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Inflation came back into focus this week with the CPI and PPI reports being served up. What do they tell us about future Fed action? More importantly, what does it tell us about the path of the S&P 500 (SPY) from here. Read on for the full story…Inflation and the Fed were the main investment stories throughout 2024. However, in early January two other stories jumped to the front of the line:

Government debt concerns causing higher long term Treasury rates
Trump Tariff Plans (and the unknown outcome)

 
I give a pretty good accounting of these 2 vital stories in my commentary from earlier this week.  Today the focus returns to inflation and the Fed as CPI and PPI reports were served up. Let’s dig in to find out what they tell us.
Market Outlook
Coming down the home stretch of 2024 we endured several straight months of inflation reports that did not ebb lower. The Fed was fully aware of this leading to their 12/18 announcement that indeed inflation is a bit too persistent and thus they will slow down their planned pace of rate cuts.
Traders threw a tantrum like a 3 year old who was told they won’t be getting a 4th slice of cake at the birthday party. This led to a broad market pullback with many groups in full blown correction territory (namely small caps and any groups that were counting on lower rates like home builders).
The good news is that the January inflation reports are showing some improvement in the data. Most investors will want to focus on the more widely followed CPI report from 1/15. There we saw core inflation cool a notch from 3.3% to 3.2%.
The most beneficial part of that release was the modest 0.2% month over month reading for core CPI. If that held up it would get the annual pace down closer to the 2% target.
Investors don’t pay as much attention to the PPI report. However, economists understand it is a leading indicator of what shows up in CPI down the road.
Here too the best news was on the month over month numbers where core PPI was flat. If this moderating trend continues, then it once again helps point to getting inflation back to the 2% Fed target.
These reports did not move the needle on expectations for the next Fed meeting on 1/29. It is widely understood from last time that no rate cut will be forthcoming. In fact, they are projecting only 2 cuts in the year ahead with investors right now thinking that is next at the May or June meeting.
Pulling back to the bigger economic picture, the good news is that most of the data is in for economists to accurately model Q4 GDP. Most are coming out in a range of +2.5% to 3%. That would be a robust reading that should also point to solid earnings growth.
The best news on the economic front to share is that the NFIB Small Business Optimism index LEAPT from 93.7 in October before the election to 105.1 now. This is the highest reading since October 2018.
The more optimistic these business owners feel about the future…the more likely they are to invest in their business including the hiring of more employees to fuel growth. So this is great news to increase the odds of more quality GDP reads in the quarters to come.
For as good as all that economic news is, I still think the unknowns about government debt and especially tariffs will weight heavily on stocks.
Just don’t see a current catalyst for the S&P 500 (SPY) to make new highs above 6,100.
On the downside is the recent lows around 5,800. And if that falters then we are talking about a rendezvous with the 200 day moving average currently at 5,589.
That downside should not scare you that much. Especially since the bear market low is 3,491. Meaning that just like Virgina Slims ads “we’ve come a long way baby”.
This just seems like a natural juncture to consolidate under the highs + sector rotation to shake off any excess valuations.
This means to expect a fair amount of volatility. Both big drops and big bounces. The kind of action that can get an investor nauseous.
The solution is to keep your eyes on the long term horizon which is still bullish. So best to use any forthcoming dips as an opportunity to load up on the best stocks for the next higher.
Which stocks are those?
Read on in the next section for the answer…
What To Do Next?
Check out my portfolio with hand selected picks for the current market environment:

7 stocks to buy
1 stock to short
1 ETF to buy

All the stocks have been selected using the proven outperformance that comes from our POWR Ratings stock selection model which has done 4X better than the S&P 500 since 1999.
Now add in my 44 years of investing experience seeing bull markets…bear markets…and everything between. This helps me pick the right stocks for the current environment.
If you are curious to learn more, and want to see my current 9 recommendations, then please click the link below to get started now.
Steve Reitmeister’s Trading Plan & Top Recommendations >
Wishing you a world of investment success!

Steve Reitmeister…but everyone calls me Reity (pronounced “Righty”)
Editor, Reitmeister Total Return

SPY shares were trading at $597.18 per share on Friday morning, up $5.54 (+0.94%). Year-to-date, SPY has gained 1.89%, versus a % rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.
