Core Insights - Microsoft is preparing for a challenging fiscal year ahead, emphasizing the need for "intensity, clarity, and bold execution" as stated by CFO Amy Hood in her recent communication to employees [1][9] - The company reported a quarterly profit of $27 billion, indicating strong financial performance despite recent workforce reductions exceeding 10,000 employees [1][7] - Azure revenue has reached over $75 billion, marking a 34% growth, which is a significant milestone for the company [2] Financial Performance - Microsoft reported a quarterly profit of $27 billion, showcasing robust financial health [1] - Azure revenue surpassed $75 billion for the first time, reflecting a 34% increase [2] Strategic Priorities - The upcoming fiscal year will focus on security, quality, and AI transformation, as highlighted by both CFO Hood and CEO Satya Nadella [3][8] - The company aims to maintain momentum and adapt to the accelerating pace of change and customer expectations [3] Workforce Dynamics - Despite the strong financial results, Microsoft has implemented significant workforce cuts, which has raised concerns among employees regarding the rationale behind these decisions [7] - Hood's communication did not address the recent layoffs, which some employees found unsatisfactory in light of the company's financial success [7]

Core Viewpoint - Mercedes-Benz is pausing orders for its electric vehicles (EVs) in the U.S. due to declining demand among American consumers, affecting all variants of the EQS Sedan, EQS SUV, EQE Sedan, and EQE SUV [1][2] Group 1: Sales and Production - Total unit sales for Mercedes-Benz's battery electric vehicles (BEVs) dropped by nearly 25% year-over-year, from 45,843 units to 35,027 units [2] - The company began manufacturing the EQS SUV and EQE SUV at its Alabama plant in 2022 and added the Mercedes-Maybach EQS SUV in 2023 [3] Group 2: Market Conditions - The decision to pause orders follows the elimination of the $7,500 tax credit for new electric vehicles, which industry experts warn could make EVs less affordable, impacting various manufacturers [4] - EV sales in North America increased by only 5% in the first four months of 2024, contrasting with 25% growth in Europe and 35% in China [8] Group 3: Future Outlook - A representative from Mercedes-Benz expressed belief that American interest in electric vehicles will eventually rebound, despite the current challenges [9] - The company anticipates that the medium to long-term adoption rate of BEVs in the U.S. will gradually increase, albeit at a slower pace than previously expected [10]

Group 1 - Jefferies analysts predict a $50 price increase for the iPhone 17, representing a 4% to 5% increase from 2024, primarily to offset tariff impacts [1][2] - The retail price of the iPhone 16 Pro Max starts at $1,199, and Jefferies estimates that 40% of the iPhone 17 will be manufactured in China for US consumers [2] - Apple is expected to report a strong June quarter despite the anticipated price hike, driven by increased consumer demand due to fears of future price increases [2] Group 2 - UBS analysts estimate that the spike in demand for iPhones due to tariffs in April and May has cooled in June, leading to expectations of softened demand for the iPhone 17 in September [3]

Apple investors need some good news on Thursday after a turbulent 2025 so far. The company had some promising recent signs, but a drop in US demand, a rise in tariff costs, and lackluster Apple Intelligence continue to cast shadows ahead of its earnings report for the third quarter of fiscal year 2025. Year-to-date, Apple stock is down 16%, badly lagging the top-performing Magnificent Seven stocks. One bright spot: The tech giant's Hollywood dreams showed promise. "F1: The Movie" is a global box office hit, ...

Group 1 - Consumers in the US are becoming more cautious about spending, even on small treats like Oreo cookies, leading to a decline in revenue and sales volumes for Mondelez during the second quarter [1][2] - Mondelez's North American sales fell by 3.5% year over year in the second quarter, attributed to consumer anxiety regarding personal finances, job expectations, and inflation [2] - Many customers are opting for smaller packs of cookies that are more expensive per unit, contributing to a decrease in the overall volume of snacks sold in the US [2][9] Group 2 - The threat of tariffs has influenced shopping behavior, with companies like Conagra and Walmart planning to pass on some costs to consumers, potentially resulting in higher prices [7] - Tariffs may have also led to reduced availability of Mondelez products on retail shelves, as stores adjusted their purchasing strategies in anticipation of tariff impacts [8] - Despite the overall slowdown in food consumption and snacking, some consumers are still willing to spend on dining out, indicating a complex consumer behavior landscape [10]

Meta Platforms will report its second-quarter results after the closing bell on Wednesday.Wall Street is feeling mostly bullish heading into the results. Analysts are eyeing strong AI opportunities and growth in ad spend, but there's some growing caution around high levels of capex and Meta's recent hiring spree aimed at furthering its AI ambitions. Analysts expect the Facebook parent to report $44.83 billion in revenue and earnings per share of $5.89.Meta stock is up about 20% year-to-date through Tues ...

