Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) – Apple is laying off 614 employees in Silicon Valley after ending its secret autonomous electric vehicle project. These are the first significant job cuts since the beginning of the pandemic, mainly impacting satellite offices in Santa Clara, California. Moreover, Hon Hai, known as Foxconn (USOTC:FXCOF), saw an 11.8% increase in sales in March, but first-quarter revenue of NT$1.32 trillion fell 9.6% year-over-year, below the expected NT$1.39 trillion. The decline in iPhone sales, especially in China, directly affected the company as it is the main contracted manufacturer of these devices for Apple. Despite this, the company is diversifying its business, with a growing focus on building server racks for data centers and other equipment for artificial intelligence clusters.

Walt Disney (NYSE:DIS) – CEO Bob Iger announced that Walt Disney’s streaming service will begin cracking down on password sharing in June, aiming to boost subscriber growth. He also indicated a pursuit of double-digit profit margins.

Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) – Meta rejected the U.S. FTC’s attempt to alter the 2020 privacy agreement, citing voluntary disclosure of technical flaws in Messenger Kids in 2019. Meta invested $5.5 billion in privacy. The FTC seeks to tighten the agreement, accusing Meta of misleading parents about child protection.

Alphabet (NASDAQ:GOOGL), HubSpot (NYSE:HUBS) – Alphabet, the parent company of Google, is considering making an offer for HubSpot, an online marketing software company valued at $35 billion. The potential acquisition would be one of Alphabet’s largest and would expand its operations in the CRM market.

Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT) – Microsoft’s Azure cloud segment is expected to face a formal complaint from South African antitrust watchdogs amid growing concerns from regulators worldwide about the U.S. tech giant’s market power abuse.

Nvidia (NASDAQ:NVDA) – Nvidia shares advanced on Friday, boosted by Samsung Electronics‘ (USOTC:SSNHZ) robust profit forecast, indicating strong demand for artificial intelligence chips. Samsung Electronics forecasts a tenfold increase in first-quarter profits compared to the previous year. The positive expectations lifted NVDA shares by 0.81% to $866 in pre-market trading.

Trump Media & Technology Group (NASDAQ:DJT) – Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is scheduled to be deposed by lawyers for the co-founders of his social media company, Trump Media & Technology Group, amid a dispute over ownership. The deposition is set for April 15, coinciding with the start of Trump’s first criminal trial.

Reddit (NYSE:RDDT) – Two U.S. brokerages, Bernstein and Baird, began evaluating and recommending Reddit shares, expressing concerns about its profit-making ability and highlighting challenges such as lack of profitability since its founding in 2005 and its stock market debut below the IPO price. While Bernstein adopted an “underperform” rating with a target price of $40, questioning the platform’s potential against competitors like Pinterest (NYSE:PINS) and Snapchat (NYSE:SNAP), Baird adopted a “neutral” rating with a target price of $50, emphasizing the user base’s growth potential.

Spotify (NYSE:SPOT) – Spotify named Christian Luiga, a former Saab executive, as its new CFO, replacing Paul Vogel. Luiga, who served as CFO and vice CEO at Saab for about four years, will assume the role in the third quarter. Ben Kung will act as interim CFO until then.

Cinemark Holdings (NYSE:CNK) – Cinemark Holdings shares rose 3.4% in pre-market trading to $19.40 after Wells Fargo analysts upgraded the cinema company from Underweight to Overweight. Additionally, they raised the price target from $13 to $23.

International Paper (NYSE:IP) – International Paper plans a secondary listing in London as part of its proposal to buy British company DS Smith (LSE:SMDS) for $7 billion, challenging competitor Mondi (LSE:MNDI) in a potential bidding war.

US Steel (NYSE:X) – Following comments from both President Biden and his rival Trump on Nippon Steel’s purchase of US Steel, US Steel began defending the deal through billboards near its factories. This deal, valued at $15 billion, is subject to regulatory and union approval. The stance of unions, especially the United Steelworkers, and regulatory considerations are crucial in determining whether the deal will be completed.

