This gives Netflix one of the biggest weeks in streaming history and could have the company the talk of the town at family get-togethers and holiday celebrations.
NFLX Price Action: Netflix stock closed at $902.17 on Tuesday versus a 52-week trading range of $445.73 to $908. Shares are up 93% year-to-date in 2024.
Read Next: 
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/entertainment/24/08/40487581/netflix-reveals-squid-game-video-game-with-32-player-party-royale-mode-can-you-make-it-thro">Netflix Reveals Squid Game Video Game With 32-Player Party Royale Mode: &#8216;Can You Make It Through Playtime Alive?&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>

Entertainment

Media

NFLX

'Squid Game' Season 2 Includes New Games, Contestant With A Crypto Background, Revenge Factor, Political Overtones

PROC

Procaps Group Reports Execution Of Key Strategic Transactions And Governance Updates

Brookfield Asset Management Reports Opening Of A New Office Hub In Paris

Cryptocurrency markets are trading lower on Tuesday, with altcoins continuing their strong performance.
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Price&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Bitcoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/btc/usd">BTC</a>)</td>
<td> $96,114.25</td>
<td>+0.8%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Ethereum (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/eth/usd">ETH</a>)</td>
<td> $3,616</td>
<td>+0.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Solana (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/sol/usd">SOL</a>)</td>
<td> $236.50</td>
<td>+3.2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Dogecoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/doge/usd">DOGE</a>)</td>
<td> $0.4116</td>
<td>-2%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Shiba Inu (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/shib/usd">SHIB</a>)</td>
<td> $0.00002826</td>
<td>-2%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Notable Statistics:
<ul>
<li>IntoTheBlock data shows large transaction volume increasing by 125.5% and daily active addresses growing by 28%. Transactions greater than $100,000 are up from 8,298 to 12,355 in a single day. Currently, there are no Bitcoin holders underwater.</li>
<li>Coinglass data reports 216,766 traders liquidated in the past 24 hours for $590.24 million</li>
<li>IntoTheBlock <a href="https://x.com/intotheblock/status/1863870874643791972">shows</a> Bitcoin long-term holders holding 12.45 million BTC—the lowest level since July 2022. Long-term holder balances have fallen by 9.8% this cycle, compared to 15% in 2021 and 26% in 2017.</li>
<li>CoinTelegraph <a href="https://x.com/Cointelegraph/status/1864029839470051456">noted</a> Binance topping crypto exchanges for Bitcoin deposits in 2024, with average daily deposits rising by around 2.8 BTC in 2024.</li>
</ul>
Notable Developments:
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42293950/donald-trump-may-announce-sec-chair-pick-tomorrow-report">Donald Trump May Announce SEC Chair Pick Tomorrow: Report</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42297539/policy-formation-will-be-critical-experts-weigh-in-on-stablecoin-adoption">&#8216;Policy Formation Will Be Critical&#8217;: Experts Weigh In On Stablecoin Adoption</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42282144/will-your-bitcoin-holdings-be-at-risk-if-trump-establishes-a-national-reserve-analyst-says-government-can-employ-carrot-and-stick-policy">Can Your Bitcoin Be Confiscated If Trump Establishes A National Reserve? Analyst Says Government Can Employ Carrot-And-Stick Policy</a></li>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42282930/cleanspark-sheds-light-on-bitcoin-acquisition-strategy-says-investments-in-core-business-contribute-the-most-to-shareholder-value">CleanSpark CEO Zach Bradford Explains Why The Company Is Betting on Bitcoin Mining, Not Buying</a></li>
</ul>
Top Gainers:
<figure class="wp-block-table"> 
<table>
<tbody>
<tr>
<td>Cryptocurrency</td>
<td>Price&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</td>
<td>Gains +/-</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Reserve Rights (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/rsr/usd">RSR</a>)</td>
<td>&nbsp;$0.02091&nbsp;</td>
<td>+119.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>Tron (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/trx/usd">TRX</a>)</td>
<td>&nbsp;$0.3077</td>
<td>+43.6%</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td>JasmyCoin (CRYPTO: <a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/quote/">JASMY</a>)</td>
<td>&nbsp;$0.04181</td>
<td>+40%</td>
</tr>
</tbody>
</table>
</figure>
Trader Notes: With Bitcoin prices trading relatively flat with negative bias, crypto chart analyst Ali Martinez <a href="https://x.com/ali_charts/status/1863948162697687254">advises</a> watching out for key support levels like $90,000. 
Crypto analyst Michaёl van de Poppe is awaiting a breakout for Bitcoin and is ready to buy if Bitcoin dips to $90,000.
<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">Still no breakout on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Bitcoin?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Bitcoin</a>, stuck in the range. If we hit the lower numbers around $90K, I&#39;ll be a buyer. <a href="https://t.co/CWUV3BgGBX">pic.twitter.com/CWUV3BgGBX</a>
&mdash; Michaël van de Poppe (@CryptoMichNL) <a href="https://twitter.com/CryptoMichNL/status/1864018766545186832?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 3, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</figure>
Crypto trader Kevin <a href="https://x.com/Kev_Capital_TA/status/1864015235499139360">cautions</a> that Bitcoin&#8217;s current pattern is moving closer to breaking out either to the upside or the downside.
Read Next:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/cryptocurrency/24/12/42291096/coinbase-ceo-brian-armstrong-the-us-government-should-never-sell-bitcoin">Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong: &#8216;The US Government Should Never Sell Bitcoin&#8217;</a></li>
</ul>
Image: Shutterstock