About the Author: Steve ReitmeisterSteve is better known to the StockNews audience as “Reity”. Not only is he the CEO of the firm, but he also shares his 40 years of investment experience in the Reitmeister Total Return portfolio. Learn more about Reity’s background, along with links to his most recent articles and stock picks.More…The post The Latest on Inflation & the Stock Market appeared first on StockNews.com

The tech hardware market is booming in 2025, driven by smart city initiatives, IoT demand, and innovation in robotics, cloud, and edge computing, offering lucrative investment opportunities. Given these innovation trends, tech hardware stocks like NetApp (NTAP), Seagate Technology (STX), and Silicon Motion Technology (SIMO) could be smart choices this year. Read on…In today’s technology-driven world, the rise of smart city initiatives and IoT-enabled infrastructure has significantly increased the demand for advanced hardware. This trend has fueled growth in hardware segments like SSDs, NAS, servers, and the chip industry.
As the sector continues to innovate, investors might consider fundamentally strong tech hardware stocks such as NetApp, Inc. (NTAP), Seagate Technology Holdings plc (STX), and Silicon Motion Technology Corporation (SIMO), which offer promising prospects.
Ever-evolving hardware innovations are driving a surge in digital capabilities while advancing sustainable manufacturing practices, resonating with eco-conscious consumers. Meanwhile, increasing investments in hardware research and development make this sector both dynamic and lucrative. Hence, Gartner forecasts worldwide device spending to rise by 9.5% in 2025, reaching $805.72 billion.
Simultaneously, the rising demand for advanced hardware to support robotics, cloud, and edge computing continues to fuel growth in the tech hardware sector. As a result, the global IT hardware market is projected to reach $141.15 billion this year, growing at a CAGR of 7.9%. Similarly, the global semiconductor market is expected to expand by 15% in 2025, further solidifying the tech hardware sector’s growth trajectory.
Considering these conducive trends, let’s assess the fundamentals of the abovementioned tech hardware stocks.
NetApp, Inc. (NTAP)
NTAP provides cloud-led and data-centric services to manage and share data on-premises and private and public clouds worldwide. It operates in two segments: Hybrid Cloud and Public Cloud. The company offers intelligent data management software and storage infrastructure solutions.
On December 1, 2024, NTAP announced the integration of its on-premises enterprise storage arrays with AWS Outposts, simplifying hybrid cloud deployments by enabling external block data volumes management via the AWS Management Console. The solution enhances resiliency, compliance, and infrastructure optimization for customers running enterprise applications and databases on Outposts.
On November 11, 2024, NTAP announced an expanded collaboration with Red Hat to enhance enterprise application development and management in virtual environments. This partnership integrates NTAP’s intelligent data infrastructure with Red Hat OpenShift, offering customers improved flexibility and performance for managing virtualized environments and Kubernetes containerized workloads.
In terms of the trailing-12-month Return on Total Capital, NTAP’s 26.75% is 753% higher than the 3.14% industry average. Similarly, its 12.78% trailing-12-month Return on Total Assets is 546.3% higher than the industry average of 1.98%. Its 0.72x trailing-12-month asset turnover ratio is 14.8% higher than the industry average of 0.62x.
For the fiscal second quarter, which ended October 25, 2024, NTAP’s net revenue increased 6.1% year-over-year to $1.66 billion. Its non-GAAP gross profit rose 6% from the year-ago value to $1.18 billion.
NTAP’s non-GAAP income from operations grew 13.4% year-over-year to $475 million. In addition, the company’s non-GAAP net income came in at $493 million or $1.87 per share, increases of 16% and 18.4% year-over-year, respectively.
Street expects NTAP’s revenue for the quarter ending January 31, 2025, to increase 5.3% year-over-year to $1.63 billion. Its EPS for the quarter ending April 30, 2025, is expected to rise 10.4% year-over-year to $1.99. It surpassed the EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. Over the past year, the stock has gained 39.6% to close the last trading session at $119.98.
NTAP’s POWR Ratings reflect robust prospects. It has an overall rating of B, which translates to a Strong Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings assess stocks by 118 different factors, each with its own weighting.
It is ranked #19 out of 41 stocks in the Technology – Hardware industry. It has an A grade for Quality and a B for Momentum. Click here to see NTAP’s Growth, Value, Stability, and Sentiment ratings.
