Core Insights - The article emphasizes the importance of passive income, particularly through dividends and dividend-focused exchange-traded funds (ETFs) as effective investment strategies [1][2] Dividend Performance - Dividend-paying stocks have historically outperformed non-dividend payers, with dividend growers and initiators achieving an average annual total return of 10.24% from 1973 to 2024, compared to 4.31% for non-payers [3] - The average annual total return for dividend payers stands at 9.20%, while those with no change in dividend policy yield 6.75% [3] Dividend-Paying ETFs - The article lists 12 attractive dividend-paying ETFs, highlighting their yields and historical performance over various time frames [4][6] - For instance, the iShares Preferred & Income Securities ETF (PFF) has a yield of 6.37% with a 5-year average annual return of 2.05% [4] - The State Street SPDR Portfolio S&P 500 High Dividend ETF (SPYD) offers a yield of 4.53% with a 5-year average annual return of 10.37% [4] Benefits of Dividends - Healthy dividend-paying stocks tend to increase their payouts over time, which helps investors keep pace with inflation [5] - Dividends provide a consistent income stream without the need to sell off portfolio assets, allowing for reinvestment opportunities [5] Investment Strategies - Investors can diversify their investments across multiple ETFs to balance yield and growth potential [8] - Specific ETFs are recommended based on sector outlooks, such as the Vanguard Energy ETF for those bullish on energy due to AI data center growth, and the Vanguard Real Estate ETF for real estate investments [8]

Core Insights - Duolingo experienced significant volatility in 2025, starting with a 66.8% year-to-date gain by mid-May but ending the year with a 45.9% loss [1] Group 1: Company Performance - Duolingo reported 50.5 million daily active users, a substantial increase from 24.2 million two years prior and 9.8 million in fall 2021 [3] - The number of paid subscribers rose from 2.2 million to 11.5 million over the same four-year period [3] - Revenues increased from $226 million to $964 million, with net income shifting from a loss to a 40% profit margin [3] Group 2: Market Valuation - At one point, Duolingo achieved a price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of 270 [5] - As of January 14, 2026, the P/E ratio had decreased to 22.3 despite soaring earnings [9] Group 3: Strategic Direction - Duolingo aims to expand beyond language learning into a general learning platform, focusing on gamified education [6] - The company is currently prioritizing user acquisition over operating profit, which may lead to reduced margins in the near term [10]

Core Viewpoint - Voyager Technologies is leading the initiative to build a privately owned Starlab space station, aiming to replace the International Space Station by 2030, and plans to manufacture fiber internet cable in space, which has positively impacted its stock price by 8.8% [1][4]. Group 1: Business Strategy - Voyager has patented a method for manufacturing larger, purer crystals in space, which are essential for high-performance optical communications [2]. - The company aims to produce ultra-pure, wavelength-engineered crystals in microgravity, enhancing optical communications for both terrestrial data centers and orbital networks [3]. Group 2: Financial Outlook - Voyager plans to send samples of its crystals to the International Space Station in spring 2026 to validate its manufacturing method before scaling up production [5]. - The company intends to have the Starlab space station operational by no later than 2029, which is expected to facilitate its manufacturing processes [6].

Core Viewpoint - Critical Metals is experiencing a significant increase in stock price due to positive drilling results from its Tanbreez project in Greenland, with shares up 34.46% [1][3]. Group 1: Company Developments - Critical Metals reported the first assay results from its 2025 drilling program at the Tanbreez Rare-Earth Project, indicating high grades of rare-earth elements [2]. - The assay results revealed total rare-earth oxide and yttrium grades ranging from 0.40% to 0.47%, with heavy rare-earth oxides constituting approximately 26% to 27% of the total [4]. - The company has approved the development of pilot-plant facilities at the Tanbreez project, with Phase 1 expected to be operational by May 2026 [5]. Group 2: Market Performance - As of 2:55 p.m. ET, shares of Critical Metals are trading at $18.18, reflecting a day's range between $13.27 and $19.05 [3]. - The market capitalization of Critical Metals stands at $1.6 billion, with a trading volume of 52 million shares compared to an average volume of 14 million [3][4].

