Top Financial Scam Books for the Holidays

If you are looking for some great reading for the holidays, or maybe a great gift for your investor friends and relatives, here are some books on financial scams that are well worth reading. Many of these came out a few years go, but are timeless. Enjoy!

American Kingpin: The Epic Hunt for the Criminal Mastermind Behind the Silk Road by Nick Bilton
You have probably heard of the Silk Road but do you know anything about the guy behind it? How he started it, how it grew beyond his or anyone’s wildest dreams, and how money and power can corrupt. It also corrupted some members of law enforcement. An amazing story and a book that reads like a page-turner mystery.

Billion Dollar Whale: The Man Who Fooled Wall Street, Hollywood, and the World by Tom Wright & Bradley Hope
If you have seen the Wolf of Wall Street movie, but you don’t know where the money came from to make the movie, you need to read this book! How billions were swindled with the help of a major investment banking company. The parties were unbelievable, and included such guests as Leonardo DiCaprio and Paris Hilton. The jewelry was unbelievable. The yachts were unbelievable.

Alligator Blood by James Leighton
An Australian in his 20s goes from delivering pizzas to becoming one of the richest people in Australia from online poker. What happens next …

Red Notice: A True Story of High Finance, Murder, and One Man’s Fight for Justice by Bill Browder
A timely book these days. How the author made a huge amount of money trading Russian shares, and the dark consequences of doing so.

Black Edge: Inside Information, Dirty Money, and the Quest to Bring Down the Most Wanted Man on Wall Street by Sheelah Kolhatkar
About, Steve Cohen, SAC Capital, insider trading, government investigators, and billions of dollars in profits.

The Buy Side: A Wall Street Trader’s Tale of Spectacular Excess by Turney Duff
Autobiographical story of sex, drugs, hedge funds, and lots of money.

The Spider Network: How a Math Genius and a Gang of Scheming Bankers Pulled Off One of the Greatest Scams in History by David Enrich
Have not read this yet, but it’s on my next non-fiction book to read. 4.5 stars on Amazon.

Happy reading!

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6 Interesting Tax Selling Stocks for a Possible January Bounce

by Fred Fuld III

One long-standing seasonal investment approach is the strategy of buying stocks near year end that have fallen sharply over the prior twelve months and have been pushed even lower by tax-motivated selling. This tactic is rooted in the observation that many investors sell losing positions in November and December to realize capital losses, either to offset gains elsewhere in their portfolios or to reduce taxable income. The resulting wave of selling pressure can temporarily drive prices below levels justified by a company’s underlying fundamentals.

As the calendar year draws to a close, this tax-loss selling can become somewhat mechanical. Portfolio managers and individual investors alike may sell simply because the stock is down, not because new negative information has emerged. In smaller or less liquid stocks, this effect can be especially pronounced, with prices sagging into the final weeks of December as sellers overwhelm a limited pool of buyers. For contrarian investors, these conditions can create opportunities to purchase shares at depressed prices.

The thesis behind the strategy hinges on what is often referred to as the “January effect.” Once the new year begins, the incentive to sell for tax reasons disappears, and in some cases investors even buy back stocks they sold weeks earlier. At the same time, fresh capital flows into the market in January from year-end bonuses, retirement account contributions, and new allocations by institutions. This shift in supply and demand can lead to a rebound in stocks that were heavily sold in December, producing short-term gains for investors who bought during the year-end slump.

However, not every beaten-down stock is a good candidate for a January bounce. The most promising situations are often companies that are down substantially for cyclical or temporary reasons rather than due to permanent impairment of the business. Distinguishing between stocks that are merely unpopular and those that are fundamentally broken is critical. Investors who apply this strategy typically look for balance sheet strength, ongoing profitability, or clear catalysts that could improve sentiment once selling pressure eases.

Risk management is an essential part of this approach. Because the strategy is partly based on market behavior rather than long-term fundamentals, the anticipated bounce may be modest or may not occur at all. Broader market conditions, unexpected news, or continued deterioration in a company’s prospects can overwhelm any seasonal effect. As a result, many practitioners treat year-end tax-loss buying as a tactical, short-term trade rather than a buy-and-hold investment.