Seagate Technology Holdings plc (STX)
Based in Singapore, STX is engaged in providing data storage technology and infrastructure solutions globally. The company offers mass capacity storage products, including enterprise nearline HDDs, enterprise nearline SSDs, enterprise nearline systems, video and image HDDs, and network-attached storage drives.
In terms of the trailing-12-month asset turnover ratio, STX’s 0.96x is 53.6% higher than the 0.62x industry average. Likewise, the stock’s 14.37% trailing-12-month Return on Total Capital is 358.3% higher than the 3.14% industry average. Also, its 10.34% trailing-12-month Return on Total Assets is 422.6% higher than the industry average of 1.98%.
STX’s revenues for the fiscal first quarter ending September 27, 2024, increased 49.1% from the previous year, reaching $2.17 billion. Similarly, its non-GAAP operating income was $403 million, compared to a non-GAAP operating loss of $129 million.
For the same quarter, its non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP EPS stood at $337 million and $1.58, respectively, compared to a non-GAAP net loss and loss per share of $46 million and $0.22.
For the quarter ended December 30, 2024, STX’s revenue is expected to increase 49.1% year-over-year to $2.32 billion. Its EPS for the same quarter is expected to grow considerably year-over-year to $1.88. STX surpassed the consensus EPS estimates in three of the trailing four quarters. Over the past nine months, the stock has gained 15.6% to close the last trading session at $96.22.
STX’s strong fundamentals are reflected in its POWR Ratings. It has an A grade for Growth and a B for Momentum and Quality. Within the Technology – Hardware industry, it is ranked #22. To access the additional POWR Ratings of STX for Value, Stability, and Sentiment, click here.
Silicon Motion Technology Corporation (SIMO)
Based in Hong Kong, SIMO and its subsidiaries design, develop, and market NAND flash controllers for solid-state storage devices internationally. The company offers controllers for computing-grade SSDs, enterprise-grade SSDs, eMMC and UFS mobile embedded storage, flash memory cards and flash drives, and specialized SSDs.
On November 8, 2024, SIMO announced its collaboration with TOP-electronics to expand its market presence across the EMEA region. The partnership focuses on delivering Ferri embedded storage and display interface solutions for AI, AIoT, embedded, and automotive applications.
In terms of the trailing-12-month net income margin, SIMO’s 10.90% is 186.5% higher than the 3.80% industry average. Its 10.97% trailing-12-month EBIT margin is 105.1% higher than the industry average of 5.35%. Moreover, its 0.81x trailing-12-month asset turnover ratio is 29.6% higher than the industry average of 0.62x.
In the fiscal third quarter that ended September 30, 2024, SIMO’s net sales stood at $212.41 million, up 23.3% year-over-year, and non-GAAP gross profit rose 35.5% year-over-year to $99.33 million. For the same quarter, its non-GAAP net income and earnings per ADS increased 47.3% and 46% over the prior-year quarter to $31.02 million and $0.92, respectively.
Analysts expect SIMO’s EPS for the quarter ending March 31, 2025, to increase 7% year-over-year to $0.69. Its revenue for fiscal 2024 is expected to increase 25.7% year-over-year to $803.40 million. It surpassed the Street EPS estimates in each of the trailing four quarters. Over the past three months, the stock has gained 8.2% to close the last trading session at $51.71.
SIMO’s positive outlook is reflected in its POWR Ratings. It has an overall rating of A, equating to a Strong Buy in our proprietary rating system.
It is ranked #6 out of 90 stocks in the Semiconductor & Wireless Chip industry. It has an A grade for Value. To see SIMO’s Growth, Momentum, Stability, Sentiment, and Quality, click here.
What To Do Next?
Get your hands on this special report with 3 low priced companies with tremendous upside potential even in today’s volatile markets:
3 Stocks to DOUBLE This Year >
 

NTAP shares were unchanged in after-hours trading Friday. Year-to-date, NTAP has gained 5.65%, versus a 1.96% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.
About the Author: Abhishek BhuyanAbhishek embarked on his professional journey as a financial journalist due to his keen interest in discerning the fundamental factors that influence the future performance of financial instruments.More…The post 3 Tech Hardware Stocks Quietly Innovating appeared first on StockNews.com

Audio technology is evolving at a rapid pace with growing investments in cutting-edge technologies and innovations. Dolby Laboratories (DLB) stands at the forefront of the segment and is poised to benefit significantly. So, let’s analyze DLB to understand whether its a sound investment today. Read on to know more…Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (DLB) is a global leader in immersive entertainment. The company specializes in noise reduction, encoding/compression, spatial audio, and HDR imaging.
