SAN DIEGO, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Shareholders Foundation, Inc. announces that a deadline is coming up on August 19th in the lawsuit that was filed for certain investors in shares of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL). Investors who purchased in excess of $250,000 in shares of Apple Inc. (NASDAQ: AAPL) between June 10, 2024 and June 9, 2025, have certain options and there are short and strict deadlines running. Deadline: August 19, 2025. NASDAQ: AAPL investors should contact the Shareholders Foundatio ...

Core Viewpoint - MP Materials stock may be overvalued by 26% after significant price increases due to Pentagon investment and a contract with Apple, despite facing high operational costs and competitive pressures [1][2][3]. Company Overview - MP Materials operates the only U.S.-based rare earth mining and processing facility, with a significant focus on producing magnets [2]. - The company has seen its stock rise by 255% in 2025, driven by strategic partnerships and government support [2][12]. Recent Developments - The Department of Defense plans to become MP Materials' largest shareholder, investing $150 million to enhance magnet production [2][12]. - Apple has signed a $500 million contract to purchase magnets from MP Materials, with shipments expected to start in 2027 [13]. Financial Performance - In the first quarter, MP Materials reported a 25% increase in revenue to $61 million, although it incurred a loss of $23 million [10]. - Analysts estimate that mid-cycle earnings could reach $650 million, with potential for $1.5 billion under more ambitious growth scenarios [18]. Competitive Landscape - The rare earth materials market is heavily dominated by Chinese companies, controlling over 90% of the supply [1]. - MP Materials faces significant challenges, including high production costs that are estimated to be 50% higher than those of Chinese competitors [15][17]. Strategic Challenges - The company is highly dependent on a single customer, Shenghe, and must navigate price competition from larger rivals [4][8]. - Geopolitical risks, particularly from China, could impact MP's pricing power and market position [8][14]. Market Valuation - Current market valuation suggests that MP Materials stock is priced for returns of 25% to 30% on future investments, which may not be achievable given the capital requirements and competitive disadvantages [19][20].

Core Viewpoint - A lawsuit has been filed against Apple Inc. and certain senior executives for potential violations of federal securities laws related to misrepresentations about Siri's AI capabilities and product timelines [1][2][3][4]. Group 1: Lawsuit Details - The lawsuit is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, titled Tucker v. Apple Inc., et al., No. 5:25-cv-05197 [2]. - Investors have until August 19, 2025, to request to lead the case [2]. Group 2: Allegations Against Apple - The complaint alleges that Apple misrepresented the advanced AI features of Siri and the timeline for their integration into the iPhone 16 product cycle [3][4]. - It is claimed that Apple did not have a functional prototype of the advanced features it promised [4]. Group 3: Stock Performance Impact - Following the announcement on March 7, 2025, that Apple would indefinitely delay several AI-based Siri features, the stock price fell by $11.59, or nearly 5%, from $239.07 to $227.48 per share [5]. - On June 9, 2025, after the Worldwide Developer Conference where no new updates on Siri features were announced, the stock price declined by $2.47, or over 1%, from $203.92 to $201.45 per share [6].

Core Viewpoint - MP Materials (NYSE: MP) has seen its stock price more than triple since the previous coverage in September, driven by increased NdPr production and favorable macroeconomic conditions [1]. Group 1: Company Performance - The stock price of MP Materials has more than tripled since the first coverage in September [1]. - Key growth catalysts identified include a ramp-up in NdPr production [1]. Group 2: Analyst Background - The author is a professional portfolio manager with a background in business studies from France, the U.S., and Russia [1]. - The author operates independently and is a Popular Investor on eToro, showcasing investment opinions and decisions [1].

Core Insights - MP Materials, the only American rare earths producer, has secured a $500 million agreement with Apple to produce magnets for iPhones and other high-tech products [1] - The U.S. Defense Department has invested $400 million in MP Materials, making it the largest shareholder and ensuring a minimum price for key elements over the next decade [2][8] - The agreements are part of a broader strategy to reduce U.S. dependence on China for rare earth elements, which are critical for various technologies [9][10] Company Developments - The Apple deal will enable MP Materials to expand its Texas factory to produce magnets from recycled materials, with production for Apple expected to start in 2027 [5][6] - The Pentagon's investment guarantees stable revenue for MP Materials, protecting it from price fluctuations caused by Chinese competition [8] - MP Materials plans to begin producing magnets for General Motors' electric vehicles later this year [5] Industry Context - Rare earth elements are essential for a wide range of products, including smartphones, electric vehicles, and military applications [4] - The U.S. is seeking to reshape its rare earth supply chains amid ongoing trade tensions with China, which currently dominates the market [3][11] - Recent agreements between the U.S. and China aim to ease trade tensions, but fundamental differences remain regarding dependency on each other [11]