There are six stocks are interesting possibilities for a January bounce. They all have the same characteristics, as follows:

• Stocks down over 75% this year
• Selling below book value
• Selling below cash per share
• Market caps above $65 million
• US based

The list below show shows the company name, the stock symbol, and the industry:

Atyr Pharma	ATYR	Biotech
Korro Bio	KRRO	Biotech
New Fortress Energy	NFE	Oil & Gas
Pliant Therapeutics	PLRX	Biotech
Vivid Seats	SEAT	Internet
Teads Holding	TEAD	Internet

In summary, buying stocks near year end that are deeply down and further depressed by tax-loss selling is a contrarian strategy that seeks to exploit temporary price distortions. When successful, it can benefit from the easing of selling pressure and renewed demand in January. Like all market strategies, it requires discipline, careful stock selection, and an understanding that seasonal patterns are tendencies, not guarantees.

Disclosure: Author didn’t own any of the above at the time the article was written. No recommendations are expressed or implied.

Stocks Going Ex Dividend in December 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.

Wendy’s Company (The) (WEN)	12/1/2025	0.14	6.63%
NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA)	12/4/2025	0.01	0.02%
QUALCOMM Incorporated (QCOM)	12/4/2025	0.89	2.12%
Alphabet Inc. Class C Capital Stock (GOOG)	12/8/2025	0.21	0.26%
Phillips Edison & Company, Inc. (PECO)	12/15/2025	0.1083	3.66%
Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (HRZN)	12/17/2025	0.11	19.76%
Xerox Holdings Corporation (XRX)	12/31/2025	0.025	3.60%

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 may have positions in some of the above at the time the article was written. No investment recommendations are expressed or implied.

Top Investment Books for November 2025

Looking for some reading material while you are waiting in the airport for your flight? Grab some of the latest top selling investment and business books.

These also make great gifts. Here they are:

The Psychology of Money: Timeless lessons on wealth, greed, and happiness
by Morgan Housel

The Little Book of Common Sense Investing: The Only Way to Guarantee Your Fair Share of Stock Market Returns (Little Books. Big Profits) Updated and Revised Edition
by John C. Bogle

A Beginner’s Guide to the Stock Market: Everything You Need to Start Making Money Today
by Matthew Kratter

The Simple Path to Wealth: Your Road Map to Financial Independence and a Rich, Free Life
by J L Collins

Investing 101: From Stocks and Bonds to ETFs and IPOs, an Essential Primer on Building a Profitable Portfolio
by Michele Cagan

How to Make Money in Any Market
by Jim Cramer

The Algebra of Wealth: A Simple Formula for Financial Security
by Scott Galloway

Investment Trivia: The Fun Side of Money, Stocks, Bonds, and Wall Street
by Fred Fuld III

Looking at Smart Glasses Stocks: Are These Intelligent Spectacles a Reality?

by Fred Fuld III

Here is a tight, practical breakdown of Google Glass, Snapchat Spectacles, Apple Vision Pro, and Meta’s Ray-Ban smart glasses: what each does well, where each struggles, and a short list of genuinely useful features none of them reliably offer today.

Quick summary

Google Glass (Enterprise Edition 2) — ultra-light, workplace tool for heads-up info and hands-free workflows; limited consumer features and modest display power.
Snapchat Spectacles (recent AR models) — focused on AR visuals and social/creative experiences; promising optics but immature battery/software and developer-targeted releases.
Apple Vision Pro — highest-end mixed-reality platform: great displays, sensors, and interaction model; very expensive, heavy, and not pocketable.
Meta Ray-Ban (Stories / Meta Ray-Ban Smart Glasses) — stylish, socially oriented capture + audio (calls), reasonably discreet; limited AR, short capture use cases, privacy concerns.

Detailed pros & cons

Google Glass (Enterprise Edition 2)

Advantages

Extremely lightweight and unobtrusive, suitable for long wear in industrial or medical workflows.
Built around enterprise integrations (Android management, video for remote assist, purpose-built apps).

