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If $10 Trillion AI Bubble Pops, These Stocks Still Thrive
Forbes· 2025-12-04 10:15
Core Insights - The tech sector is experiencing heightened investor anxiety due to skyrocketing AI valuations and record data center expenditures, with potential repercussions if the $10 trillion AI boom loses momentum [2] Company Analysis Google: The Utility - Google operates on recurring human behavior, maintaining relevance in both economic booms and downturns, with a diversified revenue stream and high switching costs [5][8] - As one of Nvidia's largest clients, Google could impact Nvidia's revenue if it reallocates workloads to its own TPUs, which are reportedly improving [8] Microsoft: Workflow Subscription - Microsoft provides essential infrastructure for daily operations, ensuring stable revenue through its subscription model, which includes tools like Outlook, Excel, and Azure [6][8] - The integration of AI functionalities across its services enhances average revenue per user (ARPU) and promotes cloud consumption [8] Apple: Consumer Ecosystem - Apple relies on consumer loyalty and device cycles rather than heavy investments in data centers, with a strong position in digital services exceeding $100 billion [7][9] - The company could benefit from AI advancements due to its vast user base of over 2 billion [9] Oracle: Legacy Lock-In - Oracle's established presence in sectors like banking and government creates a legacy lock-in, providing a reliable revenue base despite lacking glamour [7][9] - Significant investments in AI, with a capital expenditure of $35 billion in FY'26, are backed by substantial take-or-pay contracts, ensuring high-visibility revenue [9] Risk Exposure Exposed Models - Companies heavily reliant on capital cycles and non-recurring orders are most vulnerable to downturns, experiencing significant gains during booms but suffering first when conditions soften [10] - Nvidia, with 60% revenue growth and a concentration of sales from a few customers, faces risks if hyperscalers reduce GPU purchases [14] Valuation-Dependent Growth - Companies with diversified demand, steady revenue streams, and strong customer lock-in are better positioned to withstand market corrections [12] - Established software firms like Palantir may face steep re-evaluations if IT budgets tighten, lacking the long-term customer lock-in that Oracle enjoys [14]
Copper, Gold And Silver Prices Are Up. Here's Why.
Forbes· 2025-12-03 23:25
Group 1 - Copper, gold, and silver prices have increased significantly this year, driven by investor hedging against political instability and dollar weakness, alongside tightening supplies of major metals [1] - Copper prices reached a record high of $11,485 per metric ton, reflecting a 34.1% increase year-to-date [2] - The surge in copper prices is attributed to increased demand from AI data center buildouts and renewable energy projects, which are tightening supplies typically used for electric vehicles and smartphones [3] Group 2 - U.S. silver futures have surged by 101.4%, rising from $29.24/oz to $58.88/oz, while gold prices have increased by 60.7% year-to-date [4] - The demand for gold and silver has risen as investors seek protection against political instability, inflation, and a weak dollar, influenced by tariffs and a recent government shutdown [4] - A refined copper supply deficit of 304,000 tons is projected for 2025, with even larger shortfalls expected in the coming year [5]
Companies Cut Prices For Blockbuster Weight-Loss Drugs
Forbes· 2025-12-03 20:10
Price Cuts and Market Dynamics - Eli Lilly has reduced the prices of its weight-loss drug Zepbound for cash-paying customers, with new monthly prices ranging from $299 to $449, down from $349 to $499 [2] - This price reduction follows a deal with the Trump Administration to lower prices for popular drugs and comes after Novo Nordisk also announced discounts for its GLP-1 drugs, Ozempic and Wegovy [3] - The White House has expanded Medicare coverage for GLP-1 medications, including those for obesity, reversing earlier policy [3] Consumer Demand and Accessibility - Approximately 40% of adults in the U.S. are estimated to be obese, leading to a surge in demand for GLP-1 injections, which have