Streaming Wars 2.0: Why Netflix (NFLX) Could Stay Ahead with Live Sports Expansion

Netflix, Inc. (NFLX), already synonymous with high-quality streaming, has announced its expansion into live sports—a move that signals its intent to dominate not just entertainment but also real-time events. High-profile upcoming streams include the much-anticipated Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson boxing match and two Christmas Day NFL games featuring powerhouse teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens.

This announcement comes as Netflix continues its steady subscriber growth, reaching over 282 million global paid memberships in Q3 2024. The timing is crucial: live sports is one of the last remaining bastions of appointment viewing in an increasingly on-demand world. Netflix’s entry could open doors to new demographics, making the platform even more indispensable in the lives of its audience.

While Netflix has long relied on original programming and blockbuster films to capture viewers, the move into sports expands its reach into a different kind of audience—one driven by loyalty, community, and the thrill of live events. With competitors like Amazon Prime Video and Disney+ already making waves in the live sports domain, Netflix’s latest foray underscores its ambition to diversify while retaining its crown as the streaming leader.

Live Sports: A Game-Changer for Subscriber Growth

Netflix’s investment in live sports isn’t just about offering new content; it’s a calculated effort to drive subscriber acquisition and retention. Research shows that sports fans are particularly loyal subscribers. Nearly 60% of sports fans are willing to pay more for access to premium sports content. By adding live sports, Netflix could capitalize on this trend while complementing its existing lineup of diverse programming.

The platform has a history of successfully integrating new features and content, from gaming to ad-supported tiers. Live sports represent another opportunity to differentiate its service from the competition. Moreover, sports programming often acts as a social glue, encouraging real-time conversations and enhancing community engagement. This kind of engagement could ripple outward, enticing non-subscribers to join in and creating a broader base of long-term customers.

The global appeal is also a critical component of Netflix’s strategy. With live sports, the company can target key international markets by offering sports that resonate regionally, such as cricket in South Asia or soccer in Europe. This regional customization could boost Netflix’s penetration in underdeveloped markets, where competitors might struggle to localize their offerings effectively.

Competitive Positioning: Strength in a Crowded Field

Netflix’s expansion into live sports puts it head-to-head with competitors that have already made substantial investments in this space. Amazon Prime Video has a $1 billion annual deal for Thursday Night Football, and Disney’s ESPN+ dominates the sports streaming niche. Yet Netflix’s unique advantage lies in its established global infrastructure and ability to integrate sports alongside its extensive library of shows and films.

Unlike competitors who often silo sports into separate platforms or premium bundles, Netflix can create a seamless experience where subscribers can move effortlessly between scripted dramas and live events. This all-in-one approach enhances convenience, which remains a crucial factor for retention in an increasingly fragmented streaming market.

Netflix’s track record of using data to curate personalized experiences could also prove valuable. For example, the company could recommend relevant sports events to fans of particular genres or shows, like suggesting boxing matches to viewers of action films. This level of customization, coupled with its long-standing reputation for reliability, could help Netflix carve out a dominant position even in this well-contested space.

Risks and Challenges

While the move into live sports holds promise, it is not without risks. The most immediate challenge is the high cost of sports rights. Premium sports licenses can quickly erode margins, particularly as competition for marquee events heats up. Netflix will need to strike a balance between acquiring high-profile rights and maintaining its operating efficiency, which has been a cornerstone of its financial success.

Another potential hurdle is the technical complexity of live streaming. Unlike on-demand content, live events require seamless execution in real-time. Any glitches during major events could damage Netflix’s reputation and alienate subscribers, many of whom are experiencing the platform in this format for the first time.

Subscriber fatigue is another issue. With rising subscription costs and the addition of more features, there’s always the risk that Netflix might overwhelm or alienate its audience. Effective communication about the value of these additions and clear segmentation of content will be crucial to mitigate this risk.

The competitive landscape is also evolving. Established players like ESPN, Fox, and even tech giants such as Apple Inc. (AAPL) are aggressively vying for sports rights. This rivalry will likely escalate costs, further pressuring Netflix to justify its investments.

What Investors Should Watch

For investors, Netflix’s live sports initiative is a bold yet calculated move that could unlock new revenue streams. Although its financial impact may be modest in the short term, the long-term potential is significant. Live sports could bolster subscriber retention and drive average revenue per membership (ARM), particularly in markets where Netflix has yet to reach saturation.