Disadvantages

Not intended as a consumer AR/entertainment device — small display resolution and limited FOV compared to modern AR headsets.
App ecosystem and polish are oriented to niche enterprise cases, so general consumer value is low.

Best use case: warehouse, manufacturing, remote assistance, hands-free checklists.

Snapchat Spectacles (latest AR Spectacles)

Advantages

Designed specifically for rich AR overlays (hand-tracked interactions, virtual objects in space) and social/creative features — strong ambitions for AR experiences.
Snap focuses on developer tools and content creation workflows that link to Snapchat’s social platform.

Disadvantages

Early developer/preview product status — short battery life, narrow FOV complaints, and immature software reported by press and ex-employees.
Monthly developer fees / limited availability in early rollouts make them less useful for casual buyers.

Best use case: AR developers, creators experimenting with spatial filters and social AR content.

Apple Vision Pro

Advantages

State-of-the-art mixed reality: very high-resolution micro-OLED displays, many cameras/sensors, excellent eye- and hand-driven UI, strong app and media ecosystem potential.
Powerful silicon (M2 + R1 variants), strong spatial audio, and platform features (OpticID, immersive video) for productivity and entertainment.

Disadvantages

Very expensive and relatively heavy — not something you wear out in public all day; comfort over long sessions can be an issue for some users.
Because it’s individualized (eye calibration/OpticID), casual “share the view” experiences are awkward. Battery life / portability tradeoffs vs. glasses form-factor remain.

Best use case: immersive productivity, cinema/3D media, pros experimenting with spatial apps — when cost/portability are less important.

Meta Ray-Ban (Ray-Ban Stories / later Smart Glasses)

Advantages

Fashionable, familiar sunglasses/eyewear look — socially acceptable form factor for short capture and hands-free audio/calling.
Easy POV photo/video capture and decent microphone/phone integration for calls; improvements (newer models) raise camera and audio specs.

Disadvantages

Not a true AR display (mostly capture + audio) — minimal spatial overlays or immersive apps.
Use cases often feel novelty-focused (short social clips) rather than utility-driven; raises privacy concerns when people around you don’t know they’re being recorded.

Best use case: casual POV capture, hands-free calls, social sharing where style matters.

Features users want that none of these deliver well (or at all)

Below are practical, high-value features that are either missing or poorly implemented across current smart glasses:

All-day battery in a real glasses form factor
- Current AR and camera glasses compromise between battery, weight, and heat. A lightweight pair that reliably lasts a full waking day with mixed use (notifications, low-power AR, occasional video/photo) would be a major win.
High FOV, high-brightness transparent AR with low power
- Narrow “mail-slot” FOVs limit compelling AR. A wider, true see-through holographic display that stays viewable outdoors without huge power draw is missing.
Robust privacy & social signaling built in
- A hardware indicator that clearly communicates recording/AR use, plus standard privacy modes (auto-blur faces, soft-recording) would reduce social friction.
Interoperable spatial AR standards & cross-device sharing
- Seamless handoff/visibility of AR objects between different vendors’ glasses (and phones) — e.g., a shared persistent AR note anchors that anyone with supported glasses can see.
Passive contextual sensing (low-power) for useful ambient assistance
- Glasses that quietly recognize objects/labels/menus and show unobtrusive contextual help (translations, recipes, safety warnings) without needing a full AR app session.
Modular optical inserts & prescription support that preserve AR alignment
- Practical AR for eyeglass wearers is still awkward; prescription inserts that keep display calibration accurate would broaden the audience.
True social/comfort design: instant “look up” interactions
- Lightweight designs that let people glance at minimal info (notifications, direction prompts) without breaking social norms — current devices either overdo or underdeliver.
On-device generative AI assistants with privacy controls
- Localized, low-latency language & vision models that can summarize what you see, translate in real time, or generate contextually relevant suggestions — but run with privacy safeguards and user control.

