Current Events 

Author : Sanjana Sharma 

Elizabeth Holmes, a Silicon Valley star is on trial for providing false information about her blood-testing startup to investors and patients. Theranos, her startup, was set to change the face of the blood-testing industry. The goal of the company was to make blood testing user-friendly by using only a few drops of blood to test for a variety of health conditions. By 2013, the company was valued at $9 billion however, in 2015 WSJ began questioning Theranos on how the logistics of the blood test. The company dissolved in 2018 in light of many civil and criminal offenses. Elizabeth Holmes is facing separate fraud charges for which she is going to be tried in December. There are approximately 200 jury members who will oversee the trial.

Stocks On The Rise

Author : Kati Vombergar

Teladoc

A stock that could reshape our future is online medical visits. The telehealth market is growing sustainstially. In the most recent quarter, the number of members using Livongo products climbed by 45%. And more than 20% of Teladoc's chronic care members are enrolled in multiple programs, which is up from 6% a year ago! 

Even during the worst of the pandemic when many stock prices fell, Teladoc's business soared. The company's revenue last year climbed 98% to more than $1 billion. And virtual visits surged 156% to more than 10 million. Teladoc is showing great signs of strength and perseverance. 

Etsy

Not just an online retail store to buy and sell goods, but also a great stock to invest in.  During the pandemic shoppers and sellers flocked to Etsy for homemade items such as masks and jewelry. As a result, Etsy's revenue rose by 110% and net income soared by 264% last year.

However, this change is not caused solely by the pandemic. Etsy was already growing in profit and revenue prior to the pandemic. Additionally, Esty continuing to keep up the momentum. This year, Etsy bought Depop and Elo7, two additional online marketplaces, that you may be familiar with. Etsy's recent growth during the small business boom caused by the pandemic and acquisitions suggest that the stock could be an investment that gives returns. 

Chewy

Chewy, an online seller of pet supplies, reported a 47% increase in net sales while growing its customer base by 43% the past year. In the current year, sales continued to rise which signals that pandemic gains are not temporary. The customers and sales continue to rise for this online pet supply shop! Chewy reported a 21% increase in active customers in the most recent quarter and a 13% increase in net sales per active customer.

Additionally, Chewy is expanding its presence online within the pet care industry. The company launched Practice Hub, a marketplace that assists veterinarians that includes telehealth visits for pets and pharmacy services. There are no signs of stop as the company plans to expand pet health in the future!