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Why Warren Buffett Isn’t Selling These Two Lagging Holdings

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Warren Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway portfolio has generated extraordinary returns over decades, helping transform the investment conglomerate into the world’s 11th-largest company with a market capitalization exceeding $1 trillion. While many Berkshire holdings trade at premium valuations, two of the portfolio’s technology positions have underperformed significantly in 2025, creating potential entry points for patient investors.

Apple Inc. (AAPL)

Market Cap: $3.8 trillion
2025 Performance: -10%

Apple remains Berkshire Hathaway’s largest holding at over 20% of the portfolio, despite Buffett reducing his position recently. The tech giant’s stock has fallen 10% this year while broader markets have rallied, with investors expressing disappointment over the company’s artificial intelligence offerings.

The Investment Case

Apple’s fundamental business strengths remain intact. The company maintains a large, differentiated consumer products business with an exceptionally sticky ecosystem. Loyal customers purchase multiple devices that seamlessly connect, creating high switching costs and recurring revenue streams.

While often categorized as a technology company, Apple functions equally as a consumer products business with pricing power and brand loyalty that Buffett traditionally favors. The tech component provides AI exposure, though Apple Intelligence has underwhelmed investors so far with services that haven’t stood out from competitors.

Recent product launches demonstrate why Apple retains customer devotion. The iPhone Air debuted as the thinnest smartphone on the market, appealing to style-conscious users who treat devices as statement pieces. The upcoming iPhone 17 promises enhanced quality and capabilities, while new AirPods will use Apple Intelligence for real-time language translation.

Why the Opportunity Exists

The market’s negative reaction to recent product announcements created the current discount. Investors wanted more aggressive AI innovation, and Apple’s measured approach disappointed growth-focused traders. This sentiment-driven selloff may have created an attractive entry point for long-term investors who recognize Apple’s durable competitive advantages.

The stock’s 10% decline stands in stark contrast to its business fundamentals, which show a company still dominating premium consumer electronics with loyal customers unlikely to switch platforms. For investors willing to be patient while Apple develops its AI strategy, current prices offer compelling value.

Amazon.com Inc. (AMZN)

Market Cap: $2.3 trillion
2025 Performance: +2%

Amazon represents just 0.7% of Berkshire’s public stock holdings, making it a relatively small position. Yet the e-commerce and cloud computing giant has dramatically underperformed broader markets, gaining only 2% in 2025 while the S&P 500 has risen roughly 15% and the Nasdaq has surged approximately 18%.

The Underperformance Story

Amazon’s five-year stock performance reveals the extent of its market lagging. Shares have risen just 43% over the past five years while the S&P 500 and Nasdaq Composite have both more than doubled. This sustained underperformance stems from identifiable headwinds rather than business deterioration.

The company’s e-commerce operations, which still generate the majority of revenue, faced substantial challenges from pandemic-related supply chain disruptions and subsequent inflationary pressures. More recently, tariff policies have created additional cost pressures for the retail business.

The Forward Opportunity

Despite near-term challenges, Amazon remains one of the world’s strongest businesses with multiple growth drivers that may be underappreciated. Trading at roughly 33.5 times expected 2025 earnings, the valuation reflects growth expectations but appears reasonable given the company’s positioning.

The artificial intelligence opportunity for Amazon Web Services appears both acknowledged and underappreciated. While investors recognize AWS will benefit from AI infrastructure spending, the magnitude and duration of this tailwind may be underestimated. Cloud infrastructure demand for AI workloads could drive years of accelerated AWS growth.

Perhaps more importantly, the market seems largely overlooking how AI and robotics will transform Amazon’s e-commerce margin profile. Automation in warehouses and logistics, AI-powered inventory management, and robotic delivery systems should dramatically improve operating leverage in the retail business over time.

Risk Considerations

Amazon’s growth-dependent valuation means the stock remains vulnerable to multiple compression if growth disappoints. Tariff headwinds could persist longer than anticipated, pressuring retail margins. Competition in both e-commerce and cloud computing continues intensifying, requiring sustained innovation and capital investment.

Portfolio Perspective

Both stocks share similar characteristics: market leadership positions, temporary underperformance creating discounts, and long-term growth drivers that may be underappreciated. The contrarian opportunity exists precisely because these stocks have disappointed in 2025 while broader markets rallied.

For investors comfortable with Berkshire Hathaway’s investment philosophy of buying quality businesses at reasonable prices, these two holdings offer exposure to dominant franchises trading below their recent peaks. The key question is whether current headwinds represent temporary challenges or structural deterioration.

The evidence suggests temporary factors. Apple’s ecosystem remains as strong as ever, even if AI development is proceeding more slowly than investors wanted. Amazon’s fundamental businesses in e-commerce and cloud computing continue growing, even if stock performance hasn’t reflected that growth.

Investors seeking to follow Buffett’s approach might view these underperforming holdings as opportunities rather than warnings. When quality businesses trade at discounts due to sentiment rather than fundamentals, patient capital often gets rewarded.

Top 3 REITs to Buy for Massive Income

As we move forward into 2024, the volatile tides of the investment world continue to surge and ebb, teeming with both potential threats and enticing opportunities. When it comes to formulating a robust, recession-proof portfolio, investors invariably turn their attention towards Real Estate Investment Trusts or REITs, renowned as they are for their stability, attractive returns, and reliable income streams. 

“When you invest in Real Estate Investment Trusts, you’re not just buying property. You’re buying a stake in a professionally managed portfolio that invests in some of the most valuable real estate in the world and provides you a share of the profits.” -Nareit, the U.S. based National Association of Real Estate Investment Trust

Yet, choosing the right REITs to invest in is akin to navigating through a complex labyrinth, intricately designed with a multitude of factors, like type, yield, and growth prospects. In this insightful report, we’ll delve into a comprehensive analysis of three booming REITs that, we believe, warrant your attention in 2024. 