Short recommendation by user goal

If you want enterprise hands-free tools: Google Glass (Enterprise) is the pragmatic, proven pick.
If you want social AR creation / developer experimentation: Snap’s Spectacles (current AR lineup) — but expect rough edges.
If you want the best immersive MR experience (and money is no object): Apple Vision Pro.
If you want everyday-looking glasses for quick capture + calls: Meta Ray-Ban smart glasses

Looking at the financials of the four companies that make these glasses, Google, actually Alphabet (GOOGL) has a trailing price to earnings ratio of 27.5 and a forward P/E of 25, with a price to earnings growth ratio of 1.85. The dividend yield os 0.2%.

As for Snap (SNAP), the company has been generating negative earnings and does not pay a dividend.

Apple (AAPL) trades at 36 times trailing earnings and 30 times forward earnings. The PEG ratio is 3.59, and the yield is 0.4%.

Meta (META) has a trailing P/E of 27.5, a forward P/E of 21, and a PEG of 2.28. The yield is 0.3%.

There is one much smaller company involved in the production of smart glasses, Vuzix (VUZI). The market cap is only $229 million.

Obviously, the smart glasses business makes up only a very small portion of the revenues of the four major companies involved in this industry. However, if and/or when smart glasses ever takes off, it could add a significant amount to the companies’ bottom line.

Disclosure: Author owns Apple. No recommendations are expressed or implied.

Stocks Going Ex Dividend in November 2025

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.

SiriusXM Holdings Inc. (SIRI)	11/5/2025	0.27	4.98%
American Electric Power Company, Inc. (AEP)	11/10/2025	0.95	3.16%
Starbucks Corporation (SBUX)	11/14/2025	0.62	3.07%
PayPal Holdings, Inc. (PYPL)	11/19/2025	0.14	0.81%
Applied Materials, Inc. (AMAT)	11/20/2025	0.46	0.79%
Microsoft Corporation (MSFT)	11/20/2025	0.91	0.70%
T-Mobile US, Inc. (TMUS)	11/26/2025	1.02	1.94%

Dividend Definitions

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

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.

Disclosure: Author may have positions in some of the above at the time the article was written. No investment recommendations are expressed or implied.

Understanding the Short Squeeze: The Three Top High-Risk Squeeze Plays

by Fred Fuld III

Last week, on October 20, Beyond Meat (BYND) closed at 1.47 a share. Two days later, the stock spiked above $7 a share, an increase of over 400%, which many believe was caused by a short squeeze.

In the volatile world of stock trading, few phenomena capture the imagination quite like the short squeeze. It’s a dramatic reversal where the underdog stock suddenly roars back, leaving short sellers scrambling and fortunes flipping overnight.

But what exactly is a short squeeze, and why do certain stocks become prime candidates for this financial fireworks display? As of late October 2025, with market jitters high amid economic uncertainties, investors are eyeing heavily shorted names like Hertz Global Holdings (HTZ), C3.ai (AI), and Hims & Hers Health (HIMS).

These stocks boast some of the highest short interest levels as a percentage of their float—meaning a large chunk of available shares are bet against them—setting the stage for potential explosive moves if sentiment shifts.

At its core, short selling is a strategy where investors borrow shares of a stock they believe will decline in value, sell them immediately at the current price, and later buy them back at a (hopefully) lower price to return to the lender, pocketing the difference as profit. It’s a bearish bet, often used by hedge funds and traders anticipating trouble for a company, such as poor earnings or industry headwinds.

However, if the stock price rises instead—due to positive news, strong earnings, or even coordinated buying from retail investors—short sellers face mounting losses. To limit damage, they must “cover” by buying back the shares, which drives demand and pushes the price even higher. This feedback loop creates the squeeze: panic buying amplifies the rally, sometimes leading to parabolic gains.

The most infamous example is the 2021 GameStop (GME) saga, where short interest exceeded 140% of the float. Retail traders on platforms like Reddit’s WallStreetBets fueled a buying frenzy, sending the stock from under $20 to nearly $500 in days, inflicting billions in losses on short sellers like Melvin Capital.

Short squeezes aren’t just memes; they’re rooted in market mechanics and can signal deeper issues, like over-optimism among bears or undervalued fundamentals. Key indicators include high short interest (typically over 20-30% of float), low float (fewer shares available to trade), and rising borrow fees (the cost to short the stock).