Group 1 - The core viewpoint of the article highlights Apple's commitment to corporate social responsibility in China, emphasizing its contributions to education and sustainable development over the past thirty years [1][2] - Apple has donated a total of 350 million RMB to Chinese communities, focusing on initiatives such as educational support and clean energy investments [1] - The "Smart Benefit Program" has established "Smart Classrooms" in 33 schools across underdeveloped regions like Sichuan and Guizhou, benefiting over 60,000 teachers and students by providing digital teaching tools [1] Group 2 - In 2023, Apple invested 720 million RMB to launch the second phase of its China Clean Energy Fund, aiming to add 550,000 MWh of wind and solar power annually [2] - By 2024, 24% of the materials used in Apple's products will come from recycled or renewable sources, showcasing the company's commitment to sustainability [2] - Two-thirds of Apple's production processes have adopted renewable energy, indicating significant progress in reducing emissions within the supply chain [2]

Investment Rating - The report assigns an "Overweight" rating to Xiaomi Corp, indicating a positive outlook for the stock's performance relative to its industry peers [4][64]. Core Insights - Xiaomi's global smartphone shipment in 2Q25 is expected to exceed its performance in 1Q25, with preliminary data suggesting a slight year-over-year increase of 0.6% to 42.5 million units, securing a 14.4% global market share [1][2]. - The overall global smartphone shipment in 2Q25 is projected to be 295.2 million units, reflecting a modest increase of 1.0% year-over-year according to IDC [1]. - Samsung remains the market leader with 58 million units shipped, representing a 7.9% year-over-year increase and a 19.7% market share, while Apple follows with 46.4 million units and a 15.7% share [2]. Summary by Sections Shipment Performance - Xiaomi's shipment is anticipated to surpass its previous quarter's performance, with a total of 42.5 million units shipped in 2Q25, marking a 0.6% increase year-over-year [2]. - The global smartphone market is experiencing slight growth, with IDC reporting a total shipment of 295.2 million units in 2Q25, up 1.0% year-over-year [1]. Market Position - Xiaomi ranks third in the global smartphone market, holding a 14.4% share, while Samsung and Apple hold the first and second positions, respectively [2]. - Canalys data indicates a 1% year-over-year decline in global smartphone shipments, with Xiaomi's market share slightly lower at 15% compared to IDC's figures [3]. Financial Metrics - The report provides financial projections for Xiaomi, estimating revenue growth from RMB 365.9 billion in 2024 to RMB 687.1 billion by 2027, with corresponding EPS growth from RMB 1.07 to RMB 2.56 over the same period [4].

And right now we are 2 minutes away from the end of the trading day. Romaine Bostick here with Scarlet Fu taking you through to that closing bell with the global simulcast. It has started.Tim Scientific is in the radio booth. Emily prevail by his side today. Carol Massar has the day off.Welcome to our audiences across all of our Bloomberg platforms, including our partnership with YouTube. Tim sent back a mixed day in markets down on the S&P 500 and slightly higher, though, on the Nasdaq. Yeah, I mean, a sli ...

Core Viewpoint - MP Materials' stock experienced a significant increase of over 20% following the announcement of a $500 million deal with Apple to develop a recycling line for rare Earth materials, which are essential for high-tech devices [1] Group 1 - MP Materials shares closed up 20% after the announcement [1] - The $500 million deal with Apple focuses on recycling rare Earth materials [1] - Rare Earth materials are increasingly in demand due to their vital role in high-tech devices [1]

Core Viewpoint - Consumers may benefit from sales tax holidays in July and August, potentially boosting Apple's sales during the back-to-school shopping season [1][7]. Group 1: Sales Tax Holidays - Seventeen states offer sales tax holidays, with nine states applicable for Apple products [2]. - The sales tax holidays include various items, such as electronics, clothing, and school supplies [1][3]. - Local taxes may still apply to some purchases made during these tax-free periods [4]. Group 2: Revenue Impact - Apple could see increased revenue in the U.S. during the back-to-school months, with reported revenue of $40.31 billion in the Americas segment for Q2 [7]. - iPhone sales have declined year-over-year, while Mac and iPad sales have increased [7]. - The Services business for Apple set a record of $26.65 billion in Q2, indicating potential future revenue opportunities from student device sales [8]. Group 3: Consumer Behavior - The National Retail Federation estimates average budgets of $875 for K-12 shoppers and $1,365 for college students [8]. - A survey indicated that 76% of shoppers expect higher prices for back-to-school items in 2025 [8]. - Tax-free events can drive additional sales as customers may purchase unplanned items [9]. Group 4: State-Specific Details - Specific states and their tax-free holiday details include: - Alabama: July 18-20, max price $750 for computers and accessories [10]. - Arkansas: Aug. 2-3, no max price for iPhones, iPads, and Macs [10]. - Massachusetts: Aug. 9-10, max price $2,000 for one item [10]. - New Mexico: July 25-27, max price $1,000 for Mac/iPad [10]. - Ohio: Aug. 1-14, max price $500 for one item [10]. - South Carolina: Aug. 1-3, no max price [10]. - Tennessee: July 25-27, max price $1,500 for computers and accessories [10]. - Virginia: Aug. 1-3, max price $60 per item [10]. - West Virginia: Aug. 1-4, max price $500 for iPads [10]. - Local and state tax rates for participating states range from 5.77% to 9.61% [10].