Dolby has revolutionized audio technologies through the years and is well-known for its wide offerings across the globe. The company’s products and innovations are a preferred choice of various leading companies worldwide. DLB’s innovations are actively incorporated into devices and equipment to enhance their features, creating unprecedented avenues.
DLB concluded a successful and prosperous financial year on September 27, 2024, with remarkable revenue and net income growth in the fourth quarter. During the year, Dolby emphasized operational efficiency and expansion. It closed the acquisition of GE Licensing and expects gradual margin and non-GAAP earning growth in fiscal 2025, along with a strengthened position in imaging patents.
The company also acquired THEO Technologies, expanding Dolby.io’s ability to offer customers the best solutions for real-time streaming experiences. This acquisition also resulted in the launch of a comprehensive range of cloud video products and solutions. Such capability expansion will contribute to its future prospects and accelerate new developments.
Further, the company’s strategic collaboration and technology incorporation with leaders like Apple and Xiaomi continue solidifying its market position. Recently, Dolby also added two new automotive partners, WEY, a Chinese car company, and Smart, a JV between Mercedes and Geely, bringing its automotive OEM partners to over 20 supporting Dolby Atmos, which was 10 partners one year ago.
For fiscal 2025, Dolby’s prospects appear promising, with strong momentum in Dolby Atmos and Dolby Vision, its imaging patent portfolio. The recent acquisitions will accelerate its opportunities in diverse segments and will cater to a wider audience with its continuous investment in audio technology.
Given its strong financial health and ongoing expansion, DLB appears poised for continued growth. Shares of DLB gained 2.3% over the past month and 9.4% over the past three months to close the last trading session at $80.99.
Let’s look at factors that could influence DLB’s performance in the upcoming months.
Positive Recent Developments
On September 13, 2024, DLB launched a comprehensive range of cloud video products and solutions supporting real-time interactive streaming in association with THEO Technologies, a leading provider of high-quality video streaming tools. THEO Technologies was acquired by DLB in 2024, expanding its ability to deliver more interactive and personalized live experiences with extremely low latency.
The company’s new capabilities include THEOads, introduced on the same day. THEOads is a pioneering ad insertion capability that enhances the quality, flexibility, and targeting of advertising within THEOplayer.
Further, in June 2024, DLB also acquired GE Licensing, which owns, maintains, and licenses an extensive portfolio of IP primarily targeting the consumer digital media and electronics sectors. The strategic acquisition strengthened DLB’s licensing businesses and is likely to create further growth opportunities.
Solid Financials
For the fourth quarter ended on September 27, 2024, DLB’s total revenue increased 4.9% year-over-year to $304.81 million, of which its Licensing revenue rose 6.6% year-over-year to $282.71 million. The company reported a gross profit of $270.81 million, indicating a 6.2% increase from the prior year’s quarter.
Furthermore, non-GAAP net income attributable to DLB totaled $78.44 million, up 22.7% year-over-year. The company’s non-GAAP EPS grew 24.6% from the year-ago value to $0.81. Also, as of September 27, 2024, the company’s total assets stood at $3.11 billion versus $2.98 billion as of September 29, 2023.
Buoyed by its strong financial performance in 2024, Dolby provided estimates for the first quarter and full fiscal year 2025. It expects total revenue to range from $330 million to $360 million, and its licensing revenue is estimated to range from $305 million to $335 million for the first quarter. The company also projects non-GAAP EPS of $0.96 – $1.11 over the same quarter.
For the full year 2025, Dolby’s total revenue is estimated at $1.33 billion to $1.39 billion. Further, it also expects EPS between $3.99 and $4.14 on a non-GAAP basis.
Favorable Analyst Estimates
Analysts expect DLB’s revenue for the first quarter (ended December 2024) to come in at $346.15 million, indicating an increase of 9.7% year-over-year. The consensus EPS estimate of $1.05 for the same period reflects a 4.3% year-over-year improvement. Moreover, the company topped consensus EPS estimates in all four trailing quarters, which is remarkable.
