Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) – According to The Information, Apple is working on prototypes for at least two foldable iPhone models that fold horizontally, resembling a clamshell. These foldable devices are in the early stages of development and are not expected for mass production until 2024 or 2025. Apple has recently contacted at least one manufacturer in Asia for components for these foldable iPhones of varying sizes.
Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) – Microsoft is in discussions with CISPE to resolve an EU antitrust complaint regarding cloud computing licensing practices. Resolving this bilaterally could avoid lengthy investigations and fines. Microsoft also plans to collaborate with Indian startup Sarvam AI for voice-based artificial intelligence applications. In addition, Microsoft is launching Microsoft 365 Copilot to boost the use of artificial intelligence among developers. Pilot tests are being conducted with plans for a broader rollout. The tool is an iteration of the Microsoft 365 suite, with generative AI assistance.
Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) – Spain’s supreme court has suspended fines of 194 million euros against Amazon and Apple, which were accused by the CNMC of anti-competitive practices. The decision allows the companies to appeal. The CNMC claims that contracts between them restricted competition, limiting the sale of Apple products by other retailers on the Spanish Amazon.
Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA), Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) – The market is excited about Nvidia due to its leadership in artificial intelligence. It is about to surpass Amazon in market value for the first time in two decades, valued at $1.715 trillion. High demand for AI is driving its growth, with shares rising after an optimistic report from Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS).
Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) – A German court issued an injunction against the sale of certain Intel chips in a patent dispute with U.S.-based R2 Semiconductor. The decision ordered Intel to refrain from applying the patent in Germany. Intel intends to appeal.
Super Micro Computer (NASDAQ:SMCI) – Since December, Super Micro Computer’s shares have more than doubled, driven by surprising results and optimistic forecasts. Despite the success, some investors question the right time to sell, while estimates remain high. Considering conservative projections, Super Micro’s stock price target could reach $800, representing a 20% increase from current levels.
MicroCloud Hologram (NASDAQ:HOLO) – MicroCloud Hologram’s shares surged over 1,000% on Wednesday, following its entry into the Communications Industry Association. The increase was surprising, with a record volume of 193 million shares. A recent stock split helped keep the price above $1. Shares are up 35.3% in Thursday’s pre-market.
Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX), Apollo Global Management (NYSE:APO) – Apollo Global Management is in talks to acquire part of the Starbucks franchise in the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia, operated by the AlShaya Group. The Public Investment Fund of Saudi Arabia is also involved.
Coty (NYSE:COTY) – In the second quarter, Coty exceeded Wall Street’s revenue estimates, driven by luxury fragrances and new cosmetic launches in the US. Total net revenue grew by 13% to $1.73 billion, while net profit fell by 24% to $177.6 million, due to high production costs.
Unilever (NYSE:UL) – Unilever announced a $1.6 billion share buyback after an increase in volumes for the first time in 10 quarters. CEO Hein Schumacher acknowledged the need to improve the company’s competitive performance, while operating results fell below analysts’ expectations.
Target (NYSE:TGT) – Target is considering launching a paid subscription program, internally called Project Trident, to compete with Amazon Prime and Walmart Plus. The company is looking to boost sales after a year of slowdown, already offering a free loyalty program called Target Circle.
Lowe’s (NYSE:LOW) – William Ackman, manager of Pershing Square Capital Management, resigned from his position at Lowe’s after earning more than $1 billion for investors. The divestment came after nearly six years of holding, aiming to free up capital for new investments.
Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) – Tesla managers were asked about the importance of each role, raising concerns about layoffs. The company canceled performance evaluations and sent single-line inquiries to employees. Shares rose 1.1% in pre-market after a 25% decline for the year.
Petrobras (NYSE:PBR) – Petrobras is in talks with oil companies from China, India, and the Middle East, including Kuwait Petroleum and Qatar Energy, to collaborate on energy projects, according to its CEO. The company is also seeking partnerships with Venezuela and exploring opportunities in refining and renewable energies with Indian companies.
