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VEA vs IEFA: How Index Rules Shape Developed-Market Exposure
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-24 03:28
Core Insights - The Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF (VEA) and the iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF (IEFA) target developed markets outside the U.S. but differ in index rules, impacting portfolio construction [1][10] - VEA has a lower expense ratio and broader country coverage, while IEFA offers a higher dividend yield [2][4] Cost & Size Comparison - VEA has an expense ratio of 0.03% and assets under management (AUM) of $260.0 billion, while IEFA has an expense ratio of 0.07% and AUM of $160.6 billion [3][4] - The one-year return for VEA is 29.1%, compared to IEFA's 25.8%, and the dividend yield for VEA is 2.7% versus IEFA's 2.93% [3][4] Performance & Risk Metrics - Over five years, VEA's maximum drawdown is 29.71%, while IEFA's is 30.41% [5] - A $1,000 investment in VEA would grow to $1,324, while the same investment in IEFA would grow to $1,284 over five years [5] Holdings & Sector Allocations - IEFA holds 2,593 stocks with significant allocations in Financial Services (22%), Industrials (20%), and Healthcare (10%), with top positions including ASML Holding and Roche Holding [6] - VEA includes 3,873 companies, with sector weights of 24% in Financial Services, 19% in Industrials, and 11% in Technology, featuring top positions in ASML Holding and Samsung Electronics [7] Investment Implications - The choice between VEA and IEFA hinges on how investors define developed markets, with VEA including Canada and South Korea, while IEFA adheres to the MSCI EAFE framework [11]
Is Amazon Stock Still a Buy After Hitting All-Time Highs?
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-24 01:37
Core Viewpoint - Amazon's stock is nearing an all-time high, but several growth catalysts suggest potential for further increases in the coming months [3]. Group 1: Cloud Computing - Amazon Web Services (AWS) reported a 20.2% year-over-year revenue growth, reaching $33 billion in the third quarter, driven by increased enterprise spending on AI infrastructure [4]. - AWS has a backlog of $200 billion, providing strong multiyear revenue visibility [4]. - The introduction of custom silicon chips like Graviton and Trainium enhances AWS's price-performance advantage over competitors [6]. - Amazon plans to double its data center capacity by 2027, which is expected to lower costs and attract larger workloads [6]. Group 2: Capital Investment - Amazon anticipates capital investments of $125 billion in 2025, with plans for even higher investments in 2026, primarily focused on expanding AI infrastructure [7]. Group 3: Advertising and Retail - Advertising revenue increased by 22% year-over-year to $17.7 billion in the third quarter, becoming the second most significant growth driver for the company [7]. - The advertising strategy includes leveraging Prime Video and live sports to enhance brand awareness, while sponsored products improve conversion rates [8]. - Analyst John Blackledge projects advertising will generate $68 billion in revenue and account for 35% of total operating income by 2025, indicating its higher profitability compared to AWS and retail [9]. Group 4: Stock Performance - Despite reaching an all-time high, Amazon's stock is entering a new phase of accelerated growth, making it a viable option for long-term investors [10].
Is It Too Late to Buy Alphabet Stock in 2026? The Answer May Surprise You.
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-24 01:00
Core Viewpoint - Alphabet has emerged as the top-performing stock among the "Magnificent Seven" in 2025, achieving a total return of 57% so far this year, recovering from earlier underperformance compared to competitors like Microsoft [1]. Group 1: Stock Performance and Market Position - Alphabet's stock is currently trading at a price of $315.68 with a market capitalization of $3.8 trillion and a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 30, significantly higher than the 15 P/E ratio earlier this year [3][13]. - The stock has shown a daily change of +1.40% and has a 52-week price range of $142.66 to $328.67, indicating substantial volatility and growth potential [3]. Group 2: AI Market Share and Growth - Alphabet's Gemini AI model has gained a 13% share of the AI market in 2025, marking a significant increase from minimal usage, although it still trails behind competitors like ChatGPT [6]. - The company benefits from a cost advantage by utilizing its own data center infrastructure and computer chips for Gemini, making it more profitable compared to competitors like OpenAI and Anthropic [7]. - Despite spending approximately $25 billion quarterly on capital expenditures, Alphabet continues to generate positive free cash flow, allowing for self-funding of its AI expansion [8]. Group 3: Revenue Streams and Growth Drivers - Alphabet's revenue is currently growing at 15% year over year, supported by multiple revenue streams including YouTube, which generates over $10 billion in quarterly advertising revenue, and Google Cloud, which is growing at 34% year over year with over $15 billion in quarterly revenue [10][11]. - The main profit driver remains Google Search, contributing $50 billion in quarterly sales, indicating a robust and diversified revenue model [10]. Group 4: Future Outlook - The long-term earnings growth potential for Alphabet is strong, particularly if Gemini continues to capture market share in the AI sector [9]. - The rapid growth of earnings per share (EPS) is expected to bring down the P/E ratio over time, suggesting that Alphabet may still be a worthwhile investment for long-term holders despite its current high valuation [14].
Why Intuitive Machines Stock Slipped on Tuesday
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-24 00:45
An executive order boosting the sector didn't have a lasting effect.The market's intuition on Tuesday was to sell out of Intuitive Machines (LUNR 1.08%). It and other space stocks took hits to their share prices, as numerous investors booked quick profits after a recent mini-rally in the sector. Space raceLast Thursday, President Trump issued a new executive order directing federal agencies involved in extraterrestrial activities to help make the U.S. dominant in space. Headlined "Ensuring America's Space ...