For the fiscal year (ending September 2025), the company’s revenue and EPS are anticipated to grow 6.4% and 7.1% year-over-year to $1.36 billion and $4.06, respectively. In addition, Street expects its revenue and EPS for the fiscal year 2026 to grow 4.5% and 7% from the prior year to $1.42 billion and $4.35, respectively.
High Profitability
DLB’s trailing-12-month EBIT margin of 20.78% is 288.5% higher than the 5.35% industry average. Its trailing-12-month net income margin of 20.56% is significantly higher than the industry average of 3.80%. Likewise, the stock’s trailing-12-month gross profit margin of 88.97% is 76% higher than the industry average of 50.55%.
Furthermore, the stock’s trailing-12-month ROCE, ROTC, and ROTA of 10.84%, 6.68%, and 8.42% are higher than the 4.22%, 3.14%, and 1.98% industry averages, respectively.
POWR Ratings Reflect Promise
DLB’s solid fundamentals are reflected in its POWR Ratings. The stock has an overall rating of A, translating to a Strong Buy in our proprietary system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 different factors, with each factor weighted to an optimal degree.
Our proprietary rating system also evaluates each stock based on eight distinct categories. DLB has an A grade for Sentiment, which is consistent with its optimistic analyst estimates. The stock also has an A grade for Quality, which is in sync with its higher profitability relative to its peers.
DLB is ranked #2 among the 40 stocks in the Technology – Electronics industry.
Beyond what I have stated above, we have also given DLB grades for Stability, Growth, Momentum, and Value. Get access to all the DLB ratings here.
Bottom Line
DLB is a leader in the audio technology segment, dominating the global market. The company’s diverse, innovative solutions, strategic acquisitions, and new developments are driving its growth and solid expansion.
Also, increasing investments in cutting-edge technology solutions and rapid technological advances like 4K, 8K, and immersive audio formats are boosting demand for new devices. Such industry evolution will benefit DLB, strengthening the company’s future profitability and opportunities.
Thus, it could be prudent to invest in this stock amid favorable industry trends, strong financial performance, accelerating profitability, and dominating market position.
How Does Dolby Laboratories, Inc. (DLB) Stack Up Against Its Peers?
While DLB has an overall POWR Rating of A, investors could also check out these other stocks within the Technology – Electronics industry with A (Strong Buy) or B (Buy) ratings: Fuji Electric Co., Ltd. (FELTY), Brother Industries, Ltd. (BRTHY), and Universal Electronics Inc. (UEIC).
For exploring more A and B-rated technology stocks, click here.
What To Do Next?
Get your hands on this special report with 3 low priced companies with tremendous upside potential even in today’s volatile markets:
3 Stocks to DOUBLE This Year >

DLB shares were unchanged in after-hours trading Friday. Year-to-date, DLB has gained 4.06%, versus a 1.96% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.
About the Author: Rjkumari SaxenaRajkumari started her career as a writer but gradually shifted her focus to financial journalism, leveraging her educational background in Commerce. Fascinated by the interplay of business and economic shifts in equities, she aspires to evolve as an analyst. With a knack for simplifying complex financial concepts, her mission is to empower investors with insights that lead to profitable decisions.More…The post Is Dolby Laboratories a Sound Investment in Audio Technology? appeared first on StockNews.com

The entertainment industry’s outlook looks promising, given robust spending worldwide and evolving consumer behavior. Amid this, let’s analyze the prospects of sound entertainment stocks Emerald Holding (EEX), Madison Square Garden Entertainment (MSGE), and Madison Square Garden Sports (MSGS) for 2025. Read on to know more…The entertainment industry is well-poised for substantial growth and profitability in the upcoming years, backed by growing investment in amusement and theme parks and increasing interest of consumers.
Given the industry’s bright growth prospects, investors could keep fundamentally sound entertainment stocks Emerald Holding, Inc. (EEX), Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSGE), and Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (MSGS) on their radar in 2025.
The entertainment industry is well-positioned to witness significant growth and expansion in the foreseeable future, driven by growing consumer demand amid a rapidly evolving and advancing market worldwide. The market’s prospects are further strengthening with increasing internet penetration, rising disposable income, and the development of attractive attractions.
The media & entertainment market is expected to reach $32.21 billion in 2025 and is projected to value around $46.89 billion by 2030, exhibiting growth at a CAGR of 7.8%. Rapid technological developments swiftly transform the industry and lead to profitable growth in all segments.
