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Willdan Group, Inc. (NASDAQ:WLDN) Sees Significant Decline in Short Interest
The Showdown: Jam-packed Nebraska week starts with in-state rivalry doubleheader
NEW DELHI: Giving a boost to BJP and its allies in bypolls at 48 assembly seats across 15 states, NDA emerged the dominant force, securing 26 seats. Among the big wins was UP's Kundarki constituency, which BJP picked up after 31 years. The seat had remained an SP stronghold since 2012. Continuing its dominance in Assam, BJP-led NDA secured all five seats, while the lone seat of Gambegre in Meghalaya was won by its ally NPP. BJP won Samaguri - a Congress bastion since 2001- for the first time with party nominee Diplu Ranjan Sarmah defeating Dhubri MP Rakibul Hussain's son Tanzil Hussain. Congress was somewhat redeemed by news from Karnataka and Punjab. In Punjab, while AAP retained three out of four seats, Congress wrested Barnala from AAP. Maharashtra Jharkhand Maharashtra Alliance View i Party View Seats: 288 Results Majority: 145 BJP+ 229 MVA 47 OTH 12 Results : 288 / 288 BJP+ WON Jharkhand Alliance View i Party View Seats: 81 Results Majority: 41 INDIA 56 NDA 24 OTH 1 Results : 81 / 81 INDIA WON Source: PValue In Karnataka, Nikhil Kumaraswamy and Bharath Bommai, the third generation of Gowda and Bommai family respectively, lost, as the ruling Congress swept all three bypolls, including wresting Channapatna from JD(S). This seat was held by former CM H D Kumaraswamy in 2023 before he vacated it after winning the Lok Sabha polls in 2024. Congress' C P Yogeeshwara won the Channapatna segment defeating Nikhil Kumaraswamy, while Bharath Bommai lost to Congress' Yasir Ahmed Khan Pathan in Shiggaon. In Sikkim, Aditya Golay (Tamang) and Satish Chandra Rai, both from Sikkim Krantikari Morcha (SKM), won uncontested. The bypoll results highlight a fragmented political landscape, with regional parties like TMC and AAP continuing to assert their influence, and BJP continuing its dominance in Assam, Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan. There were nine bypolls in all in Uttar Pradesh with BJP winning six seats and its ally RLD securing another. SP continued its dominance in its stronghold of Karhal (since 1993) and Sishamau (since 2012). In West Bengal, TMC swept all six seats in the state, including wresting Madarihat from BJP. The two Parliamentary bypolls saw contrasting Congress victories. While Priyanka Gandhi won the Wayanad seat in Kerala vacated by her brother Rahul Gandhi with a staggering margin, Congress candidate Ravindra Chavan scraped through after defeating BJP's Santukrao Marotrao Hambarde in a keen contest in Nanded in Maharashtra.
