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Should You Invest in Rare Earth Elements?

by Fred Fuld III

Rare earth elements (REEs)—also sometimes called rare earth metals, rare earth minerals, or strategic metals—are a group of 17 chemically similar elements that have become critical to modern technology. Though not truly rare in terms of Earth’s crust abundance, they are rarely found in economically exploitable concentrations, and their extraction and refinement are complex and environmentally challenging.

These metals are indispensable in the production of high-tech devices, renewable energy technologies, defense systems, and advanced manufacturing. With rising global demand for electric vehicles, wind turbines, smartphones, and military hardware, the strategic importance of rare earth elements has surged.

This growing demand, coupled with supply chain vulnerabilities—particularly the concentration of production in China—has prompted investors to take a closer look at rare earths as a potentially lucrative sector.

Returns: Most Commonly Traded REEs versus Gold and Silver

Dysprosium	31.47%
Neodymium	47.23%
Praseodymium	32.06%
Terbium	196.91%

Gold	98.40%
Silver	76.60%

As of April 8, 2025
Source: strategicmetalsinvest.com

Below is an overview of the 17 rare earth elements, each with a brief description of their industrial applications:

1. Scandium (Sc)
Scandium is used primarily in aerospace components and sports equipment. When alloyed with aluminum, scandium enhances strength, corrosion resistance, and weldability, making it ideal for lightweight structural components. It also finds application in solid oxide fuel cells and high-intensity lamps.

2. Yttrium (Y)
Yttrium is key in producing red phosphors for color television and LED screens. It is also used in superconductors, cancer treatment (radioisotope therapy), and ceramic materials that withstand high temperatures, including in jet engines.

3. Lanthanum (La)
Lanthanum is used in camera and telescope lenses for its optical clarity, as well as in batteries—especially nickel-metal hydride (NiMH) batteries used in hybrid vehicles. It also plays a role in refining crude oil by acting as a catalyst.

4. Cerium (Ce)
Cerium is the most abundant rare earth and is widely used in catalytic converters, glass polishing powders, and UV filters. It is also involved in fuel cells and in stabilizing ceramics for advanced manufacturing.

5. Praseodymium (Pr)
Praseodymium is used to produce strong permanent magnets when alloyed with neodymium. It’s also used in aircraft engines, studio lighting, and to color glass and enamel green.

6. Neodymium (Nd)
One of the most commercially valuable rare earths, neodymium is crucial for making powerful magnets used in electric motors, wind turbines, headphones, and hard disk drives. These neodymium-iron-boron (NdFeB) magnets are essential for many green technologies.

7. Promethium (Pm)
A radioactive element, promethium has limited but specialized uses, including in nuclear batteries and luminous paint. Its scarcity and radioactivity make it less commercially widespread but potentially important for niche energy applications.

8. Samarium (Sm)
Samarium is used in high-strength magnets that can withstand higher temperatures than neodymium magnets. It also plays a role in nuclear reactors and cancer treatment through samarium-153, a radioactive isotope used in targeted therapy.

9. Europium (Eu)
Europium is essential for producing red and blue phosphors in televisions and LED lighting. It’s also used in anti-counterfeiting applications such as Euro banknotes and high-security identification cards.

10. Gadolinium (Gd)
Gadolinium is widely used as a contrast agent in MRI scans due to its magnetic properties. It’s also used in neutron capture applications in nuclear reactors and in specialized alloys for electronic components.

11. Terbium (Tb)
Terbium is used in green phosphors for color displays and energy-efficient lighting. It also enhances the performance of magnets and is used in solid-state devices and fuel cells.

12. Dysprosium (Dy)
Dysprosium is used to improve the performance of high-temperature magnets, making it crucial for electric vehicles and wind turbines. It’s also used in nuclear reactor control rods due to its ability to absorb neutrons.

13. Holmium (Ho)
Holmium has the highest magnetic strength of any element and is used in nuclear control rods and magnetic flux concentrators. It’s also used in certain types of lasers and solid-state computing.

14. Erbium (Er)
Erbium is used in fiber optic communication systems as a signal amplifier, in lasers for dermatology and dentistry, and in alloying with metals to improve strength.

15. Thulium (Tm)
Thulium is rare and expensive, used primarily in portable X-ray machines and lasers. Its isotope, Tm-170, is a radiation source for medical applications.

16. Ytterbium (Yb)
Ytterbium is used in stainless steel production, as a doping agent in fiber optics, and in earthquake monitoring equipment due to its sensitivity to stress and strain.