  1. Advanced Realty Income Growth (ARIG)
  2. Blue Chip Realty Fund (BCRF)
  3. Global Infrastructure Properties (GIP)

Each covered REIT will encompass an in-depth exploration of its performance history, dividend stability, growth potential, and strategic management. Ultimately, the goal is to provide an inclusive perspective on these potentially high-yield assets. So, whether you’re a seasoned investor or novice, buckle up as we venture into the riveting world of REITs. 




Advanced Realty Income Growth (ARIG) 

The first real estate investment trust (REIT) to consider in 2024 is Advanced Realty Income Growth (ARIG). ARIG’s strong performance over the past several years suggests a promising growth trajectory for this REIT as it continues to mature and diversify its portfolio. 

ARIG stands out due to its emphasis on generating consistent and reliable income for its shareholders. As such, its management is inclined towards acquiring and managing properties with high occupancy rates and long-term leases. Furthermore, this REIT’s geographical diversification across multiple states has helped to mitigate potential regional economic vulnerabilities. 

One key element of ARIG’s approach is their unwavering commitment to conservatively manage debt levels while maintaining sufficient liquidity. This strategy undoubtedly makes it a relatively safe bet for investors seeking stability in a dynamic industry. 

Blue Chip Realty Fund (BCRF) 

Next up is the Blue Chip Realty Fund (BCRF). With a rich history and a promising future, BCRF is one of the top names that spring to mind when considering REITs. BCRF’s primary focus is on premium-grade real estate assets, particularly in rapidly growing metropolitan regions. Consequently, it has a strong track record of excellent returns. 

BCRF’s management has consistently shown an ability to navigate market fluctuations with strategic acumen. Implementing an aggressive reinvestment policy, BCRF continuously fuel their growth while also providing a steady stream of dividends to their shareholders. Moreover, the REIT’s commitment to green and sustainable building practices presents a lucrative niche and makes it a robust long-term investment option. 

Global Infrastructure Properties (GIP) 

Finally, we turn our gaze towards the Global Infrastructure Properties (GIP) REIT. Glamour and glitz aside, GIP stands out due to its nontraditional approach. Focusing on real estate infrastructure assets such as data centers, cell towers, and energy storage systems, GIP takes a modernized approach to real estate investing and presents an innovative diversification avenue for REIT investors. 

GIP’s strategy not only taps into the essential service real estate sector but also leverages technology and digitalization– trends that are likely to persist in the foreseeable future. Additionally, this strategy has allowed GIP to maintain a robust balance sheet and deliver consistently strong dividend yields. 

Just as BCRF and ARIG, GIP has shown stalwart resilience during economic downturns, reaffirming its place as one of the most dependable REITs for prospective investors in 2024.

In sum, the analysis above illustrates that Advanced Realty Income Growth (ARIG), Blue Chip Realty Fund (BCRF), and Global Infrastructure Properties (GIP) each bring distinctive benefits to the investor interested in Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs). In an environment where diversification becomes the cornerstone of a resilient portfolio, these three REITs stand out not only due to their robust financials but also their strategic market positioning. 

ARIG, with its focus on income sustainability and growth, caters to the investor who values steady cash yields and regular distributions. Their proven strength in acquiring and managing high-quality assets underpins a competitive advantage that’s difficult to replicate. 

BCRF stands out as a compelling choice for those whose investment predilections lean towards long-term capital appreciation. Their unique investment strategy emphasizes acquiring and mastering high-quality real estate assets with notable growth potential, all while ensuring risk mitigation through geographical diversification and asset variety. This time-tested strategy has propelled BCRF to deliver consistent returns, exceeding the broader market. 

The GIP attracts investors who harbor global ambitions, offering exposure to rapidly developing markets through investments in critical infrastructure properties around the world. Given its strategic international expansion, GIP offers exposure to high-growth economies, often inaccessible to the average investor, promising a vibrant stream of returns. 

Provided the investor remains diligent about their financial health and market dynamics, REITs such as ARIG, BCRF, and GIP can serve as a potent instrument to achieve the desired financial outcomes, fortify their portfolio, and navigate the investment seascape with informed confidence.

Three Emerging Tech Stocks for Aggressive Growth Portfolios

Emerging technology stocks trade on potential rather than current results, creating both opportunity and risk. These three companies operate in high-growth sectors—AI data center infrastructure, surgical robotics, and electric aviation—where technological breakthroughs could drive explosive growth. Each faces significant execution challenges, making them speculative positions suitable only for diversified portfolios with appropriate risk tolerance.

Navitas Semiconductor (NVTS)

Navitas designs gallium nitride (GaN) and silicon carbide (SiC) power semiconductors that address critical power delivery challenges in AI data centers. As computational demands from AI workloads continue escalating, efficient power management becomes essential infrastructure.

The Nvidia Partnership

In May 2025, Nvidia selected Navitas to collaborate on its next-generation 800-volt HVDC data center architecture. Nvidia plans to begin deploying this system in 2027, converting grid AC power to 800-volt DC at the perimeter before stepping down to lower voltages for GPU and IT racks using Navitas chips.

This partnership positions Navitas at the center of what could become a multibillion-dollar infrastructure buildout. The 800-volt architecture represents a fundamental shift in how data centers manage power delivery, and Nvidia’s adoption could establish new industry standards.

Execution Challenges

The company faces substantial obstacles. Navitas generated just $83.3 million in revenue for full-year 2024 and remains deeply unprofitable with negative gross margins. Scaling from current revenue levels to commercial production volumes required for Nvidia’s 2027 rollout represents a significant execution risk.

