Every week, I find myself sifting through a mountain of newsletters about finance and investing. If you’re like me, you probably do too. Here, I’ve rounded up the cream of the crop for you.
This week’s highlights include:
23andMe’s significant layoffs
Hershey’s latest sweet acquisition
Affordable high-precision microscopy
The future of motorcycles with Zero
California’s pistachio growth
AI learning to perform surgeries
Top stock picks for the week
Thanks for tuning in,
Wyatt
23andMe Cuts Workforce by 40%
According to The Average Joe, things are looking quite different for 23andMe. Once valued at $3.5 billion, the company’s worth has slumped to just $100 million after its 2021 SPAC merger. Recent news hits hard as they announce slashing 40% of their workforce and shutting down their therapeutics division. CEO Anne Wojcicki aimed to turn the company private, but her proposal didn’t get the green light from the board. This led to a mass resignation among directors. Now, the company pins its hopes on a new subscription service promising longevity options at $500 a month to bounce back financially.
Hershey’s Sweet New Venture with Sour Strips
In a report by The New Money, Hershey is making waves by acquiring Sour Strips, a popular candy brand created by social media personality Maxx Chewning. The deal is a testament to how powerfully social media can boost a brand’s success, drawing attention from major players like Hershey. Although the deal’s specifics are hush-hush, this acquisition fits neatly into Hershey’s strategy to broaden its market reach with savvy investments.
Microscopy at Your Fingertips
As shared by New Atlas, the iMicro Q3p is making professional-grade microscopy not just a lab specialist’s tool but everyone’s gadget. This small yet mighty device offers magnification of up to 1,200x without breaking the bank—it’s just 1% of the cost of traditional equipment. Plus, its advanced polarization features and convenient focusing stand make it a dream tool for anyone with a smartphone interested in capturing crystal-clear images of tiny worlds.
Revolution in Motorcycles: Zero’s New Designs
Another insight from New Atlas shows impressive innovations in the motorcycle industry. White Motorcycle Concepts, a UK-based company, has worked wonders on Zero’s SR/S electric motorcycle, boasting a 10% reduction in aerodynamic drag. This improvement could boost highway range by over 5%, thanks to their creative central duct design. If further tests confirm these benefits, this cost-effective solution could be rolled out across various models, enhancing EVs’ efficiency through smarter aerodynamics.
Pistachio Production Boosts California’s Economy
Sherwood News highlights a flourishing trend in California’s agriculture. Pistachio production has surged to 676,000 metric tons, marking a 69% increase over last year. As drought-resistant pistachios replace water-thirsty almonds, they’ve become California’s sixth-largest crop, surpassing typical staples like tomatoes and strawberries. With demand soaring internationally, it seems there’s no slowing down the pistachio boom.
AI Robots Mastering Surgery
From The Rundown AI, an exciting development at Johns Hopkins University showcases how robots are advancing in the operating room. Researchers have trained the da Vinci Surgical System to execute complex surgeries by mimicking movements seen in procedure videos. This learning, grounded in ChatGPT-styled architecture and kinematics, has even enabled the robot to adapt on the spot to unexpected scenarios, such as retrieving dropped needles. It’s a fascinating step forward in the intersection of AI and medicine.
Newsletters I Enjoy
I’m often asked where I dig up such engaging content. Here are a few newsletters I love, and best of all—they’re free to subscribe to:
The Rollup: A blend of interviews, articles, memes, and insights across platforms like Twitter and Substack.
Equity Espresso: Offers a view of global finance from an Aussie lens, refreshing for anyone needing a break from US-centric perspectives.
Chartr: Presents visualized insights into areas like business, tech, and entertainment.
Stock Ideas
Wrapping up, here are three standout stocks for this past week. Analysis comes courtesy of public.com. As always, remember to Do Your Own Research (DYOR).
Danaos Corporation ($DAC)
Bullish Aspects:
- Secure contracts ensure steady revenue through 2026, potentially shielding against market downturns.
- Possible market growth in 2025 driven by geopolitical factors like tariffs and strikes.
- The company’s focus on debt reduction shows strategic foresight.
Bearish Aspects:
- Conservative management might hinder shareholder returns.
- Concerns about industry overcapacity with a significant backlog of new ships.
Full analysis available.
Sky Harbour ($SKYH)
Bullish Aspects:
- Operating with secured, long-term airport leases establishes strong market positioning.
- Excellent financial returns on operational spaces.
- Potential for growth as the company expands beyond its current sites.
Bearish Aspects:
- The ambitious expansion plan requires significant capital.
- Their brief operating history leaves some aspects unproven.
Full analysis available.
Krispy Kreme ($DNUT)
Bullish Aspects:
- Expansion with McDonald’s aims for exponential growth.
- Efficient distribution supports growth goals.
- International sales present solid revenue opportunities.
Bearish Aspects:
- High expense demands for upcoming expansions.
- Historical management issues might deter investors.
Full analysis available.
That’s a wrap for this week. If you’re brewing great content and think it deserves a spotlight, feel free to send it my way for potential features.
Cheers,
Wyatt
Disclosure: Some of the links above are affiliate links, which means I may earn a commission if you make a purchase. Nothing shared here should be considered financial advice. Always DYOR.