been costly and often inaccessible for many [5] - Ilya Yuffa from Lilly highlighted that many individuals needing obesity treatments still face significant coverage and cost barriers [5] Future Developments in Obesity Treatments - New obesity pills are in development, which could further increase access and lower prices, with Novo's pill expected to be approved soon and Lilly planning to submit its own for regulatory approval by year-end [6] - The Trump Administration has indicated that if these pills are approved, the initial dose could be priced at $150 per month [6] Innovations in Healthcare - The Forbes 30 Under 30 Healthcare list features entrepreneurs like Eunice Wu and Can Uncu, who are using AI to streamline pharmacy operations and reduce administrative burdens [7][8] - Their startup, Asepha, has raised over $4 million in venture funding to improve efficiency in processing prescriptions [7] Vaccine Regulation Changes - The CDC is set to vote on new recommendations for childhood vaccination schedules, which may include new restrictions, particularly concerning infant hepatitis B vaccines [11] - A memo from CBER Director Vinay Prasad suggests that the FDA plans to impose stricter regulatory requirements on vaccines, potentially impacting the approval of essential vaccines [12] - Rising cases of vaccine-preventable diseases, such as measles, are occurring amid these regulatory changes, highlighting a public health concern [13] Strategic Partnerships and Investments - Regeneron has entered a gene-editing partnership with Tessera Pharmaceuticals, paying $150 million upfront for a treatment targeting alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency, with potential additional milestone payments of $125 million [14] - Health insurance startup Curative has raised $125 million at a valuation of $1.3 billion, focusing on preventive care [17]
Microsoft Shares Drop After Reportedly Lowering Expectations For AI Product Demand
Forbes· 2025-12-03 19:35
Core Viewpoint - Microsoft shares experienced a decline of over 1.7% following a report suggesting the company had lowered growth targets for AI product sales, which Microsoft has denied, stating the report reflects a misunderstanding of their sales organization [1][2]. Group 1: Stock Performance - Microsoft shares fell by more than 1.7% to approximately $481.64, recovering from earlier losses of up to 3% before the company's denial of the report [1]. - The company's market capitalization stands at $3.5 trillion, ranking behind Alphabet, Apple, and Nvidia, with a year-to-date increase of 15% [3]. Group 2: Sales Targets and Reports - Less than 20% of salespeople in a U.S.-based Azure unit met a sales growth target of 50% for an AI application tool, leading to a reported reduction of the target to 25% growth for the current fiscal year [2]. - Microsoft refuted the report, asserting that aggregate sales quotas for AI products have not been lowered and criticized the report for inaccurately merging growth and sales quotas [2].
Hermès Heir Reportedly Sues Bernard Arnault And LVMH, Alleging $16 Billion Worth Of Hermès Shares Sold Without His Knowledge
Forbes· 2025-12-03 19:35
Core Viewpoint - Nicolas Puech, a former billionaire and Hermès heir, is suing LVMH and its founder Bernard Arnault, claiming his wealth manager sold his shares in Hermès without his knowledge, which are now valued at over $16 billion [1][2]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - Puech has filed a lawsuit against his former wealth manager Eric Freymond, Bernard Arnault, LVMH, and associated holding companies, alleging that Freymond sold his shares without consent when LVMH began acquiring a stake in Hermès over a decade ago [2]. - The lawsuit estimates the value of Puech's lost Hermès shares at approximately 14 billion euros, or around $16.3 billion [2]. Group 2: Background Information - Bernard Arnault has transformed LVMH into a leading luxury conglomerate by acquiring various companies, including Sephora in 1997 and Tiffany & Co. in 2021 for $15.8 billion [4]. - In 2010, Arnault disclosed that he had acquired a 23% stake in Hermès, leading to a dispute that was settled in 2014, where Arnault agreed to distribute LVMH's stake to shareholders while retaining an 8.5% stake [4].