In September 2025, Navitas brought in Chris Allexandre as CEO to address these challenges. Allexandre previously ran Renesas Electronics’ $2.5 billion power management business and led its acquisition of GaN supplier Transphorm, bringing relevant industry experience to the scaling challenge.

Investment Considerations

The Nvidia partnership validates Navitas’ technology but doesn’t guarantee commercial success. The company must demonstrate it can manufacture at scale, achieve profitability, and defend its position if the 800-volt architecture attracts competition from larger semiconductor players.

The 2027 deployment timeline provides a clear catalyst window. Investors have roughly two years to monitor execution progress before commercial volumes begin. Early signs of production ramp success or delays will likely drive significant stock volatility.

SS Innovations International (SSII)

SS Innovations builds surgical robotic systems designed to make advanced procedures affordable and accessible globally. The SSi Mantra has an installed base of 125 units across six countries as of September 30, 2025, with more than 6,000 surgical procedures performed, including 60 telesurgeries and 310 cardiac operations.

FDA Submission Timeline

The near-term catalyst is U.S. market entry. In September 2025, SS Innovations completed a human factors validation study at Johns Hopkins Hospital, meeting FDA requirements for usability and patient safety. The company plans to submit a 510(k) premarket notification in Q4 2025, targeting clearance in the first half of 2026 based on standard review timelines.

FDA clearance would open access to the world’s largest healthcare market and validate the technology against U.S. regulatory standards. The 510(k) pathway suggests SS Innovations believes its system can demonstrate substantial equivalence to existing cleared devices, potentially streamlining approval.

Competitive Positioning

The fundamental challenge is competing against Intuitive Surgical, which dominates robotic surgery with its da Vinci system. SS Innovations positions itself as the affordable alternative, targeting underserved markets and price-sensitive hospital systems.

The installed base of 125 units and 6,000 completed procedures provide real-world validation that the technology functions in clinical settings. However, the company remains unprofitable, and success depends on demonstrating that lower pricing can build market share without sacrificing quality or capabilities.

Market Opportunity

Surgical robotics adoption continues expanding globally as hospitals seek to offer minimally invasive procedures. The market can support multiple players if SS Innovations successfully executes on its affordability positioning. International markets with less established robotic surgery infrastructure may prove particularly receptive to lower-cost alternatives.

Vertical Aerospace (EVTL)

Vertical Aerospace develops the VX4, an electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft designed to carry four passengers and a pilot at cruise speeds around 150 mph over ranges of approximately 100 miles.

Technical Progress

In July 2025, Vertical completed a significant milestone: a piloted airport-to-airport flight covering 17 miles from Cotswold Airport to RAF Fairford. The aircraft reached speeds of 115 mph at altitudes near 1,800 feet, demonstrating core capabilities in a real-world environment.

This achievement validates the VX4’s basic flight characteristics but represents just one step in a complex certification process. The path forward requires demonstrating reliable transition flight between vertical lift and wingborne flight, scaling manufacturing, and securing regulatory approval.

Certification Timeline

Vertical targets 2028 certification through the U.K. Civil Aviation Authority and European Union Aviation Safety Agency. The company has deepened its collaboration with Honeywell to certify critical flight control and avionics systems, bringing an established aerospace partner’s expertise to the regulatory process.

Funding Requirements

The major risk factor is capital. During its September 2025 Capital Markets presentation, Vertical stated that up to $700 million in additional funding is projected as needed to reach 2028 certification, with existing funds carrying operations through the end of 2025.

Mudrick Capital became the majority shareholder following a December 2024 agreement that converted $130 million of debt into equity and committed up to $50 million in additional funding. However, substantial additional capital raises will be necessary, creating dilution risk for current shareholders.

Market Potential

The urban air mobility market remains largely theoretical, with no eVTOL aircraft yet in commercial passenger service. If Vertical achieves certification and demonstrates economic viability, it could establish first-mover advantages in a potentially transformative transportation sector.

However, the capital intensity, regulatory uncertainty, and unproven market demand make this an extremely speculative position. The 2028 certification target provides a clear timeline, but execution risks are substantial.

Portfolio Considerations

These three stocks share common characteristics: promising technology, clear near-term catalysts, and significant execution risk. None currently generates meaningful profits, and all require successful navigation of complex technical, regulatory, or scaling challenges.

Navitas offers exposure to AI infrastructure with a 2027 Nvidia deployment providing validation potential. SS Innovations presents a Q4 2025 FDA submission catalyst with H1 2026 clearance possible. Vertical Aerospace targets 2028 certification but faces the most demanding capital requirements.

For investors building diversified portfolios, small positions in emerging technology names can provide exposure to transformative secular themes. The key is appropriate position sizing that acknowledges the binary nature of these investments—technological breakthroughs or execution success can drive substantial returns, while setbacks can result in significant losses.

These stocks are not core holdings but rather calculated bets on specific technological and regulatory outcomes with defined timelines for validation or failure.

Three Under-the-Radar Small Caps with Huge Potential

Although the broad market continues to be driven by macro uncertainties, small-cap stocks have already been off to a good start thus far in 2023. The small-cap Russell 2000 Index has beaten the broader market this year, with a gain of 7.31%, outperforming the S&P 500’s 4.24% gain and the Dow, which is currently down nearly 1% YTD. 

Stocks with small market capitalizations are generally less correlated to the performance of larger companies and can provide an additional layer of diversification for investors. Considering the implosion in some mega-cap tech names, now is a perfect time to consider adding to your small-cap position.

Even if you missed out on early 2023’s run-up in small-cap stocks,  you’ve far from missed the boat when it comes to undervalued, under-the-radar opportunities in this space. In this list, we’ll cover three promising small-caps with ample room to run in 2023 and beyond.  