Why Ramaco Resources Trounced the Market Today
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-24 00:27
Group 1 - Ramaco Resources announced a stock buyback program worth up to $100 million for its Class A common stock over the next two years, leading to an 8.16% increase in its share price [2][6] - The company's CEO, Randall Atkins, indicated that the financial situation is strong enough to support this initiative, following a capital raise of over $600 million expected in the second half of 2025 [4][5] - The share repurchase program reflects confidence in the company's operational performance and financial strength [5] Group 2 - Ramaco specializes in metallurgical coal, which is closely tied to the steel industry; robust demand for steel is expected to benefit the company [7] - Although the steel market is currently experiencing an upswing, it may not be sufficient alone to justify investment in Ramaco [8] - The company is also involved in the development of rare-earth elements, owning a rare-earth mine in Wyoming, which presents high potential for investment [8]
Why Payoneer Global Stock Plunged by Almost 4% Today
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-24 00:10
Core Viewpoint - Payoneer (PAYO) experienced a nearly 4% decline in stock price due to a price target cut by an analyst, despite maintaining a buy recommendation for the company [1][2]. Group 1: Analyst Insights - Benchmark's Mark Palmer reduced Payoneer's price target from $12 to $10 per share, citing macroeconomic uncertainty as a key factor affecting the company's fundamentals [2][4]. - Palmer adjusted his full-year 2026 revenue and profitability estimates, leading to a decrease in his fair value assessment of the stock, but he remains optimistic about Payoneer's long-term growth potential [4]. Group 2: Company Performance - Payoneer specializes in providing fintech services to small and mid-sized businesses (SMBs), a sector with significant growth potential as successful SMBs tend to expand and require more services [7]. - Since going public in 2021, Payoneer's revenue has more than doubled, reaching $987 million last year, indicating strong performance despite recent economic challenges [8].
Lantheus Exit: $28 Million Sale Comes as Earnings Fall 77% Year Over Year
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-23 23:25
Core Insights - Nitorum Capital has fully exited its stake in Lantheus Holdings, selling 344,444 shares for approximately $28.2 million, indicating potential concerns regarding the company's investment case due to shrinking margins and leadership changes [1][2]. Company Overview - Lantheus Holdings is a prominent developer and manufacturer of imaging diagnostics and targeted therapeutics for oncology and cardiology, with a strong presence in the radiopharmaceuticals market [6]. - The company reported a total revenue of $1.53 billion and a net income of $167.68 million for the trailing twelve months (TTM) [4]. Financial Performance - Lantheus generated $384 million in revenue for the third quarter, with nearly $95 million in free cash flow, although the quality of earnings is under pressure as GAAP EPS fell to $0.41 from $1.79 year-over-year [9]. - The company's flagship product, iPYLARIFY, experienced a 7.4% decline in sales year-over-year, despite growth in precision diagnostics revenue elsewhere [10]. Market Position - As of June 30, Lantheus represented 4.2% of Nitorum Capital's assets under management (AUM), which now totals $569.28 million across 27 positions following the sale [2][3]. - Lantheus shares are currently priced at $66.53, reflecting a 27% decline over the past year, significantly underperforming the S&P 500, which has increased by 15% during the same period [3]. Strategic Challenges - The company is facing challenges including a CEO retirement, a portfolio reshuffle, and ambitious regulatory timelines with multiple PDUFA dates extending into 2026 [10]. - Execution risk, margin compression, and leadership transitions are factors that may affect investor confidence, as highlighted by Nitorum's decision to divest [11].
Should You Invest $1,000 in Uber Right Now?
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-23 23:05
Core Insights - Uber shares have increased by 31% in 2025, with a remarkable 220% rise over the past three years, indicating strong growth potential for investors [1] Group 1: Financial Performance - Uber's monthly active users grew by 17% year over year in Q3, reaching 189 million, while revenue increased by 20% [4] - The company generated free cash flow of $2.2 billion and facilitated 3.5 billion trips in the last three months [4] - Uber's current market capitalization stands at $169 billion, with shares trading at a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.2, which has contracted by 23% this year [6] Group 2: Market Position and Growth Potential - Uber's network effect is strengthening due to its two-sided mobility platform and three-sided delivery ecosystem, enhancing its competitive position [3] - The company's ability to grow earnings rapidly is expected to drive stock performance over the next five years [7] - After reaching a peak price of $100.10 on October 6, shares are currently 21% off that high, presenting a buying opportunity for investors [6]
Stock Market Today, Dec. 23: Plug Power's Namibia Launch Fails to Lift Investor Sentiment
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-23 23:02
On Dec. 23, 2025, Plug Power fell further as new green hydrogen milestones failed to ease doubts over funding and execution.NASDAQ : PLUGPlug PowerToday's Change( -2.84 %) $ -0.06Current Price$ 2.05Key Data PointsMarket Cap$2.9BDay's Range$ 2.01 - $ 2.0952wk Range$ 0.69 - $ 4.58Volume82MAvg Vol134MGross Margin-7128.74 %Plug Power (PLUG 2.84%), extended its losses on Tuesday, closing the session at $2.05, down 2.8%. The developer of hydrogen fuel cell and electrolyzer systems is down almost 10.5% in the past ...
If You'd Invested $1,000 in Visa 10 Years Ago, Here's How Much You'd Have Today
The Motley Fool· 2025-12-23 22:38
Visa is the leader in the card payments industry, handling almost $17 trillion in total payment volume in fiscal 2025.Visa (V +0.43%) dominates the card payments industry. During fiscal 2025 (ended Sept. 30), it handled an unbelievable $16.7 trillion in payment volume. It has global reach, facilitating payments in more than 220 countries and territories. Most readers probably have a Visa-branded debit or credit card in their wallets right now. With this kind of market dominance, it's not surprising to learn ...