In today’s environment, with AI hype, travel recovery, and telehealth booms influencing sectors, squeezes remain a wildcard. Below, we profile three stocks currently topping short interest lists, each with over 30% of their float shorted, exploring their businesses, challenges, and squeeze potential.

Hertz Global Holdings (HTZ): The Rental Giant in the Rearview Mirror

Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: HTZ) is a cornerstone of the global car rental industry, operating as one of the world’s leading providers of vehicle rental and mobility solutions. Founded over a century ago, the company—through subsidiaries like The Hertz Corporation—manages a fleet of more than 500,000 vehicles across two main segments: Americas Rental Car (RAC) and International RAC. It serves leisure and business travelers at thousands of airport and neighborhood locations worldwide, offering everything from economy cars to luxury rides and electric vehicles (EVs).

Hertz has been at the forefront of innovation, partnering with brands like Tesla to integrate EVs into its fleet and launching subscription models for urban dwellers. However, the company has weathered storms: It filed for bankruptcy in 2020 amid COVID-19 travel shutdowns, emerging in 2021 with a leaner structure but saddled with debt. By mid-2025, Hertz reported revenues of around $9 billion annually, though profitability remains elusive with net losses exceeding $2.8 billion in recent years, driven by high fleet depreciation and softening demand.

What makes HTZ a squeeze candidate? As of October 15, 2025, short interest stands at a staggering 43.22% of the float, with over 54.7 million shares shorted—reflecting skepticism about its EV pivot (which led to writedowns on unsold Teslas) and competition from peers like Enterprise and Avis. The stock trades around $5 per share, down sharply from post-bankruptcy highs, but recent stake-building by activists like Pershing Square has sparked buzz.

A surge in travel demand or successful debt refinancing could trigger covering, potentially mirroring the 2020-2021 rally that saw shares quintuple. Yet, with a market cap under $2 billion and ongoing losses, bears argue it’s a value trap—making any squeeze a high-octane gamble.

C3.ai (AI): Betting Against the AI Boom?

C3.ai, Inc. (NYSE: AI), founded in 2009 by enterprise software veteran Thomas Siebel, positions itself as a pioneer in enterprise artificial intelligence (AI), delivering a comprehensive platform to help large organizations harness AI for digital transformation.

Headquartered in Redwood City, California, the company offers over 130 pre-built, turnkey AI applications tailored for industries like manufacturing, energy, financial services, and defense. Its C3 Agentic AI Platform enables clients—ranging from Shell and the U.S. Air Force to Bank of America—to build, deploy, and operate AI models at scale, tackling use cases such as predictive maintenance, supply chain optimization, and fraud detection. Unlike consumer-facing AI tools, C3.ai focuses on “enterprise-grade” solutions, emphasizing explainability, security, and integration with legacy systems. In fiscal 2025, the firm reported accelerating revenue growth, with subscription bookings up amid the generative AI wave, though it remains unprofitable due to heavy R&D investments.

Short interest in C3.ai hovers at 31.71% of the float as of October 15, 2025, with nearly 40 million shares shorted, down slightly from summer peaks but still elevated amid broader AI sector volatility. Trading near $18 per share with a $2.4 billion market cap, the stock has underperformed peers like Palantir despite AI tailwinds, fueling bearish bets on overvaluation and competition from open-source alternatives.

A major contract win or blowout earnings—expected in November 2025—could ignite a squeeze, especially with days-to-cover at 4.5, amplifying any retail-driven rally. Optimists see C3.ai as undervalued in the AI gold rush; skeptics point to its history of missed targets. Either way, it’s a stock where technology hype meets short-seller skepticism.

Hims & Hers Health (HIMS): Telehealth’s Disruptive Darling

Hims & Hers Health, Inc. (NYSE: HIMS), launched in 2017, has redefined accessible healthcare through its telehealth platform, connecting millions to licensed providers for personalized treatments in sensitive areas like sexual health, hair loss, mental wellness, dermatology, primary care, and weight management.