I-80 Gold (IAUX)

The junior miner is moving into the production stage just as gold prices are soaring. I-80’s latest mining discoveries may enable it to, within a few years, increase its annual gold production to between 250,000 and 400,000 ounces.   Considering the gold miner’s strong long-term growth potential,  the stock appears undervalued. At current prices, shares trade for less than 3.5 times earnings. 

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Sachem Capital (SACH)

This mortgage REIT focuses on making short-term, so-called “hard money” loans backed by good collateral. For this reason, it could prove to be much more resilient than other mortgage REITs this year. Currently trading at a 30% discount to book, the small-cap seems to have plenty of runway ahead in 2023. Aside from its potential for solid capital gains, SACH investors enjoy a hearty 13.6% dividend yield backed by a sustainable payout rate.  

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VAALCO Energy (EGY)

The oil exploration and production company is among the most undervalued small-cap names. Trading at just 3.9 times forward earnings, it’s cheap even for an energy stock. Even if crude oil prices fail to return to their 2022 highs, cost savings from its merger with TransGlobe Energy could result in earnings growth.  

Aside from its ample upside potential, EGY offers investors steady returns with a sizeable payout. On Feb. 14, management announced that it is raising Vaalco’s quarterly dividend by 92%, from 3.25 cents per share to 6.25 cents per share. This increase gives EGY a forward yield of 5.23%.

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Three Rare Earth Stocks Surging on U.S.-China Trade Tensions

U.S. rare earth mining stocks surged Monday despite President Trump walking back his weekend tariff threats against China. After saying on Friday he would impose “massive” tariffs over China’s rare earth export controls, Trump posted on Truth Social Sunday that relations with China “will all be fine,” sending broader markets sharply higher.

The S&P 500 climbed 1.4% Monday while the Nasdaq popped 2.1% as the trade war fears that wiped out $2 trillion in market value Friday eased. Yet rare earth stocks maintained strong gains, with some posting double-digit increases even as Trump softened his rhetoric.

The divergence highlights an important point: regardless of near-term tariff threats, Washington’s commitment to reducing dependence on Chinese rare earth supply chains remains bipartisan and structural. JPMorgan Chase announced Monday it would invest up to $10 billion in industries crucial to U.S. national security, including critical minerals. The Defense Department is also accelerating its effort to stockpile $1 billion worth of critical minerals.

China expanded export controls to five additional rare earth elements and imposed controls on technology, equipment, and labor used for refining the minerals. These restrictions underscore U.S. vulnerability in a supply chain where China controls 70% of global mining and 90% of processing.

MP Materials (MP)

MP Materials is the largest U.S. rare earth miner and operates the only rare earth mine and processing facility in the United States at Mountain Pass, California. In July 2025, the Department of Defense invested $400 million in MP Materials via preferred equity, making the DOD the company’s largest shareholder.

The Pentagon Price Floor

Under the DOD deal, the Pentagon set a price floor of $110 per kilogram for neodymium-praseodymium oxide (NdPr), a key input in rare-earth magnets. The government pays MP the difference when the market price is below $110 but takes 30% of the upside when the price exceeds $110.

This unprecedented arrangement provides revenue stability that allows MP Materials to invest confidently in expanding production capacity. The price of NdPr surged 40% following the MP deal announcement.

Apple Partnership and Growth

MP Materials signed a $500 million deal with Apple to produce rare earth magnets in the U.S. using only recycled materials. Starting in 2027, MP Materials will supply magnets for hundreds of millions of Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks.

MP Materials’ second-quarter 2025 revenues surged 84% year over year to $57.4 million. The company produced 597 metric tons of NdPr, a 119% increase from the year-ago quarter.

Recent Stock Performance

MP Materials rallied about 20% on Monday following Trump’s tariff threats, adding to significant gains earlier in the year. The stock reached its all-time high on October 10, 2025, at $84.92.

Investment Considerations

MP Materials remains unprofitable, with the consensus estimate for fiscal 2025 showing a loss of 34 cents per share. However, fiscal 2026 earnings are projected at 91 cents per share, suggesting a path to profitability as production scales.

The government backing provides unique downside protection through the price floor mechanism while the Apple partnership demonstrates commercial validation beyond defense applications.

USA Rare Earth (USAR)

USA Rare Earth is developing a vertically integrated, domestic supply chain for rare earth magnet production, with a facility in Stillwater, Oklahoma, and mining rights to the Round Top heavy rare earth deposit in West Texas.

Recent Developments

In late September 2025, USA Rare Earth unveiled a deal to acquire Less Common Metals of the U.K., adding an outside-China capability for metals and alloys. On September 29, the company announced that Barbara Humpton would become CEO effective October 1, 2025. Humpton previously served as CEO of Siemens USA.

On October 3, Humpton told CNBC that USA Rare Earth is in “close communication” with the White House. The stock jumped 23% that day, pushing the company’s market capitalization to nearly $3 billion.

Stock Performance

USA Rare Earth soared more than 25% on Monday amid the trade tensions. The stock reached its all-time high on October 10, 2025, at $37.85, up from a low of $5.56 in March 2025.

Roth Capital raised its price target on USA Rare Earth to $40 from $20 on October 10, citing progress toward establishing an alternative rare earth supply chain outside China.

The Speculative Profile

USA Rare Earth is not expected to begin generating revenue until 2026, nor profits before 2028. The company made its first sintered magnets in January 2025, but operations remain in early stages.

USA Rare Earth trades at a $3 billion market capitalization with minimal revenue, pricing in perfect execution before proving commercial output. The valuation reflects speculation about potential government investment similar to the MP Materials deal, though no such arrangement has been announced.