Also, as the public prioritizes leisure time, themed adventures, and quality ambiance, the theme park market is expected to grow exponentially. Organizations are emphasizing on building and designing theme parks based on popular movies and series to attract more crowds. Further, rising disposable incomes have resulted in increasing consumer spending on amusement park visits.
Further, propelled by the surging consumption of internet-based entertainment, including web series, sports, online video gaming, podcasts, and others, the global online entertainment market is flourishing. The market is projected to grow to $338.96 billion by 2034 at a CAGR of 12.8%.
With these favorable trends in mind, let’s look at the fundamentals of the three best Entertainment – Sports & Theme Parks stocks, beginning with the third choice.
Stock #3: Emerald Holding, Inc. (EEX)
EEX operates business-to-business (B2B) trade shows. The company offers B2B trade show franchises and, B2B print publications and digital media products, which provide industry-specific business news and information across various sectors.
EEX’s trailing-12-month gross profit margin and EBIT margin of 64.88% and 16.70% are 23.3% and 67.7% higher than the respective industry averages of 52.62% and 9.96%. Further, the stock’s trailing-12-month Levered FCF margin of 16.07% is 81.6% higher than the industry average of 8.85%.
EEX’s revenues increased marginally year-over-year to $72.60 million for the third quarter that ended September 30, 2024. Its adjusted EBITDA reached $12.50 million, up 15.7% from the prior year’s quarter. Also, the company’s free cash flow rose 21.8% from the year-ago value to $6.70 million.
Analysts expect EEX’s revenue for the fourth quarter (ended December 2024) to increase 6.5% year-over-year to $108.05 million, while its EPS for the same quarter is expected to be $0.04. For the fiscal year 2024, the company’s revenue is expected to grow 4.5% from the prior year to $400.05 million.
EEX’s stock has gained 12.8% over the past three months to close the last trading session at $4.68.
EEX’s solid prospects are reflected in its POWR Ratings. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 different factors, each weighted to an optimal degree.
The stock has an A grade for Sentiment. It is ranked #3 of 12 stocks within the Entertainment – Sports & Theme Parks industry.
In addition to the POWR Ratings I’ve just highlighted, you can see EEX’s ratings for Growth, Value, Stability, Quality, and Momentum here.
Stock #2: Madison Square Garden Entertainment Corp. (MSGE)
MSGE engages in the live entertainment business. It produces, presents, and hosts live entertainment events, like concerts, sporting events, family shows, family shows, performing arts events, and special events. It operates a collection of venues, including Madison Square Garden, The Theater at Madison Square Garden, Radio City Music Hall, the Beacon Theatre, and The Chicago Theatre.
MSGE’s trailing-12-month EBIT margin of 13.29% is 33.5% higher than the industry average of 9.96%. Likewise, the stock’s trailing-12-month net income margin of 18.38% is significantly higher than the industry average of 3.81%. Also, its trailing-12-month ROTC of 8.67% is 119.5% higher than the 3.95% industry average.
For the first quarter that ended September 30, 2024, MSGE posted total revenues of $138.71 million. The company’s adjusted operating income was $1.91 million, against an operating loss of $220 thousand in the prior year’s quarter. In addition, its cash, cash equivalents, and restricted cash were $37.61 million as of September 30, 2024, compared to $33.55 million as of June 30, 2024.
Street expects MSGE’s revenue and EPS for the third quarter (ending March 2025) to increase 1.3% and 266.2% year-over-year to $231.19 million and $0.22, respectively. Also, the company topped the consensus revenue and EPS estimates in three of the trailing four quarters.
Shares of MSGE have soared 2.5% over the past month and 9.9% over the past year to close the last trading session at $35.48.
MSGE’s sound fundamentals are reflected in its POWR Ratings. The stock has a B grade for Sentiment. MSGE is ranked #2 out of 12 stocks in the Entertainment – Sports & Theme Parks industry.
Click here to access additional MSGE ratings for Stability, Growth, Value, Quality, and Momentum.
Stock #1: Madison Square Garden Sports Corp. (MSGS)
MSGS is a professional sports company. It owns and operates a portfolio of assets that consists of the New York Knickerbockers of the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the New York Rangers of the National Hockey League.