Analysts suggest keeping a close eye on key performance indicators such as subscriber growth in sports-heavy markets and engagement metrics for live events. Netflix’s ability to monetize these new offerings, either through ad-supported tiers or innovative pricing models, will also be pivotal.

Given its robust financial performance—15% revenue growth in Q3 2024 and a forecast of $43–44 billion in 2025 revenue—Netflix appears well-positioned to weather initial challenges while capitalizing on its expansion into live sports. For growth-oriented investors, the stock remains a compelling opportunity, with live sports serving as the next frontier for innovation and market dominance.

Geopolitics Drives Gold: Why Barrick Gold (GOLD) Could Shine in 2025

Gold, often considered the ultimate safe-haven asset, is experiencing a significant resurgence. Geopolitical tensions in Ukraine and the Middle East, coupled with persistent inflationary pressures in the U.S. and Europe, have driven investors to seek refuge in the yellow metal. In 2024, gold saw a remarkable 27% surge in price, nearing $2,800 per ounce and achieving its strongest performance since 2010.

This renewed interest in gold benefits leading gold miners, including Barrick Gold Corporation (GOLD). As one of the world’s premier gold producers, Barrick's strong operational efficiency and extensive reserves position it as a standout option for those looking to hedge against global uncertainty. With gold prices climbing and geopolitical risks unlikely to recede, Barrick offers a compelling opportunity for long-term growth.

Soaring Demand Meets Geopolitical Tensions

The surge in gold prices is no accident. It reflects a broader trend of uncertainty gripping the global economy. The ongoing conflict in Ukraine and rising hostilities in the Middle East have heightened fears of prolonged instability. Historically, such events have driven investors toward gold as a safe-haven asset. Additionally, central banks across the globe have accelerated gold purchases in recent months, further boosting demand.

Barrick Gold has already begun to capitalize on this trend. In its Q3 2024 results, the company reported a realized gold price of $2,494 per ounce, substantially higher than the $1,928 recorded a year earlier. This jump in prices has bolstered margins across its operations, allowing the company to weather rising production costs. Notably, the ongoing optimization of Pueblo Viejo and other assets is expected to deliver even stronger results in the coming quarters.

The demand for gold isn’t solely driven by geopolitical fears. Inflation remains a persistent challenge, with major economies struggling to contain rising costs. Investors seeking to preserve their purchasing power amid depreciating fiat currencies are turning to gold, which has historically performed well during inflationary periods. Barrick, with its diverse portfolio of high-performing mines, is ideally positioned to benefit from these dynamics.

Barrick Gold's Unique Edge

Barrick Gold’s appeal lies in its ability to combine operational efficiency with strategic foresight.

Barrick maintains one of the lowest cost structures among its peers. Despite a slight increase in its all-in-sustaining cost (AISC) to $1,507 per ounce in Q3 2024, the company remains well-positioned to capitalize on elevated gold prices. Operations at Pueblo Viejo, Nevada Gold Mines, and Kibali continue to deliver consistent output underpinned by Barrick’s focus on cost discipline and process optimization.

The company’s exploration strategy further bolsters its investment appeal. Barrick is on track to replace its reserves net of depletion, with significant contributions expected from Pueblo Viejo’s expansion and the high-potential Fourmile project. With proven and probable reserves spread across politically stable jurisdictions, Barrick minimizes geopolitical risk while ensuring sustained production growth.

Gold’s enduring role as a hedge against economic turmoil adds another layer to Barrick’s investment case. As global markets grapple with rising interest rates, slowing economic growth, and volatile equity markets, demand for gold remains robust. Institutional and retail investors alike are increasingly turning to gold to diversify their portfolios, ensuring continued demand for the metal and steady returns for producers like Barrick.

Navigating the Complex Landscape

While Barrick Gold’s strengths are evident, it operates in a challenging industry where risks cannot be overlooked.

Regulatory compliance is a perennial concern for mining companies. Governments often revise tax policies or impose stricter environmental regulations, which can impact profitability. For instance, Barrick’s operations in regions like Africa and Latin America must navigate complex regulatory frameworks that can affect project timelines and costs. However, the company’s proactive engagement with governments and communities has helped mitigate such risks, as evidenced by the successful progress of projects like Reko Diq and Pueblo Viejo.