17. Lutetium (Lu)
Lutetium is the rarest and most expensive of the rare earths, used in positron emission tomography (PET) scan detectors, catalysts in petroleum refining, and specialized medical treatments.

Investment Potential and Market Considerations

Investing in rare earth elements presents both opportunities and risks. The increasing demand for high-tech and green energy applications makes these metals a long-term strategic asset. Governments, especially in the U.S., EU, and Japan, are investing in rare earth supply chains to reduce dependence on China, which currently controls over 80% of global production. This geopolitics-fueled movement could benefit mining companies outside China, especially those in Australia, Canada, and the U.S.

Rare earth investments can take several forms: direct investment in mining stocks, rare earth ETFs, or companies that manufacture rare-earth-based technologies. However, the market is highly volatile, subject to geopolitical tensions, environmental regulation, and technological shifts. Investors should be aware of these factors and consider diversification within the broader strategic metals space.

Rare Earth Mining Companies

There are a few companies involved in the mining of REEs. Unfortunately, most are not generating positive earnings and have very low market caps. Most trade Over-the-Counter.

Australian Strategic Materials (ASMMF) is a West Perth, Australia based mining company. The stock has a market cap of $37 million, and is selling at 39% of book value. It is currently generating negative earnings. It recently generated $4.16 in revenues, has $32.6 million in cash, and $16.8 million in debt.

Energy Fuels Inc. (UUUU) is a United States based producer of rare earth elements and uranium. The stock has a market cap of $725 million, and is selling at close to book value with a P/B ratio of 1.37. It is currently generating negative earnings. This debt free company has $119 million in cash.

Aclara Resources (ARAAF) is involved in mining magnetic rare earths. The stock has a market cap of $81 million and is selling at 63% below book value. It is currently generating negative earnings.

American Rare Earths (ARRNF) is a Sidney, Australia based mining company. The stock has a market cap of $81 million. It is currently generating negative earnings.

Arafura Rare Earths (ARAFF) is another Australia based mining company. The stock has a market cap of $236 million. It is currently generating negative earnings.

In conclusion, rare earth elements are small in atomic weight but mighty in influence. Their industrial indispensability, coupled with growing geopolitical awareness and technological reliance, makes them a compelling—if complex—investment opportunity in the 21st century.

First Female NYSE Member

The first female member of the NYSE was Muriel Siebert, who became a member on December 28, 1967

Muriel Faye Siebert (September 12, 1928 – August 24, 2013) was an American businesswoman who was the first woman to own a seat on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE), and the first woman to head one of the NYSE’s member firms. She joined the 1,365 male members of the exchange on December 28, 1967. Siebert is sometimes known as the “first woman of finance”.

Want more stock market trivia ?

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The Significance of xAI acquiring X

The significance of xAI acquiring X lies in the strategic integration of a cutting-edge AI company with a massive social media platform, creating a synergy that could reshape technology, data usage, and user experience. On March 28, 2025, Elon Musk announced that xAI acquired X in an all-stock deal, valuing xAI at $80 billion and X at $33 billion (or $45 billion including $12 billion in debt). This move intertwines the futures of both entities, combining xAI’s advanced AI capabilities with X’s vast user base and data resources.

One key aspect is the potential for xAI to leverage X’s data—generated by over 600 million active users—to enhance its AI models, particularly its chatbot, Grok. This real-time, diverse dataset could accelerate xAI’s mission to “understand the true nature of the universe” and give it a competitive edge over rivals like OpenAI, Google, and Anthropic. In return, X could benefit from AI-driven improvements, such as smarter algorithms for personalization, content moderation, and user engagement, potentially revitalizing a platform that has struggled financially since Musk’s $44 billion acquisition in 2022.

Financially, the deal reflects a complex maneuver. X’s valuation has dropped significantly from its purchase price, with estimates as low as $9.4 billion in 2024, due to advertiser exodus and operational challenges. By folding X into xAI, which has seen rapid growth and investor enthusiasm (raising $6 billion in December 2024 alone), Musk may be consolidating his ventures to offset X’s losses, manage its debt, and unlock new value. This could also protect X from hostile takeovers and align resources more efficiently across his ecosystem of companies.

The broader implications are significant: this merger could set a precedent for how AI and social media converge, raising questions about privacy, data ethics, and market dominance. It might enhance user experiences with more intelligent features, but it also risks amplifying concerns about centralized control under Musk’s vision. The long-term impact depends on execution—whether this bold integration delivers innovation or stumbles under its own complexity.