What started as “Hims” for men’s issues (e.g., erectile dysfunction via sildenafil) expanded to “Hers” for women in 2018, and now offers compounded GLP-1 drugs for weight loss amid the Ozempic boom. Operating a direct-to-consumer model with online consultations, discreet shipping, and affordable generics, the company boasts over 1.5 million subscribers as of mid-2025. Its Q2 2025 results were a standout: Revenue soared 73% year-over-year to $544.8 million, with net income flipping positive at $42.5 million and adjusted EBITDA at $82.2 million, underscoring scalable growth in a post-pandemic telehealth surge.

Yet, with short interest at 36.67% of the float (over 66 million shares shorted) as of October 15, 2025, HIMS remains a battleground stock, trading around $48 per share with a $14 billion market cap. Bears cite regulatory risks around compounded drugs, margin pressures from marketing spends, and competition from traditional pharmacies, pushing short interest near all-time highs.

Days-to-cover sit at just 2.3, suggesting quick potential for a squeeze if subscriber growth accelerates or FDA approvals expand offerings. Recent acquisitions like Zava (a European telehealth provider) signal international ambitions, but valuation debates rage—forward multiples exceed 10x sales. For bulls, HIMS embodies the future of consumer health; for shorts, it’s frothy. A catalyst like Q3 earnings could decide the next chapter.

Short squeezes embody the market’s raw power dynamics: a clash between conviction and capitulation. While HTZ, AI, and HIMS offer tantalizing setups, they also carry risks—volatility, dilution, or fundamental cracks could crush longs too. Investors eyeing these should monitor borrow rates and news flow closely. In the end, the squeeze isn’t just about price; it’s a reminder that in stocks, the crowd can sometimes rewrite the script.

Disclosure: Author didn’t own any of the above at the time the article was written. No investment advice is expressed or implied.

Gold’s Impressive Rally Outperforming the S&P 500: Three Top Gold Stocks

by Fred Fuld III

This strong gain highlights gold’s resilience in a landscape marked by interest rate shifts, global supply chain disruptions, and ongoing inflationary trends.

When compared to major benchmarks, gold has notably outperformed the S&P 500, which returned about 14.8% over the same period, with the index climbing from 5,815 to 6,674.

This strong gain highlights gold’s resilience in a landscape marked by interest rate shifts, global supply chain disruptions, and ongoing inflationary trends.

When compared to major benchmarks, gold has notably outperformed the S&P 500, which returned about 14.8% over the same period, with the index climbing from 5,815 to 6,674.

However, it has trailed Bitcoin, the leading cryptocurrency, which saw a more explosive return of around 65.2%, rising from $67,041 to $110,781.

While Bitcoin’s volatility contributed to its higher gains, gold’s steadier appreciation—coupled with lower risk—has appealed to conservative investors seeking portfolio diversification.

Here’s a quick comparison of the one-year returns:

Asset	Starting Price (Oct 15, 2024)	Ending Price (Oct 15, 2025)	Return (%)
Gold	$2,663/oz	$4,198/oz	57.7
S&P 500	5,815	6,674	14.8
Bitcoin	$67,041	$110,781	65.2

Gold’s outperformance relative to the stock market can be attributed to several factors, including heightened demand from central banks, persistent inflation concerns, and safe-haven buying amid international conflicts. Unlike equities, which faced headwinds from tech sector corrections and varying corporate earnings, gold benefited from its intrinsic value as a non-yielding asset in a low-interest environment.

Spotlight on Gold Mining Stocks: Attractive Valuations and Dividends

For investors looking to gain exposure to gold’s upside without directly buying the metal, gold mining stocks offer an alternative with potential leverage to rising prices. Three notable companies—Barrick Mining (B), Harmony Gold Mining (HMY), and Newmont (NEM)—stand out for their operations in the sector. While their PE ratios are around 15-16, they feature Price to Earnings Growth [PEG] ratios generally below 1 in recent analyses, indicating potentially undervalued growth prospects relative to earnings. All three also pay dividends, providing income alongside capital appreciation potential.

Barrick Mining (B): As one of the world’s largest gold producers, Barrick boasts a trailing PE ratio of about 16.0 and a PEG ratio of 0.24. It pays a dividend with a payout ratio of around 29.8%, making it appealing for yield-seeking investors.