Operational challenges also pose risks. Mining activities are subject to disruptions ranging from equipment breakdowns to fluctuating ore grades. For example, maintenance at Barrick’s Turquoise Ridge and Cortez mines recently led to higher costs. Despite these setbacks, Barrick’s emphasis on technological advancements and process improvements continues to enhance its resilience.

A broader challenge for Barrick—and the mining industry as a whole—is the push toward sustainability. As global attention shifts toward environmental impact, Barrick must balance its growth ambitions with its sustainability goals. The company has made significant strides in this regard, reducing its closure liabilities and adhering to international standards on tailings management.

Actionable Insights for Investors

Barrick Gold presents a strong case for inclusion in any diversified investment portfolio. The company’s operational efficiency, robust reserve base, and disciplined financial management make it a standout performer in the gold mining sector. As geopolitical tensions and economic uncertainties persist, the demand for gold is expected to remain elevated, providing a favorable environment for Barrick’s growth.

For long-term investors, Barrick’s consistent dividend payouts and share buybacks add to its appeal. With a quarterly dividend of $0.10 per share and over $95 million in share repurchases during Q3 2024, the company demonstrates a commitment to rewarding shareholders.

In a world where uncertainty reigns, gold remains a trusted store of value. For those looking to hedge against volatility while capitalizing on growth potential, Barrick Gold offers a unique opportunity to shine.

Chip Wars Heat Up: Why AMD (AMD) Could Challenge Intel in Data Centers

The semiconductor landscape is witnessing a seismic shift as Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) strengthens its presence in the lucrative data center segment. Traditionally the stronghold of Intel Corporation (INTC), this market is becoming increasingly competitive as AMD introduces cutting-edge technologies to capitalize on the rising demand for high-performance computing and artificial intelligence (AI).

In Q3 2024, AMD reported record-breaking revenue from its data center segment, thanks to a surge in demand for its EPYC CPUs and Instinct accelerators. This performance comes as global cloud providers and AI workloads require increasingly sophisticated hardware solutions. With substantial investments in AI, robust partnerships with cloud giants, and sustained innovation, AMD has positioned itself as a formidable competitor in a space long dominated by Intel.

AMD’s New Chips and Market Share Gains

AMD's recent product launches underscore its aggressive push to redefine performance standards in data centers. The EPYC 9005 Series CPUs, unveiled this year, stand out with their energy-efficient architecture, making them an attractive choice for hyperscale cloud providers. Alongside this, AMD's Instinct MI325X GPUs cater to the most demanding AI applications, combining high memory bandwidth with exceptional computational power.

Cloud providers such as Microsoft Azure and Oracle Cloud Infrastructure have expanded their use of AMD’s GPUs, demonstrating increasing confidence in AMD’s ability to meet large-scale computing needs. Oracle Corporation (ORCL), for instance, has incorporated AMD's Instinct MI300X GPUs into its Compute Supercluster, enhancing performance for AI workloads. These integrations highlight AMD's ability to provide scalable, high-performance solutions that rival Intel's long-standing Xeon lineup.

Market analysts have observed a significant shift in AMD's favor in terms of workload share within data centers. While Intel still commands a majority, AMD’s aggressive pricing, superior energy efficiency, and strategic partnerships have enabled it to claim an estimated 30% of server market workloads—an impressive leap from just a few years ago.

AMD’s Growth in AI and High-Performance Computing

AMD’s evolution into a key player in the data center market is largely tied to its strategic focus on AI. By integrating its Instinct accelerators with the ROCm open software ecosystem, AMD is becoming a popular choice for developing and deploying advanced AI models. Notably, its collaboration with Meta Platforms, Inc. (META) for the Llama 3.2 AI release reinforces AMD’s growing influence in the AI landscape.

Financially, AMD's data center segment has been the cornerstone of its impressive growth. Revenue from this segment rose 122% year-over-year in Q3 2024, contributing $3.5 billion to the company’s total quarterly revenue of $6.8 billion. This rapid growth is further supported by AMD's partnerships with industry leaders such as Alphabet Inc. (GOOGL), Dell Technologies Inc. (DELL), and Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (HPE), which continue to incorporate its hardware into their offerings.

