Meta Platforms (NASDAQ:META) – Meta Platforms disclosed details on Wednesday about its upcoming generation of internal AI accelerator chip, named Artemis, aiming to lessen its dependence on Nvidia’s AI chips and energy costs. The MTIA chip delivers thrice the performance of its preceding generation. Furthermore, Instagram intends to trial features to blur messages containing nudity, aiming to safeguard teenagers and prevent scams. Under scrutiny for mental health issues, the company will employ machine learning to analyze images directly on the devices of users under 18, with plans to introduce encryption and anti-scam technology. In other news, companies reliant on advertising on Facebook and Instagram are encountering significant challenges. The costs have escalated, outcomes are uncertain, and sales have plummeted, without a formal explanation from Meta Platforms. This is prompting marketers to seek alternatives.

Costco (NASDAQ:COST) – Costco’s sales increased by 9.4% up to April 7, fueled by e-commerce. The total sales hit $23.5 billion, with a 28.3% surge in online sales. The quarterly dividends rose to $1.16 per share, reflecting an increase of nearly 14%. Analysts estimate that the company could sell up to $200 million in gold and silver per month, but Costco made no mention of these sales in its latest monthly report.

Apple (NASDAQ:AAPL) – The U.S. Department of Justice’s lawsuit against Apple, accusing it of monopolizing the smartphone market, has been transferred to District Judge Julien Neals, after another judge recused himself due to potential conflicts of interest. Apple denied the charges, describing the lawsuit as a threat to its competitive principles. In other news, employees at Apple’s store in Short Hills, New Jersey, sought union representation, following a national trend of unionization. Apple stated it offers competitive compensation and benefits, while previous instances of unionization were observed.

Foxconn (USOTC:FXCOF) – Foxconn, a supplier to Apple, plans to implement a rotating CEO system to promote future talent and strengthen corporate governance, according to Reuters. This unusual global measure could foster teamwork and prevent leadership concentration, driving the next generation of talents.

Amazon (NASDAQ:AMZN) – Amazon Web Services, the global leader in cloud services, was ordered by a federal jury in Illinois to pay $525 million to Kove for patent infringement in data storage technology. AWS plans to appeal, while Kove emphasizes the importance of protecting the intellectual property of startups against tech giants. In other news, Amazon.com will no longer pay developers to create apps for Alexa, removing a crucial aspect of its strategy to build a thriving app store for its voice-activated digital assistant. The company expressed gratitude to developers and highlighted the continuation of monetization through in-app purchases.

Adobe (NASDAQ:ADBE) – Adobe is expanding its AI capabilities to video, acquiring videos from its creative network for up to $120 each. The payment for submission averages about $2.62 per minute of video submitted, though it can reach about $7.25 per minute, according to Bloomberg. This follows OpenAI demonstrating similar technology. The company aims to train its AI to generate video content, seeking to compete with new advancements.

Paramount Global (NASDAQ:PARA) – Four board members of Paramount Global, including former executives from Spotify (NYSE:SPOT) and Sony Entertainment (NYSE:SONY), are set to resign soon as the company discusses a merger with Skydance Media, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Netflix (NASDAQ:NFLX) – Vietnam ordered Netflix to stop advertising and distributing its games in the country by April 25, due to the lack of a gaming service license. The streaming platform was instructed to adhere to local online gaming regulations.

Roblox (NYSE:RBLX) – Roblox, a gaming platform, is looking to increase its revenues through video ads. For this, it hired PubMatic, a company specializing in advertising technology. These video ads will be incorporated into games, allowing the creators of these games to share the revenue generated from the ads. Well-known brands such as Adidas, Nike, and Lamborghini are seizing this opportunity to engage with players within Roblox’s virtual world.

Uber Technologies (NYSE:UBER) – Uber Technologies announced on Wednesday an increase in safety features for passengers worldwide, including the option for encrypted audio recordings and PIN verification during rides, aimed at nighttime safety, especially for women. These features are already available in the USA, Canada, and Latin America.

Nike (NYSE:NKE) – Nike is set to launch new kits for Olympic teams, reinforcing its position as an athletic performance brand. Following weak sales, the Paris Games offer a chance to showcase high-performance products, including running shoes like the Alphafly 3, amid increasing competition.

Macy’s (NYSE:M) – Macy’s completed a board election process, accepting two nominees from Arkhouse Management. They continue to discuss a revised acquisition offer with Arkhouse and Brigade Capital Management.

Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX) – Starbucks is investing in quieter spaces in its stores to improve communication and customer experience, with acoustic treatments like ceiling baffles. This change is part of its global expansion, including adding more stores and focusing on drive-thrus and operational efficiency.

