Santander (NYSE:SAN), Lloyds Banking Group (NYSE:LYG) – Shares of Santander and Lloyds plummeted -6.5% and -1.90% in Monday’s pre-market, respectively, following reports that Iran used accounts of these banks to clandestinely transfer money as part of a sanctions evasion scheme. Documents revealed that British shell companies associated with a sanctioned Iranian petrochemical firm utilized these accounts. Santander stated it is committed to sanction compliance and will investigate related risks. Lloyds declared it conducts its operations in a manner that complies with sanction laws, without commenting on specific clients.
Boeing (NYSE:BA) – Boeing is facing challenges with about 50 of its 737 MAX airplanes due to improperly drilled holes, potentially delaying deliveries. While safety is not affected, Boeing and Spirit AeroSystems (NYSE:SPR) will rectify the issue. Quality is under scrutiny following previous issues, and inspections identified 22 fuselages with defects. Boeing requested a major supplier to temporarily halt shipments to enhance quality.
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) – Apple enthusiasts lined up at U.S. stores to purchase the Vision Pro, a $3,499 virtual and augmented reality headset that marks Apple’s foray into spatial computing. CEO Tim Cook celebrated the launch at the Fifth Avenue store in New York and highlighted the innovative way to control the device, using gestures and eye movements. Though the launch drew smaller crowds than the original iPhone, Apple’s Vision Pro could redefine digital content consumption and work. The device merges 3D content with real-world vision, competing with TVs and computers. Despite its high price, business buyers are drawn to its productivity and three-dimensional collaboration possibilities.
Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) – Meta Platforms’ shares fell 0.6% in Monday’s pre-market trading after rising 20% on Friday due to an optimistic outlook and the announcement of the first dividend. The company gained $204.5 billion in market value on Friday, setting a record for the largest single-day gain for a U.S. company.
Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) – Elon Musk plans to relocate Tesla from Delaware to Texas, a more business-friendly state, prompting investors to carefully consider implications for their rights. Although Texas offers modern corporate statutes, experts warn that fiduciary duties will only be towards the corporation, potentially disadvantaging shareholders. Texas commercial courts lack precedent, creating uncertainty about shareholders’ future rights. In other news, The Wall Street Journal reported that several former and current directors of Tesla and SpaceX were aware of Elon Musk’s illegal drug use. Concerns arose from the drug consumption volume and Musk’s sharing with some board members. Tesla’s board did not investigate or document the concerns. A Delaware judge criticized Musk’s relationship with Tesla directors this week, mentioning conflicts of interest.
Lockheed Martin (NYSE:LMT) – Lockheed Martin announced agreements that will enable companies in Saudi Arabia to manufacture components of the THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) system. These subcontracts aim to enhance the country’s production capabilities and transfer knowledge to bolster the Saudi defense industry.
US Steel (NYSE:X) – Donald Trump’s threat to block the planned purchase of US Steel by Nippon Steel, if he returns to the White House, will heighten tensions around the $15 billion deal. This could affect Japanese companies, making them more risk-averse in strategic acquisitions in the U.S. The deal reflects the challenges of “friendshoring” and exposes political divergences.
Vodafone (NASDAQ:VOD) – In the fiscal third quarter, Vodafone reported organic service revenues of $10.1 billion, a 4.7% increase from the previous year, driven by stronger performance in Spain, exceeding the average analyst estimate of 4.3%. Vodafone Business revenue growth was 5%. Vodafone announced it is in “active discussions” regarding a potential deal in Italy, while facing a significant slowdown in growth in Germany. Vodafone reiterated its full-year profit forecast, expecting the adjusted core profit to remain roughly stable at about $14.33 billion. However, market analysts are skeptical and foresee slightly lower profits.
Alibaba (NYSE:BABA) – The Chinese internet giant, Alibaba Group, plans to sell consumer assets, including Freshippo and RT-Mart, as it refocuses on e-commerce and divests from non-core units. Discussions are in early stages, involving strategic and financial investors. The decision is part of a broader restructuring of Alibaba and comes amid tighter scrutiny of initial public offerings in China. The company seeks to distinguish between “core” and “non-essential” businesses while aiming to invest in AI, cloud computing, and international expansion.
Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT) – A judge dismissed Abbott’s request to throw out a lawsuit from a New York grandmother who claims the company misled consumers into believing that PediaSure Grow & Gain, a nutritional drink, was “clinically proven” to promote growth in children. The judge considered the grandmother’s evidence, citing studies that contradict Abbott’s claims. The company denied the allegations, stating PediaSure is designed to support child growth. The lawsuit seeks compensation for misled consumers.