Novo Nordisk (NYSE:NVO) – Food manufacturers and retailers like Walmart (NYSE:WMT) and Chipotle (NYSE:CMG) are seeking guidance from Novo Nordisk on appetite suppression treatments like Ozempic and Wegovy. These drugs can influence consumption habits and business strategies. Although production faces challenges, the growth of these treatments is significantly impacting the market.
Earnings
Arm Holdings (NASDAQ:ARM) – Arm Holdings is up 25.2% in Thursday’s pre-market due to optimistic quarterly forecasts. Last quarter, Arm reported revenue of $824 million, exceeding the $762 million expectation according to FactSet. The company also reported an adjusted earnings per share of 29 cents, against a consensus of 25 cents.
PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL) – PayPal reported adjusted earnings of $1.48 per share in the fourth quarter, beating Wall Street expectations. Revenue increased by 9% to $8 billion, also surpassing forecasts. The company projected an adjusted earnings per share of $5.10 for 2024, without providing revenue outlooks. Shares are down 9.1% in Thursday’s pre-market.
Disney (NYSE:DIS) – Last quarter, Walt Disney revealed earnings of $1.22 per share, surpassing analyst expectations. Despite revenue of $23.5 billion, below forecasts, it cut $500 million in costs and is on track to save $7.5 billion by the end of the fiscal year. Disney’s streaming segments, which include Hulu, Disney+, and Disney+ Hotstar in India, reported revenue of $5.5 billion. Disney+ lost 1.3 million subscribers but anticipates gaining 5.5 to 6 million subscribers in the second quarter, with positive momentum in revenue per user. In an interview with CNBC, CEO Bob Iger revealed that Disney plans to invest $1.5 billion to acquire a minority stake in Fortnite’s publisher, Epic Games.
Honda Motor (NYSE:HMC) – Honda reported quarterly operating profit of 379.8 billion yen and raised its annual forecast to 1.25 trillion yen ($8.4 billion). It also announced a $336 million share buyback. Global sales in 2023 increased by 5.6%, with strong growth in the US but a 10% decline in China. The company plans to launch new electric vehicles starting in 2026.
Oscar Health (NYSE:OSCR) – Shares rose 22% in Thursday’s pre-market, buoyed by a full-year forecast that exceeded Wall Street’s expectations. The company projected annual revenue between $8.3 billion and $8.4 billion, while analysts surveyed by FactSet had estimated about $6.9 billion.
AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:AZN) – AstraZeneca’s shares fell 2.4% after reporting a basic quarterly earnings per share of $1.45, below the $1.50 expectation. Total revenue was $12.02 billion, slightly above the $12.01 billion expectation, with product sales reaching $11.32 billion. Net profit increased to $960 million. Despite a strong outlook for 2024, shares dropped due to concerns over the quarterly product mix.
Wynn Resorts (NASDAQ:WYNN) – The casino company reported fourth-quarter earnings of $1.91 per share and revenue of $1.84 billion, surpassing analysts’ estimates surveyed by LSEG, who had forecasted earnings of $1.15 per share and revenue of $1.74 billion.
Mattel (NASDAQ:MAT) – In the fourth quarter, Mattel reported a net income of $147.3 million, or 42 cents per share, compared to a profit of $16.1 million, or 4 cents per share, in the same period in 2022. Sales increased by 16%, totaling $1.62 billion. Analysts had expected an adjusted earnings per share of 29 cents on revenue of $1.65 billion. Last year, Mattel experienced success with Barbie, boosting sales. For 2024, it plans to cut costs due to an expected weaker demand.
Allstate (NYSE:ALL) – The insurance company reported that the net issued premiums of $12.64 billion in the fourth quarter were slightly below the $12.72 billion estimate by analysts surveyed by FactSet.
Monolithic Power Systems (NASDAQ:MPWR) – The company reported fourth-quarter earnings of $2.88 per share, excluding extraordinary items, on revenue of $454 million. Analysts surveyed by FactSet had expected earnings of $2.85 per share on revenue of $452.1 million.
ArcelorMittal (NYSE:MT) – ArcelorMittal exceeded expectations with a quarterly profit of $1.27 billion. Steel prices in Europe were higher than expected, boosting the results. The company expressed an optimistic outlook, with plans for a share buyback.