Additionally, AMD’s pending acquisition of ZT Systems, expected to close in 2025, is set to expand its footprint in hyperscale AI systems. This move could accelerate AMD’s development of rack-scale solutions tailored to meet the growing computational demands of enterprise and cloud environments. The company’s strategic acquisitions and partnerships underline its commitment to long-term growth in high-performance computing and AI.

Navigating Supply Chains and Industry Competition

Despite its successes, AMD faces several challenges that could temper its growth trajectory. The semiconductor industry’s reliance on advanced foundries like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (TSM) presents potential supply chain bottlenecks, especially as global demand for cutting-edge chips continues to rise. Ensuring consistent access to production capacity will be critical for AMD to maintain its competitive edge.

The competitive landscape also poses significant hurdles. Intel is ramping up its innovation efforts, including the introduction of new Xeon processors with integrated AI accelerators, to defend its dominant position. Similarly, NVIDIA Corporation (NVDA), which excels in AI and GPU technologies, continues to expand its offerings, posing an additional competitive threat.

Another challenge is managing profitability amidst rising operating expenses. While AMD has successfully improved its non-GAAP gross margin to 54%, its operating expenses have also increased due to heightened R&D investments. Balancing innovation with financial efficiency will be essential for sustained success in this capital-intensive sector.

What Investors Should Consider

AMD’s growth story is compelling, particularly for investors seeking exposure to the booming AI and data center markets. Its innovative product portfolio and strong partnerships position it as a key contender to Intel’s dominance. However, given the volatility of the semiconductor industry, investors should remain cautious and consider AMD’s ability to navigate supply chain constraints and competitive pressures.

For those with a long-term perspective, AMD's strategic focus on high-performance computing and AI suggests it has the potential to outperform in the semiconductor race. As the company continues to expand its market share in data centers, investors may view AMD as a growth stock with substantial upside potential. Still, diversification remains a prudent approach to mitigate industry-specific risks.

AI in Cybersecurity: Why SentinelOne (S) is Poised for Growth

In today’s interconnected world, the proliferation of sophisticated cyberattacks poses an escalating threat to organizations globally. From ransomware campaigns to advanced persistent threats, the cybersecurity landscape is more challenging than ever. To combat these risks, enterprises are increasingly adopting artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions, which enable faster detection, automated responses, and predictive threat modeling.

SentinelOne Inc. (S) stands at the forefront of this paradigm shift. Its Singularity Platform leverages cutting-edge AI to deliver autonomous protection across endpoints, cloud environments, and networks. This capability not only detects threats in real time but also automates responses, dramatically reducing the time and resources required to mitigate attacks. The company’s recent financial performance underscores its growing market traction, with Q3 FY2025 revenue climbing 28% year-over-year to $210.6 million and annualized recurring revenue (ARR) growing by 29% to $859.7 million.

SentinelOne’s Strategic Wins and Innovations

SentinelOne’s strategic advancements are propelling its market position. Among its most notable developments is Purple AI, a powerful tool that automates alert triage and threat investigations. This technology empowers security teams to process thousands of alerts within minutes, addressing one of the cybersecurity industry’s most persistent pain points—alert fatigue.

Further amplifying its capabilities, SentinelOne has introduced AI SIEM, a next-generation solution that integrates data from across the security ecosystem. By synthesizing vast amounts of information, AI SIEM delivers comprehensive visibility and accelerated incident response, setting a new standard for enterprise security operations.

The company’s partnerships also reflect its growth ambitions. Its collaboration with Lenovo embeds the Singularity Platform into enterprise PC shipments, ensuring scalable endpoint protection for millions of devices. Additionally, SentinelOne’s expanded partnership with Amazon Web Services (AWS) enables customers to deploy Purple AI on Amazon Bedrock, showcasing its commitment to cloud-first strategies.

Customer growth has mirrored these achievements. SentinelOne added a record number of customers in Q3 2025 with ARR exceeding $100,000, marking a 24% year-over-year increase.

Standing Out Against CrowdStrike

As the cybersecurity landscape becomes more crowded, SentinelOne faces stiff competition, particularly from CrowdStrike (CRWD), a dominant player in endpoint protection. However, SentinelOne’s differentiation lies in its comprehensive, AI-first approach. The Singularity Platform is designed to provide not only endpoint security but also broader cloud and network protection, integrating seamlessly across diverse environments.