Harmony Gold Mining (HMY): Focused on South African and Papua New Guinean operations, Harmony has a PE ratio of approximately 16.2 and a PEG ratio of 0.16. Its forward dividend yield is about 1.1%, supported by a low payout ratio.

Newmont (NEM): The industry giant operates across multiple continents and carries a trailing PE ratio of around 16.1, with a PEG ratio of 0.24 (though some estimates show 2.83 for expected growth). Newmont offers a dividend yield of about 1.1%, with an annual payout of $1.00 per share.

These miners often amplify gold’s price movements due to operational leverage, but they also carry risks like production costs and regulatory hurdles. With gold’s momentum showing no signs of abating, these stocks could provide a compelling entry point for those bullish on the yellow metal.

In summary, while gold hasn’t surpassed Bitcoin’s stellar run, its solid outperformance against the S&P 500 underscores its role as a portfolio stabilizer in uncertain times. Investors eyeing the sector should consider both the metal itself and related mining equities for balanced exposure.

Disclosure: Author didn’t own any of the above at the time the article was written. No investment recommendations are expressed or implied.

Stocks Going Ex Dividend in October 2025

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.

Comcast Corporation Class A (CMCSA)	10/1/2025	0.33	4.34%
Morningstar, Inc. (MORN)	10/3/2025	0.455	0.80%
Intuit Inc. (INTU)	10/9/2025	1.20	0.63%
Phillips Edison & Company, Inc. (PECO)	10/15/2025	0.1083	3.86%
Horizon Technology Finance Corporation (HRZN)	10/16/2025	0.11	21.22% (based on previous dividend)
Casey’s General Stores, Inc. (CASY)	10/31/2025	0.57	0.41%
Scholastic Corporation (SCHL)	10/31/2025	0.20	2.77%

Dividend Definitions

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

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.

Disclosure: Author may have positions in some of the above at the time the article was written. No investment recommendations are expressed or implied.

Bargain Hunters’ Delight: Four Stocks Trading Below Cash Per Share with Minimal Debt

by Fred Fuld III

In the volatile world of stock investing, few opportunities scream “value” louder than companies trading below their cash per share. This phenomenon occurs when a stock’s market price is lower than the amount of cash and cash equivalents divided by the number of outstanding shares—essentially meaning investors can buy a dollar’s worth of cash for less than a buck. When paired with little to no debt, these stocks offer a rare combination of safety and upside potential.

Why Buy Stocks Below Cash Per Share?

The allure is straightforward and compelling. First, downside protection is baked in: In the worst-case scenario, the company could liquidate its cash holdings, pay off any nominal debt, and return value to shareholders exceeding the current purchase price. This acts as a financial floor, shielding investors from total loss. Second, it often implies the underlying business is “free”—you’re paying for the cash pile but getting the operations, intellectual property, and growth prospects thrown in at no extra cost. Third, low-debt profiles minimize bankruptcy risk and interest burdens, allowing management flexibility to pivot, invest in R&D, or pursue acquisitions without the drag of leverage. Historically, such setups have attracted value investors like Warren Buffett, who famously sought “cigar butt” stocks—cheap, undervalued assets with one last puff of potential.

As of late September 2025, amid market rotations and sector-specific pressures, four notable names fit this profile: Alumis (ALMS), Arvinas (ARVN), Green Dot (GDOT), and Keros Therapeutics (KROS). These span biotech innovation and fintech stability, all with enterprise values dipping negative due to cash hoards outpacing market caps. Let’s dive in.

Alumis Inc. (ALMS): Precision Immunology on the Cheap

Alumis Inc. is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company laser-focused on immune-mediated diseases, leveraging a precision medicine platform to develop oral small-molecule therapies. Founded on cutting-edge genomics and AI-driven drug design, the company aims to transform treatments for conditions like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, where current options fall short in efficacy or convenience.

Financially, Alumis is a textbook cash-rich bargain. As of June 30, 2025, it held $486.32 million in cash against just $38.78 million in debt—barely 8% of its liquid assets. With 96.88 million shares outstanding, that’s $5.02 in cash per share, dwarfing the September 26 closing price of $4.05 and a market cap of $421.46 million. Enterprise value? A negative -$26.08 million, signaling the market is essentially ignoring the biotech’s pipeline while over-discounting risks in early trials.