On October 17, 2024, MSGS and the Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi announced a new marketing partnership named ‘Experience Abu Dhabi’ as the Official Patch Partner of the New York Knicks, forging a significant integration between DCT Abu Dhabi and one of the most storied franchises in professional sports.
MSGS reported revenues of $53.31 million, up 23.8% year-over-year during the first quarter that ended September 30, 2024. The company’s interest income grew 90.7% from the year-ago value to $864 thousand. Furthermore, the company’s total assets came in at $1.37 billion as of September 30, 2024, compared to $1.35 billion as of June 30, 2024.
Analysts expect MSGS’ EPS for the third quarter (ending March 2025) to increase 5.1% year-over-year to $1.65. The company’s revenue for the ongoing quarter is projected to grow 1.8% year-over-year to $437.63 million. Moreover, the company topped the consensus EPS and revenue estimates in three of the trailing four quarters.
MSGS’ stock gained 8.1% over the past six months and 13.9% over the past year to close the last trading session at $215.20.
MSGS’ POWR Ratings reflect its robust outlook. The stock has a B grade for Quality and Sentiment. MSGS has topped the list of 12 stocks within the same industry.
To access additional ratings of MSGS for Stability, Growth, Value, and Momentum, click here.
What To Do Next?
Get your hands on this special report with 3 low priced companies with tremendous upside potential even in today’s volatile markets:
3 Stocks to DOUBLE This Year >

MSGS shares were trading at $217.00 per share on Friday afternoon, up $1.80 (+0.84%). Year-to-date, MSGS has declined -3.85%, versus a 1.96% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.
About the Author: Rjkumari SaxenaRajkumari started her career as a writer but gradually shifted her focus to financial journalism, leveraging her educational background in Commerce. Fascinated by the interplay of business and economic shifts in equities, she aspires to evolve as an analyst. With a knack for simplifying complex financial concepts, her mission is to empower investors with insights that lead to profitable decisions.More…The post 3 Entertainment Stocks to Keep on Your Radar in 2025 appeared first on StockNews.com

As innovation continues to transform industries, investing in specialty ETFs like iShares U.S. Energy (IYE), ARK Fintech Innovation (ARKF), and VanEck Retail (RTH) could be a smart way to diversify your portfolio while capitalizing on high-growth sectors. Read more…Specialty ETFs, or sector funds, offer a unique way for investors to zero in on specific industries or market segments that align with their growth expectations. Unlike traditional index funds that provide broad market exposure, specialty ETFs focus on niche sectors such as energy, fintech, or consumer goods, making it easier for investors to tap into the areas of the economy that are experiencing rapid growth, innovation, or transformation.  
Below, I have highlighted three specialty ETFs that are fundamentally sound and positioned to offer strong growth opportunities: iShares U.S. Energy ETF (IYE), ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF), and VanEck Retail ETF (RTH). These funds provide diversified exposure within their respective sectors, allowing investors to focus on industries with strong growth potential.
Investor sentiment toward specialty ETFs is generally upbeat, thanks to their ability to target high-growth sectors and niche markets with specific investment themes. However, there is some caution due to the lack of diversification, as these funds are more susceptible to sector-specific risks and volatility.
Despite these risks, many investors are turning to specialty ETFs as a strategic way to position their portfolios to benefit from the growth potential of industries that are on the cusp of transformation. Whether it’s the energy transition, the rise of fintech, or the evolving retail sector, these funds present attractive options for investors looking to capitalize on emerging trends.
To that end, let’s delve into the fundamental aspects of the above-mentioned ETFs in detail:
iShares U.S. Energy ETF (IYE)
IYE seeks to track the investment results of a market-cap-weighted index composed of large-cap U.S. companies in the energy industry. The fund holds a concentrated portfolio of companies that facilitate the production and distribution of oil and gas. It tracks the performance of the Russell 1000 Energy RIC 22.5/45 Capped Index.
With $1.34 billion in assets under management (AUM), its top holdings include Exxon Mobil Corporation (XOM) with a 21.65% weighting, Chevron Corporation (CVX) at 14.92%, followed by ConocoPhillips (COP), and EOG Resources, Inc. (EOG) with 7.25% and 4.67% weightings, respectively. The fund currently has 43 holdings in total, with its top 10 assets comprising 68.3% of its AUM.
Over the past three months, IYE’s fund inflows came in at $31 million. In addition, its 0.39% expense ratio compares to the category average of 0.47%. The ETF’s NAV was $49.21 as of January 15, 2025.