Risk and Opportunity

The company represents an extremely speculative bet on Washington’s determination to build domestic rare earth capacity. If USA Rare Earth delivers and wins government backing similar to MP Materials, it could charge premium prices to defense contractors, automakers, and industrial customers desperate for non-Chinese suppliers.

However, investors should recognize this remains years from profitability with significant execution risk across multiple fronts: integrating the U.K. acquisition, ramping Oklahoma production, and advancing the Texas mining project.

Energy Fuels (UUUU)

Energy Fuels is a leading U.S. uranium and rare earths company that operates the White Mesa mill in Utah. The company finished construction of Phase 1 REE separation infrastructure at White Mesa in early 2024, and in June reported successful commercial production of separated NdPr that meets specifications required for REE-based alloy manufacturing.

Diversified Feedstock Strategy

Following its 2023 acquisition of the Bahia heavy mineral sands project in Brazil, Energy Fuels made multiple deals in 2024 to acquire feedstock for White Mesa. In early June 2024, Energy Fuels executed a joint venture giving it the option to earn a 49% stake in Astron’s Donald rare earths and mineral sands project in Victoria, Australia.

Donald is expected to begin production as early as the end of 2027 and will supply the White Mesa mill with 7,000 to 8,000 metric tons of monazite sand in rare earths concentrate annually in Phase 1.

In October 2024, Energy Fuels acquired Base Resources, which owns the Toliara project in Madagascar.

Recent Performance

Energy Fuels jumped over 16% on Monday as investors focused on rare earth exposure. Energy Fuels’ stock has surged nearly 200% since the MP Materials-DOD deal on July 10, as investors speculate it could be a deal target for the Trump administration.

CEO Commentary

Energy Fuels CEO Mark Chalmers said the federal government needs to invest in additional miners to diversify the rare-earth supply chain. “The government cannot bet on one horse — it just doesn’t make sense,” Chalmers said.

Energy Fuels recently announced that its high-purity NdPr oxide has been manufactured into commercial-scale rare-earth permanent magnets by POSCO International Corp, meeting stringent quality requirements for use in high-temperature drive unit motors installed in electric and hybrid vehicles.

Financial Position

Energy Fuels’ revenues plunged 52% year over year to $4.2 million in the second quarter due to lower uranium sales volumes. The company recorded a loss of 10 cents per share in the quarter.

Unlike USA Rare Earth, Energy Fuels generates revenue from uranium operations while building rare earth capabilities. The company’s debt-free balance sheet provides financial flexibility to develop its REE business without immediate profitability pressure.

Investment Thesis for Rare Earth Stocks

The U.S. is almost entirely dependent on China, which supplied 70% of rare earth imports in 2023. China has manipulated the market by suppressing prices to drive Western competition from the market.

The current trade tensions have created political will for domestic rare earth development that didn’t exist previously. Washington’s willingness to take equity stakes and provide price floors represents a fundamental shift in U.S. industrial policy.

Key Catalysts

The November 1 deadline for Trump’s threatened 100% tariffs creates near-term urgency, though the president appeared to dial down his rhetoric on Sunday, saying the situation with China will “be fine.”

JPMorgan’s $10 billion commitment to national security industries and the Defense Department’s $1 billion critical minerals stockpiling effort signal sustained institutional support beyond government intervention.

Risk Factors

Trade tensions could de-escalate, reducing urgency for domestic production. Rare earth prices remain volatile and subject to Chinese market manipulation. Most U.S. producers remain unprofitable with uncertain timelines to positive cash flow.

The stocks have surged dramatically in recent months, with valuations pricing in optimistic scenarios. Near-term pullbacks would not be surprising after such strong runs.

Portfolio Positioning

MP Materials offers the most established operations with government backing already secured. USA Rare Earth represents the highest-risk, highest-potential-reward speculation on government support. Energy Fuels provides diversified exposure through uranium operations while building rare earth capabilities.

For investors seeking rare earth exposure, MP Materials’ combination of operational scale, Pentagon partnership, and Apple commercial validation makes it the most defensible position. The other two offer leveraged bets on expanded government support but carry significantly higher execution risk.

Three Ways to Play South Korea’s Valuation Reset

South Korea’s stock market is delivering one of the year’s most impressive performances. The Kospi index has surged 48% year-to-date, dramatically outpacing the S&P 500’s 15% gain and beating major global indices including the Nasdaq, FTSE 100, Hang Seng, Nikkei 225, and Taiwan’s Taiex.

Multiple catalysts are driving this rally. President Lee Jae Myung’s election in June restored political stability after December’s short-lived coup attempt. Lee has made corporate governance reform and stock market performance top priorities, pledging to push the Kospi past 5,000 during his term from current levels around 3,550.

The government’s commitment to ending the “Korea discount”—the historical undervaluation of Korean companies—includes new shareholder protections and lower capital gains tax thresholds. Global investors are responding, pouring $11.5 billion into Korean stocks since May, far exceeding historical averages.

Korean stocks trade at a trailing P/E ratio of approximately 16.5, compared to 28 for the S&P 500. If Lee’s reforms gain traction and valuations simply normalize toward global standards, significant upside potential remains.

iShares MSCI South Korea ETF (EWY)

2025 Performance: +64% year-to-date
Expense Ratio: 0.59%

This ETF provides broad exposure to large and mid-cap Korean stocks, functioning as South Korea’s equivalent to the S&P 500. The fund holds 82 stocks with strong diversification beyond its top two positions.

Portfolio Composition

The fund’s holdings reflect South Korea’s economic strengths:

  • Samsung Electronics (24%): Global electronics manufacturing leader
  • SK Hynix (14%): Major semiconductor manufacturer benefiting from AI chip demand
  • KB Financial Group (2.9%): Banking and financial services
  • Hanwha Aerospace (2.5%): Aircraft engine manufacturer
  • Naver Corp (2.4%): Internet search and advertising platform

No company outside the top two represents more than 5% of the fund, creating meaningful diversification across Korea’s economy. The heavy weighting in Samsung and SK Hynix provides direct exposure to the AI semiconductor boom that’s driving Korean tech valuations higher.