Rent the Runway (NASDAQ:RENT) – Rent the Runway reported a net loss of $24.8 million, or $7.02 per share, for the fourth quarter, compared to $26.2 million, or $8.07 per share, in the same quarter last year. Revenue increased by 0.5% year over year, to $75.8 million. The total number of subscribers rose by 1% to 173,247, while the most engaged active subscribers decreased by 1% to 125,954. Rent the Runway expects to achieve cash flow breakeven this year, despite forecasting sales growth below expectations. In Thursday’s pre-market, shares were up 37%.

General Electric (NYSE:GE) – John Slattery, the commercial director of GE Aerospace, will leave his position in June, remaining as an advisor. Slattery previously led Embraer and joined GE in 2020. Succeeded by Larry Culp in 2022, he focused on strategy after GE split into three companies, concluding his long tenure at GE.

US Steel (NYSE:X) – The U.S. Department of Justice launched an antitrust investigation into the $14.1 billion acquisition of US Steel by Nippon Steel. The deal faces legislative scrutiny and national security concerns, with President Biden advocating for keeping US Steel as an American company.

UBS Group AG (NYSE:UBS) – The Swiss government plans to impose stricter capital requirements on UBS and other systemically important banks, in response to the Credit Suisse collapse. The aim is to prevent similar crises. Although the proposed measures seek to enhance stability, the precise impact and implementation remain uncertain. The bank hopes to influence the political process for less stringent terms.

Barclays (NYSE:BCS) – Barclays revised its projection for the U.S. Federal Reserve, now anticipating a single 25 basis-point cut in 2024, after positive CPI data. The company expects rates between 5.00% and 5.25% at the end of 2024 and between 4.00% and 4.25% by the end of 2025.

Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) – Goldman Sachs upgraded its annual economic growth forecasts for China for the first quarter and the entire year of 2024, driven by the country’s industrial robustness. The annual GDP forecast for China was raised to 5.0%, while the first-quarter forecast was also adjusted to 5.0%.

KKR and Company (NYSE:KKR) – On Wednesday, KKR outlined a strategy to expand access to alternative investments for wealthy investors. The K series offers direct access to areas like private equity and real estate. The company seeks partnerships with financial advisors and asset platforms to facilitate this expansion.

AstraZeneca (NASDAQ:AZN) – AstraZeneca plans to increase its annual dividend by 7% by 2024, maintaining its progressive dividend policy. Meanwhile, shareholders will vote on a potential increase in CEO Pascal Soriot’s pay package. Analysts consider this move an attempt to balance diverging interests.

Regeneron Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:REGN) – The U.S. Department of Justice accused Regeneron Pharmaceuticals of manipulating Medicare drug prices by concealing payments intended to subsidize purchases of Eylea. The expensive FDA-approved drug has generated over $25 billion in Medicare expenses. Regeneron denies the charges.

Vertex Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ:VRTX) – Vertex Pharmaceuticals agreed to acquire Alpine Immune Sciences (NASDAQ:ALPN) for approximately $4.9 billion in cash, targeting autoimmune kidney disease treatment. The deal, valuing each Alpine share at $65, represents a 67% premium. The transaction is expected to close in the second quarter of 2024. Alpine shares were up 36.12% in Thursday’s pre-market. Vera Therapeutics (NASDAQ:VERA), whose main drug in development shares similarities with Alpine Immune’s, saw a 13.4% increase.

Ford Motor (NYSE:F) – The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) announced an investigation into a fatal accident involving a Ford Mustang Mach-E and two cars on the I-95 highway in Philadelphia on March 3. The NTSB previously investigated a similar incident in San Antonio, Texas, involving the Mustang Mach-E.

Toyota Motor (NYSE:TM) – Toyota is injecting $300 million into its venture capital arm to support climate-focused startups and frontier technologies like carbon capture, AI, and space commercialization. This expansion raises Toyota Ventures’ assets under management to over $800 million. Jim Adler, managing partner at Toyota Ventures, emphasizes the importance of taking risks to keep pace with changing global dynamics and highlights past successes, such as the investment in Joby Aviation Inc. The new funds will be evenly split between Toyota Ventures’ second climate fund and its second deep tech fund, focusing on large-scale scientific startups. Additionally, mid-size SUVs maintain a strong presence in the U.S., with ample space and seating for up to eight people. Toyota is preparing to revitalize its 4Runner, while competitors like Hyundai and Jeep advance. Challenges include intense competition and shifting consumer preferences.

Southwest Airlines (NYSE:LUV) – A Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-800 lost an engine cover during takeoff in Denver due to maintenance issues. The NTSB did not open a formal investigation as Southwest is addressing the issue. The FAA is investigating, while Boeing directed inquiries to the airline.

Carnival (NYSE:CCL) – Carnival is selling its Miami headquarters, planning to profit from real estate it has owned for decades. The company intends to downsize to about 300,000 square feet of office space in the Miami area and remain in its current Doral headquarters for two years while exploring options for new facilities. The sale reflects a broader trend of reevaluating post-pandemic office space needs.