Applied Materials Stock Surges On AI Chip Boom
Forbes· 2025-12-03 19:10
Group 1 - Applied Materials (AMAT) stock has achieved a 20% return over a consecutive 7-day gain streak, increasing its market capitalization by approximately $25 billion to around $210 billion [2][3] - The stock is currently 64.8% higher than its value at the close of 2024, while the S&P 500 has year-to-date returns of 16.1% [2][3] - The recent performance is attributed to strong Q4 earnings and positive Q1 guidance, driven by increasing demand for AI-enabled advanced memory and logic chips [3][4] Group 2 - The momentum in AMAT stock may indicate increasing investor confidence, which could lead to additional buying opportunities [4] - The company offers manufacturing equipment, services, and software for semiconductor chip fabrication and display technologies, including LCD and OLED [5] - There are currently 50 S&P constituents with 3 or more consecutive days of gains, indicating a broader trend in the market [7]
HubSpot Stock Could Plunge Another 35% To $260
Forbes· 2025-12-03 19:05
Group 1 - HubSpot (HUBS) stock has experienced a significant decline of 24.5% in less than a month, dropping from $494.58 to $373.32, with further declines possible due to its Very High valuation [2] - A historical analysis indicates that after steep dips of 30% or more within 30 days, the average return over the following 12 months is 40%, with a peak return averaging 49% [3][8] - HubSpot has faced six instances of a 30% dip within 30 days since January 1, 2010, highlighting the stock's volatility [4] Group 2 - To mitigate risks associated with stock dips, it is essential to evaluate revenue growth, profitability, cash flow, and balance sheet strength [4] - A diversified multi-asset portfolio can help buffer against volatility and lessen the impact of steep declines in any single asset [6] - The asset allocation strategy of Trefis' wealth management partner has shown positive returns during market downturns, outperforming benchmarks like the S&P 500 [7]
Why CoreWeave Stock May Retreat Toward $50 Despite AI Boom
Forbes· 2025-12-03 19:05
The CoreWeave logo is displayed on a mobile phone, with the company's branding visible in the background, in this photo illustration in Brussels, Belgium, on November 10, 2025. (Photo by Jonathan Raa/NurPhoto via Getty Images)NurPhoto via Getty ImagesThe recent 30% drop in CoreWeave’s stock (NASDAQ: CRWV) is warranted due to a mix of short-term execution challenges and notable balance sheet risks. Although the primary narrative of substantial AI demand remains unaltered, the market is no longer viewing CRWV ...
APP Stock Delivers Better Value Than Shopify In 2025
Forbes· 2025-12-03 19:05
Core Insights - AppLovin (APP) has outperformed Shopify (SHOP) in 2023, showcasing stronger fundamentals at a lower price point, suggesting a more attractive investment opportunity for potential gains [2][3] Valuation and Performance Comparison - AppLovin has a lower Price to Operating Income (P/OpInc) ratio compared to Shopify, indicating a more favorable valuation [3] - Despite its lower valuation, AppLovin demonstrates higher revenue and operating income growth than Shopify [3] Market Position and Future Outlook - The current mismatch in stock prices between Shopify and AppLovin may indicate that Shopify is overvalued if it continues to underperform in revenue and operating income growth [7] - A year-over-year analysis of key metrics could reveal whether Shopify's stock price is poised for adjustment or if sustained underperformance will validate its overvaluation [7]
Axon Stock Faces Steep Valuation Risk: Could It Fall Another 30%?
Forbes· 2025-12-03 18:35
Core Insights - Axon Enterprise (AXON) shares have experienced a significant decline of 26.6% over the past month, dropping from $732.23 on October 31, 2025, to $537.75 currently, with further declines anticipated due to the stock's Very High valuation [2] - The company specializes in public-safety technology, including TASER devices, body cameras, in-car video systems, and the Evidence.com cloud platform, along with software for law enforcement agencies [3] Historical Performance - Historically, stocks that have experienced sharp declines of 30% or more within a 30-day period have shown an average return of 69% over the following 12 months, with a median peak return of 81% [4][8] - Axon has met the dip threshold of -30% within 30 days on 8 occasions since January 1, 2010 [5] Financial Considerations - Assessing revenue growth, profitability, cash flow, and balance sheet strength is crucial to minimize risks associated with potential declines in stock value [5] - A well-structured portfolio can help mitigate risks associated with individual stocks while allowing for potential upside [6] Portfolio Performance - The Trefis High Quality (HQ) Portfolio, which includes 30 stocks, has consistently outperformed its benchmark indices, yielding superior returns with reduced risk [7]