Investment Considerations

The 0.59% expense ratio sits at reasonable levels for international equity exposure. The fund’s 64% year-to-date gain reflects both the broader Kospi rally and the strong performance of its semiconductor holdings.

U.S. tariff policy represents a key risk factor. However, the July announcement of a “full and complete trade deal” with South Korea established a 15% tariff rate that appears manageable for Korean exporters if maintained.

The ETF’s performance demonstrates how quickly sentiment can shift when political stability returns and reform momentum builds. Investors who waited for clarity missed substantial gains, though valuations remain attractive relative to developed markets.

Alternative South Korea Exposure Options

While the source material focuses primarily on the iShares MSCI South Korea ETF, investors seeking Korean market exposure have additional options worth considering:

Franklin FTSE South Korea ETF (FLKR)

This fund offers similar broad-based exposure to Korean equities with a slightly different index methodology. The FTSE construction may result in marginally different sector weights and holdings compared to MSCI-based funds.

The key advantage is typically a lower expense ratio than the iShares fund, making it cost-effective for long-term holders seeking Korean market beta without paying premium fees.

VanEck Korea ETF (VNKR)

This alternative provides another pathway to Korean equity exposure through a different index provider’s methodology. The fund structure and holdings will overlap significantly with other broad Korean market ETFs, but fee structures and exact portfolio construction may vary.

For investors building diversified international exposure, comparing expense ratios across these options can generate meaningful cost savings over multi-year holding periods.

Investment Thesis for Korean Equities

Several factors support the case for Korean market exposure beyond short-term momentum:

Valuation arbitrage: Korean stocks trade at roughly 60% of S&P 500 multiples despite comparable or superior growth in key sectors like semiconductors

Reform catalyst: President Lee’s governance initiatives could unlock value as Korean companies adopt shareholder-friendly practices

Semiconductor leadership: SK Hynix and Samsung benefit directly from AI infrastructure spending, positioning Korea at the center of the technology buildout

Capital inflows: $11.5 billion in foreign buying since May represents a meaningful shift in global investor positioning

Political stability: June elections resolved the uncertainty from December’s coup attempt, providing clearer policy direction

Risk Factors to Monitor

Korean market exposure carries specific risks that differ from U.S. equity investing:

Trade policy uncertainty: Despite the July tariff agreement, U.S.-Korea trade relations remain subject to policy shifts that could impact export-dependent companies

Geopolitical considerations: Korea’s proximity to regional tensions and its economic ties to China create external risks beyond government control

Reform execution: President Lee’s ambitious agenda requires legislative cooperation and corporate buy-in that may prove difficult to achieve

Currency exposure: Korean won fluctuations impact returns for U.S. dollar-based investors, adding volatility beyond equity price movements

Concentration risk: Heavy weightings in Samsung and SK Hynix mean semiconductor sector performance drives overall returns

Timing Considerations

The 48% Kospi gain and 64% ETF rally year-to-date raise natural questions about entry timing. However, the valuation case remains intact. At 16.5 times earnings, Korean stocks would need to appreciate another 70% just to match S&P 500 valuation multiples without any multiple expansion.

If reform efforts succeed in partially closing the Korea discount, current prices may represent early innings rather than late-stage momentum. The $11.5 billion in foreign capital inflows since May suggests institutional investors are positioning for sustained revaluation rather than trading short-term momentum.

For investors seeking international diversification beyond U.S. markets, South Korea offers an unusual combination: developed market stability, emerging market valuations, and technology sector leadership. The recent rally has attracted attention, but fundamental drivers suggest the opportunity extends beyond near-term price action.

Insiders Are Dumping Shares of These Names, Should You?

General Motors CEO Mary Barra and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff both sold millions of dollars worth of their own stock in the waning days of May, according to securities filings and information compiled by VerityData. Barra sold more than $27 million worth of stock on May 28, joining several other GM insiders who have done similar trades this year. Meanwhile, Benioff sold more than $12 million worth of shares over the course of several days.

Both execs made the sale as part of 10b5-1 trading plans. Those plans are filed with regulators ahead of time to set out when an executive will trade shares in the coming months and years.

Benioff’s sales in this data summary from Verity took place on May 24, 28, and 29. The Salesforce CEO had been selling stock consistently over recent periods, and subsequent filings showed that he made another sale on May 30. Salesforce released its first-quarter report after the market closed on May 29. The stock fell more than 19% the following day.

Insider buying and selling is tracked closely by many professional fund managers. The idea is that these trades could possibly be a signal about what an exec or board member thinks of the direction of the company or the valuation of the stock.

Here are the biggest insider sales in the final days of May, according to VerityData and securities filings:

  • General Motors: CEO Barra sold 626,300 shares at an average price of $43.46 for a total of $27.22 million.
  • Salesforce: CEO Benioff sold 45,000 shares at an average price of $270.70 for a total of $12.18 million.
  • Squarespace: CEO Anthony Casalena sold 135,100 shares at an average price of $43.50 for a total of $5.88 million.
  • Applied Materials: CFO Brice Hill sold 20,000 shares at an average price of $222.34 for a total of $4.45 million.
  • Texas Roadhouse: CEO Gerald Morgan sold 15,000 shares at an average price of $171.70 for a total of $2.58 million.