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

Cryptocurrency

$BTC

$DOGE

$ETH

$JASMY

$RSR

$SHIB

$SOL

$TRX

Bitcoin, Ethereum, Dogecoin Hold Steady, Trader Eyes Buying Opportunity If BTC 'Hits Lower Numbers Around $90,000'

The decrease in LTL tons per day was attributable to a 6.8% decrease in LTL shipments per day and a 1.2% decrease in LTL weight per shipment.&nbsp;
For the quarter-to-date period, LTL revenue per hundredweight decreased 1.2% as compared to the same period last year and LTL revenue per hundredweight, excluding fuel surcharges, increased 3.7% as compared to the same period last year.
Marty Freeman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Old Dominion, commented, "Our revenue results for November reflect the continued softness in the domestic economy as well as the impact of lower fuel surcharge revenue on our yields."

ODFL

Old Dominion Freight Line November Revenue Per Day Decrease 8.2% Y/Y Due To An 8.0% Decrease In LTL Tons Per Day And A Slight Decrease In LTL Revenue Per Hundredweight

The units are expected to commence trading on December 4, 2024 on the Nasdaq Global Market under the symbol "TAVIU."

IPOs

TAVIU

Tavia Acquisition Prices Initial Public Offering Of 10M Units At $10.00 Per Unit

Offerings

Ready Capital Prices Underwritten Public Offering Of $115M Of 9.00% Senior Notes Due 2029

The Board of Directors has approved a budget for 2025 exploration and development expenditures of C$1.2 to C$1.3 billion, which is designed to generate average annual production of 150,000 to 154,000 boe/d.&nbsp;

Baytex Sets 2025 Budget; Expects Majority Of Free Cash Flow To Be Generated In The Second Half Of The Year

Earnings

DSGX

Descartes Systems Q3 FY25 EPS $0.42 Up From $0.31 YoY, Sales $168.8M Up From $144.7M YoY