Core Viewpoint - Adidas plans to raise prices in the US due to tariffs, which could cost the company approximately €200 million (around $218 million) in the second half of the year [1]. Group 1: Financial Impact - The company experienced a "negative impact in the double-digit euro millions" from tariffs in Q2 [1]. - Revenue increased by about 2% year-on-year to nearly €6 billion for the three months ending June 30 [10]. - Operating profit surged 58% year-on-year in Q2 to €546 million [10]. Group 2: Tariff Details - Vietnam, Adidas's largest sourcing country, which accounts for 27% of the company's total volume, will face a 20% tariff starting August 1 [3]. - Indonesia, responsible for 19% of Adidas's products, will face a 19% tariff [3]. - Other companies, including Nike, Macy's, Shein, Temu, Ford, and Walmart, are also raising prices to offset tariffs [3][8]. Group 3: Market Outlook - CEO Bjørn Gulden expressed caution regarding a bullish outlook for 2025 due to global volatility and uncertainty surrounding final US tariffs [2]. - The company maintains its initial outlook for 2025 operating profit between €1.7 billion and €1.8 billion, although this may change [9]. - Adidas's stock fell 7% to €13.85 per share on the Frankfurt stock exchange [9].

Core Viewpoint - Boeing's certification for the 737 Max 7 and Max 10 has been delayed to 2026, impacting the company's turnaround efforts under CEO Kelly Ortberg [1][2]. Group 1: Certification Delays - The certification for the Max 7 and Max 10 was initially expected in 2022 but has now been pushed to 2026 due to complications with the engine anti-ice system [1][2]. - The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) had previously warned about potential overheating issues with the engine, leading Boeing to withdraw a request for an exemption [3]. Group 2: Design and Engineering Challenges - Boeing is exploring different design paths to address the de-icing requirements, as the initial engineering designs did not meet the anticipated timeline [4][8]. - The company has acknowledged issues with the design implementation, necessitating additional design changes [8]. Group 3: Financial Performance - Boeing reported quarterly revenues of $22.7 billion, exceeding expectations, but also recorded a net loss of $612 million [9]. - The company's share price fell approximately 4% following the announcement but remains over 30% higher since the beginning of the year [11]. Group 4: Other Aircraft Developments - Boeing is also working on the certification of the 777X, which is now expected to enter service in 2026, with ongoing flight testing showing no new technical issues [9].

Group 1 - Starbucks is discontinuing its mobile order-only store model, phasing out 80 to 90 pickup-only locations in the US, many of which are in office buildings and lack seating [1] - CEO Brian Niccol stated that these stores felt too transactional and did not provide the warmth or human connection expected by customers [2] - The company is collaborating with CloudKitchens to expand its network in locations like San Francisco, utilizing ghost kitchens to fulfill orders on delivery platforms [3] Group 2 - Starbucks is developing a new "coffeehouse of the future" prototype featuring 32 seats and a drive-thru, set to debut in the next fiscal year [4] - The company plans to invest $500 million over the next year to enhance staffing and improve in-store wait times [4] - Same-store sales have dropped for six consecutive quarters, prompting Niccol to encourage employees to spend more time in the office to help turn the situation around [9] Group 3 - Unpredictable coffee prices and ongoing tariff pressures may lead to challenging financial conditions until 2026, although Niccol mentioned that "momentum is building" and the company is "ahead of schedule" [9] - Following the Q3 earnings report, which fell below analyst expectations, Starbucks shares dipped but rose approximately 3% in after-hours trading, remaining flat for the year [9]

Core Insights - Starbucks is actively seeking a local partner to manage its stores in China, which is its second-largest market after the US, due to recent sales stagnation [1][2] - The company is evaluating 20 interested parties for this partnership, aiming to enhance the brand's future prospects in China [2] Financial Performance - In the third quarter of 2025, Starbucks reported its sixth consecutive quarter of sales declines, with global same-store sales down 2% year-over-year [3] - However, the company experienced an 8% increase in net revenue in China and a 2% increase in same-store sales during the same period [3] - Compared to previous quarters, the performance in China showed improvement, with same-store sales flat in Q2 and a 6% decline in Q1 [4] Market Dynamics - Starbucks opened 522 new stores in China over the past year, marking a 7% increase in its retail footprint [4] - The company faces challenges from local competitors like Luckin Coffee, which have gained market share by offering similar products at lower prices [9] - Despite these challenges, the CEO remains optimistic about the growth potential in the Chinese market, indicating plans for large-scale expansion [9] Stock Performance - Following the earnings announcement, Starbucks' stock rose nearly 5% in after-hours trading [10]