Philips (NYSE:PHG) – Philips’ stock soared 47.1% in pre-market trading after announcing a $1.1 billion deal to resolve U.S. claims related to a respiratory device recall. Analysts consider the settlement far below expectations, eliminating uncertainties that impacted the market value.
Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA), Baidu (NASDAQ:BIDU) – Tesla has overcome regulatory hurdles in China to launch its autonomous driving software, following a surprise visit by Elon Musk to the Chinese market. Musk met with the Chinese Prime Minister and negotiated deals to transfer driving data and use mapping licenses. Baidu closed a deal with Tesla to provide access to its mapping license, allowing Tesla to legally operate its Full Self Driving (FSD) system on Chinese roads. Baidu is the leading internet search company in China. The trip reflects Tesla’s pursuit of approval to expand its operations in China while seeking new investments. Additionally, Tesla plans to lay off 693 employees at its facilities in Sparks, Nevada, as part of its plan to reduce its global workforce by more than 10%.
Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) – Apple has renewed discussions with OpenAI about using its generative AI technology to enhance new features on the iPhone. The companies are negotiating terms for a possible agreement to integrate OpenAI features into the upcoming iOS 18 operating system. Bernstein analysts upgraded Apple’s stock to Outperform from Market Perform and maintained a target price of $195.
Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL) – Google has asked a federal court in Virginia to dismiss an antitrust lawsuit filed by the U.S. government, which alleges anticompetitive practices in the online advertising market. Google argues that the case exceeds the bounds of antitrust law and defends its legal business practices and product improvements. Additionally, Alphabet reached a market value of over $2 trillion for the first time on Friday, driven by better-than-expected financial results and a well-received new capital allocation plan.
Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL), Amazon.com (NASDAQ:AMZN), International Business Machines (NYSE:IBM) – Microsoft’s CEO, Satya Nadella, will meet with the President of Indonesia, Joko Widodo, on Tuesday, marking the recent visit of U.S. corporate leaders to Southeast Asia, aiming for technology investments. Additionally, Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta Air Lines, and Satya Nadella, are among the executives summoned to protect critical U.S. services from artificial intelligence attacks. The group, led by the Department of Homeland Security, also includes OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, as well as leaders from Amazon and IBM.
Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) – Nvidia’s chips are at the forefront of the artificial intelligence revolution. While CEO, Jensen Huang, sees AI as a transformative change, he does not anticipate the complete replacement of human jobs. Huang emphasizes that AI will drive business growth, leading to more hiring, and highlights the continued importance of human presence in various areas.
Paramount Global (NASDAQ:PARA), Sony Pictures Entertainment (NYSE:SONY), Apollo Global Management (NYSE:APO) – The Redstone family and the CEO of Skydance Media, David Ellison, are considering making concessions to make Paramount Global more attractive to other investors. Skydance is in exclusive talks, but Paramount faces pressure to explore other options, including a possible joint bid from Sony Pictures Entertainment and Apollo Global Management. Last week, The Wall Street Journal reported that the entertainment company’s board is considering replacing CEO Bob Bakish with a committee of executives to lead Paramount while it explores a sale. Bakish could be fired or resign as early as Monday, coinciding with the release of Paramount’s quarterly earnings.
Thomson Reuters (NYSE:TRI) – Although many associate Thomson Reuters with the news business, its revenue from this area accounts for only 10% of the total. Most of the revenue comes from data services like Westlaw and UltraTax, reflecting the growing importance of data in the business world. Under the leadership of CEO Steve Hasker, the company stands out as a force in technology, not media. With a track record of success and a strategy focused on data and artificial intelligence, Thomson Reuters is well positioned for continued growth and to meet the complexities of the modern market.
Spotify (NYSE:SPOT) – Daniel Ek, co-founder of Spotify, profits from the recovery of the stock, selling 650,000 shares in April for about $119 million, after obtaining $60 million in February. He retains 7% of the company, part of his fortune of $4.4 billion.
Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN), Disney (NYSE:DIS) – Amazon.com is close to closing a deal to stream NBA games on Prime Video, as the league nears a new deal with ESPN, owned by Walt Disney, maintaining finals rights but with fewer regular games. The WNBA is also included. In the UK, five Amazon employees contest posters with QR Codes that allow rapid union disaffiliation. The GMB union claims it is anti-union, but Amazon denies this, saying it facilitates employee choice.
Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB) – Deutsche Bank’s shares fell about 7% in pre-market trading on Monday due to a potential lawsuit that could cost about $1.39 billion (or 1.3 billion euros). Deutsche Bank faces a lawsuit alleging underpayment in the acquisition of Postbank. The bank disagrees with the claims but has reserved funds. This will affect its profitability and creates uncertainty about stock repurchase in 2024.
Fulton Financial Corporation (NASDAQ:FULT) – The Federal Deposit Insurance announced that Fulton Bank, a subsidiary of Fulton Financial, would take over the deposits of Republic First Bancorp, which operated 32 bank branches in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York under the name of Republic Bank. The acquisition occurred after the bankruptcy of Republic First Bancorp, the first bank failure in the U.S. this year, conducted by an auction led by the FDIC following the intervention of Pennsylvania state banking regulators. This resulted in a 5.6% increase in pre-market trading for Fulton.
Blackstone (NYSE:BX) – Crown Resorts, owned by Blackstone, plans to cut up to 1,000 jobs in Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney due to weak economic conditions and regulatory challenges. The cuts will affect positions in casinos and corporate headquarters. The CEO points to reduced tourism and gaming restrictions as causes. Additionally, Blackstone agreed to acquire the Hipgnosis Songs Fund for about $1.57 billion. The transaction will add more than 65,000 songs to Blackstone’s portfolio.
Berkshire Hathaway (NYSE:BRK.A) – Berkshire Hathaway’s real estate brokerage, HomeServices of America, reached a $250 million settlement in a national antitrust case that could reshape realtor commissions in the U.S. The settlement aims to resolve claims of commission manipulation, with possible reductions of up to 25%.
Whirlpool (NYSE:WHR) – Whirlpool is betting on luxury espresso machines to boost sales, launching new KitchenAid models in the U.S. for up to $2,000. The strategy targets Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) customers, now working from home, while the company faces challenges in selling large appliances.
CVS Health (NYSE:CVS) – Employees of CVS Health’s Omnicare unit in Las Vegas voted to join the Pharmacy Guild, becoming the first CVS location nationwide to unionize.
General Motors (NYSE:GM) – GM will end its manufacturing operations in Colombia and Ecuador, part of a shift to next-generation vehicle production. Production will cease in Ecuador in August, and at the Colmotores factory in Colombia, where 850 workers will be laid off.
Embraer (NYSE:ERJ) – The CEO of Embraer stated on Friday that supply chain issues have improved, although some challenges persist. The company plans to invest about $390.9 million in Brazil this year, hiring over 900 people, and will focus on technologies for its flying car and other sectors.
Boeing (NYSE:BA) – Boeing announced on Friday an agreement with GKN Aerospace and its parent company Melrose Industries (LSE:MRO) to immediately take over operations of the GKN unit in St. Louis, supporting the F/A-18 and F-15 jet programs. The workforce of approximately 550 people will be maintained.
Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) – Southwest is considering abandoning open seating, where passengers do not have assigned seats before boarding, to introduce designated seats and premium seating, a significant change in its business model since its founding in 1971. CEO Bob Jordan highlighted the importance of meeting constantly evolving customer expectations.
BHP Group (NYSE:BHP), UBS Group AG (NYSE:UBS) – A consultant for BHP, with $39 billion invested in Anglo American, is seeking the opinion of some shareholders, while the miner considers a revised offer after the initial proposal was rejected. UBS Group AG has begun scheduling meetings with fund managers to discuss a potential new offer.
Shell plc (NYSE:SHEL) – Shell keeps the financial details of its oil and gas trade secret, but documents show that its U.S. trading division generates about $1 billion annually, according to Reuters. Testimony from a former head revealed profits and million-dollar bonuses awarded to traders, providing rare insights.
General Mills (NYSE:GIS) – General Mills is considering selling its North American yogurt business, including the Yoplait brand, in a deal estimated at over $2 billion. The company is seeking interested parties, including competitors and private equity firms.
Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM) – Philip Morris will launch IQOS in the U.S. aiming to capture 10% of the market by 2030. Analysts and investors consider Philip Morris International’s target for heated tobacco in the U.S. achievable, despite competition from vaping. The potential success could generate substantial profits, based on PMI’s global expertise with IQOS.
Altria Group (NYSE:MO) – The Biden administration has postponed the ban on menthol cigarettes, facing criticism over its disproportionate impact on Black smokers. Public health groups condemned the decision, warning of an increase in smoking initiations and premature deaths.