Navigating the Diverse Landscape of bmbl stock , atxi stock , veon stock

Three Stocks, Three Stories: BMBL, ATXI, and VEON

we'll explore three fascinating companies that represent entirely different investment narratives: Bumble Inc. (BMBL), Avenue Therapeutics (ATXI), and VEON Ltd. (VEON).

 

From dating apps to pharmaceuticals to telecommunications, these stocks offer investors a glimpse into varied market opportunities and challenges

---

The Dating Game: Bumble's Digital Romance Evolution

Bumble Inc. (NASDAQ: BMBL) has carved out a unique niche in the crowded online dating market by empowering women to make the first move

 

Founded in 2014 by Whitney Wolfe Herd, the company operates three distinct platforms: Bumble Date for romantic connections, Bumble BFF for friendships, and Bumble Bizz for professional networking.

Recent Financial Performance and Challenges

Bumble's financial journey in 2024-2025 has been marked by significant volatility. The company reported Q1 2025 revenue of $247.1 million, representing a 7.7% year-over-year decline^1. This revenue decrease, coupled with challenges in user acquisition and retention, has put pressure on the stock price.

The company's Average Revenue Per Paying User (ARPPU) - a key metric measuring how much money each subscriber generates - fell to $20.24 from $21.84 in the previous year^3. ARPPU is crucial in subscription-based businesses as it indicates pricing power and user engagement levels.

Strategic Transformation Under Returning Leadership

In a significant development, founder Whitney Wolfe Herd returned as CEO in March 2025, replacing Lidiane Jones. This leadership change coincided with a major workforce reduction of approximately 240 roles (30% of employees) announced in June 2025, aimed at achieving up to $40 million in annual cost savings^4.

The company is implementing its "digital operator 1440" strategy, focusing on enriching connectivity offerings with proprietary digital applications and services. However, Bumble faces intense competition from established players like Match Group's Tinder and newer entrants in the social networking space.

---

Avenue Therapeutics' Precarious Position

Avenue Therapeutics Inc. (formerly NASDAQ: ATXI, now OTC: ATXI) represents a classic example of the high-risk, high-reward nature of biotech investing.

 

This specialty pharmaceutical company focuses on developing treatments for neurologic diseases, but recent developments have dramatically altered its investment profile.

The Nasdaq Delisting and Current Status

In March 2025, Avenue Therapeutics faced a significant setback when NASDAQ determined to delist the company's common stock due to failure to maintain the minimum stockholders' equity requirement of $2.5 million^5. Since March 19, 2025, the stock has traded on the over-the-counter (OTC) market under the symbol "ATXI."

 

Over-the-counter trading refers to securities that trade via a dealer network rather than on a centralized exchange like NASDAQ or NYSE. OTC stocks typically have lower liquidity and less regulatory oversight, making them riskier investments.

Pipeline Setbacks and Asset Transfers

The company's most advanced program, AJ201 for treating spinal and bulbar muscular atrophy (also known as Kennedy's Disease), was terminated in April 2025 following a dispute with licensing partner AnnJi Pharmaceutical^7. This represented a major blow to the company's prospects, as AJ201 was their lead clinical asset.

 

Avenue Therapeutics now focuses on two remaining assets: IV tramadol for post-operative pain management and BAER-101 for epilepsy and panic disorders^5. However, with limited cash resources and the loss of their primary development program, the company faces significant going concern issues.

---

Emerging Markets Telecom Giant: VEON

 

VEON Ltd. (NASDAQ: VEON) stands in stark contrast to the previous two companies as a established telecommunications operator serving over 160 million customers across frontier markets including Pakistan, Ukraine, Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, and Uzbekistan^8.

Strong Financial Performance Amid Geopolitical Challenges

VEON has delivered impressive financial results despite operating in challenging geopolitical environments. In Q1 2025, the company reported revenue growth of 8.9% year-over-year to $1.026 billion, with Adjusted EBITDA increasing by 13.7% to $439 million^9.

 

EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization) is a key profitability metric that shows a company's operating performance by excluding non-cash expenses and financial structure effects.

Digital Services Driving Growth

The company's strategic focus on digital transformation is paying dividends. Direct digital revenue surged by 50.2% in Q1 2025, now representing 14.3% of total revenues^10. This includes mobile financial services, digital healthcare, entertainment, and educational services that go beyond traditional telecommunications.

VEON's "digital operator 1440" model aims to provide services throughout all 1,440 minutes of a customer's day, expanding beyond connectivity into comprehensive digital lifestyle services.

 

Stock performance comparison showing the percentage returns of BMBL, VEON, and ATXI stocks from January 2024 to July 2025, illustrating their relative performance over the 18-month period

 

---

Performance Analysis

The stock performance chart reveals dramatically different investor experiences across these three companies. VEON has been the clear winner, delivering substantial returns to investors, while BMBL has faced significant challenges, and ATXI has experienced extreme volatility with an overall downward trend.

Market Capitalization and Valuation Considerations

As of July 2025, the market capitalizations reflect vastly different company scales

• VEON: Approximately $3.04 billion, trading at a reasonable P/E ratio of 7.54x
• BMBL: Around $672 million, with negative earnings resulting in a negative P/E ratio
• ATXI: Just over $1 million, representing a micro-cap biotech with significant financial distress

Investment Considerations: Risk, Reward, and Strategy

Growth vs. Value vs. Speculation

VEON appeals to value investors seeking exposure to emerging markets telecommunications with a digital transformation story. The company generates substantial cash flows and trades at attractive valuations, though geopolitical risks in its operating markets remain a concern.

 

BMBL represents a growth story facing headwinds. While the online dating market continues expanding globally, execution challenges and competitive pressures have weighed on performance. The return of founder leadership and cost reduction initiatives may provide a pathway to renewed growth.

 

ATXI falls into the speculative category, appealing primarily to biotech investors comfortable with extreme risk. With limited assets, cash burn, and recent pipeline setbacks, this represents a high-risk situation that could result in total loss.

Sector-Specific Risks and Opportunities

• Technology/Social Media (BMBL): Platform competition, user acquisition costs, regulatory scrutiny
• Biotechnology (ATXI): Clinical trial risks, regulatory approval uncertainty, capital requirements
• Telecommunications (VEON): Geopolitical risks, currency fluctuations, infrastructure investment needs

---

Investment Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered personalized investment advice. All investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal. The stocks discussed - BMBL, ATXI, and VEON - carry significant risks including market volatility, company-specific challenges, and sector-specific headwinds. ATXI in particular trades on over-the-counter markets with limited liquidity and faces going concern issues. VEON operates in geopolitically sensitive markets that could impact operations and stock performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results. Readers should conduct their own research, consider their financial situation and risk tolerance, and consult with qualified financial advisors before making any investment decisions. The author may or may not hold positions in the securities discussed and this should not be considered a recommendation to buy or sell any security.