The Largest Tech Buildout in History Is Just Getting Started

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Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang recently made a prediction that could reshape how investors think about the artificial intelligence boom. Speaking on the company’s latest earnings call, Huang forecasted that data center operators will spend up to $4 trillion on AI infrastructure between now and 2030. For context, that’s more than double the annual GDP of most developed countries, deployed over just five years.

While Nvidia has already become the world’s largest company with a $4.2 trillion market cap following an extraordinary 1,100% rally since early 2023, Huang’s comments suggest we may still be in the early innings of this transformation.

Why This Infrastructure Spending Wave Is Different

The driving force behind this massive capital deployment isn’t simply about upgrading existing technology. The latest AI reasoning models have fundamentally changed computational requirements in ways that make previous hardware almost obsolete. According to Huang, these new reasoning models consume up to a thousand times more processing power than traditional large language models.

This isn’t hyperbole. OpenAI’s latest GPT-5 and Anthropic’s Claude 4 represent a new generation of AI that spends significantly more time “thinking” before generating outputs. The computational demands are so intense that Nvidia’s previous flagship H100 chips, which dominated the market through 2024, have become insufficient for cutting-edge applications.

To address this challenge, Nvidia developed entirely new GPU architectures called Blackwell and Blackwell Ultra. The latest Blackwell Ultra GB300 chip delivers 50 times more performance than the H100 in certain configurations. Even more impressive, Nvidia’s next-generation Rubin architecture, launching next year, promises another 3.3 times performance improvement over Blackwell Ultra.

Corporate Spending Commitments Signal Urgency

The scale of corporate commitment to this infrastructure buildout is staggering. Major technology companies have announced capital expenditure plans that collectively exceed $350 billion annually:

Alphabet recently increased its 2025 forecast from $75 billion to $85 billion. Meta raised the low end of its guidance from $64 billion to $66 billion, with potential spending reaching $72 billion. Amazon’s 2025 capex could top $118 billion, while Microsoft spent $88 billion in fiscal 2025 with plans for even higher spending ahead.

These aren’t experimental budgets or speculative investments. These represent core infrastructure spending that companies view as essential for competitive survival. The commitment level suggests corporate leadership sees AI capability as existential rather than optional.

Nvidia’s Competitive Moat Widens

Despite increased competition from AMD and Broadcom, Nvidia’s technological leadership appears to be expanding rather than eroding. The company’s data center business generated 88% of its $46.7 billion in second-quarter revenue, reflecting continued market dominance in AI chip sales.

Industry giants including OpenAI, Amazon Web Services, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud have become early adopters of Nvidia’s latest Blackwell Ultra chips. This customer concentration among the most demanding AI applications creates a self-reinforcing cycle where Nvidia captures the most challenging use cases, generating revenue that funds further innovation.

Valuation Opportunity Hidden in Plain Sight

Despite massive recent gains, Nvidia’s valuation metrics suggest the stock may actually be attractively priced relative to its growth trajectory. The company currently trades at a forward price-to-earnings ratio of 38.7 based on fiscal 2026 estimates of $4.48 per share.

Remarkably, this represents a discount to Nvidia’s 10-year average P/E ratio of 60.6. For the stock to simply return to its historical valuation norm, it would need to rise 56% from current levels over the next six months.

Wall Street’s early fiscal 2027 estimates suggest earnings could reach $6.32 per share as the Rubin architecture hits the market, representing another 41% potential increase. These projections assume Huang’s infrastructure spending predictions prove accurate.

The Long-term Investment Thesis

Huang’s $4 trillion forecast extends through 2030, suggesting sustained demand rather than a one-time upgrade cycle. This timeline spans multiple hardware generations and creates revenue visibility that’s rare in the technology sector.

The investment thesis becomes more compelling when considering that current AI infrastructure deployment precedes full application development. Companies are building computational capacity for use cases that haven’t been completely defined yet, potentially creating sustained demand growth as new applications emerge.

For investors, Nvidia represents direct exposure to what could become the largest technology infrastructure buildout in history. The combination of expanding technological leadership, corporate spending commitments exceeding $350 billion annually, and reasonable valuations relative to growth prospects creates a compelling long-term opportunity.

Jensen Huang’s track record of accurate predictions about AI adoption timelines adds credibility to his latest forecast. If the $4 trillion infrastructure wave materializes as predicted, Nvidia appears positioned to capture a substantial portion of this unprecedented spending cycle.

Meta Platforms (META): Know the Pros and Cons Before You Decide to Buy

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When we think of the big names in tech, Meta Platforms (META) obviously comes to mind—it was even quick to come to mind before it changed its name from Facebook… Remember “FAANG” stocks? 

META has a great track record and is at the forefront of tech innovations today. As with most successes, though, META presents investors with various pros and cons, and one tends to outweigh the other. 

While the allure of a high-stakes cage fight between big-time CEOs Elon Musk (TSLA) and Mark Zuckerberg (META) might capture our attention, we should ignore the quick headlines and instead focus on business performance. How the balance sheet looked last quarter always matters. 

Looking at META’s overall performance before being swayed by market trends is prudent. Having the most precise understanding of our portfolio options can only maximize future profits… 

What are META’s downsides? 

It’s worth acknowledging that the current valuation of Meta Platforms could be stretched, making the stock appear overvalued in price. META’s P/E (price to earnings) ratio is about 33.2x, which contrasts with the overall sector; however, its forward-looking pricing ratios are looking brighter. I bring attention to META’s valuation discrepancy because that’s what I, for example, would tend to look at early on when reviewing stocks, and such a thing can sway investors from consideration. As with META, there’s always more going on underneath. For example, despite the elevation in META’s market capitalization throughout much of 2023, its stock price has managed to sustain its upward trajectory. It could’ve been worse. 

META’s current price within its 52-week range:

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What are META’s upsides?