Skinniest House: 10 Feet Wide

A 10 foot wide house in Boston, Massachusetts sold for $895,000. It’s called the Skinny House.

The Skinny House is an extremely narrow four-story house at 44 Hull Street in the North End of Boston, Massachusetts, United States. It is reported by the Boston Globe as having the “uncontested distinction of being the narrowest house in Boston.”

Want more real estate trivia?

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Now the Counterfeiters are Making Fake Junk Coins

by Fred Fuld III

When I started looking into silver as an investment a few years ago, not only did I look at silver mining stocks and iShares Silver Trust ETF (SLV), I also started buying silver coins.

I was aware of the counterfeit coins that were floating around, primarily the silver rounds and the uncirculated silver dollars. Because of that, I considered buying slabbed coins (the ones that are graded and encapsulated in plastic), but they are pretty expensive and sell for much more than the silver content, so I went for the low quality silver coins, figuring no one would bother counterfeiting those.

I was wrong.

You can buy coins on such sites as eBay (EBAY), Etsy (ETSY), Amazon (AMZN), Facebook (META), Whatnot, Craigslist, and many other eCommerce sites. Certain sellers on some of these major selling sites are offering cull coins below silver melt prices. These aren’t auction start prices, these are actual “for sale” prices.

Let me explain what a cull coin is. A “cull coin” refers to any coin that is considered to be in poor condition or has flaws, making it undesirable for collectors, but potentially attractive for investors seeking, in this case, silver content. The cull coin may have a hole, may be cleaned (remember, never clean an old coin – it will reduce the value substantially), may be bent, or may be heavily scratched.

But let’s get back to prices. Why would someone sell a coin for five or ten dollars less than competitors? Why would they sell for less than the value of the silver content? Why? Because they are fake.

What I can’t understand is why are the counterfeiters making fakes of cheap coins? I can understand making fake uncirculated coins because of the higher value, but low quality junk? It’s hard to believe, but I guess if there is a market for something, someone will create a fake.

In order to avoid getting stuck with any of these fakes, here’s what you need to check:

• Is the coin selling for far less than similar coins?

• Does the seller have very little feedback?

• Does the seller have significant negative feedback?

• Did the seller recently create an account?

• Does the seller copy pictures from other sellers?

If any of the above are true, be careful.

The best thing to do is to buy from sellers who have been selling for years and have excellent feedback.

Silver Coins and Authenticity

Be careful about buying silver coins, as there are many fakes being distributed. These are not just the coins with numismatic value but also the so-called junk silver coins and even the bullion coins (silver rounds).

Fortunately, there are several ways of checking whether a coin is genuine or not. One simple way is to use a phone app called CoinTester. It measures the sound of the ping when the coin is hit with an object, like a pencil.

First, you choose the type of coin. (Note: If you are checking a silver dollar, for Keyword, just type Dollar, not Silver Dollar.) You place the coin on your fingertip, tap the word Check on the app, then hit the coin a few times with something that won’t damage the coin (I use the wooden part of a pencil.) If is shows a 0 or 1 out of 3, it means the coin is a fake. If it shows a 2 or a 3 out of three, the coin is real.

Just remember that all tests for coins aren’t foolproof. The best approach is to buy from a very reputable coin dealer.

Many numismatic coins are slabbed. In numismatics (the study or collection of coins), “slabbed” refers to the process of encapsulating a coin in a hard plastic holder, often called a slab. These slabs are usually sealed and graded by a professional coin grading service. The purpose of slabbing coins is to protect them from damage and to provide an objective assessment of their condition and authenticity.

When a coin is slabbed, it is typically accompanied by a label indicating its grade, which is determined based on factors such as wear, luster, strike quality, and any imperfections. This grading process helps collectors and investors assess the value of the coin and provides assurance about its authenticity and condition.

Slabbed coins are often considered more desirable for collectors and investors because they come with a trusted third-party evaluation, reducing the risk of buying counterfeit or over-graded coins.

So if you decide to add silver coins to your investment portfolio, buy with caution.

Disclosure: Author owns EBAY, AMZN, and has a long option position in SLV.

Stocks Going Ex Dividend in April 2025

The following is a short list of some of the many stocks going ex-dividend during the next month, which can be helpful for traders and investors interested in the stock trading technique known as “Buying Dividends” or “Dividend Capture.” This strategy involves purchasing stocks before the ex dividend date and selling them shortly after the ex-date at a similar price, while still being eligible to receive the dividend payment.

