Audi Crooks' winning shot leads No. 8 Iowa State to 80-78 win over DrakeThe Dow Jones Industrial Average ( ^DJI 1.18% ) might be the best-known of the major stock market indexes, but experienced investors know that the S&P 500 ( ^GSPC 1.09% ) is the index that best reflects the overall market. As the name implies, the index holds 500 of the top U.S. large-cap stocks. In order to join it, a company must be based in the U.S., be profitable on a generally accepted accounting principles ( GAAP ) basis over its last four quarters, and have a "large-cap" market cap, generally meaning above $10 billion. S&P Global , which runs the index, also considers liquidity, share float, and the stock's contribution to sector balance in the index. The S&P 500's managers review the index every quarter and generally swap one or two stocks in and out based on these criteria, so we're likely to see some more changes and new entrants next year. Two stocks in particular looking ripe to join the vaunted index are AppLovin ( APP 6.98% ) and The Trade Desk ( TTD -0.97% ) . The market's AppLovin it AppLovin has somewhat quietly been one of the best-performing large-cap stocks of 2024, going parabolic following its third-quarter earnings report. Through Dec. 19, the stock is up 700% year to date as the mobile adtech company has posted skyrocketing growth this year. Revenue jumped 39% in the third quarter to $1.2 billion, and its margins have dramatically expanded thanks to its investments in AI, including its Axon engine, an AI-driven platform that optimizes ad placement, enhancing ROI for its customers. Net income in the quarter jumped 300% to $434 million, while adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization ( EBITDA ) rose 72% to $72 million. Its software platform, built on Axon and its AppDiscovery marketing software, has become its primary growth driver, contributing more than two-thirds of its revenue in the quarter. AppLovin's other segment is Apps, which consists of more than 200 free-to-play mobile games, though growth in that segment was essentially flat in the third quarter. The emergence of AI and adtech is clearly what's driving the business. After its surge last year, AppLovin now has a market cap of $107 billion, which would rank it in the top 100 of S&P 500 companies by market cap. Even if the valuation falls, it seems hard to exclude it from the index based on recent trends. The Trade Desk has earned it Another adtech stock deserving of a spot in the S&P 500 is The Trade Desk. The Trade Desk has long been considered the leading independent demand-side platform (DSP) in adtech, as its tools help brands and ad agencies effectively manage and optimize their campaigns across an array of platforms, including Connected TV (CTV) and retail media. The Trade Desk has also established itself as a linchpin of the industry through products like Unified ID 2.0 (UID2), which gives brands a way of tracking users without using cookies, making it more amenable to internet privacy standards. Like AppLovin, The Trade Desk has also delivered solid growth of late. Revenue rose 27% in its third-quarter earnings report, while GAAP net income jumped 141% to $94 million. The business has long earned high marks for customer satisfaction, as it's reported customer retention of at least 95% every quarter for the last 10 years. Additionally, The Trade Desk continues to roll out new products like its Kokai AI platform and Ventura, a new streaming TV operating system, bringing it into direct competition with Roku . The Trade Desk has been profitable for several years now, and its market cap of $62.3 billion would put it well within the 200 most valuable companies in the S&P 500. Why joining the S&P 500 matters Gaining admission to the S&P 500 is about more than just recognition. When stocks are added to the broad-market index, the exchange-traded funds (ETFs) that track those indexes must buy them. ETFs like the Vanguard S&P 500 ETF now have total assets of more than $1 trillion, meaning an average of more than $2 billion is being invested in each stock in the index, though the fund leans heavily toward the most valuable stocks in the S&P 500, as the current market cap of the index is around $50 trillion. For that reason, stocks tend to jump when they are added to the S&P 500. S&P Global rebalances the index on a quarterly basis, so the next opportunity for these two stocks to gain admission will be in March. Based on this evidence, you shouldn't be surprised to see AppLovin and The Trade Desk join the S&P 500 at some point next year.