Core Viewpoint - D-Wave Quantum is experiencing a surge in stock prices due to government momentum and potential adoption of its Advantage2 technology, which could lead to significant upside for investors [1] Group 1: Government Adoption - Government adoption of quantum technology is seen as a key driver for D-Wave's stock performance, indicating a growing interest and investment in the sector [1] - The potential for government contracts and partnerships could unlock substantial financial opportunities for D-Wave [1] Group 2: Advantage2 Technology - The Advantage2 quantum computing system is highlighted as a pivotal factor that could enhance D-Wave's market position and drive stock prices higher [1] - The technology's capabilities may attract more clients and applications, further boosting revenue potential [1] Group 3: Financial Conditions - Specific financial conditions must be met for D-Wave to realize its potential upside, suggesting that investors should monitor the company's financial health closely [1] - Understanding the financial metrics and performance indicators will be crucial for assessing the investment opportunity [1]

Core Viewpoint - BigBear.ai is strategically positioning itself in the government AI sector through its acquisition of Ask Sage, which could lead to significant stock movement due to increasing defense funding and demand for secure AI platforms [1]. Group 1: Company Developments - BigBear.ai is making a bold move into government-focused AI with its acquisition of Ask Sage [1]. - The acquisition is expected to enhance BigBear.ai's capabilities in providing secure AI solutions to government clients [1]. Group 2: Market Context - There is billions in defense funding available, indicating a robust market for companies involved in government AI solutions [1]. - The rising demand for secure AI platforms is a key driver for potential growth in BigBear.ai's stock [1].

Group 1: Bitcoin Market Overview - Bitcoin has experienced significant volatility in the past year, leading to a period of stabilization after a strong multiyear rally [1] - The investment case for Bitcoin is being revisited as it transitions from an alternative asset class to a necessary portfolio allocation alongside traditional assets like stocks and bonds [2] Group 2: Bitcoin ETFs - There are nearly a dozen Bitcoin ETFs available, all primarily investing in spot Bitcoin, with cost being the main differentiator among them [3] - The iShares Bitcoin Trust is the most popular ETF with over $70 billion in assets under management and an expense ratio of 0.25% [4] - The Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust is highlighted as a preferable option due to its lowest expense ratio of 0.15% and sufficient liquidity for trading [4] - Although not the most popular, the Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust is expected to yield the best long-term returns [6]

Core Insights - Nebius is experiencing rapid growth driven by next-generation AI infrastructure, Blackwell deployments, and global cloud expansion, indicating a strong position in the AI infrastructure market [1] - The company's success hinges on effective execution and sustained demand for supercomputing capacity, which could lead to significant upside for long-term investors [1] Company Overview - Nebius is scaling quickly in the AI sector, focusing on advanced infrastructure and cloud services [1] - The company is positioned to benefit from the ongoing AI infrastructure boom, suggesting potential for substantial returns [1] Market Dynamics - The demand for supercomputing capacity is expected to continue rising, which could positively impact Nebius's growth trajectory [1] - The company's ability to manage cash burn will be critical in determining the right timing for investment [1]

Core Viewpoint - The lithium market is showing signs of improvement, positioning Albemarle to capitalize on potential growth opportunities in the coming years [1] Group 1: Earnings and Financial Performance - Albemarle's EBITDA has faced a decline in 2024 and 2025 due to falling lithium prices and a slowdown in EV investment growth [2] - Analysts predict a sharp recovery in earnings post-2025, driven by a recovery in the lithium market and a strategic refocus by management after divesting $660 million in non-core businesses [3] Group 2: Cost Management and Investment - Management anticipates achieving $450 million in cost reductions, exceeding the initial target of $300 million to $400 million, which will support investments in lithium production expansion [4] Group 3: Lithium Price Dynamics - The price of lithium carbonate in China has surged by 51% in the last month and 85% over the past year, indicating a strong recovery in lithium prices [5] - Factors contributing to this price increase include rising energy storage demand, data center needs, and large-scale battery demand [6] - The ongoing strength in the Chinese EV market and stabilization in U.S. and European EV battery investments are expected to further support lithium price improvements [7] Group 4: Market Exposure and Risks - Albemarle's shift towards the spot market for lithium has increased its exposure, with approximately 50% of sales in 2025 occurring at spot prices compared to 33% in 2024 [9] - While this shift increases risk, it also presents significant upside potential for earnings if lithium prices continue to rise through 2026 [10]

Core Viewpoint - Costco is a solid retailer but may not be a worthwhile investment choice due to its high valuation compared to its growth prospects [1][3]. Financial Performance - In fiscal Q1 2026, Costco generated over $67 billion in revenue, marking an 8% increase year-over-year, with net income rising 11% to $2 billion [4]. - The company's profit growth in fiscal 2025 was 10%, which aligns with its current performance but does not justify its high P/E ratio of about 50 [5]. Valuation Comparison - Costco's P/E ratio of 50 is significantly higher than competitors like Amazon at 35 and Walmart at 40, making it less attractive compared to other investment options [6]. - Target, despite declining sales, trades at a P/E of 13, further highlighting Costco's premium valuation [6]. Investment Outlook - While Costco stock is technically a buy, the high price relative to its returns suggests that investors may find better opportunities elsewhere [9]. - The potential for a financial crisis could make Costco stock more appealing, but without such an event, it is advisable to seek other investments [10].