SANTA CLARA, Calif. — Brock Purdy pulled off his gray 49ers sweatshirt Friday and, as he headed for the locker room showers, his sore right shoulder was exposed. There was no noticeable swelling or lump, aside from minor marks via treatment he received since last Sunday’s once-subtle injury. His muscular 24-year-old build appeared stout as ever. Looks can be deceiving. So can words, in any NFL team’s injury descriptions, any Instagram doctors’ prognosis, or any reporters’ déjà vu feelings. “I don’t want to say there’s long-term concern,” coach Kyle Shanahan said Friday, referring to Purdy’s MRI exam and indicating the quarterback will miss Sunday’s game at Green Bay. Brandon Allen will make the spot start. For how long, though? Exercising caution is wise to protect a bona fide franchise quarterback who threw for a 49ers-record 4,280 yards last season on a surgically repaired elbow and is due for a 49ers-record contract extension at this season’s likely bitter end. Shanahan and general manager John Lynch indicated that Purdy’s MRI on Monday did not reveal a dire, franchise-altering ailment. “We thought he just needed some rest and really weren’t concerned about him not being good this week,” Shanahan said. “But when he started up Thursday, (his shoulder) just surprised him, surprised us, how it felt.” It’s no surprise, however, how a shoulder injury can grow into a bigger firestorm. For now, public proclamations are minimizing any long-range ramifications. Purdy was not made available to reporters, but as he walked through the locker room Friday, he tried to exude a positive outlook, saying: “We’re all good.” His demeanor remained as upbeat and polite as ever in an ensuing conversation with a staff member. Neither of Purdy’s understudies, Allen and Josh Dobbs, has a history of shoulder injuries, so they were hesitant to speak about how fear-inducing those must be for a quarterback. “I’m not too worried about it, I don’t think any of our guys are,” Allen said. “He’ll rehab and get back as fast as he can. And as far as shoulders, it happens. I don’t think it’ll be anything lingering or long-term for him.” Three seasons ago, when the 49ers last visited Lambeau Field, Jimmy Garoppolo was a week removed from hurting his shoulder – a torn capsule, the 49ers said – in a wild-card playoff win at Dallas. Garoppolo played through the injury, the 49ers won without scoring an offensive touchdown. Two months after losing in the NFC Championship Game, Garoppolo surprised the 49ers by electing to have surgery on his shoulder, complicating a potential trade or release and keeping him on the roster. That made for an awkward but necessary comeback in 2022 as he served as a helpful bridge between Trey Lance’s two-start cameo and Purdy’s late-season emergence for another playoff run. Go back nine years and there is another 49ers quarterback quandary. Colin Kaepernick was listed as probable to play at Seattle, but a day before kickoff, the 49ers surprisingly put him on injured reserve. He headed for surgery to repair a torn labrum in his non-throwing shoulder. Benched three weeks before that IR move, Kaepernick spent the ensuing offseason rehabilitating for what would be one final season with the 49ers and the NFL. An even messier shoulder story unfolded with Kaepernick’s predecessor, Alex Smith. A 2007 feud ensued between Smith and third-year coach Mike Nolan, who publicly dismissed Smith’s shoulder pain that traced back to a Sept. 30 separation. Smith played hurt a few games, then confessed to the nagging pain in his shoulder, after the 49ers had listed him out of practice with a forearm strain. Smith rallied and rebuilt his career, albeit under other coaches. Now it’s Purdy stepping aside for an unknown length of time. Allen relayed their Friday conversation: “He believes in me, says ‘You’re here for a reason. Go in, step up, play well.’ He’ll be back. So I’m not worried about it.” “He’s doing well. He’s in good spirits,” Dobbs added. “Obviously, I don’t want to speak for him, but he wants to be out there. So he will work his butt off to get back out there, and we’ll hold it down for him until he gets back.” ©2024 MediaNews Group, Inc. Visit at mercurynews.com . Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
TowneBank ( NASDAQ:TOWN – Get Free Report ) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, November 27th, Wall Street Journal reports. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 31st will be given a dividend of 0.25 per share by the bank on Tuesday, January 14th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.91%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 31st. TowneBank has raised its dividend by an average of 10.8% annually over the last three years and has increased its dividend every year for the last 12 years. TowneBank has a payout ratio of 39.4% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Equities research analysts expect TowneBank to earn $2.53 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $1.00 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 39.5%. TowneBank Price Performance NASDAQ:TOWN opened at $34.42 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $2.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.30 and a beta of 0.91. TowneBank has a one year low of $25.70 and a one year high of $38.28. The company’s 50-day simple moving average is $35.14 and its 200 day simple moving average is $32.77. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised TowneBank from a “market perform” rating to an “outperform” rating and increased their target price for the stock from $35.00 to $40.00 in a research note on Wednesday, October 2nd. Get Our Latest Analysis on TowneBank About TowneBank ( Get Free Report ) TowneBank provides retail and commercial banking services for individuals, commercial enterprises, and professionals. The company operates through three segments: Banking, Realty, and Insurance. It accepts various deposits, including demand deposits, savings accounts, money rate savings, certificates of deposit, and individual retirement accounts. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for TowneBank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TowneBank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter .
Middle East latest: ICC issues warrant for Israel's Netanyahu as Gaza death toll soars past 44,000
The landscape of artificial intelligence is evolving rapidly, driving unprecedented growth in the semiconductor industry. Nvidia and Broadcom stand at the forefront, capitalizing on the emerging opportunities within AI technology. These tech giants have seen their stock values surge past the S&P 500 as they venture into advanced chip architectures aimed at meeting the colossal demand for AI computing power. Nvidia , a well-known leader in the AI sector, has significantly influenced GPU technology, primarily through its groundbreaking Hopper architecture, considered a cornerstone for AI developments. Now, Nvidia is set to introduce the next-gen Blackwell chips, expected to surpass the standards set by its predecessors. This strategic move is anticipated to drive the company’s long-term revenue growth with expert predictions set at an impressive 38%. In parallel, Broadcom , recognized for its prowess in networking and connectivity, has made substantial inroads into AI technology. With a diverse portfolio spanning enterprise infrastructure software, Broadcom’s AI chip revenue hit $12.2 billion in fiscal 2024, marking a 220% jump from the previous year. The company is actively securing high-profile AI contracts, enhancing its market position, and projecting a $90 billion AI opportunity by 2027. For investors, choosing between Nvidia and Broadcom may revolve around their respective valuations. Nvidia boasts a favorable PEG ratio of 1.2 against Broadcom’s 1.8, suggesting the former might offer a more lucrative growth potential. Despite inherent risks in tech innovation, Nvidia’s dominance and strategic advances make it a compelling choice for those eyeing substantial returns in the AI sector through 2025. Unleashing the Future: AI’s Impact on the Semiconductor Industry The rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the semiconductor industry landscape, offering unprecedented opportunities for tech giants such as Nvidia and Broadcom. As these companies lead the charge in developing cutting-edge chip architectures, they are set to redefine the standards of AI computing and capitalize on the growing demands of this booming sector. Nvidia’s Next-Gen Innovations Nvidia’s influence in the AI sector has been profound, especially with its groundbreaking Hopper architecture, which serves as a critical pillar for AI advancements. The upcoming introduction of Nvidia’s Blackwell chips is poised to set new benchmarks, expected to significantly outperform its predecessors. This move is not merely a technological leap; it is a strategic bet on sustaining long-term revenue growth. Market experts predict a stellar 38% revenue surge for Nvidia, underscoring its potential as a formidable player in the AI domain. Broadcom’s Strategic Expansion Broadcom has also made remarkable strides in the AI arena, particularly in the realms of networking and connectivity. Riding on a diverse portfolio, including enterprise infrastructure software, Broadcom’s AI chip revenue soared to $12.2 billion in fiscal 2024—an impressive 220% increase from the previous year. The company is strategically positioning itself by securing high-profile AI contracts, forecasted to reach a staggering $90 billion opportunity by 2027. Broadcom’s expansion in AI technology signifies a robust market presence that promises lucrative returns. Comparative Insights: Nvidia vs. Broadcom For investors eyeing the semiconductor sector, decision-making hinges on a comparative analysis of Nvidia and Broadcom based on valuation metrics. Nvidia’s Price/Earnings to Growth (PEG) ratio stands at an attractive 1.2, suggesting superior growth potential compared to Broadcom’s 1.8. Despite the inherent risks associated with technological innovations, Nvidia’s established dominance makes it an appealing choice for substantial returns up to 2025. AI Trends and Predictions The semiconductor sector is witnessing a transformative era as AI continues to drive demand for advanced computing solutions. Predictions suggest that AI-powered chip solutions will increasingly cater to diverse applications across industries, from autonomous vehicles to predictive analytics in enterprise systems. The ongoing innovation is likely to steer further investment in AI-focused semiconductor technologies, ensuring sustained growth for pioneering companies. Market Opportunities and Challenges The road to sustained AI integration into semiconductor solutions presents both opportunities and challenges. While the potential for market expansion is enormous, companies must also tackle technological limits and competition. As AI ethics and data security become pressing concerns, stakeholders will need to address these aspects to ensure a balanced and sustainable growth trajectory. In conclusion, the ongoing developments in AI are not just shaping the semiconductor industry but are setting the stage for the next wave of innovation. Companies like Nvidia and Broadcom are positioned to lead this charge, promising a future of robust growth and advancements. For more details, explore Nvidia and Broadcom .