Sigma Lithium (NASDAQ:SGML) – Sigma Lithium’s CEO, Ana Cabral-Gardner, stated she would not sell the miner at current lithium price levels, focusing on expanding operations. The company plans to double in size by next year, increasing production to 520,000 metric tons per year by 2025.

Shell (NYSE:SHEL) – Shell forecasts significantly lower liquefied natural gas trading results in the first quarter of 2024 compared to the previous quarter. However, it expects superior oil trading results. The company also anticipates a smaller loss in its chemicals segment, which has faced challenges due to weak global demand. Additionally, it forecasts about $600 million in amortization, mainly related to exploration in Albania.

Woodside Energy (NYSE:WDS) – Proxy advisor CGI Glass Lewis is advising shareholders of Australian company Woodside Energy to vote against the reelection of Chairman Richard Goyder and against the company’s climate strategy. This follows opposition expressed by activist investor Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility (ACCR), criticizing Woodside’s board stance on climate risks. Goyder, who also chairs Qantas Airways, will leave the airline at the end of 2024, and his leadership at Woodside is under scrutiny due to concerns over his oversight on climate issues.

Bank of America (NYSE:BAC) – Significant fund inflows were observed in the technology sector in the first quarter, totaling $18.6 billion, the third largest on record. Bank of America Global Research also highlighted large cash and bond flows in the previous week, attributing this to the quarter’s end. In other news, Bank of America faces a lawsuit over allegations of deceitfully withdrawing an overdraft fee refund program during the pandemic. The judge ruled that customers had a plausible cause, stating that the bank misled them by continuing the fee waiver promise.

Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS), Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) – A New York appeals court ruled that former ViacomCBS investors could sue Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and other banks that underwrote two stock offerings for the media company. The court’s decision upholds an earlier ruling, which the banks fear could disrupt capital markets.

JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM) – JPMorgan Chase reorganized its leadership in the global banking division, appointing new leaders in capital markets and investment banking, aiming to enhance team connectivity and serve growing clients. Changes include new heads for capital markets and investment banking coverage. JPMorgan is also promoting senior leadership changes in China, with Park Pu stepping down as chairman of its onshore securities business. He will be replaced by Lu Fang, a former employee of China’s securities regulator. Greg Yu will take over Lu Fang’s CEO role.

Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS) – Morgan Stanley opted to maintain its European headquarters in Canary Wharf, London, extending its lease until 2038. The agreement includes investments in sustainability. Other companies, such as Barclays (NYSE:BCS) and Citigroup (NYSE:C), are also renewing their presence in the area.

Jefferies Financial (NYSE:JEF) – Jefferies will strengthen its presence in Canada through an expanded partnership with Japanese Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp (NYSE:SMFG), collaborating in mergers and acquisitions, healthcare, and leveraged finance since 2021, focusing on the Canadian market’s competitive advantage.

Carlyle Group (NASDAQ:CG) – Carlyle Group is considering strategies for StandardAero, including a possible sale, valuing it at about $10 billion, according to Reuters. This move comes as the aviation sector recovers, and other private equity firms take advantage of increasing mergers and acquisitions.

Block (NYSE:SQ) – Block has attracted more investors recently, highlighting its growing focus on profitability, but analyst James Faucette of Morgan Stanley expressed skepticism about the stock’s prospects, citing overoptimism about the expansion of Square and Cash App businesses.

PayPal (NASDAQ:PYPL) – PayPal Holdings’ Xoom now allows customers to send international funds using dollars converted from PayPal’s USD stablecoin, reflecting the growing influence of cryptocurrency on remittances. This initiative follows the successful launch of PYUSD, PayPal’s first public stablecoin.

Tesla (NASDAQ:TSLA) – According to Bloomberg, Tesla has moved from rapid price cuts a year ago to offering significant discounts on accumulated stock cars. While raising prices for custom orders, the company is offering substantial discounts for in-stock SUVs. Tesla is also producing right-hand drive cars at its German factory for export to India later this year, as it plans a visit to select sites for a local factory. The move follows tax reductions for electric vehicles. Additionally, Tesla investors are restless after disappointing first-quarter results, with sales below expectations. Meanwhile, CEO Elon Musk seems more interested in tweeting about other topics than addressing the company’s issues.