Although this dividend capture strategy generally proves effective in bull markets and flat or choppy markets, it is advisable to exercise caution and consider avoiding this strategy during bear markets. To qualify for the dividend, it is necessary to buy the stock before the ex-dividend date and refrain from selling it until on or after the ex-date.

However, it is important to note that the actual dividend may not be paid for several weeks, as the payment date may not be until two months after the ex-dividend date.

For investors seeking a comprehensive list of stocks going ex-dividend in the near future, WallStreetNewsNetwork.com has compiled a downloadable list containing numerous dividend-paying companies. Here are a few examples showcasing the stock symbol, ex-dividend date, periodic dividend amount, and annual yield.

New York Times Company (NYT)	4/1/2025	0.18	1.48%
American Express Company (AXP)	4/4/2025	0.82	1.18%
Gap, Inc. (GAP)	4/9/2025	0.165	3.05%
Oracle Corporation (ORCL)	4/10/2025	0.50	1.29%
AbbVie Inc. (ABBV)	4/15/2025	1.64	3.14%
Dell Technologies Inc. (DELL)	4/22/2025	0.525	2.10%
Clorox Company (CLX)	4/23/2025	1.22	3.39%
Scholastic Corporation (SCHL)	4/30/2025	0.20	4.10%

To access the entire list of over 100 ex-dividend stocks, subscribers will receive an email in the next couple days with the full list. If you are not already a subscriber, you can sign up using the provided signup box below. Don’t miss out on this valuable information, and the best part is that it’s free!

Dividend Definitions

To better understand the dividend-related terms, let’s define them:

Declaration date: This refers to the day when a company announces its intention to distribute a dividend in the future.
Ex-dividend date: On this day, if you purchase the stock, you would not be eligible to receive the upcoming dividend. It is also the first day on which a shareholder can sell their shares and still receive the dividend.
Record date: This marks the day when you must be recorded on the company’s books as a shareholder to qualify for the dividend. Typically, the ex-dividend date is set two business days prior to the record date.
Payment date: This is the day on which the dividend payment is actually made to the eligible shareholders. It’s important to note that the payment date can be as long as two months after the ex-date.

Before implementing the “Buying Dividends” technique, it is crucial to reconfirm the ex-dividend date with the respective company to ensure accuracy and avoid any unexpected changes.

In conclusion, being aware of the stocks going ex-dividend can be advantageous for traders and investors employing the “Buying Dividends” strategy. WallStreetNewsNetwork.com provides a convenient resource to access a comprehensive list of such stocks, allowing individuals to plan their investment decisions effectively. Remember to stay informed and consider market conditions before employing any investment strategy.

Disclosure: Author didn’t own any of the above at the time the article was written.

Want to Know What the Real Old Telephones Looked Like?

Western Electric Co., Inc. was an American electrical engineering and manufacturing company that operated from 1869 to 1996. A subsidiary of the AT&T Corporation for most of its lifespan, Western Electric was the primary manufacturer, supplier, and purchasing agent for all telephone equipment for the Bell System from 1881 until 1984, when the Bell System was dismantled. Because the Bell System had a near-total monopoly over telephone service in the United States for much of the 20th century, Western Electric’s equipment was widespread across the country. The company was responsible for many technological innovations, as well as developments in industrial management.

Here is a very early ad from Western Electric.

Prospects for Gold Price Increases in 2025

by Fred Fuld III

Let’s dive into the prospects for gold prices in 2025 and explore the various ways to invest in gold, along with their pros and cons. I’ll keep this grounded in economic trends and practical considerations as of March 21, 2025.

Prospects for Gold Price Increases in 2025

Gold prices are influenced by a mix of macroeconomic factors, geopolitical events, and market sentiment. Here’s what could drive gold’s value this year:

Inflation and Currency Weakness: Central banks, particularly the Federal Reserve, have been navigating inflation and interest rate policies. If inflation persists or if confidence in fiat currencies like the U.S. dollar wanes (say, due to excessive money printing or debt concerns), gold often benefits as a “safe haven” asset. As of now, inflation has cooled somewhat from its 2022 peak, but any resurgence could push gold higher.
Interest Rates: Gold doesn’t pay interest, so when real yields (adjusted for inflation) on bonds are low or negative, gold becomes more attractive. If the Fed cuts rates in 2025 to stimulate growth, or if rates stay steady but inflation ticks up, gold could see a boost. Conversely, aggressive rate hikes would pressure gold prices downward.
Geopolitical Uncertainty: Ongoing tensions—think U.S.-China relations, conflicts in Eastern Europe, or Middle East instability—tend to drive investors toward gold. If 2025 brings more chaos (not hard to imagine), demand could spike.
Central Bank Buying: Countries like China, India, and Russia have been stockpiling gold to diversify reserves away from the dollar. This trend, if it accelerates, supports higher prices.
Supply Constraints: Gold mining output has plateaued in recent years. If demand outpaces supply—especially with industrial uses (e.g., electronics) growing—prices could climb.

