JPMorgan boosts dividends, Chipotle unveils 50:1 stock split, and Latest News

JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM) – JPMorgan surprised by increasing its dividends by 9.5%, reflecting a record profit and the potential easing of capital rules by regulators. The largest US bank has sent about $60 billion to shareholders over the past three years. Additionally, JPMorgan established a new investment banking team focused on sports, targeting a growing sector. With the valuation of sports franchises exceeding $400 billion, the bank will offer global consultancy and financing.

Chipotle Mexican Grill (NYSE:CMG) – Chipotle announced a 50-for-1 stock split, boosting its shares by about 4.9% in pre-market trading. Subject to shareholder approval in June, holders will receive 49 additional shares for each one held. The split is scheduled to take place on June 26th.

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) – CEO Tim Cook of Apple is in Shanghai to open a new retail store as iPhone sales in China decline. Cook often visits the country for launches, meetings, and faces challenges with local competitors. Cook visited China last October after reports of weak iPhone 15 sales, and in 2018, Apple agreed to pay a substantial sum to settle investor claims about misleading information regarding iPhone sales in China.

Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) – Microsoft has appointed DeepMind co-founder Mustafa Suleyman as the leader of a new consumer AI unit and recruited talents from his startup Inflection AI, strengthening its position against growing competition from Google (NASDAQ:GOOGL).

Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) – Nvidia‘s shares rose on Tuesday following the announcement that the new AI processor is expected to be released later this year, and forecasts a data center market exceeding $250 billion. The company is focusing on total systems and is optimistic about the demand for its new chip. According to CEO Jensen Huang, the Blackwell B200 chip will be sold at a price ranging from $30,000 to $40,000.

Intel (NASDAQ:INTC) – The US will grant Intel up to $19.5 billion in funding, split between $8.5 billion in grants and up to $11 billion in loans, to expand its semiconductor factories as part of the Chips Act program.

Samsung ElectronicsSamsung Electronics recorded the highest profit in six months after reports that Nvidia is interested in buying its HBM chips, boosting Samsung‘s pursuit of global chip market leadership.

Astera Labs – Wall Street is about to access a new opportunity at the convergence of chips and artificial intelligence. Astera Labs set the price of its initial public offering at $36 per share, surpassing its original target, reflecting its vision of the growing importance of chip connectivity in the AI era.

Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL) – Google‘s parent company received a fine of 250 million euros ($271 million) from France for failing to negotiate fair agreements with media outlets and using press content to train its AI. This is another penalty related to the unfair treatment of media.

Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) – Meta Platforms lowered its monthly subscription fee for Facebook and Instagram from 9.99 euros to 5.99 euros in response to privacy and antitrust regulators’ concerns in Europe. The new price seeks to balance EU privacy laws and the DMA.

Sarcos Technology & Robotics (NASDAQ:STRC) – Sarcos Technology & Robotics‘ shares surged 40% during Tuesday’s regular trading session, closing at $1.82. The company regained compliance with Nasdaq’s requirements. The stock has seen an increase of over 153% for the year.

Boeing (NYSE:BA) – Boeing is considering selling part of its defense division, according to Bloomberg. Investors are closely watching the potential sale. The division generated $25 billion in sales in 2023, facing its second consecutive annual loss. Boeing is also considering cutting ties with Airbus (USOTC:EADSY) through Spirit AeroSystems (NYSE:SPR), contemplating transferring parts of the Airbus business. This strategic move aims to solve quality issues while both face challenges and explore complex business options. The head of the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States insisted that Boeing needs to prioritize safety culture and address quality issues before increasing 737 MAX production. The FAA is closely monitoring Boeing‘s progress and has not started discussions on increasing production until safety is ensured.

JetBlue Airways (NASDAQ:JBLU) – JetBlue Airways informed its team on Tuesday about eliminating several routes in a cost-cutting effort following the failed attempt to acquire Spirit Airlines and issues with Pratt & Whitney engines.

Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) – Tesla confirmed it will raise prices for Model Y vehicles produced in China by 5,000 yuan ($694.55) from April 1st, in addition to increasing prices by approximately 2,000 euros ($2,177) in some European countries starting March 22nd.

Stellantis (NYSE:STLA) – Stellantis, the parent company of Chrysler, and the state of California reached an agreement on emissions Tuesday, committing to comply with zero-emission vehicle requirements by 2030, in an effort to significantly reduce pollution.