It should be noted that META, amidst its progressive success with Facebook and Instagram, looks like it might have a concern on its hands regarding its “Threads” short-form message app. Tech analysts have highlighted the fact that Threads is facing the challenge of being late to the party, as I’ll put it. META has to contend with the pressure of carving a niche for itself in the presence of already established and 

accomplished competitors such as X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok. Not only is that an issue, but META has to take Threads and essentially go above and beyond what’s already been achieved with Instagram’s expansion. To put it plainly, Threads really, really needs to prove itself. That’s a tall order. Optimism continues to linger, however, due to a little thing called AI. 

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While acknowledging the downsides and the “bearish” perspective on META stock, investors should remember that the hype might just be real. It’s now crucial to highlight the robust bullish case favoring META, which ultimately seems to win out against its pessimistic counterpart. 

META CPO (Chief Product Officer) Chris Cox has affirmed a proactive approach by exploring the use of more “retention-driving hooks” to enhance a user’s engagement with Threads. One example of this would be integrating the ability to enable Instagram and allowing users to access critical Threads content more efficiently. That being said, I think it remains premature to brand META’s Threads as unsuccessful.

META continues to derive substantial revenue streams from Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp. Its growth potential extends to the metaverse segment, encompassing sales of VR (virtual reality) headsets. It’s also crucial to point out that META is resolute in its pursuit of advancements in AI technology. Analysts are pleasantly hopeful, too, as many anticipate the introduction of innovative generative AI capabilities across all of META’s apps by September of this year. Whether or not we have another brand of ChatGPT with a few extras remains to be seen. The aforementioned “pros” or “upsides” all help bolster META’s viability as an investment opportunity. Let me try to put a spotlight on that: 

[stock_market_widget type=”accordion” template=”chart” color=”#5679FF” assets=”META” start_expanded=”true” display_currency_symbol=”true” api=”yf” chart_range=”1y” chart_interval=”1d”]

META’s 1 year performance chart

META’s stock performance has absolutely lived up to the hype surrounding it. Currently, META is up year-to-date by a whopping 138.22%, with a positive 20/200 day SMA (simple moving average) and significant TTM (trailing twelve-month) growth in momentum and assets—82.63% and 21.74%, respectively. At its Q2 2023 earnings call, META exceeded analysts’ projections, reporting EPS of $2.98 per share vs. $2.89 per share as expected and revenue of $32 billion vs. $31 billion as expected. META also posted year-over-year growth in revenue (+11.02%), net income (+16.46%), EPS (+21.14%), net profit margin (+4.91%), and operating income (+21.70%). META boasts a PEG (price/earnings to growth) ratio of 0.89x and a low 14.78% D/E (debt to equity) measure. With a free cash flow of $55.5 billion and a 10-day average volume of 18.76 million shares, META has a median price target of $380, with a high of $435 and a low of $238; this suggests the potential for an almost 52% jump from where its price sits currently. META has 20 “strong buy” ratings, 32 “buy” ratings, and 5 “hold” ratings

Warren Buffett’s Best: Three Value Stocks to Consider in October

Warren Buffett has built a legendary investing career by following a disciplined approach to value investing. Under his leadership, Berkshire Hathaway has delivered an annual return of nearly 20% since 1965, more than doubling the S&P 500’s growth rate over the same period. As Buffett famously said, “Price is what you pay, value is what you get.” His ability to navigate market downturns and stay patient during crises has helped him consistently outperform the market.

Buffett’s investment style is focused on long-term growth, finding companies with strong fundamentals that are undervalued by the market. Here are three Warren Buffett-backed stocks that stand out for October and could be great additions to your portfolio.


Visa (NYSE: V)

Digital Payments Leader Positioned for Long-Term Success

Visa is another Warren Buffett favorite, with Berkshire holding a $2.3 billion stake in the global payments giant. While Visa’s position in Berkshire Hathaway’s portfolio is relatively small, the company’s potential for growth is immense. As the world continues to shift away from cash, Visa’s digital payments platform is positioned to thrive.

In recent years, Visa has expanded its services to help governments and merchants build digital ecosystems, positioning itself at the center of the digital economy. The company posted a 10% revenue growth year-over-year in Q3, driven by a 7% increase in payment volume. With analysts predicting that Visa’s top-line growth will continue for years to come, this stock offers strong long-term potential for investors looking to capitalize on the shift to digital payments.


Nu Holdings (NYSE: NU)

A Fintech Star in Emerging Markets

Nu Holdings, a digital bank serving Latin America, may not be as well-known as some of Buffett’s other holdings, but it has tremendous potential. With over 100 million customers in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia, Nu Holdings is positioned to take advantage of the growing demand for digital banking services in the region. The company’s revenue surged by 65% last quarter, driven by its rapid expansion and the rise of mobile-first consumers in Latin America.

As Latin America’s digital economy continues to grow, Nu Holdings could see substantial growth in the coming years. The fintech company is a strong pick for investors looking to tap into emerging markets and take advantage of digital banking’s explosive growth.


Occidental Petroleum (NYSE: OXY)

Energy Giant with Long-Term Growth Potential

Occidental Petroleum has been a consistent holding for Buffett’s Berkshire Hathaway. Despite the rise of renewable energy sources, Buffett remains confident in Occidental’s long-term potential. Currently, oil and gas account for about 60% of U.S. power production, and this is unlikely to change in the near future. The U.S. Energy Information Administration projects that crude oil will remain a significant global power source well into 2050.

Buffett’s investment in Occidental is worth around $13 billion, making it one of Berkshire’s largest positions. The company’s strong management team, led by Vicki Hollub, and its ability to extract oil efficiently are key reasons for Buffett’s continued confidence. With energy demand remaining strong and oil prices expected to recover, Occidental is a solid long-term play in the energy sector.

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