Outlook: Analysts often project gold prices based on these drivers. As of early 2025, gold’s hovering around $3,000 per ounce. Some forecasts suggest it could hit $3,500 if inflation or geopolitical risks flare up, though a stronger dollar or robust equity markets might cap gains. It’s a tug-of-war between bullish and bearish forces—nothing’s certain, but gold’s got a decent shot at appreciating if uncertainty reigns.

Ways to Invest in Gold

Here are the main avenues for getting exposure to gold, each with its own flavor:

Physical Gold (Bars, Coins, Jewelry)
- How: Buy bullion (e.g., 1 oz coins like American Eagles or Canadian Maple Leafs) or jewelry from dealers, banks, or mints.
- Advantages:
  - Tangible asset—you own it outright.
  - No counterparty risk (unlike paper gold).
  - Can be a hedge during extreme crises (e.g., currency collapse).
- Disadvantages:
  - Storage costs (safes, vaults) and security risks (theft).
  - Premiums over spot price (5–10% for coins, more for jewelry).
  - Illiquid—selling takes effort and may involve dealer markups.
Gold ETFs (Exchange-Traded Funds)
- How: Buy shares of funds like SPDR Gold Shares (GLD) or iShares Gold Trust (IAU) via a brokerage. These track gold prices and are backed by physical gold.
- Advantages:
  - Easy to buy/sell like stocks—highly liquid.
  - No storage hassle (the fund holds the gold).
  - Lower costs than physical gold (expense ratios ~0.25–0.4%).
- Disadvantages:
  - No physical possession—if society collapses, you’re out of luck.
  - Management fees erode returns over time.
  - Counterparty risk (trust in the fund custodian).
Gold Mining Stocks
- How: Invest in companies like Newmont or Barrick Gold via stock markets.
- Advantages:
  - Potential for amplified gains—if gold rises 10%, miners might jump 20–30% due to leverage.
  - Dividends possible from profitable firms.
- Disadvantages:
  - Higher volatility—tied to company performance (e.g., labor strikes, bad management).
  - Less direct correlation to gold prices than bullion or ETFs.
  - Operational risks (mine closures, environmental regs).
Gold Futures and Options
- How: Trade contracts on exchanges like COMEX, betting on future gold prices with leverage.
- Advantages:
  - High leverage—control large positions with little capital.
  - Potential for big profits if you time it right.
- Disadvantages:
  - High risk—leverage cuts both ways, and losses can exceed your initial investment.
  - Complex and time-sensitive (contracts expire).
  - Not for beginners—requires market savvy.
Digital Gold or Gold-Backed Tokens
- How: Buy fractional gold via platforms (e.g., Pax Gold, Tether Gold) where ownership is tokenized on a blockchain, often redeemable for physical gold.
- Advantages:
  - Accessible—buy small amounts (e.g., $10 worth).
  - Combines digital ease with gold’s stability.
  - Some platforms offer redemption for physical gold.
- Disadvantages:
  - Counterparty risk—depends on the issuer’s solvency.
  - Regulatory uncertainty in some regions.
  - Fees can be higher than ETFs.

Weighing the Options

If you want safety and control: Physical gold’s your pick, but it’s costly to manage and not great for quick trades.
If you’re after convenience: ETFs strike a balance—liquid, low-cost, but you’re betting on the system holding up.
If you’re a risk-taker: Mining stocks or futures offer big upside, but you could get burned.
If you’re tech-savvy: Digital gold’s emerging, though it’s still niche and trust-dependent.

Final Take

Gold’s price in 2025 hinges on how chaotic the world gets—more chaos, more shine. For investing, match your choice to your goals: long-term hedge (physical/ETFs), speculative play (stocks/futures), or modern twist (digital). Each has trade-offs, so it’s about what you can stomach—both in risk and logistics.

The picture shows the 44 pound gold nugget at the Ironstone Heritage Museum. It is 98% pure gold.