For investors, this setup offers fortress-like protection: Even if development hits snags, the cash runway extends years, funding Phase 2 readouts without dilution. Upside? Successful precision therapies could multiply value in a $100 billion immunology market.

Arvinas Inc. (ARVN): Degrading Disease Proteins for Pennies

Arvinas stands at the forefront of targeted protein degradation, pioneering PROTAC (proteolysis targeting chimeras) technology to tag and destroy disease-causing proteins inside cells—a leap beyond traditional inhibitors. The New Haven-based biotech targets oncology and neuroscience, with lead candidates like vepdegestrant in Phase 3 for breast cancer and ARV-102 advancing for neurodegenerative disorders.

On the balance sheet, Arvinas is awash in liquidity. Q2 2025 cash stood at $861.2 million, offset by a negligible $9.9 million in debt. Divided by 73.42 million shares, cash per share hits $11.73—well above the $8.27 close on September 26, with a $607.16 million market cap yielding a negative enterprise value of -$244.14 million. This undervaluation stems from trial delays and partnership dynamics, but the debt-free status (effectively) ensures no forced capital raises.

The advantage here is asymmetric: Minimal downside from the cash buffer, while PROTAC breakthroughs could validate a platform worth billions, attracting big pharma buyouts.

Green Dot Corporation (GDOT): Fintech Fortress with a Massive Cash Vault

Unlike its biotech peers, Green Dot Corporation operates in the more grounded realm of financial technology. As a registered bank holding company, it powers prepaid debit cards, digital banking, and payment platforms for underserved consumers and businesses—think Walmart’s MoneyCard or its B2B embedded finance solutions. Headquartered in Austin, Green Dot processes billions in transactions annually, capitalizing on the shift to cashless economies.

What sets it apart? An eye-popping $2.31 billion cash pile as of June 30, 2025, against $73.39 million in debt—less than 4% leverage. Per 55.39 million shares, that’s $41.71 in cash per share, towering over the $14.20 closing price and $786.58 million market cap. Enterprise value clocks in at a bizarre negative -$1.45 billion, reflecting regulatory headwinds and competition from neobanks, but underscoring the embedded value.

Investors get a stable, revenue-generating business (with recurring fees) essentially for free, backed by a war chest that could fuel acquisitions or share buybacks. Low debt amplifies resilience in economic downturns, when demand for affordable banking spikes.

Keros Therapeutics Inc. (KROS): Hematology Hope at a Discount

Keros Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharma zeroing in on hematologic disorders, developing novel activin receptor inhibitors to boost red blood cell production and treat conditions like myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) and anemia. Its lead asset, KER-050, is in Phase 2 trials, with potential to address unmet needs in a market dominated by injectables.

Balance sheet-wise, Keros mirrors its peers: $690.21 million in cash at Q2 2025, dwarfing $17.95 million in debt. Cash per share? $17.00 across 40.62 million shares—edging out the $16.05 September 26 close and $651.88 million market cap, for a negative enterprise value of -$20.38 million. Clinical setbacks have pressured the stock, but the near-debtless structure provides a multi-year runway.

This translates to high-conviction value: Cash covers the downside, while positive trial data could catalyze a rerating in the $20 billion hematology space.

Navigating Risks in Cash-Rich Bargains

While these stocks offer compelling safety margins, they’re not risk-free. Biotechs like ALMS, ARVN, and KROS face binary trial outcomes and regulatory hurdles, potentially eroding cash through burns (though runways are long). GDOT contends with fintech disruption and consumer spending cycles.

In a market chasing growth narratives, these cash-heavy underdogs represent a contrarian play. With minimal debt and prices below cash per share, they embody the ultimate margin of safety—perfect for patient investors eyeing 2026 catalysts. As always, due diligence and diversification are key, but for value seekers, this quartet is worth a deeper look.

Disclosure: Author didn’t own any of the above at the time the article was written. No investment recommendations are expressed or implied.