SentinelOne’s commitment to innovation is another key differentiator. Its development of autonomous solutions, such as Purple AI and AI Security Posture Management (AI-SPM), addresses emerging challenges like managing AI-driven workloads and detecting misconfigurations. These capabilities cater to enterprises seeking proactive, unified security strategies rather than reactive point solutions.

Additionally, the company’s ability to offer agentless cloud-native application protection platform (CNAPP) solutions further strengthens its competitive edge. This approach appeals to Managed Security Service Providers (MSSPs) and enterprises alike, enabling scalable protection without adding complexity.

Market Opportunity: Escalating Enterprise Security Spending

The global cybersecurity market is forecasted to reach $375 billion by 2031, growing at a 10% CAGR from approximately $180 billion in 2024, driven by the increasing frequency of attacks, the growing complexity of IT infrastructures, and rising regulatory pressures. SentinelOne is well-positioned to capitalize on this growth with its AI-driven, scalable solutions.

Notably, cybersecurity spending is a priority even in uncertain macroeconomic conditions. As organizations digitize their operations and adopt cloud technologies, they require robust protections to secure their assets. SentinelOne’s ability to address diverse security needs—from endpoint protection to AI risk management—makes it an attractive partner for enterprises across industries. Its recent FedRAMP High authorization exemplifies its readiness to meet the stringent requirements of federal agencies and highly regulated sectors, further expanding its addressable market.

Favorable Metrics and Analyst Sentiment

SentinelOne’s financial performance underscores its potential for long-term growth. In Q3 FY2025, the company achieved its first positive free cash flow on a trailing-twelve-month basis, a critical milestone on its path to profitability. With GAAP and non-GAAP gross margins of 75% and 80%, respectively, SentinelOne is demonstrating its ability to scale efficiently.

Beyond its impressive financial metrics, analyst sentiment remains favorable. Many industry observers highlight SentinelOne’s ability to sustain high revenue growth rates while improving operational efficiency. These attributes, coupled with its leadership in AI-driven cybersecurity, position it as a strong contender in the market.

It’s also worth noting the company’s strong cash position, with over $1.1 billion in cash and investments as of the end of Q3 FY2025. This financial flexibility provides a solid foundation for continued innovation and market expansion.

Investor Takeaway

For investors seeking exposure to the convergence of AI and cybersecurity, SentinelOne represents a compelling opportunity. Its consistent growth, innovative solutions, and expanding market presence underscore its potential to deliver long-term value. While the competitive landscape remains intense, SentinelOne’s focus on autonomous, AI-driven technologies positions it as a leader in next-generation cybersecurity.

Clean Energy Policies Spark Growth: Why Bloom Energy (BE) Could Power Up Your Portfolio

The clean energy transition is no longer a niche movement but a cornerstone of global policy agendas. In the United States, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has emerged as a transformative force, allocating substantial funding to renewable energy projects, energy storage, and decarbonization technologies. By providing tax incentives and rebates, the IRA is encouraging corporations and municipalities to adopt innovative clean energy solutions, reshaping the energy landscape.

Bloom Energy Corporation (BE) is at the forefront of this revolution. The company’s cutting-edge solid-oxide fuel cell technology delivers on-site, efficient, and sustainable power solutions. As industries pivot toward reducing carbon emissions and decentralizing energy sources, Bloom Energy’s offerings align with a world eager for resilient and environmentally responsible power infrastructure.

Recent Updates

Recent developments highlight Bloom Energy’s growing influence in the clean energy market. In Q3 2024, the company announced its collaboration with SK Ecoplant to build the world’s largest single-site fuel cell installation, an 80 MW project aimed at serving high-demand applications like AI data centers. This partnership underscores Bloom’s ability to execute projects on an unprecedented scale, with completion targeted for 2025.

Additionally, Bloom secured further orders from Quanta to enhance its fuel cell microgrid capabilities. This initiative supports the creation of the world’s largest islanded microgrid, capable of operating independently of the central power grid. These projects not only showcase Bloom’s technical expertise but also its ability to address critical energy challenges in a rapidly evolving market.