If You Own a Slice of a Share, Can You Vote on Shareholder Proposals?

by Fred Fuld III

Many beginning investors, and many investors with a moderate amount of money to invest, choose to buy a slice of a share of stock instead of a whole share or several shares. This is especially true with high priced shares, such as Autozone (AZO) which sells for over $3500 per share, Netflix (NFLX) which trades at about $950 a share, and Costco (COST) which is selling at almost $900 per share. Even the tax software company Intuit (INTU) currently trades at $600 a share.

For someone that only has $500 to $5,000 to invest, this is a big chunk of money to allocate to one stock even if they purchase only one share.

Fortunately, most stock brokerage firms, such as Schwab (SCHW), Fidelity, SoFi (SOFI), and Robinhood (HOOD) allow investors to buy slices of shares. So what is a slice?

A “slice of a share,” also known as a fractional share, is a portion of a whole share of stock, allowing investors to own a piece of a company without having to invest the full price of a single share.
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
What it is:
A fractional share represents a percentage of a whole share, enabling investors to invest smaller amounts of money in companies they’re interested in.
How it works:
If a stock costs $500 per share, an investor could buy a fractional share for, say, $10, representing 2% of a whole share.
Why it’s useful:
Fractional shares can make investing more accessible, especially for beginners or those with smaller budgets, as they allow investors to put their money to work even if they don’t have enough to buy a full share.
Brokerage offerings:
Many brokerages now offer fractional shares, allowing investors to purchase portions of stocks or ETFs.
Charles Schwab:
For example, Charles Schwab refers to fractional shares as “Schwab Stock Slices” and allows investors to buy slices of 30 stocks in companies on the S&P 500 in one transaction.
Fidelity:
Fidelity also offers fractional shares, allowing investors to invest in stocks and ETFs in fractions or dollars.
Dividends and corporate actions:
When you own fractional shares, you’ll still receive dividends and participate in other corporate actions (like stock splits) based on the percentage of a whole share you own.
Shareholder Proposal Voting Rights:
Your ability to exercise voting rights will depend on how your brokerage firm’s fractional share investing program works. However, based on my experience, I was offered the ability to vote on corporate actions and proposals.

My Personal Experience:

I decided to try this out with a popular stock that sells for over $500 per share. I invested an extremely small amount, which gave me ownership of 0.05442 of a share. That’s slightly over 5% of a share, or in other words, about one twentieth of a share.

Just yesterday, I received the request to vote my shares, or should I say, my portion of a share, which I did. There was voting for the board of directors and voting on various shareholder proposals.

This company also offers a couple of benefits to shareholders which I am also entitled to. Such a deal.

This particular stock doesn’t pay a dividend, but if it did, I would be entitled to my share.

So in answer to the question asked in the title of this article, the answer is YES.

Disclosure: Author didn’t own any of the above mentioned stocks at the time the article was written.

Latest on the Getty Images and Shutterstock Merger

March 20,2025

Getty Images (GETY) and Shutterstock (SSTK) announced their intent to merge on January 7, 2025, in a $3.7 billion “merger of equals” transaction aimed at creating a premier visual content company. Recent updates as of March 20, 2025, indicate that the merger is progressing amid Getty Images’ latest financial performance reports. On March 17, 2025, Getty Images released its Q4 2024 results, showing a 9.5% year-over-year revenue increase to $247.3 million, surpassing Wall Street expectations. However, its full-year 2025 revenue guidance of $936.5 million fell 2.3% short of analysts’ estimates, reflecting some caution as the company prepares for merger-related activities.

The merger remains subject to regulatory approval and other customary closing conditions, with no definitive public announcement of delays or cancellations as of now. However, there are hints of potential hurdles: a March 18, 2025, report from TipRanks noted “significant business risks linked to the potential failure or delay” in completing the merger, citing regulatory challenges as a key concern. Despite this, the companies are pushing forward, expecting annual cost synergies of $150 million to $200 million within three years post-closure, with most savings anticipated within 12 to 24 months after the deal closes.

As for the scheduled closing date, no exact date has been publicly confirmed in the latest updates. The original announcement on January 7, 2025, described it as pending regulatory approval, and subsequent reports, including Getty’s Q4 earnings coverage on March 17-18, 2025, suggest the focus is now on preparing for integration, with no specific timeline beyond “expected in 2025” if approvals proceed smoothly. Given the regulatory scrutiny hinted at in recent analyses, the closing could extend into late 2025 if complications arise, but as of now, it’s on track pending those conditions.

For the latest developments, keep an eye on official statements from Getty Images or Shutterstock, as the situation could evolve with regulatory or financial updates.