Ford Motor (NYSE:F) – Ford has delayed the planned launch of its three-row EVs in Canada and the next generation of electric pickups in Tennessee due to a global slowdown in electric vehicle demand. The company aims to expand its lineup of hybrids and electrics by 2030.

Nikola Corporation (NASDAQ:NKLA) – Nikola exceeded truck delivery expectations in the first quarter, delivering 40 vehicles, surpassing the estimate of 30 units projected by four analysts surveyed by Visible Alpha.

Spirit AeroSystems (NYSE:SPR) – Boeing and Airbus (USOTC:EADSY) are considering a potential deal to split the operations of troubled Spirit AeroSystems, essential for their jet programs. Boeing (NYSE:BA) seeks to regain control of its supply chain, facing antitrust and regulatory challenges. The fate of the facilities is uncertain. Additionally, proxy advisory Glass Lewis recommended that Spirit AeroSystems shareholders vote against the election of two directors, including the head of the risk committee, Ronald Kadish, citing concerns over questionable oversight and management following a cabin panel explosion on a Boeing 737 MAX.

Alaska Air Group (NYSE:ALK) – Alaska Air Group announced that Boeing paid approximately $160 million in the first quarter as compensation for the temporary grounding of the 737 MAX 9 jets, with more compensations expected.

Conagra Brands (NYSE:CAG) – Conagra beat third-quarter revenue and profit expectations, driven by increasing demand for staple and frozen foods as more consumers cook at home to cope with persistent inflation. Conagra reported net sales of $3.03 billion, above the expected $3.01 billion, and adjusted earnings of 69 cents per share, beating the predicted 65 cents.

Carrefour (EU:CA), PepsiCo (NASDAQ:PEP) – The recently resolved dispute between Carrefour and PepsiCo highlighted a shift in the dynamics of negotiations between retailers and suppliers. The growing pressure for advertising has made both industries more interdependent, with significant implications for both parties.

Walmart (NYSE:WMT) – Walmart is recalling approximately 51,750 Mainstays Electric Mini Choppers due to reports of blade cuts, some resulting in injuries. Owners are advised to immediately stop using the product and request a refund. Other recalled products include handrails and vaporizers.

McDonald’s (NYSE:MCD) – McDonald’s is acquiring its 30-year Israeli franchise from Alonyal Ltd, taking back ownership of 225 restaurants in the country. The move follows controversies after the franchisee offered free meals to Israeli military personnel, leading to boycotts and protests.

Lamb Weston (NYSE:LW) – Lamb Weston shares plummeted nearly 20% on Thursday, marking its biggest daily loss, due to a slower-than-expected transition to a new software system, affecting third-quarter results. Lamb Weston’s profits dropped to $146.1 million, or $1.01 per share, compared to $175.1 million, or $1.21 per share, in the same period last year. Sales rose to $1.46 billion, representing a 16% growth.

Kura Sushi (NASDAQ:KRUS) – Kura Sushi USA’s (KRUS) fiscal second-quarter sales rose 31% to $57.3 million, exceeding expectations. The company reported a loss of $998,000, or nine cents per share, compared to a loss of $1 million, or ten cents per share, in the previous year.

GameStop (NYSE:GME) – GameStop’s Chief Operating Officer, Nir Patel, is leaving the video game company, effective immediately. His responsibilities will be absorbed by other executives. Patel, who joined in 2022, previously served as CEO of Belk Inc.

Hilton Worldwide Holdings (NYSE:HLT) – Hilton Worldwide is taking majority control of the Sydell Group, boosting the expansion of the NoMad Hotels brand and strengthening its luxury offering. Chris Silcock, Hilton’s president for global brands, anticipates significant global expansion, with independent NoMad properties integrating into Hilton.

Johnson & Johnson (NYSE:JNJ) – J&J advised shareholders against accepting an unsolicited offer from TRC Capital Investment Corporation to acquire approximately 0.04% of its ordinary shares, valued at $151.23 per share in cash.

Royal Philips NV (NYSE:PHG) – Royal Philips NV warned that some of its ventilators might be affected by a sudden power loss, according to a statement from the Dutch Health and Youth Inspection. The company will install a software update to fix the issue.