Health authorities in the United Kingdom have warned the public against cheap Brazilian butt lift (BBL) from overseas clinics. The invasive cosmetic procedure is being offered abroad for under £3,000, inclusive of hotel accommodation and flight fare, to entice customers. In contrast, local BBL costs 70 percent higher in the United Kingdom, according to the National Health Service (NHS). However, a spate of deaths and medical complications arising from botched BBL surgeries, with the NHS frequently having to treat patients when they return home, prompted the warning posted on the NHS website on 21 December. In the post, NHS National Medical Director Professor Sir Stephen Powis also said BBL surgery has the highest death rate of all cosmetic procedures as the fat injected into the buttocks can lead to a pulmonary embolism, which is a blockage in a blood vessel in the lungs that can be fatal. “While many people’s social media feeds will be full of enticing looking offers in the run up to Christmas, the reality is these bargain basement cosmetic procedures are potentially deadly,” he warned. Meanwhile, a literal case of butt lifting has been remedied using 3-D printing technology. Mystic Aquarium senior veterinarian Dr. Molly Martony revealed that the company Adia measured and scanned Charlotte for the design of a customized prosthetic harness to remedy a “bubble butt syndrome” (BBS). Charlotte, a green sea turtle at the Connecticut aquarium, is suffering from BBS years after it was hit by a boat that damaged her shell and spinal cord. The BBS caused the male green sea turtle to be buoyant and vertical in the water because air in its gastro-intestinal tract lifts its butt up. The position can damage its organs, Claire Bolster, Charlotte’s handler, said, according to ABC News. With the prosthetic harness fitted on Charlotte’s shell, weights can be placed to pull his butt down and let him swim at level and more smoothly.
Vancouver-based bookkeeping service Bench Accounting has announced its sudden closure, potentially putting hundreds of staff out of work. The company that has described itself as North America's largest bookkeeping service for small businesses says on its website in a "notice of closure" dated Friday that the platform is "no longer accessible." The statement acknowledges that the closure is "abrupt and may cause disruption," and says the firm is committed to helping customers "navigate through the transition." Bench has previously said it had more than 600 employees and had received investor funding of US$113 million. It said it moved to Vancouver and changed its name to Bench in 2013, having started out in 2012 as 10sheet Inc in the U.S. Calls to Bench's Vancouver office went to voice mail and did not immediately receive a response. But the company's former CEO and co-founder Ian Crosby released a statement on social media on Friday, saying he was "very sad" about the closure. Crosby, who said he was ousted by the company's board about three years ago, said there was a lesson in the fate of the company. "I hope the story of Bench goes on to become a warning for VCs (venture capitalists) that think they can 'upgrade' a company by replacing the founder. It never works," he said. The University of British Columbia Sauder Business School alumni said he had been avoiding speaking publicly about Bench since his exit, but wanted to make a statement in light of the company's demise. He said that in 2021 he had been battling with some board members over their strategy for a "new direction" that he thought was a "very bad idea." "Rather than continuing to fight with me, they opted to just replace me, thinking that they could run the company better themselves," he said. "I was totally convinced that their approach would destroy the company. I opted to resign rather than fight." Other bookkeeping companies were quick to reach out to Bench's former clients, with rivals such as Acuity and Better Bookkeeping making reference to Bench's closure in social media pitches. A spokeswoman for B.C.'s jobs ministry said they were looking into a request for comment. This report by The Canadian Press was first published Dec. 27, 2024.
Gov. Shapiro is part of a rising group of Democrats proudly showing their faithTech Stocks Lead Wall Street Rally Amid Trade Tensions