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( MENAFN - GetNews) Premier Pool Repair Repair Services in Las Vegas, NVSunset Pool Services in Las Vegas, NV expands its pool repair offerings, including leak detection, pump and motor repairs, tile restoration, and equipment upgrades, ensuring pristine and functional pools for homes and businesses. Las Vegas, NV - Sunset Pool Services, a leading provider in pool maintenance and repair, is excited to announce the expansion of its comprehensive pool repair services in Las Vegas, NV. Committed to delivering top-quality workmanship, reliability, and exceptional customer service, Sunset Pool Services aims to ensure that every pool in the Las Vegas area remains pristine, functional, and enjoyable for homeowners and businesses alike. A Commitment to Excellence Sunset Pool Services specializes in a wide range of pool repair solutions designed to address both common and complex issues. From leak detection and pump repairs to tile replacement and equipment upgrades, the company's expertise guarantees that pools are restored to optimal condition, enhancing both their safety and aesthetic appeal. Comprehensive Services Offered by Sunset Pool Services Leak Detection and Repair: Utilizing advanced technology, Sunset Pool Services accurately identifies and fixes leaks, preventing further damage and ensuring pool longevity. Pump and Motor Repair: The company's skilled technicians repair and replace malfunctioning pumps and motors, enhancing pool efficiency and performance. Tile and Surface Restoration: Sunset Pool Services revitalizes pool surfaces with professional tile replacement and resurfacing, restoring the pool's beauty and functionality. Equipment Upgrades: Offering the latest in pool technology, the company upgrades filtration systems, heaters, and automation controls for improved performance and energy efficiency. What Sets Sunset Pool Services Apart Sunset Pool Services distinguishes itself through a combination of technical expertise, personalized customer care, and a commitment to using high-quality materials. Each project begins with a thorough assessment to understand the specific needs of the pool owner, followed by a tailored repair plan that addresses both immediate concerns and long-term maintenance. Enhancing Las Vegas Through Superior Pool Maintenance As an integral part of the Las Vegas community, Sunset Pool Services is dedicated to enhancing local homes and businesses by providing reliable and efficient pool restoration solutions . The company understands that a well-maintained pool is a valuable asset, contributing to the property's value and the owner's quality of life. “We are dedicated to ensuring that every pool we service operates smoothly and looks its best,” said a representative of Sunset Pool Services.“Our goal is to provide solutions that not only fix current issues but also prevent future problems, giving our clients peace of mind.” Contact Sunset Pool Services Today For pool owners in Las Vegas seeking professional and dependable pool repair services, Sunset Pool Services is ready to deliver exceptional results. Visit - or call (702) 425-7570 to schedule a consultation and experience top-quality pool maintenance and repair. MENAFN16122024003238003268ID1108999821 Legal Disclaimer: MENAFN provides the information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.Matt Gaetz says he won't return to Congress next year after withdrawing name for attorney general
Stock image: Emergency services are at the scene Emergency services are at the scene of a serious collision on the Glenshane Pass. The incident happened on a section of road between Magherafelt and Maghera in Co Londonderry. It’s understood one vehicle is on its side following the incident. In a statement earlier this morning police warned of icy conditions: “Road users are advised to exercise caution when approaching the A6 Glenshane Road due to icy conditions. “Stopping distances increase greatly when weather conditions are poor, so slow down and leave a bigger gap between your vehicle and the vehicle in front.” Stock image: Emergency services are at the scene Watch: NI Travellers arrive home for ChristmasThe British Columbia government is increasing tax incentives for both local and international film and TV projects in an effort to attract more major productions to the province. Premier David Eby said the tax credit for international projects made in B.C. will jump from 28 to 36 per cent, and an incentive for Canadian-content productions will increase from 35 to 36 per cent. There’s also a special bonus to attract blockbuster productions with budgets of $200 million. Speaking on Thursday at the Martini Town studio, a New-York-themed backlot in Langley, B.C., Eby said tax incentives are the province’s “competitive advantage” and increasing them will help the industry that has been battered by the pandemic, labour disruptions and changes to industry practices. “This is a sector that’s taken some hits. The decision by major studios to ... reduce some of their budgets on production, the impact of labour disruptions, other jurisdictions competing with British Columbia for these productions with significant subsidies for the industry, means that we need to respond,” Eby said, the Manhattan street scene behind him decorated for Christmas. “We need to make sure that we continue to be competitive.” Government numbers show the film industry generated $2.7 billion in GDP in 2022 — roughly one per cent of provincial GDP — and $2 billion in 2023, a year affected by strike action and a decrease in global production A government statement says the incentives begin with productions that have principal photography starting Jan. 1, 2025, and projects with costs of greater than $200 million in B.C. will receive a two per cent bonus. Gemma Martini, chair of industry organization Screen BC and CEO of Martini Film Studios, told the news conference that it has been a “tumultuous” year for film and television, which supports tens of thousands of jobs. “It is clear that British Columbia is a well respected and preferred global production partner, but we must be able to compete at the bottom line,” she said. “We expect, we know, our government’s announcement will put B.C. back in the game to earn our true ‘Hollywood north’ reputation.” Foreign film and TV work makes up an average of 80 per cent of total production spending in B.C., and the government says maintaining strong international relationships is critical for the industry to continue to thrive. The government says it also intends to restore regional and distant-location tax credits that were cut last year for companies with a brick-and-mortar presence outside of Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Whistler and Squamish. Eby first promised to increase the tax credits as part of his election campaign earlier this year. Just days after the new B.C. cabinet was announced in November, a delegation that included Finance Minister Brenda Bailey and Arts and Culture Minister Spencer Chandra Herbert travelled to California to pitch B.C.’s film and TV industry. Chandra Herbert told the news conference that during the trip they met industry representatives who are now looking at B.C. “in a bigger way” because of the new incentives. He said the additional two per cent bonus for productions over $200 million is a way to encourage larger productions to come and stay in B.C. “This is a way of making sure that the workers in this industry, and the companies, know that we’re here for them for the long term. You can make these investments long term. You can grow the industry today, tomorrow and into the years ahead,” he said. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 12, 2024. Ashley Joannou, The Canadian Press
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