Intuitive Machines Inc (NASDAQ:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/LUNR#NASDAQ">LUNR</a>) shares are trading lower in Tuesday&#8217;s after-hours session after the company announced a public offering and <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/g42302009/intuitive-machines-announces-launch-of-public-offering-of-its-class-a-common-stock-and-concurrent-">concurrent private placement</a>.
What Happened: After the market close on Tuesday, Intuitive Machines said it commenced an underwritten public offering of $65 million of its common stock. The company and a selling stockholder will grant the underwriters a 30-day option to purchase up to approximately $8.87 million of additional common stock. 
In connection with the offering, the company entered into an agreement to sell $10 million of its common stock to Boryung Corporation in a concurrent private placement.
Intuitive Machines expects to use any proceeds for general corporate purposes. The company <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/general/space/24/11/41977504/intuitive-machines-stock-volatile-on-q3-earnings-what-you-need-to-know">recently said</a> it had $89.6 million remaining in cash as of the end of the third quarter. 
Check This Out: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/news/earnings/24/12/42302924/salesforce-q3-earnings-revenue-beat-eps-miss-free-cash-flow-up-30-ai-driving-groundbreaking-transformation-and-more">Salesforce Q3 Earnings: Revenue Beat, EPS Miss, Free Cash Flow Up 30%, AI Driving &#8216;Groundbreaking Transformation&#8217; And More</a>
Intuitive Machines made history in February when its moon lander Odysseus touched down on the surface of the moon, making Intuitive Machines the first private company to land on the moon. The mission marked the first time the U.S. had been on the moon since 1972.
Intuitive Machines&#8217; second lunar mission is targeting launch sometime in the first quarter. The company said it completed a vehicle propulsion system hot fire for the second lunar mission during the third quarter. 
In the earnings release, Intuitive Machines noted that it expects continued backlog expansion driven by potential upcoming awards including Near Space Network 1.2 / 1.3 Direct to Earth and LTVS Phase 2, as well as task orders for OMES and Near Space Network 2.2.
LUNR Price Action: <a href="http://benzinga.com/quote/lunr" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Intuitive Machines shares</a> were down 10.25% at $12.70 at the time of publication Tuesday, according to <a href="http://pro.benzinga.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Benzinga Pro</a>.
Photo: courtesy of Intuitive Machines.

SPACE

After-Hours Center

LUNR

Intuitive Machines Stock Falls After Hours: Here's Why

Box, Inc. (NYSE:<a class="ticker" href="https://www.benzinga.com/stock/BOX#NYSE">BOX</a>) reported its third-quarter results after Tuesday's closing bell. Here's a look at the details <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/pressreleases/24/12/b42301797/box-reports-fiscal-third-quarter-2025-financial-results">from the report. </a>
The Details: Box reported quarterly earnings of 45 cents per share, which beat the analyst consensus estimate of 42 cents. Quarterly revenue came in at $276 million, which beat the consensus estimate of $275.17 million and is an increase over sales of $261.54 million from the same period last year.
<ul>
<li>Remaining performance obligations (RPO) as of Oct. 31, 2024, were $1.282 billion, a 13% increase year-over-year.</li>
<li>Billings for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 were $264.7 million, a 4% increase from billings for the third quarter of fiscal 2024 of $253.7 million. </li>
<li>Third-quarter billings were impacted by a roughly 100 basis point tailwind from FX versus the company&#8217;s prior expectations of 210 basis point tailwind.</li>
<li>Non-GAAP gross profit for the third quarter of fiscal 2025 was a record $226.1 million, or 81.9% of revenue. </li>
<li>Non-GAAP operating income in the third quarter of fiscal 2025 was a record $80.2 million, or 29.1% of revenue. </li>
</ul>
Read Next: <a href="https://www.benzinga.com/24/12/42298242/tiktok-shop-bags-more-than-100-million-in-black-friday-sales">TikTok Shop Bags More Than $100 Million In Black Friday Sales With Potential Ban Ahead</a>
&#8220;We delivered strong third-quarter financial results and unveiled the most transformational product line-up in Box history,&#8221; said Aaron Levie, CEO of Box. &#8220;Now businesses of all sizes will be able to realize the full value of their content and leverage the data inside their files to drive innovation, automate processes, and secure their most important information as we drive a new era of Intelligent Content Management.&#8221;
Outlook:&nbsp;Box sees fourth-quarter revenue of $279 million, versus the $278.544 million estimate, and adjusted earnings of 41 cents per share, in line with estimates.
BOX Price Action: According to <a href="https://pro.benzinga.com/?gspk=YWRhbWVja2VydDUzMzY&amp;gsxid=zBMR4PKmcgBw">Benzinga Pro</a>, Box shares are down 4.13% after-hours at $33 at the time of publication Tuesday. 
Read More:&nbsp;
<ul>
<li><a href="https://www.benzinga.com/markets/24/12/42300548/art-cashins-lessons-cuban-crisis-trades-to-timeless-wall-street-wit">Art Cashin&#8217;s Lessons: Cuban Crisis Trades To Timeless Wall Street Wit</a></li>
</ul>
Photo: Courtesy of Box, Inc.

Box Stock Dips After Narrow Q3 EPS, Revenue Beats: Details

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PLLWF

Polarean Imaging "very excited" to announce brand new customer for XENOVIEW polariser

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