IYE pays an annual dividend of $1.25, translating to a 2.54% yield at the current price level, while its four-year average dividend yield is 3.02%. Over the past three years, its dividend payouts have grown at a CAGR of 11.74%.
IYE has gained 14.2% over the past year and 8.8% year-to-date to close the last trading session at $49.59.
IYE’s POWR Ratings reflect this promising outlook. It has an overall rating of A, equating to Strong Buy in our proprietary rating system. The POWR Ratings are calculated by considering 118 different factors, with each factor weighted to an optimal degree.
IYE also has an A grade for Buy & Hold and Trade and a B for Peer. Among the 46 ETFs in the B-rated Energy Equities ETFs group, it is ranked #5. Click here to see all the IYE ratings.
ARK Fintech Innovation ETF (ARKF)
ARKF is an exchange-traded fund managed by ARK Investment Management LLC. This actively managed fund focuses on financial technology innovation, which ARK defines as the introduction of new, technology-driven products or services that have the potential to transform the financial sector. The fund invests in stocks of both domestic and international companies within this theme, and its performance is benchmarked against the S&P 500 Index and the MSCI World Index.
The fund has approximately $1.02 billion AUM. ARKF’s major holdings include Coinbase Global, Inc. (COIN) with a 9.49% weighting, Shopify Inc. (SHOP) at 9.29%, Robinhood Markets, Inc. (HOOD), and MUTUAL FUND (OTHER) at 5.99% and 5.89%, respectively.
The ETF has 37 holdings, with its top 10 assets comprising 56.73% of its AUM. ARKF’s expense ratio is 0.75%, higher than the category average of 0.56%.
Over the past year, ARKF has gained 52.1% to close the last trading session at $38.89. The fund’s NAV was $38.73 as of January 03, 2025.
ARKF’s bright prospects are reflected in its POWR Ratings. The ETF’s overall B rating equates to a Buy in our proprietary rating system.
ARKF has an A grade for Trade and a B for Buy & Hold. The fund is ranked #57 out of 119 ETFs in the A-rated Technology Equities ETFs group. Beyond what we stated above, we have also given ARKF a grade for Peer. Get all ARKF ratings here.
VanEck Retail ETF (RTH)
Launched and managed by Van Eck Associates Corporation, RTH invests in U.S. equities within the consumer discretionary and retail sectors. It targets large-cap growth and value stocks while tracking the MVIS US Listed Retail 25 Index. The fund allocates at least 80% of its assets to companies that derive at least 50% of their revenue from retail, including specialty and multi-line retailers, wholesalers, and online platforms.
With $221.70 million in assets under management, its top holdings include Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) with a 19.78% weighting, Walmart Inc. (WMT) at 8.71%, followed by Costco Wholesale Corporation (COST) and The Home Depot, Inc. (HD) with 8.06% and 7.73% weightings, respectively.
The fund currently has 26 holdings in total, with its top 10 assets comprising 71.2% of its AUM. RTH has a 0.35% expense ratio, lower than the 0.57% category average. Its fund inflows were $11.25 million over the past year.
The ETF distributes $1.73 in dividends annually, translating to a yield of 0.76%. Its four-year average dividend yield is 0.89%. Over the past three years, its dividend payouts have grown at a CAGR of 4.6%.
RTH has gained 20.1% over the past year and 13.8% over the past nine months to close the last trading session at $227.42. As of January 15, 2025, RTH had an NAV of $227.70.
RTH’s strong fundamentals are reflected in its POWR Ratings. The ETF has an overall A grade, equating to a Strong Buy rating in our proprietary rating system.
RTH also has an A rating for Buy & Hold, Peer, and Trade. Of the 48 ETFs in the B-rated Consumer-Focused ETFs group, it is ranked 8. Get all RTH ratings here.
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IYE shares were unchanged in premarket trading Friday. Year-to-date, IYE has gained 8.82%, versus a 0.95% rise in the benchmark S&P 500 index during the same period.
About the Author: Shweta KumariShweta’s profound interest in financial research and quantitative analysis led her to pursue a career as an investment analyst. She uses her knowledge to help retail investors make educated investment decisions.More…The post 3 Specialty ETFs Offering Targeted Growth Opportunities appeared first on StockNews.com