Bloom has also demonstrated adaptability by expanding its deployment footprint internationally and addressing varying energy needs. This strategic expansion allows Bloom to tap into diverse markets where distributed energy is critical for reducing reliance on conventional grids and achieving energy security.

Competitive Edge

Bloom Energy’s distinctive technology sets it apart in the competitive renewable energy sector. Unlike hydrogen-focused rivals such as Plug Power Inc. (PLUG), Bloom’s solid-oxide fuel cells are versatile and capable of using multiple fuels like biogas, natural gas, and hydrogen. This flexibility enables the company to cater to a broader range of clients and adapt to regions with differing energy infrastructure and fuel availability.

The efficiency of Bloom’s energy servers is another key advantage. Its products boast higher fuel-to-electricity conversion rates compared to many alternatives, which translates to reduced operational costs for clients and fewer carbon emissions. This efficiency makes Bloom particularly appealing to industries where energy reliability and cost management are critical.

Furthermore, Bloom’s emphasis on scalable solutions gives it an edge in addressing large-scale energy needs. Its recent mega-projects signal that the company is well-positioned to cater to enterprises and governments looking for reliable, decentralized energy systems. Combined with its track record of innovation, Bloom’s adaptability and engineering precision make it a compelling choice for organizations seeking cutting-edge renewable energy solutions.

Growth Drivers

Demand for decentralized energy solutions is growing as businesses and governments seek resilience against natural disasters and aging infrastructure. Bloom Energy’s ability to provide on-site energy generation addresses these challenges head-on. By reducing reliance on centralized grids, its solutions help mitigate the risks of power outages, a critical need for sectors like healthcare, data centers, and manufacturing.

Corporate sustainability goals are another major driver of demand. Global organizations are setting aggressive net-zero carbon targets, often accompanied by firm timelines. Bloom Energy’s technology, which offers cleaner energy generation and reduced carbon footprints, provides a clear pathway for companies to meet these goals while maintaining operational efficiency.

The policy environment is also playing a critical role in shaping Bloom’s prospects. The Inflation Reduction Act is just one example of governments incentivizing clean energy adoption. Tax credits, subsidies, and rebates are making it easier for organizations to integrate Bloom’s technology into their operations, lowering the upfront costs of investment. Beyond the U.S., international markets are increasingly offering similar incentives, expanding the addressable market for Bloom Energy.

Moreover, the evolving economics of renewable energy, combined with advancements in fuel cell technology, are steadily improving the cost-competitiveness of solutions like those offered by Bloom. As production scales up and costs decline, the company is well-positioned to capture a growing share of the global energy market.

Financial Snapshot

Bloom Energy’s financial performance reflects the variability of its project-based business model. The company reported $330.4 million in revenue for Q3 2024, a 17.5% decline compared to the same period last year. However, the decline primarily stems from the timing of project completions and does not reflect a downturn in demand. Notably, Bloom achieved a GAAP gross margin of 23.8% during the quarter, a significant improvement from the negative margins recorded in Q3 2023.

Bloom’s reaffirmation of its full-year 2024 financial guidance demonstrates its confidence in a strong year-end close. The company expects annual revenue between $1.4 billion and $1.6 billion and projects a non-GAAP gross margin of approximately 28%. These figures highlight Bloom’s ability to balance growth initiatives with cost management despite market headwinds.

Additionally, Bloom’s focus on capital efficiency is evident in its cash management strategies. The company ended Q3 2024 with $549.2 million in total cash, maintaining a strong liquidity position to support ongoing investments and project execution. With a healthy backlog and robust partnerships, Bloom appears well-prepared to navigate the complexities of the renewable energy market.

Investment Outlook

For investors seeking exposure to the clean energy transition, Bloom Energy offers a unique proposition. Its solid-oxide fuel cell technology provides an edge in efficiency, flexibility, and scalability. Coupled with supportive government policies and the growing demand for decentralized energy, the company is positioned for long-term growth.

While Bloom’s project-based revenue model introduces short-term variability, its robust pipeline and strategic partnerships provide a foundation for sustained expansion. Investors interested in small-cap stocks with high growth potential should consider adding Bloom Energy to their watchlist. As always, thorough due diligence and alignment with investment goals remain essential before making any financial decisions.