Ferrari (NYSE:RACE) – Ferrari faces a lawsuit in the US, accused by drivers of not properly fixing vehicles at risk of total or partial brake loss. The 2021 and 2022 recalls were deemed insufficient, allowing the sale of cars with defects.

Shell (NYSE:SHEL) – Shell appointed Greg Joiner to lead its Shell Energy unit, overseeing renewable generation, gas, and energy marketing, as part of a broader restructuring. The appointment takes effect on April 1st, following Steve Hill’s departure.

Nasdaq (NASDAQ:NDAQ) – Borse Dubai announced on Tuesday the sale of $1.6 billion in Nasdaq shares, reducing its stake to 10.8%. Thoma Bravo, a private equity firm, will become Nasdaq‘s main shareholder, holding 12.5% of the shares.

BlackRock (NYSE:BLK) – BlackRock CEO Larry Fink was seen with Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick in Houston, suggesting an easing of tensions between the state and the company. However, the Texas Board of Education decided to end BlackRock‘s management of its assets, citing anti-fossil fuel boycott legislation.

Raymond James Financial (NYSE:RJF) – Raymond James Financial announced that CEO Paul Reilly will retire before October 2025, to be succeeded by current CFO Paul Shoukry. Shoukry, promoted to president, will continue as CFO, while Reilly will remain as executive chairman. The company also revealed other leadership changes, including the retirement of COO Jeff Dowdle and new roles for Scott Curtis and Tash Elwyn, effective October 1, 2024.

UBS Group AG (NYSE:UBS) – Swiss financial regulator FINMA announced 40 assessments of UBS, including two stress tests, following its acquisition of Credit Suisse in 2023, aiming to mitigate ‘too big to fail’ risks, emphasizing operational stability and post-merger integrity. The Swiss National Bank urges a review of banking regulations to prevent future crises.

Coinbase Global (NASDAQ:COIN) – Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong stated that the company needs more investment to improve its trading infrastructure, after users faced difficulties during Bitcoin’s surge in February.

Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) – About 1,400 workers at an Amazon warehouse in Coventry, England, went on strike on Tuesday, planning to repeat the action on Wednesday, as part of a dispute over wages and union recognition, said the GMB union. In India, Amazon.com plans to launch over 70 new TV shows and movies on its streaming platforms in the coming years, targeting new subscribers.

Macy’s (NYSE:M) – Macy’s announced it will open its records to Arkhouse and Brigade Capital, advancing the $6.6 billion offer to privatize the department store operator.

Nordstrom (NYSE:JWN) – The founding family of Nordstrom is seeking to take the US department store operator private, following an unsuccessful previous attempt, according to Reuters on Tuesday. The deliberations come amid challenges faced by retailers with reduced consumer spending due to inflation and high interest rates. Nordstrom contacted Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) and Centerview Partners to explore private equity firms’ interest in a possible deal.

Gildan Activewear (NYSE:GIL) – Gildan Activewear‘s shares rose 10% on Tuesday after announcing it received a “non-binding and confidential expression of interest” to acquire the company. A special committee of the board is in contact with potential buyers.

Amcor plc (NYSE:AMCR) – Shares of Amcor, an Australian packaging company, fell 3.3% in pre-market trading after announcing that CEO Ron Delia will leave the company due to health issues.

Harrow (NASDAQ:HROW) – Harrow‘s shares plummeted 13.15% in pre-market trading. The ophthalmic pharmaceutical company reported a loss of $9.1 million (or -$0.26 per share), compared to a profit of $1.1 million in the same period last year. Analysts had expected a loss of $0.04 per share. The annual revenue was $130.2 million, at the lower end of the revised estimate for 2023.

Moleculin Biotech (NASDAQ:MBRX) – Moleculin Biotech announced a 1-for-15 reverse stock split. The reverse split aims to meet Nasdaq listing standards.

HealthEquity (NASDAQ:HQY) – In the last quarter, HealthEquity, specializing in health savings accounts, recorded a profit, with an adjusted gain of 63 cents per share, surpassing analysts’ forecasts, who expected 57 cents. Revenue also exceeded expectations, increasing by 12% to $262.4 million. As a result, shares rose 2.6% in pre-market trading.